Forward — Establishing a Firm Foundation for the Small Law Practice

13 Pages Posted: 22 Sep 2015

See all articles by Eric J. Gouvin

Eric J. Gouvin

Western New England University School of Law

Date Written: 2015

Abstract

On March 26, 2014, the Western New England Law Review sponsored a symposium entitled "Firm Foundations: Managing the Small Firm and Individual Practitioner." The symposium presentations provided perspectives on the often-overlooked world of small firm practice.

A few influential books have been written about the state of legal education and the future of the legal profession prompted public outcry from bar associations across the country to weigh in on the perceived problems of American legal education. The debate has resulted in some real changes in law school programs.

Legal education is in the midst of major changes. For decades, law schools have been unique among university-based professional schools in the degree of disconnection between the academic program and the profession for which students were ostensibly being trained. Law schools must do a better job of preparing their students for practice in the small firm setting, but being aware of the challenges is a necessary first step in doing something about them. This symposium is a very good second step.

Keywords: small firm, individual practitioner, solo practitioner, legal education, reform, law practice

Suggested Citation

Gouvin, Eric Joseph, Forward — Establishing a Firm Foundation for the Small Law Practice (2015). Western New England Law Review, Vol. 37, p. 129, 2015, Western New England University School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 15-11, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2661678

Eric Joseph Gouvin (Contact Author)

Western New England University School of Law ( email )

1215 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
United States
(413) 796-2031 (Phone)
(413) 796-2038 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www1.wne.edu/law/about/deans-bio.cfm

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