Learn Civ. Pro. From The Recognized Expert

Civil Procedure is a law school class like no other. You will learn about jurisdiction which is the power of the court to hear an issue. How to select the proper court for the issue – venue. What you must do to put a case at issue – pleadings. Civil Procedure is tricky so it’s helpful to have a guide for the class.

James M. Wagstaffe is the managing partner for the San Francisco based law firm of WVBR LLP, handling complex federal litigation. For the past 28 years he as also served as an instructor at the Federal Judicial Center's annual "New Judges Workshop", teaching new judges all aspects of federal procedure.

The videos and links below are your chance to learn civ. pro. from the recognized authority in federal civil procedure matters:

Fear of Flying, Civil Procedure

3 quick tips for surviving first-year civ. pro.

Understanding Jurisdiction

Subject matter and personal jurisdiction

Links to relevant secondary sources from Wagstaffe:

• Chapter 5 Analyzing Subject Matter Jurisdiction Generally
• Chapter 6 Analyzing Federal Question Jurisdiction
• Chapter 7 Analyzing Diversity Jurisdiction
• Chapter 8 Analyzing Removal Jurisdiction
• Chapter 9 Analyzing Supplemental Jurisdiction
• Chapter 10 Personal Jurisdiction

Understanding Venue

Choosing the location for a trial

Links to relevant secondary sources from Wagstaffe:

• Chapter 12 Determining Where Venue is Proper
• Chapter 12 Change of Venue - Initial Considerations
• Chapter 12 Transferring Venue for Convenience
• Chapter 12 Dismissal Under Doctrine of Forum Non Conveniens

Understanding Pleadings

Putting the case “at issue”

Links to relevant secondary sources from Wagstaffe:

• Chapter 17 Basic Format and Elements of a Federal Complaint
• Chapter 17 Complaint Must be "Short," "Simple," and Pled with "Clarity"
• Chapter 19 Drafting the Answer
• Chapter 20 Options and Strategy - Counterclaims
• Chapter 20 Options and Strategies - Crossclaims