Clinic - Nyc Council Legis. & Policy Sem

The New York City Council is the legislative body Council Members, representing districts across the five boroughs, with one among them elected to serve as Speaker. The Council has the ability to pass local laws and to conduct oversight over the operations of City government agencies. The attorneys of the City Council's Legislative Division serve all 51 members by conducting legal research, drafting legal memoranda and legislation, and preparing materials for Committee hearings. This externship provides students with the opportunity to work directly with, and learn from, the attorneys who serve the Council. Students will develop their legal research and drafting skills by preparing legal memoranda and bill drafts, and develop their analytical thinking by researching and considering public policy questions. Additionally, they will attend Council meetings and hearings, and prepare sections of Committee briefing papers. Most importantly, they will be invited to participate first-hand in the legislative and policy decision-making process with Council staff. Seminar Credits: 1.00 The clinic includes a 1 credit bi-weekly seminar. The seminar will cover topics such as: the structure and functioning of municipal government; how a bill becomes a law; the craft of legislative drafting; how to analyze state and federal preemption questions; as well as relevant case law. Fieldwork Credits: 3 Enrollment Notes: The clinic is offered on a semester basis. Student must devote a minimum of 12 hours per week to the placement, in addition to the seminar every other week. Grading: Seminar: Letter grade; Fieldwork: Pass/Fail