Elizabeth Duquette : Courses and Seminars
Advanced Legal Writing
LAWS 79901
This course will prepare law students for the working world by honing writing skills for briefs, memoranda, motions and contracts. We will discuss and practice the major principles of legal writing in plain English -- no jargon, no legalese, no anachronistic fluff. In addition to fine-tuning basic and more advanced writing skills, students will learn how to use their writing to win arguments, persuade clients and sharpen their own thinking. The class will function largely as a workshop where we analyze the impact of various writing styles. Regular attendance is essential. Through exercises and group critiques, students will learn to write more succinctly and effectively. Better writers make better lawyers.
The course concludes with an eight-hour take-home examination, which determines the student's grade. Students must complete all assignments before the exam.
This course satisfies the requirements of the Writing Project writing requirement.
Legal Research and Writing is a pre-requisite.
Autumn 2012
Elizabeth Duquette
Writing and Research in the US Legal System
LAWS 79903
In this seminar, international LLM students learn research and writing skills essential to the practice of US law. Students learn how to use these skills to win arguments, persuade clients and sharpen their own thinking. We discuss and practice the major principles of legal writing in plain English – no jargon, no legalese. The class functions largely as a workshop where we apply multiple research techniques and analyze the impact of various writing styles.
Students meet individually with the instructor throughout the seminar.
Regular class attendance is mandatory.
Students will meet with the instructor regularly outside of class to discuss writing and research techniques. Students will generate multiple drafts for each writing assignment.
Students must complete all assignments before the take-home examination, which determines the student’s grade.
This course is open only to LLM students and satisfies the legal research and writing prerequisite for the New York Bar exam.
Spring 2013
Elizabeth Duquette
Writing and Research in the US Legal System
LAWS 79903
In this seminar, international LLM students learn research and writing skills essential to the practice of US law. Students learn how to use these skills to win arguments, persuade clients and sharpen their own thinking. We discuss and practice the major principles of legal writing in plain English – no jargon, no legalese. The class functions largely as a workshop where we apply multiple research techniques and analyze the impact of various writing styles.
Students meet individually with the instructor throughout the seminar.
Regular class attendance is mandatory.
Students will meet with the instructor regularly outside of class to discuss writing and research techniques. Students will generate multiple drafts for each writing assignment.
Students must complete all assignments before the take-home examination, which determines the student’s grade.
This course is open only to LLM students and satisfies the legal research and writing prerequisite for the New York Bar exam.
Winter 2013
Elizabeth Duquette
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