Course Descriptions - School of Law - University of San Diego

Fall 2025 Class Descriptions

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Advanced Legal Writing (LWGC505)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential OR Writing
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

Advanced Legal Writing is a one-unit course specifically designed to help students strengthen their fundamental legal writing skills. The class will help students master the skills needed to be a good legal writer, including: (1) Selecting active and powerful word choices; (2) Constructing paragraphs; (3) Using proper grammar and punctuation; (4) Creating a strong micro and macro legal structure; (5) Developing thesis and conclusion sentences; (6) Issue spotting; (7) Extracting, formulating, and synthesizing rules of law; (8) Crafting explicit factual comparisons; and (9) Revising, editing, and perfecting their work product. The class requires no outside research.

Advocacy Competition Teams (LWAC500)

Instructor(s): Linda Lane

1 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential

The Advocacy Competition Teams represent a variety of competitive advocacy experiences in which students learn techniques for effective and persuasive advocacy as they prepare to compete in tournaments against teams within our own law school and from other law schools. Only students selected for membership in one of the Advocacy Competition Teams may register.

LWAC 500: Advocacy Competition Team - APP (Lisa Cannon)

LWAC 501: Advocacy Competition Team - CAT (Kathryn Hoyt)

LWAC 502: Advocacy Competition Team - MOC (Frankie DiGiacco)

LWAC 503: Advocacy Competition Team - TLT (Stephen Ferruolo)

LWAC 504: Advocacy Competition Team - VIS (David Brennan)

Agency Externship (LWVL596)

Instructor(s): Kimberly Gosling, Staff

1-6 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG)

The Agency Externship program gives students the opportunity to gain academic credit for work in an approved government agency or non-profit organization during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. (Note: this program applies only to government and nonprofit law office work; students who wish to receive academic credit for work at a private law firm should apply for the Law Firm Externship program.) All placements are subject to approval by the professor, and students must receive approval before enrolling in the course. Students may earn 1-6 units of credit for work performed between the start of classes and the last day of final exams; work performed outside this time period does not count towards academic credit requirements.

Students who previously enrolled in Agency Externship, Agency Externship I, or Agency Externship II may enroll in Agency Externship. Academic requirements include: mandatory orientation, time logs, reflection papers, and a satisfactory evaluation by the on-site supervisor. Academic requirements may be changed at the discretion of the professor. The externship is graded on a pass/fail basis.

If you have been offered and have accepted a qualifying position, agree to meet the course obligations, and want to register for the course, fill out the Field Placement Form here. After you submit the form, the Law Careers office will review it and send you an email with directions on how to enroll. If you have any questions, read the FAQs available at the link to the form. If the FAQs do not answer your questions, contact the Law Careers office at lawcareers@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 externship qualifies for the concentration

Additional Information: Handbook

Alternative Dispute Resolution (LWLP517)

Instructor(s): Scott Metzger

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)

Alternative Dispute Resolution: This course will offer students an opportunity to learn practice and procedure with respect to two increasingly prevalent alternative dispute resolution methods, arbitration and mediation. The majority of the course will focus on Federal and California state arbitration practice and procedure, including drafting arbitration agreements, enforcing them, arbitrators selection and ethics, arbitration practice itself, and enforcing and challenging arbitration awards. We will also cover mediation practice, including mediation methods, privileges and settlement enforcement procedures. The class will be graded on a HPLF scale. Grading will be based on class participation and no more than two written assignments.

Antitrust (LWBC503)

Instructor(s): David McGowan

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Intellectual Property (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS), Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG)

Antitrust law governs the way companies compete with each other. It aims to promote competition by prohibiting anticompetitive conduct. Antitrust is a foundational course for students interested in business law. This course studies the primary federal laws, the Sherman Act and Clayton Act, and teaches principles relevant to state antitrust law as well. The course covers economic concepts but is not a class in economics as such. This class will have a take-home final exam administered on TWEN.

Note: There are limitations on Intellectual Property (JD) concentration eligibility. Please check the Intellectual Property Concentration web page for more information.
Additional Information: Intellectual Property Concentration (JD)

Appellate Clinic I (LWVL501)

Instructor(s): Michael Devitt, David Schlesinger

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure, Evidence or concurrent enrollment, Professional Responsibility or concurrently, Crim Pro I or concurrent enrollment

The Appellate Clinic is a semester-long clinic opportunity in which teams of students will enjoy the hands-on experience of litigating from start to finish an appeal before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. During the fall semester, students will write an opening brief. Students who choose to continue take appellate clinic II in the spring semester students will write a reply brief and participate in oral argument. Additional periodic classroom sessions held throughout the academic year will focus upon appellate procedure and persuasive written and oral advocacy. From time to time, class sessions will feature guest speakers such as judges and local practicing attorneys. The Appellate Clinic is open only to third and fourth year law students; and students must have completed or take concurrently with the Appellate Clinic the following courses: Civil Procedure, Evidence, Professional Responsibility, and Criminal Procedure.

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

Appellate Clinic II (LWVL509)

Instructor(s): Michael Devitt, David Schlesinger

Bankruptcy (LWBC510)

Instructor(s): Mary Jo Wiggins

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

This course will provide an detailed examination of the liquidation and reorganization dynamics in both corporate and consumer cases under the Bankruptcy Code, and the effects of bankruptcy on non-bankruptcy debtor-creditor law, corporate workouts, and a variety of pre-bankruptcy transactions. The objective of this course is to give students a working knowledge of the Code and associated rules, cases and history; an understanding of the policies reflected in and relevant to bankruptcy law and non-bankruptcy debtor-creditor law; and an appreciation of the reality of modern bankruptcy practice. There are no course prerequisites. The course grade will be based on a traditional final exam and possibly a midterm.

Biotechnology Law (LWIP510)

Instructor(s): Stephen Ferruolo

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
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), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

As one of the fastest growing industries in California (and throughout the world), biotechnology offers increasing opportunities for attorneys who can serve the broad and complex legal needs of companies developing biotech products. Developing these products, especially drugs and biologics, involves significant risks, long lead times, and typically many rounds and types of financing, including funding development through collaborations and strategic partnerships. Global intellectual property protection is also essential; biotech patents can be excessively expansive and must be pursued strategically. Biotech companies face many critical and complex regulatory hurdles to comply with a broad array of U.S. and international rules, obtain marketing approval, and satisfy governmental reimbursement and pricing requiremens. We will be reviewing these issues, risks and challenges topically, looking at case studies of notable biotech companies (including Genentech and Theranos) and inviting leading industry executives and legal practitioners to share their insights.

In addition to reading the assigned materials and participating in class discussion, each student will be required to write a substantial final paper on an approved topic related to biotechnology and the law. There will also be one or two shorter written assignments based on the readings.

California Civil Discovery Practice (LWLP521)

Instructor(s): Timothy Taylor

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential OR Writing
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)

This course focuses on the primary written civil discovery procedures in California, a major component of pre-trial litigation and a significant part of the work typically delegated to new lawyers practicing in the civil litigation arena. Students will learn the critical statutes, rules and resources required to make initial disclosures, create a discovery plan, and deploy discovery devices including interrogatories (form and special), inspection demands, requests for admission, and requests for physical and mental exams. Objections to these discovery devices, responses to discovery requests, meet and confer requirements, discovery motions, protective orders and sanctions will also be covered (as will the use of discovery responses at trial). The form and format for deposition notices will be examined; students will argue a discovery motion and participate in simulation training in conducting a basic PMK deposition. Non-party discovery and preservation of testimony or evidence before filing an action is also addressed. The class follows an actual case from the perspective of both sides as well as the tribunal; students will work in teams and learn to assemble a trial book as discovery progresses. Students who complete this course will gain an understanding of the broad framework of California pre-trial discovery, effective and ineffective discovery devices, as well as some of the key differences between the state and federal discovery systems. This class does not cover E-discovery, as it is covered in the ESI Discovery Law course.

Note:

This class is limited to 20 students, and will be taught by San Diego Superior Court Judge Timothy B. Taylor.

California Criminal Litigation Skills (LWCR505)

Instructor(s): Richard Gates, Amy Maund

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Criminal Law, Legal Writing & Research

If you are considering a career as a prosecutor or criminal defense attorney, or plan to intern at a prosecution or criminal defense agency, this is the course for you. This course focuses on the knowledge and skills required to litigate criminal cases in the California trial courts. The class tracks a criminal case from arrest through sentencing, but not trial, providing students with an overview of the process. Students draft practice-related documents, participate in courtroom simulations, learn fact management and development, and participate in discussions on relevant topics.

Note:

This is not an exam course.

California Reg Law & Public Interest (LWPP570)

Instructor(s): Marcus Friedman

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)

California Regulatory Law and Public Interest (formerly known as Public Interest Law and Practice) is a Fall or Spring semester practicum course in which students learn the substantive law governing the operation and decisionmaking of California regulatory agencies, including constitutional and administrative law principles commonly a part of the Bar Exam. State regulatory agencies are a crucial area of legal practice as they control environmental and land use requirements, education, utilities, and almost all trades and professions (e.g. contractors, doctors, accountants, veterinarians, and attorneys). Public interest lawyers represent interests that are diffuse, unorganized, and generally underrepresented — such as consumers, the environment, children, and the future. This class focuses on the basics of regulations, agency requirements on rulemaking and adjudication proceedings under the California Administrative Procedure Act, the legislative process, constitutional limits on agencies, excessive or inadequate regulations, federal and state antitrust law, allies and strategies for creating systemic change, and the state budget process. Students are assigned California agencies to monitor outside of the classroom and provide an update to be published in the California Regulatory Law Reporter. Students will also provide agency updates throughout the semester via blog and social media posts. Students are encouraged to take the Regulatory Law Clinic or Public Interest Clinic after completion of the course.

Note:

This is a required course for the Public Interest Law Concentration (JD). There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the JD concentrations web page for more details about applicability to other concentrations.

Additional Information: Public Interest Concentration

California Regulatory Law Clinic I & II (LWVL502)

Instructor(s): Marcus Friedman

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Public Interest Law (JD)
Prerequisite(s): CA Regulatory Law and Public Interest

This Clinic, offered in both the Fall and the Spring semesters, is highly recommended for the Public Interest Law Concentration. This Clinic is associated with California Regulatory Law and the Public Interest, and offers students an experiential opportunity to complement the knowledge gained from that class. In the Clinic, each student is assigned to monitor one or more state agencies, and does so by attending agency meetings (or watching them online), analyzing regulatory proposals, monitoring legislation and litigation impacting the agency, and more. In addition to drafting periodic tweets and blogs about their agencies during the semester, at the end of the semester students write articles on their agencies for publication in the California Regulatory Law Reporter, which appears on Westlaw. This enables students to achieve, prior to graduation, publication in the major state administrative law publication. Students in this Clinic meet with Prof. Fellmeth and Consumer Protection Policy Center staff weekly to inform and guide their work.

Note:

California Regulatory Clinic II is LWVL512

Child Advocacy Clinic: Policy I & II (LWVL505)

Instructor(s): Jessica Heldman

1-3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD)
Prerequisite(s): Child Rights & Remedies

In this clinic, students work with Staff Attorneys at USD Law’s Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI) on legislative and regulatory policy advocacy projects, impact litigation, public education, and/or policy research and analysis of issues that affect children, with an emphasis on children in the foster care system. Students are supervised by Professor Jessica Heldman and projects can include working remotely with CAI’s National Policy Advocate in Washington DC, CAI’s California Policy Advocate in Sacramento, or with local San Diego staff. This clinic provides an exciting opportunity to experience how laws and regulations get developed, enacted, and enforced on behalf of an important and vulnerable group of individuals. To participate, students must have completed or be enrolled in Child Rights and Remedies. Clinic slots are limited; contact Professor Jessica Heldman if interested.

Note:

This clinic may be applied as the required clinic for the Children's Rights Concentration (JD).

Child Advocacy Clinic : Policy II is LWVL 506

Additional Information: Children's Rights JD Concentration

Child Advocacy Practicum: Dependency I & II (LWVL507)

Instructor(s): Jessica Heldman

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

Practicum students assist attorneys from Children’s Legal Services of San Diego (CLSSD) or Dependency Legal Services of San Diego (DLSSD) in the representation of abused and neglected children or their parents, respectively, in Dependency Court proceedings. Dependency Court is the division of Juvenile Court where all decisions are made as to the legal rights of children who are found to be abused or neglected. Dependency Practicum students are exposed to a wide variety of experiences, such as interviewing clients and witnesses; presenting evidence during bench trials; preparing briefs and memoranda; participating in Child and Family Team meetings, conducting field work with investigators; and making court appearances as necessary and appropriate. Dependency Practicum interns must work at least 16 hours per week with their supervising attorneys. In addition, practicum students meet as a group once weekly for a one-hour classroom component. Students must have completed or be enrolled in Evidence, Civil Procedure and Child Rights and Remedies. Practicum slots are limited; students must obtain a permission slip from Professor Jessica Heldman to register for the course.

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

Note:

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

Child Advocacy Clinic: Dependency II is LWVL 508

Additional Information: Children's Rights JD Concentration

Child Advocacy Practicum: Youth Justice I & II (LWVL503)

Instructor(s): Jessica Heldman

4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD)
Prerequisite(s): See course description

Practicum students work with the attorneys in the Juvenile Division of the Public Defender’s Office to represent youth in Juvenile Court proceedings to ensure their legal rights are protected and that they receive the appropriate educational, mental, physical, and other services they need if adjudicated delinquent. Practicum students interview clients, prepare and argue motions, and participate in San Diego’s specialized collaborative Behavioral Health Court program (BHC) for youth with mental health diagnoses who are on probation. Participation in BHC provides interns the opportunity to review comprehensive case files of youth to identify areas of need and then advocate on the youth’s behalf with regard to issues such as special education services, school placement, mental health assessments/services, and health care, in order to address underlying issues that might be contributing to the youth’s delinquency. Youth Justice Practicum interns must work at least 16 hours per week at the Public Defender’s Office. In addition, practicum students meet as a group once per week for a one-hour classroom component. Students must have completed or be enrolled in Evidence, Civil Procedure and Child Rights and Remedies. Practicum slots are limited; students must obtain a permission slip from Professor Jessica Heldman to register for the course.

Note:

This practicum may be applied as the required clinic for the Children's Rights Concentration (JD).

Please note this practicum has been renamed - it used to be named Child Advocacy Clinic: Youth Justice I & II

Child Advocacy Practicum: Youth Justice II is LWVL 504.

Additional Information: Children's Rights JD Concentration

Child Rights & Remedies (LWFC520)

Instructor(s): Jessica Heldman

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD)

This is a broad course covering the basic substantive and procedural law relevant to advocacy on behalf of children. The course is taught with a combination of lecture and Socratic dialogue. It surveys the following subject areas: the rights of children, criminal prosecution of children, child abuse and protection, child tort recovery, child rights to property and support, child-related political rights and liberties, and child entitlements (including public welfare, health, nutrition, care, education, and special populations). The course includes discussion of the alternative methods of child advocacy, class action practice, writs of mandamus, administrative practice, and local government advocacy.

Note: This is a required course for the Children's Rights Concentration (JD).

Civil Clinic I (LWVL510)

Instructor(s): Katherine Parker, Staff

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure
Recommended Class(es): Trial Advocacy

The Civil Clinic lays the foundation for your litigation career, providing you with the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in real cases pending before the San Diego Superior Court. Students take an active role under supervision of experienced attorneys to handle all facets of litigation including initial client interviews, providing counsel and advice, drafting complaints, discovery, law and motion practice, negotiating settlements, and in some cases even trial practice. Students certified by the State Bar will also have the opportunity to make court appearances and take or defend depositions. The cases tend to focus on vindicating individual consumer rights, consumer fraud matters, and ensuring clients are treated fairly in our judicial system by providing competent representations in just cases typically not taken by the private bar. Students meet weekly for in depth discussion of cases and instruction on the underlying substantive and procedural law. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

Civil Clinic II (LWVL511)

Instructor(s): Katherine Parker, Staff

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure, Evidence
Recommended Class(es): Trial Advocacy

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 student attorney on cases, and have additional opportunities to appear in court. 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.

Civil Procedure (LWAA510)

Instructor(s): Staff

4 credit(s), Letter Graded

Civil Procedure is the study of procedural rules governing civil actions in state and federal courts. The topics studied throughout the year include selection of the proper court and place for litigation, jurisdiction over the parties, joinder of parties and claims, contents of pleadings, discovery, pre-trial motions, conduct of trials, and conflicts between state and federal judicial systems.

Note:

Required for first-year students.

Climate Change Law & Policy (LWEV503)

Instructor(s): Nilmini Silva-Send

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)

This course explores significant law and policy issues related to climate change. Starting with the science and economics of climate change, we will examine legal approaches to the governance of climate change as a complex global, multigenerational system. While federal attempts to directly regulate greenhouse gases (GHGs) have not materialized, existing environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, and federal energy policy to regulate the electricity, natural gas, and the transportation sectors have led to overall GHG reductions. We will focus next on state regulation of climate change, specifically California’s climate change policy, law and implementation, and challenges related to federal policy and changes. The role of judicial review and litigation in forcing implementation or stronger regulatory action will be examined. The impacts of climate change law on energy affordability continues to be a hot topic which students will assess, including attendance of the annual EPIC Symposium 2025. As important as mitigating GHGs is how the law approaches the adaptation needs of climate change, such as land management practices and wildfire insurance, which students will examine as currently unfolding in California.

Note: Either this course or Energy Law & Policy must be taken as a required course for the Environmental & Energy Law Concentration (JD).

Community Property (LWFC554)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course covers the California community property law, the system for ownership and management of marital property by spouses. California law is the focus of the course, but the materials include comparison of the community property systems of other US states for parallel issues. The approach in the course is to examine both the policy and concepts of the community property system and the detailed rules and legislation applicable in California.

Consolidated Group Tax (LWTE534)

Instructor(s): Beth Wapner

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
Recommended Class(es): Corporate Tax

This two-credit course will cover basic tax consolidated return principles such as eligibility to file consolidated returns and administrative requirements; intercompany transactions; investment adjustments; acquisitions and dispositions of group members and losses. Advanced topics may include use of disregarded entities in the group and other limitations.

Note:

This course offers two sections, one of which is Distance Education Synchronous via Zoom.

Constitutional Law II (LWPP525)

Instructor(s): Laurence Claus

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Prerequisite(s): Constitutional Law I

This course is about the Bill of Rights – apart from its “criminal procedure” aspects – and especially about the Fourteenth Amendment and its guarantees of due process and equal protection. Topics may include the second amendment; disputes over economic liberty, sexual liberty, abortion, and assisted suicide; the right to bear arms; takings of private property; voting rights; race and sex discrimination and affirmative action. A final exam is required.

Constitutional Separation of Powers (LWPP576)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing

Americans rightfully view the Bill of Rights as the crown jewel of our Constitution. But less appreciated is how the structure of our Constitution also safeguards our rights. This course will examine how separation-of-powers, bicameralism, and federalism limit government overreach, encourage deliberate lawmaking, and ensure individual liberty. The topics will range from James Madison’s pathbreaking conception of separation-of-powers to the President’s appointment power to Congressional investigations. The class will also incorporate current events and modern developments in discussing these timeless principles. The final grade for the course will be based on a paper eligible for written work credit. This class is the equivalent to Separation of Powers: Securing Liberty that was taught in fall 2020.

Contemplative Practice of Law (LWGC514)

Instructor(s): Emily Nagisa Keehn

1 credit(s), P/F Graded

We have much work to do to support the well-being of lawyers. There is robust evidence showing that lawyers suffer at high rates from chronic stress, substance abuse, depression, and burnout. This seminar will introduce students to a variety of mindfulness and contemplative theories and practices with the objective of cultivating their long-term resiliency as professionals. Readings will examine issues through the lens of professional identity formation at the personal and interpersonal levels, including relationships with themselves, their clients, and their colleagues. This course will help students to grow in their self-knowledge, learn how to navigate psychologically difficult situations, and have greater care for themselves while striving to work more thoughtfully and effectively in the service of others.

Note:

This is a short course offered over seven weeks from 9/5/25 - 10/17/25.

Contract Drafting (LWGC563)

Instructor(s): Monica Sullivan, Frederick Heller

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential OR Writing
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

Transactional drafting is crucial to the legal profession. It refers to the process of creating documents to formalize agreements between parties. This course trains students to be able to use the process comfortably. You will learn to structure agreements, and express them in clear and concise language that will benefit clients and maximize the likelihood of favorable interpretation. The course emphasizes both cooperative and individual drafting work. Each week in class, you will focus on selected components of the drafting process, and prepare a document or exercise requiring you to practice what you learn. You will receive immediate feedback on that days drafting activity, and written comments on individual weekly homework assignments. Visits by attorneys who draft contracts in their practice will provide a view of how the legal profession depends on this skill. This class will use various types of contracts that touch on various areas of substantive law: contracts for the sale of goods, business or property (contract law, commercial transactions); residential and commercial leases (landlord-tenant and real estate law); settlement agreements (torts); employment, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements (employment law); retainer agreements (legal ethics); intellectual property rights (intellectual property); corporate acquisitions (corporations, securities law); entertainment contracts (entertainment law); vendor contracts (sports law). Grades are based on the scores on individual weekly assignments.

Note: This course may fulfill either the Experiential OR Upper Division Writing requirement. Students will be asked in class at the beginning of the semester to elect which requirement they would like this course to fulfill. The student's election is final.

Contract Drafting GRAD (LWGC562)

Instructor(s): Leslie Morsek

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

Transactional drafting is crucial to the legal profession. It refers to the process of creating documents to formalize agreements between parties. This course, which is offered only to students in the LLM. MSLS and Exchange programs, trains students to be able to use the process comfortably. You will learn to structure agreements, and express them in clear and concise language that will benefit clients and maximize the likelihood of favorable interpretation. The course emphasizes both cooperative and individual drafting work. Each week in class, you will focus on selected components of the drafting process, and prepare a document or exercise requiring you to practice what you learn. You will receive immediate feedback on that day’s drafting activity, and written comments on individual weekly homework assignments. Visits by attorneys who draft contracts in their practice will provide a view of how the legal profession depends on this skill. This class will use various types of contracts that touch on various areas of substantive law: contracts for the sale of goods, business or property (contract law, commercial transactions); residential and commercial leases (landlord-tenant and real estate law); settlement agreements (torts); employment, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements (employment law); retainer agreements (legal ethics); intellectual property rights (intellectual property); corporate acquisitions (corporations, securities law); entertainment contracts (entertainment law); vendors’ contracts (sports law). Grades are based on the scores on individual weekly assignments.

Note:

This course is for students in the LLM, MSLS, and Exchange programs only.

Corporate Counsel Externship I (LWVL591)

Instructor(s): Beth Baier

1-6 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
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 Externship Program consists of a work component and a class component and allows students to earn academic credit 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 an on-site licensed attorney. Students must work during the academic session for a minimum of 50 hours per unit of credit and may receive 1-6 credits. For purposes of corporate counsel externship work, the academic session is from the official start of classes to the last day of final exams. No academic credit may be earned for corporate counsel externship work outside this time period.

Academic requirements include: mandatory orientation, student journals submitted to the professor relating to the field placement work; discussion boards on legal practice topics; a four-six page reflective paper at the end of the semester, include a placement evaluation; an externship work product for professor review; and an on-site supervisor evaluation showing satisfactory completion of work experience. The Externship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis.

If you have been offered and have accepted a field placement, meet the eligibility requirements, agree to meet the course obligations and want to register for the Externship course, fill out the Field Placement Form. After you submit the form, the Office of Career and Professional Development will review it and send you an email with directions on how to enroll.

If you have any placements questions, read the FAQ's available at that link. If the FAQ's do not answer your field placement questions, contact the Office of Career and Professional Development at lawcareers@sandiego.edu.

Note:

Additional Information: JD Concentrations Web Page, Email Law Student Affairs

Corporate Counsel Externship II (LWVL589)

Instructor(s): Beth Baier

Externship II students refine their skills, with a longer opportunity to specialize their training in a specific area. Externship II is limited to students who have previously worked at a Corporate Counsel Externship placement. Please refer to Corporate Counsel Externship I description for additional requirements.

Corporate Innovation & Legal Policy (LWIP528)

Instructor(s): Orly Lobel

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
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), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

What are the optimal policy ingredients and business strategies for managing innovation? How can business leaders, inventors, lawyers, and policymakers benefit from the connections between corporate success, intellectual property, and human capital? The course will introduce foundations of intellectual property law and employment and organizational practices. We will examine corporate policies and disputes over the control of ideas, secrets, skill and intellectual property. In particular, we will analyze non-compete contracts, trade secrets and non-disclosures, information privacy, economic espionage, employee duties of loyalty, including prohibitions on customer and co-worker solicitation and raiding for competitive endeavors; and employer ownership over inventions and artistic work, including pre-invention patent assignment agreements and work-for-hire disputes. In the past few years, the black box of innovation has been pierced with a plethora of new interdisciplinary research and practice. At the same time, industry and policymakers in the United States, like other countries around the world, are debating the benefits of existing EIP laws. In the course, we will bring together these various developments to identify how companies can sustain their innovative capacities, commercialize science, and manage creativity, and to assess how differences in regulatory and contractual arrangements in the employment relationship can impact key aspects of innovation, such as the rate of patent filings, the level of network participation in intellectual and creative endeavors, individual motivation to innovate, organizational behavior, and talent mobility.

Corporate Tax (LWTE560)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

The course involves a study of the basic concepts of federal income taxation of C corporations and their shareholders, including organization of corporations; cash and stock dividends; redemptions of stock; partial and complete liquidations; sales of corporate businesses and reorganizations. Taxation of corporations is compared with taxation of partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations. The emphasis is on careful analysis of Code provisions, Treasury Regulations, other administrative materials and important judicial decisions in relation to problems that are frequently assigned in advance of class discussion.

Note:

This is a required course for the Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD).

This course offers two sections, one of which is Distance Education Asynchronous via modules on Canvas.

This course is taught by Professor David Bowen.

Corporate Technology Externship (LWVL570)

Instructor(s): Anthony Mauriello

This externship places students at local law firms and companies to provide legal assistance to technology companies in the areas of corporate formation and transactions, contracts, securities, employment, and related areas. Students will be supervised by attorneys at the local law firms and companies as well as the professors. Students begin work during the first week of the semester with companies and law firms, and meet one-on-one with the professor on a regular basis.

Only students registered for the fall semester will be admitted to the spring semester, so all students must apply for the fall semester. Non-graduating students who have not previously participated in the externship may apply for the Fall 2025 externship selection process. Applications are due Friday, May 2, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Please see the Fall 2025-26 application linked below for more information on the selection process.

Students who will be paid corporate law clerks at law firms or companies (including students who have previously participated in the program) in 2025-26 do not need to fill out the application but instead should contact the professor to determine whether they are eligible to register to receive academic credit.

An information session on the program will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at noon in WH 2B. Interested students should attend the session or watch the Zoom recording (see upcoming Sidebars for details).

Additional Information: Application

Corporations (LWBC545)

Instructor(s): Caley Petrucci, Ted Sichelman

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

This course examines the structure and the rights and obligations of directors, officers, and shareholders mainly under state corporations law. Other topics include partnerships and limited liability entities. The course covers, among other subjects, the characteristics of the corporation as distinct from other forms of business association, the special problems of the closely-held corporations (a corporation owned by a few persons), the fiduciary obligations of directors and controlling shareholders in closely-held and public corporations, procedures for decision making by directors and shareholders, shareholder voting rights, and certain federal securities law subjects, such as insider trading.

Note: This is a required course for the Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD) and for the LLM in Business & Corporate Law.

Corrections & Sentencing (LWCR510)

Instructor(s): Alex Landon

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

Covers objectives of sentencing, plea and sentence bargaining, sentencing advocacy, sentencing alternatives, prisoner conditions, prisoners' rights, jail and prison litigation, probation and parole revocation, and extraordinary writs relating to corrections. A research paper will be required.Successful completion of the paper will fulfill the law schools written work requirement.

Criminal Law (LWAA525)

Instructor(s): Staff

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (MSLS)

The purpose of criminal law, the development of the common law of crimes, the elements of the widely recognized criminal offenses, and the changes brought about by major statutes in connection with their effect on the present-day systems of criminal justice in the United States are explored in this course.

Note:

Required for first-year students.

Criminal Procedure I (LWCR520)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Criminal Law

This course is limited to pre-trial matters, as affected by the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth amendments. Coverage will include arrest, search and seizure, wiretap, lineups, interrogation, and the exclusionary rules.

Note: This is a required course for the Criminal Litigation Concentration (JD).

Death Penalty (LWCR530)

Instructor(s): John Cotsirilos

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

This course will involve a written exam at the end of the semester focused to evaluating the student's understanding of case law history and practical application of the California statutory scheme. The course will address the following legal issues: 1) History of the Death Penalty; 2) Present legal parameters for trial of a death penalty case; 3) The law and procedure relating to post-conviction death penalty litigation; 4) Systemic issues such as prosecutorial discretion and budgeting concerns; 5) Policy and ethical dilemmas concerning the Death Penalty, i.e., volunteers, race discrimination, and arbitrariness.

Education & Disability Clinic I (LWVL550)

Instructor(s): Margaret (Mimi) Adams

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
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.

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.

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 & Disability Clinic II (LWVL551)

Instructor(s): Margaret (Mimi) Adams

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD)
Recommended Class(es): Special Education and the Law

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: This clinic may be applied towards the three required clinic credits for the Children's Rights Concentration (JD). There are limitations on concentration eligibility. Please check the Health Law Concentration web page for more information.
Additional Information: Children's Rights Concentration, Health Law Concentration

Education Law Externship I & II (LWVL549)

Instructor(s): Margaret (Mimi) Adams

2-4 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Public Interest Law (JD)

The Education Law Externship Program provides students the opportunity to gain valuable practice experience with an education law firm or a non-profit project focusing on education issues. In most cases, students have already identified a position and accepted it, but that is not required for Education Law Externship I. Students may enroll in Education Law Externship I and II for 1 - 6 units of credit and must work during the academic session for a minimum of 50 hours per credit (100 hours for 2 credits, 150 hours for 3 credits, 200 hours for 4 credits, 250 hours for 5 credits, and 300 hours for 6 credits). For purposes of the Education Law Externship, the academic session is from the official start of classes to the last day of final exams. Any externship work outside this time period may be counted towards pro bono hours, but not academic credit.

Academic requirements include a mandatory orientation, student submission of hours worked on a bi-weekly or monthly basis; a 750-word reflective paper at the end of the semester; an externship work product for professor review, assuming confidentiality is not an issue; and on-site supervisor evaluation showing satisfactory completion of work experience. The externship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis.

If you have accepted a field placement, meet the eligibility requirements, agree to meet the course obligations above and want to register for the Education Law Externship course, fill out the application below (see link). After you submit the form, the faculty
supervisor will review it and send you an email with additional information. If you do not have a placement or have any placement questions, please contact Professor Mimi Adams at mimiadams@sandiego.edu.

Note:

Please fill out the Education Law Externship Application Form and send it to Professor Adams, who is the faculty supervisor for the Education Law Externship program.

Additional Information: Education Law Externship Application Form

Employment Law (LWPP537)

Instructor(s): Orly Lobel

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

This course offers students an overview of the important legal issues that are raised in the context of the employment relationship. We will discuss employment as a contractual agreement, including tort and statutory protections, such as wrongful discharge, wage and hour laws (FLSA), leave (e.g., FMLA), safety (OSHA and workers comp), unemployment insurance, discrimination (Title VII; ADA; ADEA), privacy and freedom of speech, and intellectual property issues such as R&D ownership, trade secrets and non-competition clauses. Throughout the course, student will be able to deepen their study of contract law, torts, and statutory and regulatory processes through the context of the law of the workplace.

Note: This is a required course for the Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD).

Energy Law & Policy (LWPP540)

Instructor(s): Carrie Downey

3 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)

In today's internet driven world, virtually every device, person, entity, and country requires some form of energy to survive. How, where, and who produces, sells, delivers, regulates, or taxes the energy you use is based on a mix of state, national and international laws, regulations, policies, and even treaties that practitioners must help their clients navigate while addressing various environmental, economic, and engineering challenges. Energy Law & Policy introduces students to the legal, regulatory, and environmental concepts relevant to the U.S. electricity and natural gas markets. The course will examine the connection between energy and climate change and the range of market-based solutions considered at the state, regional, and federal levels in the U.S. Our classes are like lunch meetings they are highly interactive sessions held in a conference room, meeting-style setting designed to encourage an open discussion of substantive energy, environmental, and climate policy and practice related issues among classmates, guest lecturers, and professors. Students also will gain hands-on experience drafting a short pleading for submission to a regulatory agency, a client memo, and making a substantive group presentation.

Either this course or Climate Change Law & Policy must be taken as a required course for the Environmental & Energy Law Concentration (JD).

Note:

All students should have completed or should be enrolled concurrently in a course on legal research and writing (or its equivalent) before/while taking this course. Alternatively, an MSLS or international exchange student may register for the course if the professor(s) receives and approves the student's writing sample.

Entrepreneurship Clinic I (LWVL520)

Instructor(s): Sebastian Lucier, Eric Austin, Liz Bui, Christopher William Turnbow

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

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, Eric Austin, Liz Bui, Christopher William Turnbow, Staff

1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

Clinic II interns refine their skills, working on complex cases and cases already begun as Clinic I interns.

Estate Planning Seminar (LWGC519)

Instructor(s): Adam Hirsch

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Corequisite(s): Trusts & Estates

The course covers topics in estate planning, including substantive planning strategies for beneficiaries with special needs, strategies for avoiding will contests, and basic tax planning. Students undertake will criticism exercises and are required to produce two drafts of a substantial research paper on a topic in the area of inheritance law, trust law, transfer taxation, or estate planning. Each student will present the first draft to the class for a substantive discussion and constructive analysis. The final draft is due at the end of the semester. Successful completion of this course satisfies the written-work requirement.

Evidence (LWLP529)

Instructor(s): Michael Devitt, Rebecca Talbott

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

The rules of evidence in judicial tribunals, focusing on the Federal Rules of Evidence and the California Evidence Code are addressed in this course. Also covered are issues relating to: (1) judicial control and administration - functions of judge and jury, judicial notice, burden of proof presumptions, problems of relevancy, circumstantial evidence, and unfair prejudice; and (2) witnesses - competency, privileges, principles of examination and cross-examination, impeachment and support, expert and lay opinion testimony. The hearsay rule and its exceptions, rules relating to writings, real and scientific evidence are also examined.

Note: This is a required course for the Civil Litigation (JD) and Criminal Litigation (JD) concentrations.

Experiential Advocacy Practicum I (LWAA575)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential

The Experiential Advocacy Practicum is a one-year, two credit course that has been designed to provide first-year students with an overview of two major areas of legal practice, litigation and transactional work. The practicum will incorporate learning-by-doing skills exercises that will simulate advocacy tasks that junior attorneys will be expected to perform in practice. Students will work, both in teams and as individuals, with a fictional case file, which will allow them to complete tasks within a realistic but simulated context. The practicum will supplement the first-year curriculum by giving a practical view of the theoretical concepts students are learning in other first-year doctrinal courses

Note:

Required for first-year students.

Family Law Seminar (LWFC543)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Public Interest Law (JD)

This Seminar will focus on student papers prepared by students and presented to the class. The course will begin with some basic material on Family Law and Community Property in preparation for student presentations, allowing students to take the Seminar even if they have not yet taken either course. Students should quickly identify their paper topic and prepare a draft suitable for the class by middle of the semester. Students may pursue any topic of interest to them that falls within the scope of the seminar, including (but not limited to) any aspect of: Community Property; Marital (or Non-Marital) Dissolution, Disputes, or Formation; Child Custody, Visitation, or Support; and proposed improvements to the law governing any of these topics.

Federal Estate & Gift Taxation (LWTE530)

Instructor(s): Miranda Perry Fleischer

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)

This survey course provides an introduction to the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, with attention to the treatment of various types of inter vivos and testamentary dispositions. Students who enroll in this course should already have taken Tax I (Federal Income Taxation).Trusts & Estates is recommended but not required.

Federal Tax Clinic I (LWVL555)

Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter, Staff

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
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.

Federal Tax Clinic II (LWVL556)

Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter, Staff

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

Federal Tax Procedure (LWTE535)

Instructor(s): Ronson Shamoun, Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)

In our Federal Tax Procedure class, we will review IRS tax audits, appeals, assessments, penalties, collections, and the many practical and ethical issues that arise when representing taxpayers in civil tax controversies.

Note:

This course offers two sections, one of which is Distance Education Asynchronous via modules on Canvas, taught by Professor Chandara Diep.

Finance & Accounting for Lawyers (LWBC555)

Instructor(s): Brian Brinig

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)

Much of the practice of law relates to financial issues. This two-credit course deals with understanding and analyzing financial statements, basic business valuation techniques and their importance in litigation matters, economic damages calculations (both personal injury and business damages), and concepts of present value. Understanding these financial concepts is critical to lawyers who encounter them daily in their practices. The course is designed for the student who does not have a sophisticated background in accounting or finance.

Fundamentals of Bar Exam Writing (LWGC520)

Instructor(s): Allison Simkin

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded

Fundamentals of Bar Exam Writing (FBEW) addresses two components of the bar exam: the performance test and the essays. This course develops your bar writing skills and provides you with strategies and approaches to improve bar exam essay and performance test writing. You will be reintroduced to bar exam components and topics learned previously in other classes and focus on the structure and details of bar essay and performance test writing. You will cultivate techniques to analyze and solve bar essays and performance tests and communicate legal analysis in writing. You will practice under timed test-like conditions, among other in-class activities devoted to developing your writing and self-analysis skills. You will receive specific grading and feedback on your written work throughout. The course includes learning how to conduct self evaluation of your own work.

Health Law & Bioethics (LWGC534)

Instructor(s): Dov Fox

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Health Law (JD)

This paper-writing class will explore a range of questions for medical ethics and the legal system: from public health and patient autonomy to medical conscience and experimental treatments. Students will obtain and apply knowledge of the course subject through legal analysis and research, as well as written and oral communication. No background in science or medicine is necessary.

Note: This course may be applied as part of the nine required credits for the Health Law Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Health Law Concentration

Health Law & Policy (LWGC523)

Instructor(s): Richard Barton

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Health Law (JD)

Health Law and Policy is a 3-unit course designed to introduce students to basic principles of health care law. The class will discuss legal principles surrounding the professional-patient relationship; informed consent; liability of health care professionals; liability of health care institutions; quality control regulation of physicians and health care institutions; access to health care; the privacy rights of patients and the ability of government to regulate patient health care choices. The goals of the course are for students to understand the role of the legal system in health policy and health care delivery; the application of basic tort, contract and corporate law principles in the health care environment; and to gain a practical understanding of the interaction between the health system and the legal system. The course will be taught in a seminar approach. Required Course material is The Law of American Healthcare (3rd ed) by Huberfeld et al (Aspen Publishing). The grade will be based on a research paper (that meets the USD Law scholarly writing requirement), your attendance, class participation, and professionalism.

Note: This is a required course for the Health Law Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Health Law Concentration

Housing Rights Clinic I & II (LWVL500)

Instructor(s): Alysson Snow

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

The Housing Rights Clinic provides students with opportunities to represent clients facing housing instability, including homelessness, eviction, foreclosure, and threats to housing like uninhabitability and harassment. Students will get hands-on experience interviewing clients, drafting pleadings, propounding and responding to discovery, motion practice, negotiation, and trial experience. Students will also have the opportunity to conduct outreach and education and help tenants organize and pursue their housing rights. The class will meet once a week as a group to learn about housing law and advocacy and to discuss case management and strategize on negotiation, litigation, and trial. The class meets a second time each week during set office hours to receive one-on-one training from the professor and litigation team on their caseload.

Note:

Housing Rights Clinic II is LWVL 528.

Immigration Clinic I (LWVL530)

Instructor(s): Tammy Lin, Staff

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), 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.

Immigration Clinic II (LWVL531)

Instructor(s): Tammy Lin, Staff

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

In-House Corporate Counseling (LWBC567)

Instructor(s): Saerin Cho

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)
Recommended Class(es): Corporations

This course offers a comprehensive exposure to the dynamic and multifaceted role played by in-house attorneys as they represent for-profit business entities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Throughout the course, the students will build skills and confidence necessary to be a successful in-house counsel. Course topics include demystifying the role of in-house counsel, corporate governance, contracts, labor and employment law, data protection and privacy law, legal operations, working with outside counsel, serving as a strategic business partner with a law degree, and performing the duties of an in-house counsel with confidence, effectiveness, and compassion necessary in this increasingly remote and globally connected world. Students will learn from a practicing general counsel of a global organization and also hear from guest speakers who work in-house at entities in San Diego and across the globe.

Intellectual Property Survey (LWIP550)

Instructor(s): Shawn Miller

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

This course provides a broad overview of intellectual property law. After discussing the policies underlying the protection of intellectual property rights, we will cover trade secret, patent, copyright, and trademark law, and related doctrines such as the right of publicity. These topics will be examined with a focus on new technologies, but a science or technical background is not required. This course provides a foundation for advanced intellectual property courses and is also appropriate for students who seek only a general understanding of intellectual property law.

International Arbitration (LWIC530)

Instructor(s): David Brennan

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), International Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)

The course covers all aspects of international arbitration from the drafting of arbitration agreements through initiating and conducting the arbitration proceedings to obtain a binding and enforceable award. The class allows students' participation for a sequence of written submissions and oral engagements for the arbitration proceeding. Students will work in teams to give oral presentations and arguments on arbitration issues during various the stages of a mock arbitration proceeding. A fictional fact-pattern problem that forms the basis for those presentations will focus in part on an international commercial transaction between a foreign and a U.S. company.

The course’s objectives are to provide you with an understanding of the international arbitration laws, rules, practices, and procedural requirements. Another objective is to develop your confidence to manage an international dispute for a client leading up to and including an arbitration case for your client to obtain a favorable outcome and award. We will learn about the UNCITRAL Model Law and the ICC Rules for the arbitration procedure and the CISG Articles for the substance. We will focus on the ICC arbitration rules for our mock problem.

The course will also address the modern trends of international arbitration which include the post-Covid allowance for on-line proceedings, the inclusion of mandatory ADR processes before the arbitration, the use of “fast track” arbitrations, the use of dispositive motions, discovery of evidence, ethical obligations for arbitrators and counsel, and related items. This will include insights into the possible use of AI in the arbitration processes and the prominence of third-party funding of the processes.

The course’s final grade is based on 30% of your written submissions and presentations together with 70% based on your final examination score. The final exam will be based on the course’s mock problem and allow access to the course materials to provide an answer to one of three assignments. There will be no push or pull points applied to the grading. The course also satisfies the VICAM requirement for participation in its program and eligibility to engage in the annual moots.

International Business Transactions (LWIC533)

Instructor(s): Michael Ramsey

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), International Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)

This is an introductory course on international business law. The course book employed is problem-oriented, focusing student attention on practical problem solving. The course coverage is global, and may include problems related to international sales transactions, letters of credit, customs, import and export trade law, technology transfers across borders, foreign investment law, and international business dispute settlement. Grading is by final exam.

International Contracts (LWIC537)

Instructor(s): Bert Lazerow

The international sale of goods constitutes 20% of U.S. GDP. Since 1990, most of these contracts are regulated by the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, but some are governed by the Uniform Commercial Code. We discuss the litigation and planning aspects of international sales transactions, including what law is applicable; differences in rules for contract formation; whether the goods comply with contract requirements; the point at which risk of loss shifts to buyer; when a party is excused from performance by an event, such as the imposition of a tariff; availability of remedies such as price reduction, specific performance, avoidance or damages; interest and attorneys’ fees as damages; the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of dispute resolution, such as mediation, arbitration, choice of forum and choice of law; and the effect the U.S. income tax has on planning sales to both related and unrelated parties.

International Negotiation (LWIC548)

Instructor(s): Bert Lazerow

3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), International Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)

The course will include specific materials and skill-building exercises on cross-cultural aspects of the bargaining process. Participants will include lawyers from other nations who are enrolled in USD's LLMC program, and upper class American JD students. Four-tier Pass/Fail grading.

Note: Students may only elect this course, Alternative Dispute Resolution or Negotiation to count towards the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration

International Taxation (LWTE539)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

This basic course in international taxation addresses the U.S. taxation of inbound and outbound cross-border transactions and activities. The course includes comprehensive coverage of 26 USC Subchapter N, which contains the basic provisions for tax on income from sources within or without the United States. The course will cover both FAUST (foreign activities of U.S. taxpayers) and USAFT (U.S. activities of foreign taxpayers), and will emphasize the significant changes brought about in the 2017 TCJA (Tax Cut and Jobs Act). Examples of specific topics include the sourcing rules, the foreign tax credit, CFCs (controlled foreign corporations), FCCs (foreign controlled corporations), the Subpart F regime, repatriations, the GILTI-FDII-BEAT provisions, and other FAUST-USAFT matters.

Note:

This course is taught by Professor David Bowen.

Interviewing & Counseling (LWLP535)

Instructor(s): Tony Roberts

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Recommended Class(es): Trial Advocacy

This course provides advanced training in the skills of client interviewing and counseling. The first part of the course is devoted to learning the specific micro-skills that make up effective interviewing through readings, demonstrations and role-plays. The second- part focuses on the counseling dimension of lawyer-client relationships. In addition to classroom preparation and activities, students will interview actual clients, including at the USD Legal Clinics. Ethical issues unique to interviewing and counseling are emphasized. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

Intro to US Law (LWGC530)

Instructor(s): Michael Devitt

2 credit(s), Letter Graded

Introduction to United States Law is a required course for LLM in U.S. Law and Exchange students. No other students may enroll. This course comparatively introduces distinctly American approaches to law, lawyering and legal processes. Special emphasis is placed on the common law tradition.

Note:

This course is for LLMUS and Exchange students only.

IP Externship (LWVL532)

Instructor(s): Ted Sichelman

1-6 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

This course places students at local law firms and companies in the areas of patent prosecution, patent searching, trademark prosecution, filing of provisional and utility patents, intellectual property litigation, intellectual property transactions, and related areas (including copyright and trade secret law). Students will be supervised by attorneys at the local law firms and companies as well as the professors. Students begin work during the first week of the semester with companies and law firms and meet one-on-one with the professors on a regular basis.

Only students registered for the fall semester will be admitted to the spring semester, so all students must apply for the fall semester. Non-graduating students who have not previously participated in the externship may apply for the Fall 2025 externship selection process. Applications are due Friday, May 2, at 5:00 pm. Please see the Fall 2025-26 application linked below for more information on the selection process.

Students who will be paid intellectual property law clerks at law firms or companies (including students who have previously participated in the program) in 2025-26 do not need to fill out the application but instead should contact the professor to determine whether they are eligible to register to receive academic credit.

Additional Information: Application

Judicial Externship (LWVL598)

Instructor(s): Shaun Martin, Staff

1 - 6 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Intellectual Property (JD), International Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD)
Prerequisite(s): Preferred: First-Year Curriculum, Trial Advocacy- (trial-court placements), Criminal Procedure (appellate-court placements), Criminal Procedure (magistrate judge placements), Criminal Procedure (criminal-dept. placements)

The Judicial Externship Program allows students to receive academic credit for working with judges in state or federal trial or appellate courts. Students must work 50 hours per unit of credit, and may enroll for 1-4 credits. In addition to the work component of the program, students are required to participate in an online classroom component through the Canvas system. The online classroom component consists primarily of the posting of biweekly journals summarizing the externship work during each two-week period. The Faculty Supervisor for the Judicial Externship course will review, comment, and score each posted journal. Students can secure their own externship position or can meet with Professor Ed Ursin for guidance in securing a placement. The externship is graded on a pass/fail basis. Students must receive approval from Professor Ursin to register for this program.

Note:

There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the concentration web pages for more information.

Additional Information: JD Concentration Web Page

Law Firm Externship (LWVL559)

Instructor(s): Kimberly Gosling, Staff

1-6 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Children's Rights (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Intellectual Property (JD), International Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG)

The Law Firm Externship program gives students the opportunity to gain academic credit for work in an approved law firm during the fall or spring semesters. All placements are subject to approval by the professor, and students must receive approval before enrolling in the course. Students may earn 1-6 units of credit for work performed between the start of classes and the last day of final exams; work performed outside this time period does not count towards academic credit requirements.

Students who previously enrolled in Law Firm Externship, Law Firm Specialty Externship I, or Law Firm Specialty Externship II may enroll in Law Firm Externship. Academic requirements include: mandatory orientation, time logs, reflection papers, and a satisfactory evaluation by the on-site supervisor. Academic requirements may be changed at the discretion of the professor. The externship is graded on a pass/fail basis.

For more information or to apply for enrollment, contact Professor Kimberly Gosling (kgosling@sandiego.edu).

Note:

Law Journal Editing and Research (LWGC538)

Instructor(s): Macklin Thornton

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded

This course is offered only to students who are editorial board members of Law Review, International Law Journal, and Journal of Climate and Energy Law. This course provides students with an understanding of editorial and publication processes through faculty supervised training. Topics include editing, editorial research, article selection, and other aspects of journal operations. The course is taught by a adjunct faculty member who meets regularly with students, provides them with specific and individualized feedback on their contributions, and provides guidance on journal operations.

Students will be graded on the basis of class attendance and participation, and performance on class assignments and a final exam.

Legal Writing & Research I (LWAA545)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded

Legal Writing and Research (LWR) I is the first part of a two-semester program introducing students to the tools lawyers use to analyze, research, and frame legal positions and communicate them in predictive office memoranda. Students practice and actively learn legal writing and research skills by creating multiple drafts of office memoranda and conducting both print and computer-assisted legal research. The course is offered in small sections with very low student-faculty ratios so that faculty may provide individualized and frequent feedback on student work. Required for first-year students.

Note:

Required for first-year students.

Legal Writing & Research, GRAD (LWGC560)

Instructor(s): Leslie Morsek

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded

This course, which is offered only to students in the LLM, MSLS and Exchange programs, focuses on providing students with: (1) a broad overview of the structure of the U.S. legal system; (2) techniques for successful research , writing and practice of law in the U.S. courts; (3) an introduction to the objective analytical skills that promote success in coursework and in the profession; (4) an introduction to persuasive writing techniques; and (5) techniques for success in class and examinations. The course has a very low student-faculty ratio and faculty carefully review each student’s research and writing assignments. Students are provided opportunities to meet with their professor and revise their written work.

Note:

This course is for students in the LLM, MSLS, and Exchange programs only.

Low Income Tax Incentives (LWTE543)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Public Interest Law (JD), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)

This course will focus on how and why the government uses the tax law to provide income support, housing, and jobs to low-income families and encourage economic development in low-income communities. The course will provide an in-depth candid review of the political, economic, social, and budget considerations relating to the formulation, drafting, and enactment of these provisions. The course will also explore the intersection of tax policy and our criminal justice system. Tax I is not a prerequisite.

Note:

This course is taught by US Tax Court Judge Maurice B. Foley.

This is a synchronous distance education course. Judge Foley will be in San Diego to teach the first two classes in person. Thereafter, classes will be taught via Zoom.

Mediation Skills (LWLP556)

Instructor(s): Lisa Maxwell

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)

Mediation is a process by which a trained and impartial third party helps others resolve a dispute. Lawyers use mediation extensively, both as advocates and as neutrals. Participants will learn to mediate a variety of disputes, using the methodology developed by San Diego National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC). They will receive a certificate of participation upon their successful completion of the training. Participants must commit to attending each of the training sessions as a condition of enrollment. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants. This course is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid pandemic, NCRC is unable to offer student opportunities to mediate Small Claims Court disputes under the mentoring of NCRC mediators. Once the SCC resumes operations, the opportunity will be revisited possibly under a virtual format.

Note: There are limitations on concentration eligibility. Check the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD) and Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD) web pages for more information.
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration, Employment and Labor Law Concentration

Mental Health Law (LWPP545)

Instructor(s): Dov Fox, Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Health Law (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

This course will examine civil and criminal law doctrine that relates to the mental health care system in the United States. The civil aspects of mental health law we will cover include competency, informed consent and refusal, duties to warn, and involuntary commitment. On the criminal side, we will learn about such topics as the psychological profiling, child abuse, the insanity defense, and death penalty.

Multistate Bar Exam Review (Asynchronous Distance Education) (LWGC576)

Instructor(s): Michael Brooks

4 credit(s), Letter Graded

The Online MBE Course offers a robust conceptual understanding of highly tested areas of law and a flexible approach to solving bar exam questions via an asynchronous online platform. Students will review substantive doctrine through online lectures, assigned text, MBE questions and black-letter law. Through the course, students systematically build exam skills including reading comprehension, issue identification, rule mastery, application, critical thinking, and legal analysis. Students will also learn how to recognize and deal with common MBE “distractors.” Students receive a course textbook, workbook with problems, and access to BARBRI AMP and online lectures. The course assessment includes a 100-question diagnostic/baseline exam, midterm exam, and a comprehensive final exam. The midterm and final exams will be online. Only students planning to graduate in December 2024 or May 2025 may register for the course.

Note:

This course is an asynchronous distance education course and the course content will be available through Canvas.

Negotiation (LWLP560)

Instructor(s): Gregg Relyea, Ana Sambold

3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Health Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)

Effective negotiation skills are essential to the successful practice of law. Most legal disputes are resolved through direct negotiation. This course will teach students effective communication techniques and negotiation strategies in a workshop-style setting. The course will introduce students to different types of bargaining, different approaches to bargaining, specialized communication techniques used by effective negotiators, and techniques for overcoming negotiating impasses. Negotiation practices will be taught using both lecture and experiential methods (interactive exercise, role play exercises). This course will be practical in its orientation, with an emphasis on prevailing negotiation techniques and strategies customarily used by practicing lawyers. Due to the participatory nature of the course, enrollment will be limited. Grades are based upon in-class participation, in-class exercises, student reflection/self-assessment, and homework assignments. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass/Fail basis.

Note: There are limitations on concentration eligibility. Check the Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD), Civil Litigation Concentration (JD), and Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD) web pages for more information.
Additional Information: Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD), Civil Litigation Concentration (JD)

Nuclear Energy Law (LWEV564)

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)

The bipartisan ADVANCE (Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy) Act was passed in July 2024. In September 2024, Microsoft signed a 20-year contract with the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant to re-activate two of its reactors. At about the same time, Google and Amazon each agreed to purchase energy from small modular reactors[1]. “It is an exciting time in nuclear energy—all evidence shows we are on the precipice of a new nuclear renaissance….[2]” To introduce students to this development, this new course adds to the most contemporary survey elective in the energy and environment concentration. Students will learn about new advanced technologies; preemption issues; arguments for and against nuclear power especially in comparison with clean renewable energy; the governing statutes such as the fundamental Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and its amendments for the peaceful use and regulation of nuclear materials; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and licensing of nuclear facilities; liability for incidents; and issues of radioactive materials waste disposal; and two case studies within California - the decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and the re-licensing application for the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant.

[1] Hungry for Energy, Amazon, Google and Microsoft Turn to Nuclear Power. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/16/business/energy-environment/amazon-google-microsoft-nuclear-energy.html

[2] Subcommittee Chair Duncan Opening Remarks at the NRC Budget Hearing https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/subcommittee-chair-duncan-opening-remarks-at-nrc-budget-hearing

The grade for this course will be based on in class participation and a final exam.

Note:

This is a short course offered over two weekends (10/10-10/11 and 10/24-10/25). The final exam will be on November 7, 2025.

Ocean and Coastal Law (LWEV565)

Instructor(s): Angela Howe

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)

This course will instruct students on environmental legal issues affecting the nation’s coasts, including but not limited to sea level rise, water quality, coastal management, beach access, and oil spill issues. The U.S. coastline supports a diverse ecosystem, provides for commerce and waterborne trade, offers valuable recreational resources, and is a source of food and energy. With the increasingly competing ocean uses, this course on coastal and ocean law will offer a critical look at emerging policy issues and legal frameworks, coupled with interesting and timely case studies. The course offers an in depth look into several environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, Oil Spill Pollution Act, Coastal Zone Management Act and others, as well as practical skills established through case studies and stakeholder exercises.

Partnership Tax (LWTE545)

Instructor(s): Brian Radigan

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

This course considers the federal tax consequences of entity classification of partnership and limited liability companies; formation of a partnership; basis of partnership interests and assets; effect of liabilities on basis; allocation of income and deductions; partnership elections; continuation, merger, and termination of partnerships; family partnerships; sales and exchanges of partnership interests; liquidating and non-liquidating distributions; retiring partners; and pertinent policy considerations.

Note:

This is a synchronous distance education course. Classes will be taught via Zoom.

Patent Law (LWIP570)

Instructor(s): Joseph Reisman, Maria Stout

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to understand the law and analyze the problems involved in protecting inventions under U.S. Patent Laws and in protecting trade secrets under the common law and the California Trade Secret Statute. Although the protection of state-of-the-art technology, including software and biotechnology, is included in portions of the course, technical or scientific expertise of the student is not a prerequisite.

Professional Identity Formation (LWGC582)

Instructor(s): Rohanee Zapanta

1 credit(s), P/F Graded

Drawing on scholarship on professional identity formation in the law, as well as research on philosophy and psychology, this course examines industry norms, identity and bias in the workplace, values conflicts, and trauma-informed support, all of which impact competent and ethical practice of law, and the development of a meaningful and satisfying career. This course will help students to articulate the values and personal narratives that inform their professional identities, learn skills to build their individual resilience to stressors, as well as leadership skills to advocate for their own professional development, while identifying opportunities to shift the legal profession toward better promotion of lawyer well-being and ethical conduct. The course incorporates activities from the California Judges Association’s workshop series on ethics and wellness for law students, and assignments will help students to create a blueprint of their professional persona to carry forward in their careers.

Note:

This course is taught by Judge Rohanee Zapanta.

Professional Responsibility (LWAA580)

Instructor(s): Kimberly Gosling, David McGowan

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

The roles of the lawyer in society and the obligations implied in those roles are examined. Topics include disciplinary standards and procedures, the history and organization of the legal profession; avoiding conflict of interest; obligations to clients, the courts, and society, and conflicts presented by the adversary system for settlements of disputes; and responsibilities of lawyers as public servants and citizens. American Bar standards will be reviewed.

Public Interest Law Clinic (LWVL544)

Instructor(s): Marcus Friedman

1-3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG)
Prerequisite(s): CA Regulatory Law and Public Interest

Students who enjoy California Regulatory Law & the Public Interest frequently go on to take Public Interest Law Clinic, in which they may design their own writing or advocacy project related to regulatory or public interest law. In the past, these projects have included written critiques of agencies or agency programs; petitioning an agency to adopt regulations; drafting legislation; participating in litigation to enforce the state's "sunshine statutes"; or submitting amicus curiae briefs on public interest issues pending appeal. Students interested in Public Interest Law Clinic must secure a permission slip prior to register from Prof. Fellmeth or Prof. Gramme. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the Environmental and Energy Law Concentration and Health Law Concentration web pages for more information.
Additional Information: Environmental and Energy Law Concentration, Health Law

Public International Law (LWIC575)

Instructor(s): Frederick Heller

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

Instant communications, easier travel and expanding international trade mean the actions, interests and welfare of nations and their citizens have become increasingly intertwined, each impacting the others.

To regulate this impact, nations have established a multi-level system of law, and some have established multinational organizations which, in turn, have their own legal systems.

This class will survey key components of the resulting aggregation of laws (known generally as public international law). It will examine laws governing treaties and other international agreements, the nature and content of customary international law, the recognition of states and governments, the role and operation of international and regional organizations, state responsibilities, laws protecting foreign investments, international dispute resolution mechanisms and selected other topics.

Now public international law is behind most of today’s headline news—often because states are breaching its tenets. The class will devote significant attention to current geopolitical problems in order to understand the role public international law plays. Topics may include the tariff-driven trade wars, the Ukraine-Russia war and the position of NATO, China’s maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait threatening Taiwan, conflicting claims by China and other countries to the South China Sea, and the return to Mauritius by the UK of the militarily-important Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.

Note: This is a required course for the International Law Concentration (JD).

Remedies (LWLP570)

Instructor(s): Mary Jo Wiggins

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Civil Litigation (JD), Public Interest Law (JD)

The Remedies course examines legal and equitable remedies under statutes and the common law: what can parties to litigation obtain from the courts? Courts have the power to grant temporary and permanent injunctions, damages calculated in various ways, and restitution. What can and should a party seek from a court in a particular case? What will a court grant, and on what doctrinal and factual basis? This course will particularly look at the public law aspect of remedies: remedies for constitutional violations, "structural" or institutional injunctions, constitutional limits on tort and other remedies, and the nature and limits of equitable remedies.

Note: This is a required course for the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD).

Restorative Justice Principles (formerly Intro to Restorative Justice) (LWCR540)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

Values, Principles, and Practice of Restorative Justice

This course introduces the philosophy and varied practices of restorative justice. Restorative justice is a philosophical approach that embraces the reparation of harm and healing of trauma, often in a legal setting. A central practice of restorative justice is a collaborative decision-making process that includes harmed parties, people who have caused harm, and others who are seeking a resolution that includes meaningful accountability, taking responsibility for repairing harm and proactive social support.

Restorative justice is a global movement with applications that include misbehavior in school, misconduct in the workplace, and criminal adjudication. Restorative approaches draw upon a variety of cultural and religious justice traditions that, in many ways, challenge the Western legal tradition of adversarial proceedings and punishment.

In addition to exploring the history and philosophy of restorative justice, students will learn the facilitation skills necessary for hosting restorative processes. We will develop skills for both “restorative circles” and “restorative conferences,” two distinct and commonly used restorative practices. The course is highly experiential with intensive role play and debriefing.

This class starts on Thursday, September 4, 2025 will meet on 12 Thursdays (9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20) and one Friday (10/24) for a total of 13 sessions. It is cross-listed with the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, KROC-594: Values, Principles, and Practice of Resorative Justice.

Note:

The course is being taught through the USD Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies by Dr. David Karp.

Securities Regulation (LWBC580)

Instructor(s): Stephen Ferruolo

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)
Recommended Class(es): Corporations

The Securities Regulation class will include an overview of the capital markets and the underwriting process, the structure and prohibitions of the Securities Act, the registration process, the definitions of security and exempted securities, the private and limited offering exemptions, offerings by underwriters, affiliates and dealers, civil liability under the Securities Act, fraud in connection with a purchase or sale of a Security, and general civil liability provisions.

Note:

This is a required course for the Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD).

State Income Tax Clinic I (LWVL560)

Instructor(s): Mengjun He, Staff

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)

This tax litigation clinic, also known as the "Tax Appeals Assistance Program (TAAP) - Franchise and Income Tax”, is a joint effort between the USD Legal Clinics and the Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office at the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Under supervision of an attorney from the FTB’s Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office, students assist taxpayers with state income tax appeals before the Office of Tax Appeals (OTA) against FTB. Students receive legal practice and skills training, including identifying legal issues, conducting tax research, communicating with clients, gathering and identifying evidence, drafting legal briefs, and representing clients/taxpayers in negotiations with the FTB and at oral hearings before OTA.

Note:

This is an online course.

State Income Tax Clinic II (LWVL561)

Instructor(s): Mengjun He, Staff

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

Note:

This is an online course.

State Sales & Use Tax Clinic I (LWVL562)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

This clinic is a joint effort between USD Legal Clinics and the California State Board of Equalization (BOE). Under the supervision of an attorney from the BOE's Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office, students will represent clients who are appealing California Sales and Use Tax determinations (tax bills). Students will have the opportunity to gain practical legal skills including client interview and counseling, evidence gathering, preparing legal briefs, and actual negotiation with auditors and attorneys. Furthermore, when necessary, students will have the opportunity to represent clients in a litigation setting at Appeals Conferences (informal hearings) and Oral Hearings (similar to court trials).

Note:

This is an online course.

State Sales & Use Tax Clinic II (LWVL563)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

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:

This is an online course.

Supreme Court (LWPP580)

Instructor(s): Michael Ramsey

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Prerequisite(s): Constitutional Law I or permission of instructor

This course considers the contemporary role, structure and procedures of the United States Supreme Court through an examination of selected cases currently pending before the Court. Students investigate the views and outlook of the Court's current justices as to the Court's role generally and with respect to these particular cases. Substantial classroom discussion, an in-class presentation, and a paper reflecting significant independent research will be required.

Tax I (LWAA590)

Instructor(s): Adam Kern, Michelle Layser

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), Taxation (MSLS)

Tax I provides an overview of the major structural components of the federal individual income tax system, including income; exclusions, deductions, and credits; cost recovery concepts; capital gains preferences; tax accounting issues; and tax expenditures. It also discusses basic principles of tax policy, as well as teaching students to read and interpret statutory and regulatory provisions.

A traditional written final exam at the end of the course will comprise the majority of a student's grade, with the submission of regular quizzes and problem sets throughout the term counting toward the remainder.

Tax Research (LWTE570)

Instructor(s): Dennis Lilly

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

Topics will include the merits of different tax systems (such as income and consumption taxes), questions of tax administration and legal complexity, the efficiency implications of taxation, and distributional implications. It will consider how well current legislation addresses these various issues and consider whether there are ways that they might be better addressed. Tax I is a prerequisite for this course; other tax courses, especially Corporate Tax, would be useful, but are not required. This courses fullfills the written work requirement.

Taxation of Property Transactions (LWTE575)

Instructor(s): Phillip Jelsma

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I (LLM students may take this concurrently)

This course examines practical planning opportunities involving closed sales, open sales, deferred payment reporting, installment sales elections, imputed interest, cost recovery reporting, two-way and three-way real estate exchanges, all-inclusive trust deeds, subordinated financing, midpoint refinancing, and negative basis. Considerable emphasis is placed on understanding interest concepts such as mortgage annual constant percentages, lump sum and annuity present value analysis, and real rate of return (after inflation) analysis.

Note:

This course offers two sections, one of which is Distance Education Synchronous via Zoom.

Torts (LWAA540)

Instructor(s): Staff

4 credit(s), Letter Graded

An exploration of the principles involved in determining whether an injured person should be compensated for harm caused by another, including such diverse topics as intentional harms, negligence, and strict liability.

Note:

Required for first-year students.

Trademark Law (LWIP580)

Instructor(s): Lisa Ramsey

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)

This course provides an overview of trademark and unfair competition law. We will discuss the purpose of these laws, the requirements for trademark protection, and the scope and enforcement of trademark rights. Specifically, we will cover the concepts of distinctiveness, functionality, and use of a trademark; the procedural and substantive aspects of trademark registration; geographic limits on trademark rights; trademark infringement, dilution, cybersquatting, counterfeiting, false advertising, false endorsement, and the right of publicity; and defenses and remedies in trademark actions.

Trademark Litigation (LWIP577)

Instructor(s): Kayla Jimenez, Melissa Reinckens

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential OR Writing
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Intellectual Property Survey, Trademark Law, or Trademark Prosecution

This advanced trademark class will provide students with the legal and practical skills necessary to become successful trademark litigators. Students will learn how to litigate a trademark case, including how to develop a case strategy, write a demand letter, and draft pleadings, written discovery, and motions frequently used in trademark litigation. Students will also strengthen their oral communication skills through class participation and in-class exercises simulating oral arguments before a judge or meetings with partners and clients. The tasks and assignments will be similar to those given to junior attorneys involved in trademark litigation at a law firm. In addition, students will learn how to be ethical and responsible attorneys and conduct themselves in a professional manner when advising clients about trademark law. The grade in this class will be based on the writing assignments and in-class exercises.

Trial Advocacy - Criminal (LWLP550)

Instructor(s): Kaitlyn McCarthy, Meghan Cox, Andrew Haden, Kristen Haden, Spencer Scott

4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG)

This is an upper class course focused on the skills of case analysis and oral presentation of those cases to judges and juries in trials. The Fall course will focus on a piece of criminal litigation and will include developing skills used in a criminal jury trial as well as preliminary phases of criminal cases, including motions in limine, preliminary hearings and plea bargains. The course is specifically designed to expand the skills introduced to the student in Experiential Advocacy and Legal Research & Writing. The course methodology combines lectures, demonstrations and individual student performances in small groups with extensive critique and feedback by small group instructors who are experienced practitioners. The course culminates in a mock trial. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass/Fail basis.

Trusts & Estates (LWGC590)

Instructor(s): Adam Hirsch

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This survey course provides an introduction to non-tax aspects of estate planning and the law of gratuitous transfers, including inter vivos gifts, intestate succession, wills, will substitutes, trusts, fiduciary administration, and future interests.

Veterans Clinic I (LWVL580)

Instructor(s): Staff

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Health Law (JD), 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.

Veterans Clinic II (LWVL581)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

Washington DC Externship Program (LWVL594)

Instructor(s): Staff

5-9 credit(s), P/F Graded

The University of San Diego School of Law offers a unique educational experience that enables students to work in a semester-long externship in Washington, D.C. The USD Law Washington D.C. Externship Program is an experiential way of understanding the role of government, public policy or agency lawyers or advocates in our legal system. Students who work in government or related entities in Washington, D.C. will ultimately acquire an enhanced perspective and more sophisticated view of the role of government in law and society. Under the program, students will work, under supervision of an on-site attorney, for a government, or public interest agency, non-profit trade association or think tank, or with a judge; students will also be enrolled in a program of graded coursework. In addition to practical legal training, the program allows students to cement new professional contacts and enhance their professional profile. Second and third year students in good academic standing may apply. (Students within the academic supervision program must receive permission to apply for the program from Law Student Affairs). Applicants should inquire about implications of an externship with respect to other law school activities (e.g., law review and law journal writing, moot court, clinical opportunities, spring recruiting, etc.) Students will earn at least 10 credits under the program. Seven pass/fail credits will be earned through the work component of the externship (students work 50 hours per unit of credit.)Students must enroll for all components of the Washington, D.C., program. It is recommended that students work together with Career and Professional Development to locate semester-long placements based on individual student interests and career aspirations. The Dean's office determines the suitability of the placement. Students enrolling in the program will pay all standard tuition and fees required by the law school.

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

Women's Legal Clinic I (LWVL583)

Instructor(s): Meredith Levin

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD)
Recommended Class(es): Family Law, Human Trafficking

Students gain practical training and real world experience through representation of individual clients on a variety of legal issues. The clinic will initially serve the family law needs of survivors of human trafficking in a variety of representative matters including: domestic violence restraining orders, child custody, and dissolution. Students provide advice, identify potential legal issues, and in some cases are able to advocate for clients in court proceedings. Weekly class seminar meetings are combined with individual case conferences to provide intensive personal training in litigation techniques, legal strategy, case management and client-centered lawyering. The classroom component also includes an overview of applicable law and procedure necessary to assist clients in family law matters. Recommended: Family Law, Human Trafficking. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

Women's Legal Clinic II (LWVL584)

Instructor(s): Meredith Levin

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

Workers' Rights Clinic I & 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.

Note:

Workers Rights Clinic II is LWVL586.

Wrongful Convictions (LWCR537)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Criminal Litigation (JD), Public Interest Law (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Criminal Law (MSLS)

Wrongful Conviction is a universal problem that has received a great deal of attention from the media, legislatures, and courts around the world in recent years. This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the issues, case law, and legislation related to wrongful convictions, but also to give students a deep understanding of how to investigate and litigate these cases. The course will help prepare students for internships and careers in criminal law as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Select students who successfully complete the course may be chosen for internships with an innocence organization where they will have the opportunity to work on real cases. Grades will be based on in-class presentations and a final exam.

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