Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professors Collins and Stein

J.D. Seminar 057 (cross-listed) | 1 credit hours

When you enter private practice you must know the significant elements of the law of law firms. Law firms today operate as limited liability partnerships. Why? What are the advantages and perils of an LLP? What should you look for when you are asked to sign a partnership agreement? How do you go about leaving one law firm, taking your clients, and joining another firm? When are you personally liable for partnership debts and legal malpractice? What does a legal malpractice insurance policy cover? What fiduciary obligations do you owe your partners and what do they owe you? These are some of the questions this course will answer for you. Along the way we will pick up the history of the law practice from John Adams and Daniel Webster to the present large firm culture. The faculty have had many years of practical experience advising and representing law firms in litigation among partners and against third parties. Professor Stein is the author of The Law of Law Firms, 2nd Edition (West Pub.).

This course meets on seven Saturdays in the second half of the Spring 2013 semester on the following dates: 3/2, 3/16, 3/23, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, and 4/27.