EXP: Navigating Inclusive Excellence in the Legal Profession (Essandoh)
Additional Information
Skills Training
Oral Presentations
Expository Writing
Other Professional Skills: Critical analysis
Understanding of culture shifts
Legal and strategic reasoning
Grading
30% Participation,
40% Paper,
30% Other (In class discussions and interactions will be 30% of the course grade. Assignments (2-4) are 40% of the grade and one short paper will be 30% of the grade. There is no final exam. )
No
Class meets in person.
Meeting Times/Location
R 4:30PM - 6:30PM
Tanenbaum Hall 253
Category
Seminar
Credits
3.0
The legal profession is undergoing continuous transformation driven by shifting client expectations, technological disruption, regulatory change, and evolving workplace cultures. This course examines the strategic role of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility in shaping the future of legal practice. Grounded in business principles and organizational strategy, the course equips students with practical skills to navigate a profession defined by constant change. Students will explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives influence talent development, organizational culture, leadership pathways, and emerging issues such as AI driven innovation.
Through simulations, data analysis, and practitioner insights, students will develop tools to foster inclusive environments, strengthen resilience, and engage effectively within transforming legal workplaces. The class welcomes participants from every background and perspective, offering preparation relevant across law firms, corporate legal departments, public interest organizations, and government settings each of which is navigating its own unique transformation.
Perspectives on the Law Learning outcomes: Demonstrate an understanding of how the law affects, and is affected by, the individual course topic; Perform legal analysis in the context of the individual course topic; Communicate effectively on the legal and other aspects of the individual course topic; Demonstrate the ability to use other disciplines to analyze legal issues relevant to the individual course topic, including economics, philosophy, and sociology, as appropriate.
Equity and Inclusion Learning outcomes: Demonstrate a core understanding of the varied legal aspects of equity and inclusion; Perform legal analysis in the context of topics related to equity and inclusion; Communicate effectively on the legal aspects of equity and inclusion; Demonstrate an understanding of how equity and inclusion are connected to and affected by a wide variety of legal and regulatory structures and doctrines.