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Public Interest Lawyering: Theory and Practice

Public Interest Lawyering

Course Number: LAW-425
Course Type: Foundational
Credits: 2
Enrollment Limit: 15
Description: This course will address the theory and practice of public interest (social justice) work and help you to develop some of the writing and advocacy skills needed to conduct a public interest law practice. We will discuss various models of public interest lawyering and ethical issues confronting lawyers in this area. You will also have the opportunity to draft various documents essential to a public interest practice (e.g., client letter, press release, legislative testimony, fundraising proposal). Some of the assignments will be done individually, and some with a partner, as working with others is a central part of “real world” lawyering. This class is not open to students who will be working with the Criminal Justice Reform Clinic during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Prerequisite: none
Evaluation Method: Papers and participation
Capstone: No
WIE: Yes

The American Bar Association accreditation standards require students to regularly attend the courses in which they are registered. Lewis & Clark expects students to attend classes regularly and to prepare for classes conscientiously. Specific attendance requirements may vary from course to course. Any attendance guidelines for a given class must be provided to students in a syllabus or other written document at the start of the semester. Sanctions (e.g., required withdrawal from the course, grade adjustment, and/or a failing grade) will be imposed for poor attendance.