Preparing for Solo or General Practice at william Mitchell
There is no better law school for students interested in owning their own solo or general practice law firm. Mitchell’s curriculum is designed to ensure that students are “practice ready” when they graduate. From the first day of law school, classes teach theory and professionalism as well as skills. Our unique skill-building courses have become national models. They’re why Mitchell graduates are regarded as being ready to hit the ground running when they graduate, and it’s why so many of our alumni open their own successful practices.
Preparing for Solo or General Practice Courses
Advocacy
All of Mitchell’s courses teach theory and skills. For example, students in Contracts practice writing legal documents. In addition, we offer an array of courses in which students create mock law firms, work with mock clients, and do the work of the lawyer—including Transactions and Settlements, 44-Hour Family Mediation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Advocacy builds on what students learn in WRAP and introduces students to trial skills including depositions, direct and cross examination, and opening and closing arguments. Students have the option to take Advanced Advocacy, which continues this training. In this class, students conduct an entire jury trial.
Writing & Representation: Advice & Persuasion (WRAP) WRAP helps students master the fundamentals for any lawyer who owns his or her own solo or general practice—interviewing clients, writing memos, researching the law, negotiating contracts, settling cases, and arguing motions. This strong legal foundation gives Mitchell graduates who plan to go solo an enduring advantage in their careers.
e at William Mitchell Skills Practicum
The Center for Law and Business
Full-time Faculty
Students practice law in two-person law firms under the supervision of faculty and tutors.
The Center for Law and Business allows students interested in operating their own solo or general practice firm to supplement their legal education with core business courses, allowing them to be better prepared to run a successful shop.
Peter Knapp Expert in trial advocacy, courts, and evidence
Simulated cases, problems, and clients are presented to each law firm, requiring the student attorneys to handle a significant variety of integrated substantive and procedural law involving personal injury, professional responsibility, employment law, criminal law, labor law, administrative law, and real estate law. Students learn by putting their skills to work in mock jury trials, oral arguments, motion arguments, arbitration, negotiation, and inchambers settlement conferences.
Topics include: • Business planning • Accounting and projections • Marketing • Organization and structure • Capital structure • Human resources • Board and governance • Intellectual property
Mehmet Konar-Steenberg Expert in advocacy John Sonsteng Expert in trial advocacy Greg Duhl Expert in legal writing Jim Hilbert Expert in transactions and settlements Ann Juergens Expert in the work of the lawyer
PREPARING FOR SOLO OR GENERAL PRACTICE
Office of Admissions 875 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55105 888-962-5529 wmitchell.edu 01171 2013-06