Art of Lawyering

Lawyering is not something done in the abstract. It involves real people in real situations with real problems. Good lawyers are problem solvers who help others achieve their goals, often under conditions of uncertainty and unpredictability. As a lawyer, one applies legal reasoning and substantive knowledge in such areas as tax, criminal, corporate, or anti-poverty law, but one does not and cannot stop there. Lawyering, in its best sense, requires continually learning from experience. It is the application of knowledge, the development of strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to grasp the multi-dimensional aspects and contextual nature of a problem. Excellence in lawyering involves seeing the big picture and being on top of the details at the same time. It entails appreciating that clients are people, not cases, who need competent counselors as well as advocates, because in the real world, problems often are neither immediately obvious nor easily defined. The art of lawyering lies in honing one's judgment by tailoring theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to new circumstances. It is being able to make explicit, in ways which bridge differences, what others only sense implicitly.

In consultation with experienced supervising attorneys, students in the clinics assume the roles of practicing attorneys, bearing primary responsibility for identifying issues, making decisions, and solving problems with their clients. Preparation and reflection occur in seminars, one-on-one sessions with supervising attorneys and instructors, and collaboration with student partners.