“… only the shadow[ ing student] knows”
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“… 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 …. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
“… Only the Shadow[ing
Student] Knows”Benefits of Having Students “Shadow”
Practicing AttorneysMary Nagel – Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Lawyering Skills – The John Marshall
Law School
Noticed that most Students’ idea of a typical
lawyer …
How We Started
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 …
False Impressions
Idea for Shadowing
Wanted Students to Know What Lawyers
REALLY DO Interaction with Clients, Members in the
firm/organization, Opposing Counsel, Judges Network Ethics and Professionalism Mentors
Focus
Shadowing
Sets the context for how lawyers ACTUALLY work
Externs/Interns
Later in the law school career Promotes public service
Different from an Internship/Externship
What Lawyers REALLY
Do WRITE
EmailsLettersMemosPleadings and Filings (and Discovery)Transactional DocumentsRegulatory FilingsOrders
Interact
Members of the firm/organizationClientsOpposing CounselWitnessesStaff/Legal vendorsJudgesJuries
… and
… not generally
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
How It Works
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
… then
Discussions of Ethics and Professionalism
Initial contact Dress Behavior Demeanor at the office/organization Post Shadowing Contact – Networking
Possibilities
Student Involvement
Students Write on the Experience
Memo on Shadowing Thank you letter Possible writing sample/resume fodder
Writing
Surprising Side Effects
Attorney becomes concerned for studentWants to help with career
Assists with class choices for electives Introduces students to others in the area
Bar Associations/Practice Associations
Mentoring