* Trial Advocacy: This is the most likely place to find practical acting exercises. Students practice witness examination, cross-examination, opening and closing statements, and even role-playing as witnesses or judges. The emphasis is on effective communication, persuasion, and controlling the courtroom narrative, all skills enhanced by acting techniques.
* Legal Communication/Legal Writing: While not strictly acting, these courses focus on clear, persuasive communication. Students may practice presenting arguments, delivering speeches, or engaging in mock debates, often employing techniques from public speaking and presentation which share overlaps with acting.
* Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): These courses emphasize effective communication and persuasion in non-adversarial settings. Role-playing scenarios are common, requiring students to adopt different personas and employ various communication strategies, similar to what actors do.
* Client Counseling and Interviewing: Effective communication with clients is vital. Some law schools incorporate role-playing exercises to help students develop client interviewing and counseling skills.
In short, you won't find a stand-alone "Acting for Lawyers" class, but the essential skills are integrated into several core law school subjects using acting techniques as a pedagogical tool. Some law schools might also offer extracurricular workshops or clubs focused on public speaking and presentation skills that could incorporate elements of acting. Checking the course catalog of specific law schools you are interested in will be the best way to determine what's offered.