Study

This three-credit integrated externship will immerse students in the theory, practice, and politics of Movement Lawyering. The course proceeds in two parts: a weekly seminar and partner work. In the seminar, students learn the foundations and tactics of movement activism and discover how lawyers work with social movements to build power and create change In the partner work portion, students are paired with lawyers and organizers to produce legal analyses, policy papers, legislative reviews, rapid response documents, outreach materials, and more, with a special emphasis on racial and reproductive justice. Past and current projects include:

• Data collection and analysis on local police budgets
• Legal research on the viability of decarcerating people imprisoned during the War on Drugs
• Background research for a bill outlawing unauthorized pelvic exams in teaching hospitals
• Drafting a policy paper on the family policing system and convening a working group
• Compiling geographic and demographic information for a project on infrastructure justice and food apartheid

Course enrollment is by application.

Interested students should send their resume and a short (approximately 1-2 paragraphs) statement of interest about why they would like to enroll in the course to Professor Gordon. Applications are due Wednesday, November 12, by 5pm. Students will be informed whether they have a seat in the class by Friday, December 5.

Special Notes:

Application due by 11/12/25 at 5:00 PM

Spring 2026

Course Number	Course Credits	Evaluation Method	Instructor
639.01	3	Reflective Writing Research and/or analytical paper(s), 5-10 pages Group project(s) Practical exercises Class participation	Anne Gordon
Canvas site: https://canvas.duke.edu/courses/75895