Course Schedule

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to become active participants in the evolving field of AI regulation. You will go beyond traditional legal analysis to provide practical, actionable guidance to real-world clients, including government agencies, nonprofits, and tech companies. The course is built around a comprehensive, hands-on approach that merges legal theory with policy practice.

The semester begins with an intensive four-week boot camp on innovation governance, statutory interpretation, and policy analysis, including the strategic and ethical use of AI tools for research and drafting. You will then apply these skills through a series of weekly case studies drawn from current AI policy debates. The course culminates in a substantive, client-facing writing project—a 20-25 page legal and policy analysis that addresses a specific AI governance challenge.

Through guest lectures from leading experts and direct engagement with clients, you will gain invaluable experience in translating complex legal issues into clear, policy-oriented recommendations. This course is designed to equip you with the advanced analytical and professional skills necessary to shape the future of AI and the law.

This non-writing seminar will meet every other week to discuss the professor’s book in progress, Academic Freedom, the First Amendment, and the American University.  The book explores the emergence of academic freedom as a distinctive First Amendment right and its relationship to general First Amendment rights of free speech.  It observes that judicial decisions have extended this right to professors, universities, and students, whose interests in academic freedom may conflict.  The book reviews the case law, revealing its inconsistencies and ambiguities, proposes a theory of academic freedom as a distinctive First Amendment right, and illustrates how the theory would apply to issues raised by the cases.  Students will write two to three page reaction papers for every seminar meeting.  Class discussions will address the process of legal scholarship as well as the substantive contents of the book.  The course does not satisfy the law school’s writing requirement.  Grading will be pass/fail.

This non-writing seminar will meet every other week to discuss the professor’s book in progress, Academic Freedom, the First Amendment, and the American University.  The book explores the emergence of academic freedom as a distinctive First Amendment right and its relationship to general First Amendment rights of free speech.  It observes that judicial decisions have extended this right to professors, universities, and students, whose interests in academic freedom may conflict.  It also observes that state interests and the constitutional rights of individual citizens may conflict with interests in academic freedom.  Examples of state interests include national security, public health, and the enforcement of laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassing speech.  Examples of individual constitutional rights include free speech, the free exercise of religion, and equal protection.  After reviewing the case law, the book proposes a theory of First Amendment academic freedom to address these complicated issues.  Students will write two to three page reaction papers for every seminar meeting.  Class discussions will address the process of legal scholarship as well as the substantive contents of the book.  The course does not satisfy the law school’s writing requirement.  Grading will be pass/fail.

This non-writing seminar will meet every other week to discuss the professor’s book in progress, Academic Freedom, the First Amendment, and the American University.  The book explores the emergence of academic freedom as a distinctive First Amendment right and its relationship to general First Amendment rights of free speech.  It observes that judicial decisions have extended this right to professors, universities, and students, whose interests in academic freedom may conflict.  It also observes that state interests and the constitutional rights of individual citizens may conflict with interests in academic freedom.  Examples of state interests include national security, public health, and the enforcement of laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassing speech.  Examples individual constitutional rights include free speech, the free exercise of religion, and equal protection.  After reviewing the case law, the book proposes a theory of First Amendment academic freedom to address these complicated issues.  Students will write two to three page reaction papers for every seminar meeting.  Class discussions will address the process of legal scholarship as well as the substantive contents of the book.  The course does not satisfy the law school’s writing requirement.  Grading will be pass/fail.

Law made by administrative agencies dominates the modern legal system and modern legal practice. This course examines the legal and practical foundations of the modern administrative state. Topics include rationales for delegation to administrative agencies; the legal framework (both constitutional and statutory) that governs agency decision-making; the proper role of agencies in interpreting statutory and regulatory law; and judicial review of agency action. The course will cover these topics through a comparative analysis of administrative processes in five federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Labor Relations Board, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Communications Commission. A combination of cases and discussion problems will be used to examine legal issues such as the separation of powers doctrine; the constitutional law of due process; health, safety, and environmental policy; the provision of government benefits; and market regulation. The central theme of the course is how administrative law balances “rule of law” values (procedural regularity, substantive limits on arbitrary action) against the often-competing values of political accountability, democratic participation, and effective administrative governance.

This course provides an introduction to legal doctrines and policy questions relating to the organization and operation of the administrative state. The focus is on federal administrative law, with significant attention devoted to judicial review of agency action, structural constitutional questions of separation and balance of powers, and procedural requirements under the Due Process Clause and Administrative Procedure Act. Students are required to participate in class on "on call" panel days. Grading will be based on satisfaction of the panel requirement and performance on a one-day, take-home examination.

Law made by administrative agencies dominates the modern legal system and modern legal practice. This course examines the legal and practical foundations of the modern administrative state. Topics include rationales for delegation to administrative agencies; the legal framework (both constitutional and statutory) that governs agency decision-making; the proper role of agencies in interpreting statutory and regulatory law; and judicial review of agency action. The course will cover these topics through a comparative analysis of administrative processes in five federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Labor Relations Board, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Communications Commission.  A combination of cases and discussion problems will be used to examine legal issues such as the separation of powers doctrine; the constitutional law of due process; health, safety, and environmental policy; the provision of government benefits; and market regulation. The central theme of the course is how administrative law balances “rule of law” values (procedural regularity, substantive limits on arbitrary action) against the often-competing values of political accountability, democratic participation, and effective administrative governance.

This course provides an introduction to legal doctrines and policy questions relating to the organization and operation of the administrative state. The focus is on federal administrative law, with significant attention devoted to judicial review of agency action, structural constitutional questions of separation and balance of powers, and procedural requirements under the Due Process Clause and Administrative Procedure Act. Students are required to participate in class on "on call" panel days. Grading will be based on satisfaction of the panel requirement and performance on a one-day, take-home examination.

Law made by administrative agencies dominates the modern legal system and modern legal practice. This course examines the legal and practical foundations of the modern administrative state. Topics include rationales for delegation to administrative agencies; the legal framework (both constitutional and statutory) that governs agency decision-making; the proper role of agencies in interpreting statutory and regulatory law; and judicial review of agency action. The course will cover these topics through a comparative analysis of administrative processes in five federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Labor Relations Board, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Communications Commission.  A combination of cases and discussion problems will be used to examine legal issues such as the separation of powers doctrine; the constitutional law of due process; health, safety, and environmental policy; the provision of government benefits; and market regulation. The central theme of the course is how administrative law balances “rule of law” values (procedural regularity, substantive limits on arbitrary action) against the often-competing values of political accountability, democratic participation, and effective administrative governance.

This course provides an introduction to legal doctrines and policy questions relating to the organization and operation of the administrative state. The focus is on federal administrative law, with significant attention devoted to judicial review of agency action, structural constitutional questions of separation and balance of powers, and procedural requirements under the Due Process Clause and Administrative Procedure Act. Students are required to participate in class on "on call" panel days. Grading will be based on satisfaction of the panel requirement and performance on a one-day, take-home examination.

Law made by administrative agencies dominates the modern legal system and modern legal practice. This course examines the legal and practical foundations of the modern administrative state. Topics include rationales for delegation to administrative agencies; the legal framework (both constitutional and statutory) that governs agency decision-making; the proper role of agencies in interpreting statutory and regulatory law; and judicial review of agency action. The course will cover these topics through a comparative analysis of administrative processes in five federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Labor Relations Board, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Communications Commission.  A combination of cases and discussion problems will be used to examine legal issues such as the separation of powers doctrine; the constitutional law of due process; health, safety, and environmental policy; the provision of government benefits; and market regulation. The central theme of the course is how administrative law balances “rule of law” values (procedural regularity, substantive limits on arbitrary action) against the often-competing values of political accountability, democratic participation, and effective administrative governance.

Law made by administrative agencies dominates the modern legal system and modern legal practice. This course examines the legal and practical foundations of the modern administrative state. Topics include rationales for delegation to administrative agencies; the legal framework (both constitutional and statutory) that governs agency decision-making; the proper role of agencies in interpreting statutory and regulatory law; and judicial review of agency action. The course will cover these topics through a comparative analysis of administrative processes in five federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Labor Relations Board, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Communications Commission.  A combination of cases and discussion problems will be used to examine legal issues such as the separation of powers doctrine; the constitutional law of due process; health, safety, and environmental policy; the provision of government benefits; and market regulation. The central theme of the course is how administrative law balances “rule of law” values (procedural regularity, substantive limits on arbitrary action) against the often-competing values of political accountability, democratic participation, and effective administrative governance.

Law made by administrative agencies dominates the modern legal system and modern legal practice. This course examines the legal and practical foundations of the modern administrative state. Topics include rationales for delegation to administrative agencies; the legal framework (both constitutional and statutory) that governs agency decision-making; the proper role of agencies in interpreting statutory and regulatory law; and judicial review of agency action. The course will cover these topics through a comparative analysis of administrative processes in five federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Labor Relations Board, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Communications Commission.  A combination of cases and discussion problems will be used to examine legal issues such as the separation of powers doctrine; the constitutional law of due process; health, safety, and environmental policy; the provision of government benefits; and market regulation. The central theme of the course is how administrative law balances “rule of law” values (procedural regularity, substantive limits on arbitrary action) against the often-competing values of political accountability, democratic participation, and effective administrative governance.

A study of how government regulates citizens and business in Texas, including an analysis of the powers and procedures common to state agencies in Texas. Special focus is given to the power of agencies to regulate by the adoption of rules and the holding of due process hearings (including contested case hearings under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act). Further, the course will look at judicial review by the courts over agency actions and "open government" laws relating to governmental actions and records.

A study of how government regulates citizens and business in Texas, including an analysis of the powers and procedures common to state agencies in Texas. Special focus is given to the power of agencies to regulate by the adoption of rules and the holding of due process hearings (including contested case hearings under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act). Further, the course will look at judicial review by the courts over agency actions and "open government" laws relating to governmental actions and records.

A study of how government regulates citizens and business in Texas, including an analysis of the powers and procedures common to state agencies in Texas. Special focus is given to the power of agencies to regulate by the adoption of rules and the holding of due process hearings (including contested case hearings under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act). Further, the course will look at judicial review by the courts over agency actions and "open government" laws relating to governmental actions and records.

A study of how government regulates citizens and business in Texas, including an analysis of the powers and procedures common to state agencies in Texas. Special focus is given to the power of agencies to regulate by the adoption of rules and the holding of due process hearings (including contested case hearings under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act). Further, the course will look at judicial review by the courts over agency actions and "open government" laws relating to governmental actions and records.

What appears below is a fairly standard description of an admiralty law survey course. Regrettably, it does not convey the uniqueness and excitement of this intellectually challenging area of the law. It has been written that maritime law should be mandatory in the first year of law school since it will excite students about law and introduce them to every subject they will study at the law school. And a national humor magazine, in a pseudo law review article concerning the Law of the Jungle, declared that "nothing... begins to compare in complexity and sheer orneriness with aquatic law."

Anything that happens on or near a body of navigable water is liable to call forth the admiralty jurisdiction of the federal courts and the application of the federal maritime law. The practice of admiralty and maritime law is somewhat specialized--admiralty lawyers still like to call themselves "proctors"--but any lawyer who practices in a port city (on an ocean, river, or lake) or who handles international transactions of any sort is likely to run into admiralty problems. (Yes, there is a lot of admiralty in Baton Rouge, plenty of it in Cincinnati, and probably still a little bit in Ogallala.) England had a specialized admiralty practice, and our Constitution set up admiralty and maritime law as a separate subject in this country by explicitly vesting the federal courts with full (but not exclusive) power over "all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction."  Understanding admiralty and maritime law accordingly entails some historical inquiries as well as a significant re-education in aspects of constitutional law affecting the division of power between the national and state governments. But the focus of the course is predominantly modern law, and the course materials consist in major part of recent judicial decisions and oft-litigated statutes.

This course delves into issues presented by injuries to maritime workers (including the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); injuries to ship passengers and recreational boaters; carriage of goods under private contracts of carriage (charterparties) and under bills of lading (including the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act); collisions between vessels; marine insurance; and forum shopping in maritime cases. The emphasis is on the present-day problems of maritime lawyers and judges as reflected in current litigation. The name "admiralty" may conjure up images of antiquity, but the practice and study of maritime law is a thoroughly modern matter. There are no prerequisites.

Anything that happens on or near a body of navigable water is liable to call forth the admiralty jurisdiction of the federal courts and the application of the federal maritime law. The practice of admiralty and maritime law is somewhat specialized--admiralty lawyers still like to call themselves "proctors"--but any lawyer who practices in a port city (on an ocean, river, or lake) or who handles international transactions of any sort is likely to run into admiralty problems. (Yes, there is a lot of admiralty in Baton Rouge, plenty of it in Cincinnati, and probably still a little bit in Ogallala.) England had a specialized admiralty practice, and our Constitution set up admiralty and maritime law as a separate subject in this country by explicitly vesting the federal courts with full (but not exclusive) power over "all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction."  Understanding admiralty and maritime law accordingly entails some historical inquiries as well as a significant re-education in aspects of constitutional law affecting the division of power between the national and state governments. But the focus of the course is predominantly modern law, and the course materials consist in major part of recent judicial decisions and oft-litigated statutes.

This course delves into issues presented by injuries to maritime workers (including the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); injuries to ship passengers and recreational boaters; carriage of goods under private contracts of carriage (charterparties) and under bills of lading (including the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act); collisions between vessels; marine insurance; and forum shopping in maritime cases. The emphasis is on the present-day problems of maritime lawyers and judges as reflected in current litigation. The name "admiralty" may conjure up images of antiquity, but the practice and study of maritime law is a thoroughly modern matter. There are no prerequisites.

Anything that happens on or near a body of navigable water is liable to call forth the admiralty jurisdiction of the federal courts and the application of the federal maritime law. The practice of admiralty and maritime law is somewhat specialized--admiralty lawyers still like to call themselves "proctors"--but any lawyer who practices in a port city (on an ocean, river, or lake) or who handles international transactions of any sort is likely to run into admiralty problems. (Yes, there is a lot of admiralty in Baton Rouge, plenty of it in Cincinnati, and probably still a little bit in Ogallala.) England had a specialized admiralty practice, and our Constitution set up admiralty and maritime law as a separate subject in this country by explicitly vesting the federal courts with full (but not exclusive) power over "all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction."  Understanding admiralty and maritime law accordingly entails some historical inquiries as well as a significant re-education in aspects of constitutional law affecting the division of power between the national and state governments. But the focus of the course is predominantly modern law, and the course materials consist in major part of recent judicial decisions and oft-litigated statutes.

This course delves into issues presented by injuries to maritime workers (including the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); injuries to ship passengers and recreational boaters; carriage of goods under private contracts of carriage (charterparties) and under bills of lading (including the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act); collisions between vessels; marine insurance; and forum shopping in maritime cases. The emphasis is on the present-day problems of maritime lawyers and judges as reflected in current litigation. The name "admiralty" may conjure up images of antiquity, but the practice and study of maritime law is a thoroughly modern matter. There are no prerequisites.

Anything that happens on or near a body of navigable water is liable to call forth the admiralty jurisdiction of the federal courts and the application of the federal maritime law. The practice of admiralty and maritime law is somewhat specialized--admiralty lawyers still like to call themselves "proctors"--but any lawyer who practices in a port city (on an ocean, river, or lake) or who handles international transactions of any sort is likely to run into admiralty problems. (Yes, there is a lot of admiralty in Baton Rouge, plenty of it in Cincinnati, and probably still a little bit in Ogallala.) England had a specialized admiralty practice, and our Constitution set up admiralty and maritime law as a separate subject in this country by explicitly vesting the federal courts with full (but not exclusive) power over "all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction."  Understanding admiralty and maritime law accordingly entails some historical inquiries as well as a significant re-education in aspects of constitutional law affecting the division of power between the national and state governments. But the focus of the course is predominantly modern law, and the course materials consist in major part of recent judicial decisions and oft-litigated statutes.

This course delves into issues presented by injuries to maritime workers (including the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); injuries to ship passengers and recreational boaters; carriage of goods under private contracts of carriage (charterparties) and under bills of lading (including the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act); collisions between vessels; marine insurance; and forum shopping in maritime cases. The emphasis is on the present-day problems of maritime lawyers and judges as reflected in current litigation. The name "admiralty" may conjure up images of antiquity, but the practice and study of maritime law is a thoroughly modern matter. There are no prerequisites.

Advanced Advocacy: Jury Selection & Psychology primarily focuses on two critical concepts for jury trial lawyers: jury selection and the psychology of juror persuasion and communication. This class, which is limited to 3L students, is the only class in the law school where you will spend six weeks learning about and ultimately practicing jury selection (voir dire). Here are three key components of this class:

• Learn techniques for jury selection culminating in two opportunities to practice jury selection, including one with “real people” (Austin residents not affiliated with the law school).
• Study advanced jury persuasion techniques by considering the psychology of both your audience (the jury) and yourself (the lawyer), with real-world lessons on attorney well-being and dealing with clients who are victims of trauma.
• Work with licensed psychiatrists to prepare them to testify as expert witnesses and then conduct direct and cross-examinations of the experts.

This is a keystone class for students who have mastered basic and even advanced advocacy skills and are ready to dive into cutting-edge techniques and approaches. The class combines both discussion and practice sessions focusing on both traditional legal exercises and other experimental approaches to advocacy. This class is application-only. Suggested prerequisites: Evidence, Advocacy Survey, and advanced Advocacy work such as appellate advocacy, Intensive Litigation Advocacy Skills, ADR courses, clinics, or interscholastic mock trial participation.

Advanced Advocacy: Jury Selection & Psychology primarily focuses on two critical concepts for jury trial lawyers: jury selection and the psychology of juror persuasion and communication. This class, which is limited to 3L students, is the only class in the law school where you will spend six weeks learning about and ultimately practicing jury selection (voir dire). Here are three key components of this class:

• Learn techniques for jury selection culminating in two opportunities to practice jury selection, including one with “real people” (Austin residents not affiliated with the law school).
• Study advanced jury persuasion techniques by considering the psychology of both your audience (the jury) and yourself (the lawyer), with real-world lessons on attorney well-being and dealing with clients who are victims of trauma.
• Work with licensed psychiatrists to prepare them to testify as expert witnesses and then conduct direct and cross-examinations of the experts.

This is a keystone class for students who have mastered basic and even advanced advocacy skills and are ready to dive into cutting-edge techniques and approaches. The class combines both discussion and practice sessions focusing on both traditional legal exercises and other experimental approaches to advocacy. This class is application-only. Suggested prerequisites: Evidence, Advocacy Survey, and advanced Advocacy work such as appellate advocacy, Intensive Litigation Advocacy Skills, ADR courses, clinics, or interscholastic mock trial participation.

Advanced Criminal Law Skills will take a criminal case from its inception through trial, plea or dismissal. Students will perform skills weekly on different elements of the case. 

Three key components of the class are:

• Learning how to evaluate a criminal case at intake;
• Leaning how to handle a criminal case once it is filed (with motions, charging decisions and plea negotiations);
• Learning how to successfully take a criminal case through jury trial (including witness prep).

Ethics will also be included.  The course is recommended for those with an interest in a career in criminal law, especially those considering employment in either a prosecutor’s or public defender’s office.

This course will take a criminal case from its inception through trial, plea or dismissal. Students will perform skills weekly on different elements of the case such as intake evaluation, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, witness preparation and trial. Ethics will also be included. The course is recommended for those with an interest in a career in criminal law, especially those considering employment in either a prosecutor's or public defender’s office.

The class will be a combination of remote and in person exercises.  No student will be required to appear in person, but students will be given the option of doing so on some of the class days.  The hope is to give students the chance to perform in ways that are currently being used in different jurisdictions around the country.    Obviously this is evolving and subject to change.  The plan is also to involve guest appearances by some former students who took this class and are now working in public defender or prosecutor’s offices.