Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2017

Abstract

In recent years, the bar has expressed dissatisfaction with what is considered by some to be inadequate preparation of law students to begin practicing law immediately after graduation. There are several reasons why this has become a matter of concern for the legal profession. The profession itself has undergone significant changes. Although there are a few exceptions, most law firms no longer wish to spend time training their young associates or allowing them much time to develop the skills they need. First, clients are unwilling to pay for the time a young lawyer spends in acquiring needed skills. Second, the senior members of the firm are less willing to train or mentor young associates because of demands on their time. Salaries for young associates are quite high, and so the expectation that they arrive ready and able to handle legal work and produce income is greater than it was some years ago. Those changes in law practice necessitate that law schools make changes to better serve the profession. Although law schools have made moves to that end, the bar has not been satisfied that they are sufficient.

Comments

This information or any portion thereof may not be copied or disseminated in any form or by any means or downloaded or stored in an electronic database or retrieval system without the express written consent of the American Bar Association.


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