-
Federal Criminal Justice Clinic
LAWS 67513
- 01
(2)
+, a, s, w
The Federal Criminal Justice Clinic zealously represents indigent defendants charged with federal crimes while giving students a unique opportunity to practice in federal district court and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The FCJC is the first legal clinic in the country to exclusively represent clients charged with federal felonies. The clinic’s cases fall into two categories. The first category consists of cases we enter at the time of the arrest, carry through the district court to trial or guilty plea and sentencing, and then carry through appeal and beyond. The second category consists of cases we become involved in at a later stage of the proceedings because they present a novel legal issue or an issue on which there is a circuit split. We raise the legal issue at the district court level, handle or assist in any appeals that arise on the issue, and, if necessary, litigate the issue all the way to the United States Supreme Court. FCJC students are generally assigned to cases in teams of two. Students interview clients and witnesses; meet regularly with clients at the federal jail; conduct and participate in bond hearings, preliminary hearings, arraignments, plea hearings, sentencing hearings, and trials; write and argue motions and briefs; negotiate with prosecutors and probation officers; and participate in investigations. The seminar component includes skills exercises, simulations, lectures, and discussions.
Students enter the FCJC in their 3L year, must spend a full year in the FCJC, and must put a minimum of two credits towards the clinic per quarter (a ten-hour-per-week time commitment). The pre-requisites/co-requisites are Evidence and Criminal Procedure I; these courses may be taken at any time during 2L or 3L year. It is strongly recommended that students interested in joining the FCJC take Professor Siegler’s Federal Sentencing seminar during 2L year, and take the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop at the beginning of 3L year.
Winter 2013
Erica Zunkel, Alison Siegler
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Fundamentals of Accounting for Attorneys
LAWS 79112
- 01
(3)
m, s, x
This seminar will teach the basic fundamentals of accounting to better prepare you to recognize and understand financial business issues related to the practice of law. Topics include key accounting concepts, reading financial statements and financial statement analysis. The class sessions will include guest speakers presenting on current accounting hot topics such as Sarbanes Oxley, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and forensic accounting (investigating accounting frauds).
The class is designed for those who have never taken an accounting class and/or have little financial background. There are no prerequisites but you should not take this class if you have taken an accounting class before or if you have experience in finance or accounting.
Grades will be based on papers and a final examination.
Autumn 2012
Philip Bach, Sean Young
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Housing Initiative Clinic
LAWS 95013
- 01
(1 to 2)
a, s
The Housing Initiative is a transactional clinic in which students provide legal representation to community-based housing developers, tenant groups, and other parties involved in affordable housing development. Students serve as deal lawyers, advising clients on structuring issues; negotiating, drafting and reviewing construction loan documents, construction contracts, purchase and sale agreements, partnership agreements, and other contracts; securing zoning and other governmental approvals; assisting clients in resolving compliance issues under the applicable state and federal housing programs; and participating in the preparation of evidentiary and closing documents. Some of our work also involves community organizing and legislative and policy advocacy around affordable housing and public housing issues. In addition to working on specific transactions and projects, students in the Housing Initiative Clinic meet as a group in a weekly seminar in autumn quarter, and periodically during winter and spring quarters, to discuss the substantive rules and legal skills pertinent to housing transactions and to examine emergent issues arising out of the students' work.
Academic credit for the Housing Initiative Clinic varies and is awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.
Winter 2013
Jeff Leslie
-
Housing Initiative Clinic
LAWS 95013
- 01
(1 to 2)
a, s, x
The Housing Initiative is a transactional clinic in which students provide legal representation to community-based housing developers, tenant groups, and other parties involved in affordable housing development. Students serve as deal lawyers, advising clients on structuring issues; negotiating, drafting and reviewing construction loan documents, construction contracts, purchase and sale agreements, partnership agreements, and other contracts; securing zoning and other governmental approvals; assisting clients in resolving compliance issues under the applicable state and federal housing programs; and participating in the preparation of evidentiary and closing documents. Some of our work also involves community organizing and legislative and policy advocacy around affordable housing and public housing issues. In addition to working on specific transactions and projects, students in the Housing Initiative Clinic meet as a group in a weekly seminar in autumn quarter, and periodically during winter and spring quarters, to discuss the substantive rules and legal skills pertinent to housing transactions and to examine emergent issues arising out of the students' work.
Academic credit for the Housing Initiative Clinic varies and is awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.
Autumn 2012
Jeff Leslie
-
Housing Initiative Clinic
LAWS 95013
- 01
(1 to 2)
a, s
The Housing Initiative is a transactional clinic in which students provide legal representation to community-based housing developers, tenant groups, and other parties involved in affordable housing development. Students serve as deal lawyers, advising clients on structuring issues; negotiating, drafting and reviewing construction loan documents, construction contracts, purchase and sale agreements, partnership agreements, and other contracts; securing zoning and other governmental approvals; assisting clients in resolving compliance issues under the applicable state and federal housing programs; and participating in the preparation of evidentiary and closing documents. Some of our work also involves community organizing and legislative and policy advocacy around affordable housing and public housing issues. In addition to working on specific transactions and projects, students in the Housing Initiative Clinic meet as a group in a weekly seminar in autumn quarter, and periodically during winter and spring quarters, to discuss the substantive rules and legal skills pertinent to housing transactions and to examine emergent issues arising out of the students' work.
Academic credit for the Housing Initiative Clinic varies and is awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.
Spring 2013
Jeff Leslie
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Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship
LAWS 67613
- 01
(1)
a, s, x
The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, or IJ Clinic, provides legal assistance to local lower-income entrepreneurs who are pursuing the American Dream on a shoestring. Students in the IJ Clinic advise clients on issues such as business formation; license and permit application; contract and lease review; contract negotiations; intellectual property protection; and basic tax and regulatory compliance. Students are involved in all phases of client representation and have the opportunity to interview and counsel clients; draft business documents and contracts; negotiate with contractors, investors, or lenders; prepare documents for filing; research complex regulatory schemes and advise clients on how to comply; and occasionally represent clients before administrative bodies. Students gain both practical skills in transactional lawyering and a deep understanding of the entrepreneur's role in the inner city.
Academic credit varies and will be awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical staff.
The seminar Entrepreneurship & The Law is a prerequisite unless a student has received special permission from the instructors based on equivalent coursework.
A commitment of at least two quarters is required.
Winter 2013
Elizabeth Kregor, Erika Pfleger
-
Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship
LAWS 67613
- 01
(1)
a, s, x
The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, or IJ Clinic, provides legal assistance to local lower-income entrepreneurs who are pursuing the American Dream on a shoestring. Students in the IJ Clinic advise clients on issues such as business formation; license and permit application; contract and lease review; contract negotiations; intellectual property protection; and basic tax and regulatory compliance. Students are involved in all phases of client representation and have the opportunity to interview and counsel clients; draft business documents and contracts; negotiate with contractors, investors, or lenders; prepare documents for filing; research complex regulatory schemes and advise clients on how to comply; and occasionally represent clients before administrative bodies. Students gain both practical skills in transactional lawyering and a deep understanding of the entrepreneur's role in the inner city.
Academic credit varies and will be awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical staff.
The seminar Entrepreneurship & The Law is a prerequisite unless a student has received special permission from the instructors based on equivalent coursework.
A commitment of at least two quarters is required.
Autumn 2012
Elizabeth Kregor, Erika Pfleger
-
Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship
LAWS 67613
- 01
(1)
a, s, x
The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, or IJ Clinic, provides legal assistance to local lower-income entrepreneurs who are pursuing the American Dream on a shoestring. Students in the IJ Clinic advise clients on issues such as business formation; license and permit application; contract and lease review; contract negotiations; intellectual property protection; and basic tax and regulatory compliance. Students are involved in all phases of client representation and have the opportunity to interview and counsel clients; draft business documents and contracts; negotiate with contractors, investors, or lenders; prepare documents for filing; research complex regulatory schemes and advise clients on how to comply; and occasionally represent clients before administrative bodies. Students gain both practical skills in transactional lawyering and a deep understanding of the entrepreneur's role in the inner city.
Academic credit varies and will be awarded according to the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical staff.
The seminar Entrepreneurship & The Law is a prerequisite unless a student has received special permission from the instructors based on equivalent coursework.
A commitment of at least two quarters is required.
Spring 2013
Elizabeth Kregor, Erika Pfleger
-
Intensive Trial Practice Workshop
LAWS 67503
- 01
(2)
+, s, u
This practicum teaches trial preparation, trial advocacy, and strategy through a variety of teaching techniques, including lectures and demonstrations, but primarily through simulated trial exercises. Topics include opening statements, witness preparation, direct and cross examination, expert witnesses, objections at trial, and closing argument. Practicing lawyers and judges are enlisted to provide students with lectures and critiques from varied perspectives. The practicum concludes with a simulated jury trial presided over by sitting state and federal court judges.
Open to J.D. students only.
Evidence is a prerequisite.
Students taking the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop may enroll in Pre-Trial Advocacy.
Completion of this workshop partially satisfies one of the requirements for admission to the trial bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
This practicum is open only to students entering their 3L year and limited to 54 with preference given to students who have been accepted into a Clinic course.
Students who have taken Trial Advocacy (LAWS 67603), Poverty and Housing Law Clinic (LAWS 90512), or Trial Practice: Strategy and Advocacy (LAWS 91702) may not take this course.
The student's grade is based on class participation.
This practicum meets everyday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (sometimes later) for two weeks starting September 10. The simulated trial will be on September 22, time TBD.
Autumn 2012
Herschella G. Conyers, Erica Zunkel, Craig B. Futterman, Randolph N. Stone
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International Arbitration
LAWS 94602
- 01
(3)
m, s, w, x
This seminar gives students a practical foundation in the mechanics of international commercial arbitration and an understanding of the tactical choices that frequently confront international arbitration practitioners. With the emergence of the global economy and the explosive growth of cross-border transactions and multinational joint ventures, international arbitration has become the leading mechanism for resolution of international commercial disputes. With parties increasingly unwilling to accept the risks of litigation in the local courts of their foreign business partners, international arbitration agreements are now a mainstay of cross-border commercial transactions. Topics include the crafting of effective international arbitration agreements, the relative advantages and disadvantages of ad hoc UNCITRAL-style arbitration and institutional arbitration (ICC, AAA, etc.), the rules of procedure that govern international arbitration, the difficult procedural issues that commonly arise in international arbitration (such as the availability and extent of discovery, the consolidation of parties and claims, etc.), procedural and substantive issues applicable to investor-state arbitration, the effective presentation of evidence, and the enforcement of international arbitral awards.
The student's grade is based upon the quality of preparation for and oral participation in the seminar, as well as the quality of a required research paper.
Spring 2013
Alan D'Ambrosio
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International Human Rights Clinic
LAWS 67913
- 01
(2)
a, s
The International Human Rights Clinic works for the promotion of social and economic justice globally, including in the United States. The Clinic uses international human rights laws and norms as well as other substantive law and strategies to draw attention to human rights violations, develop practical solutions to those problems using interdisciplinary methodologies, and promote accountability on the part of state and non-state actors. The Clinic works closely with non-governmental organizations to design, collaborate, and implement projects, which include litigation in domestic, foreign, and international tribunals as well as non-litigation projects, such as documenting violations, legislative reform, drafting reports, and training manuals. Students work in teams on specific projects and will develop their international research, legal writing, oral advocacy, communication, interviewing, collaboration, media advocacy, and strategic thinking skills. Additionally, students will critically examine the substance and application of human rights law, as well as discuss and confront the ethical challenges of working on human rights problems globally, and develop new techniques to address human rights violations, including those involving economic and social rights and women's rights.
Students who enroll in the Clinic in the Winter quarter are required to continue in the Spring quarter. During the Winter quarter instruction will include primarily classroom-based work, including seminar classes, simulation exercises, and background country and situational research in preparation for field-work during Spring break (which may involve international travel) on a selected topic. In the Spring quarter, students will work primarily on drafting, revising, and finalizing the draft report or litigation project, and will work on developing advocacy strategies in connection with their project. Students are encouraged but not required to take a course in International Human Rights Law.
Students will receive two credits each quarter in the International Human Rights Clinic in accordance with the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.
Spring 2013
Sital Kalantry
-
International Human Rights Clinic
LAWS 67913
- 01
(2)
a, s, x
The International Human Rights Clinic works for the promotion of social and economic justice globally, including in the United States. The Clinic uses international human rights laws and norms as well as other substantive law and strategies to draw attention to human rights violations, develop practical solutions to those problems using interdisciplinary methodologies, and promote accountability on the part of state and non-state actors. The Clinic works closely with non-governmental organizations to design, collaborate, and implement projects, which include litigation in domestic, foreign, and international tribunals as well as non-litigation projects, such as documenting violations, legislative reform, drafting reports, and training manuals. Students work in teams on specific projects and will develop their international research, legal writing, oral advocacy, communication, interviewing, collaboration, media advocacy, and strategic thinking skills. Additionally, students will critically examine the substance and application of human rights law, as well as discuss and confront the ethical challenges of working on human rights problems globally, and develop new techniques to address human rights violations, including those involving economic and social rights and women's rights.
Students who enroll in the Clinic in the Winter quarter are required to continue in the Spring quarter. During the Winter quarter instruction will include primarily classroom-based work, including seminar classes, simulation exercises, and background country and situational research in preparation for field-work during Spring break (which may involve international travel) on a selected topic. In the Spring quarter, students will work primarily on drafting, revising, and finalizing the draft report or litigation project, and will work on developing advocacy strategies in connection with their project. Students are encouraged but not required to take a course in International Human Rights Law.
Students will receive two credits each quarter in the International Human Rights Clinic in accordance with the Law School's general criteria for clinical courses as described in the Law School Announcements and by the approval of the clinical faculty.
Winter 2013
Sital Kalantry
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Law and Practice of Zoning, Land Use, and Eminent Domain
LAWS 90602
- 01
(2 to 3)
m, s, x
This seminar is a multi-disciplinary, multi-partisan discussion of the balance between private property rights and governmental regulation in land development. We primarily address (i) constitutional bases of private rights and public land use planning; (ii) eminent domain, takings and exactions (including impact fees and delays); (iii) current manifestations of local and regional planning and zoning, including City of Chicago Zoning Reform; and (iv) legal procedures and practical strategies for obtaining public financial incentives, land use approvals, and "relief" for real estate development projects, large and small.
Prior course work in real property and constitutional law are encouraged.
Course materials include cases, academic and trade-group commentaries, press coverage, and narrative and graphic exhibits for specific development projects.
The student's grade is based on attendance, spirited class participation, and, at each student's election, either a paper or an open-book examination. Students writing a paper of 25 or more pages will earn 3 credit hours. Students taking the exam or writing a shorter paper of approximately 15 pages will earn 2 credit hours.
Autumn 2012
Thomas Geselbracht, Theodore Novak, Paul Shadle
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Leadership
LAWS 75102
- 01
(3)
+, m, s, w
The divide between law and business is becoming increasingly blurred as clients look to their lawyers not merely for legal advice but also for leadership and results-focused solutions to complex business problems. Increasing competition, early specialization, and client cost constraints provide junior attorneys with few opportunities to develop the skills necessary to meet these increasing expectations. Through this highly intensive seminar, students will develop the judgment and practical skills necessary to become effective leaders and problem solvers, as well as an understanding of the theoretical foundations of effective leadership. Topics will include project management, strategic vision, forms of influence, and business leadership. Materials will include cutting-edge research, case histories, videos, and literature. Class sessions occasionally will include speakers who have played important leadership roles.
The student's grade will be based on active and insightful class participation, reflection papers on assigned readings, and a final paper on an instructor-approved topic of the student's choosing (examples of potential topics include leadership in alliance formation, variations in governing board structures, performance consequences of executive succession, and leadership in outsourcing relationships). The seminar will require substantial out of class work and class participation will count toward the grade. Students will be developing leadership presentations and completing major projects outside of class. Enrollment is very limited given the unique nature of this seminar, and instructor approval is required. If there is sufficient student interest, there may be a follow-on leadership seminar offered in the Spring.
Winter 2013
David Zarfes, Naveen Thomas
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Legal Elements of Accounting
LAWS 79102
- 01
(1)
s, x
This mini-course introduces accounting from a mixed law and business perspective. It covers basic concepts and vocabulary of accounting, not so much to instill proficiency with the mechanics of debits and credits as to serve as a foundation from which to understand financial statements. The course then examines accounting from a legal perspective, including consideration of common accounting decisions with potential legal ramifications. It also analyzes throughout the reasons for and roles of financial accounting and auditing, as well as the incentives of various persons involved in producing, regulating, and consuming financial accounting information. The course will touch on some limitations of, and divergent results possible under, generally accepted accounting principles, as well as detection of common accounting manipulation. Current cases, proposals, and controversies will be discussed.
Class will meet for nine sessions, four days during week 1 (M-Th Jan 7-10, 2013) and five days during week 3 (M-F Jan 21-25, 2013), and completion earns one credit. Attendance and participation will be very important. Grades will be based on a take-home final examination and class participation. Students with substantial prior exposure to accounting (such as students with an MBA, joint MBA/JD students, and undergraduate finance or accounting majors) must seek instructor permission to take the course and will be graded based on a medium-length term paper. Students may audit but cannot earn credit for both this course and any other law school introductory accounting course.
Winter 2013
John Sylla
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Litigation Laboratory
LAWS 91563
- 01
(3)
s, u, w, x
This simulation class brings lawyers and students together to analyze and develop aspects of the lawyers’ ongoing cases. It allows good lawyers to use law students for collaborative help with open cases, and allows law students to learn litigation skills by working with the lawyers. A different lawyer with a different case will participate in almost every class. Typically the lawyer will provide materials for the students to review before the class. During the class, students will discuss, argue, debate, and work with the lawyer to solve hard issues. Following each class, students will complete written materials analyzing and evaluating the problem. In classes when lawyers are not included, students also learn practical litigation skills through various advocacy exercises.
Students will be graded based on active participation and their written materials.
Autumn 2012
Catherine Masters, James A. Clark
-
Litigation Laboratory
LAWS 91563
- 02
(3)
s, u, w, x
This seminar brings lawyers and students together to analyze and develop aspects of the lawyers’ ongoing cases. It allows good lawyers to use law students for collaborative help with open cases, and allows law students to learn litigation skills by working with the lawyers. A different lawyer with a different case will participate in almost every class. Typically the lawyer will provide materials for the students to review before the class. During the class, students will discuss, argue, debate, and work with the lawyer to solve hard issues. Following each class, students will complete written materials analyzing and evaluating the problem. In classes when lawyers are not included, students also learn practical litigation skills through various advocacy exercises.
Students will be graded based on active participation and their written materials.
Winter 2013
Catherine Masters, James A. Clark
-
Litigation Laboratory
LAWS 91563
- 02
(3)
s, u, w, x
This seminar brings lawyers and students together to analyze and develop aspects of the lawyers’ ongoing cases. It allows good lawyers to use law students for collaborative help with open cases, and allows law students to learn litigation skills by working with the lawyers. A different lawyer with a different case will participate in almost every class. Typically the lawyer will provide materials for the students to review before the class. During the class, students will discuss, argue, debate, and work with the lawyer to solve hard issues. Following each class, students will complete written materials analyzing and evaluating the problem. In classes when lawyers are not included, students also learn practical litigation skills through various advocacy exercises.
Students will be graded based on active participation and their written materials.
Spring 2013
Catherine Masters, James A. Clark
-
Mental Health Advocacy Clinic
LAWS 67013
- 01
(1 to 2)
+, a, s, w, x
The Mental Health Advocacy Clinic teaches legislative advocacy and other policy advocacy skills. Under the supervision of the clinical teacher, students engage in legislative and other policy advocacy on behalf of persons with mental illnesses and not-for-profit organizations. Students may research and draft legislation and regulations and supporting materials, devise and implement strategies to obtain the enactment or defeat of legislation, negotiate with representatives of various interest groups, engage in coalition building and testify in legislative hearings.
The Mental Health Advocacy Clinic satisfies part of the writing requirement if substantial written work is completed. Prior or contemporaneous enrollment in either Legislation or a course on statutory interpretation is encouraged but not required.
The course includes a mandatory one hour weekly classroom component during the Fall Quarter for which one credit will be awarded.
2-7 credits by agreement with the clinical teacher.
Student may enroll in the course for no more than three quarters.
Spring 2013
Mark J. Heyrman
-
Mental Health Advocacy Clinic
LAWS 67013
- 01
(1 to 2)
+, a, s, w, x
The Mental Health Advocacy Clinic teaches legislative advocacy and other policy advocacy skills. Under the supervision of the clinical teacher, students engage in legislative and other policy advocacy on behalf of persons with mental illnesses and not-for-profit organizations. Students may research and draft legislation and regulations and supporting materials, devise and implement strategies to obtain the enactment or defeat of legislation, negotiate with representatives of various interest groups, engage in coalition building and testify in legislative hearings.
The Mental Health Advocacy Clinic satisfies part of the writing requirement if substantial written work is completed. Prior or contemporaneous enrollment in either Legislation or a course on statutory interpretation is encouraged but not required.
The course includes a mandatory one hour weekly classroom component during the Fall Quarter for which one credit will be awarded.
2-7 credits by agreement with the clinical teacher.
Student may enroll in the course for no more than three quarters.
Winter 2013
Mark J. Heyrman
