Scroll way down for longer-term assignments like Law in Culture Review and EXTRA CREDIT opportunities like the responses to legal news articles (due anytime!).

DAILY ASSIGNMENTS: (major/longer-term assignments are way down below)

MON. DEC. 14 (Intro): (1) Quiz #4!  Take it on Blackboard 11:30am-12 noon, then meet on Zoom at 12 noon for class. (2) Review for the final exam!  Bring questions, and be ready to answer some!

WED. DEC. 16: Intro FINAL EXAM! available on Blackboard 10am-5pm, to be completed during any 2-hour period. STUDY!!  Here are some suggestions.

PAST ASSIGNMENTS:

ASAP: Send me an email (kcoughlin@citytech.cuny.edu) from your City Tech address with (a) emergency contact information, including home address, phone number, and email address you check frequently (gmail or other personal account is OK), or if you don’t feel comfortable giving me that information, let me know that and you’ll get credit; and (b) three dates and times between now and October 17 when you can meet with me individually on Zoom for 1/2 hour, which may include the last 30 minutes of our Civ Pro class (4:30-5pm) on Oct. 16, or during my office hours on any Monday or Wednesday 12:45-2pm, or other times that work for you.

DUE FRI. AUG. 28 in 1103 Civ Pro: (1) Read the whole syllabus!   Bring questions to  class.  (2) Read C&W Introduction & ch. 1, “Civil Procedure.”

DUE MON. AUG. 31 in 1101 Intro: Read M&M “skills prep” excerpts and ch. 1.  By 10am, send me an email (kcoughlin@citytech.cuny.edu)with a question or thought in response to what you read!

DUE WED. SEPT. 2 in 1101 Intro: Write a post here on OpenLab titled “Who I Am” describing (a) why you are in the Law and Paralegal Studies program (such as your goals, interests, plans, etc.), and (b) something(s) about you, as a person, that you want your classmates to know!  Anything(s) at all!  Instructions on how to post are under “Class notes & materials.”

DUE FRI. SEPT.  4 in 1103 Civil: (1) Read M&M ch. 6 pp. 145-158, email me a question or thought in response to what you read by 1pm! (2) Email me to let me know (a) if you plan to join our walking tour of the courts on Sept. 11, and if so, (b) if you will be under the age of 18 on that date, and/or have time constraints, like what time you can meet at City Tech, or if you need to leave City Tech before 5pm.  Just so we can plan accordingly!

DUE WED. SEPT 9 in 1101 Intro: (1) Read C&W ch. 2, “Structure of the Courts” and email me a response or question before class, by 10am! (2) Post a reply to a classmate’s “Who I Am” post, ideally someone who has not yet received a reply.  Two or three sentences is plenty, but write as much as you’d like!  (Hint: To read all the “Who I Am” posts together, click on “Who I Am” from the list of “Categories” on the right side of the Home screen.)  Instructions on how to reply are under “Class notes & materials.”

DUE FRI. SEPT 11 (no 1103 Civ Pro class meeting on Zoom–walking tour!! of downtown Brooklyn courts!): Post “Law in Culture Review” assignment source selection on OL by end of day.

DUE MON. SEPT. 14 before 1101 Intro class: (1) Review our Peer Mentor’s postings here on OpenLab!  You can ask her questions when she visits at the start of class.  (To read all her posts together, go to the “Home” tab and click “Peer Mentor” in the list of categories in the bottom right corner.)  (2) Review Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” that you read for English class, in prep for collaborative assignment that we’ll discuss in class.

DUE WED. SEPT. 16 before 1101 Intro class: (1) FYLC collaborative assignment: Issue-spotting with Amy Tan!  Please post information described in the assignment by 10am.  (2) Read M&M ch. 2 pp. 20-30 (see Blackboard site, in “Content”). No email needed. 🙂 (3) For credit in 1103 Civ Pro: Answer C&W p. 21 “Did You Get It?” questions #1-7 in complete sentences that incorporate the questions, such as: “1. An appeal from a judgment in Tioga County’s County Court will be taken to . . . .[name the court].”  You may type your responses into a Word document and send it to me as an attachment, or you may type them right into the body of the email, whichever you prefer.

DUE MON. SEPT. 21 before 1101 Intro class: (1) If you didn’t already, please complete the FYLC collaborative assignment: Issue-spotting with Amy Tan! This is the correct assignment — not the one previously posted!  If you posted in response to that one, you’re all set, no need to re-post.  But if not, and you post by 11am Monday, it will be considered on time!!  I’m sorry for confusion.  🙁  (2) STUDY! for quiz #1 on paralegal roles & skills, and court systems (M&M chs. 1 & 6, including general information on courts and federal court system–not NYS courts, which will be on Civ Pro quiz #1, Fri. Sept. 25).  The quiz will be available on Blackboard, under “Content,” 11:15am-12n, then at 12n we’ll meet on Zoom for class!  (3) Write a post about a law office where you might like to work!  Read the assignment. Due by 11am.  (4) Read M&M ch. 2 pp. 38-43 (on resumes) (see Blackboard, in “Content”).  No need to send me an email.  🙂

DUE WED. SEPT. 23 (Intro): (1) Review M&M pp. 38-42, including sample resumes.  (2)  Review sample resumes in my post here on OL (under “Home” tab), by 10am, reply to the post with one compliment and one suggestion for one of the resumes.  This is all preparation for completing the resume and cover letter assignment!

DUE FRI. SEPT 25 (Civ Pro)–class from 2:30-4:15pm, then quiz on OL, due by email 5pm: (1) Complete “Review exercise!! NYS Court System” in Word version or pdf, due by email 1pm Friday to review in class. (2) Read C&W ch. 3 (Jurisdictional bases) to discuss in class (no email needed). (3) Study for Quiz #1!  Everything so far, incl C&W chs. 1-2, civil vs. criminal, all court info! (NY & fed)–4:15-5pm. (4) For 1101 Intro: first draft resume due by email by end of day (or Sun. Sept. 27, 12 noon at latest)–for Resume & Cover Letter Assignment!

BY END OF SEPT 25 (or Sun. Sept. 27, 12 noon at latest)—For 1101 Intro: email me your first draft resume for Resume & Cover Letter Assignment!

MON. SEPT. 28: No classes! ☹  Yom Kippur.

DUE TUES. SEPT. 29 (Intro—college on Monday schedule!): (1) Read M&M pp. 41-44 (cover letters) including sample cover letter. (2) Review sample letters in my Sat. Sept. 26 post, then by 10am Tues. reply to that post with one compliment and one suggestion for one letter.  

DUE WED. SEPT. 30 (Intro again!): (1) First draft cover letter due by email 10am!  (2) Optional draft resume for peer review in class, email to me by 10am–first come first served!   See Resume & Cover Letter Assignment for requirements on both!

DUE FRI. OCT. 2 (Civ Pro): (1) Review C&W chs. 2 & 3 and answer “DYGI?” #1-6 on p. 38, in complete sentences that incorporate the questions.  For example, for #1, you could write: “In addition to the NYC Civil Court, NY Supreme Court also has jurisdiction over matter involving damages up to $25,000.  This is because NY Supreme Court has general jurisdiction, which means . . . ”  Please email your responses to me in the body of the email or as an attachment (not a link, please) by 1pm Fri.  (2) Read C&W ch. 4.  (3) Optional: For extra credit on 1101 or 1103 midterm exam, post an “Our Stories” reflection on the FYLC OpenLab page by end of the day!

DUE MON. OCT. 5 (Intro–but we will do Civ Pro work in class!): (1) Find & read CPLR § 302.  (On the website, choose “CVP,” then choose the Article that includes § 302, then choose § 302!)  By 10am Monday, send me an email with the title of that provision (hint: first word is “Personal”) and a sentence or two describing generally what it is about, as far as you can understand, in your own words (that last part is critical). (2)  Final resume & cover letter due by email by end of day!  Before submitting, BE SURE to review the assignment’s requirements and make sure you satisfied them!

DUE WED. OCT. 7 (Intro–really!): (1) Read M&M ch. 3. (2) Read the 2 retainer agreements (Spellman and Sanders) in my post under the “Home” tab.  By 10am Wed. post a thoughtful reply to that post identifying something interesting, or a question, response, comparison, etc. about either/both retainers.  (3) Read the “legal news response” extra credit opportunity–we’ll discuss it at the start of class!

DUE FRI. OCT. 9 (for Intro): Post “Timekeeping” assignment by end of day.

DUE WED. OCT. 14 (Intro): **Meet on Zoom 11:30am-12:15pm, then take quiz #2 on Blackboard.  (1) Study for quiz #2: career opportunities (M&M ch. 2) and information on workings of a law office that we covered in class Wed. Oct. 7 (M&M ch. 3).  (2)  Review the rest of ch. 3 in prep for our discussion of the rest of that chapter (and maybe a bonus question or 2 on the quiz!).

DUE FRI. OCT. 16 (Civ Pro): : **Meet on Zoom 2:30pm-4:15pm, then take quiz #2 on Blackboard.  (1) Study for quiz #2: jurisdictional bases (C&W ch. 3).  (2)  Review C&W ch. 4 in prep for our discussion before the quiz (and maybe a bonus question or 2 on the quiz!).

DUE MON. OCT. 19 (Intro): (1) Review for both midterm exams!  Here are some  suggestions to focus your preparation for the 1101 (Intro) exam and for the 1103 (Civ Pro) exam.  Bring any questions to class!  (2) Read M&M ch. 5 (Sources of law) ONLY pp. 119-122 (up to “Remedies at Law…”), 126-134 (“The Common Law Today” up to “Uniform Laws”), 136-138 (“Administrative Law” up to “National and International Law”) and 140-142 (Key terms, summary, etc.).

WED. OCT. 21 (Intro) & FRI. OCT. 23 (Civ Pro): MIDTERM EXAMS!  STUDY!!   Here are some suggestions: 1101 (Intro) and 1103 (Civ Pro).  Each exam will be available on Blackboard 10am-6pm, complete them during any two-hour period.  Ask questions by phone anytime (718.260.4939) or on Zoom Wed. 10am-2pm.

DUE MON. OCT. 26 (Intro): In M&M ch. 5, pp. 142-143, answer Question for Review #1 and on p. 143, answer Practice Question #2.  Please write all answers in complete sentences that incorporate the question.  For Question for Review #1, please also explain each primary source.  So your answer should say something like: “Law is . . . .   One primary source of law is case law.  Case law is . . . .  Another primary source of law is . . . ”   For Practice Question #2, please answer all parts (a-d) and explain why you chose the particular type(s) of law you chose for each scenario.  Due by email by 10am as an attachment or in the body of the email–NOT a link please!

DUE TUES. OCT. 27 by 10am! (for Intro): If you did not submit this assignment that was due 10am Oct. 26 (grrrr…), you may submit it for partial credit which is better than none by 10am Tuesday: In M&M ch. 5, pp. 142-143, answer Question for Review #1 and on p. 143, answer Practice Question #2.  Please write all answers in complete sentences that incorporate the question.  For Question for Review #1, please also explain each primary source.  So your answer should say something like: “Law is . . . .   One primary source of law is case law.  Case law is . . . .  Another primary source of law is . . . ”   For Practice Question #2, please answer all parts (a-d) and explain why you chose the particular type(s) of law you chose for each scenario.  Due by email by 10am as an attachment or in the body of the email–NOT a link please!

DUE FRI. OCT. 30 (Civ Pro): (1) Read C&W chs. 5 & 6.  (2) If you get a chance, please also read this news article that provides an interesting example of one of the “remedies” covered in C&W ch. 5, that we’ll discuss in class!  (3) By 1pm Friday, email me a response or question about C&W chs. 5 & 6 and/or about the article, that shows that you read and thought about the material!  These responses are not accepted late. 

DUE MON. NOV. 2 (Intro): (1) Read M&M ch. 4 (ethics).  (2) By 10am Monday, email me a response or question that shows that you read and thought about the material.  Will not be accepted late. (3) Don’t forget to turn clocks back 1 hour on Sunday at 2am!

DUE WED. NOV. 4 (Intro): (1) Read or watch something about the election: a news article, TV coverage, social media, etc.  By 10am, post a response here on OL, at least 4-5 sentences: 1-2 describing what you read or watched, with a link if possible (here are instructions for links), and 3-4 (or more) sentences explaining your personal, thoughtful response to it.  Category is “election response,” 5 points toward “Homework” grade.  (2) Review advisement & registration resources linked under “Class notes & materials.”  Bring questions!

DUE FRI. NOV. 6 (Civ Pro): (1) Read C&W ch. 8 pp. 67-70, 70C, 72B; ch. 12 pp. 77-86, 88-88A, 90-92; and all of ch. 14.  (2) Review the CUH2A v. Pepsico summons and complaint posted on the “Home” page, and reply to that post with a thoughtful response or question about the document by 1pm!  (3) Read this “Summons & Complaint” assignment in prep for our discussion of it in Friday’s class.

DUE MON. NOV. 9 (Intro): (1) Read Sussman v. Grado case posted on the “Home” page and reply to that post with a thoughtful response or question about the document by 10am!  (2) FYLC Collaborative Assignment #2 legal source entry due on OpenLab by end of day!  (3) If you did not post the “election response” due Wednesday, you can still do so, and get the homework credit!  By the end of Monday, read or watch something about the election (news article, TV coverage, social media, etc.), and post a response here on OL of at least 4-5 sentences: 1-2 describing what you read or watched, with a link if possible (here are instructions for links), and 3-4 (or more) sentences explaining your personal, thoughtful response to it.  Category is “election response,” 5 points toward “Homework” grade.  If you already posted that response, you are welcome to post a response to a news article about the election anytime, for extra credit!  Please follow instructions for responses to legal news articles.

DUE END OF MON. NOV. 9 (Intro): (1) Post FYLC Collaborative Assignment #2 legal source entry due on OpenLab by end of day!  (2) If you did not post the “election response” due Wednesday Nov. 4, you may post it by the end of today and still get the homework credit!  Read or watch something about the election (news article, TV coverage, social media, etc.), and post a response here on OL of at least 4-5 sentences: 1-2 describing what you read or watched, with a link if possible (here are instructions for links), and 3-4 (or more) sentences explaining your personal, thoughtful response to it.  Category is “election response,” 5 points toward “Homework” grade.  (If you already posted that response, you are welcome to post a response to a news article about the election anytime, for extra credit!  See these instructions for responses to legal news articles.)

DUE FRI. NOV. 13 (Civ Pro): (1) QUIZ #3! Causes of action & remedies; SOL; commencing action; summonses & pleadings (C&W chs. 5, 6, 8, 12, 14)  (2) Qs 1-5 in Summons & Complaint Assignment due by email by 1pm!  (3) Read C&W chs. 9 (“Venue,” all) & 11 (“Papers…” pp. 95 thru top of 98).

DUE MON. NOV. 16 (Intro):(1) Read M&M ch. 9 (legal writing) excerpts and this sample legal memorandum written by a former student!  **NOTE how she used quotes, for our discussion of . . .  (2) K. Stedman’s essay, “Annoying Ways People Use Sources” and FYLC Collaborative Assignment #3!

DUE WED. NOV. 18 (Intro): (1) Read M&M ch. 7 excerpts (legal research); email thoughtful Q/response by 10am.  (2) Read Demand Letter Assignment (now posted!).

DUE FRI. NOV. 20 (Civ Pro): (1) Full draft summons & verified complaint due by email 10am!  See Nov. 13 “class notes & materials” for samples and templates you might find useful!  (2) Read C&W ch. 10 (Service of Papers), email me a thoughtful Q/response by 1pm!

DUE MON. NOV. 23 (Intro):(1) Draft demand letter due by email 10am — as a word processing attachment, not a pdf or link!  See Nov. 18 “class notes & materials” for helpful samples.  (2) FYLC Collaborative Assignment #3 due on OL by end of day.

DUE WED. NOV. 25: (1) Final demand letter due by email anytime!  (2) College on Friday schedule–but we will not meet! 🙁

DUE WED. DEC. 2 (Intro): Review M&M ch. 7 excerpts (Legal Research & Analysis) and skim these two recent slip opinions: the unanimous opinion of U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit rejecting the Trump campaign’s challenges to Pennsylvania’s election results (see especially intro at pp. 1-3 and conclusion at pp. 20-21), and US Supreme Court’s decision rejecting Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s restrictions on religious services, which includes a majority opinion, two concurring opinions, and three dissenting opinions.

DUE FRI. DEC. 4 (Civ Pro)–take quiz first, meet on Zoom 3pm!  (1) Quiz #4: Venue (CPLR Art. 5), pleading requirements (CPLR Art. 30), preparation and service of papers (CPLR R. 2103 & R. 306) (C&W chs. 9, 10, 11)  (2) Read C&W ch. 16!  (3) Read this short article that shows what can be learned from disclosure (or discovery), which we’ll discuss in Friday’s class!  (4) Read this background information about our guest speaker, paralegal-turned-attorney Matt Vaccaro!  (5) Final summons & verified complaint due!

DUE MON. DEC. 7 (Intro): Read this background information in prep for our visit from guest speaker Alicia Washington, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of NY: information on what her office, US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, does; press release about the case I told you about Alicia prosecuted, with drugs smuggled in puppies (ugh); and this recent article illustrating the type of work of the US Department of Justice, which includes the US Attorney’s Office, stating they had found no widespread fraud in the presidential election.

DUE WED. DEC. 9 (Intro):(1) By 10am, please post your court observation assignment! That assignment is hyperlinked, but here are the links for your convenience: here is the link to all recorded arguments, organized by year and month, if you’d like to choose your own; and here are some recent ones that might interest you, that you’re welcome to use: Matter of Marian T. (Lauren R.) (adoption of intellectually disabled adult woman, Oct. 2020); People v Lance Williams (criminal defendant claimed possession of a gun was “temporary and lawful,” Nov. 2020); Matter of the Hon. Paul H. Senzer: (judge accused of sending vulgar and sexist emails to lawyers and clients, June 2020).  (2) By end of day, post  “Law in Culture Review” assignment!

FRI. DEC. 11: (1) Civ Pro FINAL EXAM! available on Blackboard 10am-5pm, to be completed during any 2-hour period. STUDY!!  Here are some suggestions. 🙂  (2) By end of day, please complete the Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) surveys for each of your courses!  Check your City Tech email for emails from “NYC College of Technology Course Evaluations” (SPSSurveys@scantron.com) with links to short surveys for each course.   They only take a few minutes, but they provide us with valuable information!  See announcement under the “Home” tab here for further info.

LONGER-TERM / MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS:

DUE WED. DEC. 9 (Intro): “Law in Culture Review” assignment!

Optional extra credit for posting responses to legal news articles!  Anytime during the semester.  Select and read a news article about a law-related event or issue, then write a post summarizing the article and providing your thoughtful personal response to it.  Up to two points on the next major exam (midterm or final)–IF you follow all requirements stated in this assignment!!  Please read it before posting.

Resume and Cover Letter assignment!

FYLC Collaborative Assignment #2! Legal source relating to English Unit 2 topic (source entry due to be posted here on OL by Mon. Nov. 9)