JD Certificate Program in Advocacy
A specialized curriculum leads to a J.D. degree plus a Certificate in Advocacy. Pacific McGeorge offers students exceptional faculty and facility resources in advocacy. Students who wish to become litigators receive specialized practical training to prepare for effective careers in litigation, civil and/or criminal trial and appellate work, or dispute resolution. The certificate awarded to the student who successfully completes the program attests to the student's demonstrated proficiency in all knowledge, skills and competencies included in the program. A wide range of courses enables the student to learn and demonstrate competencies in writing, appellate and trial oral advocacy, knowledge and application of evidence, trial preparation, trial conduct, alternative dispute resolution, negotiation and counseling, and clinical representation on clients.
The Certificate requirements are as follows:
- Basic Courses (all 22)
- Civil Procedure (6)
- Evidence (5)
- Appellate and International Advocacy (3)*
- Trial Preparation and Advocacy (3)
- Advanced Trial Advocacy (3) or Competition Team (approval required)
- Civil Pretrial Litigation (2) or Criminal Pretrial Litigation (2)
- Trial Alternatives (2 or 3)
At least one of the following courses:
- Law and Theory Underlying Litigation (2 or 3 units)
At least one of the following courses:- Advanced Criminal Procedure (2 or 3)
- Complex Civil Litigation (2 or 3)
- Conflict of Laws (3)
- Evidentiary Privileges and Informational Privacy (3)
- Expert and Scientific Evidence (2)
- Federal Courts (2 or 3)
- Law Review or Journal (approval required)
- Sentencing and Post-Conviction Remedies (2)
- Tax Practice and Procedure (2)
- Practice (2 units minimum) (select at least one course)
At least one of the following courses:- Civil Practice Clinic and Civil Practice Clinic Seminar (4+2)
- Parole Representation Clinic (3)
- Administrative Adjudication Clinic (2)
- Clinical Placement (approval required)
One Additional course from any of the three categories above (Basic Courses category excluded); alternatively, Computer-Assisted Litigation or Client Interviewing and Counseling may be taken to satisfy this requirement.
*NOTE: Law Review or Journal service does not operate as a substitute for the requirement for Appellate Advocacy or International Advocacy as it pertains to the Certificate, unless by application to the Director for waiver.
