Advanced Education Law Practicum

Catalog description

This course is for students who have already completed the Education Law Practicum seminar course and field placement. Students will build on the knowledge and skills gained through the Education Law Practicum by engaging in a second field placement, either with an organization or firm where they have been placed previously or with a new education law-related placement. More information about available placements is available on Pearson. The application form is available here. The seminar component of this class will be conducted in-person for 6-8 sessions; the days and times will be selected based on instructor and student availability. This course includes an instructional component that includes seminar discussions and individual meetings with a faculty member to develop skills, enhance understanding of ethical and other practice issues, and discuss cases and legal issues in students field placements. The class aims to deepen students knowledge of current legal and policy issues related to educational inequity, with a focus on race, ethnicity, disability, gender, and their intersection and the role of lawyers in addressing educational inequities. Students have the option to work in one of a variety of local placements where they will work under the supervision of practicing attorneys. Students may choose to provide either: (1) direct representation and legal assistance to children and families in need of special education services; or (2) representation of school districts in education law matters. Students may also work on educational policy matters. Placement options include local organizations, school districts, law firms and government agencies. Students may participate in Loyola's Educational Advocacy Project as an alternative to an external field placement. Students may register for 1 to 3 credits, depending on their level of time commitment to the field work and agreement of the placement supervisor.