Supervised Externship Seminar (LAW-769-003)
Andrew Popper
Meets: 04:00 PM - 05:50 PM (W) - Warren - Room N104
Enrolled: 18 / Limit: 22
Notices
Learning outcomes and assessment means are listed listed in a Word document in the "Syllabus" section of this course description. IMPORTANT: CLASS WILL MEET IN SMALL GROUPS FOR AN EXTRA HOUR EVERY OTHER WEEK. The time/place of this extra meeting is determined by the professor. REGISTRATION: There are two parts to registering for an externship: 1) Register on-line for the seminar as you would for any class. 2) Register for the field placement by going to the Externship Page www.wcl.american.edu/externship and submit a Request for Approval, which generates the necessary forms.
Description
This is a three credit class to be taken in conjunction with a field placement in a non-profit organization, government agency, court or private law firm handling pro bono matters exclusively. This seminar is open to students who are externing at all different types of placements – courts, state and federal agencies, trade associations, non-profits, pro bono offices in law firms, prosecution or other law enforcement offices, public defender offices, etc. The more diverse the backgrounds, the better. The seminar explores some of the roles lawyers play in the private sector, public interest practice, and government. Federal and state agencies are among the most active litigants in the American legal system, bringing and defending a large volume of cases in courts and administrative tribunals. The experience of negotiating or litigating for or against the government has some special characteristics, but also shares characteristics common to all types of legal practice. Simulations are used to explore various aspects of litigation including depositions, negotiations, a narrative exercise, and a mediation. In addition, a good deal of time is devoted to the transition from student to lawyer and to the pragmatic and personal challenges relevant to entry-level lawyers in both private and government practice.
Textbooks and Other Materials
The textbook information on this page was provided by the instructor. Students should use this information when considering purchases from the AU Campus Store or other vendors. Students may check to determine if books are currently available for purchase online.
The course materials are below in a pdf link. These include the readings and the syllabus. There are no materials to purchase for this class. Everything you need will be provided online or handed out in class
First Class Readings
1. Please disregard the assignment in the course materials. 2. For the first class, be prepared briefly to describe in class your externship placement including the number of hours per week you plan to work, the name of your supervisor, the tasks likely to be undertaken, the nature of the supervision, the physical setting of the externship, and any insights, challenges, or issues you anticipate. 3. In the course materials, skim the two articles at the end of the course materials beginning on page 337. While these will not be discussed specifically in the first class, they may be quite helpful to you. 4. Finally, anticipating the second week of class, read through the first simulation, a regulatory negotiation, located in the beginning of the course materials. We will not begin this simulation until the second class.
Syllabus
Use your MyAU username and password to access the syllabus in the following format(s):
Microsoft Word 2007 (DOCX)
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)