LAW 781

State Appellate Practice


Trial Advocacy

Students will work directly for an individual justice of the California Court of Appeal in the judge’s chambers (you will be working in downtown Los Angeles twice a week). Students will: regularly interact with court staff and with their assigned judge; attend oral argument; and assist in the drafting of at least one actual court opinion. In the classroom portion of the course, students are not only familiarized with the basics of appellate practice, but will also explore and debate (in a seminar setting) issues concerning judicial decision-making (e.g., concepts of “judicial activism”). Classroom instruction is supplemented by engaging guest lecturers. Finally, each student will be paired with a local appellate practitioner who will serve as a mentor.

See Full Course Details