Objectives + Themes + Structure

(The why + what + how of Innovation in the Legal Market)

Objectives

Innovation in the Legal Market (ILM @ IE) is an innovative, interactive exercise in experiential learning that:

  • Draws upon students’ interests in technology, entrepreneurship, marketing/branding, communication, and the law;

  • Builds students’ 21st century professional skills including problem solving, project management, cultural competency, teamwork, feedback, and leadership; and

  • Enables students to better understand both their role and the opportunities within the changing professional services environment.

ILM @ IE is a blended (part in-person, part virtual), multidisciplinary, highly interactive course. In addition to broadening their substantive knowledge and skillset, students will also be challenged to think and work differently.

Themes

Class themes include:

  • Collaboration, innovation, leadership, teaming

  • Building an understanding of team dynamics, goals, identity, and protocols

  • Understanding and applying problem finding techniques

  • Practicing The art of the impactful presentation (e.g., ignite style presentations)

  • Giving, receiving, and acting upon feedback

  • Developing, in mini-hackathon style, an innovation

  • Technological innovations in legal education

  • Technological innovations in legal practice

  • Cultural competency and communication (both in-person and digital)

  • Leadership and young lawyers

  • Marketing, branding, and storytelling

  • Project management tools and theory

Structure

In-person modules:

  • This course features eight in-person modules.

  • Each in-person module lasts 90 minutes, and will be held at IE University (specific location TBD).

Virtual modules:

  • This course features seven in-person modules.

  • Each virtual module lasts 90 minutes, and will be held via Adobe Connect. Students will receive the URL to the Adobe Connect room and training on how to use Adobe Connect. Students should connect from a quiet place with a strong internet connection.

  • Each virtual module will consist of:

    • Substantive exploration of the session's topic

    • Presentation by guest speaker(s) related to the class’ topic

    • Class-led contribution on the session’s topic (more information below)

    • Plenty of interaction! (e.g., Q&A with speakers, exercises, and more)

Outside class:

  • Assigned background material: Students are responsible for thoroughly reviewing the assigned background material for each week.

  • Teamwork/Dynamic presentation: In lieu of a written final exam, students will compose and deliver a dynamic presentation. Development of this project and presentation will happen throughout the course. Students should meet (if possible, using virtual tools like Google Hangouts) regularly outside of class hours to collaborate, complete, and rehearse for their final presentation.

Class Contributions: This class focuses on students’ individual and teaming skills. Thus, during the course’s virtual sessions, students will contribute to the substantive exploration and discussion of the week’s material in both an individual and team format. Details (timing, technology, and other requirements) will be given at the start of class.

Final Presentations: Nearly one-third (30%) of a student’s grade will be based on their final presentation. Although the final presentations are done in teams, students will be evaluated on an individual and team basis. Details (timing, technology, and other requirements) will be given at the start of class.