Legal Prep: Law Program Featured Partner
Sidley Austin & United Airlines;
Negotiation Partners Since the Beginning
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The Legal Prep Law Program is the school’s flagship program, and the freshman level Negotiation’s Program has existed since the school opened in 2012. The Legal Prep Law Program uses legal based strategies and experiential learning to engage students in critical thinking. This program also provides unique and innovative ways for students to positively engage with others while building professionalism and social emotional learning skills.
Program partners United Airlines and Sidley Austin LLP have worked together since the program’s inception. As Legal Prep’s Law Program takes on a new virtual structure this 2020-21 academic year, we seek to recognize the value and hardwork of these program partners by showcasing their experiences working together to coach, mentor, and educate Legal Prep Students in the important skills of negotiation.
Program partners United Airlines and Sidley Austin LLP have worked together since the program’s inception. As Legal Prep’s Law Program takes on a new virtual structure this 2020-21 academic year, we seek to recognize the value and hardwork of these program partners by showcasing their experiences working together to coach, mentor, and educate Legal Prep Students in the important skills of negotiation.
Attorneys from United Airlines overseeing
a student Negotiation in 2014 |
Greg Wu, Director of Legal Operations and Strategy with United Airlines, has been involved with the program since it started! He was passionate from day one about involvement in the Legal Prep Law program and states that “while there have been increasing efforts to improve diversity in law firms and corporate law departments...those efforts seem to be primarily focusing on helping the diverse legal talent that is already out there. We should also be focusing on the talent pipeline and getting more diverse individuals interested in the legal profession to begin with, and this program is one way to do that.”
When asked about his experience as a volunteer for the Legal Prep Mentor Program, Greg Wu was eager to share his perspective: What makes the program a success for you and your team? “If at least one student leaves the program feeling more confident about their capabilities or their possibilities, then I’d consider that a win. But really, so long as our students aren’t wishing they were in algebra class instead, that’s a success.” |
What got you involved in the program to begin with and what has been a motivator for your continued involvement? “This program combines so many of my interests in one opportunity. I took negotiation workshops in law school, and they were some of my favorite classes. And given my interests in volunteering, mentoring, teaching, and diversity & inclusion, getting involved with the program was a no-brainer. There have been increasing efforts to improve diversity in law firms and corporate law departments, but those efforts seem to be primarily focusing on helping the diverse legal talent that is already out there. We should also be focusing on the talent pipeline and getting more diverse individuals interested in the legal profession to begin with, and this program is one way to do that.”
What has it been like working in partnership with Sidley/United? “It’s been great partnering with Sidley in this program. They’ve been helpful in so many ways, whether it be sharing responsibility in leading the lecture or discussion with the students, providing extra volunteers if we’re short, or hosting the sessions at their office. I wouldn’t know any of the Sidley volunteers if it wasn’t for this partnership. I’ve especially gotten to know the attorneys leading the program for Sidley since we lesson plan before each session and debrief afterwards.”
What has been a program highlight or favorite memory? “I’ll always remember the first time when some students I had previously coached expressed disappointment that they weren’t getting me as a coach again. That left me feeling like I had made a positive impact, which at the end of the day, is what this program is all about.”
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Zach Paterick and Laura Lyons, Associates with Sidley Austin LLP, have both been extensively involved in the Legal Prep Negotiations program during their entire careers at Sidley as well. This year will be their Sixth year participating in the program! Zach and Laura were inspired by the opportunity to engage with the Legal Prep students in a practicum setting. Zach and Laura are also motivated to continue volunteering based on the personal reward of being an active participant in the Legal Prep students’ growth as negotiators and people. The excitement, effort and gratitude displayed by the Legal Prep students continues to be inspiring and fulfilling.“Participating in the Legal Prep Negotiations program is always the highlight of our week.”
Sidley judges the success of the Legal Prep program based on two factors: (i) the growth and engagement of the Legal Prep students and (ii) the level of Sidley attorney engagement. Each session, the students show up with lots of enthusiasm and a desire to learn, and this is a big motivator for our attorneys to share their skill sets with the students. Each year they have seen measurable growth in the students throughout the school year, and Sidley has an increasing number of repeat volunteers annually. Hear more from Zach and Laura. |
Student Negotiation Competition Finalist at Sidley Austin in 2017
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How has that partnership strengthened your personal and professional relationships?” Our favorite part of the Legal Prep program is the relationships we build with the students. It’s fulfilling to work with them and also a lot of fun! On a professional level, not only has it been wonderful to build such a longstanding relationship with the attorneys at United, but Legal Prep also provides a great opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with attorneys at Sidley outside of work matters.”
What has been a program highlight or favorite memory? “This past year the Sidley/United Legal Prep team made it to the finals of the city wide negotiations competition. The sense of accomplishment was exuding from the girls’ ear-to-ear smiles as they made their way to the championship stage. That memory has created a lasting impression on us and serves as an important reminder of the impact the Legal Prep negotiations program has on the students.”
What has been a program highlight or favorite memory? “This past year the Sidley/United Legal Prep team made it to the finals of the city wide negotiations competition. The sense of accomplishment was exuding from the girls’ ear-to-ear smiles as they made their way to the championship stage. That memory has created a lasting impression on us and serves as an important reminder of the impact the Legal Prep negotiations program has on the students.”
The unprecedented circumstances affecting the 2020-21 academic year have prevented our students, faculty, staff, and volunteers in-person meetings and complicated the educational setting. However, that does not mean special programs such as our Law Programs have come to an end. Thursday, November 19th marked the first Negotiations and Mock Trial sessions of the academic year. This year's program certainly looks different. However, we are excited to engage with students virtually! Launching this virtual Law program structure would not be possible without our Law Partners, sponsors, and committed volunteers. A big thank you to Greg Wu, Laura Lyons, and Zach Paterick for allowing Legal Prep to share their Legal Prep Law Program experiences.