Course Descriptions - School of Law - University of San Diego

Spring 2022 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

Administrative Law (LWPP510)

Instructor(s): Anne Kammer

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Children's Rights (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), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)

This course discusses the basic rules and principles governing federal administrative agencies. Subjects covered include the procedures governing administrative agencies, judicial review of administrative action, and presidential and congressional controls over agencies. The rules governing agencies are quite different from those that govern courts. Knowledge of these rules has become increasingly important, as many practitioners are now likely to spend more time dealing with administrative agencies than litigating in court.

Note: This is a required course for the Environmental & Energy Law and Public Interest Law concentrations (JD). This course may be applied as part of the nine required credits for the Health Law Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Environmental & Energy Law Concentration (JD), Public Interest Law Concentration (JD)

Advanced Legal Research (online) (LWLP512)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), Letter Graded

Advanced Legal Research builds upon basic legal research skills that students learned in their first-year Legal Writing and Research class. Topics include identifying and using appropriate secondary sources, advanced search techniques using Lexis, Westlaw, and other subscription services to locate relevant primary and secondary source materials, developing cost-effective research strategies, and critically evaluating search results and materials. Students will also have the option to learn about additional resources and techniques for researching topics, such as legislative history, administrative law, foreign & international legal materials, and competitive intelligence research. This is an on-line web based class that will not have any in person classes. This online class will be taught the first seven weeks of the semester and students' grades will be based on weekly assignments, quizzes, & class participation (via discussion board).

This course is online only for the first seven weeks of the semester and does not have a designated meeting day/time.

Advanced Pass-Thru Taxation (LWTE556)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

The use of tax pass-through entities has become widespread and powerful both in the U.S. and internationally. The purpose of the course is to understand the rules that apply to S corporations, partnerships, REITs and other pass-through entities and how those entities are used, both domestically and internationally. The course will also consider the tax policy issues that pass-through entities raise. The questions are both broad (e.g., Why do we have so many pass-through entities? Why do the rules for each differ? What are the issues for different classes of investors? Is simplification possible?) and narrow (e.g., How is entity-level tax eliminated in the case of a REIT or a RIC? In the case of a REMIC? In the case of an S corporation?) This class meets for seven weeks. In addition to class participation, there will be final exam.

Advanced Trial Advocacy (LWLP515)

Instructor(s): Bibianne Fell, Mary Jo Barr, Everett McAdoo

2 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 intensive course is designed to improve each student’s individual trial presentation skills. Over two weekends, students will watch lectures and demonstrations from experienced practitioners, practice trial skills based on a hypothetical case file in workshops, receive individual critique, and participate in skills drills designed to have students repetitively practice the skill and think on their feet.

The course will address advanced issues in trial advocacy including expert witnesses, trial technology, differences in advocacy between plaintiff/defense and criminal/civil practices, and civility in the courtroom.

Agency Externship I (LWVL596)

Instructor(s): 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)

The Agency Externship Program provides students the opportunity to gain valuable clinical legal experience for academic credit with a government agency or non-profit organization during the fall, spring or summer semesters. (The externship program does not allow students to receive academic credit for working in a private law firm). Students may enroll in the Agency Externship Course 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 Agency 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, provided the student is not receiving compensation for those hours.

Academic requirements include: mandatory orientation, student journals submitted to the professor relating to field placement work; discussion boards on legal practice topics; a three-five page reflective paper at the end of the semester; an externship work product for professor review; and on-site supervisor evaluation showing satisfactory completion of work experience. The externship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis. To review all the pertinent course resources, including course information, forms, and helpful internet links, please see the link below to the Agency Externship Course Resource Handbook.

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 here. 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. If you have academic questions, contact Professor John Sansone, Academic Director, at jsansone@sandiego.edu.

Note:

There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the concentration web pages for more information. Contact Law Student Affairs to find out if your Agency Externship qualifies for a concentration.

Additional Information: Handbook

Agency Externship II (LWVL590)

Instructor(s): Staff

1-6 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD)

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 an Agency Externship placement. Please refer to Agency Externship I description for additional requirements. To review all the pertinent course resources, including course information, forms, and helpful internet links, please see the link below to the Agency Externship Course Resource Handbook.

Contact lawcareers@sandiego.edu with placement questions. Contact Professor John Sansone, Academic Director, at jsansone@sandiego.edu with academic questions. Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the concentration web pages for more information. Contact Law Student Affairs to find out if your Agency Externship qualifies for a concentration.

Note:

Additional Information: Handbook

Antitrust (LWBC503)

Instructor(s): David McGowan

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
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)

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 (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 year-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; and 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. Students will receive four credits (two in the fall semester and two in the spring semester) for successfully completing the year long Appellate Clinic. 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

Artificial Intelligence and the Law (LWIP506)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

Questions about artificial intelligence and law range from the mundane (Who is liable if a self-driving car causes an accident?) to the sublime (Is it possible to envisage a machine that is a judge or a legislator?). In this course, we will explore pressing questions that will soon be upon us, such as autonomous vehicle liability, and the legality of autonomous weapons under the laws of war. Then we will tackle broader issues, such as workers’ rights (or their absence) in an increasingly automated economy; whether (conscious?) AIs should be treated as legal persons; and whether “the rule of law” can or should survive our society’s encounter with machine intelligence. As we proceed, we will be forced to develop our own tentative answers to questions such as, can machines really be intelligent, or are they just cleverly programmed? And, is AI so dangerous that it should be regulated like nuclear and some biological technologies are? (Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking seem to think so.) Students will be required to prepare readings, attend the bi-weekly seminars, and write a research-based paper. Enrollment is limited to 19 students.

Brexit & National Self-Government (LWIC508)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI)

An analysis of the case for national self-government, from the nineteenth-century radicals to Trump. The intellectual case for the national principle; the 1848 revolutions; the way the argument was shifted by the experience of fascism and war in the mid-twentieth century. What Roger Scruton calls “the politics of the first-person plural”, and the sharp turn against cosmopolitan liberalism in most Western democracies in the 21^st century. Israel – the supreme realisation of the national principle – and its detractors. Brexit and the future of the EU as a supra-national project. The reading list would include Roger Scruton, David Goodhart, Eric Kaufmann and Yoram Hazony. This class starts on Friday, January 28, 2022, concluding February 11, 2022. Grades will be based on a final exam given prior to spring break.

Business Planning (LWBC520)

Instructor(s): Dennis Doucette

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)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I, Corporations

This seminar combines advance work in Corporations, Federal and State Securities laws, and Federal Taxation in the context of business planning and counseling. The course is based upon a series of problems involving common business transactions which present corporate securities law and tax issues for analysis, and resolution. The problems cover such topics as factors in the decision to incorporate; the formation of partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations, both closely held and publicly owned; securities law considerations in raising capital; corporate distributions; the sale and purchase of businesses; mergers and other forms of acquisition; and recapitalization, division, and dissolution of corporations.

California Civil Procedure (LWLP520)

Instructor(s): Shaun Martin

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure

This course is designed for upperclass law students who intend to practice law in California and therefore may wish to learn more about California civil procedure. The course will focus on the important caselaw doctrines, statutory rules, and policies which define civil litigation in the California courts with particular attention to those areas of California civil procedure that are unique when compared to federal and to other states\' procedural laws. The topics covered will include considerations before undertaking representation; statutes of limitations and related doctrines; California conflicts of law doctrine; jurisdiction, venue, forum non conveniens, and service of process; prejudgment attachment and other provisional remedies; claim and issue preclusion; pleadings and motions; joinder of parties and claims, new party cross-complaints, equitable indemnity, and good faith settlements; the California Civil Discovery Act; summary judgments, default judgments, involuntary dismissals for failure to prosecute, the “fast track” system, and judicial and contractual arbitration; right to jury trial, trial procedures, and post-trial motions; judgments, enforcement of judgments, and setting aside judgments; and appeals, extraordinary appellate writs, and administrative mandamus. The course will also provide students with a brief summary of the federal or general position on each major topic covered as a basis of comparison and as a review of basic civil procedure.

California Criminal Litigation Skills (LWCR505)

Instructor(s): Kristen Haden

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

California Reg Law & Public Interest (formerly Public Interest & Practice) (LWPP570)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
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 & the Public Interest (formerly known as Public Interest Law and Practice) is a yearlong, graded experiential course in which students learn the substantive law governing the operation and decisionmaking of California regulatory agencies. Public interest lawyers represent interests that are diffuse, unorganized, and generally underrepresented - such as consumers, the environment, children, and the future - in governmental decisionmaking that affects them. This class focuses on specific laws that enable public interest lawyers to effectively advocate for their clients before all three branches of government. Specifically, students study the sunshine statutes which require most agency decisionmaking to take place in public and guarantee public access to most agency records (the open meeting acts and the California Public Records Act) and the state Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the process agencies must follow to adopt regulations or take disciplinary action against the license of a licensee. Students also study important limitations on the power of agencies (including constitutional and antitrust limitations), and the functioning of the state legislature, which may enact, repeal, or amend the enabling acts of most agencies. As part of their coursework, students are assigned to monitor a major California agency; they travel all over the state to attend agency meetings; monitor and analyze agency activities, interview agency officials and licensees; and track rulemaking, legislation, and litigation affecting their agency. Students draft weekly tweets and publish six posts on the Center for Public Interest Law’s blog regarding their agency’s activity. Twice during the year, students submit a written report covering the activities of their assigned agency, including recent legislation and court decisions affecting the agency and its licensees, which may be published in the California Regulatory Law Reporter. Students will also give public comment before their assigned agency during the spring semester, and participate in various simulated advocacy exercises in class throughout the academic year.

Note:

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

Child Advocacy Clinic: Delinquency I (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

Students work with assigned attorneys from the San Diego Office of the Public Defender, representing juveniles in delinquency court proceedings. Students are exposed to a wide variety of experiences, such as interviewing their minor clients; preparing briefs and motions; participating in hearings and conferences; coordinating with probation officers, investigators, etc.; and making court appearances as necessary and appropriate. Delinquency Clinic students must commit 20 hours per week to their Clinic work, and there is an additional one-hour classroom component each week. Students must have completed or be enrolled in Evidence, Civil Procedure and Child Rights and Remedies. Clinic slots are limited; students must obtain a permission slip from Professor Robert Fellmeth or Elisa Weichel before registering for the course.

Note:

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

Additional Information: Children's Rights JD Concentration

Child Advocacy Clinic: 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)
Prerequisite(s): See course description

Students work with assigned attorneys from the Dependency Legal Group of San Diego, representing abused and neglected children in dependency court proceedings. Students are exposed to a wide variety of experiences, such as interviewing child clients; presenting evidence during bench trials; preparing briefs and memoranda; participating in settlement conferences; conducting field work with investigators; and making court appearances as necessary and appropriate. Dependency Clinic students must commit 16 hours per week to their Clinic work, and there is an additional one-hour classroom component each week. Students must have completed or be enrolled in Evidence, Civil Procedure and Child Rights and Remedies. Clinic slots are limited; students must obtain a permission slip from Professor Robert Fellmeth or Elisa Weichel before registering for the course.

Note:

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

Additional Information: Children's Rights JD Concentration

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

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

Note:

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

Additional Information: Children's Rights JD Concentration

Civil Clinic I (LWVL510)

Instructor(s): Joe Villasenor

2-4 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 or Practicum

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

Civil Clinic II (LWVL511)

Instructor(s): Joe Villasenor

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): Practicum or 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 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.

Civil Rights Theories Seminar (LWPP521)

Instructor(s): Roy L. Brooks

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

This seminar will study closely several systems of accepted knowledge about how our government regulates or should regulate race relations during this Post-Civil Rights Era. These racial paradigms provide the subtext of public and, to a lesser extent, private institutional decision making, and are often debated within the pages of Supreme Court cases. While references will be made to Supreme Court cases and to specific justices, the seminar will focus on primary sources; in other words, the texts that generate fundamental civil rights theories. The readings will be interdisciplinary (drawing on legal, sociological, economic, psychological, historical, and political themes) and will stress the importance of contextualization. A conceptual scheme will be offered to help students understand, organize, and analyze civil rights theories; but students will be asked to develop their own well-informed views about the theories. Students will be evaluated on the basis of a paper plus weekly oral and written classroom presentations. Class attendance is essential.

Community Property (LWFC554)

Instructor(s): Michael Kelly

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.

Comparative Con Law (LWIC515)

Instructor(s): Laurence Claus

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI)

This course considers how sophisticated political systems limit and channel the exercise of governmental power. We do this primarily by taking the great issues of American constitutional law and asking how those issues are treated elsewhere. The course is open to all upper-class students, and may be taken concurrent with Constitutional Law. A research paper is required.

Complex Litigation (LWLP523)

Instructor(s): Scott Metzger

3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure

This class is important for anyone interested in a civil litigation practice. While we will spend the majority of our time on class actions, we will also cover derivative, qui tam (“whistle blower”), and Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) claims. This is an experiential class which will be graded based on a mid-term and final brief, each followed by oral argument. Class participation will also be considered.

Constitutional Law I (LWAA515)

Instructor(s): Staff

4 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course provides an introduction to the United States Constitution, stressing the theory and practice of judicial interpretation and review, the separation of federal powers, the relation of the states to the federal government, and specific powers of the federal government. It also provides an introduction to the Bill of Rights and its limitations on the exercise of governmental power, with emphasis on freedom of speech.

Constitutional Law II (LWPP525)

Instructor(s): Miranda McGowan

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

This courses covers the Fourteenth Amendment\'s equal protection and due process clauses. Specific topics include race discrimination (including school desegregation and affirmative action), gender discrimination, discrimination against gays and lesbians, voting rights, privacy (including abortion, sexual freedom, and the right to die), and property. This class will have a take-home final exam administered on TWEN.

Contract Drafting (LWGC563)

Instructor(s): Monica Sullivan

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 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 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.

Contracts (LWAA520)

Instructor(s): Staff

4 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

An introduction to legal reasoning and analytical skills through an investigation of how the law enforces agreements. Included are such topics as: the requirements for the formation of a contract; problems of interpretation; damages for breach; the statute of frauds; illegality; and problems which arise during the performance stage of a contract, such as the creation and failure of express and implied conditions, excuse through impossibility or frustration of purpose, and discharge. Article II of the Uniform Commercial Code is introduced and compared with the common law of contracts.

Controlled Substances Law (LWGC518)

Instructor(s): Donald Dripps

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

This course examines the criminal law’s treatment of recreational drug use and the policy controversies attending the law. The course should be of special interest to students interested in taking up criminal practice, whether as prosecutors or defenders, but should also appeal to students interested in our criminal justice system generally. Specific topics covered will include the Nature of Intoxicants, the Development of Legal Prohibitions, and Continuing Debate over Legalization; The War on Drugs, Mass Incarceration, and Questions of Equal Justice; Possession versus Distribution; Manufacture and Conspiracy Offenses; Mens Rea in Drug Crimes; Drug Testing at Work and School; Sentencing under the Guidelines; Criminal Procedure--Informants and Wiretaps; Criminal Procedure—Search and Seizure, with special emphasis on suppression hearing practice; The Controlled Substances Act and the FDCA; Medical Marijuana; and International Aspects of Drug Control.

Copyright Law (LWIP525)

Instructor(s): Abraham Bell

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

This course surveys the law relating to rights in expressive works. We will study what copyright covers – such as books, movies, musical recordings, and software – and distinguish copyright from other forms of intellectual property, such as trademark and patent. We will focus on the exclusive rights granted in copyrightable works, rules governing the transfer of those rights, what acts infringe those rights, what remedies the law provides for infringement, and what limitations the law places on those rights, such as the fair use doctrine. We will discuss some topics of current interest, such as the rules governing the copying and distribution of music over peer-to-peer networks, digital rights management, and open-source software development. This class has a final exam.

Note: May be applied as part of the six required credits for the Intellectual Property Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Intellectual Property JD Concentration

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), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Intellectual Property (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), 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 three-five page reflective paper at the end of the semester; 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.

Note:

Field Placement Form

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

Additional Information: Concentrations, Field Placement Form

Corporate Counsel Externship II (LWVL589)

Instructor(s): Beth Baier

1-6 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Intellectual Property (JD), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG)

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.

Contact lawcareers@sandiego.edu with placement questions. Contact Professor John Sansone, Academic Director, at jsansone@sandiego.edu with academic questions.

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

Corporate Tax (LWTE560)

Instructor(s): David Bowen

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).

Corporations (LWBC545)

Instructor(s): Mark Lee

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), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

The real subject matter of this course is the business issues that arise when people work together, how the laws of business organizations resolve these issues, and what a lawyer can do to custom tailor these resolutions. We will examine the laws of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and especially corporations. When we turn to the law of corporations, we will focus on the relationships among shareholders, directors, and officers, their respective rights and duties. These rights and duties vary with context, one critical element of which is whether the corporation’s shares are publicly traded. To understand the significance of this element, one must understand some elementary financial economics, so the course will cover this topic.

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)

This course is limited to pre-trial matters, as effected 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).

Criminal Procedure II (LWCR525)

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 Procedure I

In this advanced criminal procedure class, students will continue the study commenced in Criminal Procedure I, focusing on the processing of a criminal defendant through the criminal justice system. The course will address a number of issues regularly presented in criminal cases, including the charging process, the right to a speedy trial, criminal discovery and disclosure, the right to jury trial, the right to effective assistance of counsel, the right to confrontation and the exercise of the privilege against self incrimination at trial. In addition the course will include discussions of the principles of the right against double jeopardy, and post conviction remedies such as direct appeal and petitions for habeas corpus. The purpose of the course is to develop an understanding of the basic structure of the criminal process in a federal system of government as well as the basic principles underlying the constitutional and procedural protections of the criminal justice system.

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

Cross Border Marine Pollution (LWEV506)

Instructor(s): Nilmini Silva-Send, Staff

3 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), International Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS)

This practicum will give students first-hand experience in environmental and ocean law, using a local, decades-old cross-border pollution problem. The course will examine the potential for the United States to use international law to address marine pollution from Mexico’s Tijuana River to the US Pacific coast. Specifically, students will evaluate the applicability of the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) Part XII (Protection and Preservation of the Marine Environment), determine provisions accepted as customary law by the US, assess limitations of the Boundary Water Treaty 1944, limitations of Mexican national rules adopted under UNCLOS for land-based sources of marine pollution, and general principles of international law that might be used by the US government to spur action from Mexico. Students will assess the recent national case law dealing with the marine pollution, whether local remedies have been exhausted as a pre-condition for international action, and identify international alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Students will develop professional skills such as cultural competency, interviewing, field visits, professional responsibility and ethics, and better understand environmental justice.

Deals (LWBC550)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Corporations

This course will focus on the role of lawyers in a variety of corporate transactions. It is designed for students interested in practicing corporate or securities law or in careers in business. Among the types of deals typically covered are compensation agreements, venture capital financing, initial public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions. The course also typically covers certain specialized deals, which in the past have included securitizations, international trade financing, spinoffs, tracking stock, and director/officer insurance. Students will complete one or more individual assignments, which will involve the creation and editing of documents related to one or more deals on a real-time basis. Depending on the number of students enrolled, students also might form teams to write papers and give presentations on a particular deal. Corporations is a prerequisite.

Discrimination Law & Diversity (LWPP520)

Instructor(s): Roy L. Brooks

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

This course is designed not only for the student who plans to practice civil rights or public interest law, but also for the student who plans to hold a position of leadership in a culturally diverse institution; e.g., corporations, schools, and governments. We will study modern civil rights perspectives that shape our understanding of discrimination law and diversity. Race is the primary galaxy in the civil rights cosmos. From there, other galaxies have formed—including gender, sexual orientation and identity, disability, and age. We will give attention to conservative, liberal, and critical perspectives that shape our civil rights laws and our understanding of diversity. Seminal civil rights cases (e.g., Brown v. Board of Education) and traditional topics in the field (e.g., school desegregation, housing discrimination, employment discrimination, affirmative action, and the Equal Protection Clause) will be studied. In addition, we will see how terms like “racism,” \"sexism,” and “homophobia” are no longer seen as the only structural sources of inequality in culturally diverse institutions. Decidedly interdisciplinary, this course will give the student an opportunity to engage in innovative, out-side-of-the-box thinking regarding legal, cultural, and socioeconomic approaches to civil rights law and diversity. This class will be graded on the basis of class participation and a final exam.

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.

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), Health Law (JD)

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

Employment Discrimination (LWPP535)

Instructor(s): Richard Paul

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

This general survey course of employment discrimination laws will focus on primarily the federal anti-discrimination laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, sexual orientation. (We will also discuss the California Fair Employment and Housing Act's protections when they diverge from federal law. The Americans with Disabilities Act will not be a primary area of study.) This course gives students an opportunity to think about the meaning and practice of discrimination, to analyze various anti-discrimination approaches, and to learn to think creatively and flexibly when working on problems within this complex, evolving field of law. Students will learn to strategize about bringing and defending employment discrimination suits and, perhaps even more importantly, about helping clients develop policies and practices that foster discrimination-free workplaces and resolve workplace issues before they develop into lawsuits.

Energy Law and Policy Clinic I & II (LWVL518)

Instructor(s): Joseph Kaatz

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

The Energy Law and Policy Clinic provides students an opportunity to conduct legal and policy research in cooperation with a related agency, such as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Air Resources board. Agency staff, EPIC staff, and students work together to select one or more energy-or-climate change-related legal or policy research topics. Under the supervision of a practicing attorney and EPIC staff, students conduct a semester-long research project on the selected topic(s). Students will present results to the agency staff at the end of the semester. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the Environmental & Energy Law Concentration web page for more information.
Additional Information: Environmental & Energy Law Concentration

Entertainment Law (LWBC553)

Instructor(s): Chris Wonnell

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

?Entertainment, including the production of movies, television shows, music, and video games, has become one of the preeminent industries in the United States, and especially in California, and one of America's largest exports. The industry creates a plethora of legal questions that span the traditional law school curriculum. It creates issues of property, especially of copyrights and trademarks. There are many issues of contract, including production contracts, compensation of talent, and financing, There are important tort matters, including privacy and publicity rights. There are First Amendment constitutional law questions, including censorship and defamation. And there are significant labor law issues, including union relations and discrimination. This course will explore these controversies and the role of the lawyer in bringing the full panoply of legal materials together at the same time to advise, defend, or sue members of this important industry.

Entrepreneurship Clinic I (LWVL520)

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

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

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, Christopher William Turnbow, Liz Bui

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

Environmental Law (LWEV520)

Instructor(s): Staff

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)

This survey course addresses the principles that govern environmental law, including the respective roles of the courts, state and federal agencies, and citizen groups. Federal environmental statues covered include: The National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clear Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund). The course will also introduce California state environmental law through the California Environmental Quality Act and the Public Trust Doctrine.

Note: This is a required course for the Environmental & Energy Law (JD) concentration.
Additional Information: Environmental & Energy Law Concentration (JD)

Estate & Tax 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.

Ethics, Law & Int'l Affairs (LWJT515)

Instructor(s): Horacio Spector

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

Contemporary public policy and legal debates in both the domestic and international arenas involve an intricate network of moral, political, and legal considerations. The course’s goal is to throw light on the relations among these three fundamental realms: ethics, politics, and law. After a general introduction, we will proceed to discuss the following topics: conceptions of liberty and equality, democracy and public deliberation, human rights, conflicts of rights, corporate responsibility for human rights violations, and the rule of law. Our attention will be focused on cross-boundary issues: Is democracy more important than the rule of law? Does economic equality threaten liberty? Are welfare and social rights compatible with civil liberties in populist democracies? In the last part of the seminar, we will deal with complex global issues: wars and military interventions, terrorism, and global justice. Can military force be used to protect human rights? Should rich nations transfer money to poor countries? Should pharmaceutical patents be enforced in the undeveloped world? Are there immigration rights? Is there a global community? Each student will be required to write a research paper of 20 pages in length. Successful completion of this course satisfies the written-work requirement.

Evidence (LWLP529)

Instructor(s): Donald Dripps

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.

Evidence Advocacy Lab (LWLP530)

Instructor(s): Lisa Rodriguez

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

This course is designed to familiarize students with the practical application of evidentiary points addressed in the traditional evidence course. Students focus on one or two evidentiary issues each week using a problem format. Each area of evidence is taught through performance. Each student is assigned as a proponent, opponent, witness and judge and is responsible for performing that role in class each week, and for submitting a short memo identifying the evidentiary issue and presenting the best approach to offering or opposing the evidence in court. The roles rotate each week. There is a new problem assigned each week. By the end of the semester, each student should be comfortably able to determine what it is he or she wished to accomplish in a courtroom with respect to specific evidentiary questions, and be able to structure the most logical, persuasive and trouble-free means to that end. The course is graded on a 4-tier Pass/Fail basis.

Experiential Advocacy Practicum (LWAA576)

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

Family Law (LWFC540)

Instructor(s): Leah Boucek

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

This open-enrollment course surveys the constitutional and legislative doctrine and the adjudication frameworks related to traditional family-law topics: marriage and divorce; marital property regimes; parent and child, including child custody, termination of parental rights, and adoption; family support rights; and rights of children. The course will be organized generally in relation to the California Family Code.

Note:

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

Federal Tax Clinic I (LWVL555)

Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter

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. Prerequisite: Tax I

Federal Tax Clinic II (LWVL556)

Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter

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

Fundamentals of Bar Exam Writing (LWGC520)

Instructor(s): Kathleen Bolus, Mary Allain, Tony Roberts, Allison Simkin

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

Fundamentals of Bar Exam Writing addresses two components of the bar exam: the performance test and the essay portion. This course develops bar writing skills and imparts strategies and approaches to improve bar exam essay and performance test writing. Students are introduced to bar exam components and topics, and quickly move on to focus on the structure and details of bar essay writing and performance test drafting using highly tested areas of law from actual past bar exam questions. Students will cultivate techniques to analyze and solve bar essays and performance tests and communicate legal analysis in writing. Students will practice under timed test-like conditions, among other in-class activities devoted to developing writing and self-analysis skills. Students receive specific grading and feedback on their written work throughout the course. The course includes self and peer review, as well as professor-student conferencing as needed. Grading is on the H/P/LP/F scale. Students may be withdrawn from the course and/or given a failing grade for missing more than two classes, failing to turn in any written assignments on time, or failing to complete any practice examination.

Gender Discrimination (LWJT523)

Instructor(s): Miranda McGowan

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This survey course will analyze the relationship between law and gender. Among other things, “gender” encompasses biological sex, gender roles and gender norms, gender identity, and sexual orientation. We will examine a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of gender and the history of certain social movements that have pushed for legal change and their strategies. We will also analyze many substantive areas of law that implicate gender, including constitutional law, employment discrimination law, family law, criminal law, education law, same-sex marriage, reproductive rights, poverty law, and immigration. Over the course of our history, the United States has increasingly expanded political, legal and social rights for persons without regard to their biological sex and more recently without regard to their sexual orientation and gender identity. As new rights are recognized and protected, however, new social and legal issues emerge. Learning about the regulation of gender in various areas will help you thing more thoroughly and systematically about gender issues. This class will have a take-home final exam administered on TWEN.

Health Care Reform (LWGC578)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

The past five years have seen a dramatic transformation of the health care policy landscape. Legislative and regulatory interventions in the health care market have had, and continue to have, enormous effects upon insurers, small businesses, doctors, and individual consumers. And they have also raised, and continue to raise, novel and critically important issues of constitutional law, administrative law, and legislative process. The goal of this course is to orient students to the broader implications for public law of the ongoing torrent of health care reform measures. This course will equip students both to understand these reforms as a practical matter and also to critically evaluate how health care reforms are faring as instruments of public law. The primary focus of the course will be on the Affordable Care Act and on the legislative, regulatory, and judicial responses to it. The final grade for the class will be based primarily on an approved-topic paper, satisfactory completion of which will satisfy the writing requirement for graduation. Class attendance and participation will also be considered.

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 & Reproduction (LWGC536)

Instructor(s): Dov Fox

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

Millions of children each year are born using reproductive technologies. The emergence of new, technologically advanced ways to have children has raised new questions in tax, torts, contract, inheritance, immigration, family, constitutional, and especially health law. This course considers the cases, statutes, and policies that explore these issues. We will cover topics including sperm donation, egg freezing, gamete selling, embryo disputes, prenatal torts, surrogacy contracts, fertility tourism, and posthumous conception. No background in science or medicine is required. The course grade will be based on a final exam.

Honors Moot Court Competition (LWWI559)

Instructor(s): Michael Devitt

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

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine their written and oral advocacy skills by providing instruction in both the appellate process and the proper techniques involved in brief writing and oral argument. This course will focus upon an appellate case and will include discussions with leading scholars in the law, judges, and/or practicing attorneys. The Paul A. McLennon, Sr. Honors Moot Court Competition will consist of several rounds of competition, culminating in the Final Round competition held before a distinguished panel of judges. Participants in this competition will meet their course obligations by completing a satisfactory moot court brief of required length and form, conducting oral arguments on the selected problem, and attending four mandatory classes.

Human Trafficking (LWCR538)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

Increased globalization and the internet have brought instances of human trafficking and child exploitation to unprecedented levels. As a result, the criminal justice system stands at a historic crossroad. We will review and discuss the various Title 18 crimes associated with human trafficking and child exploitation, accompanied by the relevant case law. We will also review the various methods of proof used by prosecutors to combat these crimes. This course will involve a written exam at the end of the semester designed to evaluate the student's understanding of the law and the challenges that are encountered during the investigation and prosecution of a human trafficking case.

Immigration Clinic I (LWVL530)

Instructor(s): Staff

2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded

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): Staff

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

Income Tax of Trusts & Estates (LWTE536)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I, Trusts & Estates
Recommended Class(es): Federal Estate & Gift Taxation

The federal income taxation of trusts, estates, and their beneficiaries; distributable net income; distribution deductions for simple and complex trusts and estates; grantor trusts; income in respect of a decedent; and throwback rules.

Intellectual Property Law Speaker Series (LWIP555)

Instructor(s): Shawn Miller

1 credit(s), P/F Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): See course description

The IP Law Speaker Series will feature nine distinguished speakers, typically leading practitioners and academics, during the course of the semester. The speakers will address a variety of topics in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law. Attendance at all speaker sessions is required. Students will draft a 1-2 page comment for seven of the nine speakers, which will be graded pass/fail. Students must have taken a course in some area of intellectual property, or have work experience in the field, to register for the course.

International Business Transactions (LWIC533)

Instructor(s): Staff

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)

In the Spring Semester of 2022, course coverage will focus on advanced global, regional and national international business transactions law and policy topics: Tariff remedies and wars, nontariff trade barriers, free trade agreements, foreign corrupt practices, export controls, technology transfers, piracy of intellectual property, direct and portfolio foreign investment, investor-state arbitrations, international franchising, international mergers and acquisitions, and international business litigation. There will be no coverage of international sales law.

The course will be customized to student backgrounds and interests. Grading will be based on research paper/writing assignments. No exams. This course does not qualify for written work credit.

Note:

This is a required course for the International Law Concentration (JD). This course does not qualify for written work credit.

International Environmental Law (LWIC539)

Instructor(s): Catherine MacKenzie

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), International Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), LLM in International Law (LLMI)

This course introduces students to international environmental law and considers how law may be used to enhance international environmental protection. It commences with an overview of the international legal system in the context of environmental protection. It then discusses the history, development, sources and principles of international environmental law and reviews the role of the UN and other international agencies in the context of international environmental law-making. Next, it considers issues of particular interest to the United States. These may include climate change, energy, biodiversity and biotechnology, transboundary water, forests and protected areas, and environment and trade. It concludes by considering the resolution of international environmental disputes including international responsibility, the role of international courts and tribunals and the quantification of environmental harm.

International Estate Planning (LWTE538)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I

The course will address U.S. federal taxation issues (both income and transfer taxes) for multi-national families in this modern day of global living, investment and travel. A detailed review of the income tax rules under Subchapter J and the transfer tax rules for persons who are not U.S. persons will be addressed. Additionally, strategic planning considerations will address pre-immigration and emigration taxation and estate/wealth planning. Grades will be based on quizzes, take home assignments/projects and a final exam.

International Intellectual Property (LWIP545)

Instructor(s): Lisa Ramsey

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

This course examines international protection of intellectual property. We will discuss international treaties, trade agreements, and dispute resolution systems relating to trademarks, patents, copyrights, and related rights. The course will also cover acquisition and enforcement of intellectual property rights in foreign markets.

International Migration Law & Policy (LWIC545)

Instructor(s): Horacio Spector

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

This course includes elements of public international law and comparative law in the emerging area of international migration. The international normative system on forced migrations is interpreted and implemented in different ways by the States members of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, which gives rise to a rich array of international and comparative precedents. Students will learn the international norms relating to forced migrations and the rulings of American and European courts that apply those norms to particular controversies. Class discussions will focus on various alternatives to redesign the international system and propose an alternative structure that be capable of providing fairer and more efficient solutions to this serious problem. Successful completion of the paper will fulfill the law school's written work requirement.

Intro to US Law (LWGC530)

Instructor(s): Maimon Schwarzschild

2 credit(s), Letter Graded

Introduction to United States Law is a required course for Master of Comparative Law 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 LLMC students only.

IP Legal Research (online) (LWGC526)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

This online course focuses on legal research materials and techniques used in intellectual property law practice. Course will cover the use of basic primary sources such as the U.S. Constitution, statutes, and cases, as well as research tools and techniques unique to IP, including patent searching, prior art searching, and the activities and publications of the Patent and Trademark Office. Research tools and sources are compared and contrasted to help students learn economical and efficient research skills necessary to be a successful intellectual property lawyer, including those used in patent and trademark prosecution, litigation, and transactional work. Weekly exercises will allow students to track their progress in gaining mastery of the materials. The final grade will be based on participation, weekly exercises, and a final project.

Labor Law (LWLP545)

Instructor(s): Richard Paul

3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

This course offers an introduction to federal labor laws that effect organization, negotiation, collective bargaining relationships, and enforcement of negotiated labor agreements in the private sector. The course will examine National Labor Relations Board rules and procedures, federal court jurisdiction, labor arbitration, the rights of individual union members, and the increasing reach of NLRB rulings into non-unionized workforces. The course will also consider somewhat different issues of labor law and regulation in the public sector. This course will not consider other employment laws, employment litigation, or alternative dispute resolution procedures that are covered in other classes offered by the School of Law or the employee benefits class offered by the Graduate Tax Institute. This class requires no prerequisite course work.

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

Legal Writing & Research II (LWAA546)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s)

Legal Writing and Research (LWR) II introduces students to persuasive legal writing and oral argument. Through a series of assignments, students focus on the analytical, research, and writing skills required to produce effective legal briefs. Students are also trained in the art of oral advocacy and required to deliver an oral argument based on their legal briefs before a panel of attorneys. The course is offered in small sections with low student-faculty ratios so that faculty may provide individualized and frequent feedback on student work. Required for first-year students.

Legal Writing & Research, LLMC (LWGC560)

Instructor(s): Leslie Morsek

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

This course, which is offered only to students in the LLM in Comparative Law program, 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.

Mediation Skills (LWLP556)

Instructor(s): Lisa Maxwell

2 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

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's 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 42 participants. This course is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.

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

Medical Malpractice (LWGC577)

Instructor(s): Dov Fox

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

Welcome to The Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Case for Physicians and Lawyers. Approximately 85,000 medical malpractice cases are filed throughout the United States each year. With medical technology and the practice of medicine constantly evolving, physicians and medical facilities are tasked with meeting higher standards of quality care. For many physicians, the potential for lawsuits cast a long shadow over the practice of medicine.

This class, taught by attorneys and including practicing physicians, will attempt to answer many questions about the realities of medical malpractice litigation in an interdisciplinary context. It will combine law students and medical residents learning together to enhance an understanding of their respective milieus. The course will examine what causes patients to seek out a lawyer after a complication; the frequency of lawsuits and costs associated with the current tort system; how the potential for litigation impacts physicians in their daily practice; and the dynamics of the various stages of litigation, from inception of the lawsuit through trial. Law students and medical residents will learn about the importance of the burden of proof and the “standard of care,” informed consent, documentation and communication with other healthcare providers, defensive medicine, the procedures for taking and defending expert depositions, how to prepare for trial, as well the practical realities and ramifications of settlement or verdict, including reporting to licensing and regulatory bodies.

The objective of the course will be to give law students the experience of handling a medical malpractice case from start to finish, including learning how to effectively represent a physician, take a deposition, and prepare for trial. For medical residents, this course will provide insight into the legal field, aid in the understanding of the mechanics of a lawsuit, and provide a practical understanding of how the legal system actually functions.

Mergers & Acquisitions (LWBC570)

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), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Corporations

This course will examine selected economic, corporate law, and securities law aspects of the acquisition of businesses. Topics covered will include some basic (and necessary) corporate finance theory (such as valuation, efficient capital markets, event studies and option pricing theory); empirical evidence on the social costs and benefits of acquisition activity; the structuring of friendly and hostile acquisitions; the corporate law of takeover defenses; and securities law regulation of acquisition transactions. Some accounting and tax law topics may be touched upon, but they will not be a major focus of the course. Some effort will be made to examine drafting and negotiations aspects of M&A transactions. Students with substantial background in related areas may take Corporations concurrently, with permission. There will be a final exam in the class.

Mexican Law (LWIC565)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), LLM in International Law (LLMI), International Law (MSLS)

This course will provide the basic knowledge of Mexican Law, its main institutions and processes. The course is an overview of the most important substantive components and some of the procedural features of the Mexican Legal System. The course is designed so the student clearly understands the political and constitutional system and structure, and the main ideas that shaped the Mexican justice system. The student will be familiar with political and legislative processes, the institutional framework, and the main areas of Mexican Law. The course will incorporate a comparative methodology, so students can draw critical comparisons with the system of the United States. Successful completion of the paper will fulfill the law schools written work requirement.

Mock Trial (LWWI550)

Instructor(s): Frankie DiGiacco

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

Mock Trial is a competitive trial advocacy experience in which students learn techniques for effective and persuasive advocacy for trial as they prepare to compete in tournaments against teams from other law schools. Only students selected to compete as part of the National Mock Trial Team may register.

Moot Court (LWWI555)

Instructor(s): Linda Lane

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

One credit may be awarded to participating team member who represent USD in inter-school moot court competitions, whether administered by the Moot Court Board or supervised directly by a USD faculty member. A person may receive no more than one credit under this paragraph during the law school career.

Multistate Bar Exam Review (in person section) (LWGC576)

Instructor(s): Ted Sichelman

4 credit(s), Letter Graded

The MBE is given as part of the bar exam in nearly all U.S. jurisdictions. USD has licensed every published MBE question from previous examinations. Students in this course will take these MBE questions each week using customized online software (also accessible from tablets and smartphones), which tracks each student’s strengths and weaknesses in every substantive area of the bar exam (constitutional, criminal, real property, torts, contracts, evidence, and civil procedure). The online software will provide real-time review material for each area of the law. Each in-class session will cover test-taking techniques and the substantive law for one of the seven areas of law. Clickers are used to answer questions and provide immediate feedback to students. Please note that BARBRI, Kaplan, and most other bar exam review courses do not provide access to all of the previously released real exam questions from the MBE. As such, the questions in this course will not be the same as most of the questions that are provided in commercial summer bar preparation courses. Students must complete each week MBE questions in the required online modules (approximately 5-8 hours per week of work). The final grade will be based on two midterms and a final (plus timely completion of the weekly exams is necessary to pass the course). Only students planning to graduate in May or December 2022 may register for the course.

Multistate Bar Exam Review (online format) (LWGC576)

Instructor(s): Michael Kelly

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.

NAFTA: Free Trade Agreements (LWIC568)

Instructor(s): Staff

2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): International Law (JD), International Law (LLMUS), International Law (MSLS)

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have dramatically multiplied in number and scope. Every nation on Earth has at least one FTA, many have dozens of free trade partners. Free Trade Agreements often cover foreign investment, intellectual property, cross-border services, environmental and labor issues, and dispute settlement arbitrations, in addition to trade in goods.

This course introduces the law, economics and policy issues of Free Trade Agreements, focusing particularly on the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) finalized in the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA 2020). FTAs of Japan, China, Korea, South-East Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom will also be considered.

This research paper course is designed to allow fulfillment of the Law School’s Writing Requirement

Native American Law (previously titled American Indian Law) (LWPP557)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

This course provides an overview of Native American law and the legal and political history that has shaped this area of law. Students will gain an understanding of the foundational cases and federal statutes that form the basic tenets of federal Indian law. This course also explores a broad range of topics, including tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, civil rights, economic development, resource rights, civil and criminal jurisdiction, and the relationship between tribal governments, the federal government, and state governments.

The course will be graded by a final paper on a topic of the student’s choosing completed under the professor’s guidance after submission of a first draft.

Negotiation (LWLP560)

Instructor(s): Virginia Nelson

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), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate 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), Employment and Labor Law Concentration (JD) web pages for more information.
Additional Information: Business and Corporate Law Concentration, Civil Litigation Concentration

Ocean and Coastal Law (LWEV565)

Instructor(s): Staff

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.

Payroll Taxes (LWTE548)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

The purpose of this course is to understand the structure of Federal payroll taxes and the new 3.8% tax on net investment income and also to consider the broader issues which these taxes raise. We will not get into the fine print (e.g., should you be withholding FICA on what you pay your babysitter?),but will discuss, for example, the effect of the rules on the choice an entity or a structure used to carry on a business (such as the choice between a partnership and an S corporation or between a limited liability company and a limited partnership), the alignment of the taxes with the personal income tax and other connections between Government and private social insurance and healthcare programs and the personal income tax. (There is also the effect on payroll taxes of H.R. 6201, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and other responses to the pandemic.) Broader payroll tax issues include, for example, whether it makes a difference whether these taxes are viewed as taxes on income or simply as payments made for specific retirement and/or medical benefits (and, depending on how that is answered, whether it might make sense to fund more of the Social Security and Medicare benefits out of general revenues, not payroll taxes, and to eliminate the tax on NII).

Apart from assigned materials, additional readings are set out at the end of this syllabus. These are not required but are for those who want to go beyond the assigned readings. This class meets for seven weeks followed by a final exam.

Privacy & Data Security (previously titled Privacy Law) (LWGC582)

Instructor(s): Christian Andreu-von Euw

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

Privacy and information security are critical legal and social issues in today’s interconnected world. Most businesses store and use the personal information of others—and have obligations to protect that data and use it legally. All networked computers—from Google’s email servers, to the phones in our pockets, to the “smart” appliances in our homes— are under constant attack, and any breach can lead to serious liability for many parties. This course explores the roots of privacy and data security law and its evolution in the face of rapid technological change. We will think critically about the trade-offs and challenges presented by the ever-changing role of technology, the risks and rewards of data collection, and the rapidly changing legal landscape. We will touch on the relationships between privacy, security, and risk; on identification and re-identification of individuals; on encryption, ransomware, and open access to data; and other current issues in privacy and information technology. Successful completion of course writing assignments will fulfill the law school written work requirement.

Additional Information: Intellectual Property Concentration (JD)

Products Liability (LWLP568)

Instructor(s): Staff

3 credit(s), Letter Graded

This course will cover the law governing liability for injuries caused by defective products, including negligence, warranty and strict tort liability doctrines. The doctrine of strict tort liability for defective products has been an especially dynamic area, and the course will cover the historical and theoretical origins of this doctrine. Defenses, causation, and other related doctrines will also be examined. The grade in this course will be based on a final exam with class participation also considered.

Professional Responsibility (LWAA580)

Instructor(s): Robert Muth

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.

Property (LWAA530)

Instructor(s): Staff

4 credit(s), Letter Graded

Consideration is given, in both a historical and modern sense, to the rights and obligations that arise out of the legal ownership of possessory and non-possessory interests, tangible, and to a limited extent, intangible, personal, and real property. Areas covered include estates in land, landlord-tenant, conveyancing, land development, public and private control of land use, non-possessory rights in land, bailments, lost and misplaced property, gifts, and an introduction to gratuitous transfers of realty.

Public Interest Law Clinic (LWVL544)

Instructor(s): Staff

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)

Students who enjoy Public Interest Law and Practice 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 model legislation; participating in litigation to enforce the state\'s sunshine statutes; or submitting amicus curiae briefs on public interest issues pending appeal. Student critiques of publishable quality may satisfy USD\'s written work requirement. Students interested in Public Interest Law Clinic must secure a permission slip prior to pre-registration from Professor Julie D\'Angelo Fellmeth at CPIL\'s offices. 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 Concentration

Real Estate Transactions (LWBC577)

Instructor(s): Chris Wonnell, 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), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS)

This course covers the practical aspects of real property transactions, both residential and commercial. Topics include purchase & sale transactions, escrows, title insurance, options, deeds and title issues, leases, basic financing transactions, brokers and agents, and applicable documents. The course builds on the broader conceptual concepts covered in the Property course, and examines the application of those concepts used by practitioners in advising their clients in transactions.

REITs (LWTE550)

Instructor(s): Shane Shelley

1 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Completed or concurrent enrollment in Tax I

In this course, we take an in-depth look at the U.S. federal income taxation of “real estate investment trusts” (“REITs”) and related real estate transactions, including: the history and purpose of REITs; the primary tax requirements applicable to REITs; the structure of common REIT transactions, including “UPREIT” formations, real estate contributions and M&A transactions; and the use of REITs by private investment funds. Classwork and course materials will incorporate a close review and analysis of multiple sources, including the Internal Revenue Code and related authorities, the SEC filings of publicly traded REITs and examples of contractual agreements related to REIT transactions. This class runs for seven weeks. Grades will be based on a final exam.

Remedies (LWLP570)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

Legal and equitable remedies under statutes and the common law are examined and compared. The course focuses on methods of evaluating alternative remedies and arguing for or against their creation or use in a given case. The course objective is to enable the student not only to identify all available remedies but also to choose the preferred remedy from among them. The principal subjects covered are equity, restitution and damages.

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

Scientific Evidence (LWCR570)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

This course will address the technical requirements under California law for admissibility of both established and new forms of scientific evidence. Possible topics include fingerprints, serology, odontology, DNA and others. Students will apply the principles of admissibility by participating in realistic foundational hearings in the classroom, and will present papers on specific forms of scientific evidence.

State Income Tax Clinic I (LWVL560)

Instructor(s): Mengjun He

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

This 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 California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Under supervision of an attorney from the CDTFA’s Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office, students assist taxpayers with state income tax disputes against the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Students receive legal practice skills training, including gathering and identifying evidence, drafting legal briefs, and representing clients/taxpayers in negotiations with the FTB and at oral hearings before the California Board of Equalization or the California Office of Tax Appeals

State Income Tax Clinic II (LWVL561)

Instructor(s): Mengjun He

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

State Sales & Use Tax Clinic I (LWVL562)

Instructor(s): Staff

2-4 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).

State Sales & Use Tax Clinic II (LWVL563)

Instructor(s): Staff

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

Tax I (LWAA590)

Instructor(s): Miranda Perry Fleischer

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

Tax I provides students with an understanding of the basic principles of federal income tax, including gross income, deductions, tax accounting, capital transactions, and income shifting. Required for upper-class students.

Tax Policy & Research (LWTE570)

Instructor(s): Dennis Lilly

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

This course will offer an introduction to the principal policy considerations raised when creating a tax system. 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.

Trade Secrets (LWIP575)

Instructor(s): Shawn Miller

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

This course provides an introduction to trade secret law. Subjects include the definition of trade secrets, the means by which trade secret protection is distinguished from copyright and patent law, and issues in enforcing trade secret protection. We will study the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act, the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, and California trade secrets law, as well as the relationship between trade secrets protection and California's policy against enforcing non-compete agreements.

Transfer Pricing (LWTE584)

Instructor(s): David Bowen

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

The course involves a thorough study of the fundamental and practical concepts of “transfer pricing,” from U.S. and international perspectives. Transfer pricing is one of the most significant tax issues for multinational enterprises with international operations. It attracts the scrutiny of tax authorities worldwide and continues to draw attention of multiple countries’ tax legislatures. The course first analyzes the fundamental methods by which income and other items are affected – often with major financial impact - through MNE “controlled” transactions. The basic analytical framework involve critical analysis of U.S. Code provisions, Treasury Regulations, other administrative materials and important judicial decisions. These U.S. provisions are compared to other comprehensive, consensus-type guidelines, such as the recent OECD Guidelines. Practical strategies are discussed in terms of proactive strategies for resolving and avoiding cross-border disputes involving transfer pricing. Topics include allocations and apportionments of income, deductions, credits and allowances; the “arm’s length” standard and its alternatives; BEPS (base erosion and profit shifting); economic double taxation; Treaty mechanisms such as MAP (mutual agreement procedures); TIPs (taxpayer-initiated adjustments) and compensating adjustments; general legal principles and apportionment methods, including the judicial doctrines of assignment of income, the economic substance doctrine, fruit-tree, and other matters; methods to determine “true” taxable income in “controlled” transactions involving tangible and intangible property, services, and intercompany financing; relevant U.S. customs rules; tax penalties and relevant forms, including country-by-country reporting; tax planning and compliance efforts; and relevant comparisons of international transfer pricing rules within particular contexts. Grades will be based on a written exam which includes true false questions, multiple choice, and a hand-graded essay,

Note: This course is open to LLM and JD levels.

Trial Advocacy - Civil (LWLP550)

Instructor(s): Linda Lane

3 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 on civil or criminal trials. The course also includes developing skills used in the discovery phase of civil cases, especially depositions. The course is specifically designed to expand the skills introduced to the student in 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.

Note: Students may only elect this course or Practicum--Civil to count toward the Civil Litigation Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Civil Litigation Concentration

Trusts & Estates (LWTE555)

Instructor(s): Staff

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): Robert Muth

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

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

Veterans Clinic II (LWVL581)

Instructor(s): Robert Muth

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

Women's Legal Clinic II (LWVL584)

Instructor(s): Meredith Levin

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

Womens Legal Clinic I (LWVL583)

Instructor(s): Meredith Levin

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

Workers Rights Clinic II (LWVL585)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 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.

Workers' Rights Clinic I (LWVL585)

Instructor(s): Staff

1 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Experiential
Concentration(s): Employment and Labor Law (JD), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)

View By Semester

Click on a semester below, then narrow your search by choosing a sub-item.

Fall 2026

Summer 2026

Spring 2026

Fall 2025

Summer 2025

Spring 2025

Fall 2024

Summer 2024

Spring 2024