Follow the Lead: the Case for Leadership Education in Law Schools
Abstract
This article considers the increasing importance of leadership skills for lawyers and the dearth of leadership education in law schools. Despite recent critiques of the legal curriculum, educators have remained silent on the matter of leadership skills. This can be attributed to two mistaken assumptions: that leadership is not a necessary skill for lawyers, and that it cannot be taught. This article first studies why leadership skills are an essential element of a successful legal career, particularly in today's economy. It then argues that the current legal education model fails to provide students with necessary leadership skills they need to succeed, as well as that law school is the ideal place to teach lawyers leadership. Finally, this article offers recommendations for incorporating leadership education and training into the legal curriculum, specifically through experiential learning or through leadership classwork.