Apart from their assigned mod courses, 1L students may only enroll in courses offered as 1L electives. A complete list of these courses can be found on the 1L Elective Listings page. 1L students must use the 1L class number listed on the course description when enrolling.
294.65 sec. 001 - An Introduction to Big Law Practice for 1Ls (Spring 2026)
Instructor: Frank Partnoy (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only)
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 1
Grading Designation: Credit Only
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meetings:
M 6:25 PM - 8:35 PM
Location: Law 130
From January 12, 2026
To February 23, 2026
F 2:30 PM - 4:40 PM
Location: Law 130
On 2026-01-16
Course End: February 23, 2026
Class Number: 34251
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 18
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 30
As of: 01/30 09:27 PM
An Introduction to Big Law Practice
This class is designed for first-year law students interested in big law. We will cover the basic vocabulary and categories of big law practice, core big law practice areas, the structure and economics of big law firms, the evolving needs of individual and institutional clients, the skill sets and interests that fit particular areas of big law practice, the importance of interfacing with regulators and judges, the role of experts and other third party service providers, and the ways in which technology and AI are disrupting big law.
The goal is for students to become sufficiently conversant in the relevant vocabulary and substance to be able to answer questions about their ideal practice areas, to distinguish among big law firms, to seek and find appropriate mentors, and to improve their capacity to respond in a sophisticated way to questions about which law firms are likely to be the best fit for their particular skills and preferences.
Each student will write a "business plan" for their career as the main final class assignment.
Attendance at the first class is mandatory for all currently enrolled and waitlisted students; any currently enrolled or waitlisted students who are not present on the first day of class (without prior permission of the instructor) will be dropped. The instructor will continue to take attendance throughout the add/drop period and anyone who moves off the waitlist into the class must continue to attend or have prior permission of the instructor in order not to be dropped.
Submit teaching evaluations for this course between 23-FEB-26 and 28-FEB-26
Exam Notes: (P) Final Paper
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Course Category: Business Law
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