COURSE NUMBER & NAME: 511 Legal Clinic -- General Litigation

CREDIT HOURS: Four (4) REQUIRED: no ELECTIVE: yes

PREREQUISITES (Required): Evidence and Professional Responsibility.

PREREQUISITES (Advised): Pre-Trial Advocacy and Trial Advocacy.

WHEN OFFERED: Each semester.

SUBSTANTIVE COVERAGE AND OBJECTIVES OF COURSE:

See below.

RELATION TO OTHER OFFERINGS IN CURRICULUM:

See below.

RELATION TO BAR EXAM SUBJECTS:

Evidence; Civil Procedure; Professional Responsibility; Landlord-Tenant; Contracts; U.C.C.

RELATION TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

See below.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS LEGAL CLINIC

THE LITIGATION UNIT

Why participate in the Litigation Unit? The Litigation Unit of the Legal Clinic affords third year law students, under the direct supervision of experienced licensed attorneys, the opportunity to provide "live client" representation to indigent clients in a variety of civil matters in which lawsuits have been filed, or likely may be filed. The Clinic affords opportunities to put to practical use the substantive, procedural, and evidentiary rules that they have been studying in their "more traditional" classes, and it allows students to use their practical skills, developed in simulation courses, to use in "real cases." Clinic participation will result in a better understanding of the need for legal services in the low income community and will lead to an appreciation of the ethical canon that everyone is entitled to equal access to justice.

What skills training is offered? Student attorneys in the Litigation Unit of the Clinic will be involved in interviewing clients and witnesses; factual investigations; legal research and writing; theory development; problem solving; written communications; negotiations; drafting pleadings; conducting discovery; preparing for trial; and trying cases in General Sessions, Circuit and Chancery courts. Students will participate in "firm meetings" with their supervising attorneys and class members to discuss issues and progress in their cases, and will learn office management, case management, and stress management skills. Students will have an opportunity to utilize their knowledge of substantive law, evidence, and procedure, and will have an opportunity to consider and apply in a live client setting their knowledge of the Code of Professional Responsibility.

What types of cases are involved? The Litigation Unit primarily handles landlord-tenant and consumer protection cases. The Litigation Unit also handles varied contract actions (for plaintiffs and defendants) and it defends torts cases usually involving property damages only.

What prerequisites? Clinic prerequisites are Professional Responsibility and Evidence.

Time requirements? Litigation Clinic student attorneys will attend orientation sessions at the Law School, as per the class schedule for the first three weeks of the semester. Thereafter, student attorneys will spend seven (7) hours per week (3-1/2 hours per day for each of 2 days) at times to be arranged with the Supervising Attorneys/Instructors at the Clinic and with the Faculty Director. The Clinic will be conducted at the Clinic's downtown offices, located at 109 North Main, 2^nd Floor. Students are expected to spend ten (10) hours per week (which includes the 7 hours spend weekly at the Clinic) on Clinic activities.