LAW 512LEC - Federal Courts Judicial Research and Writing

This course provides a unique opportunity to develop practical research and writing skills while working directly with judges, lawyers, and staff of the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. Students in this course will learn about the federal court system as they assist judges in the Western District with their caseloads. The course begins with extra class sessions in the first week of the semester to orient students about substantive and procedural basics in federal courts. Each student will then be assigned to draft an office memorandum or proposed decision and order in an area of need for the District, such as Social Security appeals, post-conviction petitions, or other civil rights issues. Students will attend class sessions that focus on substantive law related to their assigned drafts and research and writing skills. Students will also have regular writing workshops and may be asked to participate in status meetings with judges and court staff. Students in this course will be considered federal judicial interns from the court?s perspective. By the end of this course, students will be more adept at legal research and writing, particularly from a judicial perspective, and will further their understanding of federal court practice and procedure. REGISTRATION NOTE: Because students in this course are onboarded as interns with the Western District of New York, the judges make a final decision about which students and the number of students that may participate. To apply, please send a resume and a short statement of interest to Prof. Stark. Additionally, be advised that the court may not be able to make a final decision until June or early July, so you may want to have a backup plan. UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR ENROLLMENT.

Credits: 3