Spring 2027 Class Descriptions
Water Law (LWEV511)
Instructor(s): Nilmini Silva-Send
2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)
California water law and policy is complex and fascinating. From water rights derived originally from English common law, various doctrines and practices have evolved - prior appropriation and limitations, prescriptive water rights, the reasonable use doctrine, the public trust doctrine, equitable apportionment and the doctrine of physical solution.
After an overview of water supply and the demand from growing urban users versus agricultural users, we will examine many of these doctrines in their application to surface and groundwater, review the role of the State Water Resources Control Board, and review points of intersection with federal water law and agencies. Finally, we will examine a few important legal conflicts related to California: the dam removal projects on the Klamath River, the legal issues surrounding the supply of water from the Colorado River, and the management of the Bay Delta. Grades for this course will be dependent on a final exam and in class participation.
Additional Information: Environmental & Energy Law Concentration (JD)
White Collar Crime (LWBC595)
Instructor(s): Erin Sheley
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Criminal Law (MSLS)
The course offers an overview of the most significant federal “white collar” crimes, with a pragmatic focus on how to investigate, prosecute and defend such cases. We place a heavy emphasis on interpreting and applying criminal statutes. In addition to the traditional Socratic methodology, we use real-world hypotheticals to help students gauge their understanding throughout the semester. The course is geared toward students interested in pursuing careers as prosecutors or criminal defense attorneys, as well as those who may represent corporate clients generally. The paper will count as 80% of the final grade; the remaining 20% will be based on class participation.
Additional Information: Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD), Criminal Litigation Concentration (JD)
Workers' Rights Clinic I (LWVL585)
Instructor(s): Maria Tapia-Hernandez
1-2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)
In cooperation with San Francisco’s Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center, the Workers’ Rights Clinic trains law students in practical skills in employment and labor law, while providing free legal advice to low-income workers in San Diego County. Class includes instruction in labor and employment law, followed by on-site client interviews and advice. Interns, along with the supervising attorney, analyze the client’s situation, identify legal issues and determine what remedies the client might pursue. Students then discuss the findings with the client, who has the option of returning for further advice. Students may also have an opportunity to represent clients in Unemployment Insurance hearings in administrative court. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.
Students interested in working in the clinics for either academic credit or as a volunteer must first fill out and submit the USD Legal Clinics Application for Law Students . Clinic staff will review your application and confirm enrollment.
Workers' Rights Clinic II (LWVL585)
Instructor(s): Maria Tapia-Hernandez
1-2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)
In cooperation with San Francisco’s Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center, the Workers’ Rights Clinic trains law students in practical skills in employment and labor law, while providing free legal advice to low-income workers in San Diego County. Class includes instruction in labor and employment law, followed by on-site client interviews and advice. Interns, along with the supervising attorney, analyze the client’s situation, identify legal issues and determine what remedies the client might pursue. Students then discuss the findings with the client, who has the option of returning for further advice. Students may also have an opportunity to represent clients in Unemployment Insurance hearings in administrative court. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis. The spring clinic is for continuing students.
Students interested in working in the clinics for either academic credit or as a volunteer must first fill out and submit the USD Legal Clinics Application for Law Students . Clinic staff will review your application and confirm enrollment.