Psychologically-Informed Lawyering will examine psychological issues that affect lawyers and the clients we serve in critically important and potentially determinative ways. Topics will include trauma (including historical, direct, and vicarious), mental health issues, substance abuse, public and private mental health services, challenges to well-being in the legal profession, and developing professional skills informed by these and other considerations. This class seeks to foster dialogue across practice areas, develop students’ understanding of and compassion for clients with psychological challenges, and enhance students ability to apply psychological knowledge to client representation. We will consider psychological factors at the individual, family, and societal/structural levels to develop a base of knowledge and skills more broadly applicable than in a single case or area of law.
For details on class times, days of the week, instructors, and grading and exam details, please view the Michigan Law Class Schedule.