AALS Discussion Group

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Session Type: AALS Discussion Groups

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Room: Plaza A

Floor: Lobby Level

It has been said that a “law degree is a leadership degree” and much has been written on the need for law schools to educate leaders. Fortunately, many legal educators have responded in interesting and courageous ways. Starting with visionaries like Dean Donald Polden and Professor Deborah Rhode–both of whom courageously fought for their vision of leadership development as part of legal education–the field has continued to evolve and grow. Fortunately, leadership development and leadership education–like leadership itself–is not limited to a one-size-fits-all approach. A plethora of different approaches to leadership development have emerged recently with different focuses, tactics, and desired outcomes. In this discussion group we will discuss and celebrate these different approaches as we look at how law schools can best develop their students into good lawyer-leaders.