Prerequisite: Civil Procedure

Exam Type: No Exam

This course will focus on effective written advocacy at the federal district court level, including why writing for the district court is a distinct art form from other forms of writing, such as appellate briefs. Topics will include motions to dismiss, discovery briefs and letter briefs, summary judgment motions and related papers, and other types of pre-trial submissions. The class will be a blend of lecture and group discussion, and we will look at examples from public filings to analyze what is effective, what is not effective, and what can be affirmatively harmful. The course will include advice on the brief writing process, as well as practical guidelines for being an effective advocate in the district court. Instead of a final exam there will be a variety of writing and editing exercises over the course of the semester.

Successful completion of appropriate written work in this offering satisfies the professional writing requirement for matriculants to the J.D. program from 2023 onward.