Growing Movement: Leadership Development in Law Schools

Survey of websites of 204 ABA -accredited law schools: Named leadership development programs: 19 law schools with general leadership objective 5 with specific focus – diversity, business law, government, transitional justice and cybersecurity. Leadership development courses: 27 law schools with leadership courses for credit 7 with non-credit courses

Common Objectives: 1. Discuss role of lawyers as leaders: Obligation to serve. Opportunity to positively impact. 2. Self-awareness and self-assessment 3. Goal setting and strategic plan 4. Study leadership styles, characteristics and strategies 5. Study organizational and human behavior: Looking for context and barriers 6. Experiential learning through case studies, role playing, problem solving, etc.

7. Equipping for success in the practice of law (and leadership): - Effective communication - Collaboration - Team Work & Building Teams - Building Relationships - Ethical Judgement - Managing Conflict - Crisis Management - Creativity, Innovation, Entrepreneurship - Inclusive Diversity - Mentorship; Coaching; Sponsorships

8. Latest additions: -Grit - Growth Mindset - Resilience - Feedback - Healthy View of Stress and Failure Health, Wellbeing, Adaptation

Challenges to our State Court Systems Implications for Democracy

Civil Justice is Foundation of Democracy Touches every aspect of our lives and society: - Resolves conflicts - Governs behavior - Provides precedent and guiding principles Intended for both parties to be represented by zealous advocates bound by ethical constraints - lawyers

Current system High-value tort and commercial contract disputes - less than ½ percent of caseload 64% were contract cases, mostly debt collection and landlord/tenant cases 75% of all judgments were less than $5,200 For 75% of cases – disposition within 372 days For 50% - dispositions with 4 months

Current system Too expensive! costs exceed value Cumbersome! daunting to Self Represented Litigants Takes too long!

Access to Justice DENIED

Alternatives Private entities are filling the void - mandatory arbitration - private judges for hire - online legal services

Impact on Society Not sufficiently democratic No guarantee a transparent and impartial process. Not necessarily bound by existing law Do they contribute to creating new law and shaping 21st century justice Threaten to erode a publicly accessible body of law governing civil cases Fewer common law precedents lessened standards for negotiating civil transactions or conforming their conduct in a responsible manner Undermines legislative and executive branches of government Can’t respond to developing societal circumstances if claims not filed in state courts

Impact on the Legal Profession Relevance & Influence

Civil Justice Initiative Recommendation to Conference of Chief Justices: 1. Initial Triage – Right-size case management: Quick processes of uncomplicated matters Intense oversight for complex matter 2. Specialized Courts – expertise and efficiencies 3. Quick disposition for uncontested docket

How can we help? Strong leadership and bold action are needed to transform our system for the 21st century while preserving the best of our 200-year tradition. Our democracy depends on it.