1. Law Student Motivation, Satisfaction, and Well-Being:
The Value of a Leadership and Professional Development Curriculum
Douglas blaze
E. E. Overton and Art Stolnitz Professor of Law
Director, Institute for Professional Leadership

2. Self-Determination Theory
Professors Deci and Ryan (Rochester)
Comprehensive theory of human motivation
Forty years of supporting research
Driving force: three fundamental psychological needs

3. Fundamental Psychological Needs
Daniel Pink Terminology
Self-Determination Terminology
Competence
Autonomy
Relatedness
Mastery
Autonomy
Purpose

4. Impact of Law School: Sheldon and Krieger (2004, 2007)
Significant decline in SWB
Intrinsic values displaced by extrinsic values
Decline in autonomous motivation
Dampening of original sense of purpose

5. Intentional leadership/professional development curriculum
Curricular Response
Intentional leadership/professional development curriculum
Restore/maintain sense of purpose
Support student’s autonomy
Reinforce relevance of teaching/learning focus - mastery
Address well-being challenges

6. Possible components: Leadership development Professional planning
Curricular Response
Possible components:
Leadership development
Professional planning
Future of the legal profession
Mentoring
Pro bono and public service
Positive psychology