The course, led by Professor , is built on the concept of the Brandeis Brief, a style of brief that incorporates social science research into legal arguments. 

In the course — which was limited to three students during this initial offering — students worked with local attorneys and Brandeis Law alumni Dan Canon (’07) and Joe Dunman (’12) to write an amicus brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“The students were dedicated and willing to learn,” Marcosson says. “They put in a tremendous amount of work, and I’m very proud of them.

“It was exactly what I hoped for — and more.”

The brief was written on behalf of the National Association for Public Defense and the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and petitions the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision by the Kentucky Supreme Court. The brief argues that the Kentucky Supreme Court limited the ability of defense counsel to make its case in its opening statement, Marcosson says. 

The students researched the value of opening statements and the impact they have on juries while experiencing first-hand the rigors of writing a brief for the Supreme Court. 

“How often does a law student get an opportunity to submit a brief to the United States Supreme Court? Not only was this experience exciting, it compelled me to do my absolute best work,” says 3L Abby Braune, one of the students in the class. “So much of law school is theory; it was a nice change to take on a challenge that has a real-world impact.”

Marcosson credits Dean with advocating for this new course. 

“Without her, it never would have happened,” he says.

The Bhutan-born Shinchoury was one of 29 people who became U.S. citizens during a Nov. 18 naturalization ceremony in the Brandeis School of Law’s Allen Courtroom.

Law School Dean Susan Duncan said the school was thrilled to host the event and witness the conclusion of an important legal and personal journey for a group of people who chose to become American citizens

U.S. District Judge David Hale, Western District of Kentucky, presided at the ceremony and speakers included UofL’s vice provost for diversity and international affairs, Mordean Taylor-Archer, and law Professor Lars Smith, who is also an associate dean for academic affairs.

Smith shared memories from his own family’s journey to citizenship. Smith and his mother were born in Denmark and he said one of his mother’s greatest treasures was her green card.

“She saw America as a shining beacon of hope,” he said.

“Louisville has become a richer and more vibrant place now that you have joined us as citizens,” he told the newly-inducted Americans.

The poignant ceremony was a chance for the law school’s recently established to see the immigration-to-citizenship process in action. The fellows are addressing the needs of immigrant/refugee populations as their initial focus.

Shinchoury called the naturalization ceremony “amazing and kind of emotional.”

“It makes me feel cared for and loved and accepted,” she said.

. Watch parts of the ceremony in the video below: