Giving Millennials a Leg-Up: How to Avoid the 'If I Knew then What I Know Now' Syndrome

Abstract

While it may not be possible for law schools to train students completely within three years for the practice of law, we can come much closer to this goal and make the transition to professional life an easier and more productive one. This article explores the common traits of members of the generation comprising today's law students who prefer the label Millennial to others because of their expressed wish not to be associated with Generation X.

The article discusses ways to enhance clinical education and teach lifelong learning skills so students can continue developing their problem solving expertise long after their clinical experience. The article gives specific examples from disciplines outside of legal education and it also suggests ways to incorporate the concepts of therapeutic jurisprudence to meet the particularized needs of Millennials.

Keywords: law school, law students, training, education, generations, millennials, clinical education, lifelong learning, therapeutic jurisprudence

JEL Classification: K00