Details

The purpose of this course is to enable law students to become fluent in basic business and analytical concepts. The first component of the class will focus on the ideas, concepts, and ventures that emerge in most business environments and that must be understood in order to appreciate fully the nature and needs of clients. The second component will seek to provide students with the ability to think strategically about a client's interests, and to evaluate the types of data and empirical studies that lawyers often use on a client's behalf. Students will learn what types of questions to ask (and not ask!) experts hired to assist, strategize, and testify with respect to the legal matters at hand. The training and skills offered in this course, in short, are intended to help future lawyers understand and serve clients in the best possible ways. Primary Text: Jackson, Kaplow, Shavell, Viscusi, and Cope Analytical Methods for Lawyers (2003); other supplements and notes may be appropriate at various points Evaluation: 30% Class Participation 30% Case Studies 40% Final Memo (due at exam time)