Civil Litigation

Students preparing for careers as trial lawyers have access to a wide range of courses and extracurricular opportunities at KU Law.

Overview

Effective advocacy requires a solid grounding in all aspects of litigation. KU Law’s curriculum in civil litigation exposes students to everything from pretrial procedures and trial advocacy to alternative dispute resolution and the judicial system.

Many of the courses in this area give students the chance to practice their litigation training in real-world settings. Clinics, field placements and skills simulation courses allow students to work with live clients and fine-tune professional skills. Students can advance their advocacy skills through KU Law’s extensive and nationally ranked moot court program, or through the Mock Trial Program.

Experienced litigators and practicing attorneys teach hands-on courses in this area. KU Law faculty specializing in litigation and trial advocacy are dedicated teachers who have extensive experience in litigation and defense. 

Civil Litigation Curriculum Guide

Recommended Upper-Level Courses:

  • Administrative Law
  • Advanced Litigation
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Civil Rights Actions
  • Complex Litigation
  • Conflict of Laws
  • Federal Courts and the Federal System
  • Jurisdiction
  • Pretrial Advocacy
  • Trial Advocacy

Course descriptions

Students who want to hone their skills in trial settings can complete the Advocacy Skills Certificate. You’ll get a solid grounding in all aspects of litigation, while gaining hands-on experience through a related clinic or field placement.

KU Law teams regularly compete in regional and national moot court competitions, including the National Moot Court Competition, Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, and National Native American Law Students Association Moot Court Competition. 

Law students interested in advancing their advocacy skills in a courtroom setting can participate in KU Law’s Mock Trial Program or Moot Court Program.

In addition to full-time faculty, adjunct faculty who are practicing attorneys serve as instructors for Trial Advocacy. 

Full faculty list

Questions?

Laura Hines
Director, Shook, Hardy & Bacon Center for Excellence in Advocacy
Centennial Teaching Professor
lhines@ku.edu
785-864-9265