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Public Interest Law and Practice

Current Offerings

Public Interest Law and Practice (7032): This seminar explores the history, theoretical frameworks, and strategies used by public interest lawyers. We will consider the roles of lawyers and the legal system in advancing social change; different career paths of public interest lawyers; ethical issues related to working as a public interest lawyer; the personal impacts and sustainability of this type of career choice; and tactics deployed by lawyers in different practice settings. Readings will include law review articles, legal pleadings, case studies, and practical guides that allow analysis and exploration of the tensions, challenges, opportunities and promising practices that exist for public interest practitioners. Guest speakers will include leaders from diverse practice settings. Students will also be exposed to tools and skills outside of litigation that social change lawyers should understand. Students will produce several short papers throughout the quarter, a brief final presentation, and a final paper. Elements used in grading: attendance, class participation, final presentation, and written assignments.

Sections

Public Interest Law and Practice | LAW 7032 Section 01 Class #28568

  • 3 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • Enrollment Limitations: Lottery 16
    • 1L: Winter Elective (Open to First-Year JD Students)
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
    • LO7 - Professional Skills
  • Course Category:
    • Public Law

Past Offerings

Public Interest Law and Practice (7032): This seminar will consider the history, theoretical frameworks, as well as the strategies used within public interest law practice and by public interest attorneys in the United States. We will consider the role of lawyers and the legal system in advancing social change; different career paths of public interest lawyers; ethical issues related to working as a public interest lawyer; the personal impacts of this type of career choice; and tactics deployed by lawyers in different practice settings. Readings will include law review articles, legal pleadings, and case studies that allow analysis and exploration of the tensions and challenges that exist within the legal system for public interest practitioners. Guest speakers will include leaders from the field. Students will also be exposed to practical skills outside of litigation that social change lawyers should understand. Students will be asked to produce several short papers throughout the quarter. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, written assignments.

Sections

Public Interest Law and Practice | LAW 7032 Section 01 Class #32764

  • Shannon Al-Wakeel
  • 3 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • 2024-2025 Winter
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Enrollment Limitations: Lottery 16
    • 1L: Winter Elective (Open to First-Year JD Students)
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
    • LO7 - Professional Skills
  • Course Category:
    • Public Law

  • 2024-2025 Winter
    Schedule No Longer Available

Public Interest Law and Practice (7032): This seminar will consider the history, theoretical frameworks, as well as the strategies used within public interest law practice and by public interest attorneys in the United States. We will consider the role of lawyers and the legal system in advancing social change; different career paths of public interest lawyers; ethical issues related to working as a public interest lawyer; the personal impacts of this type of career choice; and tactics deployed by lawyers in different practice settings. Readings will include law review articles, legal pleadings, and case studies that allow analysis and exploration of the tensions and challenges that exist within the legal system for public interest practitioners. Guest speakers will include leaders from the field. Students will also be exposed to practical skills outside of litigation that social change lawyers should understand. Students will be asked to produce several short papers throughout the quarter. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, written assignments.

Sections

Public Interest Law and Practice | LAW 7032 Section 01 Class #32749

  • 3 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • 2023-2024 Spring
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Enrollment Limitations: Lottery 16
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
    • LO7 - Professional Skills
  • Course Category:
    • Public Law

  • 2023-2024 Spring
    Schedule No Longer Available
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