General Practice Courses

A simulation-based introduction to consumer bankruptcy. Students interview prospective bankruptcy client,  prepare bankruptcy schedules, learn about the role of the bankruptcy trustee,  determine the appropriate bankruptcy chapter for each client; discern whether any litigation may arise within the bankruptcy case; and argue motions on behalf of their clients.

A simulation-based introduction to the negotiation, drafting, performance and enforcement of such agreements in a simulation context, with a particular emphasis on the interpretation and understanding of Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, and an overview of the impact of U.C.C. Articles 9 (secured transactions) and 3 (negotiable instruments) as they impact on these transactions.

Explores the anatomy of a lawsuit by challenging students to learn substantive employment principles and apply those principles to an employment dispute.  Students learn pretrial strategies by representing either the employer or the employee from the initial client contact until the eve of trial.  

Through case studies, simulations, attending hearings, statutory and regulatory analysis, written and oral projects, students develop skills in problem-solving, interviewing, negotiation, counseling, public relations, professional ethics, oral and written communication, agenda setting, and community leadership.

A simulation-based introduction to estate planning and probate including the law of wills, testamentary and inter vivos trusts, basic probate of wills, basic income and estate tax considerations, powers of attorney, and ethical and malpractice issues.

Classes offered under this designation explore special areas of interest, including newly developing areas of law, or specialties of visiting faculty and fellows. Students should consult registration information specific information on classes presented under this title.

This course is an introduction to the substantive law of domestic relations, including divorce, domestic violence,  parental rights and responsibilities, child support, spousal maintenance, property settlements, tax consequences, and ethical considerations.  Students in this course will also learn to:

Environmental law is fundamentally statutory and regulatory and as such it involves the interaction of federal, state, and local agencies. Understanding how agencies work and how they are shaped by their history, culture, statutes, resources, leaders and constituencies is crucial to problem-solving in many legal arenas and even more so in environmental law.

In today's economy, the transfer of intellectual property rights plays an important role in domestic and international trade, particularly in the software and entertainment industries.  This course will introduce students to the legal and ethical issues involved in the production of creative and artistic works across national boundaries.  Students will develop a strong understanding of the primary sources of international copyright law, and the influence of culture on country practices involving protection of intellectual property.

Advice to clients respecting commercial transactions, that is, as to binding agreements between parties of all sorts involving the transfer of goods and services, lies at the core of the private practice of law.  This course is an introduction to the negotiation, drafting, performance and enforcement of such agreements in a "real world" context, with a particular emphasis on the interpretation and understanding of Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, with at least a nod to U.C.C. Articles 9 (secured transactions) and 3 (negotiable instruments) as they impact on these transactions.

Real Estate Transactions surveys real estate titles and residential real estate transactions.  The section relating to titles involves review and analysis of an abstract of title, practice title search and an independent title search, and opinion.  The section relating to transactions involves interviewing, counseling, negotiation, and drafting documents for a number of simulated real estate closings.  Ethic issues are raised and resolved.

Disputes between employers and their employees have given rise to a specialized area of law.  This course explores the anatomy of a lawsuit by challenging students to learn substantive employment principles and apply those principles to a highly charged dispute.  Students learn pretrial strategies by representing either the employer or the employee from the initial client contact until the eve of trial.  They will conduct the interview of a difficult client, draft a complaint, answer, demand letter and summary judgment motion and conduct a negotiation.

This course will explore the basic stages of setting up an entrepreneurial business, raising finance for it, and selling it as a going concern.  Issues addressed will include understanding the basic concerns of business planning from the client's perspective, choosing the form of entity, dealing with the regulatory requirements for raising capital, and questions relating to the attorney-client relationship.

A simulation-based introduction to the substantive law of domestic relations, including divorce, domestic violence,  parental rights and responsibilities, child support, spousal maintenance, property settlements, tax consequences, and ethical considerations.

Designed to explore the types of environmental risks that are commonly confronted in a variety of business transactions. Special focus is devoted to how the environmental issues in transactions are identified, managed, and addressed n the course of a deal. The unique environmental issues associated with the purchase and redevelopment of contaminated properties or so-called "Brownfield sites" are also covered.

An introduction to the legal issues involved in the production of creative and artistic works across national boundaries. Students advise simulated clients on substantive international copyright policy issues and a complete a cross border transaction relevant to the creation of an artistic work.

A simulation-based introduction to the various issues faced by lawyers representing local government entities. Students will participate in and become familiar with the procedures for challenging or defending actions taken by municipalities.

A simulation-based survey of  real estate transactions.  Students search, review, and analyze titles; counsel clients; negotiate real estate transactions; and draft of documents for real estate closings.

Explores the basic stages of setting up an entrepreneurial business, raising finance for it, and selling it as a going concern. Issues addressed will include understanding the basic concerns of business planning from the client perspective, choosing the form of entity, dealing with the regulatory requirements for raising capital, and questions relating to the attorney-client relationship. Projects will include the drafting of documents for a number of simulated business transactions.