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“… Only the Shadow[ ing Student] Knows”

“… 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 ….

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“… Only the Shadow[ ing Student] Knows”

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  1. “… 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

  2. How We Started • Noticed that most Students’ idea of a typical lawyer …

  3. 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 …

  4. Idea for Shadowing

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. What Lawyers REALLY Do • WRITE Emails Letters Memos Pleadings and Filings (and Discovery) Transactional Documents Regulatory Filings Orders

  8. … and • Interact Members of the firm/organization Clients Opposing Counsel Witnesses Staff/Legal vendors Judges Juries

  9. … not generally

  10. 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

  11. … 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

  12. Student Involvement • Discussions of Ethics and Professionalism • Initial contact • Dress • Behavior • Demeanor at the office/organization • Post Shadowing Contact – Networking Possibilities

  13. Writing • Students Write on the Experience • Memo on Shadowing • Thank you letter • Possible writing sample/resume fodder

  14. 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

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