LAW 135 - Lawyering Skills

International LL.M. students will explore professional expectations and the roles of lawyers in law firms and other organizations in the United States. This course features a “learning by doing” component that highlights skills essential to the successful practice of law. Students will develop their oral and written communication skills by drafting professional correspondence, delivering reports to supervising attorneys, and conducting client interviews, courtroom simulations, and negotiations and alternative dispute resolution exercises. All students will gain exposure to key elements of the practice of law in any field, including ethics and professional responsibility, analytical and critical thinking, communication and presentation skills, and norms for interaction with clients and other stakeholders. Grades will be based on written assignments, in-class exercises, and overall participation. Student improvement over the semester will factor significantly in the final grade. While students may sometimes work in teams, each student will be graded individually.