Cultivating Thoughtful Dialogue, Shared Humanity, and Emotional Intelligence in Client Counseling Courses

Abstract

Historically, client counseling courses in law schools across the country omitted concepts fundamental to a successful attorney-client relationship–thoughtful dialogue, shared humanity, and emotional intelligence. Psychology and the practice of law, including the omitted concepts, are now being integrated into more courses each semester. The essay demonstrates how I integrate them into my own course and work alongside students to help them practice those concepts and the most important skill of active listening. The students’ practice requires thoughtful work around self-awareness, bias, power, and money–topics often neglected because of the discomfort involved in their contemplation and reflection. The earlier students are able to grapple with those skills, concepts, and ideas in their legal career, the more fulfilling they will find their legal career and, I believe, will decrease the likelihood of burnout