Spring 2015 Course Schedule

Legislative Practice Seminar (LAW-777-001)
Yeomans, Fernandes, Zubrensky

Meets: 07:00 PM - 08:50 PM (Th) - Room 313

Enrolled: 9 / Limit: 18

Administrator Access


Notices

There are no notices at this time.

Description

The American University Washington College of Law

Legislative Lawyering Practicum

The WCL Legislative Lawyering Practicum is an experiential program that combines rigorous academic training with hands-on experience in the federal legislative process to prepare students to work successfully as legislative lawyers. Under the direction of Fellow in Law and Government William Yeomans, working with Professors Julie Fernandes and Michael Zubrensky, the practicum builds on WCL’s expertise in law and government and adds yet another opportunity for student experiential learning.

The program’s enrollment is limited to fifteen students, who may earn up to six credit hours for the course. Students will participate in two components – an externship and a substantive seminar. They will also meet regularly one-on-one with their professors. The elements of the practicum include:

  • Placement in key offices in Congress and the Executive Branch, and in public interest organizations that work closely with Congress.
    • Students will be involved in a variety of legislative activities and issues and will have specific assignments from, and work under the supervision of the offices in which they are placed. In addition, students will receive feedback on their field work from WCL faculty.
    • Externship hours will vary depending on the number of credits for which a student signs up, and can range from one to three credit hours.
  • Training at WCL that includes:
    • A weekly three credit hour seminar focusing on the federal legislative process and the elements of policy, law, and politics that drive that process, taught by faculty members with extensive background in the federal legislative and policy arena. The seminar will also emphasize key skills vital to success in the legislative arena, including research, writing, legislative drafting, negotiation, and oral presentations.
    • Small group meetings with program faculty to address individual issues and student activities related to student externships.
    • Guest lectures from key Washington figures involved in the federal legislative process and legislative advocacy.

REGISTRATION: There are two parts to registering for the Practicum: 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 https://www.wcl.american.edu/externship/

and submit a Request for Approval, which generates the necessary forms.

For more information, please contact Professor Yeomans – wyeomans@wcl.american.edu

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.

First Class Readings

Not available at this time.