Torts & Personal Injury Law
Lawyers who practice personal injury law typically litigate negligence cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims, either as plaintiffs' personal injury lawyers working on a contingent fee basis or as personal injury defense lawyers, usually working for litigation firms hired by an insurer to defend the claim.
This is a classic litigation practice, involving factual and legal investigation, filing of pleadings, motion practice, discovery, settlement discussions, extensive interaction with insurance adjusters, mediation and arbitration, an understanding of insurance law, and—occasionally—trying cases.
Students interested in solo or small firm practice should strongly consider the Accelerator to Practice Program
Co-Curricular activities
Students would also benefit greatly from participating in trial competitions in their upper class years, and from an externship that involves placement in a litigation setting. See related Externships