Public Interest Law (LAW) (LPI)

LPI 912 - Fundamentals of Law Practice

Credits: 3

Through hands-on criminal and civil simulations, students will 1. experience the excitement and challenges of working with individual clients; 2. practice multiple lawyering skills, including managing cases, interviewing and counseling clients, negotiating, developing facts, conducting direct and cross examinations, making oral arguments, conducting and defending depositions, and applying statutes and cases; and 3. observe, reflect, and learn from their classmates' and their own performances. Students will regularly practice new skills and receive feedback from classmates, the Teaching Assistant and their Professor. Coursework includes readings, observations, in-class exercises, regular short writing assignments, and three major writing assignments.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

LPI 914 - Dispute Resolution

Credits: 2 or 3

The vast majority of cases are resolved prior to trial. This course focuses on effective representation of a client’s interests using resolution techniques before trial. Students will learn to negotiate directly, including how to deal with the many tactics employed by negotiating parties. They will also gain an understanding of when to consider mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law and how to effectively represent clients in these processes. We will critically examine negotiation, mediation, arbitration and collaborative law, including the legal, ethical and policy issues associated with each process. Classes include lecture, discussion and extensive participatory exercises. Reflective writing is an integral component of the course.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

LPI 928 - Lobbying and the Legislative Process

Credits: 2

This course is designed as a seminar to introduce students to the legislative process and the role of lawyers in legislative advocacy and policymaking. The course will offer students a fundamental overview of the processes and steps for the enactment of legislation, the manner in which legislative texts and legislative history are important to lawyers and the courts, and the connection between lawyers, legislation and the creation of public policy. In addition, students will be directly exposed to lawmaking in action by attending legislative hearings at the NH State House, meeting with state legislators, and interacting with lobbyists who advocate before the state legislature. Through practical exercises, students will develop skills in conducting policy analysis as background for lawmaking, drafting written testimony, and making oral presentations to legislative committees. This class is particularly appropriate for students who want to enhance their exposure to lawyering for social justice.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading