Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professors C. Coleman Bird and Peregrine Russell-Hunter

J.D. Skills 060 | 4 credit hours (year long)

This year-long seminar will bring the students through the entire course of a civil trial. In the first semester, using a core model case, students will conduct initial interviews of the clients, analyze the facts, and then draft claims and defenses. Thereafter, using the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, students will prepare discovery plans and conduct discovery (including document requests, interrogatories, requests for admission and depositions of lay and expert witnesses). Each student will be videotaped taking depositions. Students will also draft and argue in court motions arising from discovery disputes.

The second semester will carry the core model case to trial. The seminar includes mock trial experiences, as well as class discussion of trial techniques, strategy, and ethics. Students will participate directly in a series of trial practice problems as witnesses and attorneys. Problems will include opening statements and closing arguments, direct and cross examination, handling exhibits, expert testimony, and making and opposing objections. Again, significant role-playing will be videotaped. One Saturday session will be required.

This seminar is designated as a two-semester course, with the second semester building on the first. Both semesters include individual critiques of student performances, so attendance is important and will be considered. The seminar is intended for students who are considering careers as trial lawyers.

Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in Evidence no later than the Fall 2013 semester.

Students may not receive credit for this seminar and Intellectual Property Litigation: Pretrial Skills; Patent Trial Practice; Trial Advocacy and Practice; Trial Practice and Applied Evidence; or Trial Practice.

SPECIAL NOTE about Clinics: Students may receive credit for this course and certain clinics only if this course is taken before enrolling in one of these clinics. The clinics are: Center for Applied Legal Studies; Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic; Criminal Justice; Domestic Violence; Family Advocacy; Juvenile Justice; or Law Students in Court.