Professionalism and The Work of Lawyers

Michael Salorio has his own solo practice in southern California.

“Professionalism and the Work of Lawyers” is a required, one-credit course for entering students (1Ls) that is designed to develop students’ skills in a range of areas relating to the day-to-day practice of law, including professionalism, professional reflection, interpersonal communication, client interviewing, finding and succeeding in legal jobs, teamwork, leadership, cross-cultural lawyering, mentoring from the mentee’s perspective, and public service.  Practicing lawyers have identified these skill sets as critical to law practice in Arkansas and throughout the United States.

The course is integrated with First WeekStructured Study Groups and Professional Mentoring Program that are part of the first-year curriculum.  The course also includes three one-hour seminar classes in the fall semester and six seminar classes in the spring semester.  Students in the course will write and submit reflective journals every other week on topics related to the practice of law.  Students also must complete five hours of pro bono service.

The course is graded on a pass/fail basis, but one or more top-performing students will be awarded top paper(s).

Registration Procedures

The course takes place over the entire academic year (fall and spring), but it will not appear on a student’s tuition and fee bill until the spring semester. The course is restricted to students in the entering class. Entering students (1Ls) will automatically be registered for the course (along with all first-year courses).