October 7, 2008

William Mitchell launches new Center for the Empirical Study of Legal Practice

William Mitchell has launched a new Center for the Empirical Study of Legal Practice which will research the daily realities of the work of a lawyer and the business of the legal profession.

Led by Professor Herbert Kritzer, a political scientist, the Center will be officially launched with a reception and CLE program on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, at 6 pm. in the Haynsworth Conservatory at William Mitchell. The program, “Changing Legal Practice in the Wake of Medical Malpractice Reform” begins at 7 pm. Presenters include Stephen Daniels, senior research professor, and Joanne Martin, research professor, of the American Bar Foundation. To attend, RSVP to meg.daniel@wmitchell.edu. There is no charge and 1 standard CLE credit will be applied for.

The center focuses on empirical research about issues such as scientific and expert testimony, the craft of legal practice, the defense of tort claims, access to justice, judicial elections, and television news coverage of the legal profession.

In addition to providing cutting-edge research, the center includes innovative courses for law students such as “Work of the Lawyer,” which engages students in a rigorous study of the day-to-day tasks of a working lawyer–the professional, personal and political imperatives that frame legal practice.

The center is a natural fit for William Mitchell, a leader in real-world legal education. William Mitchell’s brand of practical legal education is intellectually demanding with skill-building, real-world experiences, and scholarly research.

“The Center for the Empirical Study of Legal Practice is another example of how William Mitchell will lead other law schools in emphasizing practical skills and combining experience with legal theory,” said Eric S. Janus, president and dean. “Professor Kritzer is nationally renowned for his unique research and his in-depth insight into the workings of the legal profession.”

Learn more about the center.