Legal Practice and Ethics Courses

Professor David Zarfes

The courses listed below provide a taste of the Legal Practice and Ethics courses offered at the Law School, although no formal groupings exist in our curriculum. This list includes the courses taught in the 2022-23 and 2022-23 school years. Not all of these courses are offered every year, but this list will give you a representative sample of the variety of courses we might offer over any two-year period. Other new courses will likely be offered during your time at the Law School.

PLEASE NOTE: This page does not include courses for the current academic year. To browse current course offerings, visit my.UChicago.

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Courses

Abrams Environmental Law Clinic

Students in the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic promote clean energy, fight against water pollution, protect natural resources and human health, and address legacy contamination. Students learn practical legal skills, such as conducting factual investigations, interviewing witnesses and preparing affidavits, reviewing administrative determinations, drafting motions, working with experts, arguing motions and presenting at trial or an administrative hearing. The Clinic represents regional and national environmental organizations and individuals and often works with co-counsel. In addition to litigation, the Clinic may also engage in legislative reform and rule-making efforts; students interested solely in that kind of work should notify the instructor before joining the Clinic. While the course does not have any pre-requisites, students are strongly encouraged to take an environmental law, energy law, and/or administrative law courses at some point during their time in the clinic. A student enrolling in the Clinic for the first time should sign up for two credits; in subsequent quarters, the student may enroll for one, two or three credits per quarter after consultation with clinic faculty.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Mark N. Templeton
  • Winter 2023: Mark N. Templeton
  • Autumn 2022: Mark N. Templeton
  • Spring 2022: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2022: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2021: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Spring 2021: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2021: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2020: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Spring 2020: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2020: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2019: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2019: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2018: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Spring 2018: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Winter 2018: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock
  • Autumn 2017: Mark N. Templeton and Robert A. Weinstock

Accounting and Financial Analysis

This course is designed to quickly introduce you to (or, preferably, refresh your knowledge of) basic financial accounting [first two weeks of class] and then aims to aggressively increase your ability to be a highly sophisticated user of financial statements. After taking this course, you should improve your ability to determine a firm's accounting policy for a particular type of transaction and to determine how that policy choice affects its primary financial statements. You will also learn how to question whether these effects fairly reflect the underlying economics of the firm's transactions. Asking these questions involves an interplay between accounting, economics, finance, law and business strategy. You should therefore greatly improve your ability to use an accounting report as part of an overall assessment of the firm's strategy and the potential rewards and risks of dealing with the firm. It is REQUIRED that students registering for this course have a thorough exposure to accounting course work, at least at the level provided by the Booth course Financial Accounting (B30000). Fundamentals of Accounting for Attorneys (LAWS 79112 or 53260) does not provide a sufficient foundation for this course. Students who have not taken B30000, but feel they have taken an equivalent level of accounting coursework, must petition for a waiver from Professor Berger at Philip.berger@chicagobooth.edu.

This class has a final exam and a series of reaction papers. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Philip Berger
  • Spring 2022: Philip Berger
  • Spring 2021: Philip Berger
  • Spring 2020: Philip Berger
  • Spring 2019: Philip Berger
  • Spring 2018: Philip Berger

Advanced Advocacy: Building and Using Your Advocate's Toolbox

The seminar will illustrate the many ways in which an argument is much more than just "the automatic gainsaying of anything the other person says." We will explore not only the many forms of argument (persuasion, evidence-based, push/shove, Talmudic, misdirection), but also the many considerations necessary to win (forum, timing, deposition vs. trial, insurance coverage, leverage). We will use arguably (and inarguably) the best sources to build an advocate's toolbox: classical (Bible, Talmud); historical (Gettysburg Address, Letter from a Birmingham Jail, The Murder of William of Norwich); and popular culture (My Cousin Vinny, Monty Python's Argument Clinic). Students will use their toolbox in argument simulations, including Trolley Problem permutations, Headline Rewrite, and Would I Lie to You?

There are three double-spaced four page papers that should be 1200 words each. There is one six page, single-spaced letter that should be 3500-3600 words. Participation will be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Robert D. Cheifetz
  • Spring 2022: Robert D. Cheifetz
  • Spring 2021: Robert D. Cheifetz

Advanced Civil Procedure

This course examines selected topics in civil procedure with the goal of both broadening and deepening your study of the field that began in your 1L year. These topics will include some or all of the following: class actions, multi-district litigation, arbitration, electronic discovery, the federal rulemaking process, appellate jurisdiction, and forum shopping (including rules governing subject matter jurisdiction, venue, transfer, and forum non conveniens). The student's grade is based on a final examination with limited consideration of class participation. Prerequisite: Civil Procedure.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: William H. J. Hubbard
  • Winter 2021: William H. J. Hubbard
  • Autumn 2018: William H. J. Hubbard
  • Autumn 2017: William H. J. Hubbard

Advanced Evidence: Key Legal Principles and Their Practical Application

This class will focus on advanced evidence principles and problems through experiential learning (learning by doing), using real-world issues that arose during a four-week trial of a case the instructor recently tried, Ramirez, et al. v. U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, as well as a case file and selected problems from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Completion of the Law School's course on Evidence is a prerequisite for this course. Classes will typically consist of: (1) a lecture concerning the topic(s) for that day, which will focus not only on the relevant law, but also practical considerations and practice tips and real-world anecdotes and illustrations; (2) role-playing problems in which students will argue in support of and against evidentiary objections and motions in limine, and conduct brief directs and cross-examinations laying the foundation for and opposing the admissibility of various types of evidence; and (3) feedback concerning the role-playing performances and discussion of the issues they raise. Topics that will be covered include: the authentication and admissibility of exhibits, including laying the foundation for the admission of business records, summaries, demonstratives, and other types of exhibits; objections, motions in limine and offers of proof; identifying and overcoming hearsay objections; experts and opinion testimony, including admissibility, expert disclosures and reports, and the structure and strategy of expert directs; and impeachment and rehabilitation. Typical assignments will include reading one or two key cases or excerpts from leading texts and preparing for the role-playing problems on the subject(s) for that class. Grades will be based on class participation and role-playing performances (70%) and three short (5-page) written assignments (10% per assignment, 30% in total). Prerequisite: Evidence.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Stephen R Patton
  • Spring 2022: Stephen R. Patton

Advanced Legal Research

The purpose of this seminar is to enhance students' knowledge of legal sources and to develop their ability to research the law. The class will cover the basic categories of legal research in depth and with a focus on practical skills and efficiency, including statutes, administrative law, legislative history, cases, and secondary sources. This seminar also will address a series of practice areas such as corporate and securities, tax, transactional, federal procedure, and intellectual property, focusing on the substantive resources and practical research skills for each. Upon successful completion of the class, students will expand their understanding of research resources in a variety of areas, will improve their skills in using legal research tools, and will develop extensive research knowledge in at least one area from their work on a final research paper. The seminar will be limited to twenty-five students with priority to third year students. To receive credit for this course, students must complete research assignments (40 percent of grade), submit a research paper on a topic approved by the instructor (50 percent of grade), and attend and participate in course meetings (10 percent). Students may earn either 2 or 3 credits for this seminar depending upon the number and nature of assignments completed and the length of their final paper. A 6000-7500 word paper will be required for the 3-credit option for this course. For the 2-credit option for this seminar, students will write a 3000-4500 word paper. In the research paper, the student should extensively and comprehensively address sources for researching the topic, discuss successful and less useful techniques, and recommend research strategies. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Scott Vanderlin
  • Autumn 2022: Sheri Lewis
  • Winter 2022: Sheri Lewis
  • Autumn 2021: Scott Vanderlin and Todd Ito
  • Winter 2021: Sheri Lewis
  • Autumn 2020: Todd Ito and Scott Vanderlin
  • Winter 2020: Scott Vanderlin and Todd Ito
  • Autumn 2019: Todd Ito
  • Winter 2019: Sheri Lewis
  • Autumn 2018: Todd Ito
  • Winter 2018: Sheri Lewis
  • Autumn 2017: Todd Ito

Advanced Legal Writing

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 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 period begins. This course satisfies the Writing Project writing requirement. Legal Research and Writing is a pre-requisite.

LLM students who have taken Writing and Research in the US Legal System in the fall may not take this course.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Elizabeth Duquette
  • Spring 2022: Elizabeth Duquette
  • Spring 2021: Elizabeth Duquette
  • Spring 2020: Elizabeth Duquette
  • Spring 2019: Elizabeth Duquette
  • Spring 2018: Elizabeth Duquette

Advanced Restructuring Practice: Legal and Financial Strategies

Complex corporate restructurings will almost always involve a mix of legal, business, and financial advice. This seminar will focus on identifying practical issues faced by restructuring lawyers in connection with fundamental aspects of restructuring practice, including: (i) identifying a capital structure, capital structure problems, and their solutions; (ii) the key legal relationships between a borrower and its creditors and between the creditors themselves; (iii) what happens when a borrower is running out of cash; and (iv) the recent trend in so-called "Liability Management" transactions.

This class requires a series of reaction papers. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Prerequisites: Bankruptcy (recommended but not required); Secured Transactions (recommended but not required).

Previously:

  • Winter 2022: Ryan Dahl
  • Winter 2021: Ryan Dahl

Brief Writing and Appellate Advocacy

This course will focus on persuasive brief writing techniques with the focus on writing a federal circuit court brief based on a hypothetical problem. Students will also learn oral argument techniques and will present an appellate argument based on the class problem to a guest panel.

Evaluation will be based on the preparation of an appellate brief and the presentation of an appellate oral argument.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Brett Legner
  • Autumn 2021: Michele Odorizzi
  • Autumn 2019: Michele Odorizzi
  • Winter 2019: Michele Odorizzi
  • Winter 2018: Michele Odorizzi

Business Planning

This seminar develops and applies the student's knowledge of taxation and corporate and securities law in the solution of a series of transactional problems involving typical steps in business formation and rearrangement. The problems include the formation of a closely held company; the transition to public ownership of the corporation; executive compensation arrangements; the purchase and sale of a business; and mergers, tender offers, and other types of combination transactions. Small-group discussions and lectures are employed. The student's grade is based on a final examination; students may earn an additional credit by writing a paper on a topic approved by the instructors. The student must have taken (or be taking concurrently) Business Organizations and Corporate Tax I or receive instructor approval.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Keith Crow and Anthony Sexton

Civil Rights Clinic: Police Accountability

The Civil Rights and Police Accountability Project (PAP) is one of the nation's leading law civil rights clinics focusing on issues of criminal justice. Through the lens of live-client work, students examine how and where litigation fits into broader efforts to improve police accountability and ultimately the criminal justice system. Students provide legal services to indigent victims of police abuse in federal and state courts. They litigate civil rights cases at each level of the court system from trial through appeals. Some students also represent children and adults in related juvenile or criminal defense matters. Students take primary responsibility for all aspects of the litigation, including client counseling, fact investigation, case strategy, witness interviews, legal research, pleadings and legal memoranda, discovery, depositions, motion practice, evidentiary hearings, trials, and appeals. A significant amount of legal writing is expected. Students work in teams on cases or projects, and meet with the instructor on at minimum a weekly basis. Students also take primary responsibility for the Clinic's policy and public education work. PAP teaches students to apply and critically examine legal theory in the context of representation of people in need. It teaches students to analyze how and why individual cases of abuse occur and to connect them to systemic problems, often leading to "public impact" litigation and other strategies for policy reform. Through our immersion in live client work, we engage fundamental issues of race, class, and gender, and their intersection with legal institutions. We instruct students in legal ethics and advocacy skills. And we seek to instill in them a public service ethos, as they begin their legal careers. Students are required to complete, prior to their third year, Evidence, Criminal Procedure I, and the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop. Constitutional Law III is also recommended.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2023: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2022: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2022: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2021: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2021: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2021: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2020: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2020: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2020: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2019: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2019: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2019: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2019: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2018: Craig Futterman
  • Spring 2018: Craig Futterman
  • Winter 2018: Craig Futterman
  • Autumn 2017: Craig Futterman

Class Action Controversies

The purpose of this seminar is to understand the rules applicable to class action litigation, the major doctrinal and policy issues that influence class action litigation, and the strategic, ethical, and practical considerations that judges, class counsel, and litigants face in class action litigation. Each week, we will address topics in class action law that bear on these issues.

Students taking the class for 2 credits will complete 2-3 reaction papers. Students taking class for 3 credits will complete a substantial writing project (6000-7500 words). Students completing the three credit option can receive writing project credit. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Michael T. Brody
  • Autumn 2021: Michael T. Brody
  • Autumn 2020: Michael T. Brody
  • Autumn 2019: Michael T. Brody

Communications and Advocacy for Lawyers

No skill is more important for a lawyer than communication, and this is especially true when lawyers are engaged in public advocacy. Students in this hands-on seminar will develop skills in writing, analysis, and presentation geared toward advocacy. Students will take on the role of a spokesperson for an organization (non-profit, business, or law firm) and learn to advocate for that organization

though writing op-eds, press releases, blog posts, and communications plans; preparing and delivering a presentation and slide decks; and engaging through media interviews and crisis communications. Topics covered will include creating and adjusting communications based on audience and medium; writing persuasively, especially for non-legal audiences; communications plan development, media training, and public speaking with and without preparation. Students will be expected to speak before the class and outsiders, write on a weekly basis, and edit each other's work. Students will be graded on quality of work product, participation in class, and improvement over the class time, with the majority of the grade coming from a final presentation and slide deck and a capstone communications plan.

Previously:

  • Winter 2022: Marsha Nagorsky
  • Winter 2020: Marsha Nagorsky
  • Winter 2019: Marsha Nagorsky
  • Winter 2018: Marsha Nagorsky

Constitutional Decisionmaking

Students enrolled in the seminar will work as "courts" consisting of five "Justices" each. During each of the first eight weeks of the quarter, each court will be assigned two hypothetical cases raising issues under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. All cases must be decided with opinion (concurring and dissenting opinions are permitted). The decisions may be premised on the "legislative history" of the Equal Protection Clause (materials on that history will be provided) and on any doctrines or precedents created by the "Justices" themselves. The "Justices" may not rely, however, on any actual decisions of the United States Supreme Court. The seminar is designed to give students some insight into the problems a Justice confronts in collaborating with colleagues, interpreting an ambiguous constitutional provision, and then living with the doctrines and precedents he or she creates. Enrollment will be limited to three courts. Since the members of each court must work together closely under rigid time constraints, students must sign up as five-person courts. This seminar will not have regularly-scheduled classes (except for introductory and concluding meetings), but you should not underestimate the time demands. It is a very demanding seminar. If more than three courts sign up, I will select the participating courts by lot. To be eligible for participation in the seminar, students should send me an e-mail (gstone@uchicago.edu) by Friday, November 4, including the names and e-mail addresses of all five "Justices." This seminar will not have regularly-scheduled classes (except for an introductory meeting), but you should not underestimate the time demands. It is a very demanding seminar. If more than three courts sign up, I will select the participating courts by lot and I will email you by Monday, November 7, to let you know whether your court has been selected.

Students in each court will write mock Supreme Court opinions in a series of eight hypothetical cases. On average, each student in this seminar writes opinions totaling approximately 50 single-spaced pages. This includes SRP papers.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Geoffrey R. Stone
  • Winter 2022: Geoffrey R. Stone
  • Winter 2021: Geoffrey R. Stone
  • Spring 2020: Geoffrey R. Stone
  • Winter 2019: Geoffrey R. Stone
  • Spring 2018: Geoffrey R. Stone

Contract Drafting and Review

This seminar will serve as an introduction to contract drafting and how such drafting differs from other types of legal writing. We will start with the basic "anatomy of a contract," discussing the meaning, use and effect of various provisions. The seminar will address not only legal drafting issues, but also how to understand a client's practical business needs in order to effectively use the contract as a planning and problem solving tool. Students will draft specific contract provisions and a complete contract, and will learn how to read, review and analyze contracts with an eye toward both legal and business risk issues. Many/most of the exercises simulate working with a fictional client. Grades will be based on class participation, a series of substantial out-of-class weekly drafting exercises, and two capstone assignments.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Michelle M. Drake
  • Winter 2023: Joan E. Neal and Michelle M. Drake
  • Autumn 2022:Joan E. Neal and Michelle M. Drake
  • Spring 2022: Joan E. Neal
  • Winter 2022: Joan E. Neal
  • Autumn 2021: Joan E. Neal and Michelle M. Drake
  • Spring 2021: Joan E. Neal
  • Winter 2021: Joan E. Neal and Michelle M. Drake
  • Autumn 2020: Joan E. Neal
  • Spring 2020: Joan E. Neal
  • Winter 2020: Joan E. Neal
  • Autumn 2019: Joan E. Neal
  • Spring 2019: Joan E. Neal
  • Winter 2019: Joan E. Neal
  • Autumn 2018: Joan E. Neal
  • Spring 2018: Joan E. Neal
  • Winter 2018: Joan E. Neal
  • Autumn 2017: Joan E. Neal

Contract Law for LL.M. Students

The materials for this course give overview of key topics in US contract law (especially those that are most practice relevant but difficult like interpretation and damages) but the course devotes much of its in-class time to subjects more directly relevant to the practice of contract law including: how to choose a contracting partner who can innovate, different approaches to negotiating agreements that will work well in practice, how to review and draft actual agreements (focusing on both procurement and biotechnology agreements), and how to choose the law and dispute resolution forum best suited to the transaction. Attention is also paid to how to use both legal and nonlegal sanctions and a variety of monitoring mechanism to induce contractual performance. Students will do some work individually and some in groups (both in and out of class). Grade is part class participation/group work and part individual written assignments. There is no exam. This course does not directly prepare students for the bar, although optional videos that will aid in that endeavor are provided for those who seek this type of learning.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Lisa Bernstein
  • Winter 2021: Lisa Bernstein
  • Spring 2020: Lisa Bernstein
  • Spring 2019: Lisa Bernstein
  • Spring 2018: Lisa Bernstein

Corporate Compliance and Business Integration

This seminar explores the rapidly expanding scope of Corporate Compliance across industries and the evolving role of corporate compliance officers as business partners and culture champions. Study begins with a foundational overview of the relevant legal and policy mandates, proceeds to explore Corporate Compliance's role in operational oversight and risk mitigation, and finishes with an examination of Corporate Compliance's evolving role in enterprise risk, strategy and culture. The first section of the course will provide insight into the legal, regulatory and risk management considerations that have driven business organizations to develop and enhance their internal programs for identifying and managing compliance risks. The second section will focus on case studies from different industries, and from the separate perspectives of business leaders, regulators, consumers and employees. The final section of the course will focus on the intersection of compliance and organizational culture, and illustrate how to leverage the tools of policy, training, and leadership engagement to build cultures of integrity. The course will include academic, regulatory and business readings as well as interactive case studies, where students will apply practical solutions to real risk and corporate integrity challenges faced by multinational organizations in a variety of sectors and explore the consequences for the compliance function. Student evaluation is based on a 3-part Group Project on a corporate compliance program's response to a series of hypotheticals. Each student in the group will serve as a main presenter once. Each group assignment is accompanied by a short (3-5 pages) supplemental paper to be completed individually by each group member. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2021: Forrest James Deegan
  • Autumn 2020: Forrest James Deegan
  • Autumn 2019: Forrest James Deegan
  • Autumn 2018: Forrest James Deegan

Criminal and Juvenile Justice Project Clinic

The Project provides law and social work students the supervised opportunity to represent children and young adults accused of crime in juvenile and criminal court. Representation includes addressing the social, psychological and educational needs of our clients and their families. In addition to direct representation, students are involved in policy reform and public education including work with coalitions on issues of juvenile life without parole, youth violence, mass incarceration, and the collateral consequences of conviction. Students will participate in case selection and litigation strategies. Students will be expected to do legal research and writing including drafting motions and memoranda on various legal issues, i.e. evidentiary questions, sentencing, etc. and brief writing. Additionally, students will do pre-trial investigation and fact development including interviewing clients and witnesses. 3L students who have taken a trial practice course will have the opportunity to argue motions and second chair hearings and trials. Policy work will include general research on issues, drafting statement and position papers and attendance at meetings. Corequisite: Evidence must be taken at some point that the student is in the clinic. Intensive Trial Practice (for rising 3Ls ) is a recommended corequisite but not required.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2023: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2022: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2022: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2022: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2021: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2021: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2021: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2020: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2020: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2020: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2019: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2019: Herschella Conyers
  • Winter 2019: Herschella Conyers
  • Autumn 2018: Herschella Conyers
  • Spring 2018: Herschella Conyers and Randolph Stone
  • Winter 2018: Herschella Conyers and Randolph Stone
  • Autumn 2017: Herschella Conyers and Randolph Stone

Crisis Communication: The Lawyer's Role in Advancing Client Interests

During high-profile controversies, organizations must contend with multiple stakeholders, both inside and outside the legal system. Developments during a crisis are analyzed and influenced by employees, the media, elected officials, regulators, investors, advocacy groups and others. The collective opinion of these stakeholders - not simply the specific resolution of the legal issues - often determines the ultimate success of an organization's strategy. Individuals and organizations are often judged by these stakeholders on how well (or poorly) they responded to a crisis. Today's attorneys are often expected to go beyond their strictly "legal" responsibilities and assist the organization in protecting its reputation during these events. As Ken Frazier (CEO of Merck and its former general counsel) said: "Sophisticated clients don't want 'pure' legal advice, they want workable solutions to their problems…at the intersection of law, business, technology, politics and moral judgment. Smart clients expect their lawyers to help them find solutions." This course will explore how attorneys can provide broad crisis management advice to clients, rather than narrow legal counsel. The class will analyze the perspectives and motivations of different actors in a crisis and explain the intersection among legal issues, organizational goals and strategic communications. The course will use case studies, background readings, presentations, special guest speakers , and focused discussions to highlight the issues in effective crisis management. Students will also participate in hypotheticals and role plays where they may be asked to act as a lawyer, a crisis management advisor or the CEO as the organization determines its crisis response. The professors will also share experiences and lessons learned from their own work on high-profile matters for companies, universities, associations, and non-profit organizations. In addition to short in-class presentations and in-class participation, there will be a final memo. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Tilden Katz and Roy Wentz

Derivatives, Repo, and Prime Brokerage - Negotiation and Practical Analysis

In this hands-on class, students will learn the fundamentals of the negotiation and legal structuring of derivatives and related instruments such as repo and prime brokerage. Students will engage in simulated negotiation, drafting and issue-spotting, with a focus on the challenges regularly confronted by practitioners in the private equity and opportunistic credit spaces. Class will be a mix of lecture and simulated implementation of trading programs for hypothetical clients. Grades will be based on a mix of class participation and negotiation projects.

Previously:

  • Spring 2022: Jaime A. Madell

Divorce Practice and Procedure

This is a simulation class providing exposure to the dynamic process of representing clients in dissolution of marriage cases and issues related to them. The class will make you aware of the complexities arising when the ever-changing family unit becomes divided. Topics are covered through an evolving case, with each student in the role of a practicing lawyer. Issues include interstate and international parental kidnapping, determination of jurisdiction, domestic violence, restraining orders and injunctions, temporary and permanent parenting rights and responsibilities (custody and visitation), temporary and permanent maintenance (alimony), child support, the characterization of property and division of assets and liabilities; also, premarital and post marital agreements, ethical issues, federal tax law affecting divorce and the effects of bankruptcy. Students will discuss and argue issues not only with instructors, but also with one or more sitting Illinois Domestic Relations Court judges, as well as interacting with classmates. Readings will be drawn from case law, statutes, and court approved forms used in contested proceedings. One half of a student's grade is based on preparation for and class participation and one half on a series of six short papers related to class topics of less than five pages.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2021: Donald Schiller and Erika Wyatt
  • Autumn 2020: Donald Schiller and Erika Wyatt
  • Autumn 2019: Donald Schiller and Erika Wyatt
  • Autumn 2018: Donald Schiller and Erika Wyatt
  • Autumn 2017: Donald Schiller and Erika Wyatt

Editing and Advocacy

Good editors don't just see the sentence that was written. They see the sentence that might have been written. They know how to spot words that shouldn't be included and summon up ones that haven't yet appeared. Their value comes not just from preventing mistakes but from discovering new ways to improve a piece of writing's style, structure, and overall impact.

This course will teach you how to be one of those editors. You'll edit briefs. You'll edit contracts. You'll edit all kinds of legal documents. Sometimes this editing will occur during in-class exercises. Sometimes it will occur through short, weekly assignments. But always the goal will be the same: learn and practice a skill that is fundamental to becoming an excellent advocate.

This class requires a series of reaction papers. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Patrick James Barry
  • Winter 2023: Patrick James Barry
  • Autumn 2022: Patrick James Barry
  • Spring 2022: Patrick James Barry
  • Winter 2022: Patrick James Barry
  • Autumn 2021: Patrick James Barry
  • Winter 2021: Patrick James Barry

Entrepreneurship and the Law

This seminar examines how the law and legal counsel influence innovation and entrepreneurship in the US, whether by micro-enterprises or high-growth disruptors. The seminar explores the position of the entrepreneur in society, in the economy, and in our constitutional framework, in order to analyze the entrepreneur's fundamental legal needs. We survey legal questions particular to start-ups, including strategies for structuring a business organization, financing, and protecting intellectual property. Assignments require students to research issues that apply to hypothetical and real start-ups and practice lawyerly skills like strategic planning, negotiation, drafting, and counseling. Students' grades will be based on active participation, short written assignments, and a research paper. Cumulatively, the papers should total 6000-7500 words.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Elizabeth W Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2022: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2021: Elizabeth Kregor
  • Winter 2020: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2018: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2017: Salen Churi, Elizabeth Kregor, and Amy Hermalik

Estate Planning And Drafting

This seminar in estate planning and drafting meets the ABA definition of an experiential course. The seminar will give students experience in drafting specific provisions of wills and trust instruments, including provisions relating to the use of class gifts, conditions of survival, and powers of appointment. The seminar also will give students the experience of drafting a will for a live client. Students will be graded on a series of experiential assignments, including the will-drafting project, and on class participation. There are no prerequisites.

Students who have taken "The Law of Future Interests" in Autumn 2021 are not eligible to enroll in this seminar.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Thomas P. Gallanis

Ethics for Transactional Lawyers

This class will focus on ethical issues faced by transactional lawyers. We will consider the role of a transactional lawyer, the various sources of guidance for transactional lawyers, the intersection of personal morality and rules-based ethics, individual and organizational practice pressures that can cause lawyers to violate ethics norms, how to weigh competing ethical obligations, and select ethics issues faced by transactional lawyers in practice (including, e.g., ethics issues arising when drafting contracts, negotiating agreements, conducting due diligence, and providing opinion letters). Grades will be based upon active class participation in discussions and simulations, plus a final paper (6000-7500 words). (Please note that this paper cannot fulfill the SRP or WP requirement.)

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Joan E. Neal
  • Autumn 2021: Joan E. Neal
  • Winter 2021: Joan E. Neal
  • Winter 2020: Joan E. Neal
  • Winter 2019: Joan E. Neal

Exoneration Project Clinic

The Exoneration Project is a post-conviction clinical project that represents people convicted of crimes of which they are innocent. Students working in our Project assist in every aspect of representation including selecting cases, advising clients, investigating and developing evidence, drafting pleadings, making oral arguments, examining witnesses at evidentiary hearings, and appellate litigation. Through participation in our Project, students explore issues of error and inequality in the criminal justice system, including police and prosecutorial misconduct, the use of faulty scientific evidence, coerced confessions, unreliable eyewitness testimony, and ineffective assistance of counsel. The Exoneration Project is an intensive, rigorous experience designed for students who are committed to providing the best possible representation to deserving clients. Second-year students wishing to enroll in the Project are encouraged to take Evidence in their second year. Third-year students are required to complete, prior to their third year, Evidence and the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop (although we recognize that that may not always be possible and will consider appropriate alternatives). Students are strongly encouraged but not required to take Criminal Procedure I and II. Students will receive credit for the work they do in accordance with the credit rules for all other clinical programs. Given the nature of our work, students should plan to enroll in the Exoneration Project clinic for at least a year.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Russell Ainsworth, Lauren Myerscough-Mueller, and Karl Leonard
  • Winter 2023: Russell Ainsworth, Lauren Myerscough-Mueller, and Karl Leonard
  • Autumn 2022: Russell Ainsworth, Lauren Myerscough-Mueller, and Karl Leonard
  • Spring 2022: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Winter 2022: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Autumn 2021: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Spring 2021: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Winter 2021: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Autumn 2020: Russel Ainsworth, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Lauren Myerscough-Mueller
  • Spring 2020: Joshua Tepfer, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Russel Ainsworth
  • Winter 2020: Joshua Tepfer, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Russel Ainsworth
  • Autumn 2019: Joshua Tepfer, Karl Arthur Leonard, and Russel Ainsworth
  • Spring 2019: Tara Thompson, David Owens, and Joshua Tepfer
  • Winter 2019: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, Russell Ainsworth, and Karl Leonard
  • Autumn 2018: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, Russell Ainsworth, and Karl Leonard
  • Spring 2018: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, and Russell Ainsworth
  • Winter 2018: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, and Russell Ainsworth
  • Autumn 2017: Tara Thompson, David Owens, Joshua Tepfer, and Russell Ainsworth

Federal Criminal Justice Clinic

The Federal Criminal Justice Clinic is the nation's first legal clinic devoted to representing indigent clients charged with federal felonies, pursuing impact litigation in federal court, and engaging in systemic reform of the federal criminal system with a focus on combating racial disparities.

The FCJC litigates in federal district court in Chicago, before the Seventh Circuit, and in the U.S. Supreme Court. In our district court litigation, FCJC students may have an opportunity to interview clients and witnesses; meet with clients; conduct and participate in hearings and trials; research, write, and argue motions and briefs; and participate in case investigations. FCJC students also litigate post-conviction compassionate release motions and have secured release for several clients. Students involved in appellate litigation write briefs to the Seventh Circuit and the Supreme Court and may conduct oral argument. On the reform front, students engage in legislative advocacy before Congress and have created the first federal courtwatching projects in the country.

The FCJC seminar includes skills exercises, simulations, lectures, case rounds, guest speakers, and discussions. The pre-requisites/co-requisites are Evidence and Criminal Procedure I; these courses may be taken at any time during law school. It is strongly recommended that 3L students take the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop in September 2022 and that all students take Professor Siegler's Criminal Procedure II class. The FCJC is a year-long clinic. First priority is given to 3Ls; the remaining slots go to 2Ls.

Students who want to learn more about the FCJC or who have questions about the enrollment requirements may contact Profs. Siegler, Zunkel, or Miller.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Judith P Miller, Erica Zunkel, and Alison Siegler
  • Winter 2023: Judith P Miller, Erica Zunkel, and Alison Siegler
  • Autumn 2022: Judith P Miller, Erica Zunkel, and Alison Siegler
  • Spring 2022: Alison Siegler
  • Winter 2022: Alison Siegler
  • Autumn 2021: Alison Siegler and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2021: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Winter 2021: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Autumn 2020: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2020: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Winter 2020: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Autumn 2019: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2019: Alison Siegler
  • Winter 2019: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Autumn 2018: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2018: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and James R. DuBray
  • Winter 2018: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and James R. DuBray
  • Autumn 2017: Alison Siegler, Erica Zunkel, and Judith P. Miller

Federal Criminal Justice Practice And Issues

This practice-oriented course integrates instruction on federal pretrial criminal procedures and issues with student practice exercises overseen by the instructor. The course will cover federal criminal practice from investigation up to trial, utilizing examples from recent federal criminal investigations and cases. The course will provide opportunities for student performance to develop professional skills and understanding. In particular, the course will provide instruction on (i) federal investigations and related issues (including Grand Jury proceedings and witness immunity); (ii) corporate internal investigations; (iii) federal charging decisions; (iv) initial appearances following arrest and accompanying bail/detention hearings (v) discovery under the federal criminal rules; (vi) pretrial motions and practice; and (vii) plea agreements. Students will engage in periodic practice simulations related to the pretrial stages of a federal criminal case. For example, students will conduct mock witness interviews in the context of a corporate internal investigation, present motions and arguments seeking, and objecting to, pretrial detention, and present motions and argument seeking to exclude or admit evidence. The course thus will provide opportunities for oral and written advocacy focusing on federal criminal pretrial practice. Each class session will also include discussion of practical and strategic issues facing both the defense and the prosecution under real-world circumstances at each pretrial stage. A student's grade will be based on class participation and written (6000-7500 word research series) and oral performance in the simulated practice exercises. Four oral argument presentations will accompany the written papers.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Michael Doss

Fundamentals of In-House Counsel

The role of in-house counsel is both complex and complicated, and can be vastly rewarding to the attorney who understands its realities and can apply the law in a practical manner to support an enterprise and its leadership. This course will help students explore and learn the fundamentals critical to succeeding as inside counsel. Through a combination of review and discussion of influential written work of preeminent past and present in-house lawyers, discussion of case studies focused on contemporary scenarios faced by inside counsel, analysis and evaluation of risk issues in specific contracts, in-class simulations and team exercises, and guest speakers who will share their experiences and talk about their career paths, including successes and failures along the way, you will obtain an understanding of the modern view of inside counsel from a variety of diverse vantage points.

The primary focus will be on beginning to understand the critical skills necessary to prepare to succeed as in-house counsel in a large U.S. private or public company setting. We will seek to answer questions such as: How does working in-house compare and contrast to working at a law firm, what are the day-to-day challenges experienced by inside counsel and what are strategies to meet them and excel, how has the in-house counsel role evolved over time, and what does the future hold for attorneys serving as in-house counsel. From the student who aspires to one day be an in-house attorney, to the student who plans to serve in-house counsel while working at a law firm, Fundamentals of In-House Counsel will provide a multitude of candid and practical perspectives on the critical means by which the law supports today's American enterprises.

Grading will be based on in-class performance and a series of reflection papers.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Nathan Lutz, Joshua Avratin and David Zarfes
  • Spring 2021: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Nathan Lawrence Lutz

Global Human Rights Clinic

The Global Human Rights Clinic (GHRC) works alongside partners and communities to advance justice and address the inequalities and structural disparities that lead to human rights violations worldwide. The clinic uses diverse tactics and interdisciplinary methods to tackle pressing and under addressed human rights issues. Working in project teams, students develop essential lawyering skills, including oral advocacy, fact-finding, research, legal and non-legal persuasive writing, interviewing, media advocacy, cultural competency, strategic thinking, teamwork, and leadership. The clinic uses a broad range of tactics, including documentation, reporting and mixed methods fact-finding; legislative and institutional reform; investigations; and litigation. GHRC has a broad range of partners and clients, including the United Nations, international tribunals, as well as community-based organizations and national civil society. In 2022-23, likely projects will include international criminal justice investigations of war crimes and mass atrocities; advancing international norms and laws pertaining to unlawful executions; advancing the rights of migrants and refugees; and promoting women's rights and gender equality. For more information on the Clinic's work, visit the GHRC's website: https://www.law.uchicago.edu/ghrc and Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GHRChicago. Students may enroll for up to three credits in the Clinic per quarter. New students to GHRC enrolled in the J.D. program should plan to take the Clinic for three quarters for a minimum of two credits each quarter, unless they receive faculty approval prior to registration. Continuing J.D. students and LLMs may take the Clinic for any allowable amount of credits and quarters. Participation may be considered in final grading. Students who have particular language skills, especially Spanish or French, are highly encouraged to participate. Recommended (not required) co-requisites: Public International Law; International Human Rights Law.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Anjli Parrin
  • Winter 2023: Anjli Parrin
  • Autumn 2022: Anjli Parrin
  • Spring 2022: Claudia M. Flores and Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Winter 2022: Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Autumn 2021: Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Spring 2021: Claudia M. Flores and Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Winter 2021: Claudia M. Flores and Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat
  • Autumn 2020: Claudia M. Flores and Mariana Olaizola Rosenblat

Hopi/Alaska Law Practicum

Students will work directly with Alaskan Native Corporations, Alaskan Native Villages, and the Hopi Appellate Court (Arizona). One project is on the impact of climate change on legal access to sustainable food sources (e.g., caribou and salmon). The student will work as part of a National Science Foundation grant, as an input of the tribal perspective into the broader issue. This will involve research (including talking to relevant stakeholders and potentially field research), as well as crafting parts of the final report. The other Alaskan project is about corporate governance of Alaskan for-profit and non-profit regional corporations. Shareholding in these is limited by statute, but can be expanded under certain circumstances. This is a vital issue for many natives, as the existing shareholder base is limited and viewed by many as inequitable. There are many interesting governance issues with huge impact and wide appeal. The work will involve crafting a policy memo that summarizes the existing state of play, legal rules, and suggested strategic approach. It will be an input into a regional chiefs meeting in Fairbanks, and will have the potential to have a big impact on the future of Alaska natives. The final project involves assisting the Hopi Appellate Court as a law clerk.

Previously:

  • Spring 2022: M. Todd Henderson
  • Winter 2022: M. Todd Henderson
  • Spring 2020: M. Todd Henderson
  • Winter 2020: M. Todd Henderson
  • Autumn 2019: M. Todd Henderson
  • Winter 2018: M. Todd Henderson and Justin Richland
  • Autumn 2017: M. Todd Henderson and Justin Richland

Hinton Moot Court Competition

The Hinton Moot Court Competition is open to all second- and third-year students (except those third-year students who made it to the semi-finals during the previous year). The competition provides students the opportunity to develop skills in writing and appellate advocacy. Moot Court participants advance through three rounds.

The Fall Round: The focus of the preliminary round is on oral argument-no brief writing is required at this stage. After studying the briefs and record of an actual case and participating in practice arguments with student judges, each competitor must argue both sides of the case to panels of local alumni attorneys. Approximately 12-14 students advance to the semi-final (Winter) round.

The Winter Round: The students who have advanced to the semi-final round must brief and argue a new case during the Winter quarter. A panel of faculty members judge the semi-final arguments and select the four best advocates on the basis of their written and oral advocacy skills. Semifinalists are recognized as winners of the Mulroy Prize for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy.

The Spring Round: The four finalists work in teams of two on another new case during the Spring quarter. A panel of distinguished judges, usually federal appellate judges, presides at the final argument before the Law School community. The winning team is awarded the Hinton Cup; the runners-up are awarded the Llewellyn Cup.

Students participating in the semifinal round may be eligible for three pass/fail credits and may satisfy the WP graduation requirement. Please see the Student Handbook for additional details.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Anup Malani, Hajin Kim and Sarah Konsky

Housing Initiative Transactional Clinic

The Housing Initiative Transactional Clinic provides legal representation on complex real estate development projects to build affordable housing. Clients include nonprofit, community-based affordable housing developers and housing cooperatives. Students serve as deal lawyers, working with clients and teams of professionals -- such as financial consultants, architects, marketing professionals, property managers, and social service providers -- to bring affordable housing and mixed use development projects to fruition. Projects range from single family rehabs with budgets in the $30,000 to $75,000 range, to multi-million dollar rental and mixed use projects financed by low income housing tax credits, tax exempt bonds, TIF, and other layered subsidies. Students also counsel nonprofit clients on governance and tax issues related to their work. In addition to their client work, students meet as a group in a weekly two-hour seminar in autumn quarter, and in a weekly one-hour seminar during winter and spring quarters, to discuss the substantive rules and legal skills pertinent to real estate development transactions and to examine emergent issues arising out of the students' work. During the fall quarter seminar, returning clinic students need only attend the first hour; new students should attend for the full two hours. In the winter and spring quarters, all students should attend all the one-hour seminar sessions. Academic credit for the Housing Initiative Transactional 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.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2023: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2022: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2022: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2021: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2021: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2020: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2020: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2020: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2019: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Spring 2019: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Winter 2019: Jeffrey E. Leslie
  • Autumn 2018: Jeffrey E. Leslie

Immigrants' Rights Clinic

The Immigrants' Rights Clinic provides legal representation to immigrant communities in Chicago, including individual representation of immigrants in removal proceedings, immigration-related complex federal litigation, and policy and community education projects on behalf of community-based organizations. Students will interview clients, develop claims and defenses, draft complaints, engage in motion practice and settlement discussions, appear in federal, state, and administrative courts, conduct oral arguments and trials, brief and argue appeals, and engage in media advocacy. In the policy and community education projects, students may develop and conduct community presentations, draft and advocate for legislation at the state and local levels, research and draft public policy reports, and provide support to immigrants' rights organizations.

Past and current projects include challenges to national security detention, a civil rights lawsuit alleging Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment challenges against state law enforcement involved in an arrest that led to deportation, Seventh Circuit appeals of removal orders, representation of asylum seekers and human trafficking victims, suing local police departments for failure to comply with immigration-related Illinois state laws, representing Afghans left behind after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and publication of the first guide to the immigration consequences of criminal convictions for criminal defense attorneys in Illinois.

The seminar will meet for two hours per week and will include classes on the fundamentals of immigration law and policy as well as skills-based classes that connect to the students' fieldwork. Both 2L and 3L students are encouraged to apply. 2Ls must enroll for 2 credits per quarter. 3Ls can enroll for 2 or 3 credits per quarter. Students are encouraged (but not required) to co-enroll in Immigration Law in the fall.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2023: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Autumn 2022: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Spring 2022: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2022: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Autumn 2021: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Spring 2021: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2021: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Autumn 2020: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Spring 2020: A. Nicole Hallett
  • Winter 2020: A. Nicole Hallett

Innovation Clinic

The Innovation Clinic gives students the opportunity to counsel startups and venture capital funds on a broad range of corporate law and strategic issues, including regulatory compliance, entity formation, stock options and employee equity, privacy, employment, governance and founders' agreements, licenses, seed stage funding transactions, and commercial agreements. Students also present on such topics at the Argonne National Laboratories' Chain Reaction Innovations Incubator and at the Polsky Center. In addition to their work with the Clinic's clients and the substantive topic areas to be covered, students will have the opportunity to train in, and develop, the soft skills that separate good lawyers from highly effective lawyers in a transactional practice, such as negotiation, client management, preparedness and flexibility. Students will work with startups across a wide variety of industries and will also complete non-client related homework assignments to prepare them for client work. Students are required to enroll in the Clinic for a minimum of two consecutive quarters, and enrollment is currently capped at three consecutive quarters of participation. Students may take between 1-3 credits in any given quarter.

Students will be evaluated based on the quality of work they prepare for the Clinic's clients, how well they interact with clients and demonstrate a command of the soft skills required for effective transactional legal practice, and the volume and quality of their participation during in-class sessions.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2023: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2021: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2021: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2021: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2020: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2020: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2020: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2019: Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2019: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2018: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2018: Salen Churi
  • Winter 2018: Salen Churi
  • Autumn 2017: Salen Churi

Innovation Fund Associates Program Practicum

The Innovation Fund Associates ("IFA") program practicum is an avenue for law students who are accepted into the IFA program to receive course credit for their participation in lieu of the available stipend. Information regarding the IFA program can be found here: https://polsky.uchicago.edu/programs-events/innovation-fund-associates-….

Students receive 3 credits during each of the Spring and Autumn Quarters, and prepare brief response papers during each of those quarters reflecting on their experience. There is substantial training during the Winter Quarter but no credit is offered for this time. During the Spring and Autumn Quarters, in addition to the final presentation date, students should plan on meeting (1) for two to three hours every other Friday at noon for status updates, (2) on three to four additional dates that will be communicated to accepted students during the preceding quarter for trainings on topics such as patent law, FDA regulatory processes and compliance, public speaking, and other subjects relevant to the funding candidates during that cycle, and (3) two to three times per week with their teams, fund leaders, funding candidates and industry experts as part of the diligence process. There is substantial individual work outside of these meetings. Students do all coursework at the Polsky Center with potential site visits to the offices of industry experts and target companies. The approximate time commitment for the program is an average of 15 hours per week, although that may vary. Students may either take the offered stipend or course credit in any given quarter, but not both, and must be accepted into the IFA program through its normal application procedures before they are eligible to participate in the practicum.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023:Emily Underwood
  • Winter 2023: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2022: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2021: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2021: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2020: Emily Underwood
  • Spring 2020: Emily Underwood

Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship

The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, or IJ Clinic, provides legal assistance to low-income entrepreneurs who are pursuing the American Dream in spite of legal obstacles. IJ Clinic students develop practical skills in transactional lawyering while helping creative entrepreneurs earn an honest living, innovate, and build businesses that build neighborhoods. Students advise clients on issues such as business formation, licensing, zoning, strategic relationships, employment law, intellectual property protection, and regulatory compliance. Students become trusted advisors for their clients and have the opportunity to consult with clients on business developments; draft and review custom contracts; negotiate deals; research complex regulatory schemes and advise clients on how to comply; and occasionally appear before administrative bodies. Students may also work on policy projects to change laws that restrict low-income entrepreneurs. Policy work may involve legislative drafting, lobbying, and community organizing. 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. A commitment of at least two consecutive quarters is required. Students must enroll for two credits for their first quarter in the IJ Clinic.

Evaluation is based holistically on the student's client work.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2023: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Autumn 2022: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Spring 2022: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Winter 2022: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Autumn 2021: Elizabeth Kregor and Catherine Gryczan
  • Spring 2021: Elizabeth Kregor
  • Winter 2021: Elizabeth Kregor
  • Autumn 2020: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Spring 2020: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Winter 2020: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2019: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Spring 2019: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Winter 2019: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2018: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Spring 2018: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Winter 2018: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik
  • Autumn 2017: Elizabeth Kregor and Amy Hermalik

Intensive Contract Drafting Workshop

This 3-credit intensive seminar will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning from 9:00am-11:30am between August 30 and September 15. Students should plan to treat the seminar like a full time job during this period - they will spend a substantial part of each afternoon on days that we have class doing written homework which is due each evening, and a part of each evening doing reading and preparation for the next day's class. The seminar will serve as an introduction to contract drafting and how such drafting differs from other types of legal writing. We will start with the basic "anatomy of a contract," discussing the meaning, use and effect of various provisions. The seminar will address not only legal drafting issues, but also how to understand a client's practical business needs in order to effectively use the contract as a planning and problem solving tool. Students will draft specific contract provisions and a complete contract, and will learn how to read, review and analyze contracts with an eye toward both legal and business risk issues. Many/most of the exercises simulate working with a fictional client. Evaluation will be based upon class participation and a series of substantial out-of-class daily drafting exercises. Students are not eligible to register if they have taken Contract Drafting and Review, Advanced Contract Skills or other similar contract drafting courses.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Emily Underwood and Michelle M. Drake
  • Autumn 2021: Emily Underwood and Michelle M. Drake
  • Autumn 2020: Emily Underwood
  • Autumn 2019: Joan E. Neal and Emily Underwood

Intensive Trial Practice Workshop

This class teaches trial preparation, trial advocacy, and strategy through a variety of teaching techniques, including lectures, demonstrations, and simulated trial exercises. Topics include opening statement, witness preparation, direct and cross examination, expert witnesses, objections at trial, and closing argument. Practicing lawyers and judges are enlisted to provide students with demonstrations and critiques from varied perspectives. The class concludes with a simulated jury trial presided over by sitting state and federal court judges.

This is a required class for participation in the Civil Rights-Police Accountability Clinic, the Criminal & Juvenile Justice Project Clinic, and the Exoneration Project Clinic. This class is strongly recommended for participation in the Employment Law Clinic, the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic, and the Immigrants' Rights Clinic. It is also open to all rising 3Ls, regardless of participation in any clinic. The faculty strongly recommend that students take Evidence prior to enrolling in this course. Completion of this class partially satisfies one of the requirements for admission to the trial bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Students who have taken Trial Advocacy (LAWS 67603 or LAWS 81010) or Trial Practice: Strategy and Advocacy (LAWS 91702) may not take this class.

This class is offered for approximately 5-6 hours/day before the beginning of the Autumn Quarter. Week One is Monday, September 12 through Friday, September 16. Week Two is Monday, September 19 through Friday, September 23. The final trial is scheduled for Saturday, September 24. The student's grade is based on a compilation of daily performance. Registration for this class occurred over the summer. Selected students will be added to the class during the bidding period. 3 credits will default to autumn 2022 quarter.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, Erica Zunkel, Judith P Miller, and Jorge Alonso
  • Autumn 2021: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, Erica Zunkel, Judith P Miller, and Jorge Alonso
  • Autumn 2019: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, and Erica Zunkel
  • Autumn 2018: Herschella Conyers, Craig Futterman, Erica Zunkel, and Jorge Alonso
  • Autumn 2017: Herschella Conyers, Randolph Stone, and Craig Futterman

International Arbitration

This seminar provides a basic foundation in the law and mechanics of international commercial arbitration and international investment treaty arbitration. It will give students an understanding of the substantive and strategic issues that frequently confront international arbitration practitioners. The Seminar covers, among other things, the crafting of international arbitration agreements, the relative advantages and disadvantages of ad hoc UNCITRAL-Rules arbitration and institutional arbitration (e.g., ICC, LCIA, ICDR, ICSID). The seminar also addresses the rules of procedure that commonly govern international arbitration, including procedural issues that commonly arise in international arbitration, including the availability and extent of discovery, pre-hearing procedure, the presentation of evidence, and the enforcement of international arbitral awards. The Seminar also will cover the fundamentals of international investment arbitration, including the jurisdictional issues that commonly arise in investor-state arbitration and the types of treaty claims that are commonly asserted under international law. While there will be a fair amount of traditional lecture, the format of the Seminar will depend heavily upon active student participation, including a mock arbitration exercise. Students will be graded based upon the quality of their preparation for and participation in the Seminar, as well as the quality of a final paper (6000-7500 words). This Seminar will satisfy part of the lesser of the school's two writing requirements, if substantial research and written work is completed.

Students may access the 6th edition of Redfern and Hunter on International Arbitration via: https://www-kluwerarbitration-com.proxy.uchicago.edu/book-toc?title=Red…).

The required textbook for the class is the 7th edition. The ebook version of the 7th edition will be released by the publisher on Oct. 12. The hard copy will be released on Oct. 27.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Javier Rubinstein
  • Autumn 2021: Javier Rubinstein
  • Winter 2021: Javier Rubinstein
  • Autumn 2019: Javier Rubenstein
  • Autumn 2018: Javier Rubinstein
  • Autumn 2017: Javier Rubinstein

Jenner & Block Supreme Court and Appellate Clinic

The Jenner & Block Supreme Court and Appellate Clinic represents parties and amici curiae in cases before the United States Supreme Court and other appellate courts. Students work on all aspects of the clinic's cases -- from formulating case strategy; to researching and writing merits briefs, amicus curiae briefs, and petitions for certiorari; to preparing for oral arguments. Students also conduct research on cases that may be suitable to bring to the U.S. Supreme Court. Although the clinic's focus is the U.S. Supreme Court, the clinic may also handle cases in the United States Courts of Appeals and the Illinois Supreme Court.

The clinic is supervised by Associate Clinical Professor Sarah Konsky, Professor David Strauss, and members of the Appellate and Supreme Court Practice group at Jenner & Block. U.S. Supreme Court: Theory and Practice (LAWS 50311) is required as either a pre-requisite or co-requisite for 2L and 3L students participating in the clinic. Students who have successfully completed a course covering content comparable to the U.S. Supreme Court: Theory and Practice seminar may seek consent from Professor Konsky to waive the co-requisite requirement. Academic credit for the 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.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2023: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2022: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2022: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2022: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2021: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2021: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2021: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2020: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2020: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2020: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2019: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2019: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2018: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Spring 2018: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Winter 2018: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky
  • Autumn 2017: David A. Strauss, Sarah M. Konsky

Judicial Opinion Writing

Judicial opinions are the means by which judges explain their rulings to the litigants and their lawyers, and in many instances (depending largely, but not exclusively, on whether the judge is writing on behalf of a court of review) to the bar as a whole, other judges, other branches of government, and/or the public at large. For those of you planning to serve as a law clerk after graduation, opinion drafting and editing likely will comprise the lion's share of your work. For those of you planning on a career as a litigator, understanding the elements of judicial opinion writing will help you to effectively frame your arguments in your briefs and at oral argument. And for all of you, reinforcing the skills necessary to write clearly and edit wisely will serve you well whatever your future plans.

The class will begin with a careful review of the work of some well known judges, past and contemporary. The remaining sessions will proceed largely in a workshop format. For the first half of the remaining sessions, each of you will rewrite a recent, published appellate opinion that we will select. For the second half, each of you will write an appellate opinion from scratch based on a real case that we will select and that will recently have been argued. If your opinion is up for discussion for a given week, we will ask that you post it to the class site by noon on the Monday preceding the class so that we and the other students can read it. More than one student will be assigned each rewritten and original opinion, enabling the class to compare different approaches taken to the same set of problems. The point of this, as you'll see, is entirely pedagogical; it is not to turn this class into the law school equivalent of Top Chef or Project Runway. There is no single right way to construct an eminently readable and learned opinion.

Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Gary Feinerman and Robert Hochman
  • Winter 2022: Robert Hochman, and Gary Feinerman
  • Winter 2021: Robert Hochman and Gary Feinerman
  • Winter 2020: Robert Hochman and Gary Feinerman (as Judicial Opinions and Judicial Opinion Writing)
  • Winter 2019: Robert Hochman and Gary Feinerman (as Judicial Opinions and Judicial Opinion Writing)
  • Winter 2018: Richard A. Posner and Robert Hochman (as Judicial Opinions and Judicial Opinion Writing)

Kirkland & Ellis Corporate Lab Clinic

The Kirkland & Ellis Corporate Lab provides students with a forum for working closely with legal and business teams across a range of top-tier multinational companies, leading nonprofits, private equity sponsors, venture capital funds, and entrepreneurial startups.

The primary goal of the Lab is for students to learn practical legal skills, both substantively, in terms of the corporate ""building blocks"" necessary to understand complex transactions and agreements, and professionally, in terms of implementing such knowledge efficiently and meaningfully within the context of a wide array of careers as lawyers and business leaders.

This class mirrors the real world work experience of both litigators and corporate lawyers: students will receive hands-on substantive and client-development experience and will be expected to manage and meet expectations and deadlines while exercising a high level of professionalism.

Clients will include, among others, Accenture, Allstate, A.T. Kearney, Barilla, Booth School of Business New Venture Challenge startups (Spring Quarter), Grubhub, Honeywell, IBM, John Deere, Koch Industries, Microsoft, Nike, Owens Corning, 3M, Verizon Communications, and Victoria's Secret.

Corporate Lab students will have the option to negotiate a simulated cross-border transaction opposite students of a leading foreign law school as part of the negotiation workshop component of the Corporate Lab (Autumn Quarter). Additionally, students will have the option (Winter Quarter) to work closely with small teams of Kirkland & Ellis attorneys on assignments (including for live clients), across practice groups, designed to teach strategic planning, drafting, negotiation, and business counseling skills.

Please note: (i) In Spring of 2023 3L students may enroll for the spring quarter, even if they have not been enrolled in a previous quarter. Other students are expected to remain in the Corporate Lab for a minimum of two consecutive quarters, http://www.law.uchicago.edu/corporatelab. (Reduced 2-credit option available with instructor permission.)

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Winter 2023: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Autumn 2022: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Spring 2022: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Winter 2022: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Autumn 2021: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Spring 2021: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Winter 2021: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Autumn 2020: David Zarfes, Josh Avratin, and Sean Z. Kramer
  • Spring 2020: David Zarfes, Sean Z. Kramer, and Josh Avratin
  • Winter 2020: David Zarfes, Sean Z. Kramer, and Josh Avratin
  • Autumn 2019: David Zarfes, Sean Z. Kramer, and Josh Avratin

Law and Public Policy: Case Studies in Problem Solving

This course examines the intersection of law and public policy and the lawyer's role in helping to formulate and defend public policy choices, using recent, real-world problems based, in part, on the instructor's experience as former Corporation Counsel and senior legal advisor to the Mayor of the City of Chicago. While the course will be conducted in a seminar/discussion format, a significant portion of each class will be devoted to hands-on role-playing in which students will play the role of legal advisors to an elected official, grappling with and proposing solutions to vexing issues of public policy.

While this course may be of particular interest to students who are interested in public service and public policy-making, its emphasis on developing students' analytical and problem-solving skills and on providing hands-on, practical experience in advising clients on complex issues should be of benefit to any student, regardless of interests and career objectives. Providing legal analysis and advice and counseling clients are a critical part of almost every legal career, whether as a litigator or transactional lawyer in a private firm or as in-house counsel for a corporation or not-for-profit.

Assigned reading will include press articles, proposed legislation, briefs and pleadings, and other materials concerning the case studies/public policy issues that will be examined. Students will be expected to identify and analyze legal issues, competing legal and policy interests, and possible policy alternatives, and advise their "client" accordingly. Grades will be based on class participation and performance in role-playing exercises and short (5 page) reaction papers concerning three of the case studies that will be examined.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Stephen R Patton
  • Autumn 2021: Stephen R Patton
  • Autumn 2020: Stephen R Patton
  • Autumn 2019: Stephen R. Patton
  • Autumn 2018: Stephen R. Patton

Legal Elements of Accounting

This mini-class 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 seminar will touch on some limitations of, and divergent results possible under, generally accepted accounting principles. Current cases, proposals, and controversies will be discussed. Attendance and participation will be very important. Grades will be based on a take-home exam. Students with substantial prior exposure to accounting (such as students with an MBA, joint MBA/JD students, and undergraduate finance or accounting majors) may not take the course for credit.

This seminar will have a final exam. This is a short class that meets January 9-13 and 17-20.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: John R. Sylla
  • Winter 2022: John R. Sylla
  • Winter 2021: John R. Sylla
  • Winter 2020: John R. Sylla
  • Winter 2019: John R. Sylla
  • Winter 2018: John R. Sylla

Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility

In this three-credit course, we will cover the basic contours of the law governing lawyers, with a focus on lawyers' ethical and professional obligations -- to the courts, to their clients, to the public, and to each other. The goal is to leverage the students' evolving skill in "thinking like a lawyer" to help them "think like a lawyer's lawyer," recognizing ethical issues and their potential solutions.This class will have a final examination. Participation may be considered in the final grading. There will be a separate lottery for this class after bidding results are posted for spring.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Michael Lloyd and David Giles

Legal Profession

This course, which satisfies the professional responsibility requirement, will consider the law and the ethics governing lawyers. Among the topics that will be examined are the nature of the lawyer-client relationship, competency, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and some fundamental questions about who we are and what we stand for as lawyers. A student's grade is based on a final examination. This class will be capped at 50.

Previously:

  • Spring 2022: Barry S. Alberts
  • Spring 2021: Barry S. Alberts
  • Spring 2020: Barry S. Alberts
  • Spring 2019: Barry S. Alberts
  • Spring 2018: Barry S. Alberts

Legal Profession: Ethics

This seminar addresses ethical considerations and issues encountered during the practice of law, including strategic, practical, and moral considerations with which attorneys should be familiar and have to deal. Using materials from judicial decisions, decisions of disciplinary authorities, administrative materials the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, articles of particular interest, and videos, we will discuss within the context of the Model Rules the ethical situations that lawyers face. There will be a particular focus on the ambiguities attendant to how to handle particularly difficult issues encountered in the practice of law and the rules and the framework to which attorneys can turn in determining how to handle those situations. Throughout the seminar, we will consider certain overarching questions, including: a. are lawyers authorized by their duties to clients to lie, b. is civility consistent with the duty of vigorous representation, c. are aspects of the practice of law beyond the rules, and d. can there be a conflict without direct adversity. This seminar will be taught as a participatory class and will use structured hypotheticals, role playing, class discussions, and class competitions. A short quarter ending presentation is required. Students will be evaluated on the quality and extent of their participation, their presentation and on the basis of a paper of 6000-7500 words in length on a topic relating to professional responsibility chosen by and of particular interest to the student. Attendance is mandatory.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Hal Morris
  • Winter 2023: Hal Morris
  • Winter 2022: Hal Morris
  • Winter 2021: Hal Morris
  • Winter 2020: Hal Morris
  • Winter 2019: Hal Morris
  • Winter 2018: Hal Morris

Legal Profession: Ethics in Government and Public Interest Legal Practice

This seminar, which satisfies the professional responsibility requirement, will address the ethical rules and principles that govern public interest and government attorneys. Among the topics that will be explored is the challenge of defining who the client is in government practice and how that interplays with conflict of interest rules. Time will also be devoted to exploring the nature of the attorney-client relationship, candor requirements and various other duties and obligations imposed upon government and public interest attorneys, whether they litigate cases or not. Real world scenarios will be used to illustrate the various ethical issues attorneys face each day. The class will meet once a week. A student's grade will be based upon the quality of in-class participation, a take-home final exam and a 10 page paper on a topic of the student's choosing in consultation with the Instructor.

Previously:

  • Spring 2022: Lynda A. Peters

Legal Spanish: Public Interest Law in the US

This course brings students to high-intermediate levels in reading, speaking, and listening for the practice of public interest law in the US. Learners will build proficiency around relevant topic areas so that they can read, listen, explain, present and solicit information related to rights, procedures, legal actions, etc. Pre-requisite: one year of university-level Spanish or equivalent. To get on the waitlist, please email Professor Lear at dlear@uchicago.edu.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Darcy Lear
  • Spring 2022: Darcy Lear
  • Spring 2021: Darcy Lear

Litigation Laboratory

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 most class sessions. 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.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Catherine M Masters and James A Clark
  • Winter 2022: Catherine M. Masters, and James A. Clark
  • Winter 2021: Catherine M. Masters and James A. Clark
  • Winter 2020: Catherine M. Masters and James A. Clark
  • Winter 2019: Catherine M. Masters and James A. Clark
  • Winter 2018: Catherine M. Masters and James A. Clark

Modern Professional Responsibility

This course satisfies the professional responsibility requirement. It will explore a variety of legal, ethical and real-world issues commonly faced by modern lawyers in their daily practices. It will address the relationship among the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, the Restatement of the Law Governing Lawyers and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. It will also focus on several noteworthy legal malpractice and securities claims in which lawyers and major law firms were involved. Course materials will include traditional texts and statutory materials, hypotheticals drawn from unreported matters, as well as the results of mock trials and jury focus groups in which the conduct of lawyers was at issue. This class has a final exam. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Mark Nozette
  • Autumn 2021: Mark Nozette
  • Autumn 2020: Mark Nozette
  • Autumn 2019: Mark Nozette
  • Autumn 2018: Mark Nozette
  • Autumn 2017: Mark Nozette

Moot Court Boot Camp

Moot Court Boot Camp has two components: oral advocacy and writing. The oral advocacy component will cover the basics of appellate oral argument. Students will receive two different cases and prepare and submit argument outlines in advance. During the workshop, students will gain hands-on experience by conducting multiple oral arguments before a variety of alumni and other practicing attorneys, judges, and faculty, who will provide feedback. The writing component will cover the basics of appellate brief writing. Students will prepare a short, written assignment that we will discuss and revise during class. We will focus on strong issue statements, effective headings, and powerful conclusions. We'll also explore sentence structure and word choice. Students will learn to define themes in their writing and carry them into the oral argument. Focused writing, we will learn, promotes successful oral advocacy, and vice versa. This class, which will meet for the weekend of October 8-9, is an optional supplement to the Hinton Moot Court Competition. One credit will be granted for the weekend course and an additional credit will be granted upon completion of two judged arguments as part of the Hinton Moot Court Competition. There are no prerequisites, but good faith participation in the Hinton Moot Court Competition is required. Students may receive credit for this class only once during their Law School career. The Moot Court Boot Camp is open to J.D. students only and is graded Pass/Fail.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: James Whitehead and Stephen R Patton,
  • Autumn 2020: Madeline Ward Lansky and Rebecca Margaret Taylor Horwitz
  • Autumn 2019: Sharon R. Fairley
  • Autumn 2018: Sarah Konsky and James Whitehead
  • Autumn 2017: Elizabeth Duquette and Lisa M. Noller

Negotiation

This class will introduce the theory and practice of negotiation across various contexts, including deal-making and dispute resolution. It will give students an organized theoretical framework for analyzing various parties' positions and crafting thoughtful strategies. Students will develop their practical skills and individual styles through a series of simulation exercises, which will be executed inside and outside of class and then discussed and critiqued. Exposure to different techniques, styles, and contexts will be used to teach students what works best for them. Grading will be based on a series of reaction papers and out of classroom work. You may not take this class if you have taken LAWS 81003 Intensive Negotiation Seminar. Participation may be considered in final grading

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Jesse H. Ruiz
  • Spring 2022: Jesse H. Ruiz
  • Spring 2021: Jesse H. Ruiz
  • Spring 2020: Jesse H. Ruiz
  • Spring 2019: Jesse H. Ruiz
  • Spring 2018: Jeffrey Leslie and Jesse H. Ruiz

Partnership Taxation

A study of the principles of the taxation of partnerships (including entities classified as partnerships) and their partners, with an emphasis on the tax consequences of the formation, operation and dissolution of partnerships. Matters discussed include contributions to and distributions from partnerships, the treatment of leverage, allocations of partnership income and loss to the partners, capital accounts, disguised sales, transfers of partnership interests, liquidations, taxation of service partners, mixing bowls, anti-abuse rules and other aspects of partnership taxation.

This class has a final exam. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Pre-requisite: Introductory Income Tax

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Maher Haddad
  • Spring 2021: Richard M. Lipton and Maher Haddad
  • Spring 2020: Richard M. Lipton and Maher Haddad
  • Spring 2019: Richard M. Lipton

Patent Litigation

This course is a hands-on introduction to patent litigation. Using a hypothetical case, students will explore the practical application of key patent law and litigation concepts. Students will follow the litigation over the course of the term as counsel for plaintiff or defendant. Students will be asked to produce written work (e.g., pleadings, motion papers, deposition outlines, etc.) and to orally argue motions. Potential topics include motions to dismiss or transfer, discovery disputes, claim construction, expert discovery, summary judgment, and appeals. In addition to oral argument, class will discuss practical and legal topics pertaining to patent litigation, typically to assist in preparation of the next week's assignment.

Students will be evaluated based on a series of papers, which will require substantial outside research and analysis, as well as in-class performance arguing in support of or in opposition to various motions. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Steven Cherny, and Patrick Curran
  • Spring 2022: Lawrence Wood
  • Winter 2022: Lawrence Wood
  • Spring 2021: Lawrence Wood

Poverty and Housing Law Clinic

This clinic is a multi-quarter clinic spanning over winter and spring quarters. In his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, Matthew Desmond concludes that evictions are not a symptom of poverty. They are a direct cause. In the Poverty and Housing Law Clinic, you will learn how to defend low-income tenants (many of whom have disabilities or young children, or are victims of domestic violence) against unwarranted evictions. Many of these tenants live within just a few miles of The Law School. You will attend weekly lectures about subsidized housing programs, eviction actions, trial practice, housing discrimination, the intersection between domestic violence and housing, and the extensive and often misunderstood connection between criminal law and subsidized housing. Most important, you will work twelve hours a week in the Housing Practice Group at Legal Aid Chicago, the Midwest's largest provider of free civil legal services to the poor. Every year more than 30,000 people call Legal Aid Chicago seeking our assistance. And every year the Housing Practice Group represents hundreds of tenants facing eviction from the only housing they can afford. We also help clients preserve their tenant-based rental assistance, gain admission to subsidized housing developments, force landlords to make necessary repairs, and challenge illegal discrimination.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Dennericka Brooks
  • Winter 2023: Dennericka Brooks
  • Spring 2022: Lawrence Wood
  • Winter 2022: Lawrence Wood
  • Spring 2021: Lawrence Wood

Presence: Performance Skills for Lawyers

This seminar examines the performance, improvisation, storytelling, and engagement skills necessary to help you excel as an attorney and beyond. Through a series of interactive group exercises and games, performance theory discussions, and individual assignments, we will explore how to tap into your unique, authentic voice to positively engage others and better represent your clients. By the end of this course, you should be able to speak and move with more freedom and presence, listen fully and authentically, and joyfully connect with audiences of all sizes and backgrounds. No prior performance or public speaking experience necessary; just bring your full attention, sense of curiosity and play, and commitment to developing your communication skills.

This is a performance skills course, so in-class participation, discussion, and presentations will be the basis for evaluation. There may also be short written assignments, but the bulk of grading will be based on in-class performance.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Paul S. Marchegiani
  • Autumn 2021: Paul S. Marchegiani
  • Autumn 2020: Paul S. Marchegiani

Pretrial Litigation: Strategy and Advocacy

This seminar will focus on litigation skills and strategies that are instrumental in the day-to-day life of any litigator. Indeed, a lawyer will use many of the same strategies and skills in both the pretrial and trial phases of litigation. Students will learn how to evaluate and develop fact and legal theories; develop themes; take and defend fact and expert witness depositions; draft pretrial motions; and use various tactics to prepare a case for trial. The seminar will use a variety of learning methodologies, including lectures and mock exercises. The student's grade will based on performance in mock exercises and a series of research papers (6000-7500 words). In addition to the Monday class sessions, each student must sign up for an additional 90-minute session in early February to participate in one of the class's mock deposition exercises. The lecturer consults with the students when scheduling these sessions.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Barry Fields
  • Winter 2022: Barry Fields
  • Winter 2021: Barry Fields
  • Winter 2020: Barry Fields
  • Winter 2019: Barry Fields

Private Equity Transactions: Issues and Documentation

This seminar will examine from a practical perspective the issues and documentation arising in a typical private equity acquisition transaction. The seminar will follow this type of transaction through its various stages and provide students in-depth and practical experience with common deal issues and drafting contractual provisions to address those issues. The goal of the seminar is to help prepare students for the practical aspects of being a deal lawyer. Coursework will include reading acquisition contracts, cases and legal commentators and weekly written assignments (contract drafting and issue analysis). Grades will be based on class participation and a series of reaction papers. Business Organizations and Contracts are prerequisites. Students seeking a waiver to prerequisites based on experience or other factors must email the instructors. A waiver will allow you to place a bid, but does not guarantee you a seat.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Mark A. Fennell and Stephen L. Ritchie
  • Winter 2022: Mark A. Fennell and Stephen L. Ritchie
  • Winter 2021: Mark A. Fennell and Stephen L. Ritchie
  • Winter 2020: Mark A. Fennell and Stephen L. Ritchie
  • Winter 2019: Mark A. Fennell and Stephen L. Ritchie
  • Winter 2018: Mark A. Fennell and Stephen L. Ritchie

Professional Responsibility and the Legal Profession

This course provides a systematic treatment of the law of professional responsibility. The central goal is to understand how the rules of professional conduct guide lawyer conduct and shape the legal profession. Toward that end, we will begin by examining the lawyer's key duties to clients in different contexts, paying attention to differences based on what lawyers do (advocacy, advising, negotiating), where they work (law firms, corporate legal departments, government legal offices, public interest organizations, legal services groups), and what types of clients they represent (individuals, classes, organizations). Drawing upon case materials and problems, our emphasis will be on how lawyers define and resolve ethical problems while promoting their public duties in the real world of practice. We will pay special attention to the two foundational rules of professional responsibility (client confidentiality and conflicts of interests) and will consider how market changes and demographic shifts impact the lawyer's role. Overall, the course is designed to help you think critically about the challenges you will face in the profession you are about to enter and how you can best meet them in the pursuit of your professional goals. This class has a final exam.

Students who have already fulfilled the Professional Responsibility requirement may not take this class.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Anna-Maria Marshall
  • Autumn 2021: Anna-Maria Marshall
  • Autumn 2020: Anna-Maria Marshall
  • Autumn 2019: Anna-Maria Marshall
  • Autumn 2018: Anna-Maria Marshall
  • Autumn 2017: Anna-Maria Marshall

Professional Responsibility: Representing Business Organizations

This seminar concerns the rules governing the legal profession and practical applications of the rules, with a focus on representing business organizations. Materials will include the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, a coursebook, and supplemental materials (e.g., articles, cases, ethics opinions). Grades will be based on a final exam and a class participation component. This seminar will fulfill the professional responsibility requirement. This class has a final exam. Participation may be considered in final grading.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: John C Koski, Daniel Feeney and Brant Weidner
  • Spring 2023: Thomas Kuhns, Kristen Hazel, John C Koski, Dawn Canty and Kerry Miller
  • Winter 2022: Daniel Feeney, Brant Weidner, and John C. Koski
  • Winter 2021: Daniel Feeney, John C. Koski, and Brant Weidner
  • Winter 2020: Daniel Feeney, John C. Koski, and Brant Weidner
  • Winter 2019: Daniel Feeney

Prosecution and Defense Clinic

The Prosecution and Defense Clinic is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the criminal justice system through: (1) a 2-quarter seminar taught by a former Assistant United States Attorney and a career criminal defense attorney; and, (2) a clinical placement in either a prosecutor's office or public defender's office. The goal of the course is to familiarize students with the legal procedures and issues which arise in a typical criminal case as well as ethical and other social justice issues (such as race and poverty) routinely considered by all criminal justice attorneys and courts. The clinic will provide students with a unique combination of substantive criminal law and procedure, ethics, trial practice (through participation in courtroom exercises built around federal criminal cases), and hands-on experience through a clinical placement.

Each student in the clinic is responsible for securing a field placement and participating in a pre-screened placement program with a federal or state prosecutor or defender office for the winter and spring quarters (January through May). Field placements will be formally supervised by coordinators within each program's office, and the faculty instructors will monitor the student's substantive work and performance in conjunction with the field placements. Students must comply with the placement's requirements regarding hours and assignments, which will be considered part of the course grade. In the placements, students may be expected to research substantive criminal law issues, draft affirmative and responsive pleadings and memos, interview witnesses and clients, assist lawyers with court hearings and where permitted (and with an appropriate 711 license), appear in court under the supervision of practicing attorneys.

Students receive up to 7 credits for the course.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: Lisa M. Noller, and Molly Armour
  • Spring 2023: Lisa M. Noller, and Molly Armour
  • Winter 2022: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Spring 2020: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Winter 2020: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Spring 2018: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour
  • Winter 2018: Lisa M. Noller and Molly Armour

Restructuring in Bankruptcy: Strategy and Tactics

This experiential seminar focuses on strategy and tactics in restructuring financially stressed and distressed companies. We will use a case study to illustrate the dynamics of advising boards of directors regarding fiduciary duties, stakeholder negotiations, and complex legal issues facing troubled companies. The seminar alternates between a interactive learning session and an experiential session where students prepare and present to a mock board of directors or management of a financially distressed company. Grades will be based 75% on the in-class presentations, 10% on class participation, and 15% on a 10-15 page client memorandum.

Prerequisite: Bankruptcy (recommended but not required). Students who have taken LAWS 53492 Advanced Restructuring Practice: Legal and Financial Strategies, may not take this class.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Chad J. Husnick
  • Spring 2021: Chad J. Husnick
  • Winter 2019: Chad J. Husnick

Strategic Considerations in Securities and Corporate Governance Litigation

This seminar will introduce students to the most important strategic considerations that lawyers encounter in today's highly sophisticated financial services litigation. The litigators (and corporate lawyers) who concentrate in this area must function in an environment where the stakes are high, leverage is critical, and "victory" is defined by the client, not the court. Accordingly, this seminar examines the critical questions faced in virtually every financial services litigation matter including: (1) which is the most favorable venue for this litigation, including consideration of how legal principles vary jurisdiction by jurisdiction; (2) how does Directors and Officers Liability insurance impact the litigation, itself; (3) strategic considerations relating to the composition of the board and use of special litigation committees; (4) how dispositive motions can be used to, at a minimum, best frame and limit the litigation; (5) how derivative and class certification mechanisms can be used to narrow or defeat claims; (6) how to use the timing and positioning of mediation to produce a favorable result for the client; (7) who of your pool of potential experts should be identified, on what topics, and when to maximize chances of success; and (8) what is jury research and what role does it play in making thematic and settlement decisions. To further the student experience, we will supplement our sessions by bringing some of the nation's top practioners in fields like jury research, D&O insurance, mediation and/or damage analysis to share their years of expertise drawn from real world situations. Grading will be based on class participation and two relatively short papers (under 10 pages) which will focus on discrete topics covered in class and in the reading assignments. Each paper will count for approximately 30% of your grade, and the remaining 40% will be based on class participation.

Previously:

  • Spring 2022: Steven B. Feirson and Joni S. Jacobsen
  • Spring 2021: Steven B. Feirson and Joni S. Jacobsen
  • Spring 2020: Steven B. Feirson and Joni S. Jacobsen
  • Spring 2019: Steven B. Feirson and Joni S. Jacobsen
  • Spring 2018: Steven B. Feirson and Joni S. Jacobsen

Strategies and Processes of Negotiation

Increasingly negotiation is part of the day-to-day life of managers. The aim of this class is to make students more effective negotiators. Students should leave the class with (1) a structured approach for preparing for and thinking about negotiations; and (2) a refined set of skills for carrying out negotiations. A central part of the class is an extensive set of negotiation simulations. These simulations take students through a variety of negotiations: single and multiple issue; two-negotiator and multiple-negotiator (coalitional); and internal (within organization) and external. In addition, the class includes a number of cases. Lectures, readings, and structured analytical exercises supplement the simulations and cases. Student evaluation is based on: class participation; 3 reflection reports; problem sets; prep notes; final paper.

Previously:

  • Winter 2023: George Wu
  • Winter 2021: George Wu
  • Winter 2020: George Wu
  • Winter 2019: George Wu
  • Winter 2018: George Wu

Structuring Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Entrepreneurial Transactions

Course covers tax, legal, & economic principles applicable to series of interesting, complex, current entrepreneurial transactions, utilizing venture capital (VC) or private equity (PE) financing, including (1) new business start-up, (2) growth-equity investment in existing business enterprise, (3) leveraged buyout of private or public company (including going-private transaction), (4) use of both double-tax C corp and flow-through single-tax S corp, partnership, or LLC for variety of VC or PE financed transactions, (5) devising equity-based exec comp program, (6) PE financed restructuring or workout (in or out of bankruptcy) for troubled over-leveraged enterprise and utilizing troubled corp's NOL post-restructuring, (7) exit scenarios for successful VC or PE financed enterprise (such as IPO, series of SEC rule 144 stock sales, sale of company, or merger of company into larger enterprise), & (8) forming VC, PE, or LBO fund.

Substantive subjects include federal income tax, federal securities regulation, state corp, partnership, & LLC law, federal bankruptcy law, fraudulent conveyance law, & other legal doctrines, as well as accounting rules (for exec comp and acquisition accounting) & practical structuring issues (including use of common & preferred stock, subordinated or mezzanine debt, convertible debt & preferred stock, warrants, options, & substantial-risk-of-forfeiture stock), all reviewed in transactional context, with discussion of policy underpinnings & likely future evolution.

No specific prerequisites, but introductory income tax strongly recommended, entity taxation desirable, & knowledge of corp law, securities regulation, bankruptcy, & accounting helpful. However, course book & course book appendix contain sufficient discussion & supplemental material so student can (with careful reading) adequately comprehend these topics. Grade based on final examination. Instructor consent not required.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Lisa Madigan and Michael Scodro
  • Spring 2022: Stephen Ritchie and Mike Carew
  • Spring 2021: Stephen Ritchie and Mike Carew
  • Spring 2020: Jack Levin and Donald Rocap
  • Spring 2019: Jack Levin and Donald Rocap
  • Spring 2018: Jack Levin and Donald Rocap

The Role and Practice of the State Attorney General

All 50 States and the District of Columbia have an Attorney General, each of whom enjoys broad discretion over a range of legal issues. This seminar will address the institutional role of these officials, including their status within their respective state systems and their relationship to the federal government. The course will also address a host of critical and often controversial areas-including civil rights, criminal justice, consumer fraud, and environmental regulation-where state Attorneys General have come to play a leading role on the local and national stage. Students will be graded based on class participation and a final paper (6000-7500 words).

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Lisa Madigan and Michael Scodro
  • Spring 2022: Lisa Madigan and Michael Scodro
  • Spring 2021: Lisa Madigan and Michael Scodro
  • Spring 2020: Michael Scodro and Lisa Madigan

Trial Advocacy

This class will focus on the trial phases of civil litigation. Simulated trial problems designed to promote knowledge of the litigation process and to afford individual experience in selected phases of trial practice will be employed to familiarize students with pragmatic tactical issues and solutions. Written trial materials will be used and instruction will by lecture, demonstration, and exercise (including a mini-trial). Students who have taken the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop (LAWS 67503) may not take Trial Advocacy (LAWS 67603). An understanding of the Federal Rules of Evidence is preferred but not a prerequisite.Recommended prerequisite: Evidence (not required). Final grades will be based on class participation, performance during courtroom exercises and the mini-trial, and one or more written assignments. If students wish to earn 3 credits, they will also be required to submit a 4500 word researched trial brief in connection with the final trial.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Jay Cohen
  • Spring 2022: Jay Cohen
  • Spring 2021: Erica Zunkel, Jorge Alonso, Craig Futterman, Herschella Conyers, and Judith P. Miller
  • Spring 2019: Jay Cohen
  • Spring 2018: Jay Cohen

U.S. Supreme Court: Theory and Practice

This seminar will provide an in-depth look at the U.S. Supreme Court, with particular emphasis on the skills required to practice successfully in that forum. Students will not only discuss the Court as an institution, but they will also hone skills needed to navigate the certiorari process and to brief and argue before the Court. In addition to class participation, students will be graded on a legal brief (6000-7500 words) and a moot court presentation.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Sarah M. Konsky and Michael Scodro
  • Autumn 2021: Sarah M. Konsky and Michael Scodro
  • Autumn 2020: Sarah M. Konsky and Michael Scodro
  • Autumn 2019: Sarah M. Konsky and Michael Scodro
  • Autumn 2018: Sarah M. Konsky and Michael Scodro
  • Autumn 2017: Sarah M. Konsky and Michael Scodro

Workshop: Legal Scholarship

This workshop is designed for students (including JSDs and LLMs) who are considering an academic career as well as those who want to improve their public speaking and written expression skills. It may be taken for a full year as a course (every other week in W and S) or only in the fall quarter as a seminar. In the fall young scholars from around the world present works in progress and students write reaction papers and question them as the faculty does in other workshops. As we discuss what does and does not work in these papers and presentations, students will get a clear sense of the types of topics that lead to good papers by young scholars, how good scholarship is structured, and how to give an engaging and clear presentation. In the Winter and Spring students write an original piece of legal scholarship or revise a previously written paper for publication. The goal of the workshop is to create a learning community that will provide students with the type of scholarly atmosphere the faculty here enjoys. Students enrolled for the year will be expected to conduct themselves as they would if they were junior faculty members at a top law school, reading and commenting on the work of their peers. Optional lunches to discuss writing will be held throughout the year in the same format as the Faculty Round Table.

The FALL ONLY version is graded on the basis of short reactions papers and class participation, the full year version grade depends on the written paper (6000-7500 words) and its presentation as well. The full year version may fulfill the WP or the SRP.

Previously:

  • Spring 2023: Lisa Bernstein
  • Winter 2023: Lisa Bernstein
  • Autumn 2022: Lisa Bernstein
  • Spring 2022: Lisa Bernstein
  • Winter 2022: Lisa Bernstein
  • Autumn 2021: Lisa Bernstein
  • Spring 2021: Lisa Bernstein
  • Winter 2021: Lisa Bernstein
  • Autumn 2020: Lisa Bernstein
  • Spring 2020: Lisa Bernstein
  • Winter 2020: Lisa Bernstein
  • Autumn 2019: Lisa Bernstein
  • Spring 2019: Lisa Bernstein
  • Winter 2019: Lisa Bernstein
  • Autumn 2018: Lisa Bernstein
  • Spring 2018: Lisa Bernstein
  • Winter 2018: Lisa Bernstein
  • Autumn 2017: Lisa Bernstein

Writing and Research in the U.S. Legal System

In this seminar, international LLM students learn research and writing skills essential to the practice of U.S. 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 course. Regular class attendance is mandatory. Students must complete all assignments before the take-home examination, which determines the student's grade. This class is open only to LLM students and satisfies the legal research and writing prerequisite for the New York Bar exam. This class has a final exam.

Previously:

  • Autumn 2022: Elizabeth Duquette and Ariel A. Erbacher
  • Autumn 2021: Elizabeth Duquette and Ariel A. Erbacher
  • Autumn 2020, Elizabeth Duquette and Ariel A. Erbacher
  • Winter 2020, Elizabeth Duquette and Scott Vanderlin
  • Autumn 2019, Elizabeth Duquette and Margaret Schilt
  • Winter 2019, Elizabeth Duquette and Margaret Schilt
  • Autumn 2018, Elizabeth Duquette and Margaret Schilt
  • Winter 2018, Elizabeth Duquette and Margaret Schilt
  • Autumn 2017, Elizabeth Duquette and Margaret Schilt