Leadership & Influence
LAW 764 | 2-3 Hours
Law students are called upon to serve as leaders as soon they graduate, and often before. Over time, lawyers often assume visible, “positional” leadership roles in law firms, government agencies and politics, businesses, and beyond. But lawyers have opportunities to lead and exert influence in many contexts – serving on nonprofit boards, heading teams, leading committees, overseeing projects, advising clients who exercise managerial authority, and more. This course explores tangible and intangible skills that effective lawyer-leaders should seek to develop. While addressing key issues in leadership, it aims to build awareness and habits to prepare students to relate to others in ways that exert healthy influence, help colleagues and teams thrive, and move toward organizational success in alignment with personal values. Through a mix of readings and discussion, guest speakers, exercises, and written assignments, the course will help students evaluate their own leadership approach, collaborate with others, and find opportunities for continued growth.