Presentation Transcript

1. Anatomy of Two Upper-level Writing Seminars 2013 Rocky Mountain Legal Writing Conference Professor Jo Ann Ragazzo Professor Rebecca Rich Duke University School of Law
2. Skeletal system The bony structure providing the framework and support for other systems
3. Constructing the skeleton: Two credit hours Thirteen classes (once a week, two hours per session) Maximum fourteen students per semester Provide writing experiences common to law practice Maintain sanity
4. Our syllabi Legal Writing in Civil Practice: Client letters Demand letters E-mail Litigation: Complaint Responsive pleading Motion practice Motion memos Oral argument at trial level Writing: Electronic Discovery Litigation hold letter Interview of client’s IT professional Client letter E-mail to partner Discovery motion and memo
5. Connective tissue The “muscle” connecting and supporting the structure.
6. Developing the connections Course textbooks and additional readings Substantive and procedural assignments Class exercises
7. Typical classes Legal Writing in Civil Practice Round table discussion of draft assignments Critique/peer review of drafts Legal writing exercises Ethics hypotheticals Introduce next assignment with review of applicable rules and review of sample documents Writing: Electronic Discovery Lecture on and discuss e-discovery rules and case law Peer review of drafts Legal writing exercises Introduce assignments Discuss research and writing expectations for draft assignments Guest speakers/mock interviews Mock negotiations
8. Central Nervous system The brain and spinal cord controlling and coordinating activities
9. Engaging students’ brains Legal Writing in Civil Practice Research beyond Westlaw and Lexis Analysis in the real world Drafting, editing, revising, finalizing E-mail exercises Writing: Electronic Discovery Lecture on and discuss e-discovery rules and case law Researching & advising clients on legal questions when a jurisdiction has little to no relevant law Drafting, editing, revising, finalizing
10. Skin The protective outer covering
11. Developing “Thick” skin Legal Writing in Civil Practice Peer reviews “Hot seat” Constructive feedback Individual conferences Evaluating and grading student work Writing: Electronic Discovery Peer reviews Constructive feedback Individual conferences Evaluating and grading student work
12. Respiratory system Provides air exchange between the body and external environment essential for oral communication
13. Honing oral advocacy skills Legal Writing in Civil Practice Class presentations: Commonly misused words Persuasive candy exercise “You be the judge” Oral arguments at trial court level Writing: Electronic Discovery Mock interviews of client IT professionals Mock negotiations with opposing counsel
14. Cardiovascular system The heart and soul
15. Ethics and professionalism Legal Writing in Civil Practice Ethical implications of assignments “What would you do?” hypotheticals Writing: Electronic Discovery Ethical issues unique to e-discovery context (e.g., Qualcomm v. Broadcom) Effective, professional oral and written communication