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NOTE: Course offerings change. Classes offered this semester may not be offered in future semesters.211.2 sec. 1 - Legal Ethics for Practicing Lawyers: A Simulation Approach (Fall 2011)
Instructor: Bruce Budner (view instructor's teaching evaluations | profile)
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Units: 2
Meeting Time: Tu 6:25-8:15
Meeting Location: 130
Course Start: August 30, 2011
Course Control Number (Non-1Ls): 49544
This seminar, which satisfies the PR requirement, is designed for those who enjoy learning by doing and discussing.
We will focus on 24 hypotheticals that simulate the kind of hard problems lawyers face every day. Two to three students will present each of the hypos in the form of a role play lasting approximately 15 minutes. Classes will typically feature two student presentations. Every student will participate in two presentations during the semester. Each one is a joint project, not a combination of solo efforts. Following each presentation, we will engage in a lively discussion of the issues raised by the hypo and variations of it. The presenting students will also be expected to prepare a written summary of the issues, rules, and consequences of the lawyer's choices.
The body of hypos will implicate a wide range of ethical issues. We will assess the kinds of choices lawyers must make and the many consequences of those choices to the lawyer, the client, and others. Our analysis will begin with the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, the California Rules of Professional Conduct (where they vary from the Model Rules), and other relevant authorities. We will explore the extent to which the rules offer guidance and where they fall short. We will also consider the difference between what is ethical--i.e., permitted by the rules--and what students consider to be moral. Students are strongly encouraged to introduce their own values and worldview into the conversation.
We will examine the majority of the Model Rules in depth. Though the course is not an MPRE prep course per se, the course will provide a strong foundation for your independent MPRE preparation.
The presentations, summaries, participation in class discussion, and a take-home exam will account for the final grade.
Exam Notes: TH
Course Category: Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
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Readers:
No reader.
Books:
Required Books are in blue
- Ethical Problems in the Practice of Law
Lerman and Schrag
Edition: Second
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer
ISBN: 9780735565296
Copyright Date: To Be Determined
Price: To Be Determined - Professional Responsibility Standards, Rules & Statutes
John Dzienkowski
Edition: 2011-2012
Publisher: West
ISBN: 9780314274670
Copyright Date: To Be Determined
Price: To Be Determined
