Preparing for Nonprofit Practice

Catalog description

This professional development seminar is intended for 2Ls, 3Ls, and graduating Advanced Degree students who plan to start their public interest careers working at a nonprofit organization. This course is not open to 1Ls. All participants must have: (1) worked--or have plans to work--at least part of one summer at a nonprofit; and/or (2) have specific plans to work at a nonprofit after graduation. Through lectures, readings, simulations, and exercises, students will learn key skills required to excel at their role at a nonprofit legal organization. Areas of focus will include: (1) creating strategies for managing projects, caseloads, and advocacy campaigns; (2) understanding and working with nonprofit financial systems, revenue models, and expense budgets as well as personal financial planning; (3) developing an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens for work with clients, colleagues, and external partners (e.g., community partners, opposing counsel, pro bono collaborators); (4) communication and facilitation skills; and (5) building effective coalitions and partnerships with stakeholders (e.g., community leaders, policy-makers, pro bono partners, etc.). Elements used in grading: Attendance, Performance, Class Participation, Written Assignments.