General Course Descriptions for Terms: trial advocacy
849 - Pre-Trial Advocacy
Pre-trial Advocacy is a practical, skills-focused course designed to prepare students for the realities of civil litigation from initial client engagement through pretrial proceedings. Drawing on real-world litigation experience and realistic case scenarios, the course examines how litigators use the rules of civil procedure not simply to comply with procedural requirements but as tools for developing and executing an effective litigation strategy. Students will learn both the procedural requirements and strategic considerations involved in case assessment, pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement, client counseling, and pretrial preparation. Students will apply these concepts through practical exercises and drafting assignments involving the types of documents civil litigators routinely prepare in practice. The course is designed for students interested in civil litigation who want to bridge the gap between learning civil procedure and applying it in practice.
852 - Trial Advocacy (Prosecution Project) (2nd half of term: FJI Session)
853 - Mock Trial: Trial Advocacy
855 - Field Placement: Public Defender Project
The Public Defender Project is a combination of course work and an externship placement in the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office. 2L students take two courses in spring: Trial Advocacy and the Defense Function. They then work during the summer in State Public Defender Offices, with placements available all over Wisconsin. Students may work for credit or for a summer stipend (without course credit). During their summer work, students may handle all aspects of clients’ cases, from initial appearance through trial. In addition to defending clients in criminal matters, our students also provide representation in revocations, civil commitments regarding mental health, and juvenile proceedings. During the following fall semester, students must enroll in a related course that focuses on ethical issues in criminal-defense practice.