In Thomson Reuters’ examination of methods that modern law schools can use to help enable their students to become more “practice ready”, we identified four law schools already integrating practice-ready skills into their curriculums. In the following series of case studies, we explore how those schools are shaping law students and law firms.
Integrating the Business of Law into Curriculum Is an Institutional Priority for Duke Law School
Integrating the business of law into the curriculum is at the heart of Duke Law School’s mission. It’s an institutional priority implemented not via a top-down program, but through an organic effort based on community, including faculty, law students, alumni, employers and businesses. Fundamental business principles highlighting core themes of integrity, leading and practice-readiness are interwoven into the law school curriculum.
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Case Study: Duke Law
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“We talk about the business of law as if it’s a monolithic thing, but it’s not,” said Adriane Kyropoulos, assistant director and director of recruitment and employer relations. “It varies by region and practice area, and it’s heavily influenced by how an individual chooses to leverage a law degree. It’s also about exposing students to the best ways to position themselves from the outset.”
Bruce Elvin, associate dean and senior lecturing fellow in the school’s Career & Professional Development Center agreed. “The law school’s philosophy is to create opportunities for students to develop into critical thinkers and great writers as well as into people who are able to practice successfully whatever direction they go in — whether it’s as a DA, GC or at a nonprofit,” Elvin explained. “Our curriculum integrates the development of professional skills and professionalism with the teaching of substantive law and critical analysis, which simultaneously deepens a student’s understanding of the subject matter and the abilities that are critical to practice.”
“In addition to traditional case books, our faculty uses case studies and examples from recent events, transactions and filings, and collaborative, team-based projects. Class assignments focus on working with brilliant scholars while also working on real-life skills of drafting, interviewing, counseling, negotiation, and effective oral and written communication. This approach is supplemented by targeted opportunities for experiential learning in our writing program, externships, pro bono projects and academic centers,” he added. In addition, this philosophy extends to numerous workshops focused on wide-ranging topics, from communications skills for millennials and rainmaking to contracts and business strategy. Hands-on practice experience also includes 11 formal clinics, which students have three semesters to complete, as well as numerous externships.
“Clinics are many hours each week, and if something arises when you’re not in a clinic, you have to take care of it,” Elvin said. “That’s developing an attorney and professional mindset. We know lawyers need to be able to contribute and add value to whatever path they take very quickly, whether it’s in nonprofits, legal aid or small or big firms.”
“This is what we tell students: Serving clients while in law school is invaluable,” Elvin said. “In externships, as well as on many pro bono projects, students get direct client experience; they’re working under the supervision of an attorney and working with clients and getting feedback. We tell students, ‘You’re doing it before you’re on the job.’”
“In many classes, it’s about having the practical experience of what it’s like to be in an employment setting,” he added. “We have courses on legal interviewing and on counseling, and multiple ones on contract drafting — it’s one of our top-taken courses.”
Inside and outside of the classroom, Duke Law School emphasizes the layers of real-life skills law students need — from writing and legal thinking to practical experience, said Kyropoulos.
“As an institution, we make a concerted effort to offer a large variety of opportunities to a relatively small class size,” says Kyropoulos. “Students don’t have to compete to get practical experience. It is readily available and intrinsic to obtaining a Duke Law degree.”
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You can see the full Thomson Reuters study here.
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