Discover the Benefits of Shadowing Practicing Attorneys
Explore the unique insights gained through shadowing practicing attorneys, dispelling misconceptions about legal careers, and gaining a real-world understanding of what lawyers truly do beyond the courtroom. Shadowing sets the context for future legal careers, promoting public service and enhancing professionalism.
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Presentation Transcript
Only the Shadow[ing Student] Knows Benefits of Having Students Shadow Practicing Attorneys Mary Nagel Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Lawyering Skills The John Marshall Law School
How We Started Noticed that most Students idea of a typical lawyer
False Impressions Lawsuits filed in the morning and tried in the afternoon Every lawyer is a trial attorney Juries hear every aspect of the law All cases filed are tried Lawyers don t write Lawyers never spend time here
Focus Wanted Students to Know What Lawyers REALLY DO Interaction with Clients, Members in the firm/organization, Opposing Counsel, Judges Network Ethics and Professionalism Mentors
Different from an Internship/Externship Shadowing Sets the context for how lawyers ACTUALLY work Externs/Interns Later in the law school career Promotes public service
What Lawyers REALLY Do WRITE Emails Letters Memos Pleadings and Filings (and Discovery) Transactional Documents Regulatory Filings Orders
and Interact Members of the firm/organization Clients Opposing Counsel Witnesses Staff/Legal vendors Judges Juries
How It Works Find the Student s Area of Interest Easier to Accommodate in Urban Settings If not feasible, then shadow local attorneys all will see how the local attorney runs his firm/organization
then Contact Attorneys in the Area Generally flattered to help Work with Alumni groups or Career Services Local bar associations Fosters good will with practicing bar
Student Involvement Discussions of Ethics and Professionalism Initial contact Dress Behavior Demeanor at the office/organization Post Shadowing Contact Networking Possibilities
Writing Students Write on the Experience Memo on Shadowing Thank you letter Possible writing sample/resume fodder
Mentoring Surprising Side Effects Attorney becomes concerned for student Wants to help with career Assists with class choices for electives Introduces students to others in the area Bar Associations/Practice Associations
