Perspectives on the Legal Profession (PLP)

Program Components and Requirements

The Perspectives on the Legal Profession (PLP) program helps prepare students to function successfully in our complex, sophisticated legal system and serve our diverse society with dignity, integrity, and professionalism.

To fulfill PLP requirements, students must attend seven hours of programming in the four mandatory categories and three additional hours in any category, including the optional categories during the first three semesters at William Mitchell College of Law.  Timely completion of the PLP Program is a graduation requirement.

Students must attend two hours in each of the following three mandatory categories

Careers in Law

You may choose to practice law in a firm or by yourself, work for a nonprofit public interest group, in government or an administrative agency, clerk for a judge, teach, work as a corporate counsel, or pursue a variety of other options. The Office of Career and Professional Development will provide programs throughout the year exploring possible career paths you may pursue.

PLP Requirement: Attend at least two programs offered by the Office of Career and Professional Development.

Global Justice in a Diverse Society (GJDS)

Explore the different, unique populations that enrich our society.  Legal education thrives best in an inclusive culture that appreciates and values differences in a way that everyone can achieve his or her full potential.  The Office of Multicultural Affairs and various student organizations will provide programs throughout the year.

PLP Requirement: Attend at least two programs offered by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Financial Literacy

Students will learn about debt management, loan repayment options, tools for saving money and driving down debt while in law school.
PLP Requirement:  Attend at least two programs offered by the Office of Financial Aid.

Students must attend one hour off campus in one of the following categories

Judicial Proceeding

Learn about the complex legal decision-making process that relies on the expertise of judges, lawyers, hearing officers, and arbitrators.   Students shall certify t heir attendance by indicating the date of the proceeding, the nature of the proceeding, and the setting in which the proceeding occurred (e.g. Administrative Court, Federal Court, location of a mediation or settlement conference, etc.).

• Trial
• Dispositive motion (e.g., summary judgment)
• Settlement conference
• Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) hearing
• Administrative hearing (e.g., workers’ compensation hearing).

PLP Requirement: Attend one hour off campus. Go to the following link to access Minnesota’s Judicial Branch court schedule - www.mncourts.gov.

Students must attend three additional hours in any category, including the two categories below

Student Organization Perspectives

Learn how law is created and implemented in a changing, multifaceted society and understand the varying array of cultural, political, economic, social, and religious traditions from which the law is derived. Attend one of the many programs and lectures by visiting scholars, practitioners, and community leaders presenting a variety of perspectives on current legal issues.  Student organizations that want to conduct programs independently (i.e. not in partnership with professional staff or faculty), can request approval within this category.

PLP Requirement:  Attend programs approved by Office of Student Affairs and Student Life in consultation with MCA.

Stress Management and Healthy Lifestyle

Although legal education and the practice of law is often exciting and rewarding, it also can be stressful.  Learn how to deal with the workload and stress of law school, and develop a pattern to serve you well throughout your legal career. Counseling Services and other departments sponsor programs throughout the year on topics such as stress reduction, exam anxiety, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

PLP Requirement: Attend programs approved by the William Mitchell Counseling Center. Additionally, students can obtain PLP credit for other stress management or healthy lifestyle activities through the Office of Student Affairs and Student Life.