Course Schedule
Classes Found
Tax Factors for Financial Planning
- TUE, THU 3:30 – 5:00 pm RRH 3.402
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 393S
- Cross-listed with:
- Accounting
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will not use floating mean GPA
Description
This is a Business School course, cross-listed with the Law School.
The course is offered through the full-time MBA program as an upper-level accounting elective. The goal of the course is to provide a fundamental understanding of the principles of taxation and financial planning. Traditional business courses analyze an array of factors affecting business decisions but provide little systematic consideration of individual financial planning decisions. This case-based course intends to bridge this gap by discussing how accounting, economic, finance, and legal principles affect a variety of personal financial planning decisions.
Technology of Cybersecurity: An Introduction for Law and Policy Students
- MON 5:55 – 8:35 pm TNH 2.138
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 396V
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
This course is an introduction to the technical aspects of cybersecurity. No background is assumed. If you want to learn how this stuff works, this course was made for you.
The course is intended for graduate students in law, public affairs, and other non-technical disciplines. We will explore topics like cryptography, authentication, malware, and social engineering. Note that this course does not address legal or policy questions, as those are the subject of the separate Cybersecurity Foundations course taught by Professor Chesney. Both courses are part of the larger Strauss Center program promoting cross-disciplinary training related to cybersecurity across the graduate school community at UT.
Texas Legislature: Process and Procedure
- WED 3:55 – 5:45 pm JON 5.206
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 285F
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
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.
Texas Venture Labs Practicum
- I. Bidot
- MON 6:00 – 9:00 pm RRH 3.406
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 396W
- Cross-listed with:
- Management
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will not use floating mean GPA
Description
Same as LAW 379M, Texas Venture Labs Practicum. This is a Business School course, cross-listed with the Law School.
McCombs will begin hosting information sessions for the upcoming class soon:
February 27th
March 5th
March 19th
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.
The Frontiers and Foundations of Antidiscrimination Law
- TUE 5:55 – 7:45 pm JON 6.206
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 296W
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
Taught by Cory R. Liu.
This course explores the enduring debates in antidiscrimination law that have occurred historically and which continue to the present day, with a particular focus on racial discrimination. The topics covered will include the list of classes that are protected by law, the circumstances under which discrimination may be lawful, and the evidentiary burden for proving discrimination. Through class discussion, we will attempt to determine the principles that underlie all of antidiscrimination law. One of the themes of the course will be the necessity of civil discourse for achieving the long-term goals of civil rights law, and students will be expected to model such discourse in class discussions. Grading will be based on writing assignments and participation in a mock oral argument.
No textbook required.
The Future of Administrative Law in the U.S. Supreme Court
- FRI 2:30 – 4:20 pm TNH 3.129
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 185R
- Short course:
- 8/30/24 — 11/22/24
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Description
Taught by Aaron L. Nielson. This class meets every other week: August 30, September 13, September 27, October 11, October 25, November 8, and November 22.
This reading group will examine the Supreme Court’s evolving approach to administrative law. From delegation to deference to structural separation of powers, the Roberts Court has begun changing administrative law in fundamental ways—a process that remains ongoing and that promises to have profound consequences for the nation for generations to come. Relying on both original sources and scholarly commentary, we will read and discuss the Court’s cases to better understand what is happening and where it will likely lead.
The Law of Artificial Intelligence
- TUE 3:55 – 5:45 pm TNH 2.137
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 296W
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
Artificial Intelligence (AI) permeates our daily lives, from smart apps to widespread applications in industry, the government, and the legal system. It is a singular technological advancement on par with the microchip, automobiles, and nuclear power, and—like those technologies—will alter society in myriad ways, both good and bad.
This course will examine the emerging and growing bodies of law surrounding AI. The beginning of the course will establish a working knowledge of the different types and functionalities of AI, with an emphasis on how AI mirrors human conduct regulated by the law. The course will then examine the legal issues created by generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT), including the copyright issues and ongoing litigation regarding generative AI’s inputs, as well as the issues presented when AI becomes a creator or inventor.
The course will next examine the challenges that AI presents for privacy and data, including personal information, data breaches, and the right to control one’s own image and likeness. The last topic will be especially acute in a presidential election year; AI-generated deepfakes have already entered the political fray. The course will also cover the intersection of AI and the criminal law, including how AI is being used by the police, prosecutors, and judges, as well as the challenges that may be presented when AI itself commits bad acts, including torts and crimes.
Finally, the course will culminate with an examination of the emerging legal frameworks targeting AI. Those frameworks include comprehensive approaches (e.g., the EU AI Act), targeted approaches addressing a single issue, and piecemeal approaches that fold AI into existing legal frameworks. Students will complete this course with an understanding of AI and its regulation as well as the ability to track and comprehend future developments in both areas.
Torts
- TUE, WED, THU 9:05 – 10:12 am TNH 2.137
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 480V
Registration Information
- 1L-only required
Description
Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.
Torts
- MON, TUE, WED, THU 2:30 – 3:20 pm TNH 2.124
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 580V
Registration Information
- 1L-only required
Description
Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.
Torts
- MON, TUE, WED 2:30 – 3:37 pm TNH 2.139
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 580V
Registration Information
- 1L-only required
Description
Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.
Torts
- MON, TUE, WED 2:30 – 3:37 pm TNH 3.125
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 580V
Registration Information
- 1L-only required
Description
Limits of liability and methods of establishing liability for intentional and unintentional injuries to persons or property.
Trade Secret Law
- THU 2:30 – 4:20 pm JON 6.206
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 296W
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
Taught by Leah Buratti and Maria Calaf.
This course will provide in-depth study of U.S. and Texas law protecting trade secrets, the legal mechanism that businesses are increasingly relying on to protect their intellectual property and confidential business information. The course will cover statutory and common law protection for trade secrets. It will examine trade secret fundamentals such as the scope, duration, and prerequisites for trade secret protection, including subject matter, secrecy, economic value, and reasonable efforts to protect the trade secret. Common misappropriation scenarios will be addressed: joint ventures, potential acquisitions, and departing employees going to work for competitors. In addition, the course will explore litigation strategies for trade secrets cases, in particular requests for a preliminary injunction, forensic discovery, and timing of identification of the trade secret. Employment law angles of misappropriation of trade secrets will also be discussed, such as issues regarding confidentiality and non-competition agreements. Procedures and requirements for preserving trade secret protection will also be covered. Finally, the course touches on relevant comparisons between trade secret law and other legal doctrines, such as patent law.
TEXTBOOK: Trade Secret Law in a nutshell. Sharon K. Sandeen, Elizabeth A. Rowe. ISBN: 9781640202115
Transactions
- TUE, THU 9:05 – 10:20 am JON 5.206
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 385J
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
This course focuses on real contracts with real risks. During the course we will study a guaranty, a promissory note, a deed of trust and an assignment. These are commonly used agreements in financing. A prominent local law firm has provided these materials for our use in class. We will also study a merger agreement, an asset acquisition agreement and a joint venture agreement. The merger, joint venture and asset acquisition agreement were prepared by committees of the American Bar Association ("ABA"). We will also study a confidentiality agreement, non-compete agreement, a waiver of liability and several other commonly used agreements. Finally, we will study an intellectual property license.
This course highlights the liabilities in each agreement. This course could also be called "everything you always wanted to know about commercial liabilities, but were afraid to ask." However, we do not study commercial terms, such as profit.
Prerequisite: First year torts and first year contracts. Business Associations will also be helpful, but is not a prerequisite.
Please note, the three documents provided by the ABA are over 750 pages long total. These three documents are usually well-represented on the final exam. The ABA documents are also heavily commented by the drafters. In addition to the ABA documents, we study several other documents that are lengthy and dense. So, it is important that you come to each class well-prepared.
U.S. Environmental Law
- MON, WED 2:30 – 3:45 pm TNH 3.124
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 391E-4
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
This course surveys environmental law in the United States from its roots in the common law, to the explosion of legislation and regulation that emerged in the 1970's, and through to regulatory efforts to address climate change today. Beyond giving students a solid foundation in navigating the major laws that govern protection of the environment and public health, the course will introduce students to the regulatory state. We will examine the ways in which courts, Congress, and agencies sometimes work together and sometimes act at cross purposes in developing and implementing environmental policies. The course will also consider the disparate perspectives that inform environmental programs--ethical values, economics, and science--and how conflicts between them can lead to surprising compromises in statutory and regulatory outcomes. The course surveys four major pollution statutes, with a particular emphasis on laws regulating air and water pollution and the laws governing the commercial use and remediation of hazardous substances. The course casebook incorporates regular discussion problems and will be supplemented by four required quizzes scheduled during the semester. Students completing this course will be well-positioned to take one or more advanced environmental law courses; although, it is not a prerequisite for enrollment in any of them.
U.S. Law, an Introduction
- MON 2:30 – 3:45 pm TNH 2.137
- WED 2:30 – 3:45 pm TNH 2.123
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 395R
Registration Information
- LLM degree course only
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
This course introduces international LL.M. students to the concepts of law fundamental to, and the legal institutions operating within, the United States legal system. Designed as a comprehensive overview, the course will cover key aspects of the U.S. legal system, including the U.S. Constitution and the functions and procedures of civil and criminal courts, and introduce key concepts and principles of the law of contracts, torts, and property in the United States.
Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on comparing and contrasting U.S. legal principles with those of students' home jurisdictions, facilitating a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between legal systems. Guest speakers, case studies, and practical exercises will complement traditional lectures, providing students with a comprehensive and practical foundation in U.S. law.
This fall course is required for LL.M. students with a foreign law degree, although those with a law degree from a common law country may request a waiver. Exchange students may petition to enroll in the class on a space available basis.
Understanding Conservative Legal Thought
- TUE 3:55 – 5:45 pm CCJ 3.306
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 196W
- Short course:
- 8/27/24 — 11/19/24
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
Course meets every other week: August 27, September 10, September 24, October 8, October 22, November 5, and November 19.
With recent changes on the Supreme Court and in other parts of the judiciary, it is increasingly important for advocates to understand right-of-center legal thought. Effective legal argument today increasingly requires an understanding of textualism and originalism and the many forms those interpretative theories take. At the same time, new debates within the right have emerged over legal interpretation, individual rights, judicial power, and the role of the states. This seminar will give students a sampling of those debates, exposure to different conservative approaches, and skills for persuasive textualist and originalist advocacy. It will present a variety of perspectives and will encourage students to decide for themselves what views do (and do not) persuade them. The seminar will be heavily discussion-focused and largely student-led, with guest lecturers for some topics. Students of all ideologies, students with no ideology, and students who are still figuring it out are welcome.
Venture Transactions
- MON 3:55 – 5:45 pm TNH 3.124
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 296W
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
Taught by Kevin Vela.
This class will prepare students to counsel early-stage companies and investors through a myriad of startup related transactions and situations. We will begin with a brief history of venture to understand the foundation of the practice, and then explore, in detail, aspects of structuring a venture backed company, raising capital, interacting with investors, and typical commercial agreements germane to a startup. Students will be expected to read, interpret, and draft common venture financing documents and identify and provide counsel on typical founder and early-stage company issues.
The final grade will have four parts: class attendance (10%), two drafting exercises (each 25%), and a final exam (40%). The final exam will be multiple choice/short answer based, similar to most legal issue spotting exams.
Wall Street Regulation
- MON 3:55 – 5:45 pm TNH 3.125
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 296W
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
A one-semester course which will cover selected, practical topics concerning Wall Street's regulatory, economic and political environment. We will focus on the nature of investment products, their use and the regulatory structure surrounding them. We will discuss how some misused these products and the impact that has had on the economy. Finally we will look at the government responses to the economy and the success/failure thereof. This class will pull handout materials from articles in major publications, real-time news stories and personal experience. Given the fluid nature of the economy, new information will likely become available during the course and provide timely discussion topics. Therefore, we may veer from the syllabus topics.
The teaching technique will not be a lecture style, but rather a highly participatory Socratic method in which case study, situation analysis and student interaction will be at the core. The instructor will provoke the students and encourage their thoughtful response to the problems and issues so presented. Each student will present on a topic of his/her choice, and the class will have the opportunity to develop their own skills in the areas of: team building, presentation skills, critical thinking, problem diagnosis and problem solving. Class participation and attendance will count towards the final grade. Quizzes may also count towards grading if given.
Students may not earn credit for both, Alt Invest: Lack of Reg/Bailout and Wall Street Regulation.
White Collar Defense and Investigations
- MON 9:50 – 11:40 am TNH 3.127
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 296W
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
Taught by Sara Clark.
This course is intended to provide a practical introduction to the practice of what is commonly referred to as “white collar” crime—an area of criminal defense primarily focused on government investigations of corporations and individuals for non-violent criminal offenses, often of a regulatory or financial nature.
The course will focus on themes and issues commonly encountered in representing clients in these complex and often lengthy investigations, and will walk students through the typical phases of a corporate criminal investigation, up to and including resolution. Recognizing the increasing ability of law enforcement authorities to cooperate beyond national boundaries, the course will also provide an introduction to common issues and themes in cross-border investigations.
Textbook: White Collar Crime in a Nutshell (6th Edition)Ellen S. Podgor | Jerold H. Israel | Miriam H. Baer | Gregory M. GilchristISBN: 9781647082864
Wills and Estates
- MON, WED, THU 10:30 – 11:37 am TNH 2.123
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 489N
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
This course deals with donative transfers of property, including intestate succession, probate administration of decedents’ estates, execution and revocation of wills, the use of trusts in estate planning, and rules of construction that affect will and trust drafting. The course also will cover community property laws and basic estate tax and gift tax principles. Relevant Texas Estates Code and Uniform Probate Code statutes will be included in a Supplement to the casebook. Prerequisites: None.
Wills and Estates
- MON, WED, THU 9:05 – 10:12 am TNH 2.123
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 489N
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will use floating mean GPA if applicable
Description
This course deals with donative transfers of property, including intestate succession, probate administration of decedents’ estates, execution and revocation of wills, the use of trusts in estate planning, and rules of construction that affect will and trust drafting. The course also will cover community property laws and basic estate tax and gift tax principles. Relevant Texas Estates Code and Uniform Probate Code statutes will be included in a Supplement to the casebook. Prerequisites: None.
Workforce Development Policy: Economic Mobility and the Future of Work
- C. O'Connor
- WED 2:00 – 5:00 pm SRH 3.212
Course Information
- Course ID:
- 389V
- Cross-listed with:
- Public Affairs
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
- Will not use floating mean GPA
Description
Taught by Carey O'Connor.
Less than 45% of the U.S. population has any formal education beyond high school but almost 65% of all jobs require a postsecondary degree or credential. This gap means millions of jobs remain unfilled and, worse, millions of Americans are unable to find work. Without the right education, many Americans are locked into poverty and out of economic mobility. What is the government’s role in addressing this mismatch? Local governments currently offer free education from kindergarten through high school. Should government also offer free post-secondary education (free college) or training? Are there changes that can be made to K-12 education to make high school graduates more employable in today’s economy? What interventions are needed to help working adults obtain the education they need to advance in their careers? What about job quality and livable wages? These are the types of questions that form the foundation of workforce policy, an inter-disciplinary area of public policy that sits at the intersection of education and the labor market. Its purpose is to foster economic growth and reduce poverty by aligning the skills of a local workforce with the evolving needs of nearby industries. It includes public policies related to K-12 and post-secondary education, job specific training, and adult education, and it connects with societal challenges related to economic mobility, the future of work, immigration, and incarceration. This course will introduce students to the dynamic field of workforce development policy. Students will build a foundational understanding of the current workforce preparation ecosystem including today’s key players, programs, funding streams, and policy questions. They will also learn how to critically evaluate workforce programming by examining successful and unsuccessful efforts over time. Classes will be taught using experiential learning – we will use real world situations and discussions with visiting practitioners to interactively learn together. The course will be taught by a former Fortune 500 C-suite business executive and social impact entrepreneur, who has been building workforce programs for over 30 years. She has a proven track record of helping companies and communities build competitive, diverse workforce pipelines at the local, state, national, and international levels.