Learn more about the Law Simulation Series and view a demo video at www.aspenlaw.com/experience.
Working as an intern at the law firm of Murphy, Miller & Dorn the student will assist one of the office’s attorneys in handling estate planning matters for two different clients. Assigned work is part of a supplied Task List that is designed to first indoctrinate and then challenge the student. The simulation provides a realistic environment in which the student may learn how a law office deals with a variety of ethical and substantive legal issues.
The instructor may follow the Task List directly, which will simulate approximately 15-20 hours of work, or customize the assignments by selecting only those client files and/or tasks that relate to the course material. The instructor may also supplement the work by uploading additional tasks, sample forms, and documents.
During his days at the office, the student will participate in interviews with avatars of clients and their attorney and will learn what is required when counseling clients on estate planning issues. The student will be tasked with the preparation of documents that will embody those client’s life plans. Classroom lessons will take on new meaning as the student applies what he has learned to realistic client scenarios. Audio and video files will be available to the student for replay in order to reinforce lessons. In addition, the student will also have access to the firm’s policies and procedures manual and an extensive form bank of the law office’s administrative forms and sample documents.
In order to monitor the student’s work product and provide learning and feedback, conferences with the instructor (referred to in the simulation as the “Supervising Attorney”) are included in the task timeline. The flexibility and multiple uses of the simulation allow for those conference times to be one-on-one, by email, or during class time as an entire class works within the law office environment. An instructor resource center includes rubric/grading guides, links to additional teaching resources and supplemental assignments and projects that can be used to customize the student’s daily assignments.
Among the skills The Law Simulation Series: Wills, Trusts and Estates will develop and refine are:
• Understanding the role of the paralegal in the delivery of estate planning legal services
• Knowledge of the basic principles of law in wills, trusts and estates
• Ability to understand the purpose of estate planning documents and filings and their application to specific client needs
• Ability to assist in the preparation of estate plans, including wills and trusts
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients
• Ability to perform critical analysis of client legal issues
• Ability to practice effective time management