Course Schedule

Texas Civil Procedure is an advanced litigation course focusing on the Texas Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure. The course covers pretrial, trial, and appellate procedure in Texas state courts. Unlike first-year Civil Procedure, which focuses on the federal rules and basic concepts, Texas Civil Procedure studies the distinctive Texas rules from an advanced perspective. If you are planning a litigation practice in Texas, this course is essential. The course also helps you prepare for the civil procedure portions of the Texas bar exam. Students may find it helpful to take the course during their second year, before their summer work experience and before they take advanced advocacy courses.

Texas Civil Procedure is an advanced litigation course focusing on the Texas Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure. The course covers pretrial, trial, and appellate procedure in Texas state courts. Unlike first-year Civil Procedure, which focuses on the federal rules and basic concepts, Texas Civil Procedure studies the distinctive Texas rules from an advanced perspective. If you are planning a litigation practice in Texas, this course is essential. The course also helps you prepare for the civil procedure portions of the Texas bar exam. Students may find it helpful to take the course during their second year, before their summer work experience and before they take advanced advocacy courses.

Texas Civil Procedure is an advanced litigation course focusing on the Texas Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure. The course covers pretrial, trial, and appellate procedure in Texas state courts. Unlike first-year Civil Procedure, which focuses on the federal rules and basic concepts, Texas Civil Procedure studies the distinctive Texas rules from an advanced perspective. If you are planning a litigation practice in Texas, this course is essential. The course also helps you prepare for the civil procedure portions of the Texas bar exam. Students may find it helpful to take the course during their second year, before their summer work experience and before they take advanced advocacy courses.

Texas Civil Procedure is an advanced litigation course focusing on the Texas Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure. The course covers pretrial, trial, and appellate procedure in Texas state courts. Unlike first-year Civil Procedure, which focuses on the federal rules and basic concepts, Texas Civil Procedure studies the distinctive Texas rules from an advanced perspective. If you are planning a litigation practice in Texas, this course is essential. The course also helps you prepare for the civil procedure portions of the Texas bar exam. Students may find it helpful to take the course during their second year, before their summer work experience and before they take advanced advocacy courses.

Texas Civil Procedure is an advanced litigation course focusing on the Texas Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure. The course covers pretrial, trial, and appellate procedure in Texas state courts. Unlike first-year Civil Procedure, which focuses on the federal rules and basic concepts, Texas Civil Procedure studies the distinctive Texas rules from an advanced perspective. If you are planning a litigation practice in Texas, this course is essential. The course also helps you prepare for the civil procedure portions of the Texas bar exam. Students may find it helpful to take the course during their second year, before their summer work experience and before they take advanced advocacy courses.

This course divides the semester into roughly four parts.  In the first quarter of the semester, we examine oil production, globally, within OPEC and OPEC+, the US, and particularly in Texas.  We will discuss the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), its constitutional and statutory underpinnings, along with noteworthy Texas Supreme Ct. cases involving the RRC.  We finish this section by examination of interesting RRC rules and orders, including those related to disposal wells, production sharing agreements/allocation wells, spacing rules, and the Mineral Interest Pooling Act. 

The second quarter of the semester explores energy delivery in Texas, particularly regulated transmission and distribution (TDU) electric utilities and natural gas local distribution companies (LDCs). We examine the elements of a successful rate case and review numerous cases examining Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and RRC treatment of various elements of a rate case. We'll also examine the competitive electric market in ERCOT and discuss several court cases arising from the events of Winter Storm Uri.

In the third quarter, we will discuss energy infrastructure development in Texas, and examine major transmission development, such as Docket No. 38354, the "Hill Country CREZ line," and the "Permian Basin Reliability Plan" 765 KV transmission backbone.

The final quarter of the semester will focus on federal cases related to energy and the environment, including an examination of 'Chevron deference,' as interpreted recently by the U.S. Supreme Court.  

We may have a guest lecturer or two from the RRC, PUCT, or ERCOT. 

Your performance in this course will be evaluated on the basis of a four-hour (maximum), open book, open note (but no access to the internet) mid-term exam administered either the Friday before Spring Break or the Monday after Spring Break; a closed book, closed note (no access to the internet), four-hour (maximum) final exam administered during finals weeks; and in-class active participation. The percentages that comprise your overall grade in the class are 30%, 60% and 10%, respectively.  There is no textbook for this class.  Reading assignments and discussion material will be posted on Canvas in advance of the pertinent class. You should assume that the reading requirement is moderate.  No more than two absences will be allowed (without express prior approval of the instructor.)  

This course divides the semester into roughly four parts.  In the first quarter of the semester, we start by examining oil production, globally, within OPEC and OPEC+, the US, and particularly in Texas.  We will discuss the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), its constitutional and statutory underpinnings, along with noteworthy Texas Supreme Ct. cases involving the RRC and important oil, natural gas, and pipeline-related issues.  We finish this section by examination of interesting RRC rules and orders, including those related to disposal wells, production sharing agreements/allocation wells, spacing rules, and the Mineral Interest Pooling Act. Finally, we will examine Opiela v. Railroad Commission of Texas, No. 23-0772, Petition for Review at SCOTX. 

The second quarter of the semester explores energy delivery in Texas, particularly regulated transmission and distribution (TDU) electric utilities and natural gas local distribution companies (LDCs). We examine the elements of a successful rate case and review numerous cases examining Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), and RRC, treatment of various elements of a rate case. We'll also examine the competitive electric market in ERCOT, and discuss several court cases arising from the events of Winter Storm Uri, including Luminant v. Public Utility Commission of Texas, No. 23-0231, decided by SCOTX 6/14/24, and ERCOT v. Panda Power, No. 22-0196, and CPS v. ERCOT, SCOTX opinion delivered 6/23/23.

In the third quarter, we will discuss renewable energy infrastructure development in Texas, and examine a major transmission development Docket No. 38354, the "Hill Country CREZ line." We'll also discuss the potential for geothermal energy development in Texas.

The final quarter of the semester will focus on federal cases related to energy and the environment.  In particular, we will examine the role of Chevron deference (Chevron v. NRDC, 467 U.S. 837, 1984),  as interpreted by past and present Supreme Courts, in federal agency (i.e. EPA) decision making, including the recent Loper Bright Enterprises v. Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce, SCOTUS decision.   

We may occasionally have guest lecturers from the RRC, PUCT, and ERCOT. 

Your performance in this course will be evaluated on the basis of an open book, take home, mid-term exam (administered over spring break), a closed book, take home, final exam (administered during finals weeks, with 24 hours to compete), and in-class active participation; the percentages are 30%, 60% and 10%, respectively.  There is no textbook for this class.  Reading assignments and discussion material will be posted on Canvas in advance of the pertinent class. You should assume that the reading requirement is moderate.  No more than two absences will be allowed (without express prior approval of the instructor.)  

This course divides the semester into roughly four parts.  In the first quarter of the semester, we start by examining oil production, globally, within OPEC and OPEC+, the US, and particularly in Texas.  We will discuss the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), its constitutional and statutory underpinnings, along with noteworthy Texas Supreme Ct. cases involving the RRC and significant oil, natural gas, and pipeline-related issues .  We finish this section by examing several interesting RRC rules and orders.  

The second quarter of the semester explores energy delivery in Texas, particularly regulated transmission and distribution of natural gas and electricity. We examine the elements of a successful rate case and review numerous cases examining Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), and RRC treatment of various elements of a rate case. We'll also examine the competitive electric market in ERCOT, and discuss several court cases arising from the events of Winter Storm Uri.

In the third quarter, we will discuss renewable energy development in Texas. We'll focus on transmission development in the context of the CREZ (competitive renewable energy zones). We'll also discuss the potential for geothermal energy development in Texas.

The final quarter of the semester will focus on federal cases related to energy and the environment.  In particular, we will examine the role of Chevron deference (Chevron v. NRDC, 467 U.S. 837, 1984),  as interpreted by past and present Supreme Courts, in federal agency (i.e. EPA) decision making.  

We will occasionally have guest lecturers from the RRC, PUCT, and ERCOT. 

Your performance in this course will be evaluated on the basis of an open book, take home, mid-term exam (administered over spring break), a closed book, take home, final exam (administered during finals weeks, with 24 hours to compete), and in-class active participation; the percentages are 30%, 60% and 10%, respectively.  There is no textbook for this class.  Reading assignments and discussion material will be posted on Canvas in advance of the pertinent class. You should assume that the reading requirement is moderate.  No more than two absences will be allowed (without express prior approval of the instructor.)  

This course divides the semester into roughly four parts.  In the first quarter of the semester, we start by examining oil production, globally, within OPEC and OPEC+, and finally within the US, and particularly Texas.  We next discuss the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), its constitutional and statutory underpinnings, along with noteworthy Texas Supreme Ct. cases involving the RRC and significant oil, natural gas, and pipeline-related issues .  We finish this section by examing several interesting RRC rules and orders.  The second quarter of the semester explores regulated transmission and distribution of natural gas and electricity. We examine the elements of a successful rate case and review numerous cases (both Texas and Federal courts) examining Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), RRC, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) treatment of various elements of a rate case.  In the third quarter, we will discuss renewable energy development, including the creation of CREZ (competitive renewable energy zones), and the steps which led Texas to become the nation's #1 wind energy state. The final quarter of the semester will focus on EPA regulations and US Supreme Ct. cases related to energy and the environment.  In particular, we will examine the role of Chevron deference (Chevron v. NRDC, 467 U.S. 837, 1984),  as interpreted by past and present Supreme Courts, in agency decision making.  

Throughout the semester, we will have guest lecturers from the RRC, PUCT, ERCOT, and various industry and environmental groups. 

Your performance in this course will be evaluated on the basis of an open book, take home, mid-term exam (administered over spring break), a closed book, take home, final exam (administered during finals weeks, with 24 hours to compete), and in-class active participation; the percentages are 30%, 60% and 10%, respectively.  There is no textbook for this class.  Reading assignments and discussion material will be posted on Canvas in advance of the pertinent class. You should assume that the reading requirement is moderate.  No more than two absences will be allowed (without express prior approval of the instructor.)  

This course divides the semester into roughly four parts.  In the first quarter of the semester, we start by examining oil production, globally, within OPEC and OPEC+, and finally within the US, and particularly Texas.  We next discuss the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), its constitutional and statutory underpinnings, along with noteworthy Texas Supreme Ct. cases involving the RRC and significant oil, natural gas, and pipeline-related issues .  We finish this section by examing several interesting RRC rules and orders.  The second quarter of the semester explores regulated transmission and distribution of natural gas and electricity. We examine the elements of a successful rate case and review numerous cases (both Texas and Federal courts) examining Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), RRC, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) treatment of various elements of a rate case.  In the third quarter, we will discuss renewable energy development, including the creation of CREZ (competitive renewable energy zones), and the steps which led Texas to become the nation's #1 wind energy state. The final quarter of the semester will focus on EPA regulations and US Supreme Ct. cases related to energy and the environment.  In particular, we will examine the role of Chevron deference (Chevron v. NRDC, 467 U.S. 837, 1984),  as interpreted by past and present Supreme Courts, in agency decision making.  

Throughout the semester, we will have guest lecturers from the RRC, PUCT, ERCOT, and various industry and environmental groups. 

Your performance in this course will be evaluated on the basis of an open book, take home, mid-term exam (administered over spring break), a closed book, take home, final exam (administered during finals weeks, with 24 hours to compete), and in-class active participation; the percentages are 30%, 60% and 10%, respectively.  There is no textbook for this class.  Reading assignments and discussion material will be posted on Canvas in advance of the pertinent class. You should assume that the reading requirement is moderate.  No more than two absences will be allowed (without express prior approval of the instructor.)  

Taught by former Texas legislator, Senator J.E. "Buster" Brown, and supplemented by guest lecturers, this two-credit course focuses on the ways in which the Texas Legislature functions - both officially and otherwise. A wide range of procedural and substantive topics will be discussed to enable law students to gain an understanding of the process of legislation, the procedural requirements, and the forces at work which all contribute to the criteria for enactment or rejection of a bill. In this regard, the formal structure of the legislature will be analyzed in depth, including the Legislative Council (drafting bills), the Budget Board, the leadership and committee structure, scheduling votes on proposals, etc. The informal structure will not be ignored, with an eye to the role of special interest groups, lobbyists, and House-Senate interaction behind the scenes. Emphasis centers on the way ideas work their way through the Legislature and become policy for the State of Texas, including Constitution, statutes, rules of the House and Senate, and political realities that influence the process.

Taught by former Texas legislator, Senator J.E. "Buster" Brown, and supplemented by guest lecturers, this two-credit course focuses on the ways in which the Texas Legislature functions - both officially and otherwise. A wide range of procedural and substantive topics will be discussed to enable law students to gain an understanding of the process of legislation, the procedural requirements, and the forces at work which all contribute to the criteria for enactment or rejection of a bill. In this regard, the formal structure of the legislature will be analyzed in depth, including the Legislative Council (drafting bills), the Budget Board, the leadership and committee structure, scheduling votes on proposals, etc. The informal structure will not be ignored, with an eye to the role of special interest groups, lobbyists, and House-Senate interaction behind the scenes. Emphasis centers on the way ideas work their way through the Legislature and become policy for the State of Texas, including Constitution, statutes, rules of the House and Senate, and political realities that influence the process.

Taught by former Texas legislator, Senator J.E. "Buster" Brown, and supplemented by guest lecturers, this two-credit course focuses on the ways in which the Texas Legislature functions - both officially and otherwise. A wide range of procedural and substantive topics will be discussed to enable law students to gain an understanding of the process of legislation, the procedural requirements, and the forces at work which all contribute to the criteria for enactment or rejection of a bill. In this regard, the formal structure of the legislature will be analyzed in depth, including the Legislative Council (drafting bills), the Budget Board, the leadership and committee structure, scheduling votes on proposals, etc. The informal structure will not be ignored, with an eye to the role of special interest groups, lobbyists, and House-Senate interaction behind the scenes. Emphasis centers on the way ideas work their way through the Legislature and become policy for the State of Texas, including Constitution, statutes, rules of the House and Senate, and political realities that influence the process.

This course will be taught entirely in the classroom

Taught by former Texas legislator, Senator J.E. "Buster" Brown, and supplemented by guest lecturers, this two-credit course focuses on the ways in which the Texas Legislature functions - both officially and otherwise. A wide range of procedural and substantive topics will be discussed to enable law students to gain an understanding of the process of legislation, the procedural requirements, and the forces at work which all contribute to the criteria for enactment or rejection of a bill. In this regard, the formal structure of the legislature will be analyzed in depth, including the Legislative Council (drafting bills), the Budget Board, the leadership and committee structure, scheduling votes on proposals, etc. The informal structure will not be ignored, with an eye to the role of special interest groups, lobbyists, and House-Senate interaction behind the scenes. Emphasis centers on the way ideas work their way through the Legislature and become policy for the State of Texas, including Constitution, statutes, rules of the House and Senate, and political realities that influence the process.

This course provides an overview of Texas Marital Property Law with a focus on practical aspects of representation during a divorce. Substantive topics include characterization, valuation, and division of the marital estate at the time of divorce, along with marital property agreements such as Premarital Agreements, Partition or Exchange Agreements, and Separate Property Conversion Agreements.

This course provides an overview of Texas Marital Property Law with a focus on practical aspects of representation during a divorce. Substantive topics include characterization, valuation, and division of the marital estate at the time of divorce, along with marital property agreements such as Premarital Agreements, Partition or Exchange Agreements, and Separate Property Conversion Agreements.

Texas Personal Injury Trial Law is a comprehensive, practice-oriented course designed to equip law students with the doctrinal knowledge, procedural expertise, and strategic judgment necessary to competently manage a straightforward personal injury case under Texas law. This course systematically follows the lifecycle of a personal injury matter—from initial client intake and pre-suit investigation through discovery, trial, post-judgment motions, and final settlement—while providing students with the analytical framework and litigation tools required for real-world practice. Instruction is led by Ronald Rodriguez, a nationally recognized trial attorney who is dual board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Drawing upon decades of experience in high-stakes litigation, Mr. Rodriguez delivers instruction grounded in actual courtroom advocacy. Students will gain access to a comprehensive suite of professionally developed and courtroom-proven litigation checklists and practice-ready forms used in modern personal injury practice. The course emphasizes not only plaintiff-side advocacy but also critical defense strategies, fostering balanced and ethically sound professional judgment. Through rigorous examination of liability theories, damages models, ethical considerations, and evidentiary rules, students will learn to evaluate case merits, draft pleadings, develop discovery plans, conduct depositions, prepare trial strategies, and ensure compliance with fiduciary obligations. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling an uncomplicated personal injury case from intake to resolution, including the ability to analyze legal and factual issues, prepare litigation documents, engage in strategic negotiation, and advocate effectively in both plaintiff and defense contexts. This course is ideal for students interested in personal injury practice, civil litigation, and advanced trial advocacy. Texas Civil Procedure is a recommended prerequisite.

Texas Personal Injury Trial Law is a comprehensive, practice-oriented course designed to equip law students with the doctrinal knowledge, procedural expertise, and strategic judgment necessary to competently manage a straightforward personal injury case under Texas law. This course systematically follows the lifecycle of a personal injury matter—from initial client intake and pre-suit investigation through discovery, trial, post-judgment motions, and final settlement—while providing students with the analytical framework and litigation tools required for real-world practice. Instruction is led by Ronald Rodriguez, a nationally recognized trial attorney who is dual board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Drawing upon decades of experience in high-stakes litigation, Mr. Rodriguez delivers instruction grounded in actual courtroom advocacy. Students will gain access to a comprehensive suite of professionally developed and courtroom-proven litigation checklists and practice-ready forms used in modern personal injury practice. The course emphasizes not only plaintiff-side advocacy but also critical defense strategies, fostering balanced and ethically sound professional judgment. Through rigorous examination of liability theories, damages models, ethical considerations, and evidentiary rules, students will learn to evaluate case merits, draft pleadings, develop discovery plans, conduct depositions, prepare trial strategies, and ensure compliance with fiduciary obligations. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling an uncomplicated personal injury case from intake to resolution, including the ability to analyze legal and factual issues, prepare litigation documents, engage in strategic negotiation, and advocate effectively in both plaintiff and defense contexts. This course is ideal for students interested in personal injury practice, civil litigation, and advanced trial advocacy. Texas Civil Procedure is a recommended prerequisite.

This course offers a study of Texas Property Tax law primarily through review of the Texas Property Tax Code, Texas Constitution, controlling case law, recent news articles, and Comptroller Rules. The course will include study and discussion of the public policies behind property tax laws that ultimately impact every person in Texas, whether you own property or not. In addition, the course will provide some exposure to how property tax laws are used in business development solicitations by the state and local government bodies.

This course offers a study of Texas Property Tax law primarily through review of the Texas Property Tax Code, Texas Constitution, controlling case law, recent news articles, and Comptroller Rules. The course will include study and discussion of the public policies behind property tax laws that ultimately impact every person in Texas, whether you own property or not. In addition, the course will provide some exposure to how property tax laws are used in business development solicitations by the state and local government bodies.

Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs is a university-wide initiative to accelerate startups in taking their innovations to market while transforming graduate students into entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The TVL Practicum is a cross-disciplinary networking and learning program that connects graduate students interested in entrepreneurship with Texas-based startup companies. Students participate in semester-long consulting projects solving important problems alongside the company’s founders in a hands-on approach using the academic foundations of entrepreneurship and business modeling. Students learn valuable skills such as project management, client relations, team collaboration, market validation, competitive research, price modeling and business analysis.

This course is for students who have completed the interview process and have been selected to participate in the TVL Practicum. The interview process is mandatory and instructor permission is required to take this course. Full course requirements and qualifications will be reviewed with students during information sessions prior to the interview process each semester.

This is a full semester course that can only be taken for a grade. The course requires meeting during the scheduled class time and work to be conducted in between classes. For more information and details on the interview process for this course, visit the website (https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/Centers/Texas-Venture-Labs/Students).

The TVL Practicum is an elective course that is open to all grad students at UT. Students in the TVL Practicum are put into cross-disciplinary teams where they get the opportunity to work and learn alongside students from different colleges throughout the University. Over the course of the semester, each team works on consulting projects with two early-stage startup companies. Students learn valuable skills such as conducting market validation, competitive analysis, and go to market strategies.

Previous business experience or experience working with startups is not necessary. Students come to TVL to gain that experience. The Practicum provides an opportunity for students to get an inside look at how startups work. This experience can provide a lot of insight to students considering a future working in tech or at a startup.

Many of the law students in the TVL Practicum take the class because they are planning to work in transactional law or mergers/acquisitions and this can give them an inside look at the day-to-day operations of early stage startups and the challenges they face.

Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs is a university-wide initiative to accelerate startups in taking their innovations to market while transforming graduate students into entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The TVL Practicum is a cross-disciplinary networking and learning program that connects graduate students interested in entrepreneurship with Texas-based startup companies. Students participate in semester-long consulting projects solving important problems alongside the company’s founders in a hands-on approach using the academic foundations of entrepreneurship and business modeling. Students learn valuable skills such as project management, client relations, team collaboration, market validation, competitive research, price modeling and business analysis.

This course is for students who have completed the interview process and have been selected to participate in the TVL Practicum. The interview process is mandatory and instructor permission is required to take this course. Full course requirements and qualifications will be reviewed with students during information sessions prior to the interview process each semester.

This is a full semester course that can only be taken for a grade. The course requires meeting during the scheduled class time and work to be conducted in between classes. For more information and details on the interview process for this course, visit the website (https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/Centers/Texas-Venture-Labs/Students).