This course is for advocates within the Florida legal aid community however...
If you would like information about bringing Essential Skills for Paralegals and Legal Assistants to your state or region, contact Jaime Berton at 617-946-4672 x4112 or jberton@legalaideducation.org.
Basic Lawyering Skills
Grounded in the rich history, culture and values of legal aid, our Basic Lawyering Skills training (BLST) is the perfect first skill training for a legal aid lawyer. You'll learn and practice interviewing skills, client counseling, negotiation, legal analysis, case planning and development, motion practice and trial skills, all in a friendly, supportive, low pressure environment with expert feedback and critique. While centered around core advocacy skills, the course also recognizes the importance of ongoing professional development - giving you the opportunity to plan your own professional development goals and approach in the context of the particular challenges that legal aid practice presents. Our learning presentations will be taught by seasoned practitioners from both inside and outside the Florida legal aid community. Each will be highly able and eager to impart what they have to share. Presentations, problem solving exercises, case study illustrations, paired negotiations, simulated motion hearings and the like all play their role too in making BLST a memorable and transformative training event.
"BLST was an invaluable experience... I was able to apply the principles I've learned in a very practical setting. I appreciated the dedication of our group of trainers and the honest feedback I was given during our exercises. I would recommend that any new (or experienced) advocate take this training sooner rather than later."
- Autumn L. Johnson, Northwestern Legal Services, PA
Sample Training Agenda
Here's how the four days of Basic Lawyering Skills typically break down (each day we also make sure to include an hour-long lunch, and timely breaks for beverages and snacks):
DAY 1
11am - 1: Welcome, Introductions and History of Legal Aid
2 - 5.45pm: Client Interviewing
DAY 2
8.45am - 10.20: Case Analysis and Planning
10.30 - 12.30: Client Counseling
1.30 - 2.45: Motion Practice
3.00 - 5.45: Motion Hearing simulation
5.45 - 6.15pm: Judges' Reception
DAY 3
8.45am - 9.45: Advocacy Outside the Courtroom
9.45 - 3.45: Negotiation
4.00 - 5.45pm: Developing as Advocates/Professional Development Planning
DAY 4
8.45am - 2.00: Trial Planning and Preparation
2.00 - 3.00pm: Closing Plenary, Evaluations and Graduation
For further BLST information, please click here.