JUDICIAL EXTERNSHIP PLACEMENT STATE OR FEDERAL (2) JUDICIAL EXTERNSHIP SEMINAR (1) (EXT 800 OR EXT 801)

Professors Mariana Hogan and Jean Marie Brescia

This three-credit course combines placement with a state or federal judge in New York City or surrounding jurisdictions with a related seminar. Students work with the judge or on placement work for at least twelve hours a week (24 hours per week during the shorter summer session) and attend a two-hour seminar. The seminar meets every other week during the fall and spring semesters and every week during the shorter summer session. The topics explored in the seminar include: research and legal writing for a judge, including opinion writing and bench memos; judicial selection processes; judicial ethics and oversight; judicial decision-making; the role of the judge in settlement, pre-trial, and trial processes; the effects of the judge’s demeanor on the judicial process; public perception of judges; bias in the judicial system; and trends in the courts. The format of the class varies but may include discussion, simulation, use of video, and role-plays. Assignments for the seminar portion of the course include timesheets, journals, and an in-class presentation. Assignments at the placement vary according the judges’ needs. 1 seminar credit is graded and 2 place-ment credits are pass/fail. Placement credits do not involve scheduled classes. No more than 14 placement credits may count toward the J.D. Students interested in pursuing judicial externships and clerkships should consider taking Drafting: Judicial Opinions (LWR 350).