Course Description:
The course will introduce students to the business aspects of the legal profession including the marketplace for legal services in today’s economy. The topics addressed will include: forms of law practice (including non-traditional alternatives), strategic planning, client development (marketing, client intake, conflicts), law office management, financial accounting, and risk management. Each student will create and present a business development and practice management plan. The goal of the course is to give each student a running start with a business development plan and specific strategies for developing their practice, regardless of the type of the substantive area or environment in which they choose to practice.
Class Notes:
This course will help students to develop professional management skills and to develop a personal plan for developing the substantive knowledge; professional skills and business focus to create a fulfilling law practice (final paper). The course will focus on the economics of law practice, including forecasting demand for legal services and non-traditional alternatives; law practice; financial management; team dynamics and leadership; effectively communicating with clients, colleagues, other parties and tribunals; client development and service; and risk management. Assignments and simulations will demonstrate and model various skills. Each student will create a professional development plan based on their current thoughts about substantive areas of interest and the environment in which they may choose to practice. Course enrollment is limited to 3Ls.
