5297 Administration of Estates and Guardianship - AKERS (offered in Spring 2013)
Administration of Estates and Guardianships. A skills class that will cover all types of administrations encountered with decedent’s and incapacitated estates: Dependent Administrations, Independent Administrations, Probating wills, alternative to probate administrations, Intestacy and guardianships. Students will review and be exposed to defective wills as well as proper wills and learn how to get them admitted into probate in addition to reviewing a variety of estate administration pleadings. Students will draft a will and prepare the pleadings to get the will admitted into probate as part of their examination grade.
5297 Administration of Estates and Guardianship - AKERS (offered in Spring 2014)
Administration of Estates and Guardianships. A skills class that will cover all types of administrations encountered with decedent’s and incapacitated estates: Dependent Administrations, Independent Administrations, Probating wills, alternative to probate administrations, Intestacy and guardianships. Students will review and be exposed to defective wills as well as proper wills and learn how to get them admitted into probate in addition to reviewing a variety of estate administration pleadings. Students will draft a will and prepare the pleadings to get the will admitted into probate as part of their examination grade.
5397 Administration of Estates and Guardianship - AKERS (offered in Spring 2015)
Administration of Estates and Guardianships. A skills class that will cover all types of administrations encountered with decedent’s and incapacitated estates: Dependent Administrations, Independent Administrations, Probating wills, alternative to probate administrations, Intestacy and guardianships. Students will review and be exposed to defective wills as well as proper wills and learn how to get them admitted into probate in addition to reviewing a variety of estate administration pleadings. Students will draft a will and prepare the pleadings to get the will admitted into probate as part of their examination grade.
5397 Administration of Estates and Guardianship - AKERS (offered in Fall 2015)
Administration of Estates and Guardianships. A skills class that will cover all types of administrations encountered with decedent’s and incapacitated estates: Dependent Administrations, Independent Administrations, Probating wills, alternative to probate administrations, Intestacy and guardianships. Students will review and be exposed to defective wills as well as proper wills and learn how to get them admitted into probate in addition to reviewing a variety of estate administration pleadings. Students will draft a will and prepare the pleadings to get the will admitted into probate as part of their examination grade.
5297 Advanced Finance Transaction Drafting - GINSBURG (offered in Fall 2015)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for their first year of general corporate practice, whether in an in-house, law firm, or solo practice setting, by completing a simulated financing transaction. The course will focus on how secured transactions law, bankruptcy law and corporate law influence the structuring and documenting of a typical secured bank loan. Students will work through a hypothetical transaction that be the focal point of the entire semester. The class will begin by discussing alternative capital structures and how bank loans are used to finance acquisitions, growth and working capital needs. We will then analyze and draft credit and security documents, and learn how specific contract provisions are important to both borrowers and lenders. We will analyze all stages of finance transactions, and discuss the often divergent strategies and goals of lenders and borrowers. The fundamentals of negotiating critical provisions of a leveraged finance transaction will be stressed, with emphasis on private equity investors and their finance sources. The professor will relate many of his experiences in global finance transactions and share provisions from actual loan documentation to demonstrate how those fundamentals are applied in actual transactions. Although the course will be of particular interest to those pursuing a corporate or commercial law career, the concepts are applicable to any transactional practice.
5297 Advanced Legal Research & Writing for FLLM - TILTON-McCARTHY (offered in Spring 2014)
Advanced Legal Research and Writing for FLLM Students
This course is designed to build on concepts taught in Lawyering Strategy Skills for FLLM students and provide the students with an opportunity to further hone their research and writing skills (with constructive feedback) as well as to learn new techniques to deal with more complicated legal issues. Advanced research skills will be taught, and the students will be expected to draft a memorandum covering more complex legal issues. In addition, students will negotiate a multifaceted transaction and draft the resulting contract. Students will also learn to draft a settlement agreement, a will and/or a client opinion letter. Lastly, students will be taught persuasive writing skills and will draft a trial motion or short appellate brief.
5397 Advanced Maritime Law - WINTON (offered in Spring 2014)
The advanced general maritime law course will focus on maritime jurisdiction—federal and state, maritime contracts, maritime torts, maritime liens, collisions, cargo claims, ship claims for damage caused by cargo, marine insurance, Protection and Indemnity Clubs, limitation of liability, general average, salvage, classification societies, jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard and other aspects of maritime law. This course will not address injury or death claims by or on behalf of seaman, longshore or harbor workers, or other mariners or non-mariners, all of which are the subjects of their own advanced maritime law course. The basic general maritime law course is NOT a pre-requisite to be eligible to take this course. There will be a single exam given at the end of the semester which will be a closed book exam composed of essays and, perhaps, short answer questions
5397 Advertising and Marketing Law - Van Slyke (offered in Spring 2013)
Advertising and Marketing Law teaches both the law and commercial perspectives concerning the advertising and marketing to consumers in a survey format that includes treatment of issues from false advertising under the Lanham Act, Federal Trade Commission regulation and enforcement, state attorney general enforcement, consumer class actions, substantiation of advertising claims, Internet advertising, consumer protection, privacy, data protection, trademark law, business torts, constitutional law, copyright law, social media marketing, and several other areas of law that are important to advertising and marketing to consumers.
5197 Advocates-Newhouse Mediation-CURRENT - LAWRENCE (offered in Spring 2013)
5197 Advocates-Newhouse Mediation-RETRO - LAWRENCE (offered in Spring 2013)
5397 Banned Books - DOW (offered in Spring 2015)
5397 Business Administration and Financial Analysis for Lawyers - BRENNAN (offered in Spring 2015)
This 3-credit course is designed to introduce students to business administration and related financial analysis skills. This course should be considered for the law student with little or no prior course work in business or finance. The course will use the financial statements of publicly held corporations as the basis for introducing many of the and disciplines and functional areas of business. The following topics will be covered: corporate finance, management/organizational behavior, accounting/auditing, entrepreneurship and Marketing, information technology, review and analysis of financial statements, business strategies and personal financial planning.
5297 Children and the Law Lab - MARRUS/HUNT (offered in Spring 2015)
In this course students will have the opportunity to represent children in abuse and neglect proceedings in a Harris County court.
5197 Children and the Law Lab - MARRUS (offered in Spring 2014)
In this course students will have the opportunity to represent children in abuse and neglect proceedings in a Harris County court.
5397 Clean Air Act - PATEL (offered in Fall 2015)
Course Description: One of the hottest and ever-evolving areas in environmental law is the Clean Air Act, a pivotal federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. The key objective of the course is for students to gain understanding of the Clean Air Act of 1970 and various amendments, its historical roots in common law, major regulatory programs relating to air pollution control at federal, state and local levels, and emerging climate change issues relating to the regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. Students will acquire technical, legal, and policy knowledge to aid them in exploring challenging questions faced by environmental practitioners.
We will be using a textbook as well as supplementing with pertinent agency regulations and guidance documents, case law, case studies, and current events as needed. The course will include a combination of lectures (including the opportunity to hear from guest lecturers prominent in the field), class discussions, and case studies.
The course will have one final exam which will be open-book and will consist of multiple choice and short essay components (90%). Grading will be based on one final exam (90%) AND class participation (10%).
5297 Client Interviewing & Counseling - HAWK (offered in Spring 2014)
The Client Interviewing and Counseling course will emphasize a “client-centered” approach to interviewing and counseling techniques. The course will touch on the major aspects of the attorney-client relationship, including (1) the initial client interview; (2) billing arrangements; (3) case analysis, development and strategy incorporating the client’s input and expectations; (4) preparing the client for negotiations, depositions, settlement discussions or trial; (5) terminating the attorney-client relationship; and (6) collecting fees. Students will engage in mock interviews and counseling sessions throughout the semester. The professor and classmates will provide constructive feedback after each session that can and should be incorporated into future practice sessions.
5297 Client Interviewing & Counseling - WELCH (offered in Spring 2013)
The legal interviewing and counseling course will emphasize a deliberate practice approach to learning. Each week the professor will provide instruction on client-centered interviewing and counseling techniques and then students will engage in mock interviews and counseling sessions with their classmates. The professor and classmates will give feedback on these mock sessions and the student will reflect upon the experience and try again.
This semester the class will be taught online. Class size will be limited to eight (8) students and will meet in a Google+ Hangout each week. This setting provides students with the convenience of being able to attend class wherever there is a good wifi connection. It also allows for interesting and engaging exchanges between classmates and professor with video sharing, document and screen sharing and other exciting new age teaching tools.
Students who enroll must have (1) a laptop or computer they can use to access the internet; (2) a webcam; (3) a headset with microphone (about $15) OR ear buds and a microphone on their laptop or webcam; and (4) the required textbook. Students who enroll must also have a Gmail account they can use to access Google+ Hangouts. The program is easy to use even for beginners to the online platform.
5397 Climate Change Law - HESTER (offered in Fall 2013)
The enormous challenges posed by global climate change have triggered equally fundamental legal changes. Climate change law has grown into one of the most active fields of environmental law which affects major industries, civil and criminal enforcement, transactions and international relations. Climate change lawsuits will also play their own central role in disputes over the right course of action and in efforts to help injured parties adapt to a rapidly changing world.
This course will focus on the foundations, options and challenges to the use of environmental law to address climate change and to determine the obligations or liability of parties allegedly contributing it. We will review the current state of knowledge about the science underlying climate change findings and predictions, examine how environmental and tort laws have adapted to address earlier novel environmental threats and risks, explore the fast-growing network of international agreements, federal regulations and state laws that govern emissions of greenhouse gases or attempt to prepare for climate change effects, and assess how courts have responded to climate lawsuits and their specific legal challenges and evidentiary. Our examination will center on a practical examination on how this new field of law will affect real-world legal policies, permitting, lawsuits and transactions.
This class will use a combination of lectures, discussions, in-class exercises, sample problems and case studies. Of course, all students should come to class prepared and able to join in class discussions.
5397 Climate Change Law - HESTER (offered in Fall 2015)
The enormous challenges posed by global climate change have triggered equally fundamental legal changes. Climate change law has grown into one of the most active fields of environmental law which affects major industries, civil and criminal enforcement, transactions and international relations. Climate change lawsuits will also play their own central role in disputes over the right course of action and in efforts to help injured parties adapt to a rapidly changing world.
This course will focus on the foundations, options and challenges to the use of environmental law to address climate change and to determine the obligations or liability of parties allegedly contributing it. We will review the current state of knowledge about the science underlying climate change findings and predictions, examine how environmental and tort laws have adapted to address earlier novel environmental threats and risks, explore the fast-growing network of international agreements, federal regulations and state laws that govern emissions of greenhouse gases or attempt to prepare for climate change effects, and assess how courts have responded to climate lawsuits and their specific legal challenges and evidentiary. Our examination will center on a practical examination on how this new field of law will affect real-world legal policies, permitting, lawsuits and transactions.
This class will use a combination of lectures, discussions, in-class exercises, sample problems and case studies. Of course, all students should come to class prepared and able to join in class discussions.
5297 Clinic Externship I - BONADERO (offered in Summer II 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements at either a nonprofit organization or a government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. If the placement where a student wishes to work for credit is not on the approved list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting a position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditation regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading their law school email and The LEX consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Clinic Externship I - BONADERO (offered in Summer IV 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements at either a nonprofit organization or a government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. If the placement where a student wishes to work for credit is not on the approved list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting a position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditation regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading their law school email and The LEX consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Clinic Externship I - BONADERO (offered in Summer II 2014)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements at either a nonprofit organization or a government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage. If the placement where a student wishes to work for credit is not on the approved list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting a position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditation regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading the Daily LEX consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Clinic Externship I - BONADERO (offered in Summer IV 2014)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements at either a nonprofit organization or a government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage. If the placement where a student wishes to work for credit is not on the approved list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting a position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditation regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading the Daily LEX consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Clinic Externship II - BONADERO (offered in Summer IV 2014)
Well in advance of the semester in which they want to work, students should secure their field placements at either a nonprofit organization or government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage. If the placement which a student wishes to work for credit is NOT on the list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting an position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditations regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the program at www.law.uh.edu/clnic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in the course via PeopleSoft. If you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Student Services Office.
Students taking an Externship II course have necessarily already completed Externship I; consequently, s/he does not need to attend an orientation prior to starting work. However, Externship II students must still comply with all other externship requirements (time logs, journal entries, completion of evaluations, and possibly a face-to-face meeting with the ED.)
Requires student to work at placement for a minimum of 180 hours over the semester
5297 Clinic Externship II - BONADERO (offered in Summer II 2014)
Well in advance of the semester in which they want to work, students should secure their field placements at either a nonprofit organization or government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage. If the placement which a student wishes to work for credit is NOT on the list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting an position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditations regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the program at www.law.uh.edu/clnic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in the course via PeopleSoft. If you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Student Services Office.
Students taking an Externship II course have necessarily already completed Externship I; consequently, s/he does not need to attend an orientation prior to starting work. However, Externship II students must still comply with all other externship requirements (time logs, journal entries, completion of evaluations, and possibly a face-to-face meeting with the ED.)
Requires student to work at placement for a minimum of 180 hours over the semester
5297 Clinic Externship II - BONADERO (offered in Summer IV 2015)
Well in advance of the semester in which they want to work, students should secure their field placements at either a nonprofit organization or government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage at www.law.uh.edu/externship. If the placement which a student wishes to work for credit is NOT on the list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting an position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditations regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students taking an Externship II course have necessarily already completed Externship I; consequently, s/he does not need to attend an orientation prior to starting work. However, Externship II students must still comply with all other externship requirements (time logs, journal entries and/or reflective writing assignments, completion of evaluations, and possibly a face-to-face meeting with the ED.)
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Clinic Externship II - BONADERO (offered in Summer II 2015)
Well in advance of the semester in which they want to work, students should secure their field placements at either a nonprofit organization or government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage at www.law.uh.edu/externship. If the placement which a student wishes to work for credit is NOT on the list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting an position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditations regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students taking an Externship II course have necessarily already completed Externship I; consequently, s/he does not need to attend an orientation prior to starting work. However, Externship II students must still comply with all other externship requirements (time logs, journal entries and/or reflective writing assignments, completion of evaluations, and possibly a face-to-face meeting with the ED.)
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5397 Complex Litigation - RAVE (offered in Fall 2014)
This course picks up where civil procedure left off and covers the major procedural issues that arise in complex civil litigation. We will focus primarily on multi-party, multi-jurisdictional disputes, with particular emphasis on topics such as class actions, multidistrict litigation (MDL) practice, and other methods of aggregating claims. We will consider the kinds of strategic choices available to lawyers handling complex cases, economic and practical problems of settlement, the role of judges in supervising and managing aggregate litigation, and other modifications to the traditional rules of procedure intended for single-party, single-claim disputes.
5397 Complex Litigation - RAVE (offered in Fall 2013)
This course picks up where civil procedure left off and covers the major procedural issues that arise in complex civil litigation. We will focus primarily on multi-party, multi-jurisdictional disputes, with particular emphasis on topics such as class actions, multidistrict litigation (MDL) practice, and other methods of aggregating claims. We will consider the kinds of strategic choices available to lawyers handling complex cases, economic and practical problems of settlement, the role of judges in supervising and managing aggregate litigation, and other modifications to the traditional rules of procedure intended for single-party, single-claim disputes.
5397 Computational Law - CHANDLER (offered in Spring 2015)
This course will assist students in developing projects relating to law and computation. Examples of potential project areas include development of precedent graphs relating to cases or patents; development of similarity measures between documents such as cases, patents, statutes; machine learning for the purpose of predicting case or administrative outcomes; statistical analyses of law, development of computer aided instruction or computer aided representations in fields of law, integration of geographic information systems with law and visualization of legal rules or other matters relevant to law. Students will also learn about current advances and opportunities in this field. Students will be expected to develop their projects using one of the following languages or systems: Excel, Google Spreadsheets, JavaScript, Python, Wolfram Mathematica or R. Use of other languages or systems is possible with the instructor’s permission. Some programming background is recommended for this course.
5297 Computer Crime - CHICHESTER (offered in Summer II 2013)
The objectives of this course are to teach the substantive and procedural law of computer crimes and computer torts in a comprehensive manner, to consider the ethical and professional questions related to the subject matter, and to integrate the subject matter with the analytical and practical skills necessary to the practice of law. This class will emphasize the federal criminal laws, particularly the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, but will touch upon relevant state anti-spyware laws as well. Other topics include crimes related to corporate espionage, hacking, and misappropriation/infringement of intellectual property rights that involve a computer or a network.
5297 Copyright Law - JOYCE (offered in Summer II 2014)
This is the basic Copyright course, but in a 2-credit format. Topics include prerequisites for protection, subject matter, ownership, duration, infringement (including secondary liability), affirmative defenses (including fair use), and federal remedies
5297 Criminal Justice Research on Right to Counsel and Pretrial Justice - THOMPSON (offered in Spring 2015)
This course will explore issues of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel, as well as pretrial release procedures. Students will be expected to spend a total of 20 hours observing court proceedings (mostly during class time) and taking careful notes by hand which will need to be typed up and submitted. In addition, students will write original 15-page research papers on various issues pertaining to pretrial justice issues. Students will be graded on the basis of their courtroom observation submissions as well as the research paper.
This course will be unusual in that there will be very little required reading and only a few classroom sessions at the law school. I will send the readings electronically in about a week. There will be about 50 pages of quick reading required for the first class. The course will provide students with an opportunity to be actively involved in policymaking research and criminal justice advocacy. The first couple of weeks we will meet at school for discussion of readings and training for courtroom observation, as well as discussion of the short research papers. Thereafter, most of the semester students will only be required to attend court sessions downtown (on Franklin). The school will reimburse students for parking. We will probably meet once or twice at school during the semester to touch base on the court transcripts and research papers. I have not yet worked out all the details, but I will post a final schedule for the course by about January 9th.
The courtroom observations will provide critical empirical data on practices in the Harris County Criminal Courts. This information will enable policymakers and criminal justice advocates the information needed to determine whether the criminal justice system is working properly. In addition, as there is a great deal of interest in pretrial justice issues at the moment, I will provide a list of topics for which research is needed to help inform local officials as they move forward with reforms. The course thus gives students an opportunity to be actively involved in the improvement of the criminal justice system in our city.
5297 Criminal Practice - BRALEY (offered in Spring 2015)
This is a federal criminal trial practice skills class. Skill sets include opening statement, direct examination, cross-examination, impeachment, handling exhibits and demonstrative aids, evidentiary foundations, motion practice, objections, and closing argument.
The class is based on a trial problem that sets forth a hypothetical criminal case. Students are expected to analyze the case, develop prosecution and defense strategies, understand rules of evidence and procedure applicable to federal criminal trials, and either prosecute or defend the case to verdict. The professors will divide each class into a lecture session and skills portion. Students must participate during each session. Final grade will be based, at least in part, upon application of principles discussed during the course and moot trial held before a federal judge at course end. Professors will provide feedback and guidance throughout the process. Attendance and participation will also factor into grading as described in the syllabus.
5297 Criminal Practice - McCONNELL/BRALEY/GALLAGHER (offered in Summer II 2014)
This is a federal criminal trial practice skills class. Skill sets include opening statement, direct examination, cross-examination, impeachment, handling exhibits and demonstrative aids, evidentiary foundations, motion practice, objections, and closing argument.
The class is based on a trial problem that sets forth a hypothetical criminal case. Students are expected to analyze the case, develop prosecution and defense strategies, understand rules of evidence and procedure applicable to federal criminal trials, and either prosecute or defend the case to verdict. The professors will divide each class into a lecture session and skills portion. Students must participate during each session. Final grade will be based, at least in part, upon application of principles discussed during the course and moot trial held before a federal judge at course end. Professors will provide feedback and guidance throughout the process. Attendance and participation will also factor into grading as described in the syllabus.
5397 Crimmigration - HOFFMAN G (offered in Summer IV 2014)
This course will introduce students to the many issues at the intersection of immigration law and criminal law. Crimmigration is a complex and dynamic area of law. The course will provide students with the knowledge required to recognize and analyze the potential immigration consequences of a variety of criminal pleas and convictions.
5397 Crimmigration - HOFFMAN G (offered in Summer IV 2015)
This course will introduce students to the many issues at the intersection of immigration law and criminal law. Crimmigration is a complex and dynamic area of law. The course will provide students with the knowledge required to recognize and analyze the potential immigration consequences of a variety of criminal pleas and convictions.
5397 Digital Transactions - VETTER (offered in Fall 2015)
The objectives of this course are to teach the substantive law of digital transactions and electronic commerce (with related intellectual property concepts) in a comprehensive manner, to consider ethical and professional questions related to the subject matter, and to integrate the subject matter with the analytical and practical skills necessary to the practice of law. Normally, the class simulates the creation of a technology company (typically an Internet-centric corporation) and reviews the legal issues related to an online venture.
5297 Doing Business in the Arab Middle East - BOEHM (offered in Spring 2013)
Doing Business in the Arab Middle East. This course will cover legal and practical aspects of advising clients on doing business in the Middle East. You will learns specifics about some jurisdictions, how to work with local counsel, and considerations for lawyers (you?) working there. This course is also a tool box for your future. Your practice will be cross-border, sooner or later, and these tools are relevant in all "foreign" jurisdictions. Multiple choice exam.
5397 Domestic Violence - HAMILTON (offered in Spring 2013)
Examines historical and contemporary perspectives on domestic violence, including interdisciplinary explanations for abuse; various types of abuse, such as physical, sexual/reproductive, and psychological; law enforcement and prosecutorial responses; availability of social services; relevant crimes and defenses and corresponding evidentiary challenges; and family law issues.
5297 Drafting & Negotiating Int'l Oil & Gas Agreements - Norman Nadorff (offered in Spring 2013)
The course will enhance the students´ knowledge of major types of international oil and gas agreements while providing practical, hands-on experience in their drafting and negotiation. Students will be provided a detailed and realistic fact pattern showing how oil and gas deals are conceived of, proposed, negotiated and eventually formalized. The students will then apply the fact pattern to various types of oil and gas model agreements. In essence, Professor Nadorff will show the students how an international oil and gas lawyer approaches every day oil and gas industry challenges.
The course contains the following major components:
• A discussion of the role of the contract drafters and negotiators in the oil and gas industry
• Practical tips on how to write contracts more clearly and effectively as well as identifying pitfalls to be avoided.
• Contract strategies and "do´s and dont´s" in contract negotiations.
• A thorough discussion of pre-contractual documents (letters of intent, memoranda of association, etc), including na in-class review of a homework assignment.
• An introduction to the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) and the AIPN Model Form Contracts.
• In class, on-screen editing by the students of key AIPN Model Form Agreements (most likely: Confidentiality, Joint Study and Bidding, Farmout, Joint Operating Agreement, Lifting, International Consultant and Oil Service).
• In-class negotiations of various AIPN Model Form Agreements based on the supplied fact pattern, ideally involving all of the students at some point.
It is anticipated that for each class, Professor Nadorff will invite a prominent lawyer or negotiator, specialized in the particular agreement being discussed that day, in order to provide additional perspective and to help facilitate the in-class exercises.
5297 Drafting & Negotiating Int'l Oil & Gas Agreements - Norman Nadorff (offered in Spring 2014)
The course will enhance the students´ knowledge of major types of international oil and gas agreements while providing practical, hands-on experience in their drafting and negotiation. Students will be provided a detailed and realistic fact pattern showing how oil and gas deals are conceived of, proposed, negotiated and eventually formalized. The students will then apply the fact pattern to various types of oil and gas model agreements. In essence, Professor Nadorff will show the students how an international oil and gas lawyer approaches every day oil and gas industry challenges.
The course contains the following major components:
• A discussion of the role of the contract drafters and negotiators in the oil and gas industry
• Practical tips on how to write contracts more clearly and effectively as well as identifying pitfalls to be avoided.
• Contract strategies and "do´s and dont´s" in contract negotiations.
• A thorough discussion of pre-contractual documents (letters of intent, memoranda of association, etc), including na in-class review of a homework assignment.
• An introduction to the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) and the AIPN Model Form Contracts.
• In class, on-screen editing by the students of key AIPN Model Form Agreements (most likely: Confidentiality, Joint Study and Bidding, Farmout, Joint Operating Agreement, Lifting, International Consultant and Oil Service).
• In-class negotiations of various AIPN Model Form Agreements based on the supplied fact pattern, ideally involving all of the students at some point.
It is anticipated that for each class, Professor Nadorff will invite a prominent lawyer or negotiator, specialized in the particular agreement being discussed that day, in order to provide additional perspective and to help facilitate the in-class exercises.
5297 E-Discovery - CHAUMETTE (offered in Summer II 2014)
The increased presence of technology in the workplace has also required significant changes in the way litigation, and specifically discovery, is handled. Adapting to these changes, litigants face an ever-changing arena referred to as electronic discovery, which can be a veritable treasure trove or minefield depending on the level of preparation taken by the client and the client’s counsel prior to the arrival of any legal dispute.
This course will outline the major issues and considerations for lawyers involved in the electronic discovery process and prepare the students to face these challenges in their practice.
5297 Elder Law - LOOTENS (offered in Fall 2015)
This course is an introduction to the myriad of legal issues that are often grouped under various titles such as Elder Law, Aging and the Law, or Elderly and the Law. The course will highlight the social and legal issues associated with an aging society, a critical understanding of the distinct legal problems of the elderly and a familiarity with governmental programs aimed at older people.
5397 Elections and the Law of Democracy - RAVE (offered in Fall 2015)
This course covers the law that structures democratic politics and the processes of democracy, with a primary focus on constitutional law and election law. Subjects covered include the individual right to vote and participate; redistricting; campaign finance regulation and reform; resolution of disputed elections; the role of groups and associations such as political parties in democratic politics; the tension between majorities and minorities in the design of representative institutions; and the role of courts in overseeing democratic processes. The course will focus primarily on American law and doctrine. The course will include a good deal of material about contemporary legal issues in this area, including issues from the 2012 presidential election and the Supreme Court's recent decision about the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act, and similar current issues.
5397 Elections and the Law of Democracy - RAVE (offered in Fall 2014)
This course covers the law that structures democratic politics and the processes of democracy, with a primary focus on constitutional law and election law. Subjects covered include the individual right to vote and participate; redistricting; campaign finance regulation and reform; resolution of disputed elections; the role of groups and associations such as political parties in democratic politics; the tension between majorities and minorities in the design of representative institutions; and the role of courts in overseeing democratic processes. The course will focus primarily on American law and doctrine. The course will include a good deal of material about contemporary legal issues in this area, including issues from the 2012 presidential election and the Supreme Court's recent decision about the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act, and similar current issues.
5397 Endangered Species and Biodiversity Law - IRVINE (offered in Fall 2015)
5297 Energy and the Environment - LANDERS (offered in Spring 2015)
An environmental law course that will explore pivotal issues involving the synergistic relationship between energy law and environmental law. The course will examine several critical topics of global importance associated with various sources of energy and the impact on natural resources and the environment.
5297 Energy and the Environment - LANDERS (offered in Spring 2013)
An environmental law course that will explore pivotal issues involving the synergistic relationship between energy law and environmental law. The course will examine several critical topics of global importance associated with various sources of energy and the impact on natural resources and the environment.
5397 Entrepreneurship and legal ethics--Starting a law firm - Brown/McIver (offered in Spring 2013)
For students considering starting their own law practice, this course will cover, through the case study of a new medical malpractice law firm, the decisions and practical steps that a law firm founder must make to launch his / her own law practice. Grades based on class participation, two quizzes, and a written final exam.
5297 Environmental Issues in Real Estate - SHERMAN (offered in Fall 2014)
This course will address the legal, business, and financial challenges posed by environmental issues in real estate projects. From brownfield transactions and wetlands impacts to Class B/C office buildings and urban redevelopment projects to green building requirements and sustainable corporate campuses, environmental considerations play a key role in today’s real estate marketplace.
These topics, for the purposes of course presentation, will be analyzed in three sections: "Environmental Issues in Building Operations and Property Management", "Environmental Issues in Real Estate Transactions" and “Environmental Issues in Real Estate Development”. Each course segment will introduce students to a substantive evaluation of the core environmental issues presented and offer insights into the purchase agreements, financial analyses, and deal structures utilized by real estate professionals to manage these matters.
During the course of the semester, students will be given two short, practical writing assignments related to the subject matter (e.g., preparing a submission to a regulatory agency/legislative committee and drafting an advocacy piece relating to project approval). The final assignment will be the preparation of a memorandum analyzing the environmental issues in a real estate project and making a recommendation on whether - and if so, how - to proceed with the project notwithstanding the environmental challenges presented. The final project should be approximately 15 pages. The instructor will work closely with each student on their work. Grades are based on written work during the semester. There is no final examination.
Completion of the course will position students to identify the environmental issues presented in any given real estate scenario, to evaluate their potential impact on projects, and to manage the challenges presented. Additionally, students should gain an understanding of the impacts of property conditions on human health and natural resources, the response of government regulators and investors to these threats, and the options available to real estate professionals for assessing and managing the environmental conditions affecting their projects.
Outline
5297 Environmental Law in Oil & Gas Production and Refining - BORTKA (offered in Fall 2013)
Protection of the environment is not a “money making” proposition for the oil and gas industry. A good environmental record may gain a company better public relations versus its “messier” peers and be a selling point to foreign governments in attempts to gain exploration concessions or locate refineries and chemical plants on foreign shores. Nonetheless, every dollar spent on environmental protection or remediation reduces corporate profits by the same amount.
According to many, the oil industry enjoys “sweeping exemptions” from provisions in major federal environmental statutes intended to protect human health and the environment. Truly, some oil industry wastes, substances, and activities are far less regulated than those from other industries. This less-regulated environment exists even though public perception of the oil industry consistently ranks as the poorest-viewed industry surveyed.
When land and water are contaminated by the industry, and statutory remedies are available, aggrieved parties often turn to common law civil courts for monetary “damages” instead of seeking redress through (a) governmental regulatory bodies or (b) citizen suit provisions of the environmental laws. When courts award money damages against oil companies for environmental contamination often the damage awards are not used for environmental remediation.
So… what’s the deal? Is the oil industry really treated “differently” when it comes to the environment and, if so, why? If the general public has such a nasty opinion of the oil industry, why aren’t environmental laws a lot tougher on the industry than they are? Is that situation going to change? Why don’t oil and gas companies and state legislatures work to ensure that monetary damage awards are used to clean up environmental problems?
This class explores these questions and issues from the viewpoints of
1. the landowners directly impacted by oil-field contamination,
2. the oil and gas companies,
3. the regulatory agencies and legislatures charged with protecting the environment and the general public, and
4. non-governmental organizations who work for protection of the environment.
In some cases, state common law has evolved in the last fifteen years to fill gaps left by statutes and regulations. Unfortunately, the common law is going in many “different directions”. Identical contamination fact-patterns in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, for example, would lead to three distinctly different outcomes in the courts. The class will explore the relationships among the relevant environmental statutes, regulations, and common law and strive to make sense of this tangled web of jurisprudence as it applies to the oil and gas industry. It’s a fun journey for those interested in attacking, defending, or overhauling the industry’s environmental position.
There is an average amount of reading required for the course with probably ten, or fewer, partial case readings required depending on the pace of the class.
Course Outline (pdf)
5297 Environmental Law in the Oil & Gas Industry - BORTKA (offered in Fall 2014)
5397 Environmental Law Practicum (Formerly known as Practice of Environmental Law) - HESTER (offered in Spring 2015)
This course will overview key areas of practice within environmental law such as regulatory counseling and permitting, civil enforcement, criminal liability, private litigation over environmental contamination, policy advocacy, and environmental aspects of commercial transactions. Each lecture topic will be paired with a separate presentation by a guest speaker who practices in that area, and who will provide examples of live projects and cases for class participation and review. These speakers may include the Harris County Attorney (civil enforcement), the Galveston Bay Foundation (permitting), the Harris County District Attorney (criminal), the Audubon Society (policy advocacy) and others.
5397 Family Immigration Law - BECK (offered in Spring 2015)
Utilizing federal statutes, regulations, case law, the Visa Bulletin, the U.S. Dept. of State Foreign Affairs Manual as well as federal agency memoranda, students will work individually and in groups to find legal solutions to hypothetical situations that involve the immigration of families to the U.S. Students will develop practical skills that will enable them to successfully represent clients who are seeking immigration benefits through a family member in the U.S. or abroad. The class will be a combination of lecture, in-class exercises and take-home assignments.
7397 Finance & Ethics - ARBOGAST (offered in Spring 2013)
Finance and Ethics is a case study-based course that focuses on ethical breaches and the subsequent scandals that have impacted financial markets. The cases, authored by the instructor, give in-depth treatment to Enron and then to various firms involved in the Financial Crisis. The course’s objectives are: 1) to improve students ability to identify ethical issues in the workplace; 2) to train them in the case for and substance of good financial control; and 3) to equip them tactically to manage ethics issues they may encounter during their careers.
To accomplish these objectives, the course first examines Enron case studies that span the history of that firm. These cases demonstrate how Enron abandoned financial control early on while embracing flawed accounting and compensation systems. Each case also describes the financial engineering Enron used to pursue its aims, and the legal and accounting flaws which rendered its transactions problematic. The final cases focus on the efforts of resisters to reverse Enron’s tide of corruption. These studies recount the predicaments of Jordan Mintz, Vince Kaminski and Sherron Watkins, all of whom participate in the class’ analysis of their cases.
The second half of the course examines thirteen new Financial Crisis cases. Here the focus is broader – the financial industry, its gatekeepers and regulators. These cases cover Countrywide Mortgage, Goldman Sachs, Fannie Mae, Bear Stearns, Citigroup, Moody’s, AIG, Price Waterhouse Coopers and Lehman Brothers. Students will examine the use and abuse of financial innovations, such as Collateralized Debt Obligations and Credit Default Swaps. They also will study the acute conflicts of interest which affected senior managements at financial firms. Finally, they will encounter another group of resisters who enjoyed new legal protections and tactical options in the post-Enron era.
Each student will be part of a team that presents a minimum of two case studies. There will also be a take-home case study final exam.
7397 Finance and Ethics - ARBOGAST (offered in Spring 2014)
5397 Financial Statement Analysis and Business Practices for Lawyers - BRENNAN (offered in Summer II 2014)
Financial Statement Analysis and Business Practices for Lawyers is a graduate level course that will cover the area of introductory financial reporting and analysis. Included in the course will be introduction to the mechanics of financial accounting, the building of financial statements, reporting and analysis of financial information and in depth study of accounting principles and procedures. Certain business and financial practices are also covered.
The reporting of the financial and operating results of the business entity through the financial statements is a major objective of any company or organization. By the end of this course you will know the reporting requirements of public companies, how the information in the financial statements is used and analyzed and how the information is accounted for and derived in the form of financial statements. You will also know how to read financial statements as a decision maker in evaluating companies and how lawyers must use this information in their practices.
5297 Financial Statement Analysis and Business Practices for Lawyers - BRENNAN (offered in Summer IV 2013)
Financial Statement Analysis and Business Practices for Lawyers is a graduate level course that will cover the area of introductory financial reporting and analysis. Included in the course will be introduction to the mechanics of financial accounting, the building of financial statements, reporting and analysis of financial information and in depth study of accounting principles and procedures. Certain business and financial practices are also covered.
The reporting of the financial and operating results of the business entity through the financial statements is a major objective of any company or organization. By the end of this course you will know the reporting requirements of public companies, how the information in the financial statements is used and analyzed and how the information is accounted for and derived in the form of financial statements. You will also know how to read financial statements as a decision maker in evaluating companies and how lawyers must use this information in their practices.
5397 Financial Statement Analysis and Business Practices for Lawyers - BRENNAN (offered in Summer II 2015)
Financial Statement Analysis and Business Practices for Lawyers is a graduate level course that will cover the area of introductory financial reporting and analysis. Included in the course will be introduction to the mechanics of financial accounting, the building of financial statements, reporting and analysis of financial information and in depth study of accounting principles and procedures. Certain business and financial practices are also covered.
The reporting of the financial and operating results of the business entity through the financial statements is a major objective of any company or organization. By the end of this course you will know the reporting requirements of public companies, how the information in the financial statements is used and analyzed and how the information is accounted for and derived in the form of financial statements. You will also know how to read financial statements as a decision maker in evaluating companies and how lawyers must use this information in their practices.
5297 Financing the Business Transaction - DOLE/DOLE/KEYES (offered in Spring 2013)
SPRING 2013 “FINANCING THE BUSINESS” COURSE
Richard Dole, David Keyes, Esq. & Linda Dole, Esq.
Course Description and Prerequisite
Whether it is a mom-and-pop start-up or a billion dollar conglomerate, every business needs funds to operate and to grow. These funds are obtained through both infusions of equity and taking on debt. This course explores various types of debt financing that either utilize Article 9 collateral or are unsecured, and when each is appropriate. Customary loan documentation will be evaluated.
This course will promote an understanding of the preparation, negotiation, and purpose of loan documents, the legal considerations affecting loan documentation, and the parties customary obligations, rights, and remedies. We also will explore common alternatives and supplements to commercial lending transactions, like letters of credit and guaranties.
A two-hour course limited to twelve students. Secured Financing is a prerequisite.
Course Materials
(1) West, Selected Commercial Statutes (2012 Unabridged Ed.); and (2) materials supplied by the Instructors.
5397 Foreign Affairs - BERMAN (offered in Fall 2015)
5397 Foundational Issues in Health Law: Patient, Provider, Society and the Law - WILLIAMS (offered in Spring 2015)
This three-credit course introduces students to basic legal and theoretical concepts related to the study of health law. Major topics include bioethical theories and their relevance to the law, medical malpractice, and the role of the courts in defining and applying standards of care. We will cover an array of interesting and challenging issues over the course of the semester, including the meaning of health, the nature of the physician-patient relationship, public health, organ transplantation, reproductive technologies, and end-of-life care. This class has a heavy discussion component and students are expected to come to class prepared to engage in an in-depth conversation about the assigned material. To that end, students enrolled in this course will become well-versed in the theory underlying the law and policy we study, as well as the black letter law.
5397 Foundational Issues in Health Law: Patient, Provider, Society and the Law. - EWER (offered in Fall 2014)
This three-credit course introduces students to basic legal and theoretical concepts related to the study of health law. Major topics include bioethical theories and their relevance to the law, medical malpractice, and the role of the courts in defining and applying standards of care. We will cover an array of interesting and challenging issues over the course of the semester, including the meaning of health, the nature of the physician-patient relationship, including privacy, access to care, and informed consent, public health, reproductive and genetic technologies, and end-of-life care. This class has a heavy discussion component and students are expected to come to class prepared to engage in an in-depth conversation about the assigned material. To that end, students enrolled in this course will become well-versed in the theory underlying the law and policy we study, as well as the black letter law.
5297 Fraud & Abuse - CLARK (offered in Fall 2014)
This course examines the federal and state laws imposing criminal and civil penalties on health care providers for a variety of fraudulent activities. The course explores the implications of the federal and state Anti-Kickback Laws, the federal anti-referral (Stark) law, the federal civil monetary penalty and exclusion laws, the federal and state false claims laws, as well as traditional federal white collar criminal laws as applied to health care.
5297 Government and Nonprofit Externship I - BONADERO (offered in Fall 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements at either a nonprofit organization or a government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. If the placement where a student wishes to work for credit is not on the approved list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting a position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditation regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading their law school email and The LEX consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Text added to end of course description, pending the number of credit hours a course receives.
5297 Government and Nonprofit Externship I (Name in PeopleSoft will appear as" Clinic Externship I" - BONADERO (offered in Spring 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements at either a nonprofit organization or a government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage. If the placement where a student wishes to work for credit is not on the approved list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting a position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditation regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading their law school email and The LEX consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Government and Nonprofit Externship II - BONADERO (offered in Fall 2015)
Well in advance of the semester in which they want to work, students should secure their field placements at either a nonprofit organization or government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage at www.law.uh.edu/externship. If the placement which a student wishes to work for credit is NOT on the list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting an position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditations regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students taking an Externship II course have necessarily already completed Externship I; consequently, s/he does not need to attend an orientation prior to starting work. However, Externship II students must still comply with all other externship requirements (time logs, journal entries and/or reflective writing assignments, completion of evaluations, and possibly a face-to-face meeting with the ED.)
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Government and Nonprofit Externship II (Name in PeopleSoft will appear as “Clinic Externship II”) - BONADERO (offered in Spring 2015)
Well in advance of the semester in which they want to work, students should secure their field placements at either a nonprofit organization or government agency. A list of preapproved placements is located on the Externship Program’s webpage. If the placement which a student wishes to work for credit is NOT on the list, s/he must seek approval from the Externship Director before accepting an position at that placement. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under ABA accreditations regulations.)
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the program at www.law.uh.edu/clnic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in the course via PeopleSoft. If you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Student Services Office.
Students taking an Externship II course have necessarily already completed Externship I; consequently, s/he does not need to attend an orientation prior to starting work. However, Externship II students must still comply with all other externship requirements (time logs, journal entries, completion of evaluations, and possibly a face-to-face meeting with the ED.)
Requires student to work at placement for a minimum of 120 hours over the semester
5397 Health Industry Basics: Providers-Innovators-Regulators - EVANS (offered in Fall 2015)
This new core health law course is an introductory tour of Texas/federal laws governing health-sector businesses that together account for 18% U.S. Gross Domestic Product, including traditional 20th-century institutions like hospitals and an expanding array of new players that supply innovative products (drugs, devices, diagnostics) and services (clinical laboratories, biobanks, contract research organizations, health data exchanges, management and informational services) to healthcare providers and—increasingly—directly to consumers. This course acquaints students with the core corporate client base for large-firm and in-house health lawyers; introduces major regulatory frameworks that struggle to safeguard consumers’ rights vis-ŕ-vis commercial health-sector enterprises; and identifies big, unsettled questions likely to generate opportunities for practical, solution-oriented lawyers as this staid and troubled industry gropes for new business models in the era of big data and 21st-century genomic and “informational” medicine. No prerequisites required other than completion of 1L courses.
5397 Health Industry Basics: Providers-Innovators-Regulators - EVANS (offered in Fall 2014)
This new core health law course is an introductory tour of Texas/federal laws governing health-sector businesses that together account for 18% U.S. Gross Domestic Product, including traditional 20th-century institutions like hospitals and an expanding array of new players that supply innovative products (drugs, devices, diagnostics) and services (clinical laboratories, biobanks, contract research organizations, health data exchanges, management and informational services) to healthcare providers and—increasingly—directly to consumers. This course acquaints students with the core corporate client base for large-firm and in-house health lawyers; introduces major regulatory frameworks that struggle to safeguard consumers’ rights vis-ŕ-vis commercial health-sector enterprises; and identifies big, unsettled questions likely to generate opportunities for practical, solution-oriented lawyers as this staid and troubled industry gropes for new business models in the era of big data and 21st-century genomic and “informational” medicine. No prerequisites required other than completion of 1L courses.
5297 Health Legislation & Advocacy I - GRAY/WINNIKE (offered in Fall 2014)
This course is the first part of a two-semester course offered in alternate academic years. Students desiring to enroll are required to take both semesters. The fall semester will focus on the health policy development process, including researching and drafting a policy proposal on behalf of a non-profit community partner. Students will learn the skills to determine the best method to advance the policy proposal, whether through legislation or rulemaking. Grading will be based on several practical writing assignments (including a legal memorandum outlining the policy issue and possible solutions, a draft of proposed legislation, community support proposal, a letter to community partner, and a letter to a legislator).
5297 Health Legislation & Advocacy II - GRAY/WINNIKE (offered in Spring 2015)
This course is the second part of a two-semester course. The spring semester will focus on monitoring and participating in health legislation before the Texas 84th Legislature Regular Session. Students will monitor and provide support for the policy proposal developed in the fall semester course, track and report on other health legislation, and follow the actions of health-related committees. Grading will be based on several practical writing assignments (including drafting committee testimony, amendment language, community education article, legislative sponsor’s talking points, committee business tracking, and a health legislative summary). This course satisfies the Skills Course Requirement. Prerequisite: Health Legislation & Advocacy I.
5397 How to Reason - CRUMP (offered in Spring 2013)
Course Description
5397 Human Resources: Advanced Issues in Employment Law - SULENTIC (offered in Spring 2015)
This course will familiarize students with the legal issues involved in the management of human resources in the modern workplace. Topics will include (i) drafting and negotiation of individual employment agreements, (ii) drafting and implementation of benefits and compensation policies, (iii) drafting and interpretation of employee communications, including employee handbooks, (iv) labor and employment issues in corporate transactions, (v) workplace investigations and internal resolution of problems in the workplace, and (vi) global employment challenges for multinational corporations. Students will propose and analyze solutions to problems discussed in class and will prepare and submit drafts of documents or portions of documents relevant to the resolution of these problems.
Grades will be based on written assignments due throughout the semester.
5297 Human Trafficking Law - GALLAGHER (offered in Fall 2014)
This class will focus on human trafficking and related federal criminal immigration issues facing local communities, states, the federal government, and the international community. We will cover legal and public awareness measures that are taken to prevent, deter, and respond to human trafficking, including the social service organizations that are critical to the restoring victims and preparing witnesses in trafficking cases. The class will begin by focusing on the legal definitions and framework of trafficking and move to an historical overview of state and federal laws passed to address trafficking offenses, involving both U.S. citizens and immigrants placed into labor servitude or the commercial sex trade by force, fraud, or coercion. The Trafficking Victim’s Protection Act and its eleven years of progress will be covered along with the visas and witness issues that are common with trafficking victims. During the class you will see how this framework guides the United States’ effort to combat human trafficking in both domestic and international forms. There will be guest speakers from time to time who will be announced.
5297 Human Trafficking Law - GALLAGHER (offered in Spring 2015)
This class will focus on human trafficking and related federal criminal immigration issues facing local communities, states, the federal government, and the international community. We will cover legal and public awareness measures that are taken to prevent, deter, and respond to human trafficking, including the social service organizations that are critical to the restoring victims and preparing witnesses in trafficking cases. The class will begin by focusing on the legal definitions and framework of trafficking and move to an historical overview of state and federal laws passed to address trafficking offenses, involving both U.S. citizens and immigrants placed into labor servitude or the commercial sex trade by force, fraud, or coercion. The Trafficking Victim’s Protection Act and its eleven years of progress will be covered along with the visas and witness issues that are common with trafficking victims. During the class you will see how this framework guides the United States’ effort to combat human trafficking in both domestic and international forms. There will be guest speakers from time to time who will be announced.
5297 Human Trafficking Law - GALLAGHER (offered in Fall 2013)
This class will focus on human trafficking and related federal criminal immigration issues facing local communities, states, the federal government, and the international community. We will cover legal and public awareness measures that are taken to prevent, deter, and respond to human trafficking, including the social service organizations that are critical to the restoring victims and preparing witnesses in trafficking cases. The class will begin by focusing on the legal definitions and framework of trafficking and move to an historical overview of state and federal laws passed to address trafficking offenses, involving both U.S. citizens and immigrants placed into labor servitude or the commercial sex trade by force, fraud, or coercion. The Trafficking Victim’s Protection Act and its eleven years of progress will be covered along with the visas and witness issues that are common with trafficking victims. During the class you will see how this framework guides the United States’ effort to combat human trafficking in both domestic and international forms. There will be guest speakers from time to time who will be announced.
5397 Immigration and Family Law - HEPPARD/BECK (offered in Spring 2014)
In this class, students will learn about and work individually and in groups to find legal solutions to hypothetical situations where family-based immigration law and family law (e.g. marriage, divorce, adoption, domestic violence, the Hague Convention and Suits Affecting the Parent Child Relationship) intersect. They will develop practical skills that will enable them to successfully represent clients who are seeking immigration benefits through a family member while learning the areas of family law that may affect their immigration client.
5297 International Corporate Compliance - McConnell/Martin/Simon (offered in Spring 2013)
Corporate compliance, one of the fastest growing markets for legal services, is the way organizations manage risk areas ranging from corruption to data privacy. This class will teach students how to use empirical data to develop a risk based approach to compliance. The course will begin with an overview of some of the risk areas driving the increased focus on compliance including global corruption, data privacy, trade controls, and environmental risk. Students will learn how to analyze empirical data to build a compliance program to address these risks. Guest speakers will include in house counsel with deep compliance experience who will discuss a variety of different compliance topics.
5297 International Investment Law - CARDENAS (offered in Fall 2013)
Description pdf
5397 International Risk Management - DIMITROFF/VOLKER/SILVA (offered in Fall 2014)
This course will look at the legal framework for international oilfield service contracts, including both substantive law and practical counseling. The issues and solutions discussed in this course will be similar to those that arise in many other international agreements for the sale of services, which commonly form the substance of much international legal work in Houston.
The course would be divided into three basic segments:
1. The first part of the course will set forth the background of international oilfield services contracts, including a review of the underlying treaties, statutes and regulations applicable to these contracts. These would include treaties and laws regulating the creation of oilfield projects, including international trade agreements, such as the WTO. This part will also include a series of discussions and reading assignments relating to enforcement, through litigation or arbitration, of international energy projects, including the New York Convention for Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, extraterritorial aspects of U.S. law, and conflict of laws and comparative law issues (e.g., differences between the law of the United States and England, as well as the general principals of law in common law and civil law countries).
2. The second part of the course will involve analysis of a specific hypothetical drilling agreement. We will use a format that involves the client having negotiated the basic terms of the agreement, which must then be dealt with by the attorneys for the client. The class will assist in the initial evaluation of the deal to advise the client concerning the risks that the company has undertaken.
3. The third part of the course will involve an analysis of problems that arise under the hypothetical drilling agreement, including: counseling of the client as the drilling commences and problems begin to arise; counseling the client and assisting the client them in protecting the company’s interests as the contract begins to slide towards dispute resolution; the conduct of the arbitration, with an emphasis on the strategic elements thereof. This will include multi-national mechanisms for the protection of assets.
In each of the above stages, the General Counsel for the client will provide feedback to the class concerning the pragmatic, practical steps that should be taken to protect the client’s interest. The senior partners of your firm will serve as your mentor as to the substantive legal issues before you. The students will be given a project in which they will draft relevant contract provisions based on the materials taught in the first part of the course. The work will be discussed in class, citing specific “client issues and goals.” The students will participate in teams and will then be asked to redraft the provisions to provide solutions. A “model redraft” of the contract will then be given to the class.
The students will be graded in two parts. First, they will be asked to analyze the “model redraft” provisions based on the legal issues and rules matters studied during the the course. This portion of the course will count for 20% of the final grade. Second, 80 percent of the grade will be based on a final exam that will be comprehensive and will cover the entire course material.
5397 International Risk Management - DIMITROFF (offered in Fall 2015)
This course will look at the legal framework for international oilfield service contracts, including both substantive law and practical counseling. The issues and solutions discussed in this course will be similar to those that arise in many other international agreements for the sale of services, which commonly form the substance of much international legal work in Houston.
The course would be divided into three basic segments:
1. The first part of the course will set forth the background of international oilfield services contracts, including a review of the underlying treaties, statutes and regulations applicable to these contracts. These would include treaties and laws regulating the creation of oilfield projects, including international trade agreements, such as the WTO. This part will also include a series of discussions and reading assignments relating to enforcement, through litigation or arbitration, of international energy projects, including the New York Convention for Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, extraterritorial aspects of U.S. law, and conflict of laws and comparative law issues (e.g., differences between the law of the United States and England, as well as the general principals of law in common law and civil law countries).
2. The second part of the course will involve analysis of a specific hypothetical drilling agreement. We will use a format that involves the client having negotiated the basic terms of the agreement, which must then be dealt with by the attorneys for the client. The class will assist in the initial evaluation of the deal to advise the client concerning the risks that the company has undertaken.
3. The third part of the course will involve an analysis of problems that arise under the hypothetical drilling agreement, including: counseling of the client as the drilling commences and problems begin to arise; counseling the client and assisting the client them in protecting the company’s interests as the contract begins to slide towards dispute resolution; the conduct of the arbitration, with an emphasis on the strategic elements thereof. This will include multi-national mechanisms for the protection of assets.
In each of the above stages, the General Counsel for the client will provide feedback to the class concerning the pragmatic, practical steps that should be taken to protect the client’s interest. The senior partners of your firm will serve as your mentor as to the substantive legal issues before you. The students will be given a project in which they will draft relevant contract provisions based on the materials taught in the first part of the course. The work will be discussed in class, citing specific “client issues and goals.” The students will participate in teams and will then be asked to redraft the provisions to provide solutions. A “model redraft” of the contract will then be given to the class.
The students will be graded in two parts. First, they will be asked to analyze the “model redraft” provisions based on the legal issues and rules matters studied during the the course. This portion of the course will count for 20% of the final grade. Second, 80 percent of the grade will be based on a final exam that will be comprehensive and will cover the entire course material.
5297 Introduction to Finance Concepts for Law Students - BRENNAN (offered in Spring 2015)
This 2-credit course is designed to provide law students with no prior course work in business finance an introduction to financial statements and the essential foundations of corporate finance and accounting.
The following topics will be introduced: how financial statement information is used and analyzed and how the information is accounted for and derived in the form of financial statements; time value of money; valuation of cash flows; discounted cash flow analysis for investment decisions and valuation of securities; market efficiency; cost of capital, methods of raising equity and debt capital, and introduction to basic financial statements. In-class discussion of the course material and assigned problems will be used to provide an active learning experience for students.
The course in Session 5 technically begins on Tuesday, March 24.
There will be four class meetings over spring break:
First class begins on Monday, March 16 and goes through Thursday March 19.
Each class will run from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (note: the Law Center will buy everyone lunch during these four class days).
Exam: The exam will be a take home exam, to be handed out at the end of class on Thursday March 19 for students to return by Monday March 23, 2015.
5297 Introduction to Finance Concepts for Law students - BRENNAN (offered in Spring 2014)
This 2-credit course is designed to provide law students with no prior course work in business finance an introduction to financial statements and the essential foundations of corporate finance and accounting. The course technically begins on Saturday, March 8 (though there is no class meeting that day; just an initial email contact and the first day assignment to be given). There will be four class meetings over spring break, the first class beginning Monday, March 10 and going through Thursday March 13. Each class will run from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (note: the Law Center will buy everyone lunch during these four class days). The following topics will be introduced: how financial statement information is used and analyzed and how the information is accounted for and derived in the form of financial statements; time value of money; valuation of cash flows; discounted cash flow analysis for investment decisions and valuation of securities; market efficiency; cost of capital, methods of raising equity and debt capital, and introduction to basic financial statements. In-class discussion of the course material and assigned problems will be used to provide an active learning experience for students.
Exam: The exam will be a take home exam, to be handed out at the end of class on Thursday March 13 for students to return by Monday March 17.
5397 Introduction to Islamic Law - SHAIKH (offered in Spring 2015)
This course will offer an introduction to the development of Islamic jurisprudence through comparative and historical approaches, emphasizing the interaction between law and society. Some of the course materials and assignments will be designed to meet the interests of students. Active and creative engagement with the materials is expected, but no previous familiarity with Islam is necessary.
5297 Introduction to the Law of Mexico - PINTO-LEON (offered in Spring 2015)
This course will provide a general introduction to the Mexican legal system. Topics to be covered will include an overview of Mexican legal history; Mexican constitutional law; the Mexican judicial system; introduction to civil and commercial law; real estate law; civil procedure; and criminal law. The course will also include an introduction to conducting basic research on Mexican law. We will also cover transborder litigation and enforcement of foreign judgments in Mexico The grade for this course will be determined by students' performance on 2-hour open book final exam.
5297 Introduction to the Law of Mexico - PINTO-LEON (offered in Spring 2013)
This course will provide a general introduction to the Mexican legal system. Topics to be covered will include an overview of Mexican legal history; Mexican constitutional law; the Mexican judicial system; introduction to civil and commercial law; real estate law; civil procedure; and criminal law. The course will also include an introduction to conducting basic research on Mexican law. We will also cover transborder litigation and enforcement of foreign judgments in Mexico The grade for this course will be determined by students' performance on 2-hour open book final exam.
5397 Introduction to the Laws of European Union - WILLIS (offered in Summer II 2014)
In this course, which satisfies the practice skills requirement, students will gain an insight into the way in which the law of the European Union (European Community law) impacts the business community at a national and international level. The European Union now represents a vast market and a window of opportunity for business and commerce.
The course will be graded on a series of short and practical written assignments, which will guide students through the drafting of a basic contract enforceable within the European Union. There will be three contractual drafting assignments that will be designed to build upon each other so that the fourth and final assignment will result in a draft of a complete contract. Class participation will also count toward student grades.
The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of how the European Union uses the law as a means to achieve market objectives through national and international business transactions .To this end the class will examine the basic components lawyers need to know when preparing to draft contracts involving EU member states:
• the emergence of the European Economic Community
• how the European Union is administered/governed by the four main institutions
• the sources and general principles of the European Community law
• how European Community law is integrated at a national level
• the contributions of the Court of Justice to this process
• how European community law is enforced at both a national and European level.
The class is will meet regularly during the Summer II session, which runs from June 2 – July 8, 2014.
5397 Introduction to the Laws of European Union - WILLIS (offered in Summer II 2015)
In this course, which satisfies the practice skills requirement, students will gain an insight into the way in which the law of the European Union (European Community law) impacts the business community at a national and international level. The European Union now represents a vast market and a window of opportunity for business and commerce.
The course will be graded on a series of short and practical written assignments, which will guide students through the drafting of a basic contract enforceable within the European Union. There will be three contractual drafting assignments that will be designed to build upon each other so that the fourth and final assignment will result in a draft of a complete contract. Class participation will also count toward student grades.
The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of how the European Union uses the law as a means to achieve market objectives through national and international business transactions .To this end the class will examine the basic components lawyers need to know when preparing to draft contracts involving EU member states:
• the emergence of the European Economic Community
• how the European Union is administered/governed by the four main institutions
• the sources and general principles of the European Community law
• how European Community law is integrated at a national level
• the contributions of the Court of Justice to this process
• how European community law is enforced at both a national and European level.
The class is will meet regularly during the Summer II session.
5297 Introduction to Transnational Law - TRAIN (offered in Spring 2015)
1) Introduction
§ definition of basic notions and mechanisms of Private International Law (International Law, Transnational Law, International situation or dispute; conflict of laws ; “conflict of jurisdiction”; forum shopping, Law shopping, “international public policy”, “lois de police” or (overriding) mandatory rules, Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments or Arbitral Awards, International Commercial Arbitration vs Investment Arbitration, etc.)
§ Various Methods to rule an international situation: the Conflict of Law Rules Method; The Substantial Rules Method; The “Lois de police” Method; The Recognition Method (comp. Vested Rights Theory)
2) The European Union Regulations on Conflict of laws and Jurisdictions
§ Overview of all the instruments, i.e. Regulations Rome I, II and II (forthcoming IV) on conflict of laws and Brussels I and II on conflict of jurisdictions
§ The issue of extraterritoriality of UE regulations
3) International contracts –
I – Which Court has jurisdiction ? (choice of forum clause, Brussels I, 2005 The Hague Convention)
II- Which law applies (choice of law clause or determination by the court or arbitral tribunals – The 1980 CISG Convention – The Lex Mercatoria; lois de police)
III- Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments and Arbitral Awards : conditions under European Law / National Laws
4) Family Law : different kinds of issues, i.e. : whether muslim notions should be recognized in France (such as repudiation, polygamy); whether one can ask that a right that has been granted to him/her in a foreign country while such right could not have been granted in France, be then recognized in France (vested rights theory vs fraud or forum shopping abuse / surrogate mother).
5297 Introduction to Transnational Law - Hoffman L (offered in Spring 2014)
Note that while Dean Hoffman is listed as the lead instructor for this class, Dr. Joasia Lusak of the University of Amsterdam will teach the class sessions. The aim of the course is to introduce the concepts and methods that make up transnational legal studies. Selected aspects of comparative, international, and global law will be studied not only on the basis of theoretical readings, but also through practical examples and case studies drawn from very different legal disciplines. First classes are devoted to a general presentation of the components of transnational law and its issues, e.g., multilingualism. Thereafter, three main topics will be analyzed from both a theoretical and a practical perspective: (1) dispute settlement in a globalized market on an example of the WTO dispute settlement system; (2) jurisdiction issues in transnational conflicts – e.g., what court has jurisdiction or what law applies in a transnational conflict; and (3) transborder sales law – through the discussion of such regulatory measures as the CISG (Vienna Sales Convention), the UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) and the CESL (Common European Sales Law).
5297 Judicial Externship I - BONADERO/ARCHER/WORRELL (offered in Summer II 2014)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for judge outside of Houston over the summer, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Internship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever judicial internship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading the Daily Lex consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available, as well as reading the Daily Lex consistently.
students must work a minimum of 180 hours to receive 3 credits.
5297 Judicial Externship I - BONADERO (offered in Spring 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for judge outside of Houston, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever judicial externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading their law school email and The Lex consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Judicial Externship I - BONADERO/ARCHER/WORRELL (offered in Summer IV 2014)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for judge outside of Houston over the summer, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Internship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever judicial internship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading the Daily Lex consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available, as well as reading the Daily Lex consistently.
students must work a minimum of 180 hours to receive 3 credits.
5297 Judicial Externship I - BONADERO/ARCHER/WORRELL (offered in Summer IV 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for judge outside of Houston, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever judicial externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading their law school email and The Lex consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Judicial Externship I - BONADERO/ARCHER/WORRELL (offered in Summer II 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for judge outside of Houston, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever judicial externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading their law school email and The Lex consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Judicial Externship I - BONADERO (offered in Fall 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for judge outside of Houston, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship/. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Any JD student doing his/her first-ever judicial externship for credit is required to attend an on-campus orientation. The date/time of the orientation is TBD. Students are responsible for reading their law school email and The Lex consistently to keep up with this information as it becomes available.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Judicial Externship II - BONADERO (offered in Fall 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for a judge outside of Houston over the summer, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students in this course do not need to attend an orientation, as they have already completed Judicial Externship I. Students will still be responsible for submitting journal entries and/or reflective writing assignments, time logs, and evaluations, and possibly attending an in-person meeting with the ED over the course of the semester.
Students must work a minimum of 120 hours to receive 2 credits.
5297 Judicial Externship II - BONADERO/ARCHER/WORRELL (offered in Summer II 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for a judge outside of Houston over the summer, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students in this course do not need to attend an orientation, as they have already completed Judicial Externship I. Students will still be responsible for submitting journal entries and/or reflective writing assignments, time logs, and evaluations, and possibly attending an in-person meeting with the ED over the course of the semester.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Judicial Externship II - BONADERO/ARCHER/WORRELL (offered in Summer IV 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for a judge outside of Houston over the summer, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students in this course do not need to attend an orientation, as they have already completed Judicial Externship I. Students will still be responsible for submitting journal entries and/or reflective writing assignments, time logs, and evaluations, and possibly attending an in-person meeting with the ED over the course of the semester.
Students will be required to work at their placements for 60 hours to earn each hour of academic credit.
5297 Judicial Externship II - BONADERO (offered in Spring 2015)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for a judge outside of Houston over the summer, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Externship Program at www.law.uh.edu/externship. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students in this course do not need to attend an orientation, as they have already completed Judicial Externship I. Students will still be responsible for submitting journal entries, time logs, and evaluations, and possibly attending an in-person meeting with the ED over the course of the semester.
Students must work a minimum of 120 hours to receive 2 credits.
5297 Judicial Externship II - BONADERO/ARCHER/WORRELL (offered in Summer II 2014)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for judge outside of Houston over the summer, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Internship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students in this course do not need to attend an orientation, as they have already completed Judicial Internship I. Students will still be responsible for submitting journal entries, time logs, and evaluations, and possibly attending an in-person meeting with the ED over the course of the semester.
5297 Judicial Externship II - BONADERO/ARCHER/WORRELL (offered in Summer IV 2014)
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students should secure their own field placements with a state or federal judge at either the district court or appellate court level. Many judges/justices in the Houston area participate as field placement supervisors, and welcome applications from Rising 2Ls, 2Ls, Rising 3Ls, and 3Ls. If a student wishes to work for judge outside of Houston over the summer, s/he should first contact the Externship Director to discuss the possibility, and should do so before accepting a position with that judge.
Once a student secures a position, s/he must apply to the Judicial Internship Program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic. Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via PeopleSoft: if you’re approved, the Externship Director will enroll you via the Office of Student Services.
Students in this course do not need to attend an orientation, as they have already completed Judicial Internship I. Students will still be responsible for submitting journal entries, time logs, and evaluations, and possibly attending an in-person meeting with the ED over the course of the semester.
5397 Law & Order: An Introduction to Jurisprudence - LUNSTROTH (offered in Spring 2014)
Law and Order: An Introduction to Jurisprudence
In this class we will explore different ways to think about the law. Although legal theory (legal philosophy, jurisprudence) consists of a long complicated history of often obscure and difficult to understand writings, I am going to approach it with the assumption that the core ideas and intuitions about the law can be developed and discussed in a common sense way that is accessible to anyone in law school.
There are no pre-requisites to take this class, except a curiosity about the nature of law and a willingness to give it some careful thought.
The grade will be calculated as follows:
• Class participation (10/100): you will be expected to do the reading and join in discussions. Some of you naturally talk more than others, but by the end of the class your general approach to understanding the materials should have become apparent from the discussions.
• Written assignments (70/100): You will be asked to write three or four short essays (5-8 pages). The final essay will be due the day assigned to the final. It will consist of the prompt: What is law?
• Each student will participate in a class presentation/exercise (20/100).
By the end of class we should have laid a ground-work that will serve you for the rest of your life with the law. Not only will we grapple with ideas of enduring power, but you will be given a basic set of intellectual tools that can be developed and elaborated on as you grow in experience.
5297 Law & Psychiatry - WINSLADE (offered in Spring 2015)
Law & Psychiatry is a study of current topics in law and psychiatry, including civil commitment, right to treatment, right to refuse treatment, competency to stand trial, competence and cognitive impairment, the insanity defense, and the psychiatrist's role in the sentencing process.
5297 Law and Policy Reform in Oil-Producing Countries - MAPLES (offered in Fall 2013)
This course will explore the many ways in which both nations and states (including the United States) use their resources as a country. The course will examine the intersection of the petroleum industry with a variety of other areas: diplomacy, taxation, international relations, macroeconomics, “resource curse theory” and of course, how the law relates to all of these areas. Special focus will be on the relationship between IOCs and host countries.
5397 Law and Social Science - KWOK (offered in Spring 2015)
This course focuses on the role of the social sciences within the legal system. We will look at the impact of social science research and evidence in a variety of contexts, including trademark, damages, school segregation, and tort liability. For example, how should courts use survey evidence in determining whether trademarks cause confusion in the marketplace? The social sciences include the disciplines of psychology, economics, sociology, and anthropology. Students should expect to gain sufficient scientific literacy to critically read and apply social science research.
5397 Law and the Commercial Space Industry - CARMINATI (offered in Fall 2014)
This course satisfies the UHLC practice skills requirement. Satellite and commercial space transportation companies manage liability exposure at the international, national, and state level. Their ability to do so hinges on leveraging available government-sponsored indemnification, insurance coverage, and contractual waivers, while taking full advantage of the statutory and common law protections available to limit their liability. Students will be given the opportunity to learn about UN treaties currently governing state-to-state relationships, federal law governing licensing and regulation of commercial space entities, state laws attempting to limit liability for spaceflight entities, and the way in which the US Government has contracted private companies to meet its space transportation needs. Students will also learn about insurance coverage available to, and obtained by, satellite and commercial space transportation companies. This course will also provide an understanding of the satellite and commercial space industries generally, including an overview of the regulation and licensing of telecommunications and commercial space endeavors such as Boeing, Lockheed Space Systems, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, XCor, and Bigelow, among others. The course will also provide a foundation in the technological aspects of the satellite and commercial space transportation industries to generate a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. Students will be expected to produce several written assignments throughout the semester. There will be no final exam.
5397 Law and Theology - BUCKLES (offered in Fall 2015)
5397 Law Office Management - POLLARD SACKS (offered in Spring 2013)
Students will be introduced to basic concepts of law firm management, including typical and predictable problems in managing a law practice, and solutions to these problems. Student outcomes include: understanding the business of practicing law and the importance of a very organized and low overhead office; obtaining skills for organizing files, handling finances, and minimizing accounts receivables; knowing how to develop business and to keep good clients; and gaining communication and interpersonal skills to handle employees, clients, and the people involved in the court system. In addition, students are expected to understand how the practice of law has changed over the past century and, in particular, over the past quarter century based on the popularity of the internet and social media. Guest speakers will include local practitioners, recent law school graduates, banking experts (concerning setting up your IOLTA accounts and obtaining small business loans), local trial and/or appellate judges, and/or representatives from the State Bar of Texas, depending on availability of the speakers. Class participation is critical and is one aspect of the final grade.
5397 Law Office Management: How to Make Money as a Lawyer - Brown/McIver (offered in Spring 2014)
This course is a guide to understanding how you can be financially
successful as a practicing attorney by either working at a law firm or by starting your own
practice. Topics covered include: understanding various firm business models, basic law firm
accounting and finance, marketing, case selection and valuation, law firm niche selection, how
firms cash flow, hiring/firing staff, and ethical issues.
5397 Law Office Management: How to Make Money as a Lawyer - Brown (offered in Spring 2015)
This course is a guide to understanding how you can be financially
successful as a practicing attorney by either working at a law firm or by starting your own
practice. Topics covered include: understanding various firm business models, basic law firm
accounting and finance, marketing, case selection and valuation, law firm niche selection, how
firms cash flow, hiring/firing staff, and ethical issues.
5297 Law, Ethics, & Brain Policy - WINSLADE (offered in Fall 2015)
Covers legal and ethical aspects of brain injury (mental disorders, competency, and criminal responsibility), brain treatments (stem cell, psychosurgery, electroconvulsive therapy), brain imaging (permanently unconscious patients, lie detection), brain death policies, and the emerging field of neuroethics and law.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - A1 - MORRIS (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - A2 - RACHLIN (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - A3 - TABOR (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - A4 - TWOMEY (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - B1 - HEARD (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
Course Information Sheet (pdf)
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - B2 - MORRIS (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - B3 - SMITH (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - B4 - TABOR (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - C1 - HEARD (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
Course Information Sheet (pdf)
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - C2 - RACHLIN (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - C3 - SMITH (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - C4 - TWOMEY (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - E1 - SIMPSON (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - E2 - SIMPSON (offered in Spring 2013)
Lawyering Skills and Strategies
Course Description
Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Lawyering Skills and Strategies I will focus on an introduction to the American legal system and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within it. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical transactional issues which students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students will be divided into small groups to represent opposing sides of the problem.
Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will again be problem based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual lawyering experiences. This semester will focus more on developing persuasive skills. Students will work through simulations designed to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. The students will be divided into small groups representing opposing sides of the problem.
5297 Lawyering Skills and Strategies - E3 - TILTON-MCCARTHY (offered in Spring 2013)
5297 Legal Aspects of Bioethics - WINSLADE (offered in Spring 2014)
Examines the legal, ethical, and policy aspects of current controversies in bioethics. Topics include the birth, development and growth of bioethics, law and ethics in clinical settings, personal autonomy, privacy, confidentiality and privileged communications, informed consent to medical treatment and research, law and ethics at the end of life, deciding for others (children and incompetent persons), the body as a commodity, organ donation and allocation for transplantation, and patients' rights to refuse treatment.
5297 Money and Morals in the Courtroom and Boardroom - GERGER/LEWIS (offered in Fall 2014)
This class – taught by senior corporate law partner Kevin Lewis of Vinson & Elkins and white collar criminal lawyer David Gerger of Gerger & Clarke – explores the complexities in real legal issues you read about in the papers: Can you compete in Asia and Africa without bribing foreign officials when your foreign competition do pay bribes? What is “insider trading?” When it comes to executive pay, do CEOs live in Lake Wobegon where every executive is “above average”? What’s the difference between “defending against” a government investigation and “obstructing” it? Fracking – what happens when science and politics meet in the board room? What is the philosophy behind sentencing in “white collar” crimes? The course will investigate policy and moral implications that are considered – or ignored – by popular culture and often by the participants themselves. Reading materials and guest speakers will come from real cases and real situations, many of which were handled by the faculty.
5297 Money and Morals in the Courtroom and Boardroom - GERGER/LEWIS (offered in Fall 2015)
This class – taught by senior corporate law partner Kevin Lewis of Vinson & Elkins and white collar criminal lawyer David Gerger of Gerger & Clarke – explores the complexities in real legal issues you read about in the papers: Can you compete in Asia and Africa without bribing foreign officials when your foreign competition do pay bribes? What is “insider trading?” When it comes to executive pay, do CEOs live in Lake Wobegon where every executive is “above average”? What’s the difference between “defending against” a government investigation and “obstructing” it? Fracking – what happens when science and politics meet in the board room? What is the philosophy behind sentencing in “white collar” crimes? The course will investigate policy and moral implications that are considered – or ignored – by popular culture and often by the participants themselves. Reading materials and guest speakers will come from real cases and real situations, many of which were handled by the faculty.
5397 National Security Law - BERMAN (offered in Fall 2014)
This course is an introduction to national security law that will cover presidential and congressional national security powers under the Constitution as well as relevant statutes-such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the USA Patriot Act-regulations, and guidelines. Though the course is not limited to terrorism, terrorism-related issues-particularly post-9/11 counterterrorism policies-will feature heavily. Topics will include the use of military force; domestic and overseas intelligence collection; detention, interrogation, and prosecution (both civilian and military) as national security tools; and access to national security information. We will cover such themes as the allocation of power between Congress and the President on matters of foreign policy and war making, as well as the role of the judiciary in checking the political branches. Grades will be based on an open-book in-class exam.
5397 Negotiation and Creative Problem Solving - BOLON / KELLY (offered in Spring 2015)
"Negotiation tactics & strategies, including creating value, claiming value, and coalition building. Will feature exercises and guest speakers and will link negotiation skills to legal practice.
Mandatory attendance and participation, requiring robust pre-class preparation each week."
5397 Negotiation and Creative Problem Solving - BOLON / KELLY (offered in Spring 2014)
"Negotiation tactics & strategies, including creating value, claiming value, and coalition building. Will feature exercises and guest speakers and will link negotiation skills to legal practice.
Mandatory attendance and participation, requiring robust pre-class preparation each week."
5297 Offshore Leasing - MOORE (offered in Spring 2014)
The course will cover the Deepwater JOA, Participation Agreements, appropriate portions of 30 CFR, the impact of the OHA Directors decision in the Julia case on Deepwater GoM Suspensions of Operation, the cycle time from lease acquisition to first oil or gas, mid-stream issues (pipelines to shore and PHA’s), OCS Lease Sales, internal approval processes of Lessees and other topics.
5297 Offshore Leasing - MOORE (offered in Spring 2015)
The course will cover the Deepwater JOA, Participation Agreements, appropriate portions of 30 CFR, the impact of the OHA Directors decision in the Julia case on Deepwater GoM Suspensions of Operation, the cycle time from lease acquisition to first oil or gas, mid-stream issues (pipelines to shore and PHA’s), OCS Lease Sales, internal approval processes of Lessees and other topics.
5397 Oil & Gas Pipeline Regulation - LAKE (offered in Spring 2015)
'Oily' shale gas plays in the United States have spotlighted the need for additional domestic pipeline infrastructure that may include a combination of natural gas pipelines and oil/condensate pipelines. This course will compare and contrast the principal substantive laws and rules in the United States that govern the economic regulation of oil pipelines and natural gas pipelines, with emphasis on federal regulation under the Interstate Commerce Act and the Natural Gas Act. In addition, the course will focus on the differing historical antecedents, and economic and regulatory policies , which are the drivers of economic regulation of domestic oil and gas pipelines under these different regulatory regimes. This course will be taught using statutes, court cases, and agency decisions assembled by Professor Lake; these course reading materials will be made available through the Associate Dean's office prior to the first day of class.
5397 Oil & Gas Pipeline Regulation - LAKE (offered in Spring 2014)
'Oily' shale gas plays in the United States have spotlighted the need for additional domestic pipeline infrastructure that may include a combination of natural gas pipelines and oil/condensate pipelines. This course will compare and contrast the principal substantive laws and rules in the United States that govern the economic regulation of oil pipelines and natural gas pipelines, with emphasis on federal regulation under the Interstate Commerce Act and the Natural Gas Act. In addition, the course will focus on the differing historical antecedents, and economic and regulatory policies , which are the drivers of economic regulation of domestic oil and gas pipelines under these different regulatory regimes. This course will be taught using statutes, court cases, and agency decisions assembled by Professor Lake; these course reading materials will be made available through the UH Copy Center prior to the first day of class. THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS FOR THIS COURSE IS THURSDAY, JANUARY 16.
5297 Oil & Gas Pipeline Regulation - LAKE (offered in Spring 2013)
'Oily' shale gas plays in the United States have spotlighted the need for additional domestic pipeline infrastructure that may include a combination of natural gas pipelines and oil/condensate pipelines. This course will compare and contrast the principal substantive laws and rules in the United States that govern the economic regulation of oil pipelines and natural gas pipelines, with emphasis on federal regulation under the Interstate Commerce Act and the Natural Gas Act. In addition, the course will focus on the differing historical antecedents, and economic and regulatory policies , which are the drivers of economic regulation of domestic oil and gas pipelines under these different regulatory regimes.
5297 Origins of the Federal Constitution - ESKRIDGE/PETERSON (offered in Fall 2014)
Origins of the Federal Constitution presents an intensive introduction to the historical sources of the Constitution. By reference to original source documents, the class considers the common law and other influences on early American government and justice, such as Locke, Montesquieu, and Blackstone’s Commentaries; the colonial experience leading to and immediately following the American Revolution; documents and debate directly relevant to formation of individual constitutional provisions and amendments; and the initial experience and understanding of the Constitution, through to Story’s Commentaries, in addition to later amendments. The class will also consider the influence and use of this material on modern interpretation of the Constitution.
5297 Origins of the Federal Constitution - ESKRIDGE/PETERSON (offered in Spring 2015)
Origins of the Federal Constitution presents an intensive introduction to the historical sources of the Constitution. By reference to original source documents, the class considers the common law and other influences on early American government and justice, such as Locke, Montesquieu, and Blackstone’s Commentaries; the colonial experience leading to and immediately following the American Revolution; documents and debate directly relevant to formation of individual constitutional provisions and amendments; and the initial experience and understanding of the Constitution, through to Story’s Commentaries, in addition to later amendments. The class will also consider the influence and use of this material on modern interpretation of the Constitution.
5397 Practice of Environmental Law - HESTER (offered in Spring 2014)
This course is, more accurately, an Environmental Law Practicum. It will overview key areas of practice within environmental law such as regulatory counseling and permitting, civil enforcement, criminal liability, private litigation over environmental contamination, policy advocacy, and environmental aspects of commercial transactions. Each lecture topic will be paired with a separate presentation by a guest speaker who practices in that area, and who will provide examples of live projects and cases for class review. These speakers may include the Harris County Attorney (civil enforcement), the Galveston Bay Foundation (permitting), the Harris County District Attorney (criminal), the Audubon Society (policy advocacy) and others.
5397 Practice of Law in the Oil & Gas Industry - BORTKA (offered in Spring 2013)
Houston is the “Oil Capital of the World”. Nearly all major and large independent oil and gas companies have offices in Houston. Hundreds of oil-business related companies call Houston “home”. Texas, as well as Houston, have perpetual needs for lawyers who understand how the oil and gas industry works and who are able to identify issues and offer practical legal solutions for the industry’s problems.
Nine million Americans are employed directly or indirectly in the oil and gas business. The United States is the world’s third largest producer of hydrocarbons with over 500,000 active wells operated by 18,000 oil and gas companies. There are 162,000 service stations, hundreds of thousands of miles of pipelines and 141 refineries operating in the United States. America has 3,800 offshore platforms producing oil and gas; nearly all of which are in the Gulf of Mexico. The industry is a behemoth.
Major stakeholders in the oil and gas business include landowners; developers; royalty owners; realtors; banks; local, state, and federal governments; foreign governments; regulatory agencies; non-governmental organizations; and shipping companies. Business men, accountants, economists, geologists, engineers, environmental scientists, public officials, and lawyers represent only a few of the professionals that make full time careers in the oil business or find themselves in positions to regularly and professionally interact with and represent people who do so.
The oil industry created and continues to use an extensive, unique, and colorful language that can confuse and impede those outside of the oil-patch. The most successful lawyers in this industry understand the business and its language and are able to identify legal issues that arise from the well-site to the gas pump. Clients gravitate toward lawyers that can speak their language and help them solve problems.
This course teaches oil industry business basics and terminology. It teaches basic concepts of exploration, production, pipeline operation and refining that are known by the majority of operating and business people working in those groups. Knowing these basics will equip the lawyer to better negotiate and advocate for his or her client and more easily identify legal issues, opportunities, causes of action, and remedies.
Oil companies often take opposing positions with respect to environmental protection, employment law, health and safety, use of independent contractors, risk taking, and regulatory and legislative advocacy. Knowing how and why these positions are taken, and the legal risks associated with each position help company-lawyers best serve their clients. Knowing these business and legal rationales also benefits lawyers collaborating with, or working in opposition to, the oil companies such as trial attorneys, regulatory attorneys, and lawyers from non-governmental organizations.
The student should complete the course with an appreciation of how the entire industry “works”, be able to identify legal issues that typically arise in numerous business disputes and opportunities, and be better prepared to assist his or her client with optimal legal solutions to those matters.
5397 Practice-based Legal Writing - TABOR (offered in Spring 2014)
Students will have varied opportunities to write and receive feedback on their writing in transactional and litigation contexts. Writing assignments may include short articles, letters (e.g., demand, opposing counsel, client, court), pleadings, motions, policies/procedures (e.g., promotion, protection of individual rights, discipline), and contracts or contract excerpts. Each student will complete three to five practical writing assignments, with total production of at least twenty-one pages, based on an average of 250-300 words per double-spaced page. Some assignments may require research. Each assignment will require the student to submit a first draft, which will be returned with written feedback, a second draft, for which feedback may be written or oral, and a final version that is rewritten to incorporate the second-draft feedback. In addition to any conference scheduled for second-draft feedback, each student will be offered opportunities to meet in conference with the professor for individualized assessment of the student’s writing. No text is required.
5297 Procedure of Patent Litigation - DHANANI/ALFARO (offered in Fall 2014)
The Course will focus on how to litigate a patent infringement case in Federal District Court and the relationship of the district courts and the Federal Circuit in patent litigation. In particular, the course will examine a hypothetical patent case from the pleadings, through the Markman hearing, and to trial. The course focuses on the hands-on issues that patent litigators face in their day to day trial preparation. The goal is to provide the students with an overall process for how a patent case is conducted all the way through trial.
5297 Procedure of Patent Litigation - DHANANI (offered in Fall 2013)
The Course will focus on how to litigate a patent infringement case in Federal District Court and the relationship of the district courts and the Federal Circuit in patent litigation. In particular, the course will examine a hypothetical patent case from the pleadings, through the Markman hearing, and to trial. The course focuses on the hands-on issues that patent litigators face in their day to day trial preparation. The goal is to provide the students with an overall process for how a patent case is conducted all the way through trial.
5397 Public and Private International Law : Theory and Practice ( Formerly known as : International Courts & Tribunals) - KHAN (offered in Fall 2013)
This course focuses on the content and structure of international law by examining its foundation, its status and its application. Students will be exposed to the fundamental principles governing international relations, the foundations of creating and implementing international law, and substantive topics of public and private international law. The course will also examine the practice and procedure before international courts and tribunals that emphasize international civil dispute resolution by primarily focusing on the International Court of Justice ("ICJ"). Students will examine the ICJ's history, organization, competence and role as a permanent international institution and mechanism for the pacific settlement of disputes between States. Students will also learn how a case is brought before the ICJ and how various procedural and preliminary matters such as jurisdiction, standing and admissibility are addressed before the Court. Particular attention will be paid to the jurisprudence of the ICJ and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
With respect to the practice component of the course, students will apply the founding and substantive rules of international law to a hypothetical, contentious case between two States before the ICJ, the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. In doing so, students will also apply the rules of procedure and style of practice before the ICJ.
Students will gain experience in researching and using the various international legal materials and sources necessary for making oral and written submissions before the ICJ. Students will also gain practical experience in drafting written memorials and pleadings for submission to the ICJ, as well as making oral arguments based on such written submissions. During the course of the semester, students will prepare a practice and a graded oral argument (approximately 10 minutes) in the form of preliminary objections and/or responses to the ICJ each arguing whether a State has standing to bring a claim on behalf of its national, which issue arises out of the hypothetical contentious case that we will use. At the end of the semester, each student will prepare a graded substantive writing assignment consisting of a memorial to the ICJ on the merits of the case. Students will also deliver a final graded oral argument regarding the same. Students will work individually and be assigned roles as applicant and respondent for their written and oral assignments. In order to gain more experience, students may also be asked to prepare arguments opposite their assigned roles for practice purposes.
5397 Public Health Law - WINNIKE (offered in Fall 2015)
Public health law (PHL) is a vast, amorphous collection of laws that is almost co-extensive the legal system itself, the safety and welfare of the populace being a primary justification for the implementation and enactment of laws. We will begin the class with a survey of PHL and then take up a particular problem in global health. The class will be divided into groups each of which will represent a different participant in the process of evaluating and then implementing a public health legal intervention. The teams will become familiar with the science, ethics and politics, and the negotiations between them, in the lead-up to the drafting of a PHL. We will also investigate the evaluation of PHL: should it be subject to scientific testing? Are there better and worse ways of getting a PHL to the public? How should we measure the effect of a law? The problem we work on as a group will be a problem that is being addressed by a section of the local public health community; and I will be working over the summer to set up interaction between the class and the public health folks so you can get a hands-on feel of what it is like to work on a public health problem from the legal perspective.
5397 Real Estate Transactions - ZALE (offered in Fall 2013)
This is a "real world," practical course that will apply some of the substantive concepts from first-year property to a wide range of common real estate transactions and related matters. Issues relating to both commercial and residential transactions will be considered. Matters to be covered will include broker listing agreements, purchase and sales contracts, conveyancing documents, recording acts, title and survey, leases, mortgages and deed of trusts, foreclosures, and other financing issues. The course materials will be the assigned casebook, the Texas Property Code, and some supplemental materials. The course will be taught through a combination of lecture, student participation and drafting exercises. Students will be expected to review assigned materials prior to class; although cases will be included in the assigned materials, case reading won’t predominate. The object of the course is give the student a basic foundation for understanding real estate practice and the tools to identify and address legal issues associated with the conveyancing and financing of real property.
5397 Real Estate Transactions - ZALE (offered in Fall 2014)
This course applies substantive concepts from the first-year property course to a wide range of common real estate transactions and related matters. The primary focus will be residential transaction, but issues relating to commercial transactions will also be considered. Matters to be covered include broker listing agreements, purchase and sales contracts, conveyancing documents, recording acts, title and survey, leases, mortgages and deed of trusts, foreclosures, and other financing issues. The course will be taught through a combination of lecture, drafting exercises, and student discussion of cases and other assigned material. The objective of the course is give students a basic foundation for understanding real estate practice and the tools to identify and address legal issues associated with the conveyancing and financing of real property.
5397 Real Estate Transactions, Practical Drafting - SMITH, FRANK (offered in Spring 2015)
This is a “nuts & bolts” practical course that will consider the basic building blocks of real estate transactions, a survey of a wide range of various common real esate transaction, and related matters. Many of the topics to be covered apply both to commercial and consumer real estate transactions. Some consumer transactions will be considered, but the primary focus will be on commercial transactions. Matters to be covered will include conveyancing documents, recordation statutes, purchase and sale agreements, chain of title, selected oil, gas and mineral issues as they may impact on real estate title and development, title insurance, basic methods of real estate finance, promissory notes, deeds of trust, troubled loan workout issues, foreclosure, leases, ethics and lawyers liability issues in real estate transactions. Course assignments will include the drafting of various documents, including deeds, promissory notes, sales contracts, and selected provisions of deeds of trust, foreclosure documents, and leases.
5397 Real Estate Transactions, Practical Drafting - LONG (offered in Spring 2015)
This is a “nuts & bolts” practical course that will consider the basic building blocks of real estate transactions, a survey of a wide range of various common real esate transaction, and related matters. Many of the topics to be covered apply both to commercial and consumer real estate transactions. Some consumer transactions will be considered, but the primary focus will be on commercial transactions. Matters to be covered will include conveyancing documents, recordation statutes, purchase and sale agreements, chain of title, selected oil, gas and mineral issues as they may impact on real estate title and development, title insurance, basic methods of real estate finance, promissory notes, deeds of trust, troubled loan workout issues, foreclosure, leases, ethics and lawyers liability issues in real estate transactions. Course assignments will include the drafting of various documents, including deeds, promissory notes, sales contracts, and selected provisions of deeds of trust, foreclosure documents, and leases.
5397 Reform in Oil Producing States - MAPLES (offered in Spring 2013)
This course builds on the International Petroleum Transactions course to provide in-depth study and expertise of the current law and policy challenges that face oil producing nations. Though the seminar will delve deeply into political and economic theory and its intersection and influence in law and policy reform processes, the focus will be on the current pragmatic difficulties of using oil production to achieve the goals that societies often hope for: rapid development, economic growth, stability and prosperity.
The first part of the course will be in a traditional teacher-led discussion format, with readings assigned by the professor and discussion and lecture about these readings. In the latter part of the course, each student in the class will be actively representing a specific country, essentially becoming an “expert” on the country. The country a student is an expert on will be determined in consultation with the professor.
The readings and lectures during the first part of the course will provide the historical experiences and critical analysis of the prevailing and counter-theories on the questions of efficient petroleum production, economic development, and political economy, commonly treated under the umbrella term “Resource Curse”. It will also feature at least one case study to ground the historical and theoretical discussions in real experiences of oil producing nations.
After the initial seminars led by the professor, the students will take on the responsibility of presenting, in his or her view, the most pressing law and policy questions of the country that the student represents. These presentations should be approximately 30 minutes to give sufficient time to discuss the issues presented. Students will assign the readings for the class for which he or she will be the lead discussant (the professor remaining the chair of the proceedings) and will send to his or her colleagues a concise 2 page memorandum summarizing his or her issues and/or policy and law conclusions, if he or she has arrived at such conclusions. The student will present any history (historical readings should be included in his or her background materials) needed to explain and present the law and policy questions that are at the fore in the country or company today. Students will work closely with the professor to choose readings and refine their memos and presentations.
The final paper will be a law and policy briefing paper that is pragmatic (not academic) in nature. It should be written with a practical audience in mind: government officials, policy makers, think tanks, lawyers and advocates. This is not to say that the paper should not be very well-thought out and properly cited, but the discourse, language, structure, citations, and readability should all point to a law and policy format for the pin-pointed audience. Exceptional papers will be sent to eminent practitioners in the Government and policy arenas that would have occasion and opportunity to use them. Should a participant in the seminar seek to turn their paper into a longer research-oriented paper after the seminar or concurrently with it, we can work together to do both of these according to University rules.
7397 SEM: Federal Natural Resources - BURKE (offered in Fall 2013)
This seminar will examine some of the mechanisms for the management, use, and preservation of natural resources on federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf, including wildlife, wilderness, refuges, rivers, national parks, National Conservation Landscape System lands, minerals (fluid and solid), and timber. This course considers the history, jurisdiction, and conflicts of the natural resource management agencies (primarily the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior) under the various natural resources statutes such as the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the General Mining Law, and the Mineral Leasing Act, to name just a few. Current issues to be considered include development of renewable energy on federal lands and on the Outer Continental Shelf, hydraulic fracturing, species listings and critical habitat designations, oil and gas development in the Arctic, wild horses and burros, and other challenging natural resource management issues.
7397 SEM: Meeting the 21st Century Challenges of Natural Resource Management on Federal Lands - BURKE (offered in Spring 2013)
This seminar will examine some of the mechanisms for the management, use, and preservation of natural resources on federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf, including wildlife, wilderness, refuges, rivers, national parks, National Conservation Landscape System lands, minerals (fluid and solid), and timber. This course considers the history, jurisdiction, and conflicts of the natural resource management agencies (primarily the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior) under the various natural resources statutes such as the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the General Mining Law, and the Mineral Leasing Act, to name just a few. Current issues to be considered include development of renewable energy on federal lands and on the Outer Continental Shelf, hydraulic fracturing, species listings and critical habitat designations, oil and gas development in the Arctic, wild horses and burros, and other challenging natural resource management issues.
7297 SEM: Advanced Topics in Family Law - OLDHAM (offered in Spring 2013)
Advanced Topics in Family Law is a seminar whose main focus is to allow students to complete a paper relating to family law. The paper, which will satisfy the UH Law writing requirement, needs to be 35 pages long. Two initial drafts will need to be submitted before the final version.
7397 SEM: Children & the Law - MARRUS (offered in Spring 2013)
Description – Students will delve into various topics involving children and the law and complete a paper to meet the writing requirement. The subject matter of the paper may center around juvenile justice, the child welfare system, education – special education or the K-12 educational system, or health care. Each student will be responsible for participating in weekly class discussions, completing a paper of at least 35 pages including footnotes with two drafts, and a final class presentation. Having completed Juvenile Law, Children and the Law, Children's Health and the Law, or Criminal Procedure would be helpful for this class.
7397 SEM: Consumer Law (Consumer Credit Law & Policy) - HAWKINS (offered in Spring 2013)
"This course will consider a variety of different consumer credit products such as mortgages, credit cards, payday loans, and auto title loans. We will read and discuss law review articles and/or books that deal with the law that currently governs these products, and we will consider how to change the laws to meet policy goals. Students' grades will be based on an outline, rough draft, final paper on a consumer credit topic, and on class participation."
7397 SEM: Health Regulatory Process - MANTEL (offered in Spring 2014)
This course explores how legal and policy considerations, intra-governmental relationships, and political dynamics influence health regulatory policies. Guest speakers will include current and former Department of Health and Human Services officials and health care advocates.
7397 SEM: Information Privacy Law - CASAREZ (offered in Spring 2014)
"Information privacy" refers to each individual's right to control personal information about him/herself, and it is one of the fastest growing, and most multi-faceted, areas of the law. Solo practitioners representing private citizens in civil and criminal matters, as well as big-firm and in-house lawyers working for domestic and international corporations, the government, the press and/or the financial and health care industries, all confront privacy issues with increasing frequency. Information privacy law transcends traditional legal categories to involve multiple areas of the law, including torts, contracts, constitutional law, criminal procedure, administrative law and statutory interpretation. Privacy disputes are controversial (and often headline-generating) because they almost always involve significant competing policy interests. Consider the National Security Agency's warrantless electronic surveillance program: is it a dangerous violation of our civil liberties, or a benign and necessary tool to fight terrorism?
The purpose of this seminar is to provide students with an overview of important areas of privacy law, and to allow students to focus in-depth on a subject of particular relevance to them. Topics covered will include privacy and the media, privacy and law enforcement, surveillance law and national security, health and genetic privacy, associational privacy and anonymity, privacy of commercial data, among others. Each student will be responsible for participating in weekly class discussions, a final class presentation, and completing a seminar paper.
7397 SEM: Securities Regulation - BRITTON (offered in Spring 2013)
Securities Regulation
A study of the basic principles of our unique system of securities regulation. Among the areas addressed are jurisdiction, the identification of securities and the analysis and evaluation of the disclosure philosophy as it pertains to domestic and international offerings as well as under state żblue skyż laws. Special emphasis is given to the importance of the principal exemptions form registration under the 1933 Act, and to consequent civil liabilities for unregistered offerings or inadequate disclosure in filed documents.
7397 SEM: Topics in Employment Law - MOOHR (offered in Spring 2014)
The goal of this seminar is to develop knowledge of employment law through reading, discussion, and writing a paper on a topic of your choice. We will review classic employment law and discrimination cases, analyze unresolved and emerging issues and look at circuit cases the Supreme Court is hearing this term. Generally, the course is divided into three parts: the first is devoted to reviewing historically important employment law and discrimination cases, the second to emerging issues and current cases, the third to writing and editing your paper. You
will write a paper that satisfies the Law Center writing requirement, and are required to submit other assignments, including a first draft of the paper. Your final seminar grade is based on the paper, a good faith effort to complete the course requirements, and professional conduct throughout the semester.
7397 Seminar in Energy Efficiency - Radhakrishnan, Suryanarayanan (offered in Spring 2015)
Course name is: GENB 7397- Section number: 25633.This course is offered by Bauer College of Business. Interested students please contact Mr. Derrick Gabriel at 713-743-2189.
This course does not satisfy senior level writing requirements.
5297 Shale Gas & LNG - SAKMAR (offered in Spring 2015)
This course explores the myriad of legal, policy and environmental issues pertaining to global natural gas markets with a particular focus on global shale gas development and the development of LNG import and export projects around the world, including recent developments in US LNG export projects.
The first half of the semester will explore the growing role that natural gas will play around the world in the context of global shale gas development. By most accounts, shale gas development in the United States has been a “game changer” that could be replicated around the world so long as the right regulatory and environmental frameworks are put in place. This course will explore the existing regulatory and environmental frameworks for shale gas, especially those in the United States, as well as frameworks being developed around the world with the objective of exploring the substantive law of shale gas development as well as developing the analytical and practical skills necessary to the practice of law.
The second half of the semester will explore the growing role that LNG is expected to play as the “glue” linking global gas markets. The course will explore the opportunities and challenges for various LNG import and export projects around the world in the current contextual reality wherein energy law and policy are increasingly intersecting with environmental law and geopolitics.
READING LIST
5297 Shale Gas & LNG - SAKMAR (offered in Fall 2013)
This course explores the myriad of legal, policy and environmental issues pertaining to global natural gas markets with a particular focus on global shale gas development and the development of LNG import and export projects around the world, including recent developments in US LNG export projects.
The first half of the semester will explore the growing role that natural gas will play around the world in the context of global shale gas development. By most accounts, shale gas development in the United States has been a “game changer” that could be replicated around the world so long as the right regulatory and environmental frameworks are put in place. This course will explore the existing regulatory and environmental frameworks for shale gas, especially those in the United States, as well as frameworks being developed around the world with the objective of exploring the substantive law of shale gas development as well as developing the analytical and practical skills necessary to the practice of law.
The second half of the semester will explore the growing role that LNG is expected to play as the “glue” linking global gas markets. The course will explore the opportunities and challenges for various LNG import and export projects around the world in the current contextual reality wherein energy law and policy are increasingly intersecting with environmental law and geopolitics.
5397 Shale Gas & LNG - SAKMAR (offered in Spring 2013)
This course explores the myriad of legal, policy and environmental issues pertaining to global natural gas markets with a particular focus on global shale gas development and the development of LNG import and export projects around the world, including recent developments in US LNG export projects.
The first half of the semester will explore the growing role that natural gas will play around the world in the context of global shale gas development. By most accounts, shale gas development in the United States has been a “game changer” that could be replicated around the world so long as the right regulatory and environmental frameworks are put in place. This course will explore the existing regulatory and environmental frameworks for shale gas, especially those in the United States, as well as frameworks being developed around the world with the objective of exploring the substantive law of shale gas development as well as developing the analytical and practical skills necessary to the practice of law.
The second half of the semester will explore the growing role that LNG is expected to play as the “glue” linking global gas markets. The course will explore the opportunities and challenges for various LNG import and export projects around the world in the current contextual reality wherein energy law and policy are increasingly intersecting with environmental law and geopolitics.
5297 Special Education Law - Rynders/Beebe (offered in Fall 2013)
Course addresses the state and federal laws and regulations that govern the education of students with disabilities. Course will cover identification, evaluation, individualized education programs, placement, related services, assistive technology, discipline, enforcement, and remedies. This course will use a combination of lectures, class discussions, in-class exercises, and case studies.
5297 Special Education Law - RYNDERS (offered in Fall 2015)
Course addresses the state and federal laws and regulations that govern the education of students with disabilities. Course will cover identification, evaluation, individualized education programs, placement, related services, assistive technology, discipline, enforcement, and remedies. This course will use a combination of lectures, class discussions, in-class exercises, and case studies.
5297 Sports Law - MILLER (offered in Fall 2015)
This course examines a wide range of legal topics are examined, including athlete/agent relationship, contracts, facility and patron liabilities, ownership models, management agreements, media contracts, team and licensing agreements, drug testing, labor and employment contracts, unions, intellectual property, and ethics. Skills focus on contract development,
dispute resolution, and management of risk.
5397 State & Local Gov't Law - ZALE (offered in Spring 2015)
While much of law school focuses on federal law, state and local law affects people more directly and concretely. States and local governments have substantial law-making and regulatory authority in areas as diverse as education policy, civil rights, tax law, land use and environmental issues. In addition, states and local governments are responsible for the financing and provision of most public services, and are the locus of much political participation by voters. This course examines both the law governing the powers of states and local governments and the actual content of state and local laws and policy. The course will also consider the relationships among various levels of government, including federal-state relations, state-local relations and intra-local relations.
5397 State & Local Gov't Law - ZALE (offered in Fall 2013)
While much of law school focuses on federal law, state and local law affects people more directly and concretely. States and local governments have substantial law-making and regulatory authority in areas as diverse as education policy, civil rights, tax law, land use and environmental issues. In addition, states and local governments are responsible for the financing and provision of most public services, and are the locus of much political participation by voters. This course examines both the law governing the powers of states and local governments and the actual content of state and local laws and policy. The course will also consider the relationships among various levels of government, including federal-state relations, state-local relations and intra-local relations.
5397 Statutory Interpretation and Regulation - BUSH (offered in Summer IV 2013)
This course introduces students to the role of statutes and administrative regulation in the practice of law today. The course covers, as its primary subject, the interpretation of statutes and regulations. This element includes the close reading of one or more complex statutes. The course also covers, as a second element, basic aspects of administrative law: in particular, how agencies implement and enforce statutes and regulations. The course may also include other elements, such as legislative process or regulatory policy.
5397 Statutory Interpretation and Regulation - HESTER (offered in Spring 2013)
This course introduces students to the role of statutes and administrative regulation in the practice of law today. The course covers, as its primary subject, the interpretation of statutes and regulations. This element includes the close reading of one or more complex statutes. The course also covers, as a second element, basic aspects of administrative law: in particular, how agencies implement and enforce statutes and regulations. The course may also include other elements, such as legislative process or regulatory policy.
5397 Statutory Interpretation and Regulation - BRUHL (offered in Spring 2013)
This course introduces students to the role of statutes and administrative regulation in the practice of law today. The course covers, as its primary subject, the interpretation of statutes and regulations. This element includes the close reading of one or more complex statutes. The course also covers, as a second element, basic aspects of administrative law: in particular, how agencies implement and enforce statutes and regulations. The course may also include other elements, such as legislative process or regulatory policy.
5397 Statutory Interpretation and Regulation - BUSH (offered in Spring 2013)
This course introduces students to the role of statutes and administrative regulation in the practice of law today. The course covers, as its primary subject, the interpretation of statutes and regulations. This element includes the close reading of one or more complex statutes. The course also covers, as a second element, basic aspects of administrative law: in particular, how agencies implement and enforce statutes and regulations. The course may also include other elements, such as legislative process or regulatory policy.
5497 Street Law - MARRUS/HUNT (offered in Fall 2015)
Quota=14
5297 Tax Accounting - LEIGHTMAN/WOODRUFF (offered in Spring 2013)
Study of methods of accounting in the context of Federal tax laws including cash, accrual, installment methods, inventory taxation and time value of money concepts. The course will focus on the appropriate taxable year for including items of income, gain, loss and expense. The course will cover cash, accrual, installment and inventory methods as well as time value of money rules. The course will cover various judicial doctrines of taxation including the tax benefit rule, claim of right doctrine, economic benefit doctrine and constructive receipt concepts. Through the case method, students will learn the application of the principles of taxation in the context of tax planning. The reasoning and methodology utilized in the course will provide a sound basis for the study and analysis advanced tax topics in subsequent courses.
5297 Tax Policy - HOOSE (offered in Spring 2015)
This seminar is designed (i) to introduce students to recurring themes of tax policy; and (ii) to develop students' ability to analyze and discuss the tax policy implications of existing and proposed laws.
5297 Taxation of Intellectual Property - Hoose (offered in Spring 2014)
This course is designed to give a comprehensive understanding of U.S. federal and state tax rules applicable to the development, acquisition, transfer, and exploitation of intellectual property. The course will also cover the tax consequences of litigation involving intellectual property. Finally, the course will undertake an in-depth analysis of the role played by intellectual property in the international and state tax planning structures (often referred to as “base erosion and profit shifting” structures, or BEPS for short) commonly used by U.S. and foreign based multinational corporations, primarily in the technology sector.
5397 Texas Criminal Appellate Procedure - WICOFF (offered in Fall 2014)
This upper-level class will focus on state criminal appellate procedure, with emphasis placed on the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure and, where applicable to state appellate practice, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The general approach of this course will be twofold: 1) to examine case law interpretation of the procedural rules that govern post-judgment criminal procedure in Texas, from motions for new trial through state post-conviction writs of habeas corpus; and 2) to discuss the most common substantive issues which arise in appellate proceedings in state courts, including claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel, evidence sufficiency law, appellate review of jury charge error, Brady violations and actual innocence claims.
Throughout this course, practical and strategic aspects of appellate practice will regularly be discussed. In addition to reading assigned cases, students will be required to read an appellate transcript of an appeal that has been handled by the Harris County Public Defender’s Office appellate division, thereby seeing how the subject matter of the course applies, step-by-step, to an actual appeal. The students will also be invited to watch the oral argument that is held in the case. The aim is to provide students with an appropriate mix of theory and practice. So, for example, you will not only learn the rules regarding appeals, but will be provided with an appellate record that illustrates much of what you learn. Additionally, you will not only have that record as an illustration of what is being discussed in class, but you will be taught how to read that record if you were charged with handling the appeal.
5297 Texas Legislative Advocacy - SMITH,E (offered in Fall 2015)
9397 The Future of Natural Gas - Ramana Krishnamoorti & Joe Pratt (offered in Spring 2015)
Course name is: GENB 7397 / ENRG 4397. Interested students please contact Mr. Derrick Gabriel at 713-743-2189.
5297 The Law and Policy of the US Electric Grid - Dworkin (offered in Spring 2013)
Course Description & Overview
The energy industry is both:
a key to the quality of life that billions seek and our world’s most significant source of pollution.
Thus, even as we struggle for cost-effective and reliable energy outcomes, environmental issues now seem the most important constraints faced by energy industries. This course examines the key issues in American energy policy (with particular reference to the electricity sector and with some reference to global context). It builds upon the concept of the "Energy Trilemma" in which we confront tensions among i) reliability, ii) economics and iii) environmental costs. Students will be asked to search for ways to resolve, or at least ease, the strains that such policy puts upon those three factors.
5397 The U.S. Health System: An Introduction to Managed Care, Transactions, and Policy - MANTEL (offered in Spring 2015)
This course provides students with an understanding of how the health care system is currently organized, financed, and regulated, and explores what the health care system of tomorrow may look like. Students are introduced to the major laws and regulations that regulate health care finance and transactions, including the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare"). The first part of the course focuses on health insurance and looks at federal and state regulation of private health insurance, the public insurance programs Medicare and Medicaid, and the new health care exchanges. We then study the business of health care and the laws that impact health care business transactions, including the tax laws governing tax-exempt organizations, the antitrust laws, and the fraud and abuse laws. The course concludes with a study of the federal privacy law, known as HIPAA.
5297 The Wire - BRALEY (offered in Spring 2014)
This course explores advanced criminal procedure concepts and policy issues raised by David Simon's critically acclaimed HBO series, “The Wire.” Among the topics explored, will be the use of electronic surveillance in law enforcement and the policy and constitutional implications of its use with and without judicial approval, confessions, profiling, charging and disposition of criminal cases, honesty and accountability of law enforcement, the war on drugs, and the distribution of resources in the criminal justice system. In addition to class participation, grades will be determined based on a paper that students will be responsible for drafting and submitting at the end of the semester. Before enrolling in this course, please be advised that “The Wire” contains a considerable amount of violence and offensive language, and this course will require you to watch the first two seasons of the show in advance of the first class.
5397 The Wire - FRELS/BRALEY (offered in Spring 2015)
This course explores advanced criminal procedure concepts and policy issues raised by David Simon's critically acclaimed HBO series, “The Wire.” Among the topics explored, will be the use of electronic surveillance in law enforcement and the policy and constitutional implications of its use with and without judicial approval, confessions, profiling, charging and disposition of criminal cases, honesty and accountability of law enforcement, the war on drugs, and the distribution of resources in the criminal justice system. In addition to class participation, grades will be determined based on a paper that students will be responsible for drafting and submitting at the end of the semester. Before enrolling in this course, please be advised that “The Wire” contains a considerable amount of violence and offensive language, and this course will require you to watch the first two seasons of the show in advance of the first class.
5397 Toxic Torts - SANDERS (offered in Fall 2014)
This course strives to give students an overview of the law of environmental and toxic torts. It includes cases in which there is a personal injury or property damage due to exposure to toxic substances, including drugs. It combines a historic overview of the field with coverage of the current issues confronting the courts and Congress.
The legal system’s response to these substances is both proactive and retroactive. Statutes such as the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) seek to prevent injury by assessing a drug’s safety before permitting it to be marketed and by regulating the handling of hazardous waste. Common law torts suits sounding in negligence, products liability, nuisance, trespass, and strict liability for abnormally dangerous activities – provide potential redress for injuries caused by toxic substances and drugs and as do statutes such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which seeks to ensure that sites that have been contaminated are cleaned up to safe standards. This course explores both responses within the context of private tort law and statutes.
5397 Toxic Torts - SANDERS (offered in Spring 2013)
This course strives to give students an overview of the law of environmental and toxic torts. It includes cases in which there is a personal injury or property damage due to exposure to toxic substances, including drugs. It combines a historic overview of the field with coverage of the current issues confronting the courts and Congress.
The legal system’s response to these substances is both proactive and retroactive. Statutes such as the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) seek to prevent injury by assessing a drug’s safety before permitting it to be marketed and by regulating the handling of hazardous waste. Common law torts suits sounding in negligence, products liability, nuisance, trespass, and strict liability for abnormally dangerous activities – provide potential redress for injuries caused by toxic substances and drugs and as do statutes such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which seeks to ensure that sites that have been contaminated are cleaned up to safe standards. This course explores both responses within the context of private tort law and statutes.
5297 Trademark & Unfair Competition - KRIEGER (offered in Spring 2015)
The course focusses on trademarks and related unfair competition principles from both historical and modern (i.e., internet) settings. The course examines the various types of words, slogans, product packaging and shapes, and other indicia that can be used as trademarks; strategies and requirements for developing, registering, and enforcing trademark rights and defending against such actions; and case studies from an adversarial perspective of various types of trademark infringement and dilution cases and administrative actions challenging trademark registrations.
5497 Transactional Clinic I - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Spring 2014)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5497 Transactional Clinic I - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Fall 2013)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5497 Transactional Clinic I - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Summer I 2014)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5497 Transactional Clinic I - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Summer I 2013)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5497 Transactional Clinic II - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Summer I 2014)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5397 Transactional Clinic II - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Summer I 2014)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5497 Transactional Clinic II - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Fall 2013)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5497 Transactional Clinic II - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Summer I 2013)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5497 Transactional Clinic II - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Spring 2014)
Students advise small businesses and people trying to start small businesses about business structure, contracts, possible tax issues, commercial law matters and similar problems. Many of the small businesses raise sophisticated legal problems, while some are routine. Students work under a professor who is a member of the Texas Bar, and frequently accompanies them to the first meeting with a client. After that, the students usually have most of the contact with clients, always subject to the supervision of the professor. A weekly meeting is held for general discussion of the particular projects.
5397 Transactional Clinic II. - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Spring 2014)
5397 Transactional Clinic II. - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Summer I 2013)
5397 Transactional Clinic II. - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Fall 2013)
5397 Transactional Clinic II. - KAFAH BACHARI (offered in Spring 2013)
5397 Transnational Investment Law and Arbitration - CARDENAS (offered in Fall 2015)
5397 Transnational Petroleum Law - CARDENAS (offered in Spring 2015)
Click here to see Prof. Julián Cárdenas García bio
This course studies the transnational petroleum regulation that governs foreign investments in the oil industry worldwide.
Transnational petroleum law is conceived as the rules of law, standards, usages and practices of the oil industry which transcend petroleum contracts and the territorial regulation of oil producing States. These rules of law are classified in two main groups:
1) The first group refers to the classic eight “investment standards” included in a network of International Investment Treaties and the interpretation of these standards by a number of published international arbitration awards. These standards govern the relation between foreign investors, service providers and the Host State in the oil industry. They govern issues such as expropriation, fair and equitable treatment, transfer of funds, umbrella clauses, most favorable nation treatment, national treatment, protection and security and Dispute Resolution.
2) The second group is found in the “industry standards” created by the petroleum industry which regulate issues such as the fight against corruption, the respect of human rights and the protection of the environment. The current enforcement of these standards in national courts and before international arbitration make these new rules of law a fundamental tool for the legal practice in the petroleum industry.
Both kinds of standards are considered altogether “the network” that governs transnational petroleum operations for the 21st Century. Further, since much repetition exists among these rules, the transnational petroleum law approach will give you the tools to define, classify, identify, use and enforce these standards before arbitration tribunals. The course will also provide a collection of excerpts of arbitral awards in the oil industry which will guide our understanding of new practices in the oil and gas industry.
Cases under study will cover oil and gas arbitration in Latin America, North America, Europe Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For example: cases of international arbitration related to expropriation or indirect expropriation in Russia, Venezuela and Ecuador; the use of industry best practices in Nigeria, Sudan, Mexico and Canada; the protection of foreign investments in the case of armed conflicts (Libya, Sudan and Colombia); repatriation of capital in Venezuela and dispute resolution practice for petroleum investment.
The course will provide tools to develop legal skills acting as in-house counsel or as international attorney in the petroleum industry, such as:
1) To recognize petroleum industry best practices from State and Non-State sources of law applicable to petroleum investment projects, based in the review of petroleum contracts, petroleum industry standards and arbitration awards.
2) To identify new trends in transnational compliance and litigation involving international petroleum investments, in order to improve expertise on risk allocation, investment protection and regulation of foreign investments.
3) The practice of International Investment Treaties and the most relevant investment arbitration rules such as ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL rules.
4) To build a global perspective of petroleum regulation through international investment treaties and best practices.
Evaluation:
50% - Research paper 12-15 pages (due at end of semester). Research Paper: The paper will focus in the study of a case in an oil producing country.
50% - Exam: The exam to evaluate your knowledge on international investment standards. Open book final exam.
5397 Transnational Petroleum Law and Investment in Latin America - CARDENAS (offered in Spring 2014)
This course is designed to present transactional and litigation cases involving Latin American oil producing countries on issues of international investment law, international arbitration, human rights and environmental law, which considered altogether make a significant contribution to the development of a transnational petroleum law.
Over the last decade, Latin America has been renowned as a strategic region for business in the international oil industry. The region is rich in natural resources and hydrocarbons reserves, and has attracted oil companies from all over the world to participate in upstream mega projects in traditional and emerging markets. However, it has been also the scenario of transnational litigation involving States and foreign investors, caused by expropriation waves, tax reforms and environmental claims.
The course will provide tools to develop legal skills acting as in-house counsel or as international attorney in the petroleum industry, such as:
1) The identification of petroleum industry best practices from State and Non-State sources of law applicable to petroleum investment projects, based in the review of petroleum contracts, petroleum industry standards and arbitration awards.
2) The discovery of new trends in transnational compliance and litigation involving petroleum transactions in Latin America, in order to improve expertise on risk allocation, investment protection and regulation of foreign investment.
3) Becoming familiar with the review of Bilateral Investment Treaties and Multilateral Investment Treaties, and the most relevant investment arbitration rules such as ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL rules.
4) Building a broad perspective of petroleum national regulation and transactions in seven countries in Latin America: Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.
You may have access to a brief note of last semester course in the following link: Spring2013
5397 Transnational Petroleum Law in Latin America - CARDENAS (offered in Spring 2013)
This course is designed to present transactional and litigation cases involving Latin American oil producing countries on issues of international investment law, international arbitration, human rights and environmental law, which considered altogether make a significant contribution to the development of a transnational petroleum law.
Over the last decade, Latin America has been renowned as a strategic region for business in the international oil industry. The region is rich in natural resources and hydrocarbons reserves, and has attracted oil companies from all over the world to participate in upstream mega projects in traditional and emerging markets. However, it has been also the scenario of transnational litigation involving States and foreign investors, caused by expropriation waves, tax reforms and environmental claims.
The course will provide tools to develop legal skills acting as in-house counsel or as international attorney in the petroleum industry, such as:
1) Recognize petroleum industry best practices from State and Non-State sources of law applicable to petroleum investment projects, based in the review of petroleum contracts, petroleum industry standards and arbitration awards.
2) Identify new trends in transnational compliance and litigation involving petroleum transactions in Latin America, in order to improve expertise on risk allocation, investment protection and regulation of foreign investment.
3) Become familiar with the review of Bilateral Investment Treaties and Multilateral Investment Treaties, and the most relevant investment arbitration rules such as ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL rules.
4) Build a broad perspective of petroleum national regulation and transactions in seven countries in Latin America: Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.
5397 Venture Capital - BAKER (offered in Spring 2013)
The course will introduce students to the various legal and business considerations involved in forming and operating an emerging growth business. The course will utilize sample agreements, involve students in discussions regarding the numerous issues presented to legal counsel in representing start up emerging companies including forming the entity, structuring the economic benefits and management control among various owners, protecting intellectual property assets and raising capital for the business. Having completed business organizations and some accounting is necessary to satisfactorily completing this course.
7397 WRC: Consumer Credit Law and Policy - HAWKINS (offered in Fall 2014)
This course will consider a variety of different consumer credit products such as mortgages, credit cards, payday loans, and auto title loans. We will read and discuss law review articles, statutes, cases, and/or books that deal with the law that currently governs these products, and we will consider how to change the laws to meet policy goals and how to advise clients regarding these laws. Students' grades will be based on several expository writings (e.g., client letters, research memoranda, court documents, and short articles similar to those that appear in bar journals) and on class participation. This class satisfies the Law Center's Upper Level Writing Requirement.
7397 WRC: Contract Drafting - TOEDT (offered in Spring 2015)
The goal of this course is to help students prepare for a type of assignment they will likely see throughout their careers: that of drafting, reviewing, analyzing, explaining, and negotiating contracts. Students will:
• explore various legal- and business issues that might need to be addressed in various types of contract (see the list below);
• study principles of plain-English drafting for contracts and other legal documents;
• review the etiquette and ethics of contract negotiations;
• survey some legal pitfalls that could lead to jail time for both clients and lawyers, such as backdating contracts, violating antitrust laws, failing to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act obligations, paying off foreign officials, etc.
• discuss how to tactfully advise clients (and supervising lawyers) about their options, so as to earn a reputation as a deal-maker, not a deal-breaker;
• compare and contrast the roles of outside- versus in-house counsel in contract negotiations;
• consider ways of positioning the client for future litigation, just in case.
The types of contract to be studied will include some or all of:
• employment agreements for employees and executives
• lease agreements
• distribution agreements
• services agreements
• license agreements
• stock-option agreements
• change-of-control agreements for employees and executives
• arbitration agreements
• settlement agreements
• merger agreements
• letters of intent / memoranda of understanding
As in past years, the course will include several presentations by panels of experienced local lawyers about specific types of contracts, with ample opportunity for Q&A.
A business background is helpful but not required; all necessary business information will be covered in class and/or in reading materials.
7397 WRC: Contract Drafting - TOEDT (offered in Fall 2015)
The goal of this course is to help students prepare for a type of assignment they will likely see throughout their careers: that of drafting, reviewing, analyzing, explaining, and negotiating contracts. Students will:
• explore various legal- and business issues that might need to be addressed in various types of contract (see the list below);
• study principles of plain-English drafting for contracts and other legal documents;
• review the etiquette and ethics of contract negotiations;
• survey some legal pitfalls that could lead to jail time for both clients and lawyers, such as backdating contracts, violating antitrust laws, failing to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act obligations, paying off foreign officials, etc.
• discuss how to tactfully advise clients (and supervising lawyers) about their options, so as to earn a reputation as a deal-maker, not a deal-breaker;
• compare and contrast the roles of outside- versus in-house counsel in contract negotiations;
• consider ways of positioning the client for future litigation, just in case.
The types of contract to be studied will include some or all of:
• employment agreements for employees and executives
• lease agreements
• distribution agreements
• services agreements
• license agreements
• stock-option agreements
• change-of-control agreements for employees and executives
• arbitration agreements
• settlement agreements
• merger agreements
• letters of intent / memoranda of understanding
As in past years, the course will include several presentations by panels of experienced local lawyers about specific types of contracts, with ample opportunity for Q&A.
A business background is helpful but not required; all necessary business information will be covered in class and/or in reading materials.
7397 WRC: Domestic Violence Law - HEPPARD/STALDER (offered in Fall 2015)
Students will work individually and in small groups as they learn about the State laws, Federal Laws, and case law related to issues surrounding Domestic Violence. The topics may include domestic violence in the family code, criminal laws dealing with family violence, employment laws relating to family violence, and immigration and domestic violence. Writing assignments may include short articles, letters (e.g., demand, opposing counsel, client, court), pleadings, motions, and one longer paper on a chosen topic related to domestic violence. Each student will complete three to five practical writing assignments, with total production of at least twenty-one pages, based on an average of 250-300 words per double-spaced page.
7397 WRC: Making and Drafting Contracts - LINZER (offered in Fall 2015)
The most important function a contract lawyer has is to make any legitimate desires of the client work, to achieve results. This course, which satisfies the upper-class writing requirement, will focus both on drafting skills and on other aspects of how lawyers help their clients to make contracts. This includes how to find out just what the client wants; how to learn the details of his business and the law that will govern the transaction; and the ethics of contract practice. We will begin with short sub-courses in drafting and negotiating, but the bulk of the course will be hands-on writing, detailed comments by the instructor and revisions by the student, with extensive feedback from the professor throughout the semester.
5297 WRC: Making and Drafting Contracts - LINZER (offered in Spring 2015)
The most important function a contract lawyer has is to make any legitimate desires of the client work, to achieve results. This course, which satisfies the upper-class writing requirement, will focus both on drafting skills and on other aspects of how lawyers help their clients to make contracts. This includes how to find out just what the client wants; how to learn the details of his business and the law that will govern the transaction; and the ethics of contract practice. We will begin with short sub-courses in drafting and negotiating, but the bulk of the course will be hands-on writing, detailed comments by the instructor and revisions by the student, with extensive feedback from the professor throughout the semester.
5397 WRC: Practice-based Legal Writing - TABOR (offered in Fall 2014)
Course name: Practice-based Legal Writing
Course credit and size: Three credit hours; maximum 12 students
Course description: Students will have varied opportunities to write and receive feedback on their writing in transactional and litigation contexts. Writing assignments may include short articles, letters (e.g., demand, opposing counsel, client, court), objective analyses, pleadings, motions, private rule-making documents: policies/procedures (e.g., promotion, protection of individual rights, discipline), and contracts or contract excerpts. Each student will complete three to five practical writing assignments, with total production of at least twenty-one pages, based on an average of 250-300 words per double-spaced page. Some assignments may require research. Each assignment will require the student to submit a first draft, which will be returned with written feedback, and a final version that is rewritten to incorporate the draft feedback. In addition to any conference scheduled for document feedback or review, each student will be offered opportunities to meet in conference with the professor for individualized assessment of the student’s writing. No text is required.
7397 WRC: Practice-based Legal Writing - TABOR (offered in Spring 2015)
Students will have varied opportunities to write and receive feedback on their writing in transactional and litigation contexts. Writing assignments may include short articles, letters (e.g., demand, opposing counsel, client, court), pleadings, motions, policies/procedures (e.g., promotion, protection of individual rights, discipline), and contracts or contract excerpts. Each student will complete three to five practical writing assignments, with total production of at least twenty-one pages, based on an average of 250-300 words per double-spaced page. Some assignments may require research. Each assignment will require the student to submit a first draft, which will be returned with written feedback, a second draft, for which feedback may be written or oral, and a final version that is rewritten to incorporate the second-draft feedback. In addition to any conference scheduled for second-draft feedback, each student will be offered opportunities to meet in conference with the professor for individualized assessment of the student’s writing. No text is required.
7397 WRC: Practice-based Legal Writing - TILTON-McCARTHY (offered in Spring 2015)
Course Outline: Lawyering Skills and Strategies II will focus on legal writing in litigation and transactional contexts and the skills and strategic planning lawyers must possess to succeed within actual lawyering experiences. The curriculum will be problem – based, using fact-pattern simulations to enable students to work through actual practice skills and strategies and ethical issues. Training in essential lawyering skills such as oral communication, legal writing, research, and analysis will be embedded within fact pattern simulations involving typical litigation and transactional issues that students will work through to develop lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies. Students at times will be assigned to represent opposing sides of the problem.
7397 WRC: Practice-based Legal Writing - TABOR (offered in Fall 2015)
Course name: Practice-based Legal Writing
Course credit and size: Three credit hours; maximum 12 students
Course description: Students will have varied opportunities to write and receive feedback on their writing in transactional and litigation contexts. Writing assignments may include short articles, letters (e.g., demand, opposing counsel, client, court), objective analyses, pleadings, motions, private rule-making documents: policies/procedures (e.g., promotion, protection of individual rights, discipline), and contracts or contract excerpts. Each student will complete three to five practical writing assignments, with total production of at least twenty-one pages, based on an average of 250-300 words per double-spaced page. Some assignments may require research. Each assignment will require the student to submit a first draft, which will be returned with written feedback, and a final version that is rewritten to incorporate the draft feedback. In addition to any conference scheduled for document feedback or review, each student will be offered opportunities to meet in conference with the professor for individualized assessment of the student’s writing. No text is required.
7397 WRC: Writing for Criminal Defense - MASELLI (offered in Spring 2015)
5397 Written Advocacy - HOFFMANL (offered in Spring 2014)
In this three-hour credit course, which does not satisfy the UHLC writing requirement, you will receive extensive feedback from the instructor on your writing. The course is intended for students who wish to improve their persuasive writing skills, especially for civil litigation practice.
In our initial meetings we will discuss basic strategies for approaching a problem that calls for a written answer and analysis. Over the course of the semester, we will work on different writing assignments. You will do multiple drafts of each assignment. The ultimate goal of the class is for you to gain a better understanding of your own writing talent and tendencies and develop better writing skills and habits.
5397 Written Advocacy - HOFFMANL (offered in Spring 2013)
This three credit hour course, which does not satisfy the UHLC writing requirement, is an advanced course of study in written advocacy for litigators. It is intended for students who wish to improve their persuasive writing skills, especially for civil litigation practice. Enrollment is limited to fourteen students.
Here is how the class works. In our first class meeting, the instructor will lead a discussion about basic strategies for approaching a problem that calls for a written answer/analysis. Students then have a few weeks to work up a first draft. At least once during these first few weeks, students will meet with the instructor about their first drafts. Once the drafts are completed, they will be exchanged in advance of the next class. In the next class, students and the instructor provide feedback on the initial work. The immediate goals of this first exercise are (i) dissection of good approaches to answering and analyzing the problem; (ii) comparative study of student work; and (iii) developing suggestions and a strategy plan for further refinement. Second drafts will then be due, following this same format with further feedback, along similar lines, at a more advanced stage of development.
There is no casebook for the course. The instructor will distribute a packet of reading material. There is no final examination. Students will be evaluated primarily on their written work; in-class participation may also be taken into account. At most, class participation could increase a student’s final grade by one-third of a letter grade. It is possible (though rare) for a student’s grade to be reduced for failure to participate.
Attendance is required both for regular class meetings and the separate meetings that will be scheduled with the instructor to discuss drafts of the student’s work. The instructor may lower a final grade and/or take any other appropriate disciplinary action necessary if the student is absent from more than 20% of the scheduled classes and instructor meetings.
7397 WRS: Consumer Credit Law and Policy - HAWKINS (offered in Fall 2015)
This course will consider a variety of different consumer credit products such as mortgages, credit cards, payday loans, and auto title loans. We will read and discuss law review articles, statutes, cases, and/or books that deal with the law that currently governs these products, and we will consider how to change the laws to meet policy goals. Students' grades will be based on an outline, rough draft, final paper, and presentation on a consumer credit topic, and on class participation.
7397 WRS: Early American Legal History - PALMER (offered in Spring 2015)
Survey of American Legal and Constitutional History, primarily from 1776 to 1940, with an emphasis on rights, federalism (both state and federal constitutional law), and constitutional ideas embedded in the common law.
7397 WRS: Federal Natural Resources - BURKE (offered in Fall 2014)
This seminar will examine some of the mechanisms for the management, preservation, conservation, use, and enjoyment of natural resources on federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf. These resources include wildlife, wilderness, refuges, rivers, national parks, National Conservation Landscape System lands, minerals, conventional and renewable energy, and timber. This course considers the history, jurisdiction, and conflicts of the natural resource management agencies (primarily the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior) under the various natural resources statutes such as the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the General Mining Law, the Mineral Leasing Act, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to name just a few. Current issues to be considered include development of renewable energy on federal lands and on the Outer Continental Shelf, hydraulic fracturing, species listings and critical habitat designations, oil and gas development in the Arctic, wild horses and burros, and other challenging natural resource management issues. Although there is not a very much federal public land in Texas, almost every major energy company in the United States and many international energy companies have significant interests on federal lands and in federal waters. If you plan to practice environmental, energy, or natural resources law, this seminar will provide you with exposure and understanding of the major issues facing the managers and users of federal natural resources today.
7397 WRS: Local Controls, Land Development, Public Rights, and Private Conservation - BRAY (offered in Summer II 2014)
The seminar on Local Controls, Land Development, Public Rights, and Private Conservation will cover a wide range of substantive issues related to property law, natural resources, land use, land development, and state and local regulation. We will also focus on legal research and writing techniques. The course will be graded primarily on the writing of a seminar paper, which will satisfy the Law Center’s writing requirement, as well as class participation.
The class is currently scheduled to meet regularly during the Summer II session, which runs from June 2 – July 8, 2014. In order to ensure that students have enough time to develop a seminar paper that will satisfy the Law Center’s writing requirement, only rough drafts of the paper will be due at the end of the seminar’s regular class meetings in July, at which time students will receive a grade of incomplete. Final drafts of the seminar paper will not be due until early August, at the end of the Law Center’s summer schedule, at which time Professor Bray will enter final grades for this seminar.
To ensure that enrolled students complete the paper in the time allotted, prior to the first class session interested students must first choose a topic for the paper, and then meet with Professor Bray to discuss the topic. Subsequent class discussions during the Summer II session will involve individual presentations of the students’ research and draft papers as well as group discussions about relevant assigned readings.
7397 WRS: Securities Regulation - BRITTON (offered in Spring 2015)
A study of the basic principles of our unique system of securities regulation. Among the areas addressed are jurisdiction, the identification of securities and the analysis and evaluation of the disclosure philosophy as it pertains to domestic and international offerings as well as under state "blue sky" laws. Special emphasis is given to the importance of the principal exemptions form registration under the 1933 Act, and to consequent civil liabilities for unregistered offerings or inadequate disclosure in filed documents.
7397 WRS:Juvenile Justice/Children and the Law - MARRUS (offered in Spring 2015)
This is a seminar writing course in which students may delve into various topics involving children and the law. The subject matter may involve issues of juvenile justice, child welfare (dependency), education, or health care. Students will be responsible for completing two drafts prior to the writing of the final paper and making a presentation to the class.
