Trial Practice Skills Courses
Courts In Action (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course gives students an opportunity to visit state and federal courts to watch litigators in action. Following the court visit, the judges will hold a question-and-answer session to highlight key issues of law and procedure. The students will be exposed to the actual judicial process, learn motion argument technique, and the expectations of judges in the specific courts visited.
Quantum Theory - Valuing The Case (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course examines the concept of valuing the case to determine how to assess damages and what to ask for monetarily at various stages of litigation.
Developing The Theory Of The Case (Skills Grade)
This course examines in detail the skills, techniques, and strategies needed to properly evaluate and prepare a case for trial. Students work with a case from the beginning to develop the theory and prepare the trial notebook.
Lawyers In The Great Tradition: The Argument Of An Appeal (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course builds on the skills developed in the basic Moot Court (Law 765) course. The student will examine in depth the issues of whether to appeal, the application of appellate rules in federal and state court, and how to perfect the trial record.
Louisiana Class Action Litigation (Skills Grade)
Participants completing this skills course will understand the basic procedural requirements for Louisiana class actions; know how to spot and/or create certification problems; understand how to plan for a certification hearing; know how to identify, screen, and prepare or attack class representatives; and will participate in a problem-solving session in which fact situations are analyzed for certification criteria
in light of Louisiana caselaw. *Civil Procedure I LAW 725 is a prerequisite.
Introduction To Federal Criminal Practice (Pass/Fail Grade)
This Skills presentation provides an overview to those with an interest in handling criminal cases in federal court. This course discusses the evolution of a federal criminal matter from investigation and indictment to trial, as well as sentencing and the apellate process. Other topics include grand jury testimony, initial appearances, arraignments, discovery, pretrial services, probation, rearraignments, trial
practice and procedure, presentence investigation reports, sentencing hearings and appeals, all in the context of a federal criminal case.
Handling The Criminal Case (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course consists of three presentations by experienced criminal attorneys and judges: Arrest, Bail, and Preliminary Hearings; Motions and Discovery; Jury Selection and Trial Considerations.
The Expert Witness In Court (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course examines the use of a variety of expert witnesses (medical, construction, accountants, etc.) in the litigation process. Students will explore when to use an expert witness, how to find an expert witness, and how to prepare the expert witness for trial.
Demonstrative Evidence I (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course provides an overview of a wide range of demonstrative aids available to assist in supporting various issues during the trial of the case. Students will examine both expensive and inexpensive options available to create such aids and will explore the proper way to lay the foundation for the introduction of such exhibits.
Demonstrative Evidence II (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course examines the most effective methods for using various types of demonstrative evidence during trial. A specific case is used during the course. *Demonstrative Evidence I Skills is a prerequisite.
Using Evidence At Trial (Skills Grade)
This course examines how to make and meet objections and how to use the Rules of Evidence at trial to secure a successful evidentiary ruling. *Evidence LAW 760 is a prerequisite.
Motion Practice (Skills Grade)
This course develops the fundamental lawyering skills needed for handling pretrial motions effectively. Students will work in teams and performances will be critiqued by the faculty.
Intensive Trial Training Workshop (Skills Grade)
This course introduces the student to basic courtroom skills, including direct and cross examination, opening and closing statements, use of exhibits, and making and handling objections. The course relies on the “learn by doing” method and all student performances are videotaped and critiqued by a faculty of practicing attorneys and judges.
Family Law I (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course examines the strategies and techniques used in handling separations, divorces, custody, and support matters. Emphasis will be placed on how to use the courts efficiently.
Family Law II (Pass/Fail Grade)
This course will examine the impact of property settlements, child support, and alimony judgments, etc., on the tax status and estate planning decisions of divorced couples. *Family Law I Skills is a pre-requisite.
Products' Liability (Skills Grade)
The course will give an orientation to the Products Liability Act. It will include forms (both plaintiff ’s and defendant’s) for students to use once in practice. The instructors will illustrate how to handle and defend cases under the theories of 1) manufacturing defect; 2) design defect; 3) inadequate warnings; and 4) warranty, under the LPLA in practice.
Nuts and Bolts Of The Workers Compensation Case (Pass/Fail Grade)
Students will review with faculty the basic history of the Workers Compensation Act, the Do’s & Don’ts in the daily practice of workers compensation, and recent developments in the practice.
Voir Dire - Evaluating The Jury (Pass/Fail)
Students will learn how to explain to prospective jurors their theory of the case that is about to be tried. Faculty will discuss the types of people to consider for various types of criminal cases using examples of voir dire skills to illustrate the most effective techniques.