Course Catalog

[L100R] Legal Research (1 credit)

Satisfactory completion of this course is required only for those students who satisfactorily completed Lawyering Process II (L110) in Spring 2023 or earlier. This course introduces students to the basic principles and processes of legal research. Students learn how to locate and use secondary sources, statutory law, case law, and regulations using free and subscription-based online resources.

[L101] Torts (4 credits)

This course is a survey of basic tort law, including topics such as intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. Limitation: This course replaced Torts I (L101A, 3 credits); students who have satisfactorily completed Torts I cannot earn credit for this course.

Beginning Fall 2022, all students must satisfactorily complete at least 4 credits of Torts. Satisfactory completion of a required course that awards letter grades is defined as earning a grade of “C-” or above. Students who entered prior to Summer 2022 and who have not taken or must retake Torts I (L101A, 3 credits) can meet the Torts requirement by satisfactorily completing Torts (L101, 4 credits). Students who entered prior to Summer 2022 and who have satisfactorily completed Torts I (L101A, 3 credits) but have not taken or must retake Torts II (L231A, 3 credits) can meet the Torts requirement by satisfactorily completing Advanced Torts (L231, 3 credits).

[L103] Criminal Law (3 credits)

In this course, students are introduced to topics that include mens rea and actus reus, the elements of common law felonies and misdemeanors, and the principal defenses to criminal charges.

[L104] Contracts I (3 credits)

The required first semester Contracts I course covers key common law concepts including offer and acceptance, bargained for exchange, enforcement of promises on the theories of reliance and unjust enrichment, defenses to contract, conditions and terms, anticipatory repudiation and breach, and remedies. The course also introduces students to core competencies such as analyzing cases and applying narrow holdings to new facts.

[L105] Lawyering Process I (3 credits)

This course begins with an intensive look at the skills entering students need to learn faster and more effectively in the law school classroom. Students learn about the legal system, the lawyer’s role in that system, case briefing, case and statutory analysis, case synthesis, class preparation, and note-taking. In addition, students complete several writing assignments that enable them to receive early critical feedback. Students also start to learn about the basic principles and processes of legal research, using free and subscription-based online resources. The course provides an in-depth understanding of legal reasoning, research, and writing in the context of objective, predictive analysis.

[L107B/L107] Civil Procedure II (4 credits)

This course builds upon the foundation of Civil Procedure I, focusing on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with particular attention to pleading, joinder, motions to dismiss and summary judgment, discovery, appeals, and the effect of prior judgments on litigation. Prerequisite: Civil Procedure I.

[L108] Criminal Procedure (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the individual rights created by the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments to the U. S. Constitution and to the enforcement of those rights by means of the exclusionary rule.

[L109] Contracts II (3 credits)

In the second semester, Contracts II introduces students to analysis of statutory law through intensive study and application of Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, the primary law governing contracts for the sale of goods in the United States. The course also touches on Article 2A (Leases) and the Convention on the International Sale of Goods. Prerequisite: Contracts I.

[L110] Lawyering Process II (3 credits)

This course continues the development of the legal reasoning, research, and writing skills introduced in Lawyering Process I, and incorporates methods of persuasive argument. Writing exercises emphasize the kinds of research and writing tasks lawyers must do, which may include client letters, office memoranda, pleadings, motions, contracts, and persuasive briefs. Students continue to develop their research skills to locate and use sources of law such as statutes, cases, and regulations.  Students also have opportunities to develop their bargaining skills through a negotiation exercise and their advocacy skills through an exercise simulating argument on a motion. Prerequisite: Lawyering Process I.

[L201] Constitutional Law I (2 credits)

This course is designed to introduce students to the structure, text, history and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. The course covers the nature and scope of judicial review, separation of powers, and federalism.

[L202] Evidence (4 credits)

This course surveys key provisions of the Federal Rules of Evidence, including relevance, hearsay, impeachments, and authentication of documents. It also looks at common law privileges. The course emphasizes conveying to students a functional knowledge of the rules of evidence.

[L203] Professional Responsibility (2 credits)

This course examines the ethical problems implicit in the role of the legal profession in a democratic society governed by the rule of law. Topics include the lawyer-client relationship, duties to the court, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, delivery of legal services, and disciplinary rules and mechanisms.

[L204] Property (4 credits)

This required course is an introduction to the law of property. Topics include the acquisition of property, possessory estates, future interests, co-ownership, marital interests, leasehold estates, landlord tenant law, land transactions, recording systems, servitudes, zoning, and eminent domain. Limitation: This course replaced Property I (L204A, 3 credits); students who have satisfactorily completed Property I cannot earn credit for this course.

Beginning Fall 2023, all students must satisfactorily complete at least 4 credits of Property. Satisfactory completion of a required course that awards letter grades is defined as earning a grade of “C-” or above. Students who entered prior to Summer 2022 and who have not taken or must retake Property I (L204A, 3 credits) can meet the Property requirement by satisfactorily completing Property (L204, 4 credits). Students who entered prior to Summer 2022 and who have satisfactorily completed Property I (L204, 3 credits) but have not taken or must retake Property II (L227A, 3 credits) can meet the Property requirement by satisfactorily completing Advanced Property (L227B).

[L205] Constitutional Law II (4 credits)

In this course, students will examine the sources, history and applications of the major areas of constitutional law which involve our “rights and liberties.” These areas of law include Equal Protection, Substantive Due Process and fundamental liberty interests, Procedural Due Process, and the First Amendment. The course uses a combination of methods, including a modified Socratic method, lectures, and class discussions; classes involve recitations by students of fact patterns, holdings, and implications of assigned case readings in give and take interchanges with the instructor. Constitutional Law I is NOT a prerequisite but is recommended.

[L342] Legal and Bar Success Foundations (3 credits)

This is a comprehensive course for graduating students in their final semester of law school. The course is focused directly toward driving student achievement on the bar exam by working to build critical exam skills. The course will be delivered in a series of focused lessons which include a brief refresher on a subject followed by a skills workshop on that topic. Students will learn through practicing essays and multiple choice exam questions, and will receive detailed written feedback on their answers.

[L450] Moot Court (2 credits)

This course covers the appellate process and continues the development of legal research, analysis, and writing skills begun in the Lawyering Process courses. Students are provided with a case on appeal and prepare a written appellate brief for one side. At the end of the semester, they present an oral argument in that case. Prerequisites: Lawyering Process I and II.

[LLAB] 1L Lab (0 credits)

1L Lab is a required non-credit, pass-fail course for first-semester 1L students. This course links the oral, written and legal analysis skills associated with the core competencies to the substantive law that is taught in first year courses. The lab sessions focus on skills needed for success in law school, including class preparation (reading and briefing cases and statutes, strategies for understanding legal terminology, note-taking and the importance of reflection; and exam preparation (synthesizing, preparing an outline and a problem-solving attack plan, and written communication skills such as responding to essay questions).

[LLAB2] Lab II

First-year students with a first year Fall semester cumulative grade point average (CGPA) below 2.500 must enroll in Lab II or another course designated by the Director of the Academic Success Program in the second semester. See UDC Law Student Handbook Section 6.3.

[LLAB3] Lab III

Second-year students with a first year Spring cumulative grade point average (CGPA) below 2.500 must enroll in Lab III or another course designated by the Director of the Academic Success Program in the Fall semester of their second year. See UDC Law Student Handbook Section 6.3.

[L900/L950/L952E] Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic (7 or 10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

The Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic introduces law students to civil and administrative litigation in the housing law and allows students to develop practical and fundamental lawyering skills while providing legal representation, assistance, and counseling to tenants in the District of Columbia. This clinic provides students with a unique opportunity to practice law in the context of a dynamic legal services program with dedicated and intensive attorney supervision while working alongside students from other local law schools. This is an off-premises clinic in which students participate alongside students from other D.C. law schools in the Housing Litigation and Advocacy Clinic at Rising for Justice.

[L901A/L951A/L951E] Tax Clinic (7 or 10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

UDC Law’s Tax Clinic provides students with hands-on experience representing taxpayers with active tax controversies before the IRS, in U.S. Tax Court and, in limited instances, state tax agencies. Students primarily represent low income, Metro DC residents. Tax Clinic students assist in a wide range of matters, including claiming family-based tax credits, resolving tax return audits, and addressing the denial or suspension of tax refunds. Students may work on federal and DC tax policy matters, as well as conduct community outreach and assist in the delivery of technical tax advice to community organizations. Classroom work includes coverage of relevant tax doctrine, tax practice and procedure, and tax policy issues. Tax Clinic faculty closely supervise student practice and prepare students to interview and counsel clients in order to provide effective and ethical legal representation. The Tax Clinic prepares participating students for tax litigation, poverty law practice, and policy work.

[L902B/L952B/L950E] Youth Justice Clinic (7 or 10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

Students in this clinic will develop important lawyering and other skills representing children, youthful offenders, parents/guardians, or other interested stakeholders in delinquency appeals, sentencing challenges, or other cases or causes that present youth justice issues. The clinic’s work seeks to supplement traditional juvenile court delinquency representation with a range of advocacy efforts in various venues to address the special needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities of youth. Clinic students handle various aspects of advocacy and representation, such as: drafting appellate briefs and other litigation-related documents; developing and implementing case strategies and plans; engaging with clients, parents/guardians, and youth justice partners; negotiating with adversaries and others; and advancing youth-centered arguments in appellate courts and other settings.

[L903A/L953A] Whistleblower Protection Clinic (7 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

The Whistleblower Protection Clinic introduces students to the law and skills required to provide policy advocacy and representation (both to defend against retaliation and to make a difference) for government and private employees who are threatened with retaliation for speaking out against fraud, waste, mismanagement, abuse of authority, environmental dangers, and public health and safety problems. The clinic involves students in work on administrative hearings, appeals, congressional testimony, media involvement, investigations, development of record, and legal research on the track record of whistleblower laws. This is an off-premises clinic in which students are supervised by an attorney adjunct professor at the Government Accountability Project.

[L905/L955] Legislation Clinic (7 or 10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

The Legislation Clinic trains students to be effective legislative lawyers, who are skilled in working with text, law, policy, and politics to help achieve legislative or regulatory reform and develop thoughtful public policy. The Clinic’s seminar focuses on relevant substantive law, processes (such as how legislation is enacted and regulations are promulgated on the local and federal levels), ethics (such as system reform obligations, lobbying restrictions, and working with groups), and skills (such as client counseling, oral advocacy, legislative research, and drafting policy materials like talking points, bills, or white papers). The field experience complements the seminar component by providing students the opportunity to represent the community and community-based organizations under faculty supervision on employment, gender, and other social justice policy projects.

[L906/L956/L956E] Community Development Law Clinic (7 or 10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

The Community Development Law Clinic (CDLC) focuses on transactional (or non-litigation based) advocacy skills. The clinic’s clients are organizations involved in affordable housing development, small business development and community services, such as childcare. In their field work, students will serve in the capacity of corporate counsel to the clients, advising and assisting them in a wide range of concerns, which may include choice of entity, organizational structure, tax status, fiduciary duty of corporate officers and directors, regulatory compliance, government programs, financing and contractual relations. The clinic emphasizes transactional-based lawyering skills, including problem solving, client interviewing and counseling, negotiation, legal research and legal drafting. Trial practice skills are not addressed in this clinic. The clinic will also cover substantive law and policy related to the subject matter presented by the cases. In the small business component of the clinic, students represent small D.C. business enterprises in need of free legal services. Students advise clients on business structures, prepare articles of incorporation, bylaws, advise clients regarding basic tax law, zoning, licensing requirements; and mediate business disputes.

[L910/L912/L912E] Immigration & Human Rights Clinic (7 or 10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

Students in the Immigration & Human Rights Clinic learn about the specialized area of immigration law with a particular focus on removal defense in immigration court and asylum representation. Students represent clients under the supervision of the clinic director. In addition to attending the required twice-weekly seminar, students meet in teams with their supervisor and participate in case rounds. Students represent clients at interviews with immigration officials and/or litigate in Immigration Court or the Board of Immigration Appeals. The Clinic advocates for clients living in Washington, DC, and the greater metropolitan area and focuses on cases before the Arlington immigration court and Arlington asylum office. Students in the clinic will gain substantive expertise in humanitarian immigration law, build critical interviewing skills, develop fact investigation, engage in legal analysis and legal writing, along with oral advocacy before the asylum office and/or in immigration court. The Clinic aims to stand beside clients and advocate using trauma-informed, client-centered, and critical lawyering.

[L920/L921/L921E] Criminal Defense and Racial Justice Clinic (7 or 10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

The Criminal Defense and Racial Justice Clinic exposes students to public defender work, teaching them how to use a range of advocacy tools to combat mass incarceration and racial injustice in the criminal legal system. Students will work on teams to take on a mix of advocacy projects, including representing clients accused of misdemeanor and low-level felony offenses at every stage of their criminal case; helping incarcerated people gain freedom through parole or other post-conviction avenues; and collaborating with local non-profits to engage in community education and policy projects. Under the guidance and supervision of the Clinic Director, students will engage in client interviewing and counseling, fact investigation, discovery practice, motions research and writing, legal analysis, case theory development, plea negotiations, trial advocacy, sentencing advocacy, and persuasive storytelling. In the Clinic seminar, students will workshop their cases and explore broader topics such as professional responsibility and ethics for the defense attorney, client-centered lawyering, cultural humility, the criminalization of poverty, the history of policing and mass incarceration, and racism within the criminal legal system. Through client representation, classroom lectures and discussion, reading assignments, court-watching, case round discussions, mock exercises, feedback, and reflection, students will learn what it means to provide zealous, compassionate, and client-centered representation.

[L940/L941/L940E] General Practice Clinic (7 or 10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

The General Practice Clinic focuses on representing and advocating for survivors of domestic violence. Student attorneys will take on a mix of advocacy projects in the DC legal community and direct client representation in family law litigation cases. Student attorneys will work in teams, under the supervision of clinic faculty, to engage as the primary legal team on their client or advocacy work. Students engaged in litigation will prepare each stage of the litigation process, including drafting pleadings, preparing pre-trial motions and discovery, negotiating with opposing parties or counsel, and, when applicable, bringing the case to trial. Students working on advocacy projects will be in direct discussion with stakeholders, working to make a concrete impact on improving access to justice for survivors. In the clinic seminar, students will develop the legal skills and knowledge necessary to complete their case and project work, including client interviewing and counseling, client-centered lawyering, professional responsibility and ethics, negotiation skills, evidence, and components of trial practice. Students will also have opportunities to reflect on and discuss, as a law firm, their experiences in case and project work, and will work together to refine their approach to legal problem-solving, decision-making, and the exercise of professional judgment.

[L911-L999] Independent, Extended & Elective Clinics (1-10 credits) (ALWR Opportunity*)

Independent, Extended & Elective Clinics for one or more credits may be arranged based upon completion of an Elective/Extended Clinic Form and approval by the clinic supervisor and Associate Dean for Experiential & Clinical Programs. Please note that Independent, Extended & Elective Clinics may not be used to satisfy UDC Law’s clinic graduation requirement. Students should refer to the Student Handbook, e.g. Sections 1.5, 1.6.2., 3.3, and 4.4, regarding enrollment in additional/non-required clinic credits.

[L208] Administrative Law (3 credits)

This course examines the role of the administrative branch of government in the legal system. In particular, it explores the nature and scope of the power of administrative agencies and the restraints on administrative power imposed by the Constitution, statutes and the common law. Topics include the delegation of power to administrative agencies, administrative investigations, the right to be heard, formal and informal decision making processes and procedures, administrative adjudication and rule-making, and judicial review of administrative actions.

[L209] Wills and Estates (3 credits)

This course examines the rules governing intestate and testate distribution of property and the execution, alteration and revocation of wills. The course also covers the creation of both public and private trusts, rights of beneficiaries, and responsibilities of fiduciaries. Students also are exposed to the modern alternatives of the living trust and the living will. Prerequisite: Property or Property I.

[L210] Uniform Commercial Code I (formerly Commercial Law I) (3 credits)

This course presents an integrated study of the law governing modern commercial transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a broad collection of laws tested on many bar exams. It focuses primarily on Article 2 (sales) and Article 9 (secured transactions), the UCC topics tested most frequently on the Uniform Bar Examination. Prerequisites: Contracts I and II.

[L211A] Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Article 2 (2 credits)

This course covers the principles and rules governing modern commercial transaction with a primary focus on Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 2. The basic themes, including formation, terms, warranties, performance and breach, and remedies will be familiar from Contracts. This class will touch on other relevant statutes including The Convention for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). UCC Article 2 is a topic frequently tested on the Uniform Bar Examination and will also be tested on the NextGen Bar Exam. Prerequisites: Contracts I and II. Students who have earned credit for Uniform Commercial Code I (L210 or L210A) may not earn credit for this course.

[L212] Taxation I (Federal Taxation) (3 credits)

Whether rich or poor, citizen or non-citizen, all persons are impacted by U.S. Federal Tax Laws. What you do for a living has tax consequences – earning a living as a corporate executive, a ride sharing driver, or restaurant server. What happens in your personal life has tax consequences – getting married or divorced, having children, incurring student debt for school, defaulting on debt, selling or buying property, and receiving gifts. The Federal Tax system is becoming increasingly complex and that makes it difficult to navigate the system for those who cannot afford accountants and tax lawyers, or who are poor or uneducated or for whom English is not a first language to navigate the system. In this course you will learn the basic concept of Federal tax law under the Internal Revenue Code as well as an individual taxpayer’s rights and obligations. You will also learn the skill of how to carefully read a statute and apply it. We may discuss the policy reasons for choices Congress and Courts have made in adopting certain tax rules. Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to understand the workings of Federal Tax system, identify tax issues in underlying transactions, and advise clients or understand how to find answers to issues raised.

[L214/L214A] Family Law (2 or 3 credits, var. by semester)

This course examines relationships of adults and children from political, economic, and social welfare perspectives. Students will analyze a wide variety of subject areas with a view towards understanding the balance between state involvement and the individual’s or family’s rights to privacy in the areas of domestic relations. The course surveys developments in the law relating to marriage, divorce, child custody and support, alimony, division of property, and other issues affecting familial relationships. In addition, course materials address the relationships between children, adults and the state concerning domestic violence, child neglect and abuse, adoption, the foster care system, kinship care, reproductive rights, nontraditional family relationships, and new biomedical technologies. This area of law is tested on many bar examinations.

[L216] Federal Courts (3 credits)

This course addresses the constitutional and statutory provisions–as well as the jurisdictional doctrines and concepts–that shape and limit the role played by the federal courts in the American legal system. Subjects covered include the origins of federal judicial review, Congressional power to curtail federal jurisdiction, limitations on the ability of the federal courts to enjoin state court proceedings, and requirements for U.S. Supreme Court review of lower federal and state court judgments. This area of law is tested on many bar examinations.

[L217] Remedies (3 credits)

This course is organized as a case survey and study of various remedies available to those who have suffered wrongs for which others are held civilly liable. Students examine a range of topics: monetary remedies; the various means of measuring money damages; injunctive, declaratory remedies; and restitutionary claims and remedies. The course covers the availability of such remedies in a variety of tort, contract, and property contexts.

[L219] Conflict of Laws (3 credits)

Three main areas are covered in this course: 1) jurisdiction; 2) choice of law; and (3) enforcement of judgments. Jurisdiction addresses the authority of the forum court to issue binding decisions against or for out-of-state parties. Choice of law concerns determination of which state’s or country’s laws must apply in a multi-state or international dispute. Finally, enforcement of judgment deals with the effect of a judgment rendered in one jurisdiction beyond the boundaries of that jurisdiction. These subjects are tested on many bar examinations and are also of practical importance in civil litigation practice.

[L222] Forensic Evidence (2 credits)

The objective of the course is to go beyond the rudimentary rules covered in the required survey course on the law of evidence in order to provide students with a more intensive focus on science and the legal process and to give them more in-depth knowledge of the scientific methodologies that have become a regular feature of current-day civil and criminal litigation, as well as the evidentiary principles that govern the use of scientific technologies in the courtroom.

[L223S] Immigration Law Seminar (2 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

This seminar provides a survey of immigration law to encourage critical thinking about what our immigration policies should be. Topics are presented primarily from a practitioner’s perspective to provide a concrete understanding of the immigration process. These issues concern not only whom we should welcome but whom we should expel and the procedures by which the government seeks to remove them. Students will complete this seminar with an understanding of nonimmigrant visas, family-based and employment-based immigration benefits, and naturalization. Additional focus will be placed on humanitarian immigration programs such as asylum, the U.S. Refugee Program, and trafficking-related benefits. The syllabus and discussions may be adjusted to respond to current events, such as legislative developments regarding immigration reform, and the expressed interests of the students. The readings, exercises, and discussions are also designed to provide background and to generate ideas for the writing of an original paper. This paper will provide the student with an opportunity to undertake research, engage in critical legal thinking, analysis, and drafting. The completion of a paper, which can be certified for the Research and Legal Analysis Writing Requirement (RALWR), is a goal of the seminar.

[L224] International Law Seminar (2 credits)

This course will introduce students to public international law—the set of legal concepts that control relations between countries, individuals, businesses and international organizations. Students will explore the fundamentals of international law, including treaties, customs, and the role of international organizations including the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice. Key topics include state sovereignty, the law of war, human rights, and rules relating to non-state actors. This course is ideal for students looking to understand the legal dynamics behind global affairs and build a foundation for international legal practice or policy work.

[L225] Labor & Employment Law (3 credits)

This course covers the theoretical and practical components of how the workplace is regulated in the United States. It focuses on statutory and judicial language that covers aspects of the employment relationship. Topics include: employment-at-will labor standards such as wage payment, overtime, family and medical leave, and accommodations; privacy; duty of loyalty; termination of employment and related issues like restrictive covenants, unemployment insurance, and reductions in force; occupational safety and health; retaliation; and mandatory arbitration.

[L227B] Advanced Property (2 credits)

The purpose of this course is to strengthen fundamental knowledge of property law and facilitate application of the law to resolve contemporary private and community problems. Prerequisite: Property or Property I. Limitation: This course replaced Property II; students who satisfactorily completed Property II cannot earn credit for this course.

[L231] Advanced Torts (3 credits)

This course covers such topics as strict liability for abnormally dangerous activities, products liability, nuisance, civil rights violations and misrepresentation. Prerequisite: Torts or Torts I. Limitation: This course replaced Torts II; students who satisfactorily completed Torts II cannot earn credit for this course.

[L232S] Entertainment Law Seminar (2 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

This course will focus on legal and business issues faced by individuals and organizations working in art and entertainment fields and creative industries. The class will address complex legal issues influencing the information economy, providing an overview of copyright, trademark, contract, First Amendment, and tort issues that affect artists and arts organizations. Prerequisites: Contracts I and II. Enrollment is limited to twenty students. Students may work with the professor to write a seminar paper that will satisfy the Research and Legal Analysis Writing Requirement (RALWR).

[L233] Advanced Criminal Procedure (2 credits)

This course follows the procedures of a criminal case from arrest to appeal. Particular emphasis is given to grand jury, joinder and severance, refinements of double jeopardy, and jury deliberation. Strongly recommended for third-year students only. This area of law is tested on many bar examinations. Prerequisites: Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure.

[L234A] International Human Rights (2 or 3 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

This course will examine the nature and sources of international human rights law; its interrelation to international law; the law of treaties; international conventions and covenants; and the role of the United Nations and international organizations in the protection of human rights. The syllabus and discussions may be adjusted to reflect current events shaping international human rights such as the detention of foreign nationals or death penalty issues. The culminating exercise of this course will provide the student with the opportunity to conduct research, legal analysis, critical thinking, and the drafting of a paper, which can be certified for the Research and Legal Analysis Writing Requirement (RALWR).

[L236] State & Local Government Law (3 credits plus optional 1 credit practicum)

The course explores state and local government with an emphasis on the unique history and basis of the District of Columbia’s constitutional status, and the District’s still evolving path to Home Rule. We will compare the role of states like Virginia and Maryland to the District’s various roles as a federal agency, federal territory, a state-, county-, and city-level government, and as a social laboratory for Congress. We will focus on debate concerning the lack of voting representation in Congress for the residents of the District and for those federal territories, and the related civil rights issues, international law issues, and implications for democracy. We will meet D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwab and with the lawyers who filed the federal case and amicus briefs seeking voting representation in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the District of Columbia. We will also examine attempts to achieve District statehood including the Tennessee plan, the 2016 advisory referendum on the state of New Columbia, the 2016 constitutional convention, and the status of the Washington DC Admission Act introduced by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton January 4, 2023 which, if approved would make the District the 51st state. We will review progress made toward budget and legislative autonomy; whether and to what extent there should be federal control over the D.C. criminal justice system; ethics and campaign finance reform, and pending rank choice voting legislation in the District and another state and local jurisdictions and the role of state and local governments in enforcing criminal laws and in protecting consumers. Consistent class attendance and preparation is required. Students enrolled in State and Local Government for three credits have the option of enrolling in an additional one-credit practicum. The optional practicum component provides an opportunity for students to work in DC Government or public interest organizations on emerging public policy questions involving DC Democracy or the work of the blue ribbon DC Taskforce on Jails and Justice chaired by Professor Broderick.

[L241] Advanced Legal Writing (2 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

This course will reinforce and deepen students’ understanding of the research, writing and analysis “basics” gleaned from Lawyering Process and Moot Court, and it will require students to exercise critical thinking skills by engaging in substantial depth of analysis, reflection and revision through a series of discrete, rigorous writings. Students will prepare writings such as letters to clients (or opposing attorneys or third parties), office memoranda, and court memoranda. The evaluation of these writings will focus upon principles of organization, analysis and style. The syllabus of the course may also incorporate significant amounts of drafting, including documents such as statutes and regulations, contracts, interrogatories, and wills. The class size will be limited to provide opportunities for individualized attention, meaningful oral and written feedback on assignments, and heightened peer interaction. Some assignments will be rewritten, and some will be submitted in various forms, (such as outline, summary, first draft, and final draft). Students may also be required to submit research journals, although the journals will not necessarily be graded. The course will employ individual in-class exercises, collaborative group work, and role-playing. The rhetorical situation will also be emphasized, with students focusing on the audience, purpose, and tone appropriate to the different types of legal writing. Enrollment is limited; preference given to third-year students. Prerequisites: Lawyering Process I and II, and Moot Court.

[L243] Criminal Justice, Social Justice, and Community Justice (2 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

This seminar examines recent developments in criminal justice policy and practice. Seminar students will research and discuss issues such as restorative justice, specialty courts, victims’ rights, immigration enforcement, jury nullification, juvenile justice, community policing, indigent defense, “innocence projects,” the collateral consequences of incarceration, the role of prosecutors and defense lawyers, and other subjects that explore the impact of criminal justice policies on society. The course explores both the role of legal institutions in incorporating a vision of social justice, as well as examines the lawyer’s role as a social justice advocate within the criminal justice system. The goal is that by the end of the class each student should have an understanding of the developing issues in criminal practice as well as a solid grounding in the interaction between criminal law and public policy. The seminar provides the opportunity to conduct research, legal analysis, critical thinking and reflection, and the writing of a paper that can be certified for the Research and Legal Analysis Writing Requirement (RALWR).

[L244/L244A] Death Penalty & the Law (2 or 3 credits, var. by semester) (RALWR Opportunity*)

The course will examine the administration of capital punishment in the United States and the systemic problems that lead to wrongful convictions. The course will also examine policy reforms to prevent wrongful convictions creating a more fair and accurate criminal justice system.

[L245A] Employment Discrimination Seminar (2 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

This seminar covers the theoretical and practical components of workplace anti-discrimination law, covering the promise, coverage, and limitations of anti-discrimination statutes. The seminar focuses on federal laws that prevent employers from taking adverse actions against applicants and employees on the basis of membership in a statutorily defined group or from implementing a facially neutral policy that has a disparate impact on a statutorily defined group.

[L251] Race and the Law Seminar (2 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

This course analyzes the socio-legal construction of race in America and explores how race relates to issues such as equal protection, education, individual civil rights, the criminal justice system, and the federal cause of action created in 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

[L252B] Rights of Persons with Disabilities (3 credits)

The course provides an introduction to the body of law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. After preliminary sessions focusing on types of disabilities, the history of unequal treatment afforded individuals with disabilities, and legal definitions of disability, class sessions will examine the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and other federal laws addressing disability discrimination in areas such as employment, education, public accommodations, transportation, housing, residential institutions, and access to medical services. Each student will research a selected topic, produce a legal research paper, and present the student’s analysis and conclusions to the class.

[L340] Introduction to Bar Strategies (1 credit)

This bar enhancement turbo course will build on first-year bar tested topics to bridge students’ knowledge from their first-year course work to bar study. This course will expose students to best practices and strategies associated with bar exam essay writing and multiple-choice test taking in the context of the first-year courses. This will provide a solid foundation for students as they embark on their second year of law school study.

[L347] Advanced Legal Analysis and Strategies: Bar Exam Multiple Choice (2 credits)

This course will expose students to best practices and strategies associated with bar exam multiple-choice test-taking. The course will also provide students with an opportunity to focus specifically on this test form and review certain bar exam subjects in the process. This will provide a solid foundation for students as they prepare for taking a bar exam post-graduation. Prerequisites: Contracts I and II, Civil Procedure I and II, Torts, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Property, and Evidence. Ideally taken the year before the final year of law school (i.e. 2L Day or 3L Evening).

[L360] Service-Learning Practicum & Seminar (3 credits)

The Service-Learning Practicum & Seminar is a 3-credit course which consists of a seminar and a Spring Break service trip. During and after the service trip, students will reflect on their experiences through journaling or making a video (either individually or as a team project). Students will also produce work products during the service week, and together they will present a “Report-Back” event to the student body and faculty. The locations of our service-learning trips might change from year to year, but they will be in areas where long-term social justice problems need addressing, whether from a recent disaster, man-made or natural, or due to a history of poverty and civil rights abuses. UDC Law’s Service-Learning program has become well-known nationally for our “legal justice peace corps.” Working together, we engage in experiences that enrich learning by integrating meaningful community and humanitarian service with instruction and reflection. In the Seminar sessions, we discuss different models of social justice lawyering, professional ethics, the role of lawyers in assisting people and communities in crisis, as well as legal topics we will be working on during the trips. Enrollment is limited. Students wishing to take this course should register for it as soon as possible once registration opens.

[L400-L402] Law Review (1-4 credits)

Please see Section 3.4 of the Student Handbook for Law Review guidelines.

[L406] Advanced Legal Research (2 credits)

This course is intended to develop mastery of the essential, professional skill of legal research. This course covers advanced research methodology and techniques. Students will gain hands-on, guided legal research experience using a range of online resources. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to apply learned skills to conduct comprehensive, efficient legal research on a wide range of topics. Students may receive credit for only one Advanced Legal Research course, L406 or L406T.

[L406T] Advanced Legal Research: Essential Skills (1 credit)

This turbo course is intended to develop research skills beyond those developed in Lawyering Process I and II. Topics covered include a deep dive into the legal research process, statutory research, legislative history research, advanced case law research techniques, administrative law research, and practice-focused secondary sources. Students will gain hands-on, guided legal research experience using a variety of online resources. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply learned skills to conduct comprehensive, efficient legal research on a wide range of topics. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first-year curriculum and minimum 2.500 CGPA. Students may receive credit for only one Advanced Legal Research course, L406 or L406T.

[L451/L451A] Moot Court Competition (1 credit in fall, 1 credit in spring)

The Moot Court Competition class prepares students for moot court competitions and appellate practice more generally. The class augments the written and oral advocacy skills students acquire in Lawyering Process and Moot Court courses. During the Fall Semester, students focus on various facets of written appellate advocacy, including drafting their respective moot court competition briefs. During the Spring Semester, students will focus on oral appellate advocacy, and prepare oral arguments for their moot court competitions. By the end of the course, students will have further developed the skills and confidence required to practice law at the appellate level. All students are required to participate in an external moot court competition to earn credit for the course.

[L461] Demonstration Law Seminar (2 credits plus optional 1 credit practicum)

The First Amendment provides that “Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” But like all other constitutional rights, the right to demonstrate is not absolute. This course will examine the who, what, when, where, why, and how of demonstrations, including public forum analysis, regulations of time, place and manner, rights of counter-demonstrators, permit systems, civil disobedience, demonstrations on private property, and more. We will meet with the lawyers who filed Black Lives Matter v. Trump, challenging the constitutionality of the police actions taken against peaceful protesters at Lafayette Square on June 1, 2020 just prior to the president’s photo opportunity at Saint John’s church. We will also meet with the lawyer who sued the white supremacists responsible for the riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, and view the HBO documentary about her released in October of 2023. Students enrolled in Demonstration Law for two credits have the option of enrolling in an additional one-credit practicum. The optional practicum component provides an opportunity for students to work with DC government or public interest organizations in the District of Columbia that are engaged in protecting or preserving the rights of demonstrators.

[L500/L500A] Independent Study (1-2 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

Students may register for Independent Study by submitting an Independent Study Registration Form and a detailed proposal for approval to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The proposal must describe the work that will be done, the material that will be studied, the means of evaluation, and the name of the faculty member who has agreed to supervise and evaluate the work and award the grade. A student may earn a maximum of four credits in independent study over the course of the Juris Doctor program and may register for a maximum of two credits in any one semester. See Section 3.4 of the Student Handbook for more information.

[L602] System Change: Theory & Practice (2 credits)

Two foundational concepts frame this seminar: “self-evident” truths, and “a more perfect union.”  This course will explore how law and legal expertise can contribute to the success of the American experiment as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.   We will examine different visions of what constitutes success.  We will assist students to translate their experience and learning into critiques of law, policies, and norms that inhibit achieving a just society.   Our study will include historical and current insights into America’s constitutional regime and select areas of law central to democratic aspirations, including voting, environmental justice, education, and criminal justice.  Particular focus will be on where systemic change may be required, and how to achieve it.

[L610/L620] Externship (4 or 8 credits)

The goals of the externship program are to provide law students with expanded opportunities for 1) Developing and improving their legal skills; 2) Bridging the gap between legal studies and legal careers; 3) Exploring career areas of particular interest to them; and 4) Engaging in critical reflection, professional responsibility issues, and legal analysis. In the field placement component of the program, students spend a minimum of 200 hours (4 credits) or 400 hours (8 credits) at the externship site. Eligible placements can be with members of the judiciary, governmental agencies, or non-profit legal organizations. Students may not receive a salary, stipend, or other form of compensation from the externship site. In the contemporaneous tutorial component, students examine the broader social, political, economic, and policy-related ramifications of the work they are doing in the field as well as a variety of issues connected with the practice of law, including the role of lawyers in shaping public policy, the practice of public interest law, and the diversity of legal careers. Students in the tutorial are graded on the basis of class participation and attendance, written assignments such as journals of action and legal memoranda, and class presentations. Externship is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Enrollment is limited. This course may not be taken concurrently with Clinic. Prerequisite: Successful completion of three non-Summer semesters of law school for full-time students or six non-Summer semesters of law school for part-time students.

[L642A] Negotiations (2 credits)

This course takes a twofold approach to creating better negotiators: first, a knowledge-based approach that offers students conceptual tools and frameworks to identify, monitor and evaluate different negotiating situations; second, a practice-based approach that will enhance the students negotiating skills by introducing concrete negotiating tactics and by offering them opportunities to practice these tactics within a constructive learning environment. Through role-play exercises, students will explore, test, and refine their negotiating skills and style. Students may receive credit for only one Negotiations course starting with the course number L642.

[L645] Systems Change: Be a Changemaker (1 credit)

Two foundational concepts frame this turbo course: “self-evident” truths, and “we the people.” This course will explore how lawyers as leaders can contribute to the success of the American experiment.   We will examine different skills and characteristics of leadership and a complete lawyer. Our study will explore historical and current insights into the American “system,” select areas of law central to American aspirations, where systemic change may be required, and how to achieve it. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first-year curriculum and minimum 2.500 CGPA.

[L680] Civil Rights in the 21st Century Seminar (2 credits) (RALWR Opportunity*)

Share the foresight of a renowned civil rights leader. Weekly two-hour seminars address the most pressing social issues of today-and tomorrow. Topics include: racial profiling, racism and the death penalty, voting rights, equal protection of gays and lesbians, immigrant detention/asylum, and rights of children and people with disabilities.

[L701L] Perspectives on Social Justice: Racial Disparities in Youth Justice (1 credit)