Experiential Requirement

This practical skills course teaches the principles of contemporary commercial contract drafting and introduces the student to selected documents used in common business transactions. Examples of such transactions include, but are not limited to, the following: asset purchase, escrow, and web site development. Among the topics to be covered are the business purposes of selected contract doctrines; translating business ideas into contract concepts; drafting the parts of a contract; drafting with clarity and without ambiguity; adding value to the deal; and review and comment on the contract.

This course is designed to help soon-to-be solo practitioners and attorneys in smaller firms bridge the gap between studying law and practicing law. The class is designed to cultivate proficiency in two practical areas of attorney development, which are typically learned over time rather than formally taught: (A) how to actually practice law, and (B) how to build and manage a law practice.

Participation in the Trial Advocacy Honors Program (TAHP) is by invitation only. Students who have been selected to participate in TAHP must register for the program via Student Action Report (SAR) in the Registration Office (W102). For more information, please visit the TAHP web page at https://www.swlaw.edu/trial-advocacy-honors-progra m

Trial Advocacy introduces the fundamental trial techniques employed in the preparation of witnesses, jury selection, direct examination, cross-examination, expert witnesses, introduction of exhibits, use of demonstrative aids, and delivery of opening statements and closing arguments. Simulations are utilized throughout the course.Prerequisite: Evidence (140 or 140B).

This course focuses on the various discovery techniques and motions that are commonly used in federal and/or California state practice. General topics may include: pleadings, motions to dismiss and demurrers, discovery vehicles and privileges, experts, pre-trial conferences, summary judgment motions, motions for failure to prosecute, and pre-trial practice in complex litigation. In lieu of a final examination, students are graded on the basis of multiple simulated skills exercises. Work outside and well an inside of the classroom is expected.

Criminal Litigation in Practice will cover virtually all of the stages of a criminal case - from the probable cause hearing through the sentencing hearing. The focus of this course will be on state practice. Each class will include a brief lecture about the relevant substantive law applicable to the particular stage at issue. The following class will be oral advocacy exercises involving factual hypotheticals implicating the relevant substantive law principles. The exercises will require each student to play the role of either defense counsel or prosecutor.

The BEMLI Externship enables select students to return to an entertainment firm or company for a repeat externship or a second entertainment practicum, upon approval of the Director of the Biederman Institute. The course requirements are identical to any other externship or practicum, including, among other requirements, submitting periodic guided reflections, attending a group meeting with the faculty advisor, and in some cases submitting a paper at the conclusion of the externship.

Participation in the Negotiation Honors Program is by invitation only. Students who have been selected to participate in the Negotiation Honors Program must register for the program via Student Action Report (SAR) in the Registration Office (W102). For more details, please visit Southwestern's Negotiation Honors Program web page at http://www.swlaw.edu/curriculum/honors-programs/ad vocacy-programs/negotiation-honors-program.

Governmental externships place students with various divisions of local, state and federal governmental offices. Some examples include the Los Angeles City Attorney, Los Angeles County Public Defender, the California Attorney General, and the U.S. Attorney. Externs work closely with experienced attorneys in a wide variety of civil and criminal matters. Externs participate in a variety of projects, such as factual investigation, research and analysis, drafting documents and observation/participation in meetings, negotiations as well as judicial proceedings.

Judicial externships are available on part-time and full-time basis and place students with state and federal judges. Externs work closely with the judge, and research attorneys and/or clerks, researching and advising the court on issues pending before the court. Some judicial placements also offer the opportunity of participation in settlement conferences and ADR. The field placement is complimented 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.