A Legal Education Renaissance: A Practical Approach for the Twenty-first Century

A Legal Education Renaissance suggests a model for change and provides answers to criticism of the current system by addressing curriculum, teaching, faculty, and costs. It offers a realistic, achievable solution that fits within the guidelines that govern legal education institutions. The perspectives and recommendations are presented with the intent of encouraging discussion about the future of modern legal education. The proposed legal education model dramatically changes the structure and content of the curriculum, uses modern learning and teaching techniques, changes the makeup of the faculty and reduces costs while addressing the diverse needs of today's students. About the author John Sonsteng, B.A. University of Minnesota 1964; J.D. University of Minnesota 1967. Assistant Hennepin and Dakota County Attorney 1967-1973; Dakota County Attorney 1973-79; Professor of Law, William Mitchell College of Law, 1979-present; author of numerous books and articles; Fulbright Lecturer, Aberdeen, Scotland; Emil Gumpert Award for Excellence in Teaching Advocacy, Minnesota Bar Association Award; appointed the first City Solicitor's Education Trust Visiting Professor in Litigation and Advocacy, Nottingham Law School, Nottingham, England; Co-founder and member, Warren E. Burger Inn of Court; teaching and lecturing throughout the United States; Regional Director and teacher for The National Institute for Trial Advocacy; teaching and lecturing in Canada, England, Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Singapore, and Turkey.