Advanced Legal Writing

Section 65510

  • Note: For a D-Clearance application or more information, email Professor Antonio Elefano at elefano@usc.edu This course centers on current cases and oral arguments going before the California Supreme Court. In teams, students argue the very same cases, draft appellate briefs and conduct mock oral arguments, prior to the class visiting the California Supreme Court and watching the actual oral arguments live. The final writing project of the semester is an opinion for the cases theyve seen, written as if they were the justices. In addition, USC also collaborates with Southwestern Law School for their Southwestern Amicus Project. WRIT 440 students research a United States case of public importance for which they believe Southwestern should write an amicus (friend of the court) brief. They then present their recommendation at Southwestern to a panel of law professors.
  • Session Dates (session code 001)
    First day of classes:
    Friday, January 15, 2021
    Last day to add:
    Friday, February 5, 2021
    Last day to drop without a mark of "W" and receive a refund:
    Friday, February 5, 2021
    Last day to withdraw without a “W” on transcript or change pass/no pass to letter grade:
    Friday, March 5, 2021
    Last day to drop with a mark of "W":
    Friday, April 30, 2021
    Last day of classes:
    Friday, April 30, 2021
    End of session:
    Wednesday, May 12, 2021
In Fall 2021, USC is returning to the normal grade option election deadlines and standards. For more information on this, please visit the Fall 2021 academic FAQs.