Dear 1L: Five Guideposts for Your Future Professional Practice

Abstract

Professors Love and Stipanowich address first year law students on the threshold of their career. Being an effective practitioner requires much more than a grounding in substantive law, legal research and writing, and (perhaps) trial advocacy. Law students today also need a broader range of knowledge and skills to prepare for the varying and evolving challenges of twenty-first century practice. Love and Stipanowich offer a number of precepts for 1L students to consider as guideposts for their career. It is possible—and even preferable—to be an effective and zealous advocate while still leaving the door open to cooperation and collaboration.

Keywords: lawyer, litigation, trial, dispute, conflict resolution, counsel, advocacy, problem solving, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, ethics, law school