Tuesday we welcomed our students back to Tulane Law School after the much-deserved Winter Break. At the CDO, we were excited to resume meeting with students, discussing summer and permanent career options, and reviewing application materials. Although the students have been away from classes for nearly four weeks, many of our upperclassman actually returned to campus last week to participate in our innagural
Intercession, a legal "boot camp" of intensive skills training. The week-long session was presented by practicing attorneys and judges, many alumni of the Law School, who graciously volunteered their time to teach students such practical skills as motion practice, pleadings drafting, client letters and general case evaluation. In this competitive job market, the Intercession program aimed to have students learn by doing with the guidance of practitioners. So much of the feedback we receive at the CDO from prospective employers focuses on the necessity for new attorneys to begin practicing armed with practical skills, as well as a theoretical-based legal education. The faculty and administration have taken this feedback seriously, and the "boot camp" is a wonderful addition to the hands-on activities already offered by TLS, including clinics, trial advocacy, and externship programs. "In the complex and competitive environment of modern law practice, the need for comprehensive skills training has never been greater,” says David D. Meyer, dean and Mitchell Franklin Professor of Law. “Over the course of one fast-paced, hard-driving week, leading lawyers from around the country are putting students through the paces of representing a client in an unfolding lawsuit or business deal.”
We are so pleased that over 150 upperclass students participated in this new and innovative program. We are looking forward to assisting students in highlighting these newly-acquired practical skills on resumes and in cover letters to apply for coveted positions.