Law and Social Change

This course explores the process of social change. To understand change of any kind, one has to understand power, because power is never easily conceded. The course therefore starts with an examination of the sources of power in society and then moves to the ways in which power is embodied and deployed. From there the course will confront and grapple with the limits of social transformation before finally considering possible points of intervention.

Law and Social Change - Obstacles and Opportunities. This course explores the process of social change. To understand change of any kind, one has to understand power, because power is never easily conceded. The course therefore starts with an examination of the sources of power in society and then moves to the ways in which power is embodied and deployed. From there the course will confront and grapple with the limits of social transformation before finally considering possible points of intervention.

Dui: Prosecution & Defense

This course is designed to provide in-depth, practical training in Driving Under the Influence (DUI) prosecution and defense for future criminal lawyers. Through a combination of lectures and interactive group exercises, utilizing real case files, students will learn the common charges, allegations, and enhancements they will encounter in both misdemeanor and felony DUI practice, as well as their accompanying jury instructions. Students will learn to identify the strengths and weaknesses of real DUI cases, including common 4th Amendment issues.

This course provides in-depth, practical training in Driving Under the Influence (DUI) prosecution and defense for future criminal lawyers.

Advanced Family Law Clinic

Students who have successfully completed the Family Law Clinic can continue to hone their lawyering skills through direct representation of children and families in family law matters. Prerequisite: Family Law Clinic (680FL) in addition to Family Law (546) or Family Law Procedure and Practice (551).

Students who have successfully completed the Family Law Clinic can continue to hone their lawyering skills through direct representation of children and families in family law matters. Prerequistie: Family Law Clinic (680FL) in addition to Family Law (546) or Family Law Procedure and Practice (551).

Introductionduction To Lawyering

Introduction to Lawyering will focus primarily on a general overview of the civil litigation process and the structure of federal and state court systems. It is designed to provide context for the terminology and procedural posture of civil cases you will read in your substantive law classes (such as Contracts, Torts and Property) during your first year of law school.

Introduction to Lawyering will focus primarily on a general overview of the civil litigation process and the structure of federal and state court systems. It is designed to provide context for the terminology and procedural posture of civil cases you will read in your substantive law classes (such as Contracts, Torts and Property) during your first year of law school.

International Business Transactions

This course deals with practical and substantive aspects of doing business abroad, and with the domestic international law of import-export, especially U.S. trade remedies and GATT. Topics include: international contracting; the International Convention on the Sale of Goods; documentary sale of goods; choice of law and forum problems; forms of direct and indirect foreign investment; transfer of technology problems; business immigration issues; transnational litigation, arbitration and other forms of dispute settlement; and the ethical aspects of choosing and employing foreign lawyers.

This course deals with practical and substantive aspects of doing business abroad, and with the domestic international law of import-export, especially U.S. trade remedies and GATT. Topics include: international contracting; the International Convention on the Sale of Goods; documentary sale of goods; choice of law and forum problems; forms of direct and indirect foreign investment; transfer of technology problems; business immigration issues; transnational litigation, arbitration and other forms of dispute settlement; and the ethical aspects of choosing and employing foreign lawyers.

Externship: Inner City Law

The externship provides training in federal disability law (the SSI and SSDI programs), as well as the CAPI program (an SSI-like program from the State of California for certain eligible legal residents). Students will represent homeless individuals throughout LA County in SSI, SSDI, and CAPI appeal hearings. Range of work will include initial client interview; research and writing; drafting hearing brief; representing client at hearing (before ALJ). Short projects in addition to case work.

The externship provides training in federal disability law (the SSI and SSDI programs), as well as the CAPI program (an SSI-like program from the State of California for certain eligible legal residents). Students will represent homeless individuals throughout LA County in SSI, SSDI, and CAPI appeal hearings. Range of work will include initial client interview; research and writing; drafting hearing brief; representing client at hearing (before ALJ). Short projects in addition to case work.

Habeas Corpus Litigation

Habeas Corpus Litigation primarily involves collateral challenges to an inmate's conviction and incarceration that involves claims that are unavailable or unknown to a defendant during the trial and appellate process. This class will examine evolution of the Great Writ as a vehicle for challenging the legality of a prisoner's detention.

Habeas Corpus Litigation primarily involves collateral challenges to an inmate's conviction and incarceration that involves claims that are unavailable or unknown to a defendant during the trial and appellate process. This class will examine evolution of the Great Writ as a vehicle for challenging the legality of a prisoner's detention.

Externship: Criminal Justice

This externship focuses on the criminal justice system, throught placements with prosecutors' offices as well as defense offices. The field placement is complemented by an academic component, including several class meetings on campus and/or via videoconferencing. For specific details, please see the Externship Office staff and course syllabus.

The Externship course provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance students’ legal education through structured and supervised off-campus placements, where students learn through observation as well as hands-on fieldwork. The fieldwork is complemented with a class component.

Local Government Law

Cities, Counties and School Districts oversee and regulate many of the most basic aspects of public and economic life. Local entities have enormous powers that are sometimes overlooked in the study of law. This course introduces students to the basic concepts of local government law. The course will cover the following topics: 1. Local government creation; annexation; and, state preemption. 2. Local government taxation and finance. 3. Public control of local government through elections, initiatives and referenda. 4. Public meetings and public information. 5.

Cities, Counties, and School Districts oversee and regulate many of the most basic aspects of public and economic life. Local entities have enormous powers that are sometimes overlooked in the study of law. This course introduces students to the basic concepts of local government law. The course will cover the following topics:

Succeeding in Law: Guidance from Mentors Who Have Walked in Your Shoes

A critical part of legal education is learning about the legal profession and the variety of careers you can pursue using your J.D. degree. These lessons are more impactful when they come from accomplished professionals who share backgrounds similar to yours, and who can mentor you as you follow the paths they once walked.

In the spirit of Southwestern’s 100+ year history of access and diversity, this program highlights the Armenian-American and Iranian-American legal communities in Los Angeles and is open to all who wish to gain insight into a career in law.

RSVP now!

Southwestern offers a special thanks to the Armenian Bar Association and Iranian-American Bar Association who serve as co-sponsors for this annual event.

9:30 a.m.      Check-In and Refreshments

10:00 a.m.      Welcome Remarks

10:20 a.m.      Speakers Panel

Hear from a panel of 15 experienced attorneys as they discuss their careers and education and provide advice on navigating the path to becoming a lawyer. The panel will include attorneys from the Armenian Bar Association and the Iranian-American Bar Association, as well as Southwestern alumni.

11:30 a.m.      Break

11:45 a.m.     Speed Networking

Engage in a 45-minute speed networking opportunity and meet panelists from the earlier program session. Make connections with them and other special guests including judges, additional attorneys, and Southwestern Law School staff from the Admissions, Career Services, and Externship Offices.

12:30 p.m.      Lunch

Continue the important conversations you began during speed networking over a catered lunch. Learn from attorneys and law students whose experiences may mirror your own, and take away lessons to use as you pursue your own legal career.

1:15 p.m.      Campus Tours (optional)

Tour Southwestern's historic Bullocks Wilshire Building, housing the Julian Dixon Courtroom, the Fitness Center, study areas, and award-winning Law Library. You may also tour The Residences at 7th, our LEED-certified, on-campus student apartment complex.

RSVP Online for Succeeding in Law!

Start date and time
Display date and time as
February 29, 2020 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (check-in begins 9:30 a.m.)
Location
Southwestern Law School Campus | 3050 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90010
End date and time