Use your law school experience to build leadership skills

Much has been written about how law school fails to adequately prepare students for the real world practice of law. But even within the current system students can, and should, make the most out of their law school experience. In the final installment of PSLawNet’s three-part series on the development of leadership skills for public interest lawyers, Todd Belcore, a 3L at Northwestern, offers six straightforward tips for cultivating these skills while in law school. [Hat tip to NALP]

The simplicity of his headings (“Make ideas come to life,” “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes”) may belie their value, but in fact each suggestion addresses a practical and substantive step worth taking. For example, on the value of listening:

Listening does three invaluable things: 1) it will broaden your perspective; 2) make you communicate in a more responsive and responsible manner; and 3) help inform how to approach an issue in a way that addresses others’ needs rather than simply your perception of their needs.

Whether you’re a public interest-minded student or a graduate drawn to private practice, learning to work with different personalities, to challenge your own assumptions and to make things happen are skills that can only help you in your career.

- posted by vera