The legal field faces unique issues and challenges that may not be encountered in other industries. Courses focusing on the industry and its trends provide students that do not have a background in the legal environment with a basic understanding of the lawyer's job and how modern law firms operate.
Courses in strategic planning show students how law firms develop and expand. The ultimate goal of strategic planning courses is to give students the tools necessary to create and implement methods for law firm growth and success.
Courses in law firm economics demonstrate the unique issues that law firms face in maintaining financial solvency and meeting income goals. Some common issues that fall within this topic are employee compensation, law firm operating expenses and overhead, billing procedures and collection solutions.
Courses in leadership and team management aim to provide students with the skills to manage attorneys and support staff. Often, business success is dependent upon the ability of management personnel to organize employees and create a cooperative, team-oriented environment where the unique skills of each employee are utilized to accomplish overarching goals. Learning leadership and team management skills are an essential aspect of accomplishing a successful working environment.
Law firms must manage large amounts of information on a regular basis. Courses in information management, communications and technology give students insight on client file management, legal research services, communications methods, and available computer technology and software available for organizing and accessing information.
Client relations are one of the most important aspects of the legal industry. Law firm managers must know how to implement marketing initiatives to attract new clients, satisfy current clients and comply with ethical rules promulgated by the legal industry. Courses dealing with client relations aim to teach students how to market effectively, handle client disputes professionally, and deal with ethical issues that are unique to the industry.