1Ls Learn the Finer Points of Civil Discourse at William & Mary Law School

Reasoned. Thoughtful. Polite. Insightful.

The Class of 2028 was all that and more while learning about effective discourse on the afternoon of Friday, September 26 when William & Mary Law School held its second annual Civil Discourse exercise for 1Ls.

The program is based on a national initiative by the federal courts designed to improve decision-making and civil discourse skills. It also fits perfectly with William & Mary Law’s commitment to producing Citizen Lawyers who know the importance of engaging with tough subjects and difficult conversations in modern society.

“Our profession, of course, is based on the ability to successfully argue, but with careful thought, understanding, empathy, and a strong belief in the ideals of respectful and informed debate,” said A. Benjamin Spencer, Dean and Trustee Professor of the Law School.

The effectiveness of the exercise comes from the wisdom of experts. This year’s facilitators included Robin Rosenberg, U.S. District Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida; Roger Gregory, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; Shaniek Maynard, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Florida; and Michael McAuliffe ’89, Founding Partner, McAuliffe Law PLLC, author, and adjunct professor at the Law School.

Also on hand were Eric Hurt, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (alumni facilitator); Sara Marshall and Brian Wall (law school staff facilitators); student coaches and facilitators, and staff members Emma Cross, Katie Paris, Bella RaeAnne M.A., and Tony Vergowe.

“We very much enjoyed the afternoon with the students,” McAuliffe said. “The 1L class is a strong one with engaging and thoughtful discussions occurring throughout the program. William & Mary Law School is the perfect place for the civil discourse initiative.”

Dean Spencer agreed, thanking the Class of 2028 “for their continued commitment to their development as our next generation of professionals and their desire to embody what it means to be a citizen lawyer.”