Students will represent a mock client from the initial client interview and filing of the complaint, through all stages of discovery, depositions, motion calendar and trial. Students prepare trial notebooks, research evidentiary, ethical and procedural issues, court rules, forms, and substantive law. The semester concludes with a final trial. At the beginning of the second semester, students conduct a second trial. After the trial is completed, students enter the appellate phase of the course.
Students work with a record to prepare an appellate brief and oral argument.
Additionally, students take part in at least one mediation at either the trial or appellate level. Throughout the semester, students will confront both practical and ethical issues. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the rules of professional responsibility. The course instructors will continue to emphasize analysis and writing skills and to provide instruction in applicable research strategies. The four-semester skills development program seeks to teach students the skills of legal research, writing, and analysis within the context in which they occur in law practice.