Advanced Torts:Navigating a Typical Negligence Claim (856)

(06/01/2021-08/07/2021)

Prerequisite Courses

Course Memo

In this course, students will learn how to present and prepare a proper negligence claim, from a plaintiff’s perspective, to an insurance company and defendant. Students will learn how to represent someone involved in a typical negligence claim (car wreck/slip and fall) from start to finish. Students will do an initial client interview, and will learn how to present a claim package to the insurance company, draft pleadings for a lawsuit, draft interrogatories and requests to produce, conduct depositions in preparation for trial (litigation)and ultimately try a case to verdict, including crafting effective voir dire questions for a jury panel, striking a jury, and presenting the Court with relevant and easy to understand jury charges. Students will be provided with valuable forms which can be used in practice. Real life application of the South Carolina Rules of civil procedure and evidence will be discussed and applied. This course is a must for the law student interested in litigation or a plaintiff's practice. The course is taught and moderated by The Honorable Brian M Gibbons, a circuit judge and former family court judge who, along with several trial practitioners, brings a unique, practical, hands-on perspective to the student of how to practice law. This course is graded Pass/Fail. This course satisfies the Skills or Drafting Requirement.

Course Section Description

This course is graded Pass/Fail. Satisfies the Skills or Drafting Requirement. It will meet on the following Thursdays: June 3, 10, 17, & 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29. On June 17, the class will meet via Zoom.