Supervised Externship Seminar (LAW-769-004)
Andy Popper
Meets: 04:00 PM - 05:50 PM (We) - Yuma - Room Y236
Enrolled: 19 / Limit: 20
Notices
Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand and practice in simulation a broad range roles lawyers play in the private sector, public interest practice, and government. Develop familiarity with the roles attorneys play in negotiation and arbitration and also techniques used in direct and cross-examination used in the course of a deposition. 2. Develop an understanding of the unique role and function of attorneys involved in negotiating or litigating for or against the government. 3. Understand the special characteristics of government litigation and also the shared characteristics common to all types of legal practice. 4. Engage in critical reflection about the legal profession, each student’s legal career goals, and priorities and values as lawyers in conjunction with their field placement experiences. Assessment: 1. All students are required to participate in simulations, representing both private and public sector clients. Students are reviewed based on their performance in each simulation. During the simulations students represent clients, participate in negotiations and other types of alternative dispute resolution, problem solve, advocate formally and informally, collaborate with teammates and develop a case theory (for every simulation). 2. Every student must prepare and submit journals over the course of the semester pertaining to their externship experience. Each journal is read, reviewed, and returned to the students. 3. Subject to client confidentially, students are asked to turn in memos, briefs, or similar written materials from their externship. These are read and returned to students. 4. Capstone journal. Each student must prepare a capstone final paper. Details of these papers are discussed in advance. Grading The grades in this seminar are based on your performance in the simulations, your written journals, the written work you produce in your field placement (to the extent confidentiality permits), the capstone journal, and engagement in the dialogue in class.
Description
Description: This seminar is open to students 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 textbook: Course materials for this seminar are posted on the registrar’s course listing website and also will be posted on MyWCL when it becomes available. The PDF (which should appear at the bottom of this page) also contains the syllabus. There are no materials to purchase.
First Class Readings
First Assignment: Please be prepared to describe briefly your externship placement including the number of hours you intend to work, the tasks likely to be undertaken, the nature of supervision, and any insights, issues, or challenges you anticipate. In addition, please read pp. 1-17 and, anticipating the second week of class, skim through to page 62 of the course materials.
Syllabus
Use your MyAU username and password to access the syllabus in the following format(s):
Microsoft Word 2007 (DOCX)
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)