Interviewing, Counseling, & Negotiation

This two-credit experiential course introduces students to the fundamental lawyering skills of client interviewing, client counseling, negotiation, and persuasive fact analysis. Students will develop practical skills that are essential to effective legal representation and professional practice, through a client-centered approach to legal problem solving. Students will have opportunities to learn and apply techniques for gathering information, identifying client objectives, analyzing facts, counseling clients regarding legal and practical options, and negotiating resolutions to disputes. Students will examine strategic, ethical, and professional considerations that arise throughout the lawyer-client relationship and during negotiations.
 
 A significant portion of the course will consist of simulations, role-plays, and experiential learning exercises designed to replicate real-world legal practice. Through these simulations, students will practice interviewing clients, conducting counseling sessions, preparing for negotiations, and engaging in negotiation exercises. Students will receive feedback from the instructor, peers, and self-reflection exercises to strengthen their professional judgment, communication skills, and advocacy abilities.