Training the Superstar Associate: Teaching Workplace Professionalism in Legal Writing Courses

Perspectives: Teaching Legal Research and Writing, Fall 2014, Forthcoming

U of Akron Legal Studies Research Paper No. 14-09

17 Pages Posted: 20 Sep 2014

See all articles by Sarah Morath

Sarah Morath

Wake Forest University - School of Law; University of Houston Law Center

Elizabeth Shaver

University of Akron School of Law

Date Written: September 18, 2014

Abstract

This article details efforts to increase the professional workplace skills of law students by teaching professionalism skills in a first-year legal writing course. The article describes a series of videos that demonstrate how a new lawyer’s professional attributes and attitude can create either a positive or a negative impression on a supervising attorney. Nine “what not to do” videos highlight certain types of unprofessional behavior, much of which has been personally observed among students in first-year legal writing courses. The “what not to do” videos are juxtaposed with one “what to do” video that is designed to illuminate exemplary professionalism workplace skills. These videos are a highly effective (and entertaining) tool to make law students aware that their success on the job depends not only on the substance of their legal work but also their office demeanor and interpersonal skills.

Keywords: legal writing, legal research, legal employer, professionalism

JEL Classification: K10

Suggested Citation

Morath, Sarah and Shaver, Elizabeth, Training the Superstar Associate: Teaching Workplace Professionalism in Legal Writing Courses (September 18, 2014). Perspectives: Teaching Legal Research and Writing, Fall 2014, Forthcoming, U of Akron Legal Studies Research Paper No. 14-09, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2498204

Sarah Morath (Contact Author)

Wake Forest University - School of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 7206
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
United States
3306343003 (Phone)

University of Houston Law Center ( email )

4604 Calhoun Road
4604 Calhoun Road
Houston, TX 77204-6060
United States

Elizabeth Shaver

University of Akron School of Law ( email )

150 University Ave.
Akron, OH 44325-2901
United States

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