Building on the skills developed in Federal Litigation, this course will give students additional practice with legal analysis, argument structure, and writing in the pre-trial context. Students will draft a predictive office memo, an e-mail memo, and memorandum in support of a motion for summary judgment. Students also will complete short writing exercises in class to practice skills such as omitting surplus words, preferring active voice, using concrete words, punctuating carefully, etc. The goals of this class are to help students organize facts, legal rules, and analysis in a succinct and logical way, to deepen their understanding of legal reasoning and writing, and to hone their advocacy skills. The course should appeal to students interested in litigation practice and those wishing to strengthen their writing. Elements used in grading: Written work, class participation, and attendance. Special Instructions: Section LAW 01 with Katherine Makhzoumi is limited to LLM students. All law degree programs may apply for Section LAW 02 with Kathryn Martin. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available at https://law.stanford.edu/education/courses/consent-of-instructor-forms/. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.
3 units · Law Mandatory P/R/F
Building on the skills developed in Federal Litigation, this course will give students additional practice with legal analysis, argument structure, and writing in the pre-trial context. Students will draft a predictive office memo, an e-mail memo, and memorandum in support of a motion for summary judgment. Students also will complete short writing exercises in class to practice skills such as omitting surplus words, preferring active voice, using concrete words, punctuating carefully, etc. The goals of this class are to help students organize facts, legal rules, and analysis in a succinct and logical way, to deepen their understanding of legal reasoning and writing, and to hone their advocacy skills. The course should appeal to students interested in litigation practice and those wishing to strengthen their writing. Elements used in grading: Written work, class participation, and attendance. Special Instructions: Section 01 with Katherine Makhzoumi is limited to LLM students. All law degree programs may apply for Section 02 with Kathryn Martin. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available at https://law.stanford.edu/education/courses/consent-of-instructor-forms/. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.