Electives
In addition to required and concentration courses, law students in their second and third years will be able to choose from a variety of elective courses that interest them. The following list is not exhaustive and this dynamic set of electives is expected to change depending upon appropriate factors such as emerging trends and student interest. Elective courses may not be offered each year.
Accounting for Lawyers, 2 credits (LAW 711)
An introduction to the basic concepts of financial accounting. Intended for students with little or no accounting background, the course is designed to equip these students with the fundamental skills necessary to read and critically review a corporation’s financial statements. This course is not open to students who have received credit for more than one undergraduate or postgraduate course in financial accounting.
Administrative Law, 3 credits (LAW 715)
A study of the administrative process and practice before administrative agencies at all levels of state and federal government. The provisions of the state and federal Administrative Procedures Acts will be explored. In addition, constitutional issues, such as procedural due process, will be examined.
Advanced Criminal Procedure, 3 credits (LAW 735)
This course builds on the required Criminal Procedure course and focuses on one or more specific criminal procedure topics. Such topics may include the innocence of clients, the rights of the criminally accused to bail, grand jury indictments, speedy trials, impartial trials, confrontation of witnesses, and freedom from double jeopardy.
Advanced Criminal Procedure: Justice System Failure and Reform, 2credits (LAW 733)
This course examines the criminal justice system, its problems and shortcomings and potential reforms. The first several classes will focus on the steps in the criminal trial, appeal and post-conviction processes. The remainder of the semester will focus on a relatively detailed assessment of each of the causes of wrongful convictions, including several post-mortems of wrongful convictions to help sharpen the focus on the sources of error. The required Criminal Procedure course is not a prerequisite to this course.
Advanced Family Law Practice, 3 credits (LAW 774)
In this class, students will work through a family law case from the initial client interview through a mediated settlement. Half of the class will represent the husband and the other half will represent the wife, each group divided into two teams. At various times during the semester a member of the team will take the role of the client and another will take the role of the lawyer to give team members practical experience. Topics covered include child custody, child support, post-separation support and alimony, equitable distribution, attorney’s fees, tax implications, settlement agreements, appraisals, and methods of alternative dispute resolution. North Carolina Family and RelatedLaws Annotated and a calculator are required.
Advanced Legal Method and Communication, 2 credits (LAW 860)
This course will expand on thewriting, reasoning and research skills learned in the first-year course. Students will prepare documents and oral presentations commonly required of lawyers in any practicesetting, focusing on efficient research, creating professional documents through recognition of audience and purpose, effective organization, sound legal reasoning, clarity of writing and effective revision. Students may draft documents for courts, counsel, and clients in common practice areas such as family law, personal injury, criminal defense, or small business.
Advanced Legal Problem Solving Techniques (Bar Exam Techniques), 2 credits (LAW 820)
This course is designed to prepare students for the Multistate Bar Examination and state essay examinations. It will focus on the exam taking process, tactics and strategies for success. The course will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Another Bar Exam Refresher course (4 credits) focusing on the various subjects tested on the bar exam will generally be offered in the spring semester. Enrollment limited to third-year students.
Advanced Legal Research: 2 or 3 credits (LAW 661)
Advanced Legal Research builds on skills introduced in the first year legal research class. It will provide a more extensive discussion of the materials and tools available to perform the research required during their professional life. This course will look at both state and federal materials more extensively than covered in the first year course. International and foreign material will be introduced with the majority of this segment looking at their relationship to the general practice of law, focusing primarily on US treaties and Inter-Governmental Organizations. Cost effective legal instruction will be emphasized throughout the course, focusing on when it is appropriate to use online versus paper resources. The credit hours will be dependent upon whether this is taught as a straight skills course (2 credit) with the assessment based on a series of research assignments or if there is a writing component and oral presentation component (3 credit).
Advanced Legal Research: Electronic Research, 1 credit (LAW 662)
This skills course will focus on the use of electronic resources in conducting legal research in a real life environment. We will examine the cost effective means of performing legal research; explore the advanced searching methods for both Lexis-Nexis and Westlaw and examine the other online materials, both subscription and free, and their appropriate use within the research and practice areas.
Advanced Legal Research: North Carolina Legal Materials, 1 credit (LAW 664)
This course examines the three branches of the North Carolina Government. Students will learn to find statutes, cases, administrative decisions, and treatises on specific topics. Both print and online sources will be examined. The focus will be on research strategies to solve practical questions that an attorney would encounter in a typical North Carolina practice using cost effective methods.
Advanced Legal Research: Research for Lawyers in Public Interest and Small Practices, 1 credits (LAW 663)
This skills course will train students to perform effective research with resources that have low or no direct cost to the user, primarily books and free online sources. Special classes may include trips to state or other public law libraries, and a class with attorneys who function under the restraints that the course presumes the students will face.
Advanced Trial Practice and Procedure, 2 credits (LAW 782)
This course prepares students to handle all aspects of the preparation and trial of relatively complex civil cases. Each student will prepare and try a simulated case. Students will gain experience with discovery tools and techniques, as well as every facet of a trial, including opening statements, introducing evidence, interrogating witnesses, and closing arguments. Trial Practice and Procedure (3 credits) is a prerequisite to this course. Depending on enrollment, this course may be sectioned.
Antitrust Law, 3 credits (LAW 818)
A study of unfair trade practices and antitrust law. The course will cover topics such as monopolies, price fixing and kickbacks. It will also examine various unfair trade practices and federal and state statutes prohibiting such practices.
Appellate Practice, 2 credits (LAW 783)
This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop and refine their legal research, analysis and communication skills while drafting an appellate brief and presenting one or moreformal oral argumentsbefore a panel of judges. Students will be introduced to the appellate litigation process, standards of appellate review, the rules that govern appellate practice and procedure in the state and federal courts, and will study the use of various rhetorical techniques in the context of appellate argument. A special section of this course may be coordinated with Elon’s Moot Court program.
Bankruptcy, 3 credits (LAW 811)
This course focuses on the rights and remedies of debtors and their creditors under the United States Bankruptcy Code. In addition, the interplay of the Bankruptcy Code and the provisions of Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code and other provisions of state law are examined. This course will also provide an overview of state law rights and remedies of judgment of debtors and creditors.
Capstone Leadership Project, 1 credit (LAW 755)
The Capstone course will provide 3L students an opportunity to apply leadership skills in service of a tangible product, outcome, or effortaimed at creating positive, sustainable impact on the profession, the Law School, the community, or the world. This elective will require approximately 55 credits of work during the Fall Semester, including reflective learning activities and preparation of a final report. Projects may be derived from diverse sources and should encourage student initiative and creativity. Thus the final report could take a number of different forms -- e.g., a written document of approximately 10 pages, slide presentation, video/DVD, etc. However, each project report must include a written executive summary that will both describe the project and its outcomes as well as document the specific leadership skills the student deployed in pursuit of the project and what the student learned about his or her strengths and developmental needs as a leader. Project proposals must be submitted in writing to the Director of the Capstone Leadership course or the Director’s designee(s) and will be approved based on published criteria. All projects will be approved no later than the start of the Fall Semester. Teams of no more than four students may also carry out a single project, provided each student demonstrates equal effort and signs the final report. There will be a minimum of two progress check-ins with the Director of the Capstone Leadership course or the Director’s designee(s) during the semester. The course will be graded on a Pass-Fail basis.
Child Advocacy Law, 2 credits (LAW 776)
A study of legal issues particularly relevant to children. Topics covered include parental custody and support, emancipation, termination of parental rights, adoption, abuse and neglect, delinquent and undisciplined children, and dealing with local government agencies, such as the Department of Social Services.
Closely Held Business Enterprises, 3 credits (LAW 826)
This course examines issues relating to privately held businesses, particularly those with relatively few owners. Topics that will be studied include choice of business entity, organizing and funding the entity, including private securities offerings, entity conversions, succession planning, buy-sell arrangements, employment agreements, compensation matters, governance issues, fiduciary obligations, purchase and sale of the business, and accounting principles. Entities that will be covered include corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Prerequisite is Business Association; Income Tax is recommended, not required.
Commercial Law - Payment Systems (Negotiable Instruments), 2 credits (LAW 672)
A study of the rules of law applicable to transactions under Articles 3 and 4 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and other pertinent law, focusing particularly on negotiable instruments, banking and payment systems.
Commercial Law – Sales, 2 credits (LAW 670)
A study of the law of contracts for the sale of tangible, movable items. The course focuses on Articles II and IIA of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Commercial Law - Secured Transactions, 2 credits (LAW 671)
A study of the law of secured transactions, focusing on Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Complex Litigation, 2 credits (LAW 725)
This course will focus upon the major procedural and substantive issues that arise in the context of complex civil litigation. For the purpose of this course, litigation is considered complex because of the nature or quantity of information involved. In addition to expanding on the topics covered in the Civil Procedure course, the course will cover derivative and class actions, joinder and intervention devices, management of complex discovery and massive amounts of information, and refinement of issues and trial techniques.
Construction Law, 3 credits, (LAW 806)
This course will examine the legal issues involved in the construction process, including the rights and obligations of owners, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals. Topics of study include project design and delivery systems, construction claims and damages, workplace safety, alternative dispute resolution, liens and suretyship. It is anticipated that one class session will be held at the site of a notable construction project in the area.
Contract Drafting, 2 credits (LAW 812)
This course will teach students the basic principles of contract interpretation, negotiation, and drafting. Emphasis will be placed on drafting contractual agreements that meet clients’ needs and effectively anticipate potential legal problems. Students will read and analyze a variety of contracts and contract provisions, and will work both independently and collaboratively to negotiate and draft a series of written contracts. Types of contracts to be studied and drafted may include contracts for the sale of goods, service contracts, agency agreements, employment agreements, and stock or asset purchase agreements.
Corporate Finance, 2 credits (LAW 813)
This course examines various corporate financing mechanisms, the strategies involved in utilizing such mechanisms, and the legal and regulatory authority governing them.
Criminal Pretrial Practice, 2 credits (LAW 803)
This course will focus on the pretrial strategy and tactics employed by trial lawyers in federal criminal cases. The course will require students to conduct pretrial criminal procedures by following a simulated case. The case will involve a federal prosecution. Students will follow this criminal case through every step of the pretrial procedure, acting as the attorneys in the case. Each student will alternate handling segments of the case as both a prosecutor and as a defender. Students will complete eight to ten graded homework assignments that will be handed out and turned in over the course of the semester. Some of the assignments will comprise questions that will require students to use tools introduced in recent lessons. The remaining assignments will consist of researching and writing appropriate court documents (e.g. motion to suppress evidence, motion to compel discovery, etc.). Students also will be prepared to interview witnesses (including the defendant), argue motions, and negotiate in class. Knowledge of Criminal Procedure is helpful, but not required.
Death Penalty Jurisprudence, 2 credits (LAW 794)
This course examines capital punishment from a philosophical and jurisprudential perspective. We will consider it in relation to morality, the concept of the rule of law in society, the nature of legal rules and concepts, the nature of judicial decision making, and the relation of law to the social sciences.
Deposition Workshop, 2-3 credits (LAW 783)
This course teaches students how to take and defend depositions. Students in the class examine and defend witnesses in a mock deposition setting and receive feedback and critique from experienced litigators on how to improve their deposition skills. In addition to the experiential approach to learning, students also watch demonstrations and engage in discussions of different deposition skills such as the application of the discovery rules, planning discovery, opening the deposition, entering into stipulations, engaging in information gathering, seeking admissions, making and responding to objections, concluding the deposition, and using depositions in motion practice and at trial.
Elder Law, 3 credits (779)
This course serves as an introduction to the many legal issues facing elderly persons and societal legal issues caused by an aging demographic. Topics to be addressed include Social Security, Medicare, Long Term Care, Medicaid, Nursing Homes and Housing Alternatives, Guardianship, Trusts, Surrogate Decision Making, Elder Abuse and Ethical Issues with Older Adults.
Election Law, 2 credits (LAW 791)
This course will focus on selected topics related to the legal structure of the political process in the United States. Topics covered will typically include the right to participate in the political process, reapportionment, redistricting, racial and political gerrymandering, the role of political parties, money and politics, legal issues in election administration, and remedies for defective elections.
Employment Law, 2-3 credits (LAW 714)
A study of state and federal employment law. Topics covered include common law claims such as breach of contract and wrongful discharge; wage and credit laws; anti-discrimination laws; and concerted labor activity and collective bargaining.
Entity Taxation, 3 credits (LAW 815)
This course examines the federal income taxation of subchapter C corporations, general partnerships, limited liability companies, subchapter S corporations, limited partnerships, and other business entities. State tax implications may also be addressed.
Environmental Law, 3 credits (LAW 841)
The study of state and federal environmental regulation. Relevant state and federal statutes, regulations and case decisions will be examined, with particular emphasis afforded federal statutes such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act (CERCLA). Knowledge of the basics of Administrative Law is strongly recommended for students enrolling in this course.
Estate and Gift Taxation, 2 credits (LAW 771)
A study of the tax consequences of transfers of property. Applicable federal and state statutes will be examined. The course will be primarily taught through hypothetical estate planning situations and problems highlighting the statutes and rules covered. While Income Taxation is not a prerequisite, it would be helpful to have this background for the course.
Family Law, 3 credits (LAW 775)
This course will cover the variety of laws impacting the family unit and defining the rights and duties of family members. Topics covered will include marriage, annulment, separation, divorce, support, custody and equitable distribution. Course requirements may also include other writing assignments/group activities to provide the students with a sense of the practical side of the practice of family law.
Federal Courts, 3 credits (LAW 788)
This course examines jurisdiction of the federal courts over federal questions and diversity of citizenship cases; distribution of powers between state and federal courts; use of state law in federal courts; civil procedure in federal districts courts; and appellate review of federal and state court decisions.
Federal Indian Law, 2 credits (LAW 739)
This course examines the legal relationships of American Indians and federally recognized Indian Tribes in the context of Federal Indian Law. In particular, the course focuses on Indian Tribal sovereignty and its intersection with the Federal and State governments with emphasis on Tribal Court jurisdiction, property rights, the place of the Tribes within the constitutional framework of the Federal government, and relationship between Tribal governments and the States. This course will have a special emphasis on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians located in North Carolina.
First Amendment, 3 credits (LAW 722)
This course deals with the complex and ever-evolving jurisprudence regarding the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Primary emphasis will be on the many facets of freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the Establishment Clause.
Foundational Topics in American Law, 4 credits (LAW 821)
This course is designed to prepare students for the Multistate Bar Examination and state essay examinations. The primary focus of the course will be to refresh the following topics: real property, contracts, sales, criminal law, criminal procedure, torts, evidence, constitutional law, and professional responsibility. The course may also refresh the following subjects: negotiable instruments, secured transactions, civil procedure, family law, equity, wills, and trusts. The course will include practice and graded essay and multiple-choice examinations. Assessment will be based on simulated bar examinations. Enrollment limited to third-year students. The course will be graded on a Pass-Fail basis.
Governmental Externship, 3 credits (LAW 676)
This upper-level elective consists of a minimum of, but not limited to, 130 credits of work under the supervision of a state or federal government attorney, including work in all levels of attorney general, prosecutorial and public defender offices in the state and federal systems, state and federal governmental agencies such as the Social Security Administration, EEOC, EPA, etc. The Governmental Externship also requires students to participate in class sessions with a faculty advisor. As part of the Governmental Externship, students may observe client conferences, staff attorney meetings, negotiations, plea bargains, motion arguments, appellate arguments, trials, conferences, and other aspects of the legal process while under the supervision of a governmental attorney. In addition, the student may research legal and procedural matters and perform such other tasks to support the legal functions, as the supervising attorney may require. The student also will be required to attend periodic sessions with the faculty supervisor. Students are eligible for the Governmental Externship after completing two semesters at the law school. While students may register for the Governmental Externship now, the Externship Director must approve any Governmental Externship before classes begin in the semester. The course will be graded on a Pass-Fail basis. Professional Responsibility is a prerequisite if placement requires Extern to be certified under the North Carolina State Bar Limited Practice Certificate Program.
Health Law, 2 credits (LAW 745)
This course will cover the major legal issues related to the health care system. Health care decision making through various legal documents, e.g., health care powers of attorney and living wills, will be addressed. In addition, issues related to representing medical personnel and hospitals, including defense of medical malpractice suits, will be discussed.
Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic, 2 credits (768)
The Clinic will be designed to give students practical experience working on a variety of immigration matters related to refugees and asylees who have faced human rights violations. Students will be responsible for all aspects of case management for the matters assigned to them. Responsibilities include meeting with clients, performing intake interviews, analyzing cases for legal remedy, gathering evidence, drafting and filing applications and briefs and maintaining client correspondence. Students will also observe and participate in Agency and Immigration Court hearings. Students will represent clients in immigration matters before federal administrative agencies under the supervision of the professor/counsel. The focus of the clinic will be refugee and asylee legal services. Typically these will involve applications for permanent residency, citizenship applications, family reunifications, travel and employment authorization, and applications for asylum. Students are required to spend 60 hours on clinic activities for each credit hour earned. Based on a 13 week semester, students undertaking the 2 cr. course will spend approximately 9-10 hours a week on clinic activities and students taking the 3 cr. course will spend approximately 12-14 hours per week on clinic activities. Class time (approx. 1-2 hours per week) and time representing clients counts toward the 60 hour requirement. Students must have completed all of the first-year requirements and must have completed Professional Responsibility. Students will be awarded a grade on a Pass/Fail basis. The clinic has no examination component. Student’s assessment will be based on a combination of casework performance and class participation. The principle research materials required for the clinic are currently available through existing on-line materials.
Immigration Law, 3 credits (LAW 740)
This course will examine United States immigration and naturalization law. Federal statutes and regulations addressing admission of foreign nationals, removal, citizenship, and employment will be addressed.
Income Taxation, 3 credits (LAW 712)
A study of the basic principles of federal taxation of income. This course focuses primarily on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code addressing taxation of individuals. Concepts such as adjusted gross income, exemptions, deductions, and tax credits will be examined.
Independent Study, 1-3 credits (LAW 999 A, B, C)
This course will allow students to engage in independent legal research and writing under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. The work must involve the production of a significant research paper or comparable project. Students may not enroll in this course without written permission by the supervising faculty member and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The written permission must identify the number of credits to be awarded to the student upon satisfactory completion of the course. A student may take only one Independent Study.
Insurance Law, 3 credits LAW 746)
This course covers the basics of insurance law, including the nature of insurance, insurance contract formation and interpretation, and government regulation of the insurance industry. Various types of insurance, such as property, health, life, and disability, will be covered.
Intellectual Property, 3 credits (LAW 716)
This course covers the basic principles of intellectual property law in the United States and internationally. The course provides an overview of the law governing the securing and exploitation of property and other rights in ideas, including protection by patents, copyrights, trademarks, state legislation, and the common law.
Intellectual Property (International Arena), 3 credits (LAW 709)
This course surveys intellectual property (IP) law and policy, focusing on the international arena. The course will consider global debates regarding the character and desired scope of IP, considering successful and failed attempts at harmonization. The course will also examine the principal multilateral IP treaties and international dispute settlement mechanisms, and compare various aspects of foreign intellectual property regimes with those of the United States. Knowledge of Intellectual Property Law is recommended.
International Commercial Arbitration, 2 credits (LAW 744)
The first half of this course, a traditional classroom component, examines the nature of international arbitration including its advantages and disadvantages, as a form of dispute resolution in international trade. This part of the course will be taught in an intensive mode and will be completed by early to mid-October. The second half of the course will consist of students researching and preparing the first memorandum for the Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. This course is limited to third-year students. It is highly recommended that students have the course on Sales prior to this course. This course is a prerequisite for participation in the Vis Moot Competition in the spring. Any student who is not academically ranked in the top 20% of the class at the end of the fall semester will not be selected for the Vis Moot Competition. Students are advised to discuss the course with the instructor to confirm their registration and participation in the course before classes commence. Students must be preapproved by the Professor before registering for this class.
International Law: Business Transactions, 3 credits (LAW 741)
This course will consider selected problems in international trade, surveying some of the issues encountered in private international transactions and emphasizing the options available to counsel engaged in the "preventive" practice of law. As such, the primary focus will be on recognizing and anticipating potential problems, and choosing the most appropriate form or structure for the business from among a range of equally viable or legally correct approaches, in order to manage the increased risk inherent in international transactions.
International Law: Public, 3 credits (LAW 742)
A study of the basic rules and principles governing the conduct of nation-states and international organizations and their relations with each other. Topics include the law of treaties and customary law, the relationship between international law and municipal law, human rights law, the use of force in international relations, and international criminal law.
International Law: Refugee and Asylum, 2 credits (LAW 743)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the international legal regime for the protection of involuntary migrants. It critically assesses the legal right of states to exclude aliens, and the reasons that refugees are exempted from systems of migration control. The essential premise of the course is that refugee law should be understood as a mode of human rights protection, the viability of which requires striking a balance between the needs of the victims of human rights abuse, and the legitimate aspirations of the countries to which they flee. The course will address the legal definition of a refugee, refugee rights, and the institutional structures through which protection is accomplished. It will define and apply contemporary legal standards, situate United States asylum law within its international legal context, and subject the present protection regime to critical scrutiny.
Internet Law, 3 credits (LAW 747)
This course examines the legal issues triggered by the emergence of the Internet. Topics covered include the regulation of Internet access and domain names; contract formation, execution and enforceability; personal jurisdiction and choice of law; trademark and copyright infringement; and privacy concerns.
Interviewing and Counseling, 2 - 3 credits (LAW 761)
Intensive analysis of the knowledge and behaviors needed to accomplish interviewing and counseling tasks skillfully. Extensive use of simulation-based learning in short role plays and longer simulations integrated with critical analysis of short taped demonstrations and text assignments regarding core action theories and values. Provides substantial self, peer, and instructor feedback opportunities including occasional analysis of brief, digitized video performance segments. Covers communication and leadership tasks of motivating, questioning, listening, strategic objectives of organizing, developing and assessing decision alternatives and their consequences, and ethical issues arising in all of these activities. Pursues developing competent cognitive understanding and behavioral ability in building working relationships with clients, gathering information from them effectively, and helping them make decisions in both dispute resolving and transactional contexts. Enrollment generally limited to 24 students.
Journalism and the Law, 2 credits (LAW 726)
This course examines a variety of legal issues affecting the news media. The course explores media law issues from the point of view of a journalist or an attorney representing journalists in media law matters. Topics may include the following: defamation, privacy, media rights of access, the reporter’s privilege, and intellectual property issues affecting the press. This course is not intended as a First Amendment survey, but rather builds on concepts covered in First Amendment and/or Constitutional Law II through a detailed and pragmatic examination of issues specific to journalists. This course will not examine the regulatory aspects of media law.
Judicial Externship, 3 credits (LAW 677)
This upper-level elective consists of a minimum of 130 credits of work under the supervision of a state or federal judge, including work with all levels of appellate court judges in the state and federal systems, federal district, magistrate and bankruptcy judges, and judges serving on the trial courts within a state’s judicial system. The Judicial Externship also requires students to participate in class sessions with a faculty advisor. As part of the Judicial Externship, students may observe motion arguments, appellate arguments, trials, conferences, and other aspects of the judicial process while under the supervision of a judge or a judge’s clerk. In addition, the student may research legal and procedural matters and perform such other tasks to support the judicial functions, as the supervising judge may require. The student also will be required to attend periodic sessions with the faculty supervisor. Students are eligible for the Judicial Externship after completing two semesters at the law school. While students may register for the Judicial Externship now, the Externship Director must approve any Judicial Externship before classes begin. The course will be graded on a Pass-Fail basis. Professional Responsibility is a prerequisite if placement requires Extern to be certified under the North Carolina State Bar Limited Practice Certificate Program.
Judicial Process, 2 credits (LAW 790)
This course considers the nature and dimensions of law, methods of judicial decision making, behavioral and empirical approaches to judicial process, statutory construction, and key individuals in American judicial tradition. Enrollment in this course is limited to third-year students.
Land Use Planning, 3 credits (LAW 807)
This course examines selected problems in the law of zoning, subdivision control, and urban planning, with emphasis on their effect on the form and shape of the built environment in which we live. Topics include subdivision exactions; conditional use permits, variances, and related zoning mechanisms; issues of sprawl, smart growth and the development of desirable places to live; the role of local and state government as well as the courts; the takings clause of the U.S. Constitution and other constraints on the exercise of power in controlling land use.
Law and Humanities, 2 credits (LAW 701)
This course explores the integration of humanities-based studies with the study of law and the increasingly rich and diverse scholarship in areas such as legal philosophy, legal history, law and literature, and law and religion.
Law Review, 1-3 credits (LAW 996)
One credit is awarded to students for each academic year in which they successfully fulfill their duties as a Staff or Editorial Board member. An additional credit is awarded to students who submit an article length note of publishable quality to the Law Review Editorial Board. Students may receive a maximum of three credits for Law Review activities. Successful completion of these requirements will be determined by the Law Review’s Faculty Advisor.
Leadership Fellows: Government Externship, 3 credits (LAW 686)
This upper-level elective consists of a minimum of, but not limited to, 165 credits of work under the supervision of a state or federal government attorney, including work in all levels of attorney general, prosecutorial and public defender offices in the state and federal systems, state and federal governmental agencies such as the Social Security Administration, EEOC, EPA, etc. The Governmental Externship also requires students to participate in class sessions with a faculty advisor. As part of the Governmental Externship, students may observe client conferences, staff attorney meetings, negotiations, plea bargains, motion arguments, appellate arguments, trials, conferences, and other aspects of the legal process while under the supervision of a governmental attorney. In addition, the student may research legal and procedural matters and perform such other tasks to support the legal functions, as the supervising attorney may require. The student also will be required to attend periodic sessions with the faculty supervisor. Students are eligible for the Governmental Externship after completing two semesters at the law school. This Externship is for Leadership Fellow students only.
Leadership Fellows: Nonprofit Organization Externship, 3 credits (LAW 687)
This upper-level elective consists of a minimum of 165 hours of work under the supervision of an attorney employed by a non-profit organization. The Non-Profit Organization Externship also requires students to participate in class sessions with a faculty advisor. As part of the Non-Profit Organization Externship, students may observe and participate in one or all matters related to organizational governance of the representation of the Non-Profit Organization, and representation of clients by the Non-Profit Organization while under the supervision of the attorney employed by the Non-Profit Organization. In addition, the student may research legal and procedural matters and perform such other tasks to support the attorney functions, as the supervising attorney may require. The student also will be required to attend periodic sessions with the faculty supervisor. Students are eligible for the Non-Profit Organization Externship after completing two semesters at the law school. This Externship is for Leadership Fellow students only.
Leadership Fellows: Public Service Externship, 3 credits (LAW 688)
This upper-level elective consists of a minimum of 165 credits of work related to the representation of clients under the supervision of an attorney employed by a non-governmental public service organization. The Public Service Externship also requires students to participate in class sessions with a faculty advisor. As part of the Public Service Externship, students may observe and participate in any and all matters related to representation of clients by the Public Service Organization while under the supervision of the attorney employed by the Public Service Organization. In addition, the student may research legal and procedural matters and perform such other tasks to support the attorney functions, as the supervising attorney may require. The student also will be required to attend periodic sessions with the faculty supervisor. Students are eligible for the Public Service Externship after completing two semesters at the law school. This Externship is for Leadership Fellow students only.
Legislation, 2 credits (LAW 799)
Legislative institutions are the cornerstone of American democracy. As the primary, perhaps pre-eminent and most accessible branch of government, legislatures are the avenue through which public policy is considered and becomes law. This course will provide an overview of the legislative process, from the initial stages of developing public policy to enactment of legislation. In addition, we will consider how courts interpret the product of the legislative process and the legitimizing characteristics of legislative institutions.
Let’s Study, 0 credits (LAW 601)
This course focuses first year law students on law study methods, exam skills, and other important skills required for success at law study and law practice. In the first semester, this course emphasizes adapting to law study by applying leadership strategies and learning theory to support students in becoming successful law students. Knowledge of one’s learning processes and learning needs is an essential component of leadership. This course encourages student awareness of their learning preferences and covers reading cases, briefing opinions, developing study routines, and organizing course materials. Students learn effective ways to approach common examination methods. This course also offers material on time management, stress management, and learning theories. This class uses a combination of lecture and small group based learning. All first year students are enrolled in this course, though attendance is voluntary.
Mergers and Acquisitions, 2 credits (LAW 814)
This course explores the principal legal issues and also the practical realities of negotiated corporate acquisitions and mergers. Business deals will be analyzed from inception to closing, with the focus on the lawyer's role in each phase of a transaction. The class will provide students with the opportunity to complete tasks that junior transactional associates are commonly expected to undertake. Throughout the semester there will be various simulations and fact patterns that will allow students to see and participate in many aspects of a basic business transaction. Students will review and discuss due diligence materials and an example acquisition agreement as well as participate in other aspects of a hypothetical transaction. Business Associations is a prerequisite of this course.
Mock Trial Competition, 1-2 credits (LAW 786)
Credit is awarded to students who successfully compete in and/or support a mock trial team in participation in regional and/or national competitions. Successful completion of these requirements above and participation in one competition will receive 1 credit. Students who compete in two competitions will receive 2 credits. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
Moot Court/Appellate Advocacy Competition, 1-2 credits (LAW 900)
Credit is awarded to students who successfully complete at least three semesters of service on the Moot Court Board and who compete in at least one interscholastic Moot Court competition, whereby they independently or as a member of a team prepare an appellate brief, practice regularly with faculty coaches and advisors for oral argument and present an oral argument in the competition. Successful completion of these requirements above and participation in one competition will receive 1 credit. Students who complete in two competitions will receive 2 credits. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
Negotiations, 3 credits (LAW 759)
All lawyers must negotiate. Whether you plan to be a commercial lawyer, a family lawyer, a criminal lawyer, a government lawyer or any other type of lawyer, you will be negotiating with other attorneys, clients, and court personnel. This class, combining theory and practice, aims to improve both your understanding of negotiation and your effectiveness as a negotiator. Students will engage in more than twenty negotiations, including live and online, Drawing on negotiation scholarship from both legal and non-legal perspectives, the readings and lectures will provide students with strategies and techniques for negotiating more effectively and a framework for analyzing their own negotiating ability.
Non-Profit Organizations, 2 credits (LAW 769)
This course will begin by examining the laws related to the organization and incorporation of non-profit organizations. In particular, the requirements for tax exemption, such as Section 501(c) of the federal Internal Revenue Code, will be addressed. In addition, laws and techniques relevant to the operation of non-profit organizations will be examined.
Non-Profit Organization Externship, 3 credits (LAW 769)
This upper-level elective consists of a minimum of 130 hours of work under the supervision of an attorney employed by a non-profit organization. The Non-Profit Organization Externship also requires students to participate in class sessions with a faculty advisor. As part of the Non-Profit Organization Externship, students may observe and participate in one or all matters related to organizational governance of the representation of the Non-Profit Organization, and representation of clients by the Non-Profit Organization while under the supervision of the attorney employed by the Non-Profit Organization. In addition, the student may research legal and procedural matters and perform such other tasks to support the attorney functions, as the supervising attorney may require. The student also will be required to attend periodic sessions with the faculty supervisor. Students are eligible for the Non-Profit Organization Externship after completing two semesters at the law school. The Externship Director must approve any Non-Profit Organization Externship. The course will be graded on a Pass-Fail basis.
Pretrial Litigation, 3 credits (LAW 802)
This course covers the major steps in the pretrial litigation process. Topics covered include litigation planning, fact investigation, legal research, pleading, discovery, pretrial motions, and settlement strategy. This course is recommended for third-year students who have a working knowledge of evidence.
Prisoner’s Rights, 2 credits (LAW 829)
This course examines imprisonment of convicted offenders with a focus on the government’s power to punish by imprisonment, the limits of that power, and the responsibilities the government assumes when exercising it. Primary emphasis will be on topics related to prisoner civil rights litigation including the history of prisoner litigation, procedural matters, prisoner rights, conditions of confinement, and access to courts. Emerging topics in current prisoner litigation will be addressed.
Public Service Externship, 3 credits (LAW 678)
This upper-level elective consists of a minimum of 130 hours of work related to the representation of clients under the supervision of an attorney employed by a non-governmental public service organization, including the Greensboro Office of Legal Aid of North Carolina, where the law school has seven placement opportunities. The Public Service Externship also requires students to participate in class sessions with a faculty advisor. As part of the Public Service Externship, students may observe and participate in any and all matters related to representation of clients by the Public Service Organization while under the supervision of the attorney employed by the Public Service Organization. In addition, the student may research legal and procedural matters and perform such other tasks to support the attorney functions, as the supervising attorney may require. The student also will be required to attend periodic sessions with the faculty supervisor. Students are eligible for the Public Service Externship after completing two semesters at the law school. Students who wish to work in one of the Legal Aid Office placements must have completed three semesters of law school study and be eligible for NC State Bar Student Practice Certification. While students may register for the Pubic Service Externship now, the Externship Director must approve any Public Service Externship (except externship placements at Legal Aid, which have been preapproved) before classes begin. The course will be graded on a Pass-Fail basis. Professional Responsibility is a prerequisite if placement requires Extern to be certified under the North Carolina State Bar Limited Practice Certificate Program.
Real Estate Transactions, 3 credits (LAW 728)
This course deals with standard residential and, to some degree, commercial real estate transactions from both a practical and a theoretical perspective. Topics to be covered include: the market context for real estate transactions; purchase and sale agreements; brokerage relationships and agreements; methods of title assurance; typical financing arrangements, land surveys and descriptions; deeds, mortgages and other closing documents; introduction to the planned unit development and condominium,; and the ethical responsibilities of the attorney in representing the parties to a typical transaction.
Remedies, 3 credits (LAW 795)
This course examines the various remedies available to claimants in civil litigation. It will cover damages, including compensatory, punitive and statutory damages. Equitable remedies such as injunctions and accountings will also be covered. Restitutionary remedies will also be addressed.
Securities Regulation, 3 credits (LAW 713)
A study of United States and state legislation and regulations affecting the issuance and trading of corporate securities. The course will focus particularly on the provisions of the 1933 Securities Act and the 1934 Securities Exchange Act. It will also examine the development of the Securities Exchange Commission and its responsibilities and powers in regulating securities.
Separation of Powers: Congress and the Presidency, 3 credits (LAW 725)
This seminar will examine the coordination and conflict between Congress and the President in areas in which they share power and compete for dominance. The seminar begins with a discussion of each branch’s authority to interpret the Constitution followed by examinations of the interplay between the two branches in checking each other’s assertions of power. Among the topics that may be examined are executive immunity and privilege, congressional oversight of executive actions, judicial selection, and foreign affairs, including the war power. Other timely topics may be added over the course of the semester. The course will require a paper, which could satisfy the upper-level writing requirement. Pre-requisites:Constitutional Law I and II.
Socio-Legal Perspectives, 3 credits (LAW 702)
This course is intended to acquaint students with sociological, anthropological, and other social-science perspectives on the law, legal institutions, and legal practice. The course will be organized around a particular area of law (e.g., business organizations; labor & employment; criminal law; etc.) or a social issue or problem of legal concern (e.g. social stratification & inequality; lawyers & the legal profession; social change & social movements; etc.), drawing on both traditional legal sources and social-science scholarship to explore the core theme. The primary aim of the proposed revision is to provide a more coherent organizing principle for the course. By organizing the course around a particular area of law or socio-legal problem, the course will have a greater focus, and will be more accessible to law students who may not have a prior background in the social sciences.
Sports Law, Issues in, 2 credits (LAW 792)
This course touches on various issues in sports law, from free agency, to unions, to Title IX, to drug testing and the role of agents. These principles cut across subject matter domains, including contracts law, labor law, evidence, administrative law and constitutional law. The course elicits basic principles involved in professional and college sports and applies them to real world situations.
State and Local Government, 2 credits (LAW 793)
A study of the creation and the powers and responsibilities of the state and its branches of government and various agencies, counties, cities, and other municipal corporations and their officers and citizens.
Street Law, 2 credits (LAW 737)
This two-credit course introduces law students to teaching law to non-lawyers. In addition to teaching, law students meet weekly for one hour or more in the law school to discuss legal doctrine and pedagogy, as well as write an academic critique of a related-legal topic as a final paper. Course subject areas include introduction to the legal system, criminal law, torts, consumer law, and trial advocacy. The law students generally will be assigned to teach in a local area middle or high school after completing required training and classroom preparation skills. The law students will teach at least two hours a week in these middle or high schools on a semester-long basis, generally culminating in a mock trial. Advocacy skills are developed in the mock trial settings. The law students prepare the middle or high school students to perform opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments. Through these trials, law students refine their knowledge of Evidence, develop communication skills and learn to lead others in a collaborative enterprise. The law school class meetings focus on pertinent substantive law areas, review teaching methodologies and engage in experiential learning. The final paper requires a thesis statement describing its main goal, footnotes or endnotes where applicable, and a critique of a substantive law issue. The course will be offered pass/fail or for a numerical grade at the professor’s discretion.
Supervised Service Learning and Research, 2 credits (LAW 675)
This course requires a student to perform sequential tasks in an integrated model of community contribution, research and intellectual advancement. (1) Students shall perform some legal, community or other pro bono service for a documented minimum of 50 hours within a specified time frame. Students may not receive any compensation for the 50 hours of service associated with this course. The service shall be approved in advance by the supervisor; (2) The service is a predicate to the research and writing, but is not a basis for student evaluation; (3) Students shall then engage in original legal research and meet several benchmarks in creating a rigorous advocacy paper or writing project based on or connected to their service.
Trial Practice and Procedure, 3 credits (LAW 781)
The goal of the Trial Practice and Procedure (TPP) course is to help students develop basic, strong advocacy skills for use in courtrooms and other legal settings. In the course, students first learn and perform the various aspects of the trial of a lawsuit, including the development of a theory and theme, jury selection, opening statement, direct and cross examination of lay witnesses and experts, the use and introduction of demonstrative evidence, and closing arguments. Students are also required to prepare for and conduct a complete trial to verdict. All simulations are done in a small group setting; some simulations are videotaped. TPP is a three-credit course, meeting one day a week. Students are divided into small classes and faculty members teach each section.
Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection, 3 credits (LAW 819)
The goal of this course will be to acquaint students with the law governing unfair trade practices and consumer protection. Traditionally, these have been treated as separate subjects, one dealing with claims among market competitors and the other dealing with claims between merchants and consumers. This course will be organized around the common central theme of enhancing efficiency, transparency, and fair dealing in commercial market transactions. The course will cover such topics as trade secrets, deceptive and predatory practices, consumer credit and debt collection, leasing and installment sales, and warranties. The course will also introduce students to federal antitrust and trademark law within the broader context of unfair trade practices and consumer protection, but will not cover those subjects in depth.
Vis Moot, 2 credits (LAW 870)
This course, which is limited to two or three students selected by the instructor, is a continuation of the course in International Commercial Arbitration. The students will research and draft the Respondent’s Brief for the Willem Vis Moot Court Competition as well as prepare for and present oral arguments in the competition in Vienna, Austria. It is anticipated that the students will participate in one or two intensive pre-moot competitions in Europe before the competition in Vienna. Completion of the course in International Commercial Arbitration is a prerequisite for this course.
War Crimes, Genocide and International Law, 3 credits (LAW 827)
This course will focus on the evolution of international criminal law and justice as it relates to war crimes and acts of genocide. After a brief look at the history of these issues over the past few centuries, it will explore the development of post - World War II definitions of such crimes and the various tribunals that have been set up to adjudicate them. The course will then focus on several of these trials, and discuss the various legal concepts and precedents that have come out of these proceedings.
Wills and Trusts, 3 credits (LAW 770)
This course explores the gratuitous transfer of property at death, including intestate and testate succession. It also examines the nature, establishment, management, and termination of inter vivos and testamentary trusts.
Wills Drafting Clinic (In-House) for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro Referrals, 3 credits (LAW 773)
The Wills In-House Clinic is a learning-by-doing class with intensive instruction units, followed by actual supervised practice, under the Rules of the NC State Bar. Students receive intensive instruction encompassing necessary knowledge and skills and will be assigned to represent low income homeowners, referred to the clinic by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro. Students will interview clients, draft documents to meet the needs of clients, conference with clients to explain and review documents and oversee the self-proving signing protocol for those documents. Enrollment limited to students who have (1) completed at least 3 semesters; (2) successfully completed Wills and Trusts; (3) read and are familiar with the North Carolina Revised Rules of Professional Conduct and the opinions interpreting said Rules; and (4) are certified by the Dean as being of good character with requisite legal ability and training to perform in the clinical context. Prerequisites are Wills & Trusts and eligibility for NC State Bar Student Practice Certification.
