Experiential Learning
Denver Journal of International Law & Policy
The Denver Journal of International Law & Policy, established in
1971, was one of the very first scholarly publications in the country
to be dedicated to international law. This highly ranked publication
continues to have a large circulation among professionals in the field.
Students are responsible for every aspect of the production-from
solicitation of articles to publication contracts. While students are
selected on a very competitive basis and work in a very demanding
setting, they still maintain a friendly and fun working atmosphere.
Over the years the Journal has made a name for itself as a leader
and innovator in the field of international law and policy, from the
groundbreaking issue “Water Needs for the Future”, published in 1976,
to issues on nuclear weapons and human security, and numerous issues
on human rights, international environment, international business
and terrorism.
International Law Society
The International Law Society (ILS) was one of the first student
organizations in the country dedicated to international law, in addition
to its distinction as one of the largest student member groups in the
International Law Student Association (ILSA). It has been repeatedly
recognized by the ILSA as the top student organization in the U.S. and
DU students are frequently among ILSA’s national executive leaders.
The College of Law is student-centered and community focused. Members
of the International Legal Society demonstrate this on a daily basis with
the high level of engagement and enthusiasm they bring to the law school’s
programs and symposia featuring world renowned lecturers and speakers.
Networking opportunities abound. ILS members are often rewarded with
unparalleled access to numerous distinguished visitors, allowing them time
to exchange ideas and ask questions of those who have spent years influencing
international legal issues.
With such a large numbers of involved students, it is no wonder that ILS
events facilitate amazing conversations and exchanges of ideas between
people of remarkable backgrounds who are following important career
paths. DU Law alumni across the globe often cite their experience in ILS
as having been a powerful influence on their own growth and their lifelong
personal and professional relationships.
Jessup Moot Court Competition
The Sturm College of Law’s Jessup International Moot Court team
continues to bring home honors in both the national and international
levels of competition. Under the skilled coaching of John Powell,
JD‘88, the team’s five members develop expertise in various areas
of international law, matching their oral and writing skills with top
competitors in regionals before meeting their counterparts in the finals
in Washington, D.C. On numerous occasions the DU team has won
regional competitions and placed high in the world. In 2008, the team
placed second in the world for the Memorials (written briefs). Jessup
Cup participants say it is an experience they will never forget and that
membership on the team prepares them for almost anything they
might face in their future practice of international law.
Legal Externship Program
With more than 400 placements each year, the University of Denver
Sturm College of Law’s Legal Externship program is an effective and
comprehensive bridge to take students from law student to lawyer. Externs
work with corporate in-house counsel, private firms, government
and non-profit agencies, as well as with judges at all levels. By working
under the supervision of a mentor-attorney and having legal responsibilities
such as drafting briefs, performing legal research, drafting legal
memoranda, appearing in court and interviewing clients and witnesses,
externs gain the practical skills and professional values needed to become
a successful legal professional. The main goal of the Legal Externship
program is to provide opportunities for students to engage in
critical reflection about the legal profession, their legal career, and their
priorities and values as lawyers and individuals through supervised
field experiences and externship seminars.
Lawyering In Spanish
Fluency in Spanish opens doors to a world of legal opportunities. Spanish
is the second most widely spoken language in the U.S. and one of the three
most commonly used languages in the world. Increasingly, law schools
are internationalizing their curricula through the teaching of foreign languages
in the classroom. The University of Denver Sturm College of Law
is proud to be one of the first institutions in the country to pioneer an immersion
method of language and law learning. Effective legal representation
of Spanish-speaking clients in the U.S. and overseas requires a sophisticated
set of legal, cultural and language skills that can only be taught by
experienced legal professionals. Courses offered through the Lawyering
in Spanish program include *International Business Transactions
in Spanish, Labor Law in Spanish, Immigration Law
in Spanish and Counseling and Negotiation in Spanish*.
Bilingualism is a valuable credential for global professionals.
Recognizing this, the Lawyering in Spanish program consistently
develops new opportunities for law students to develop
the tools necessary to thrive in today’s competitive legal
market.
Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot
Every year, students from the Sturm College of Law travel to either Vienna or Hong Kong to compete in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. The Vis Moot competition provides a unique learning experience to Sturm College of Law students. Not only must students master a complex, but ubiquitous body of international law (the CISG), they have the opportunity to hone their oral presentation and advocacy skills in a truly international setting. Students interact and compete with talented students from all over the world at the Vienna and Hong Kong competitions. It is a truly international experience. The Sturm College of Law values student moot court experiences, and provides many opportunities for in-depth student learning through such competitions. However, the Vis Moot is the only one focused on the private side of international law. In a world in which commerce, trade, and arbitration are indispensable elements of modern legal practice, the Vis Moot is truly a great experience for any law student.