How and Why to Teach Externs: What Makes Lawyers Happy?

Anecdotal reports and a persistent body of research suggest that law students and lawyers disproportionately suffer from depression and addictions. A major new study goes further, showing that younger lawyers are at greatest risk. Many of us are deeply concerned about our graduates who fail to find joy and satisfaction in their lives and careers. This session will address specific ways to empower students to thrive in law school and beyond, with concrete teaching approaches based on focused scientific research. There is much good news in this area. Recent targeted studies look deeply at law students and lawyers, pinpointing precisely why well-being problems occur during and after law school and thus clarifying directions for prevention. We will briefly summarize these findings, focusing on the five critical factors for the well-being and effectiveness of law students and lawyers, why traditional law training erodes each of them, and why externships provide the ideal pedagogical opportunity to train our students to thrive in law school and going forward. Panelists will explain how they engage externs at this subjective level for effective learning, and then provide time for attendees to integrate the information and develop their own ideas for teaching well-being and satisfaction along with the other professional competencies addressed by their programs