Michael Stokes Paulsen
Distinguished University Chair and Professor of Law
More about Michael Stokes Paulsen
Areas of Study
Civil litigation and dispute resolution
Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
St. Thomas Law offers a robust curriculum that will prepare you for a career in civil litigation. Our courses provide a foundation in procedure, pre-trial development, discovery and motions, dispute resolution and appeals.
Experiential learning opportunities, such as externships and clinics, will help you build your advocacy skills and apply what you are learning in the classroom.
Our mentor program will pair you with a judge or an attorney to help you gain experience and develop professional relationships in this area of the law.
Speaker events and panels held on campus throughout the year by our centers and institutes, two law journals and 35+ student organizations will enhance your studies and deepen your understanding of practice in the public sector, a corporation or a private firm.
Another highlight of our program is our location. St. Thomas School of Law is located in downtown Minneapolis near the federal courthouse, and major law firms and businesses.
Contact
Admissions Office
Email
lawschool@stthomas.edu
Phone Number
(651) 962-4895
Featured Faculty
Mariana H.C. Gonstead
Professor of law and director of the St. Thomas International Dispute Resolution Research Network (IDRRN)
More about Mariana H.C. Gonstead
Gregory Sisk
Pio Cardinal Laghi Distinguished Chair in Law, Professor and Co-director of the Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law, and Public Policy
More about Gregory Sisk
Course List
Below are examples of some of the courses offered at St. Thomas Law for students interested in civil litigation.
- Administrative Law
- Advanced Evidence
- Advanced Family Law
- Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Civil Pre-Trial Litigation
- Civil Procedure
- Client Interviewing and Counseling
- Complex Litigation
- Constitutional Litigation Practicum
- Contracts
- Evidence
- Federal Jurisdiction
- Lawyering Skills (I, II and III)
- Litigation with the Federal Government
- Mediation
- Moot Court and Mock Trial Teams
- Negotiation
- Property
- Real Estate Transactions
- Restorative Justice and Healing
- Topics: Advanced Civil Procedure
- Topics: Advanced Legal Research - Minnesota Law
- Topics: Personal Injury Law
- Torts
- Trial Advocacy
Experiential Learning
Legal Externships
Accelerate your professional development and substantive understanding of civil law and procedure in a legal externship.
Judicial Externship
Study the judicial process, learn about the role of judges and law clerks, and see the impact lawyers have on the administration of justice.
Business Externship
Gain pragmatic, real-world experience through both observation and hands-on work projects in a corporate or non-profit environment.
Legal Clinics
Represent and assist clients working in one of our 10 legal clinics.
Appellate Clinic
The Appellate Clinic works on a pro bono civil appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Students conduct research, prepare briefs and assist with oral argument.
Bankruptcy Litigation Clinic
The Bankruptcy Litigation Clinic represents an indigent party in Federal Bankruptcy Court. Students gain experience handling cases from beginning to end.
Immigration Law Practice Group
The Immigration Law Practice Group represents immigrants seeking asylum as a result of persecution or a fear of persecution in their home countries.
Student Clubs and Organizations
With 35+ student organizations, our students put their commitment to professional development, service, leadership and social justice to work. Some of the litigation-related clubs include:
- Business Corporate Law Society
- Family Law Society
- Greater Minnesota Practice Cooperative
- Immigration Law Society
- Real Estate Law Association
- Sports, Entertainment and Media Law Society
- Union of Regulatory Nerds
We Pair Each Student With A Mentor
Mentor Externship Program
Each law student is matched with a mentor, such as a judge or litigator, who complements their interests and professional goals. Our mentors allow students to engage in legal work, professional networking and meaningful reflection.
Meet our Alumni
Lawyer Search is St. Thomas Law’s online directory of alumni. It is available to those with legal needs, for attorney networking and referrals and so current and prospective law students can meet attorneys working in their area of interest—such as civil litigation and dispute resolution. Click below to connect with one of our alums!