Courses

College of Law

Civil Pretrial

Course Number: 6565
Professor: David Singleton
Credit Hours & Type of Credit: 3
Semester Offered: Spring
Required: No
Prerequisites: Students must have completed their first year of law school.
Recommended Courses: Civil Procedure, Professional Responsibility, Evidence

Course Overview: Civil pretrial is an intensive learn-by-doing course designed to prepare students for civil litigation practice.  Students litigate a civil case from inception to the point of trial preparation.  In addition to lecture and demonstration, class consists of practical exercises simulating typical law firm work.  Students will interview a client and/or witness, conduct factual investigation, research applicable law, draft pleadings, serve and respond to written discovery, take a deposition, argue a motion, and negotiate a settlement.  A sample case frames the course by providing documents, facts, and witnesses for discovery and pleadings.  While graded work is handled individually, students will work together on certain litigation activities throughout the semester.

Course Materials: See the current Book List located under Scheduling.
Course Format: Practical exercises, class lecture and discussion.
Written Assignments: Draft litigation documents.
Type of Exam: None
Basis for Grading Student Performance: Documents drafted, participation, and oral exercises.
Other Comments: Great introduction to civil litigation of any kind. This course counts toward experiential learning credits.