Jessica Attie

Fundamentals of Law Practice 1: Objective Legal Analysis

In the first semester, students learn objective legal analysis as the foundation of the problem-solving and practical skills so important for graduates in todays rapidly changing legal environment. Classes are small, allowing for extensive written feedback and one-on-one conferences with professors. Classes are typically characterized by frequent experiential simulations and robust peer and self-evaluation, with discussions of professionalism and ethics. Students learn the principles of legal reasoning through four writing assignments, each requiring progressively more complicated factual and legal interpretation. Students also learn the most up-to-date , cost-effective legal research tools and strategies. By the end of the semester, students learn how to professionally and effectively present findings, in writing and orally, as they will as real-world lawyers.

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade only. Students graded on written and oral assignments.

Fundamentals of Law Practice 2: Advocacy

In the spring semester, students learn the art of advocacy. Students build on the skills they learned in the fall semester by researching a complex and emerging area of law, developing and organizing persuasive arguments, and drafting a brief to the court. Continuing a pioneering tradition at Brooklyn Law School, international law topics, as well as topics based on U.S. law, are included in the persuasive writing curriculum.

Through this experience, students are exposed to the ethical obligations of an attorney representing a client in a litigation context. In two additional highlights of the semester, students present their oral arguments to a panel of three judges and put their persuasive skills to the test in a negotiation exercise.

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade only. Students are graded on written and oral assignments.

Race, Predatory Lending, and the Subprime Mortgage Crisis

This course will use the subprime mortgage crisis as a lens into the various factors that perpetuate economic and racial inequality in the United States. We will use materials drawn from different disciplines, including case law, economic analysis, and critical legal theories of race and class. Possible topics will include: the history and legacy of residential discrimination and segregation; racial redlining and reverse redlining; an in-depth look at the laws governing credit and deregulation, with a particular focus on the last thirty years; the government response to the subprime mortgage crisis; and other types of credit and housing discrimination. The course will include guest lecturers from the field, including practitioners, scholars, and regulators. To gain insight into the challenges of litigating subprime lending cases, students will review and analyze documents from actual cases and discuss litigation strategies as well as alternatives to litigation. Throughout the semester, students will draft various litigation and non-litigation documents, including legislative and fundraising proposals.

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade with pass/fail option. A paper is required which may be used to satisfy the Upperclass Writing Requirement.