Columbus School of Law

THE CERTIFICATE IN LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY

Upon graduation, students who complete the requirements receive certificates in law and public policy. These requirements include completion of certain courses, fieldwork, and participation in the academic planning process described below. The certificate offers recognition of the specialized study, research and fieldwork that differentiate the legal education of students in the LPP Program from that of other students at the law school. The required courses are:

Academic Planning Exercise: Each student must, under the supervision of the Director, draft a tentative four-semester academic plan during the second semester of law school. If a student is accepted into the program later than the second semester of law school, this academic planning exercise must be completed during the first semester of the student's participation in the program. These plans are necessarily tentative because the schedule of available courses changes somewhat from one year to the next. Also each student's course selections may change during law school because of new information or developing interests. Each student shall consult with the Director about changes in his or her course plan as the student progresses through law school. Modifications from the original course plan must be approved by the Director in order for each student to qualify for the certificate.

Administrative Law: Study of the administrative process, including formal and informal processes within administrative agencies and judicial, legislative and executive control of administrative activity. (3 hours; fall of second year, full time; third year, part time)

Becoming a Public Policy Lawyer: Students undertake fieldwork at government agencies or nonprofit organizations that involves work on development or implementation of law and/or public policy. The seminar includes reflective study of the field experience and of the students' evolving professional goals. (2-hour seminar; concurrently students must enroll in Public Policy Fieldwork to receive 2 or 3 credits for fieldwork; fall of second year, full time; third year, part time)

Law and Public Policy: Study of the processes of lawmaking and policy development, focusing on the interactions among the three branches of the federal government and nongovernmental agencies. (2 credits; spring of second year, full time; third year, part time)

Public Policy Practicum: This capstone course integrates advanced fieldwork, policy analysis and study of the legal profession. Students undertake a second field placement or enroll in a clinical course while in the practicum. Each student produces an extensive research paper analyzing a policy question and exploring legislative or regulatory response to that question. (4 hours, year-long; third year, full time; fourth year, part time; concurrently students must enroll in Public Policy Fieldwork to receive at least 3 additional fieldwork credits or enroll in one of the law school clinics)

The course, Legislation, is recommended but not required. Detailed descriptions of these courses appear in the law school Announcements book.