Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professors Lori Berman and Heather Bock

J.D. Seminar 028 | 1 credit hours

Lawyers are often expected or asked to assume leadership roles in business, politics, law firms or non-profit organizations. A lawyer’s education, training, and experience provides some of the basic skills for future leaders; however, many leadership and team skills are not taught in law schools and often are not acquired by practicing attorneys. Since work is often conducted in teams, both group and individual behavior is important to understand. This class is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles of leadership, team effectiveness, and managing and motivating professionals. A portion of the class will be devoted to individual student evaluations regarding their own leadership and team abilities. These topics are aimed to increase law students’ effectiveness throughout their careers by 1) understanding organizational behavior and 2) building core interpersonal, management, leadership, and client relationship competencies.

The learning that occurs in the course will be highly dependent upon the contributions of each and every member. We will approach learning in several different ways, including lecture, interactive exercises, reflection, and an experiential simulation that will simulate decision-making and working in a law firm. Due to the interactive nature of the course, attendance is expected. Students will complete a personal journal designed to allow students to evaluate themselves in relationship to the class readings, simulation, group work, and discussions.

Students may not receive credit for this course and Leadership, Teambuilding and Management Skills for Lawyers.

Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory. Enrolled and waitlisted students must attend the first class session in order to remain enrolled or to be eligible to be enrolled off of the waitlist. Note: This seminar is mandatory pass/fail and will count toward the 7 credit pass/fail limit. This class will meet for 2 days of intensive sessions in the Spring 2014 semester. This class will meet on Saturday, 1/18 and Sunday, 1/19, 2014.