Coding For Lawyers - Fall 2019

Introduction

This course is a hands-on introduction to coding starting with coding using Python and important coding tools such as Git, VsCode and the interactive terminal. Students will start by getting familiar with coding tools and the world of Python. In addition to using basic Python students will be able to leverage their basic coding skills to collaborate on a larger projects using Docassemble the popular legal application tool written in Python.

Should Lawyers Learn to Code

Venn

Course Text

Course Setup

For his course you will need to learn three basic tools:

1. Python

2. Terminal

3. Editor


Python

Python Flying Circus

Yes, Python was named after Monty Python, the British comedy team.


Terminal


Github


VSCode

VS Code


Other resources


Syllabus


August


Aug 22 Intro Overview of Course

Get Acquainted

Intro to Python

Intro to Tools

Intro to Projects


Aug 29 Intro to Docassemble

Special remote guest session with Quinten Steenhuis

Quinten is with the Greater Boston Legal Services and he will demonstate how they use Docassemble

Continue Lab Set up Python, VsCode, terminal, Git, Github

  • Tools - The Terminal
  • Tools - VsCode
  • Tools - Git, Github

September


Sept 5 -- Continue Setup


September 12

Chapter 2 Boring Stuff - Python Basics

Coding Exercises: Sept 12 - Python Basics


September 19


Reading: Chapter 2 - Boring Stuff

Expunction Overview

2017 Expunction Guide

Coding Exercises Sept 19 - Flow Control


September 26


September 26 - Flow Control Cont'd. Intro to Docassemble


October


October 03 - Functions and Community Lawyer

Reading and Exercises

Chapter 3 - Boring Stuff


Thomas Officer from Community Lawyer will be teaching remotely -- Please see the Repo for prep for his class

CL


Oct 10 - Python Data Structures, Lists

Reading:

Chapter 4 Boring Stuff - Functions continued and Lists

Work on Expunction Project


Oct 17 - Dictionaries, data structures

Special Guest: Kristofer Cook IT Projects Attorney NC Legal Aid

Chapter 5 Boring Stuff - Dictionaries and Data Structures

Work on Expunction Project


October 24

Work on Project

Reading: Strings

Chapter 6 - Boring Stuff


Oct 31 - Jerome Simeon - Accord Project


November


Nov 7 - Review Day

Work on Project

Python Review and Summary


Nov 14 Overview of computing, Web Development, Cloud Computing

"Climbing to the Cloud"


Nov 21 -- No Class