Law in Practice

Law in Practice (LiP) is the University of Minnesota Law School's unique experiential learning course required for all first-year J.D. students. The course transforms law students' emerging knowledge of legal doctrine and reasoning into an introductory understanding of the actual practice of law.

LiP combines classroom teaching with small group simulation experiences to provide the conceptual knowledge and professional skills needed to master the iterative process of discovering new facts, refining legal research objectives and managing the relationship with the client.

Law School faculty members teach a weekly class exploring doctrinal and strategic issues in the simulated cases. Students perform simulations in "Practice Groups" of eight students led by practicing attorneys. Groups of two students engage in client or witness interviews, client counseling, and negotiation and dispute resolution simulations. Each student individually takes a deposition.

Units I and II: Litigation Simulations

Students receive time-released information on a condensed schedule designed to mimic the patterns of case development in legal practice. Six simulations are included:

Client interview
Witness interview
Deposition
Written settlement offer
Chambers conference
Mediation

Unit III: Transactional Simulation

This simulation introduces the students to the differences between litigation and transactional work. Two simulations are included:
1. Client interview and counseling
2. Negotiation with the opposing party