Course Descriptions K-L

Course Credit Information

A – Usually offered during alternate years
CR/NC – Credit if course is passed; no credit if course is not passed
N – Not regularly offered
S – May be offered as a seminar
2-3 – Credit may vary between 2 and 3 credits
SK – Skills course
*New course

289. LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT. 2
This course provides the information and resources to assist a new lawyer in opening a solo law practice or joining a small group of lawyers in private practice. Students will learn how to select a business entity, create a working office, create a plan for business development, and prepare to meet the practical, legal, and ethical challenges to becoming a successful private practice lawyer.

406-409. LAW REVIEW I, II, III & IV. 1
One credit earned per semester on the Drake Law Review.

411. LAW REVIEW BOARD I. 2
This two-credit course is offered to students selected to participate as an editorial board member on the Drake Law Review.

802. LAW OF COMPLIANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT. 3
This course covers the various legal issues that are handled by compliance professionals, such as regulatory and statutory compliance, supervision and enforcement, avoiding illegal activity, identifying and dealing with wrongdoing and corruption, conducting internal investigations, information security and ethical considerations.  Topics include development of compliance processes and controls, the role of various compliance professionals in organizations, internal investigations and processes, and external examination, such as supervision and enforcement.

802G. LAW OF COMPLIANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT. 3
This course covers the various legal issues that are handled by compliance professionals, such as regulatory and statutory compliance, supervision and enforcement, avoiding illegal activity, identifying and dealing with wrongdoing and corruption, conducting internal investigations, information security and ethical considerations.  Topics include development of compliance processes and controls, the role of various compliance professionals in organizations, internal investigations and processes, and external examination, such as supervision and enforcement.

645D. LEARNING FROM PRACTICE:THE INTERNSHIP SEMINAR. 0
This is the required online course that forms a core piece of the internship experience.  All students who have enrolled in an internship for credit must attend this seminar.  In the course, students will develop the skills necessary to learn from their internship experience, including how to set goals and work with field placement supervisors, how to encounter ethical issues that arise in practice, and how to engage in self-evaluation and reflection.

114. LEGAL ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY. 3
Study of the history and values of the legal profession, the role of lawyers in society, and the regulation of the practice of law, including the Model Rules of Professional Conduct and Iowa variations, the Restatement of Law Governing Lawyers, and caselaw addressing discipline, legal liability, and the Constitutional role of lawyers.

104. LEGAL RESEARCH I. 1
Introduction to basic legal research methods and practice in the use of various types of research materials.

116. LEGAL RESEARCH II. 1
Development of research skills continues with more advanced resources.

106. LEGAL WRITING I. 2
Primary emphasis is on development of analytical and writing skills necessary for the practice of law. Various writing assignments, including law office memoranda, are designed to improve students' skills.

105. LEGAL WRITING II. 2
Development of research and writing skills continue with a focus on preparation of trial litigation documents and an appellate brief. The appellate practice portion of the course culminates in the presentation of oral arguments before a panel of judges. Prerequisite: Legal Writing I.

233. LEGISLATION. 2
Course focuses on the legislative process, constitutional requirements of state legislation, judicial construction of statutory words and phrases, and bill drafting. Students engage in a series of statutory drafting and interpretation exercises to develop skills necessary to read and write legislation effectively.

064. LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY. 1 SK
The Legislative Advocacy Issue Simulation Course is a Course in which a student simulates interning for a legislator, Governor’s Office or other stakeholder during the legislative session.

The first part of the course would start with the student listening to the Governor’s annual “Condition of the State” address. This takes place during the first week of session and is the Governor’s opportunity to address a joint session of the General Assembly and lay out her priorities for the year across a number of different policy arena such as tax, economy, health education and environment.  From that address a student picks one priority to track throughout the policy development process.  These policy pieces will almost all invariably end up in some form of legislation but also will be discussed in the media and by policymakers throughout the entirety of session.  

The students would be required to submit weekly updates detailing the progress that has been made on the priority moving through the legislative session.  Students would be required to engage in discussions with stakeholders of the Governor’s Priorities, including any state government agencies, the Governor’s Office and key legislators and staff to gain a full understanding of the legislative process.  

At the end of the semester, the student will provide a written work product:
A step-by-step analysis of the legislative process in relation to the priority
A narrative of the issue the Governor was attempting to address, the stakeholders    involved
 An analysis based upon the student’s opinion in regard to the approach to the issue and its final disposition.

627. LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP. 2 CR/F
The experiential component of LAW 233. Students work with Iowa legislators during the annual legislative session. Assignments are arranged through the Iowa General Assembly's Joint Legislative Internship Program. Prerequisite: Legislation (LAW 233).

052. LEGISLATIVE PRACTICE. 2 SK
Students receive individual assignments to assist attorneys with research and drafting on topical legislative initiatives for the Iowa General Assembly. A research paper and a bill draft are required. Each practicum is individually supervised by a member of the Law School faculty. Prerequisites: Legislation (LAW 233) and Legislative Internship (LAW 235).

616. LEGISLATIVE PRACTICE INTERNSHIP. 2-3 CR/F
This internship is designed to give students an experiential component bringing together the knowledge and skills gained in their prior legislative courses. During the legislative session, students are assigned as interns to public interest groups, associations, or government agencies that are advocating for or against legislation, or to the research staffs of legislative caucuses or support agencies. Prerequisite:  Legislation (LAW 233).

636. LLM/MJ THESES. 4-6 CR/NC
An opportunity to engage in original, in-depth scholarly research. The subject of the research, the nature and quantity of the work required, and the number of credits awarded are determined by the supervising professor. Not intended as a substitute for offered courses. Student may be required to present the theses as determined by the LL.M/M.J. program director. The main focus of the thesis option in an original, substantively researched paper of about 40-60 single-spaced (or 80-120 double-space) pages (similar to a regular law review article). Based on a pro-rata analysis, an 80-page paper would be awarded six credits. Four hours of credit = 60 pages and 200 hours of research, writing, conferences, and rewriting; five hours of credit = 70 pages and 250 hours of research, writing, conference, and rewriting; six hours of credit = 80 pages and 300 hours of research, writing, conferences, and rewriting.