I have been a part time law student at Stetson since 2020. I have also been a para legal at a small law firm since 2018. I have learned a vast array of information, as all of us have, concerning all areas of law. The skills law school hasn't taught me I have learned from my time as a para legal.
The two environments are similar in terms of the substantive areas but different when practically applied. Learning the sometimes hard to grasp concepts of law and actually doing and working in the arena of law are two very different things. It is what led me to pick up a few credits over this summer in "Law practice management."
Learning about the law is a challenge in its self as we all know. Working with the law in a business setting is another challenge in its own way. From my time working in the field it has mostly encompassed managing yourself as a person and dealing with clients, judges, police, other lawyers, and secretaries.
It is those people skills that I believe can separate good lawyers from great lawyers. I think to fully embrace the profession of law you must embrace the idea that you will have to work with people that you get along with and also those you don't get along with. These social skills I believe are crucial to excelling in law whether you work at a big firm or are starting your own.
I think law schools should have an introductory course on the concept of actually working in a law firm and a class such as this should be encouraged for those wishing to pursue a career in the law. Reading about the personal anecdotes of lawyers in the business has helped me to better understand the business side of law. I also appreciate the guidance of suggestions from our professor in what technologies to use in practice and also the ways we can become better lawyers out in the field.
There are many gaps in the law school curriculum. Not only should there be an early intro course on what it is like to work in a law firm, there should also be courses on other types of employment. ABA statistics show that just under half of all law grads take jobs with law firms, so that clearly does not cover all the options. Starting your own practice (something we discuss quite a bit in this course), government work (something Stetson Law grads do more than grads of most other law schools), etc., are all worth their own intro courses.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting for others to post or comment on what they perceive to be the most critical gaps in the current law school curriculum that make it harder for new grads to transition into the work world.
In my opinion, one of the most critical gaps includes practical skills like using the e-filing portal or Pacer, navigating the clerk's systems, and understanding how to comply with local rules in varying jurisdictions (and where to find them). In law school, we learn a lot about understanding the law and not as much about the day-to-day things we'll need to know to be efficient and successful attorneys. Considering not all law students plan to practice, it may not need to be required coursework, but I am not aware of any elective courses that teach this material either.
DeleteNavigating state and local efiling portals is critical. Law schools often over-emphasize Pacer. It isn't that Pacer is unimportant. However, the vast majority of lawyers never practice in federal court and therefore never use Pacer. My best guess is that the percentage of lawyers who regularly do federal court work is in the single digits. Most of the litigation action is in state courts.
DeleteA major resource that is not utilized enough for these types of questions/concerns/anxieties is our professors. Professors are happy to sit down with you, discuss their experience, and give you insight on navigating the practical skills law school doesn't teach. There's so much wisdom and guidance to be found on our campus! (Plus it's always helpful to build relationships with our professors for they know many legal experts/lawyers in the community. They may be the reason you find a job opportunity!)
ReplyDeleteKyle - I agree that our personal interactions with clients, as well as attorneys whether they are opposing counsel or co-counsel, cannot be overstated. Law school courses are not typically designed to educate us on how to engage appropriately or respectfully - and quite frankly the entire dynamic of law school forwards a zero sum mentality that is entirely counterproductive. Clients should feel heard and respected. So should opposing lawyers - I would think creating a reputation of the highest ethics and integrity not just among our clients, but also our adversaries, would lead to a more successful and fulfilling career.
ReplyDeleteLearning how to interact with people who you do not get along with to me should be something that is learned early in life. I agree that there should be more classes based on the real aspects of working in a firm. Law school should help us learn how to not only be attorneys, but also how to better individuals. This involves making sure that every student knows how to respect clients along with the opposing counsel. The professors at Stetson are very open to sharing with us their wisdom and advice along with establishing connections in the field of law you are interested in pursuing. They are always willing to help if they can!
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