Practicum: Public Interest Law
- Cynthia A Wilson - 312/503-2924 - Levy Mayer 124
- Rubloff Bldg, Rare Book Room - Tu 4:00PM - 5:50PM
- The goal of this Practicum is to provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of public interest law practice, broadly defined. The assigned readings cover a variety of topics related to public interest law. Topics may include ethical issues faced by public interest lawyers, theories and models of public interest law practice, addressing the legal needs of the poor with limited resources, and the role of pro bono work in public interest law. Students participate in a weekly seminar where they discuss the readings and their work at the placement agency.
In addition, students spend 12 hours per week in a field placement or externship with a non-profit public interest organization. There are a significant number of non-profit legal agencies in the Chicago area, covering a wide range of clients and subject matters. Students should work with the professor to arrange field placements and identify supervisors in their area of interest before the course begins.
Students maintain a reflective journal on an ongoing basis about their field placement experience, the readings, class discussion, and responses to assigned questions relating to the week's topic. Students submit two installments of their journal, and each installment accounts for one-sixth of the course grade. Class participation also counts for one-third of the course grade. A reflective paper addressing some aspect of the field placement experience is also required, and it counts for one-third of the course grade. - All second and third year students are eligible to participate in the Public Interest Practicum. Enrollment takes place through the Law Bidding process for course selection. Students in the course should begin searching for an appropriate placement at least one month before the semester begins and are expected to have secured a specific externship by the start of class. The professor teaching the course will assist students in finding externships responsive to the student's interests. Each placement must be approved by the professor teaching the course in the semester for which the placement is secured.
- Class participationDiscussionField workGuest speakersOther: see below
ReadingsSeminarEach student must successfully complete the externship portion of the class, which provides many opportunities for learning. - AttendanceClass participationOther: see below
Paper, final: Students must prepare a reflective paper, which counts for one-third of their grade.
Students must submit two installments of a reflective journal. Each installment counts for one-sixth of the student's final grade. - Course materials on Blackboard.
- Requires Practicum Placement
Constitutional Law or Procedure an element
Professional Skills Course
Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Procedure Practice Area present in course
Instructors
Meeting Info
Overview of class
Registration Requirements
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Class Materials (Required)
Class Attributes
Current as of 05/03/13 12:51:50 PM