Categories: Legal Profession Law Practice Skills
Guardian ad Litem Practice in Wisconsin
Course Page for Spring 2013 - Viney, Gretchen
Lawyering Skills: Guardian ad Litem Practice in Wisconsin. A guardian ad litem in Wisconsin is an attorney appointed by the court to represent the best interests of an individual in court proceedings. Guardians ad litem typically are involved on behalf of children in protective services proceedings or in custody and placement disputes, and on behalf of adults in guardianship and protective placement proceedings. This is a practice-oriented skills class in which students learn the skills and techniques necessary for competent service as
guardians ad litem in Wisconsin. The course provides a brief overview of the role of the guardian ad litem in the Wisconsin court system and the requirements for serving as a guardian ad litem, but the emphasis is on preparing students for hands-on guardian ad litem practice. The course meets the requirements of Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 35 (Eligibility
for Appointment as Guardian ad Litem for a Minor) and Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 36 (Eligibility for Appointment as Guardian ad Litem for an Adult). Students who successfully complete the course will be eligible, upon admission to the Bar, to accept court appointments as guardians ad litem for children and adults in Wisconsin.
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Lawyering Skills Course
Course Page for Spring 2013 - Viney, Gretchen
The Lawyering Skills Course teaches law practice through simulations in which each student has ample opportunities to practice such fundamental lawyering skills as negotiation, oral advocacy and communication, interviewing and counseling, drafting and problem solving. Students also examine how practicing lawyers address difficult ethical and professional problems, manage their practices, and balance their professional and personal lives.
The Course is led by two faculty members, Ralph Cagle and Gretchen Viney. In addition, the Course is taught by approximately 70 practicing lawyers and other professionals. Teams of practitioners teach each of nine weekly segments in both large group and small group classes. Students will observe and simulate the lawyer's role when handling civil, criminal and divorce cases, when processing real estate and probate matters, and when organizing and advising corporations.
In addition to nine substantive segments of the Course and a variety of workshops, the Course includes a Skills Intensive Training Week. Over thirty lawyers participate as faculty in a two day exercise in which students represent clients on both sides of a comprehensive legal transaction. Skills Week allows students to practice the skills they have learned throughout the Course and receive individualized feedback from different practitioners on their performance.
Classes meet from 12:25-3:25 PM on designated days and students complete two written assignments each week. The course is 7 credits, offered only in the spring semester, and is open to 2nd and 3rd year law students. Enrollment is limited.
If you have questions about this course, contact:
Prof. Ralph Cagle in Room 5226 or call @ 262-7881 or by email: rmcagle@wisc.edu
Prof. Gretchen Viney in Room 5226 or call @ 262-8048 or by email: ggviney@wisc.edu
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Lawyers as Community Leaders
Course Page for Fall 2011 - Cagle, Ralph
Lawyers As Community Leaders: Communities frequently seek out to lawyers to provide leadership. These opportunities enable lawyers to influence their communities, practice and expand their professional skills, develop connections (including clients) and realize great personal satisfaction. Community leadership engages a lawyer’s aspirations and talents to achieve public good. This practical, hands on course deals with developing the tools needed to provide that leadership. Students will learn: a) how communities organize themselves and engage lawyers to achieve public good: b) the nature of leadership and its application in community settings; and, c) specific skills, knowledge and perspectives that will assist them when serving in leadership roles. The faculty has diverse experiences in community leadership. Over a dozen experts will participate in the course providing information, networking and helpful advice on how to meet community leadership challenges. This two (2) credit course meets once weekly (Wednesday 5:40 to 7:40 ). Class attendance is required. Grading is based on class projects, attendance and class engagement. A third credit option is available for students interested in working on a specific leadership project in a community organization. Faculty: Michelle Behnke, Ralph Cagle, Jennifer Krueger
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Mediation
Course Page for Fall 2011 - Frankel, Mark
This course will explore the rationales, advantages, disadvantages, as well as the lawyering skills required to maximize the benefits of the two primary alternative dispute resolution techniques, mediation and arbitration. Students will learn in a hands-on format which cases are appropriate for
ADR, how and when cases can be diverted from litigation into ADR, what clients need to know to succeed in ADR and what approaches to mediation and arbitration are most likely to result in a successful result.
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Mediation Skills & Practice
Course Page for Spring 2011 - Erez-Navot, Donna
Lawyering Skills
Program: Mediation Skills and Practice:
This course provides an
opportunity to develop both conceptual knowledge and behavioral competency in
mediation. Mediation is a process
incorporating both aspirational goals (reduction of conflict, increased
communication, and collaborative problem-solving) and concrete goals
(efficiency and reaching agreement). This course has two building-blocks: a practice component and a weekly
academic component.
the practice component: 1) Facilitative mediation training on
County Small Claims Court for which students must be available to travel and
attend one Monday during the semester from 1 PM to 4:30 PM. 3) Students must set up and attend a
second mediation observation with the
completing the practice course requirements can be certified as mediators
through the
weekly classes, students will develop an understanding of the theories and
practice techniques of mediation from planning to drafting final agreements
through lecture, class discussion, demonstrations, and practice simulations.
on: 1) class attendance and active participation; 2) reports of two mediation
observations; and 3) a final research paper and class presentation on a
selected mediation or alternative dispute resolution topic.
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Oral Communication
Course Page for Fall 2011 - Plum, Christina
A recent survey of legal employers in Wisconsin revealed that they believe that well-developed oral communication skills are essential. This course focuses on helping students refine the oral communication skills that they will need to perform efficiently and effectively as practicing attorneys. Students will participate in a variety of in-class exercises, such as introducing a speaker, arguing a motion to a judge and giving a presentation to a board composed of non-attorneys.
Each student will receive specific, personalized feedback on his/her performance in the exercises.
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Oral Communications
Course Page for Fall 2012 - Plum, Christina
Oral Communications for Lawyers:
Surveys reveal that improved oral communication skills, speaking to public bodies, meeting with clients, handling simple matters in court, communicating with a trade
group or organization) are a priority legal skill not often taught in law school. Oral Communications for Lawyers is an interactive, hands-on course designed to develop
and improve students’ public speaking skills. Each student will learn by doing, in a variety of scenarios, and receive constructive, personalized feedback on
his/her performance.
Governing criteria for reviewing presentations: messages should be clear, concise, complete,
audience connection, real (genuine and believable), confident, produce desired results.The class will meet
8 times, and students will speak no less than six times, in varying formats and settings. They will also make occasional impromptu presentations, of two or
three minutes, during the course of the semester. Attendance is mandatory, and active student participation is required. Most assignments require structured, focused preparation outside of class. There is no written final examination. The course, which is graded pass/fail, is open to all second and third year
students, and enrollment is limited. Course materials may be purchased at the Bookmart.
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Oral Communications (LLM-LI)
Course Page for Spring 2011 - Plum, Christina
The Lawyering Skills Course teaches law practice through simulations in which each student has ample opportunities to practice such fundamental lawyering skills as negotiation, oral advocacy and communication, interviewing and counseling, drafting and problem solving. Students also examine how practicing lawyers address difficult ethical and professional problems, manage their practices, and balance their professional and personal lives.
The Course is led by two faculty members, Ralph Cagle and Gretchen Viney. In addition, the Course is taught by approximately 70 practicing lawyers and other professionals. Teams of practitioners teach each of nine weekly segments in both large group and small group classes. Students will observe and simulate the lawyer's role when handling civil, criminal and divorce cases, when processing real estate and probate matters, and when organizing and advising corporations.
In addition to nine substantive segments of the Course and a variety of workshops, the Course includes a Skills Intensive Training Week. Over thirty lawyers participate as faculty in a two day exercise in which students represent clients on both sides of a comprehensive legal transaction. Skills Week allows students to practice the skills they have learned throughout the Course and receive individualized feedback from different practitioners on their performance.
Classes meet from 12:25-3:25 PM on designated days and students complete two written assignments each week. The course is 7 credits, offered only in the spring semester, and is open to 2nd and 3rd year law students. Enrollment is limited.
If you have questions about this course, contact:
Prof. Ralph Cagle in Room 5226 or call @ 262-7881 or by email: rmcagle@wisc.edu
Prof. Gretchen Viney in Room 5226 or call @ 262-8048 or by email: ggviney@wisc.edu
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Public Speaking for Lawyers
Course Page for Spring 2013 - Peterson, James, Plum, Christina
Course objectives:
The content of this course focuses on developing those core communication skills that all lawyers need and use in their practice. In this course you will work on:
• Developing and projecting self-confidence;
• Intentionally designing the content and structure of presentations; and
• Developing, through practice and observation, a reliable capacity to perform well in a variety of speaking situations.
This course will teach students strategies for effective public speaking to large and small audiences and individuals. Specific exercises include introducing a speaker to an audience, providing a research report to a supervising attorney, responding to questions, speaking extemporaneously, persuasive and impactful speaking, and explaining legal concepts to an audience.
This two-credit course is offered pass/fail only.
This course meets only the first eight weeks of the semester. If a student must miss class due to illness or other conflict, make-up classes may be arranged. Passage requires active participation in class. There is no final exam.
The instructors are Adjunct Professors James Peterson and Christina Plum, both of whom have previously taught an oral communications course at the UW Law School. For more information, please email them.
James Peterson: jpeterson@gklaw.com
Christina Plum: plumchristina@yahoo.com
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Risk Management
Course Page for Spring 2013 - Kaiser, Aviva
Risk Management (1-2 credit variable)
You have learned or are learning the Rules of Professional Conduct. But how do you implement those rules in your practice? How do you avoid the risk of running afoul of those rules? The goal of this one-credit course is to teach you some of the basic skills that you can use to manage your risk. The following skills will be taught:
1. How to use the specialized research sources for professional conduct issues;
2. How to use case management software;
3. How to develop and implement law firm policies and procedures to reasonably assure that all lawyers and nonlawyers in the firm follow the Rules of Professional Conduct;
4. How to counsel clients about the lawyer’s role and duties;
5. How to draft letters of engagement/ retainer agreements;
6. How to do conflicts of interest checks;
7. How to draft informed consents;
8. How to evaluate the various types of fees and draft the fee section of letters of engagement/retainer agreements;
9. How to evaluate the unbundling of services and draft the scope of representation section of letters of engagement/retainer agreements;
10. How to read and evaluate liability insurance policies; and
11. How to screen cases and clients to avoid the ones with the greatest risk of malpractice by identifying risk factors such as expectations, communications, and control.
If you are currently enrolled in or have already taken the professional responsibilities course, you may enroll in this course. Please join us in this exciting skills course.
Note: Students who select the two-credit option will draft additional documents and learn more about case management software.
Risk Management Skills
Course Page for Spring 2012 - Kaiser, Aviva
Risk Management Skills Module: You have learned or are learning the Rules of Professional Conduct. But how do you implement those rules in your practice? How do you avoid the risk of running afoul of those rules? The goal of this one-credit skills module is to teach you some of the basic skills that you can use to manage your risk. The following skills will be taught in the one-credit skills module:
1. How to use the specialized research sources for professional conduct issues;
2. How to navigate the disciplinary process;
3. How to use case management software;
4. How to develop and implement law firm policies and procedures to reasonably assure that all lawyers and nonlawyers in the firm follow the Rules of Professional Conduct;
5. How to counsel clients about the lawyer’s role and duties;
6. How to draft letters of engagement/ retainer agreements;
7. How to draft informed consents;
8. How to evaluate the various types of fees and draft the fee section of letters of engagement/retainer agreements;
9. How to evaluate the unbundling of services and draft the scope of representation section of letters of engagement/retainer agreements;
10. How to read and evaluate liability insurance policies; and
11. How to screen cases and clients to avoid the ones with the greatest risk of malpractice by identifying risk factors such as expectations, communications, and control.
If you are currently enrolled in or have already taken the professional responsibilities course, you may enroll the skills module. Please join us in this exciting skills module.
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Understanding Law Practice
Course Page for Fall 2011 - Moore, Michael
This short course will provide a foundation for professional skills needed by attorneys for professional success. The course will cover topics such as professionalism and professional expectations, the business of law and how to make an effective impression for clients and peers. In addition, students will practice these skills through assignments and in class presentations.
Recent Offerings of this course by this instructor
Writing Component
Course Page for Spring 2012 - Heymann, Jane
The Lawyering Skills Course teaches law practice through simulations in which each student has ample opportunities to practice such fundamental lawyering skills as negotiation, oral advocacy and communication, interviewing and counseling, drafting and problem solving. Students also examine how practicing lawyers address difficult ethical and professional problems, manage their practices, and balance their professional and personal lives.
The Course is led by two faculty members, Ralph Cagle and Gretchen Viney. In addition, the Course is taught by approximately 70 practicing lawyers and other professionals. Teams of practitioners teach each of nine weekly segments in both large group and small group classes. Students will observe and simulate the lawyer's role when handling civil, criminal and divorce cases, when processing real estate and probate matters, and when organizing and advising corporations.
In addition to nine substantive segments of the Course and a variety of workshops, the Course includes a Skills Intensive Training Week. Over thirty lawyers participate as faculty in a two day exercise in which students represent clients on both sides of a comprehensive legal transaction. Skills Week allows students to practice the skills they have learned throughout the Course and receive individualized feedback from different practitioners on their performance.
Classes meet from 12:25-3:25 PM on designated days and students complete two written assignments each week. The course is 7 credits, offered only in the spring semester, and is open to 2nd and 3rd year law students. Enrollment is limited.
If you have questions about this course, contact:
Prof. Ralph Cagle in Room 5226 or call @ 262-7881 or by email: rmcagle@wisc.edu
Prof. Gretchen Viney in Room 5226 or call @ 262-8048 or by email: ggviney@wisc.edu