COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Professional Ethics and Transnational Law Practice
Prof. Bernard M. Ortwein
2 credits day; 2 credits evening.

Not offered 2008-2009.

The growth of the global market over the past 10 years or so has affected not only the complexion of the business environment but also has had a direct impact on practice of law and the concomitant responsbilities of the American legal profession. More American lawyers are either practicing abroad or representing and advising domestic clients with substantial interests abroad. In order for an attorney to operate effectively in this environment it is important not only to have an understanding of the cultures, histories and traditions of the foreign countries in which they practice but also the various codes of professional conduct to which they may be subjected.

This is a two-credit seminar designed to introduce American law students to the work that foreign lawyers do, the roles that they play, and the formal rules of ethics (if any) they are bound by in various different legal cultures. In essence it is a combination comparative legal professions/comparative legal ethics course. In an overview fashion, we will compare primarily the legal professions in the United States, on one hand, with France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden on the other. Students will develop an understanding of not only how the rules of ethics from their home jurisdiction might affect them as they engage in transnational practice but also how the rules of ethics for the legal profession in the foreign country might affect both their professional counterpart as well as their own practice. Grades will be based upon completion of a short paper, classroom presentation, and general class participation.

Elective Course   On List of Recommended Perspectives Courses   Meets International Law Concentration Requirements   Final Paper Required

<<Course Updated: March 28, 2008>>

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