Practice Management

According to The National Law Journal, Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Va., has announced a plan to reform its third year by replacing all academic classes with "experiential" learning, such as actual interactions with clients.

The plan appears to be to get the bar courses out of the way and then start trying to prepare students for the practical practice of law. 

In Washington and Lee's case traditional classroom instruction with practical simulations, real-client interactions and the development of law practice skills. Project simulations will span the array of traditional subject matter, such as banking and corporate finance, securities law, environmental law and family law.  The law school's existing clinics and externship programs will also be expanded. All third-year students will be required to obtain a Virginia practice certificate and participate in at least one real client experience during the year. At the same time, students will be immersed in a year-long professionalism program that explores what it means to be a lawyer by featuring topics such as legal ethics, civil leadership and pro bono service.  Instead of listening to lectures, third-year students will be presented realistic settings requiring them to use judgment, solve problems, work in teams, negotiate solutions and counsel clients.  Students will be asked to mirror real-life situations, for example, by negotiating prenuptial agreements for an intended husband or wife and do oral proceedings in a custody battle.  Also, students will explore relationships between attorneys and clients, keep track of their billing hours and discuss how attorneys should handle clients' expectations.