Fall 2020 Course Offerings

Instructor: Lenhart (3 Sections)
Instructor: Solimine (3 Sections)

Description:

This course covers various aspects of civil litigation from the filing of a complaint up to the discovery process. Jurisdiction over the person, venue, and federal subject matter jurisdiction are explored. Coverage is also given to the decision in Erie RR v. Tompkins and its progeny, concerning the applicability of state law in federal courts. The remainder of the course is devoted to service of process, joinder of parties, counterclaims and amendments.

Instructor: Bilionis (4 sections)
Instructor: Bryant (1 section)
Instructor: Lockwood (1 section)

Description:

This is an introductory course that covers the framing and adoption of the Constitution; the practice and implications of judicial review; methods of constitutional interpretation; the Constitution’s enumeration and limitation of the powers of the national government; principles of federalism and the sovereignty of states in the federal system; the distribution of powers across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the national government; and the constitutional guarantee of “the equal protection of the laws” established with the adoption of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Instructor: Houh (1 section)
Instructor: Hubbard (1 section)
Instructor: Tomain (4 sections)

Description:

This course on contracts is an introduction to the law that governs agreements for the future exchange of performances. Topics include the formation of contracts, their interpretation and content, grounds for nonenforcement and nonperformance, and remedies for breach. We will focus on learning the rules of contract law, identifying what rules apply to particular disputes (and what rules do not), understanding why disputes arise, and appreciating the roles of lawyers in contract matters.

Instructor: McCord (2 sections)
Instructor: Oliver (2 sections)
Instructor: Smith (2 sections)

Description:

This course covers skills basic to competent legal research and writing. The students write objective memoranda of law based on hypothetical problems composed by the instructors. The course emphasizes issue recognition, case and statutory interpretation, legal analysis, and the use of plain English.

Instructor: Malloy (1 section)
Instructor: Schneider (1 section)
Instructor: Sperino (4 sections)

Description:

Torts examines the three basic theories of civil (non-criminal) liability for injuries to persons and property. International torts, negligence and strict liability. These subjects are considered together with causation problems, defenses to liability (such as consent, self-defense, comparative negligence and assumption of risk), and affirmative duties.

Instructor: Mank

Description:

Government agencies increasingly regulate the marketplace, health and safety, and provide basic services. This course explores the constitutional powers and limitations on agency action, judicial review of agencies, and the procedures with which agencies must comply in regulating or providing benefits.

Instructor: Krafte

Description:

This class explores copyright, trademark, right of publicity, and other intellectual property issues, as well as defamation and product disparagement issues surrounding the creative world of advertising. Topics will include logos; products and their packaging; the use of images in advertising; celebrity sponsorships; false advertising, comparative advertising; contests and lotteries; internet advertising; government regulation of "unfair" trade practices; children's advertising; and the relationship between First Amendment concerns and commercial speech.

Instructor: Tomaszewski

Description:

This course examines the law as it relates to nonhuman animals, including companion animals, wildlife, livestock, animals used for research, and animals used for entertainment. Students will read and discuss state and federal case law, statutes, and administrative regulations affecting substantive areas of law including constitutional law, contract, tort, property, criminal law, wills, and trusts. Students will also read and discuss the history and development of animal law and policy, and will consider current legislative and policy initiatives.

Instructor: DeWine/Stier

Description:

This covers the role and function of appellate courts: preserving issues for appeal; appealability; appeal strategy; the record on appeal; briefs and oral argument; operating procedures of appellate courts; motion practice; extraordinary writs; and related matters. Each student prepares a critique of an actual case pending in an appellate court. SPECIAL NOTE: Taking this course satisfies only one of the graduation requirements (seminar or writing). If you take this course and have not yet satisfied the seminar requirement, you will be deemed to have met the seminar requirement. However, if you take this course and you have already met the seminar requirement, you will be deemed to have met the writing requirement. Two, separate courses are required to satisfy both the seminar and writing requirements. No one course satisfies them both.

Instructor: Bai

Description:

This course covers major topics in the law of agency, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations, as well as selected aspects of the federal securities laws.

Instructor: Cook/Helfrich/Washington

Description:

One of the most intrusive governmental actions is the removal of children from their families. The grounds for removal include abuse and neglect. These decisions are made by juvenile and family courts across the nation, resulting in nearly 500,000 children in the child protection system each year. The parties to a child protection action include county social workers, parents, best interests advocates known as Guardians ad Litem (GAL) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA Volunteer), and the children. These parties are represented by attorneys in a variety of roles. This course is designed as an introduction to child protection actions and the roles of attorneys participating in them, and current practitioners.

Instructor: Cook/Helfrich/Washington

Description:

One of the most intrusive governmental actions is the removal of children from their families. The grounds for removal include abuse and neglect. These decisions are made by juvenile and family courts across the nation, resulting in nearly 500,000 children in the child protection system each year. The parties to a child protection action include county social workers, parents, best interests advocates known as Guardians ad Litem (GAL) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA Volunteer), and the children. These parties are represented by attorneys in a variety of roles. This course is designed as an introduction to child protection actions and the roles of attorneys participating in them, and current practitioners.

Instructor: Armstrong

Description:

Computer Programming for Legal Professionals will train students to use the free, opensource, and cross-platform Python programming language to perform common legal tasks. Students will learn basic Python syntax and how to use some of the most common software libraries supplied with the language. Each week, students will complete a series of programming exercises that will require them to put their new knowledge to practical use in a legal setting. The exercises will increase steadily in complexity as the semester progresses, so that by the end of the class, students will be able to (for example) create their own case law search engine, or analyze data downloaded from a federal agency’s web site.

Instructor: Bai

Description:

This course teaches concepts and methodologies used by corporations in major financing activities, as well as legal issues that may arise in those activities. Course materials are divided into four parts: equity financing, debt financing, valuation methodologies, and financial derivatives. For equity financing, discussions will focus on the IPO process, ADRs and GDRs, rights offerings and stock repurchases. For debt financing, discussions will focus on bond features and trading environment, bond issuance, valuation and risk management, convertible bonds, key provisions in an indenture and legal implications, characteristics of medium term notes and commercial paper programs. For valuation methodologies, discussions will focus on discounted cash flows, net present values, and dividend discount models. For financial derivatives, discussions will focus on options trading, pricing and risk management, the futures market and interest rate swaps.

Instructor: Mangan

Description:

This course will take students through a single transaction, beginning with the initial term sheet, continuing through the negotiation and execution of a purchase agreement, and ending with closing and post-closing obligations. By the end of the course, students will acquire a detailed understanding of deal structures and timelines, the ebb and flow of transactions, and the major components of a negotiated agreement. Students will work in teams representing one party to the transaction throughout the entire course. Course work includes required reading, in-class and outside-class drafting assignments, client counseling, and contract negotiation. Special Note: This is a capstone class that requires significant work outside of the classroom and, sometimes, challenging due dates. Students work in teams and you will need to find time to work together.

Instructor: Vazquez

Description:

This introductory course deals with the constitutional aspects of various police practices, focusing primarily on the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the US Constitution. The course specifically addresses the right to counsel; arrest, search and seizure; wiretapping, electronic eavesdropping and the use of secret agents; police interrogation and confession; and the scope and administration of the exclusionary rules. 

Instructor: Lockwood

Description: 

The seminar will address a range of issues facing women around the world, and the international and comparative law that has developed to address the equality rights, se critical problems.  Initial focus will be upon the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of discrimination against women, a widely ratified treaty.  Issues such as reproductive rights, female genital mutilation, honor crimes, equality doctrines and gender discrimination, freedom of religion vs. women’s rights, regional approaches to women’s rights, economic empowerment and employment discrimination, and domestic violence will be amongst the issues covered in the seminar. Students will be required to write a paper and make a presentation.

Instructor: Woodard

Description:

This course will introduce taking and defending depositions. Major topics will include an overview of depositions (what depositions are and how they fit into the larger case strategy), preparing for a deposition (creating a deposition outline and exhibits), standard deposition admonitions (and what they actually mean), effective use of questioning (open vs. closed questions and the funnel technique), and form objections. Students will take part in deposition simulations and view videotaped depositions.

Instructor: Williams

Description:

In this short course, students will meet daily in 3-hour sessions to explore the roots of structural racism, examine its various manifestations in the U.S. legal system, and critique proposals to eradicate it. Readings will survey historical and legal sources to provide an understanding of race’s role in establishing social hierarchy in this nation. This course requires students to prepare discussion questions for each class meeting, participate in class discussion, and write short reflection papers after each session.

Instructor: Malloy

Description:

Disability Law introduces areas of U.S. domestic law and policy that address the civil rights, needs, and treatment of persons with disabilities. The course covers the Americans with Disabilities Act, some discussion of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Fair Housing Act, and a brief overview of international disability law, specifically the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Topics include the following: the challenge of defining disability; the social and medical models of disability; the nature and causes of disability discrimination; the proper scope of legal regulation; the costs and benefits of accommodation; the overlapping and distinctive features of regulating discrimination in different domains such as employment, education, and public accommodations; what disability law and theory can teach antidiscrimination law more generally; and the role of extra-legal knowledge in the legal project of responding to disability discrimination. The course has no prerequisites and is open to LLMs and non-law students as well as to JD candidates. Grades will be based on class participation, potential response papers, and a final seminar paper and presentation. SPECIAL NOTE: Taking this course satisfies only one of the graduation requirements (seminar or writing). If you take this course and have not yet satisfied the seminar requirement, you will be deemed to have met the seminar requirement. However, if you take this course and you have already met the seminar requirement, you will be deemed to have met the writing requirement. Two, separate courses are required to satisfy both the seminar and writing requirements. No one course satisfies them both.

Instructor: Lucas

Description:

As part of collaboration with the Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati, students act as advocates for victims of domestic violence. Advocacy includes interviewing and counseling clients, helping clients in civil protection order cases as well as issues as they relate to family law. Second-year students, who cannot be licensed as legal interns in Ohio, participate in interviewing, case preparation, and other aspects of clinic work.

Instructor: Lucas

Description:

2L Domestic Violence & Civil Protection Order Field Placement. You must also enroll concurrently in the 2L DV&CPO Class (IRTS 7039). As part of collaboration with the Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati, students act as advocates for victims of domestic violence. Advocacy includes interviewing and counseling clients, helping clients in civil protection order cases as well as issues as they relate to family law. Second-year students, who cannot be licensed as legal interns in Ohio, participate in interviewing, case preparation, and other aspects of clinic work.

Instructor: Lucas

Description:

As part of collaboration with the Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati, students act as advocates for victims of domestic violence. Second-year students, who cannot be licensed as legal interns in Ohio, participate in interviewing, case preparation, and other aspects of clinic work. Third year students must apply for and obtain an intern license before the start of the semester. Under the direct supervision of a supervising attorney, students will represent clients in court.

Instructor: Schneider

Description:

This course examines legal issues encountered at all levels of education. The course will focus on such problems as academic freedom, curriculum control, censorship, mandatory education, church – state issues, faculty and student rights, tort and civil liability of educational institutions, and educational opportunity, including rights of the handicapped. SPECIAL NOTE: Taking this course satisfies only one of the graduation requirements (seminar or writing). If you take this course and have not yet satisfied the seminar requirement, you will be deemed to have met the seminar requirement. However, if you take this course and you have already met the seminar requirement, you will be deemed to have met the writing requirement. Two, separate courses are required to satisfy both the seminar and writing requirements. No one course satisfies them both.

Instructor: Bryan

Description:

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the legal underpinnings of today’s democratic politics, the historical struggle over the structure of democratic institutions, and the practical consequences that follow from different institutional arrangements. As time allows, students will examine the history, law, and contemporary legal and policy debates regarding the individual right to vote, the districting and apportionment process (including partisan and racial gerrymandering), and the financing of campaigns and independent expenditures.

Instructor: Hubbard

Description:

This course surveys the major legislative and executive provisions prohibiting various types of discrimination in employment. Discrimination is considered in the context of hiring, promotion, discharge, benefits, conditions, and the like. Consideration is also given to the procedures applicable to employment discrimination cases.

Instructor: Sperino

Description:

This course focuses on the legal relationship between employer and the individual employee. It will cover the common law aspects of that relationship, particularly the employment at will doctrine. It will then examine common law, contract, and statutory modifications of the doctrine. Statutes that may be examined include whistle-blower protection, unemployment and workers’ compensation acts, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and federal discrimination statutes. The course also covers other key features of the employment relationship including privacy concerns and contracts relating to protecting certain employer interests. The course is recommended for students contemplating a labor or employment law, corporate, or general practice.

Instructor: Mangan

Description:

In this course, students will staff the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic (ECDC), obtaining “hands on” experience representing local businesses and entrepreneurs on transactional legal issues critical to their success, including assistance and counseling on entity selection and formation; regulatory compliance and licensing; trademark/copyright protection; lease review and negotiation; contract preparation/review/negotiation; tax-exempt applications; and other legal issues confronting small businesses, both for-profit and nonprofit. Students also will learn how a small law office operates, including procedures for client intake, file maintenance, project tracking, timekeeping, and scheduling. In addition to attending the weekly class, students will be expected to spend approximately 10-12 hours per week on their clinic work, with a minimum of 3 of those hours spent working in the clinic offices at the law school. The ECDC will represent primarily clients of limited financial means who cannot afford the services of the private bar and will not represent clients in litigation or in proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SPECIAL NOTES: Interested students should look for email announcements regarding information sessions about the Clinic and how to apply.

Instructor: Mangan

Description:

Students will also be concurrently enrolled in BCL7038. In this course, students will staff the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic (ECDC), obtaining “hands on” experience representing local businesses and entrepreneurs on transactional legal issues critical to their success, including assistance and counseling on entity selection and formation; regulatory compliance and licensing; trademark/copyright protection; lease review and negotiation; contract preparation/review/negotiation; tax-exempt applications; and other legal issues confronting small businesses, both for-profit and nonprofit. Students also will learn how a small law office operates, including procedures for client intake, file maintenance, project tracking, timekeeping, and scheduling. In addition to attending the weekly class, students will be expected to spend approximately 10-12 hours per week on their clinic work, with a minimum of 3 of those hours spent working in the clinic offices at the law school. The ECDC will represent primarily clients of limited financial means who cannot afford the services of the private bar and will not represent clients in litigation or in proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SPECIAL NOTES: Interested students should look for email announcements regarding information sessions about the Clinic and how to apply.

Instructor: Godsey

Description:

The goal of this course is for students to know and be able to apply (1) the Federal Rules of Evidence governing relevance, unfair prejudice, character evidence, impeachment, hearsay, and opinion testimony; (2) the rules as they intersect with a few constitutional provisions, such as the Sixth Amendment confrontation right; and (3) some housekeeping rules, such as Rules 102-105, 201, 611, and the Best Evidence rule.

Instructor: Hubbard

Description:

Primary focus is on the relationship between law and the family in the context of the creation, maintenance and restructuring of domestic relations.  Special attention is given to the nature of marriage, separation, divorce, dissolution, support, alimony, and child custody.

Instructor: Solimine

Description:

This course addresses issues of federalism and separation of powers raised by statutes and doctrines which establish and limit federal court jurisdiction. Among the matters addressed are standing, legislative courts, congressional power over federal jurisdiction, the Eleventh Amendment, and the abstention doctrines. Also considered are the role state courts play in the formation and application of doctrines.

Instructor: S. McMahon

Description:

This course is structured around the two dominant themes of the taxation of individuals under the Internal Revenue Code: what is income, and what is deductible; and when must the taxpayer recognize income, and when can the taxpayer deduct a particular expense. Also the course examines miscellaneous topics such as capital gains and losses, identifying the proper taxpayer, and others.

Description:

By permission of instructor. The Freedom Center Journal of Law and History engages its readership on issues historically driving African-American intellectual thought while challenging its student membership to fully develop their individual talents to compete on terms of academic equality in an international society governed by law and legal institutions. This class will be scheduled by the Registrar.

Description:

The Freedom Center Journal of Law and History engages its readership on issues historically driving African-American intellectual thought while challenging its student membership to fully develop their individual talents to compete on terms of academic equality in an international society governed by law and legal institutions. This class will be scheduled by the Registrar.

Description:

Editor Position: By permission of Instructor. Participating students engage in the selection and editing of articles for publication in the University of Cincinnati Human Rights Quarterly. The Registrar will enroll students selected to participate in the necessary class through the registration system.

Description:

Participating students engage in the selection and editing of articles for publication in the University of Cincinnati Human Rights Quarterly. The Registrar will enroll students selected to participate in the necessary class through the registration system.

Description:

The Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal is dedicated to furthering knowledge associated with the research and practice of intellectual property law, computer law, and related fields concerning domestic and international media and telecommunications policy. The Journal will be published online. The Registrar will enroll students selected to participate in the necessary class through the registration system.

Description:

The Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal is dedicated to furthering knowledge associated with the research and practice of intellectual property law, computer law, and related fields concerning domestic and international media and telecommunications policy. The Journal will be published online. The Registrar will enroll students selected to participate in the necessary class through the registration system.

Description:

Participating students engage in selection and preparation of articles for publication in the Review. Students also write notes and comments for publication in the Review. Students will be scheduled by the Registrar.

Description:

Participating students engage in selection and preparation of articles for publication in the Review. Students also write notes and comments for publication in the Review. Students will be scheduled by the Registrar.

Instructor: Silverstein

Description:

Through the Office of the Hamilton County Public Defender, students provide representation to indigent criminal defendants in misdemeanor cases. Each student is closely supervised by a licensed attorney and handles all aspects of the case, from the initial client interview and investigation to motions practice and trial advocacy. During the year-long program, students must commit 15 hours each week to the clinic, including participation in a weekly Thursday evening classroom component. This is a continuation of the Clinic from fall semester; accepted and enrolled students commit to both semesters of their third year. Limited to students who participated in the Clinic in the previous semester; 3L’s only; students must qualify for the Ohio Student Intern License to enroll in this clinic.

Instructor: Silverstein

Description:

Concurrent enrollment required in LITG 7051. Through the Office of the Hamilton County Public Defender, students provide representation to indigent criminal defendants in misdemeanor cases. Each student is closely supervised by a licensed attorney and handles all aspects of the case, from the initial client interview and investigation to motions practice and trial advocacy. During the year-long program, students must commit 15 hours each week to the clinic, including participation in a weekly Thursday evening classroom component. This is a continuation of the Clinic from fall semester; accepted and enrolled students commit to both semesters of their third year. SPECIAL NOTES: Limited to students who participated in the Clinic in previous fall semester; 3L’s only; students must qualify for the Ohio Student Intern License to enroll in this clinic.

Description:

Under the direct supervision of a member of the faculty, upper-level students engage in original research and prepare for credit a substantial written work product. The research project is selected jointly by the student and faculty member. Customarily, the final product will be a research paper, and, in that case, the paper must be 10-15 pages long for one credit, 20-30 pages long for two credits, and 35-50 pages long for three credits. SPECIAL NOTE: Students must register for the course and present a completed contract by the last day of the drop/add period. Contracts must be turned in on time or students will be dropped from the class. You are limited to five total credits of Individual writing per academic year.

Description:

Under the direct supervision of a member of the faculty, upper-level students engage in original research and prepare for credit a substantial written work product. The research project is selected jointly by the student and faculty member. Customarily, the final product will be a research paper, and, in that case, the paper must be 10-15 pages long for one credit, 20-30 pages long for two credits, and 35-50 pages long for three credits. SPECIAL NOTE: Students must register for the course and present a completed contract by the last day of the drop/add period. Contracts must be turned in on time or students will be dropped from the class. You are limited to five total credits of Individual writing per academic year.

Description:

Under the direct supervision of a member of the faculty, upper-level students engage in original research and prepare for credit a substantial written work product. The research project is selected jointly by the student and faculty member. Customarily, the final product will be a research paper, and, in that case, the paper must be 10-15 pages long for one credit, 20-30 pages long for two credits, and 35-50 pages long for three credits. SPECIAL NOTE: Students must register for the course and present a completed contract by the last day of the drop/add period. Contracts must be turned in on time or students will be dropped from the class. You are limited to five total credits of Individual writing per academic year.

Instructors: Bergeron/Caster/Godsey/Howe

Description:

The Ohio Innocence Project (OIP), a part of the Rosenthal Institute for Justice, harnesses the energy and intellect of students to identify inmates in Ohio prisons who are innocent of the crimes they were convicted of committing. Innocence is often determined by DNA testing, but can include other types of new evidence such as new witnesses, new expert testimony, or evidence of police misconduct. Once an inmate's innocence has been established through investigation, the OIP sends the case back to court and litigates in the hope of obtaining the inmate's freedom. SPECIAL NOTES: Enrollment by permission of instructor; full year commitment required; must complete year if participated in the fall of 2018.

Instructors: Bergeron/Caster/Godsey/Howe

Description:

In this course, students examine the various types of evidence that might lead to the wrongful conviction of innocent persons. They will also consider the roles police, prosecutors, and defense lawyers play in the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on discovering how errors can lead to the conviction of the innocent. SPECIAL NOTES: Field Study in the spring semester is required. The Registrar will enroll students selected to participate in the necessary class through the registration system.

Instructor: Pinney

Description:

The course is designed to introduce the student to international commercial arbitration. The course will focus on preparing the student both for advising companies on negotiating effective dispute resolution provisions in cross-border commercial contracts and representing clients having a dispute before an international commercial arbitration tribunal. The course will begin by emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted dispute resolution provision in cross-border agreements and the inadequacies of leaving dispute resolution to national courts. The course will then address the differences in customs and legal traditions in Europe, Asia and Latin America and the influence of such differences on the manner in which disputes are resolved and arbitrations are conducted. The student will be introduced to the principal international arbitral institutions administrating international arbitrations and their procedural rules, and also to the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules (for ad hoc non-administered arbitrations) and investor/state arbitrations under bilateral investment treaties. In addition, there will be a brief introduction to the Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. The remainder of the course will demonstrate, using a hypothetical international business dispute, the procedures step-by-step typically used in an international commercial arbitration, including: commencement and issuance of the statements of claims and defense, the selection of arbitrators, the disclosure process, the pleadings and submissions of pre-hearing briefs and memorials, the presentation of written and oral evidence at the hearing, the issuance of the award, the role of courts in enforcing arbitral agreements and ultimately enforcement or vacatur of the award under the New York Convention and a variety of specific arbitration laws, including those in the United States, England, France, Hong Kong and China. Plans are being made to field a University of Cincinnati College of Law team to compete in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Hong Kong in March 2020. If funding is secured for fielding a team for the 2019-20 Moot, at least two “team” members will be chosen from students in the class. Four members of the UC Law Team would travel to Hong Kong in March 2020 and compete against about 130 law schools from around the world on the 2020 Moot Problem which is issued in early October 2019. The mid-term paper based on the 2019 Vis Moot Problem will be used as one of the vehicles from which team members will be selected.

Instructor: Behlen

Description:

This course will examine the fundamentals of Criminal Law and International Law. It will consider the development of international criminal tribunals from the Nuremberg Tribunal to the International Criminal Court. The course will explore comparative criminal procedure and sentencing, principles of jurisdiction, the extraterritorial application of U.S. criminal statutes, and immunities. It will cover U.S. Constitutional rights in a transnational context, obtaining evidence abroad, and extradition. Next, the course will explore transnational crime: organized crime, trafficking, money laundering, corruption, and terrorism. Finally, the course will examine the International Criminal Court; modes of participation; defenses; international crimes: crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, the crime of aggression, torture, sexual violence; and alternatives to prosecution, such as truth and reconciliation commissions.

Instructor: Szegedy-Maszak

Description:

Discusses the current trends in international commercial policies related to the multilateral trading system developed through the World Trade Organization, Free Trade Agreements and Investment Protection Treaties. Regulation of international trade is studied through the analysis of different sectors of the economy. Special interest is given to the relationship of trade policies with sectoral public policies. Additional interest is given to the recent tendencies of protectionist national economic policies and how they affect the international trading system. Topics are developed in class as a result of continuous discussions with students based on previously assigned readings. Classes are practical and case law based. Current trends are also analyzed through statistical data.

Instructor: Armstrong

Description:

This broadest and most basic course gives roughly equal time to the three primary federal doctrines in the area, copyright, trademark, and patent, and gives students a brief introduction to related state law doctrines such as rights of publicity and trade secrets. This course provides students with the basics of each doctrine as well as an understanding of the ways in which they interact with each other. This course is a prerequisite to other IP courses in the program.

Instructor: Hunt

Description:

This course introduces the student to the issues arising from the interaction of mentally ill or incapacitated individuals with the American civil and criminal justice system. It also considers the practice and structure of the mental health profession. SPECIAL NOTES: Taking this course satisfies only one of the graduation requirements (seminar or writing). If you take this course and have not yet satisfied the seminar requirement, you will be deemed to have met the seminar requirement. However, if you take this course and you have already met the seminar requirement, you will be deemed to have met the writing requirement. Two, separate courses are required to satisfy both the seminar and writing requirements. No one course satisfies them both.

Instructor: Mangan

Description:

This class provides a comprehensive introduction to drafting legal documents in the transactional context, with a heavy emphasis on contracts and internal corporate documents. Students will learn the basic concepts that guide contract drafting and how mastery of these concepts aid in managing risk in legal transactions. Students will complete a number of short drafting exercises and four graded drafting assignments.

Instructor: Szydlowski

Description:

The classroom component of the Judicial Extern Program covers writing for judges and professional conduct for judges and judicial clerks. The work performed in the judicial extern field placement is similar to that performed by a law clerk to a judge. It usually involves preparing memoranda on cases, reviewing case files, drafting opinions and orders, and attending court and conferences. The precise tasks performed, however, depend upon the type of court and the style of the judge. SPECIAL NOTES: Concurrent enrollment in Judicial Externship class and field placement required. Complete the Judicial Externship Survey in the Symplicity “Job Postings” section. Upload your completed survey along with your current resume and transcript to be matched with a judicial extern placement. Students may not enroll concurrently in Extern programs.

Instructor: Szydlowski

Description:

The classroom component of the Judicial Extern Program covers writing for judges and professional conduct for judges and judicial clerks. The work performed in the judicial extern field placement is similar to that performed by a law clerk to a judge. It usually involves preparing memoranda on cases, reviewing case files, drafting opinions and orders, and attending court and conferences. The precise tasks performed, however, depend upon the type of court and the style of the judge. SPECIAL NOTES: Concurrent enrollment in Judicial Externship class and field placement required. Complete the Judicial Externship Survey in the Symplicity “Job Postings” section. Upload your completed survey along with your current resume and transcript to be matched with a judicial extern placement. Students may not enroll concurrently in Extern programs.

Description:

Participating students engage in the selection and editing of articles for publication in the University of Cincinnati Law Review. Some students also write notes and comments for publication in the Review or blog. Students must participate in a competition and be selected to participate. The Registrar will enroll students selected to participate in the necessary class through the registration system.

Description:

The blog has student, professor and practitioner contributors. Knowledge of Bluebook and Texas Law Review Manual for Style and Usage, and ability to coordinate. The job responsibilities of the Blog Editor would include:

• Actively solicit and select practitioners for blog posts 
• Ensure Contributing Members, Guest or Student Editors, and Student Contributors all meet posting requirements ensuring conformance with the Texas Law Review Manual for Style and Usage and that all footnote content conform with the Bluebook
• Coordinating promotion and utilization of the blog including monitoring any comments/feedback.

In recognition of the responsibilities of the Blog Editor, this position will receive 2 non-classroom credit hours; it would not meet the writing or seminar requirement. This position would only be open to 3L students. The UC Law Review Blog is of great importance to the future of the Law Review. With a dedicated position overseeing the blog, the maintenance and care of the blog can be guaranteed. By Permission Only

Description:

By permission only. Participating students engage in the selection and editing of articles for publication in the University of Cincinnati Law Review. Some students also write notes and comments for publication in the Review or blog. Students must participate in a competition and be selected to participate. The Registrar will enroll students selected to participate in the necessary class through the registration system.

Description:

Participating students engage in the selection and editing of articles for publication in the University of Cincinnati Law Review. Some students also write notes and comments for publication in the Review or blog. Students must participate in a competition and be selected to participate. The Registrar will enroll students selected to participate in the necessary class through the registration system.

Instructor: Tomain

Description:

Traditionally, lawyers have played central roles in the organization of society and the administration of justice. They also further the interests of their clients through persuasive argumentation. Using a number of "great books," this course will examine forms of argument and forms of legal authority.

Instructor: Royalty

Description:

In this course students consider the lawyer-client relationship in the context of realistic scenarios, evaluating the complete choices an ethical lawyer must make to establish an effective lawyer-client relationship. Following an examination of the ABA Model Rules and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, students consider the ethical components of the lawyer-client relationship, with an emphasis on competency, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. The course also includes substantial instruction in the history, goals, structure, values, and responsibilities of the legal profession and its members.

Instructor: Chanvisanuruk

Description:

In this course, students consider the lawyer-client relationship in the context of realistic scenarios, evaluating the complex choices an ethical lawyer must make to establish an effective lawyer-client relationship. Following an examination of the ABA Model Rules, students consider the ethical components of the lawyer-client relationship, with an emphasis on competency, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. The course also includes multiple skills application exercises to introduce students to Performance Tests and Professional Responsibility Exams required by state bar examiners.

Instructor: Szydlowski

Description:

The classroom component of the Legal Extern I Program emphasizes practical lawyering competencies and ethical issues encountered in the practice of law. In their field placements, legal externs work under the supervision of attorneys in local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and in businesses and law firms in the private sector. SPECIAL NOTES: Concurrent enrollment in Legal Externship I class and field placement required. Complete the Legal Externship Survey in the Symplicity “Job Postings” section. Upload your completed survey along with your current resume and transcript. Spots are limited and students will be chosen based on preferences and availability. Students may not enroll concurrently in Extern programs.

Instructor: Szydlowski

Description:

The classroom component of the Legal Extern I Program emphasizes practical lawyering competencies and ethical issues encountered in the practice of law. In their field placements, legal externs work under the supervision of attorneys in local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and in businesses and law firms in the private sector. SPECIAL NOTES: Concurrent enrollment in Legal Externship I class and field placement required. Complete the Legal Externship Survey in the Symplicity “Job Postings” section. Upload your completed survey along with your current resume and transcript. Spots are limited and students will be chosen based on preferences and availability. Students may not enroll concurrently in Extern programs.

Instructor: Szydlowski

Description:

The classroom component of the Legal Extern II Program expands upon the practical lawyering competencies addressed in Legal Externship I.  In their field placements, legal externs work under the supervision of attorneys in local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and in businesses and law firms in the private sector.

Instructor: Szydlowski

Description:

The classroom component of the Legal Extern II Program expands upon the practical lawyering competencies addressed in Legal Externship I.  In their field placements, legal externs work under the supervision of attorneys in local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and in businesses and law firms in the private sector.

Instructor: Bock

Description:

This course is designed to meet the needs of LL.M students who received their legal education in a foreign country.  This course will introduce students to basic research skills, persuasion strategies, and fundamentals of written communication needed in both law school and professional practice as a lawyer.  Students will learn how to respond to a legal problem by identifying the legal issue, researching the law, interpreting and applying legal materials, and then communicating their own legal analysis and conclusions in writing.  Emphasis is given to basic writing skills including, among others, legal analysis, style, and citations.  The course will prepare students to successfully prepare basic legal documents such as legal memoranda and briefs.

Instructor: Bryant

Description:

This course explores the enactment of statutes by federal and state legislators and the interpretation given by the courts and administrative agencies to such legislative enactments. The course will focus on various procedural, constitutional, and jurisprudential issues relating to the legislative and electoral processes embodied in our constitutional order, and to the methods of statutory interpretation employed by our courts and administrative agencies. Chief among the many aims of the course is to introduce students to the legal problems posed by legislative government, in the hopes that as practicing lawyers they will be more effective participants in the legislative process and the subsequent implementation and interpretation of statutes. Please Note: Substantive and thoughtful class discussion is an essential component of this course. Accordingly, the use of laptops and other computer devices will not be permitted in class.

Instructor: Stephani

Description:

Prerequisite for Moot Court Executive Editor and other positions. Participating students represent the College of Law in various intercollegiate moot court competitions. Students will be scheduled by the Registrar.

Description:

Prerequisite for Moot Court Executive Editor and other positions. Participating students represent the College of Law in various intercollegiate moot court competitions. Students will be scheduled by the Registrar.

Description:

Prerequisites: Moot Court Honor Board. Participating students represent the College of Law in various intercollegiate moot court competitions. Students will be scheduled by the Registrar.

Description:

Prerequisites: Moot Court Honor Board. Participating students represent the College of Law in various intercollegiate moot court competitions. Students will be scheduled by the Registrar.

Instructor: Aaron

Description:

In this course students learn the "science and art" of negotiation. Students are introduced to significant literature and theory in negotiation and have the opportunity to practice negotiating through a sequenced series of negotiations simulations.

Instructor: Acheson

Description:

This course examines the federal statutory system of protection for useful, novel, and non-obvious inventions and those developments that enrich the technological arts. A technical/science background is not required to take this course. SPECIAL NOTE: This course is a prerequisite for Patent Office Practice and Procedure.

Instructor: Liles

Description:

This course will focus on the unique procedural, substantive and strategic aspects of patent litigation and enforcement. The course will benefit students seeking to acquire broad-based litigation skills as well as those with specific interest in patent law. For students specifically interested in patent law, the course is designed to benefit not only those with litigation interests, but also those interested in improving the quality of patents they may draft and prosecute by learning how issued patents are analyzed in courts and attacked in litigation. Specific topics include claim interpretation, the interrelationship between written descriptions and claims, proof of infringement, special issues in attorney/client privilege and waiver, discovery of confidential information, validity issues, patent remedies and defenses. Students will have the opportunity to prepare written pleadings and briefs and to orally argue claim interpretations and infringement/non-infringement positions in simulated hearings and/or motions. Performance on these projects will form the basis for student assessment.

Instructor: Lenhart

Description:

This course will focus solely on the litigation skills that an attorney must master in order to steer a civil case from the beginning of a dispute to the point immediately preceding a trial. Topics may include: development of the legal theory/theories in a case (causes of action and defenses); pleadings, including state and federal filing rules, proper parties, service considerations, electronic filing, and waiver of service of summons; development of discovery strategies; discovery, including interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions, and motions to compel; depositions, taking and defending; experts, including retainer issues, drafting expert reports, and taking/defending expert depositions; pre-trial motion practice; trial-witness preparation; jury instructions and pre-trial statements; and court-ordered mediation and settlement

Instructor: Morris

Description:

This course is an introduction to public international law. In the first part of the course, we will cover the origins, sources, and subjects of international law; the institutions that make and interpret it; and the actors that shape the international legal order. We will also discuss the application of international law in U.S. courts. In the second part of the course, we will focus on the ways in which the international legal system addresses issues of broad global concern, such as war, economic integration, environmental protection, and public health. We will critically reflect on this with reference to specific topics, including the regulation of the use of force, international humanitarian law, international environmental law, international trade law, the law of the sea, and international human rights law. Throughout the course, we will draw on current events and contemporary debates in global politics to highlight the possibilities and the challenges of the international legal system.

Instructor: Morgan

Description:

This class will focus on practical, real life situations involved in residential and commercial real estate transactions. The emphasis of the course will be on drafting documents appropriately, in order to avoid disputes. Areas covered will include: Attorney’s and broker’s roles in the transaction; the contract of sale; due diligence during the transaction; title assurance; and financing including mortgage foreclosures and distressed sales.

Instructor: Kalsem

Description:

This course focuses on laws governing secured transactions, specifically as set forth in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The topics addressed include the creation and perfection of security interests in personal property, priorities, and remedies upon default in these secured transactions, and the interactions of the laws governing secured transactions with the Bankruptcy Code.

Instructor: Colvin/Paulson

Description:

Students from both the UC College of Law and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law will be participating. In this clinic, students will work on cases for indigent clients whose cases are on appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a federal appellate court located in Cincinnati. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, students will analyze trial records, identify arguments to be used in the appeals process, and write motions and briefs for their clients. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about federal courts, criminal law, appellate procedure, and improve writing skills. Students will also have the chance to learn from experienced lawyers, meet members of the federal bar, and meet federal judges. Students will be expected to attend oral arguments at the Sixth Circuit as well as present their own oral arguments in class. Some students have been able to argue before the Sixth Circuit, though such opportunities vary with timing and interest.

Instructor: Sperino

Description:

This course explores the enactment of statutes by federal and state legislators and the interpretation given by the courts and administrative agencies to such legislative enactments.  The course will focus on various procedural, constitutional, and jurisprudential issues relating to the legislative and electoral processes embodied in our constitutional order, and to the methods of statutory interpretation employed by our courts and administrative agencies.  Chief among the many aims of the course is to introduce students to the legal problems posed by legislative government, in the hopes that as practicing lawyers they will be more effective participants in the legislative process and the subsequent implementation and interpretation of statutes.  Please Note:  Substantive and thoughtful class discussion is an essential component of this course.  Accordingly, the use of laptops and other computer devices will not be permitted in class.

Instructor: S. McMahon

Description:

Tax and Film explores some of the fundamental concepts in the American tax system in theory, and students practice applying the theory to the factual situations of films. This illustrates that almost everything has tax consequences. Operationally, we examine concepts in the current tax system, students then watch a film outside of class, and finally we discuss how those concepts would apply in the film.

Instructor: Kemen

Description:

The expanding use of technology is affecting the practice of law in all fields and venues. This class will focus on real-world applications of technology and the importance of collaboration to provide the highest level of client service. The emphasis of the class will be on group work in small firms. After completing the class students should have a better understanding of how to organize and operate a law practice, use cloud computing and other technology platforms, create a firm online presence, create a firm technology policy and understand the ethical implications of technology use.

Instructor: Aaron

Students prepare for and participate in Trial Practice Competition Team events.

Instructor: Aaron/Blessing/Markovits

Description:

To be a trial lawyer is to be a story teller, stage director, and character in drama where the audience determines the resolution. This course will review and provide practice in each aspect of trial, from working with facts and developing strategy and then, to structure and techniques for effective opening statements, direct and cross examination, and closing argument. We will focus on those elements that are also applicable to professional presentations in other contexts: communicating to render complexity accessible, build your own and witness credibility and audience trust, and persuade the audience using emotion as well as reason.

Instructor: Wagner

Description:

This course is developed specifically to meet the needs of foreign-trained LL.M. students. The course will provide an overview of the critical features of the U.S. legal tradition, the functional components and participants in our legal system, and key legal concepts. The course will briefly introduce students to the various areas of U.S. legal practice and provide a more in-depth discussion of foundational concepts such as the several sources of U.S. law, the Common Law tradition and federalism. Students will be expected to complete assigned readings in advance of each class. Student achievement will be assessed based on attendance, class participation, writing assignments, and a final exam. J.D. students are not permitted to enroll in this course.

Instructor: Hanley

Description:

This course examines the special problems of proving a guilty mind and a guilty act in the context of business and government activities. Specific emphasis will be placed on corporate criminal liability, personal liability in organizational settings, conspiracy, mail fraud, false statements, perjury and false declarations, obstruction of justice, bribery of public officials, and RICO: The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. This course also contains a substantial criminal procedure component.

Instructor: Chang

Description:

This course covers the variety of ways in which people can arrange for the passage of their property at their death. Students study common law and statutory methods of dealing with property left by a decedent who did or did not leave a will; the procedures and problems of creating, construing, contesting, or revoking wills; the concerns for providing for surviving spouses and other family members; fiduciary duties in the administration of estates and some of the methods for avoiding the probate of estates.