Public Interest Law Track
Contact Persons: Professor Hernandez or Serr
Questions of constitutional law impact our daily activities, running the gamut from traffic stops to controversial internet posts to the right to attend public school. These important constitutional rights are usually defended through litigation initiated by public interest groups. Students who are interested in pursuing public service careers, or who plan to make pro bono work a meaningful part of their practice, should consider pursuing a Public Interest Law Professional Track. This type of legal work requires a solid understanding of constitutional interpretation, focused on the Bill of Rights, as well as familiarity with various litigation requirements imposed by statutes or the courts. A student who completes the Public Interest Law Professional Track will be well familiar with legal strategies to enforce constitutional rights. This professional track qualifies as a foundation track for the Special Distinction in Litigation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Take 18 hours, at least 10 of which must come from the following selection of courses: | 10 | |
| Civil Rights Actions | ||
| Constitutional Law: Freedom of Speech | ||
| Employment Discrimination | ||
| Family Law: Advanced Family Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Juvenile Justice | ||
| Poverty Law & Policy | ||
| Public Interest Law Additional Electives | ||
| Select additional hours from the following to meet the requirement: | 8 | |
| Administrative Law: Federal | ||
| Administrative Law: Texas | ||
| Advanced Criminal Procedure | ||
| Field Placement (focused on public interest, as available and approved by Prof. Hernandez or Serr) | ||
| Legal Clinic (1 credit hour, as available and approved by Prof. Hernandez or Serr) | ||
| Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Separation of Church and State | ||
| Supreme Court Seminar | ||