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Legal Reasoning, Research, and Writing

Level: Open to students entering grades 11 or 12 or freshman year of college in fall 2013.

Session: II, July 16-August 2, 2013

Days & Time: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00-4:00 PM

Instructor(s): Jacques Erdos,

Prerequisites: Excellent writing skills. Experience with debate useful.

Related Courses: Students interested in this course might also be interested in Leadership in Law or Constitutional Law.

"I enjoyed the fact that the class had field trips and we got a chance to learn interactively."

- From a 2012 Student Program Evaluation

Course Description

Designed for students with a declared interest in law, this intensive program of study concentrates on the research and reasoning that underlie solid legal writing while also giving students an inside look at the practice of law.

Students learn first to use the methods and tools of legal research, which they will marshal to create effective, persuasive, and sophisticated written legal arguments. Once they have a foundation in legal research, reasoning, and writing, students are given an in-depth look at various types of law through interactive sessions with practicing lawyers, including lectures and field trips to law firms. Students learn about the trial process and the inner workings of the court system by taking a tour of a New York City court and viewing a criminal trial. Students learn how to conceive and structure legal research, locate and analyze sources, and develop legal arguments based on and supported by research. Drafting exercises strengthen students' reasoning, arguing, and writing skills while introducing them to various types of legal writing, including memoranda and arguments for oral delivery.

Instructor(s)

Jacques Erdos

Jacques Erdos holds a B.S. in accounting from New York University's Stern School of Business and a J.D. from St. John's University. In 2005, Erdos began his own law and accounting firm with a focus in real estate, corporate law, and estate & tax planning. Prior to starting his own firm, Erdos was an attorney for many years with Fried Frank and Skadden Arps in New York City, where he represented major developers, property owners, institutional clients, and high net worth individuals. Erdos is the chairperson of the New York City Youth Board and treasurer of his local community board in District 15 in Brooklyn. He also acts as pro-bono counsel to many charitable organizations in New York City.

Specific course information, such as hours and instructors, are subject to change at the discretion of the University.