Details

Students will have the opportunity to work with Mr. Phillips, Mr. Green and other colleagues on matters at all stages of litigating before the United States Supreme Court. Clinic projects will include: (1) researching and drafting merits briefs to be filed with the Court; (2) researching and drafting amicus curiae briefs at the merits and petition stages; (3) participating in moot courts for cases to be argued during the Term; (4) researching and drafting petitions for writs of certiorari; (5) researching and identifying issues and cases that are worthy of petitions for certiorari. While the particular mix of projects will be subject to timing and availability, students can expect ample opportunity to engage in each of the various types of projects over the entire year. During both the fall and spring semesters students will also have the opportunity to attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court. The goal of the Clinic will be to provide a thorough working knowledge of the Court, its unique procedures and the types of cases that attract the Court's attention and the kinds of arguments that can capture the votes of a majority of the Justices. As the nature of the projects reflect, students will develop skills in all aspects of advocacy before the Court, with a heavy emphasis on developing sophisticated research and writing skills. The development of oral presentation skills will be emphasized as well, through participation in moots as advocates for the opposing side and as questioners. Students will frequently work directly with other attorneys around the country who represent the persons who are the subject matter of these cases. As a specialized appellate practice, the Clinic most frequently operates as an adjunct attorney; therefore, students should not expect direct client contact. The value of the Clinic lies in the researching, crafting and preparing of briefs at the highest level possible. Students will be evaluated based on their overall contribution to Clinic projects, including written work product, effective research, participation in moot courts, oral presentations and teamwork skills. Clinic instructors will provide frequent reviews and feedback concerning on-going work. Second-year students will earn 3.0 credits per semester and third-year students will earn 4.0 credits per semester. This course does not fulfill any upper-level writing requirements. As the Supreme Court's Term largely corresponds to the academic year, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in both semesters. The work of the second semester also tends to permit more individual, rather than team-based efforts. In addition, the Clinic's projects often require unexpected or short-term assignments in light of the nature of the Court's procedures (e.g., compressed briefing schedules, supplemental briefing, reply briefs). While not exclusively reserved for 3Ls, 2L students with significant course loads and/or extracurricular activities may wish to defer to their 3L year. Enrollment is limited to JD candidates.