Civil procedure is a required part of every law student’s education, but for many, it is among the more challenging subjects to fully grasp before entering the profession. In this Law360 Expert Analysis article, Chloe Thompson Villagomez reflects on how the subject is traditionally taught and what attorneys can do to build their real-world understanding of procedural law over time.
Chloe draws from her own experience transitioning from law school to practice, sharing how the lack of hands-on assignments and practical context in her civil procedure course left her underprepared for the realities of litigation. Building on that perspective, she offers guidance for attorneys, particularly those early in their careers, on how to develop a stronger grasp of procedural rules and courtroom expectations.
Rather than viewing civil procedure as a purely academic or overly technical area of law, Chloe positions it as a critical framework that provides structure, clarity and strategic value in litigation. Her article serves as a timely reminder that, with the right approach, procedural rules can become a powerful tool for effective legal advocacy, even for those who may not have appreciated the subject in law school.
To read the full article, visit the Law360 website (subscription required).
