Concentration in Civil Litigation Skills

The Concentration in Civil Litigation Skills allows students to demonstrate, in addition to basic knowledge of substantive legal doctrine, completion of coursework focusing on traditional litigation skills, and participation in a clinical experience while in law school. It is anticipated that students attending the full-time program will be able to complete the concentration requirements within the existing scheduling schema, including the registration priority system; and that students attending the part-time program who are able to take an occasional day/afternoon course and fullfill the clinical requirements will also be able to complete the concentration requirements.

Concentration Requirements

Course and Clinical Components

Students Must Complete the Following:

1. Substantive Courses

Evidence,
Conflict of Laws,
Remedies or Federal Courts

2. Skills and Experience-Based Courses

Moot Court I
Trial Advocacy I
Civil Practice
Clinical Experience (one of the three combinations below)
Civil Advocacy Clinic I and Civil Advocacy (Litigation Based)
Externship Clinic I and Lawyering Practice (Litigation Based)
Mediation Clinic and Applied Mediation Skills

3. Electives

Students must take at least two courses among the following electives for a total of at least 3 credit hours. Professor John Ammann, as the program adviser for this concentration, may approve other courses or seminars to comply with this requirement.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
Client Counseling
Jury Instructions
Moot Court II
Negotiations
Trial Advocacy II

Written Work Component

Civil Practice is a prerequisite for this Concentration and contains a significant writing component.

Capstone Course

The requirement that each student participate in a clinical offering shall be treated as the capstone course for the Concentration in Civil Litigation Skills. The clinical experience will integrate the students' coursework into actual legal work for individual or organizational clients.

Public Service Component

Students seeking this Concentration will be strongly encouraged to participate in pro bono legal service prior to graduation. Such pro bono work may be on behalf of a governmental agency, a non-profit organization, or indigent individuals. Professor John Ammann will advise students of available activities and placements.