Family Law Practicum

This course will provide an in-depth exploration of the issues that family law practitioners encounter in interviewing clients and gathering and effectively presenting evidence. Students will also survey the evidentiary and other challenges that commonly arise in high-conflict child custody and domestic violence cases, coupled with an analysis of the pros and cons of the tools to address them. 

At the conclusion of the first four classes, students will begin field work (40-56 hours required) at the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (LACLJ).  Under the supervision of licensed attorneys, students will participate in client interviews and preparation of work product for LACLJ clients in family law matters that involve high-conflict custody and domestic violence issues. In the final session of the course, students will present an oral argument on the Request for Orders (RFO) before a family law judicial officer of the Los Angeles Superior Court.  After ruling on the matter, the judicial officer will provide comments and insight about the practice of family law from the judiciary’s perspective.

Faculty Advisor: Doug NeJaime