Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution Degree Concentration The Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution program arose out of the Kline School of Law’s distinct expertise in blending theory and practice, both inside and outside of the courtroom. A number of our faculty have backgrounds in litigation or still practice, and our students become outstanding advocates before even graduating through our well-known experiential learning opportunities. Through clinics and co-op externships, Kline students gain legal experience and provide valuable services to the community, all while gaining academic credit. Kline students also compete on moot court and mock trial teams that are among the best in the nation. The program trains students in litigation theory, practical skills and other related matters, such as ethical responsibility and establishing client-attorney trust. This program is for students who want to litigate both in a courtroom and outside it; handle negotiations and settlements; and engage in problem-solving on behalf of clients in adversarial matters. Curriculum With the aim of making you practice-ready, the Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution curriculum ensures you will acquire the experiential and theoretical backing you’ll need for litigation and mediation. In classes such as “Mediation and Arbitration” and “Litigation Drafting,” you’ll learn to analyze and resolve common problems and hone your writing skills so that you are a clear and effective communicator in a variety of settings. If you wish to practice in the courtroom, courses like “Trial Advocacy” and “Deposition Skills & Technology” will give you the procedural and interpersonal knowledge needed in pre-trial and trial settings. Curriculum Clinics The Federal Litigation and Appeals Clinic (FLAC) and the Andy and Gwen Stern Community Lawyering Clinic (Stern CLC) both give students the opportunity to represent clients and practice law. FLAC students practice before federal courts and agencies, and cases generally focus on issues such as such as immigration, asylum and constitutional rights. Stern CLC cases deal with local and regional concerns, such as preventing foreclosures for low-income homeowners and restoring utilities for senior citizens in Philadelphia. Faculty By joining the Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution program you join a community led by seasoned trial attorneys and alternative dispute experts in our faculty. Foundational courses are taught by professors with experience as attorneys and as legal scholars. Many elective courses are taught by local litigators, who deepen the expertise in our academic community and broaden our connections in the Philadelphia region and nationally.
Richard H. Frankel Associate Dean of Experiential Learning Programs Professor Frankel has extensive experience both as an appellate advocate and as a clinical teacher. He served as a teaching fellow and supervising attorney for the Georgetown University Law Center's Appellate Litigation Program. Previously, he was the Goldberg-Deitzler Fellow for Trial Lawyers for Public Justice in Washington, D.C. Contact Phone: 215.571.4807 Email: richard.h.frankel@drexel.edu Full Bio