LAW-4003 Public Interest Lawyering
This course is available to all students registered for a public interest legal externship (e.g., judicial, non-profit, government, DA, public defender placements). The two credits granted for this course are in addition to and independent of any credits awarded for the field placement experience. This classroom component will cover topics including the unique ethical and legal responsibilities of working as an attorney in non-profit and government organizations. This course will provide education in bias, cultural competency, racism and professional identity formation. Externship experiences will also be discussed in class. Experienced public interest attorneys as guest speakers will provide insight into their career paths and current public interest legal positions. Students will be expected to complete time logs and narrative reflective journals as part of their externship responsibilities. Readings and class participation are essential components of the course. An in-class oral presentation on a topic related to the students fieldwork experience is required. An extended journal entry on an ethical issue is required. The paper will not satisfy the writing requirement. Student work is graded on a H/P/LP/F basis. If a student in a public interest placement is unable to take the Public Interest Lawyering course, the student may request to be supervised individually by a full-time faculty member only if the student has taken, or is in the process of taking, a substantive course elective with that faculty member that relates to the field placement experience. Decisions about individual faculty supervision will be made by the Externship Director. The faculty member must agree to supervise the student under the guidelines of the Externship Program. 26 Oct 2022 3:02 PM