Judicial Writing – 6960

NOTE: THIS COURSE RESERVED FOR 3L STUDENTS WITH PRIORITY FOR STUDENTS WITH CLERKSHIPS

This course focuses on developing the writing abilities and practical knowledge of prospective judicial law clerks.  The class will center around three writing assignments, typically between 10 and 15 pages in length, including a bench memo, a trial court order, and appellate opinions.  Most of the reading for the class will consist of materials relating to these writing assignments, including attorneys’ briefing, relevant portions of the record, and key precedents.  Class will also provide students with practical information about how to be an effective law clerk, drawing on guest talks from local federal and state judges and law clerks.  Topics will include how to rely on the case record, the centrality of the standard of review, and how to write effectively from a judicial point of view.

3Ls who have secured clerkships receive priority registration in the Spring Law 6960 Judicial Writing seminar. Students in the Clerkship Pipeline Program are required to take this course and thus will be automatically enrolled in the seminar. Other 3Ls with clerkships will receive priority for registration before students who have not yet secured a clerkship. Students with clerkships who are not in the Clerkship Pipeline Program should contact Joy (Shuangqi) Wang <wang4025@umn.edu> to obtain permission to register. All 3Ls who do not have clerkships but are interested in the class should also contact Joy (Shuangqi) Wang <wang4025@umn.edu> to express interest. If seats are available, 3L students on the waitlist may have an opportunity to enroll in Summer.