Pretrial Litigation

4 Credit Hours

This course introduces all aspects of the pretrial process including investigation, interviewing, counseling, discovery, and motion practice. Students are assigned to two- or three-person law firms" to engage in the simulated litigation of a single case throughout the semester. Under the supervision of a "senior partner," the students generate a series of litigation exercises by scheduling interviews, meetings, depositions, and motions. The students develop a "theory of the case" and are responsible for effectuating it in accordance with the rules of professional responsibility. The course emphasizes student decision-making in a litigation setting. There are no set exercises in Pretrial Litigation. The content of the weekly sessions is determined solely by the student litigation plan. All litigation exercises are observed and critiqued by faculty members, including practicing lawyers and judges. The course concludes with the formal argument of contested motions. NOTE ON SCHEDULING: This class is scheduled for two time slots of three hours each, but the class will not meet for six hours each week. Students must keep all six hours free. Since the exercises will vary from week to week, students must keep all six hours available for this course. Students may not drop this course after the first week of classes. Evaluation: Grades are assigned on the basis of the students weekly performances, senior partner meetings, and presentation of final motions. Teaching method: Lecture and simulation Text: Prerequisites: