The University of Pittsburgh Law Building is currently undergoing major renovations. Access to the building and law library is restricted until July. Please email plas@pitt.edu or call (412) 648-1490 if you need assistance.
Professor
Additional Information
Students must arrange their class schedules so as to be available at a minimum, for two of the following days, on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday morning (9 – 12:30) to present motions in court on behalf of indigent clients OR, if not presenting, to observe Motions Court. Students must arrange their class schedules so as to be available to meet these time requirements. In the practicum, under faculty supervision, students will rotate among the supervisors to: Observe different attorney practice skills; Interview clients who have landlord tenant, employment law, and consumer issues; Advise clients on their specific legal issues and follow-up with confirming letters; Negotiate with landlords to assist tenants with housing issues; Negotiate with credits card representatives to work out acceptable payment agreements; Research legal issues necessary to prepare pleadings or to adequately represent clients at judicial or administrative hearings; prepare pleading in landlord tenant, or credit card cases; Help prepare and observe landlord tenant hearings at the district judge or Common Pleas Court level; Help prepare and observe unemployment compensation referee hearings; Help prepare and observe consumer law cases in Common Pleas Court; Represent tenants at the district judge of Common Pleas arbitration level.
Grading Details
Students will receive a pass/fail grade at the conclusion of each semester, however, in the event that a student does not complete the second semester, the student shall receive a W for the course, thus nullifying the grade for the prior semester. Students will receive a pass/fail grade based on some or all of the following factors: Participation in classes and case weekly meetings, Drafting Skills Client interviewing, student’s ability to work effectively with clients, Advocacy skills, both written and oral, Research assignments, General competence, diligence and initiative in handling cases, Professionalism