National Jurist - January 2009 - (Page 38)

Chicago-Kent College of Law hen computers were just massive, data-crunching monsters, ChicagoKent College of Law was already pondering how these new machines would affect the practice of law. Decades later, the law school is still thinking about technology, only on a grander scale, explained Dean Harold Krent. Its award-winning Center for Access to Justice and Technology is changing the way students, faculty and the public utilize the legal profession. “We focus on how the law intersects technology,” Krent said. “It’s more than just reacting (to technology). We’re predicting what will happen.” Students can choose from electives covering topics such as e-commerce, electronic discovery, Internet law, biotechnology and nanotechnology. One of Chicago-Kent’s newest courses in litigation technology shows students how to use digital evidence W have proven so successful that they are now in a pilot program to go into federal courthouses as well. “By understanding how technology has changed the law, students will become better lawyers in the future,” Krent said. DePaul University College of Law T urnabout is fair play at DePaul University College of Law. A new course called Litigation Lab gives second and third year law students a chance to hear practicing attorneys arguing a case. Then, the lawyers give a listen to what the students have to say. The result is a mutually beneficial learning environment, according to Mike Panter, founding director of the collaborative skills class. Panter, a DePaul graduate, managed his own litigation firm for nearly 30 years and is a newly appointed Circuit Court judge. ing that DePaul was willing to try this,” Panter said. Students sign a confidentiality agreement, so everyone in the class feels relaxed enough to really go at it, Panter said. They can argue, debate and discuss to their heart’s content. Students develop trust, a respect for their own ideas and an understanding that instinct can be a lawyer’s best asset. “It gets students into lawyers’ heads,” Panter added. “It’s a safe place for students and for lawyers.” Go Gonzaga University School of Law hen it comes to curriculum, most law schools agree with the cliché “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Gonzaga’s faculty took the opposite approach. In the spring of 2007, the law school agreed to do a comprehensive program review. The result was an overhaul that reinforces the school’s commitment to skills training but also elevates professionalism throughout the curriculum, said Dean Earl Martin. “This is a grand investment,” Martin said. “I’m so proud of our faculty for committing themselves to this.” The new curriculum will go into effect in the fall of 2009. The most significant change is a fresh integration between every course, Martin said, touching on Gonzaga’s core values of imparting knowledge, professionalism and skill enhancement. For example, first year students will take a litigation skills lab in their first semester. This lab will focus on a case study following the life of a tort case. The goal is to take students through a series of skills exercises and professionalism problems. Students also will face ethical issues that may arise in this sort of representation. Then during their second year, they will refer back to the simulations from that lab experience during one of their legal research and writing courses. This will allow them to fully comprehend the issues brought up in the earlier session, Martin said. “We’re breaking down the silos (and) creating a curriculum that builds on itself,” Martin said. “This integration across courses will give students a real set of skills.” W “ We focus on how the law intersects technology. It’s more than just reacting (to technology). We’re predicting what will happen. Dean Harold Krent, Chicago-Kent College of Law ” and to manage technology during a trial. One of Krent’s favorite examples is a group of students who recently took their knowledge and turned it into one of the most successful new courtroom technologies to date: the Self-Help Web Center. The Center is a kiosk system aimed at helping self-represented litigants become more familiar with the legal system. Users are guided through the process of creating documents like fee waiver forms or motions to extend time to move out in eviction cases. These Centers are found in state courts across the nation, Krent said, and they Beforehand, one student project director works with the presenting attorney, collects the relevant materials and summarizes them for the class. During the case presentation, students analyze the case, the attorney’s approach and overall logic. They also learn about everything that goes into a real case from witness preparation to jury questionnaires to closing arguments. It also provides a true networking experience for students, who have been hired by some of the attorneys presenting to the class. “Students just completely love it. The lawyers love it. … I think it is amaz38 | THE NATIONAL JURIST | January 2009

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of National Jurist - January 2009

National Jurist - January 2009 Contents Hot Button: Affirmative Action Entertainment: A Road Trip Through Law School News: American Justice, Kaplan Survey, Part-time Ranking The Firm Report: Diversity Law School Online No label No label Fordham Student Honored for Public Interest Work Former Law Student's Life Lives on After Her Death Most Influential People in Legal Education Most Innovative Law Schools Your Guide to Studying Abroad Career Hotline Texas Tech Law Grads Explore Dispute Resolution Evaluating First-Year Exams Disturbing the Peace

National Jurist - January 2009

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