“… 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

Noticed that most Students’ idea of a typical

lawyer …

How We Started

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 …

False Impressions

Idea for Shadowing

Wanted Students to Know What Lawyers

REALLY DO Interaction with Clients, Members in the

firm/organization, Opposing Counsel, Judges Network Ethics and Professionalism Mentors

Focus

Shadowing

Sets the context for how lawyers ACTUALLY work

Externs/Interns

Later in the law school career Promotes public service

Different from an Internship/Externship

What Lawyers REALLY Do

WRITE EmailsLettersMemosPleadings and Filings (and Discovery)Transactional DocumentsRegulatory FilingsOrders

Interact

Members of the firm/organizationClientsOpposing CounselWitnessesStaff/Legal vendorsJudgesJuries

… and

… not generally

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

How It Works

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

… then

Discussions of Ethics and Professionalism

Initial contact Dress Behavior Demeanor at the office/organization Post Shadowing Contact – Networking

Possibilities

Student Involvement

Students Write on the Experience

Memo on Shadowing Thank you letter Possible writing sample/resume fodder

Writing

Surprising Side Effects

Attorney becomes concerned for studentWants to help with career

Assists with class choices for electives Introduces students to others in the area

Bar Associations/Practice Associations

Mentoring