Elective Skills Courses
Professional skills courses introduce students to the theory and practice of basic lawyering skills, using simulations (role-playing), demonstrations, lectures, and assigned readings. Students receive feedback on their role-playing from the instructor and, often, from guest practitioners. Skills courses offer a different way to learn about law and law practice, and a chance to "think on your feet" about a client’s legal problems.
The course offerings are subject to change. But they typically include:
NEGOTIATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
- Mediation
- Negotiations
CIVIL LITIGATION SKILLS
- Client Interviewing and Depositions
- Appellate Advocacy
- Evidence Advocacy
- McBaine Moot Court Competition
- Pre-trial Civil Litigation
- Trial Practice - Civil
CRIMINAL LITIGATION SKILLS
- Pre-trial Criminal Litigation
- Trial Practice - Criminal
BUSINESS COURSES
- Drafting Documents for New Businesses
Most of Berkeley Law's skills courses are taught by experienced practitioners, some of whom have taught at the law school for many years. Others are taught by lecturers in residence. These skills lecturers uniformly receive very positive student evaluations.
