centers: Litigation Center
Litigation
In the past, lawyers learned trial practice in on-the-job training after completing law school. Today, graduates need to be prepared for the challenges that face them in the courtroom before they step into it.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Litigation Program
Litigation Certificate Application
Features of the Litigation Program
- Classes are small, so every student is able to practice skills such as cross-examining, interviewing clients, negotiating, making objections, delivering opening and closing arguments, making motions, and more.
- A wide variety of litigation courses and externships are offered (see below).
- Students have opportunities to participate in mock trial and moot court competitions including:
- Texas Young Lawyers Association National Trial Competition
- American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition
- San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association Mock Trial Competition
- Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
- ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition
- National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition
- Students can earn a Certificate of Specialization, the equivalent of a major in litigation. Litigation Certificate Information.
Full-time Faculty in the Litigation Program
- Wes Porter, Associate Professor of Law
- Susan Rutberg, Professor of Law
Litigation Courses
Many of the required courses for the J.D. have litigation components including Appellate Advocacy, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, and Evidence.
Electives in the Litigation Program include:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Civil Litigation: Depositions
- Clinical Placement with State Bar Certification
- Courtroom As Theater
- Electronic Evidence
- Evidence in the Courtroom
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Moot Court Competitions