Course Descriptions

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Summer 2015 Class Descriptions: Clinics and Externships

Agency Externships (LWVL590)

Instructor(s): John Sansone

1-3 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD)

The Agency Externship Program consists of a work component and a class component. It allows students to earn academic credit for working in a law related externship position during the summer academic term. Students work a minimum of 60 hours per unit of credit and may receive 1-3 credits. For the work component, students work with a government agency or a nonprofit organization under the supervision of an attorney. The externship employer must be in the civil or criminal law field anywhere in the world outside Southern California. Last year, students worked as externs for various organizations including a U.N. agency in Egypt, U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., U.S. Army JAG and National Geographic magazine. Students are not permitted to work in a firm. Students are required to prepare weekly summaries of their work, participate in an on-line class, and complete a writing assignment. If you have been accepted into an externship placement and want to apply for this course, fill out the Externship application. The externship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis.

For questions about finding a field placement or eligibility, contact the Office of Career and Professional Development at 619-260-4529 or email lawcareers@sandiego.edu. For academic related questions, contact Professor Margaret Dalton, Faculty Director, Clinical and Placement Education at 619-260-7664 or mdalton@sandiego.edu.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the concentration web pages for more information. Contact Law Student Affairs to find out if your Agency Internship qualifies for a concentration.
Additional Information: Concentrations Web Page, Email Law Student Affairs

Agency Internships (LWVL596)

Instructor(s): John Sansone

1-3 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD)

The Agency Internship Program consists of a work component and a class component. The Agency Internship Program allows students to earn academic credit for working in a law related internship position. Students work a minimum of 60 hours per unit of credit and may receive 1-3 credits. For the work component, students intern with a government agency or a nonprofit organization. During the summer, the employer can be either in the civil field or in the trial or appellate criminal field in Southern California. Students participate in primarily on-line class sessions involving small group discussions, prepare weekly summaries of their work and complete a writing assignment. If you have been accepted into an internship placement and want to apply for the internship course, fill out the Internship application. The internship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis.

For questions about finding a field placement or eligibility, contact the Office of Career and Professional Development at 619-260-4529 or email lawcareers@sandiego.edu. For academic related questions, contact Professor Margaret Dalton, Faculty Director, Clinical and Placement Education at 619-260-7664 or mdalton@sandiego.edu.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the concentration web pages for more information. Contact Law Student Affairs to find out if your Agency Internship qualifies for a concentration.
Additional Information: Concentrations Web Page, Email Law Student Affairs

Child Advocacy Clinic: Policy I & II (LWVL505)

Instructor(s): Robert Fellmeth

1-3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Public Interest Law (JD)

Students work with CAI professional staff on legislative and regulatory policy advocacy projects, impact litigation, public education projects, and/or policy research and analysis of current applications of law and regulations as they affect children. Policy Clinic students are also able to serve as Educational Representatives for at-risk youth and/or assist CAI’s Homeless Youth Outreach Project. Students must have completed or be enrolled in Child Rights and Remedies. Clinic slots are limited; students must obtain a permission slip from Professor Robert Fellmeth or Elisa Weichel before registering for the course.

Note: This clinic may be applied towards the three required clinic credits for the Children's Rights Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Children's Rights Concentration

Civil Clinic I (LWVL510)

Instructor(s): Allen Gruber

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure, Evidence, Trial Advocacy or Practicum

Students interview, counsel and represent clients at Superior Court or in administrative hearings in a wide variety of cases under the supervision of an attorney. Students draft pleadings and correspondence, as well as confer and negotiate with opposing counsel/parties. Weekly group meetings are combined with individual case conferences to provide intensive personal training in litigation techniques, problem solving and case management. Students also learn general civil litigation practice and procedures. Prerequisites: Civil Procedure, Evidence and either Practicum or Trial Advocacy. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the Civil Litigation Concentration web page for more information.
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration

Civil Clinic II (LWVL511)

Instructor(s): Allen Gruber

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure, Evidence, Trial Advocacy or Practicum

Clinic II interns refine their skills, working on complex cases and cases already begun as Clinic I interns. Students may mentor first time clinic participants, serve as lead attorney on cases, and have additional opportunities to appear in court or administrative proceedings. Supervising attorneys/adjunct professors provide individualized coaching, based on the Clinic II interns’ needs and interests. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinic I in the same clinic. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the Civil Litigation Concentration web page for more information.
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration

Corporate Counsel Internship (LWVL591)

Instructor(s): Beth Baier

1-3 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Intellectual Property (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG)

The Corporate Counsel Internship Program consists of a work component and a class component. The Corporate Counsel Internship Program allows students to receive academic credit for working in the legal department of a corporation, company or other business entity. Students may also work in other departments of a corporation as long as they are supervised by a licensed attorney. The goal of the Program is to provide students with the opportunity to observe first-hand the operations of a corporate legal department and to gain an understanding of the legal issues addressed by corporate counsel. The student must not receive monetary compensation or any outside funding for or related to the work and must be supervised by an on-site lawyer. Students can secure their own internship placements or meet with the Internship Director or Career Services for guidance. Placements qualify for the Program only if the organization requires that a student receive academic credit as a condition of the internship. Organizations willing to pay students or to have them work on a volunteer basis do not qualify for the Program. After a placement is found, students must complete an Application Form to have their placement approved for the Program. Employers who participate in the Program must commit to the requirements of the Program. Students work a minimum of 60 hours per unit of credit and may receive 1-3 credits. Students participate in primarily on-line class sessions involving small group discussions, prepare weekly summaries of their work and complete a writing assignment. If you have been accepted into an internship placement and want to apply for the internship course, fill out the Corporate Counsel application. The internship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis.

For questions about finding a field placement or eligibility, contact the Office of Career and Professional Development at 619-260-4529 or email lawcareers@sandiego.edu. For academic related questions, contact Professor Margaret Dalton, Faculty Director, Clinical and Placement Education at 619-260-7664 or mdalton@sandiego.edu.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the JD concentrations web pages for more information. Contact Law Student Affairs to find out if your work in this clinic qualifies for the concentration.
Additional Information: JD Concentrations Web Page, Email Law Student Affairs

Education & Disability Clinic I (LWVL550)

Instructor(s): Margaret (Mimi) Adams

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD)

Students receive practical training and experience in client intake, interviewing and counseling, file review and analysis, and legal representation in diverse forums. Some cases proceed to mediation and due process hearings, where students argue the case with support from the supervising attorney. Weekly group meetings are combined with individual case conferences to provide intensive personal training in case management. The classroom component also includes an overview of statutes and cases in this growing area of civil law. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. No prerequisites. Recommended: Special Education and the Law.

Note: This clinic may be applied towards the three required clinic credits for the Children's Rights Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Children's Rights Concentration

Education & Disablility Clinic II (LWVL551)

Instructor(s): Margaret (Mimi) Adams

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD)

Clinic II interns refine their skills, working on complex cases and cases already begun as Clinic I interns. Students may mentor first time clinic participants, serve as lead attorney on cases, and have additional opportunities to appear in court or administrative proceedings. Supervising attorneys/adjunct professors provide individualized coaching, based on the Clinic II interns’ needs and interests. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinic I in the same clinic. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. No prerequisites. Recommended: Special Education and the Law.

Entertainment, Sport & IP Externship (LWVL592)

Instructor(s): Beth Baier

1-3 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG)

The Entertainment, Sports and Intellectual Property Externship Program consists of a work component and a class component and allows students to earn academic credit for working in a law department of an entertainment or sports industry company, talent guild or trade association, or in the intellectual property law department of a company or trade association. Students work a minimum of 60 hours per unit of credit and may receive 1-3 credits. Students participate in primarily online class sessions involving small group discussions, prepare weekly summaries of their work and complete a writing assignment. If you have been accepted into an internship placement and want to apply for the internship course, fill out the ESIP application below. The Externship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis.

For questions about finding a field placement or eligibility, contact the Office of Career and Professional Development at 619-260-4529 or email lawcareers@sandiego.edu. For academic related questions, contact Professor Margaret Dalton, Faculty Director, Clinical and Placement Education at 619-260-7664 or mdalton@sandiego.edu.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the Intellectual Property Concentration web page for more information. Contact Law Student Affairs to find out if your work in this clinic qualifies for the concentration.
Additional Information: Intellectual Property Concentration

Entrepreneurship Clinic I (LWVL520)

Instructor(s): Sebastian Lucier

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills

Through hands-on opportunities, students in the Entrepreneurship Clinic provide pro bono legal services to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their small businesses. The Entrepreneurship Clinic does not engage in litigation-related services; instead, it focuses on advising clients on legal matters relating to starting their business and assisting in drafting and filing necessary documents. Such work includes: determining the appropriate choice of business entity, assistance in obtaining necessary permits and licenses, advising on employment and independent contractor issues, drafting and reviewing commercial contracts and leases, and assisting with the establishment of tax-exempt organizations. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. No prerequisites.

Entrepreneurship Clinic II (LWVL521)

Instructor(s): Sebastian Lucier

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills

Clinic II interns refine their skills, working on complex cases and cases already begun as Clinic I interns. Students may mentor first time clinic participants, serve as lead attorney on cases, and have additional opportunities to appear in court or administrative proceedings. Supervising attorneys/adjunct professors provide individualized coaching, based on the Clinic II interns’ needs and interests. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinic I in the same clinic.The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. No prerequisites.

Federal Tax Clinic (LWVL555)

Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

This is a hands-on clinical course for students who wish to develop tax controversy skills. Students working under the supervision of the Tax Clinic supervising attorney will represent low income taxpayers in resolving their tax disputes with the IRS. Students will learn client interviewing skills, how to interact with IRS personnel, and how to effectively resolve a client’s federal tax dispute. Students must also be available to participate in Tax Clinic Outreach presentations at various community locations and times. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. Prerequisite: Tax I.

Immigration Clinic I & II (LWVL530)

Instructor(s): Staff

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Public Interest Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI)

Students gain practical experience through interviewing, counseling, and representing clients with immigration-related problems. Students have the opportunity to assist clients with a range of immigration issues such as naturalization, lawful permanent residency, derivative citizenship, deferred action, and U-visa and VAWA for domestic violence and abuse victims. Students may attend U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews related to their client’s applications. Students may also attend and participate in community immigration outreach. Weekly meetings are held with the clinic supervisor and other interns to discuss immigration law, practical application and casework. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. No Prerequisites.

Judicial Internships (LWVL598)

Instructor(s): Monica Sullivan

1-4 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD)

The Judicial Internship Program allows students to receive academic credit for work in a judge's chambers in San Diego. Students must work 60 hours per unit of credit. In addition to the work component of the Program, students enrolled in the program will have regular contact with the Program's instructor, Professor Sullivan, who will meet with students individually, and review samples of the student's refelctive and written work from the internship. Students can secure their own internship position or can meet with Professor Martin for guidance in securing a placement. The internship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis. Permission of the supervising faculty member is required before a student may register for law school credit for a judicial internship. 

How to Register For A Judicial Internship For Credit

 

Note: Students must receive approval from Professor Martin to register for this program. There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the concentration web pages for more information.
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration, Criminal Litigation Concentration, Application

Small Claims Clinic I & II (LWVL545)

Instructor(s): Staff

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)

The Small Claims Clinic offers students the opportunity to develop interviewing and counseling skills as well as trial preparation skills in the Small Claims Court context. Students assist low-income families in preparing their cases for trial at Small Claims Court and can represent clients in the appeals process in Superior Court. Students must also be available to participate in outreach presentations at various community locations and times. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. No Prerequisites.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the Civil Litigation Concentration web page for more information.
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration

State Income Tax Clinic I & II (LWVL560)

Instructor(s): Staff

1-2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)

This Tax Appeals Assistance Program is a joint effort between USD Legal Clinics and the California State Board of Equalization. Under the supervision of an attorney from the California Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office, students will assist taxpayers with their state tax appeals. Students receive legal practice skills training, including interviewing clients, identifying evidence, drafting appeals briefs, and representing clients in negotiations with the State Board and at hearing. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. No prerequisites.

State Sales & Use Tax Clinic I & II (LWVL562)

Instructor(s): Michael Larkin

1-2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)

This State Sales & Use Tax Clinic is a joint effort between USD Legal Clinics and the California State Board of Equalization. Under the supervision of an attorney from the California Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office, students will assist taxpayers at the Petitions stage of proceedings instituted against them by the Franchise Tax Board. Students receive legal practice skills training, including gathering evidence, preparing legal briefs, participating in negotiation proceedings and oral argument at an administrative hearing. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. No prerequisites.

Veterans Clinic I & II (LWVL580)

Instructor(s): Robert Muth

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Public Interest Law (JD)

Students gain practical training and real world experience through representation of veteran clients and their families on a variety of legal issues. Matters include: representing clients who have disputes with predatory lenders and for-profit educational institutions over the use of GI Bill® funds and related loans; assisting veterans seeking to upgrade their characterization of discharge from the military; and representing veterans appealing disability claims with the Veterans Administration. Students provide advice, identify potential claims, and in some cases are able to advocate for clients in civil litigation, arbitration, or before governmental review boards. Weekly group meetings are combined with individual case conferences to provide intensive personal training in litigation techniques, legal strategy and case management. The classroom component also includes an overview of applicable law and procedure necessary to assist veterans in these matters. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.