Author: cdtalaw

Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution in California

alternative dispute resolution

As a law student, you may be surprised to hear that it is possible for attorneys to spend significant amounts of time with their clients, involved in mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. This is often the case in divorce cases, but many times in business cases also. As a trial attorney you may hope to avoid processes like alternative dispute resolution and practice your skills in the courtroom, but it may be judge mandated. Mediation, for instance, may also be extremely popular with clients who want to avoid the stress of the courtroom. Litigation can, undoubtedly in some cases,...

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Writing an Effective Demand Letter

demand letter

While many students who go on to law school have majored in areas like political science, public policy, economics, or philosophy, the English majors or those who have a strong propensity for writing--and especially a demand letter--have a definite head start. As an attorney, you will be required to do an enormous amount of reading and writing in your career. But it all starts in law school. And there, you will also do copious amounts (to understate!) of reading in your studying assignments and writing for your classwork. Learning how to write an effective demand letter is vital—and especially when you consider...

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Problem Solving: Do You Have What It Takes?

problem solving

We are not all skilled at problem solving; in fact, you probably grew up with a friend or family member who was always a fixer and helped negotiate or smooth over any issue. Perhaps that person was you, or perhaps you are hoping to increase those techniques as you learn more skills in law school. No matter what your background, to be a good trial attorney (or any type of attorney at all!) these are skills that you will need to finely hone, beginning with compiling all the information you need. If there is a legal dispute at hand, speak with...

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Organize Better to Have Good Studying Skills in Law School

good studying skills

The best law students are those who are prepared and organize, exhibiting good studying skills. If you are only prepared to ‘wing it,’ chances are your experience is going to be dismal at best. And while some students may enter law school with you, making you shake your head wondering how they ever expected to succeed after skipping class and finishing assignments in a hit and miss manner, there is no doubt that the task is daunting for all. Most first year law students arrive well-educated on one thing: the enormous challenge ahead. Being in law school, going to class, and...

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Shrewd Negotiators Learn to Read Body Language

Shrewd Negotiators

If you are learning to be one of the shrewd negotiators in your field, it is common sense to check out the body language of whoever you are speaking with; after all, anything possible that can help you ease into an amicable settlement is usually welcomed, and usually by your client more than anyone else. Negotiating is a learned art, no matter how much arguing power you may have been naturally blessed with. And although you will most likely be paid by your client to come up with a suitable agreement and settlement, it is almost always best to seek...

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Online Law School: Will I Need to Take the LSAT

online law school

Are you thinking about going to online law school in California? If so, you may be one of the many prospective students in the US now turning to distance learning to achieve a degree, and even an intensive one like a Juris Doctorate. Most of us lead hectic lives even without attending school, and you may be looking for a way to make education your priority but in ways that are more conducive to your lifestyle. But keep in mind that just as working at home can be every bit as rigorous and serious as going to an office—so can...

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Getting Somewhere in Negotiating: Ask the Right Questions

negotiating

Learning to ask the right questions can be difficult, and negotiating is an art, as most of us have heard throughout the years—and upon seeing master negotiators in action, it is hard to disagree; however, once put in the position of negotiating terms for a client, while up against another seasoned attorney, you will probably also find it hard to disagree that negotiating is a learned trait. Sure, you may have a brilliant and logical mind, and possess both the debating skills and charm necessary to win what your client wants, but there is a long list of details to...

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Five Things You Should Learn During a Law School Internship

law school internship

Law school (as well as the law school internship) is a multi-faceted endeavor, meant to give you the skills you will need to start out as an attorney, as well as to pass the state bar exam. If you are attending an online law school like California Desert Trial Academy College of Law, the goal is also to train to you specialize in trial law, allowing for an even more intensive education. Before you start your first year, you may have some trepidation about the rigorous schedule ahead, especially if you have heard terrifying tales about that treacherous first year...

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Why Outlining is So Important to Your Law School Studying

outlining

Although you may have dreamed of being a lawyer your whole life, braving four years of law school can seem like a daunting task, to say the least--along with tackling outlining, briefing, and extended reading for enormous amounts of studying. Most of us have heard the stories about the competitive atmosphere, long hours and late nights burning midnight oil, and high dropout rates; however, if you are enthusiastic and motivated to succeed, chances are you will put the required organizational skills into place and thrive. If you are not already on your A game when it comes to studying, prepare to...

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Setting the Scene Before Discussing Terms

discussing terms

Like most of us, you may not appreciate being labeled controlling or domineering in your personal life, but in your career as an attorney you will find that having as much control over a case as possible is necessary to a favorable outcome, and especially in discussing terms. This is especially true in negotiations. And while taking over proceedings in an overly aggressive manner is not usually recommended, everything you can do to set the scene for success is a bonus. Preparing the room means you are that much more headed toward success, and before negotiations even begin! This gives you...

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