Course Competency 1: Outline the civil litigation process.

• Conduct an initial client interview via role activities.
• Explain the steps involved in opening a litigation file including: performing a conflict checks, fee agreements, disengagement and non-engagement letters.
• Develop an investigation plan for a sample case.
• Explain what occurs during the pleading phase of litigation.
• Explain what occurs during the discovery phase of litigation.
• Explain what occurs during a pretrial conference.
• Explain what occurs during the trial phase of litigation.
• Explain what occurs during the appeals process.
• Observe a civil trial.

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Course Competency 2: Determine jurisdiction and venue.

• Explain Personal Jurisdiction and the importance of Long Arm Statutes.
• Explain Subject Matter Jurisdiction.
• Describe the difference between In Rem and Quasi In Rem Jurisdiction.
• Explain the difference between Venue and Jurisdiction.
• Identify the three types of cases in which Federal Courts have Subject Matter Jurisdiction.
• Explain the Defendant's Right of Removal.

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Course Competency 3: Evaluate facts, causes of action and defenses.

• Identify causes of actions including: Intentional Torts, Unintentional Torts, Strict Liability, and Breach of Contract actions.
• Determine the Elements of a Cause of Action using the Jury Instructions, and Proof of Facts.
• Develop a Litigation Theory Chart.
• Identify defenses Intentional Torts, Unintentional Torts, Strict Liability, and Breach of Contract actions.

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Course Competency 4: Explore statutory requirements and considerations for drafting pleadings.

• Identify the different types of Pleadings allowed in Wisconsin.
• Explain the concept of Pleading in the Alternative.
• Locate Forms and identify Formbooks commonly utilized when drafting Pleadings.
• Identify the 3 functions of a Summons and distinguish it from Pleadings.
• Identify the 5 parts of a Complaint.
• Explain the concept of Notice Pleading and list the exceptions to it under Wisconsin law.
• Draft a Complaint.
• Distinguish between Factual Defenses, Procedural Defenses, and Affirmative Defenses,
• Draft an Answer.
• Explain the paralegal’s role in the pleading process.
• Explain the e-filing rules.
•  Identify UPL concerns.

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Course Competency 5: Explore the different methods of service of process.

• Explain different types of Service including: Personal, Substituted, and Service by Publication.
• Explain the time limitations applicable under Wisconsin law.
• Explain the qualifications necessary to serve legal documents in Wisconsin.
• Explain Proof of Service requirements.
• Determine proper method of Service in different cases.
• Identify Motions used to challenge Service.

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Course Competency 6: Explore statutory requirements and considerations for drafting motions and supporting documents.

• Explain the 3 requirements every Motion must satisfy.
• Explain the function of Motions in the litigation process.
• Identify 5 dispositive motions and explain what dispositive means.
• Identify 5 motions which are not dispositive.
• Explain proper Notice and calendaring of Motions.
• Identify situations when Ex Parte Motions are appropriate.
• Draft a Notice of Motion and Motion based on a case study.
• Explain the use of Affidavits and Briefs in support of Motions.

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Course Competency 7: Describe the methods of civil discovery.

• Identify the seven functions of discovery.
• Identify the five types of discovery.
• Explain each method of discovery.
• Distinguish between the Wisconsin and the Federal rules with respect to each method of discovery.
• Explain the rules which regulate the scope of discovery: including relevancy, privileges, and special statutory rules applicable in Wisconsin.
• Explain the use of litigation holds.
• Explain the function and use of preservation letters.
• Explain the Wisconsin and Federal e-discovery rules.
• Explain the Clawback Rules in the context of e-discovery.

Course Competency 8: Explore statutory requirements and considerations for drafting discovery documents.

• You locate Forms on the Internet and identify Formbooks commonly utilized when drafting discovery documents.
• You draft Interrogatories based on a case study.

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Course Competency 9: Draft Wisconsin appellate documents.

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Course Competency 10: Describe ethical issues commonly arising in a civil litigation practice.

• Explain the no contact rule.
• Explain the rule regarding ex parte communication.
• Describe Wisconsin’s 72 hour rule.
• Describe ethical issues arising in the context of e-discovery.
• Describe ethical issues involved in the use of social media in the litigation process.
• Describe the constraints on lawyer advertising.
• Explain the scope of attorney-client privilege and the duty of confidentiality.
• Explain the Conflict of Interest rules.
• Explain the rules protecting work product.

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Course Competency 11: Describe the function of a paralegal in a civil litigation law practice.

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