~ SESSION ONE ~

Word of Mouth: A Workshop in the Art & Ethics of Oral Communication for Lawyers

The single most frequent complaint clients have about their lawyers concern communication. If not addressed, these problems become serious professional, and even ethical, violations. Skilled communication can enhance personal credibility, increase interpersonal effectiveness and improve professional image. Word of Mouth presents vital skills generally not taught in law school. This course will demonstrate why lawyers have problems with communication, what problems “thinking like a lawyer” can create, and how communication really works. Participants learn how to read the signs of spoken and unspoken language to respond more effectively. This program provides a fresh approach to help participants discover personal tools they can use to become more effective communicators in all aspects of practice and in every professional context.

ATTEND THIS COURSE AND LEARN

• A New Model for Communication
• The ABC’s of Communication
• Ethical Uses of the Tools of Persuasion
• Putting Yourself Together as an Effective Communicator

~ ABOUT THE FACULTY ~

Graham Thatcher holds a B.A. from San Francisco State University, an M.A. in Theater from the University of South Dakota, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota.

Client Service: The Key to Success

The relationships that you develop with your clients will be THE most important aspect of achieving success and development of your business. Understanding what a client needs in terms of expertise and feedback and delivering on those needs is a critical step in developing and managing your client relationships. This seminar will refine your basic skills and offer new insights into how to maintain client relationships. It will provide a strategic yet practical approach to service that results in loyal clients and satisfied providers. This intensive, interactive seminar will foster and develop your awareness of what good client service means and how to implement it in your practice.

Whether you are a sole practitioner, associate, partner or legal administrator, you will gain valuable insight into a key element of successful law practice - building & maintaining good client relationships.

ATTEND THIS COURSE AND LEARN

• How to improve your relationships with clients, both internally and externally
• How to create customer service appropriate for your business needs
• How to maintain relationships
• How to develop a firm-wide client service mentality

~ ABOUT THE FACULTY ~

Terri White has over 18 years experience as an administrative assistant for Goodwin Procter LLP working closely with Firm clients and staff. Terri’s prior experience includes teaching a business skills program for the City of Boston. Terri holds a B.S. in Business Education and an M.S. in Adult/Organizational Learning from Suffolk University.

Writing with Confidence & Clarity

This course provides a hands-on opportunity to strengthen and polish your legal writing skills. It will demystify and simplify the writing process for you through concrete guidance and exercises, reinforcing the basic principles of good writing and editing skills. The workshop offers a guide to clear, concise, and well organized legal writing for all lawyers. Bring a short sample (no more than five pages) of your own writing. Also, although not required, you are encouraged to come to the seminar with a writing project in mind.

ATTEND THIS COURSE AND LEARN

• How to overcome writer’s block
• An approach to writing in an organized manner
• How to write and edit more efficiently
• How to present legal analysis clearly and concisely
• Tips to grab the reader’s attention
• Ways to tighten your writing
• How to reflect on your writing strategy and style

~ ABOUT THE FACULTY ~

Lisa R. Freudenheim is a member of the Academic Support Program faculty and teaches Advanced Legal Writing at Suffolk University Law School. Formerly, she taught Legal Practice Skills. Prior to entering academia, Ms. Freudenheim practiced labor and employment law in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.