Cristina Carvalho Cristina Carvalho

I agree with Susskind's analysis. Students would benefit greatly if law schools helped create more of a foundation for the practical skills that lawyers need to succeed in our industry today and in the future.

Being a good lawyer is no longer enough. Sales, business, marketing and management abilities are just a few of the additional skills that lawyers need in order to be successful. Lawyers must know their client's industry and business and be able to build strong relationships—attributes that extend well beyond proficiency in a niche area of the law.

Lawyers also need to know how to build their brand internally with colleagues and externally with potential clients. You have to differentiate yourself in a crowded legal market. A successful partner also spends a tremendous amount of time managing both clients and client teams. So, it's critical for lawyers to learn how to be good managers. Students and the legal industry would be better served if law schools offered similar course work to what is taught in business school.


» Law Firm Leaders React to Susskind's Take on Legal Education's Future