Prerequisites: None

Exam Type: No Exam

In modern legal practice, fewer than 5% of cases go to trial. What happens to the other 95%? This course prepares students for the reality of contemporary practice by developing the essential skills required to settle disputes, structure agreements, and resolve conflicts outside the courtroom. Students will develop practical judgment skills and examine the moral, strategic, and systemic dimensions of lawyering.

• Dispute Resolution Processes: We will explore the role of lawyers in dispute resolution processes such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, requiring students to draft arbitration clauses, mediation statements, and settlement agreements.
• The Neutral Role: Students will learn the unique ethical duties governing lawyers acting as neutrals, distinguishing them from client advocates.
• Collaborative & Holistic Lawyering: We will explore movements such as Collaborative Law, Restorative Justice, and Therapeutic Jurisprudence.

Class time will be divided between seminar-style discussion of theoretical readings and interactive simulations, reflective exercises, and case studies. Students will act as counsel, mediators, and clients in scenarios ranging from commercial contract disputes to family law and employment conflicts.

Assessment is based on class engagement, written reflection, and a final problem-solving project.