Negotiation and Legal Settlement

This interactive course introduces students to the theory and practice of negotiations. Topics include strategy, ethics, communication, collaborative lawyering, deal-making, mediation and settlement of disputes. Students will be introduced to negotiation theory, including game theory, and develop negotiating skills by participating in simulations, analyzing bargaining behavior, discussing negotiation concepts and receiving critique. A particular focus will be the iterative process of text-based negotiations -- from contracts, to writing for publication, to international treaties. Negotiation simulations will focus on typical negotiation problems faced by lawyers such as the settlement of lawsuits and the negotiation of various business transactions. Grades are based on class participation and command of negotiation principles as demonstrated in simulations, as well as several writing assignments. The class is limited to 16 students. Class attendance is required. Note: Students must attend the first class in order to be enrolled.