College of Law :: Georgia State University

Urban Planning Law Externship-- City of Atlanta

LAW 8167

Description

(3) hours per semester, one semester requirement. The Law Department welcomes all second and third year applicants but would prefer those who have demonstrated their interest in municipal law through relevant course work. The City of Atlanta Law Department provides legal services to the City of Atlanta. The Department represents the City in all civil legal matters and provides legal advice to the officers and employees of the municipal corporation and its elected officials. The Department is organized into four practice groups: Aviation; Government Counsel, Development & Infrastructure; Litigation/Employment; and Commercial Transactions. Each practice groups has specific client responsibilities within the wide variety of departments and agencies in city government but are also designed to provide legal services within their specialty when another practice group's client faces an issue that arises in that area of responsibility. The Aviation Practice Group is located at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and, as the name implies, focuses on the legal issues that arise from the representation of a client that manages the world?s busiest airport, including construction of new facilities, leasing and property management and FAA regulatory compliance. The Government Counsel, Development & Infrastructure Practice Group is responsible for advising City departments on issues related to infrastructure improvements and economic development and is the primary support for City Council and a liaison with other governmental entities. The Litigation/Employment Practice Group responds to the civil actions filed against the City, primarily related to cases arising under42 U.S.C. ? 1983, such as excessive force by police officers. The Group also provides advice and handles civil litigation related to employment issues. The Commercial Transactions Group handles the City's business relationships with third parties and the general public in areas such as bond financing, procurement, contracting and land use and zoning. A student extern will be expected to function in the same general capacity as a first year associate and will be given the option to experience municipal law in a rotation system among the practice groups or specialize with one of the four practice groups. All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Credit hours: 3