University at Buffalo (UB)
The State University
of New York
School of Law
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Civil Litigation

Students gain in-depth exposure to the theory, practice and basic skills of civil litigation in the state and federal systems. This concentration includes required courses in civil procedure, evidence and trial technique, plus a variety of electives in courts, skills and dispute resolution. Classroom study is combined with simulated courtroom practice.

Students enrolled in the concentration will achieve this proficiency by advanced study of (1) the rules and procedures governing the civil litigation process; (2) the jurisdiction and powers of courts and other adjudicative tribunals; and (3) the lawyering skills necessary to win cases. The concentration curriculum is flexible enough to suit those who foresee practicing in state or federal court, before administrative tribunals, at the trial or appellate levels, and through the use of conventional litigation or methods of alternative dispute resolution.

Requirements

Registration: All students enrolled in the concentration must register with Records and Registration. Early registration is preferred, ideally no later than fall of the second year. However, students who will be able to meet the course requirements by graduation may register for the concentration as late as fall of the third year, with the permission of the Coordinator.

Required Courses The following courses are required of all students in the concentration:

  • Civil Procedure
  • Evidence
  • Trial Technique or Trial Advocacy

Elective Courses: In addition to the required courses, students must complete six additional courses. Permissible elective courses are listed below by category.

Distributional Requirement: In choosing elective courses to satisfy the concentration, students must satisfy the following distributional requirements: (1) at least one elective must be an advanced course in procedure or the law of litigation; (2) at least two electives must be in practical litigation skills; (3) and at least one elective must be in alternative dispute resolution. The remaining elective courses may be chosen from any category.

Courses Not Listed Below: Course offerings vary from year to year. In appropriate circumstances, other courses may, with the permission of the Coordinator, be substituted for the electives listed here.

Elective Course Categories

Advanced Courses in Procedure and the Law of Litigation (choose at least one)

  • Administrative Law
  • Civil Procedure II
  • Complex Litigation
  • Conflict of Laws
  • Federal Courts
  • New York Practice
  • New York State Administrative Law
  • Remedies

Practical Litigation Skills (choose at least two)

  • Advanced Legal Research
  • Advanced Legal Writing & Analysis
  • Advanced Appellate Advocacy
  • Art of Legal Narrative
  • Choosing the Right Jury
  • Direct and Cross-examination of Expert Witnesses in a Civil Case
  • Discovery Strategy & Deposition Tactics
  • Electronic Discovery
  • Environmental Advocacy
  • International Legal Research
  • Labor Arbitration
  • New York Legal Research
  • Taking and Defending Depositions

Alternative Dispute Resolution (choose at least one)

  • Advanced Advocacy in Mediation
  • Advocacy in Mediation
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Labor Arbitration
  • Mediation Clinic
  • Mediation Theory and Practice
  • Negotiations
  • Private Sector ADR
  • Sexual Harassment Mediation
  • Theory and Practice of Negotiations

Clinical Litigation Courses

  • Elder Law Clinic
  • Judicial Clerkship
  • Judicial Clerkship, Intensive
  • U.S. Attorney Externship (civil)
  • N.Y. Attorney General Externship (civil)
  • Buffalo Law Department (civil litigation)
  • Erie County Attorney
  • Buffalo Board of Education
  • IRS Office of Chief Counsel (litigation)
  • Labor Law externship (NLRB)
  • Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo (appellate litigation only)
  • US Customs and Border Protection
  • US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Substantive Areas of Frequent Litigation

  • Anatomy of a Motor Vehicle Case
  • Antitrust Law
  • Bankruptcy
  • Civil Rights
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Employment Discrimination Law
  • Employment Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Insurance and Public Policy
  • Intellectual Property Litigation
  • Managing a Personal Injury Practice
  • Mass Torts
  • Patent Prosecution
  • Products Liability
  • Refugee and Asylum Law
  • Representing Individuals with Disabilities

Contact

Coordinator: Prof. James Gardner
Administrative Assistant: Debbie Nasisi - dlnasisi@buffalo.edu