Writing is integral to most aspects of state and federal civil law practice including communicating effectively with clients, asserting clients’ rights, and advocating for clients in litigation. This two-credit hour advanced writing course helps prepare students for the rigors of legal analysis and writing in general civil practice by providing a variety of writing experiences including opinion and demand letters, pleadings, motions, and trial briefs. Assignments will be based on a number of substantive issues of statutory and common law including property, contracts, torts and civil procedure. Writing assignments will involve initial drafts, instructor feedback, peer review, and final revisions with students building a portfolio of their work during the course of the semester. Research skills will be reviewed and practiced. In addition to content analysis and structure, emphasis will be placed on the ethical and professional considerations involved with each assignment. The semester will culminate in oral arguments on motions before members of the bench and bar.

Sections/Instructors

Jo Ann Ragazzo
Legal Writing in Civil Practice 785.01
Fall 2013

Jo Ann Ragazzo
Legal Writing in Civil Practice 785.01
Spring 2013
Sakai Site

Jo Ann Ragazzo
Legal Writing in Civil Practice 785.01
Fall 2011
E-mail List • Blackboard Site

Jo Ann Ragazzo
Legal Writing in Civil Practice 785.01
Fall 2010
E-mail List • Blackboard Site

Jo Ann Ragazzo
Legal Writing in Civil Practice 785.01
Fall 2009
E-mail List • Blackboard Site

Jo Ann Ragazzo
Legal Writing in Civil Practice 785.01
Fall 2008
E-mail List • Blackboard Site