Second-Third-Year

Prerequisite: Property and Contracts

Prerequisites: Must not have taken Commercial Law Survey

Principles of commercial paper; system of bank deposits and collections, including the relationship of the commercial bank and its customer. The use of commercial paper in documentary exchanges is also covered.

This is a course that explores the state, federal and international laws governing the use and development of resources in coastal areas and the oceans. Such an exploration covers the federal and state common law, major federal statutes, international treaties, all from the perspective of the special needs of coastal areas and oceans. Prominent in this course are the ecological underpinnings of wildlife regulation, relationships between water, habitat, wildlife, and land use, and legal issues stemming from jurisdictional conflicts.

This course covers the organizational law of small businesses, particularly those with relatively few owners or shareholders. It introduces and compares different types of legal organizations commonly used by small businesses, such as general partnerships, limited partnerships, closely held corporations, and limited-liability companies (LLCs).

The course offers students a skills-oriented approach to client interviewing and counseling. Coverage includes recognizing the legal and non-legal dimensions of a client's problem(s); developing the fundamental skills of effective listening and questioning; and practicing information-gathering and decision-making techniques. Course may be taken for S/U grade only, with S+ (honors) and S- option.

In this seminar, we will discuss class actions from the theoretical, doctrinal, and practical perspectives.  We will examine several actual cases in great depth, including antitrust class actions, employment law class actions, and class actions brought against the federal government. Practical exercises will include working on a motion for class certification, deposition practice, and a simulated settlement negotiation. The final grade will be based on both performance in the practical exercises and a research paper the subject of which you will choose based on the course materials.

In this skills-training class, we will examine several actual class action and multi-party litigation cases, including tobacco cases, employment law class actions, medical product litigation, and other complex commercial and civil litigation cases. Practical exercises will include working on a motion for class certification, deposition practice, and a simulated settlement negotiation.

May be taken as a S/U grade only. The course provides a hands-on, experience-based exposure to civil pre-trial law and practice. Skill areas addressed include client interviewing, negotiation and dispute resolution, as well as the drafting of pleadings, motions, requests and other documents pertaining to discovery and other pre-trial matters. In addition, students will gain exposure to the theoretical, strategic and practical ramifications of civil pre-trial practice.

Co-requisite: Evidence

Prerequisites: Civil Procedure, Evidence