Teaching at the Київський нацiональний економiчний унiверситет

This evening was my first session at the Київський нацiональний економiчний нiверситет (the Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University), which is a University with a daytime student population of over 20,000, including a full law school founded fifteen years ago, shortly after Ukraine's independence from the former Soviet Union. I met Olga at the Shulyavska Metro station, where I had never been before, which is right next to the very large campus, and walked together to the law school building.

I lectured tonight in the mock trial room, complete with a throne-like bench, jury box, counsel tables, podium and a gallery with the kind of slant-topped desks you might see in the Scriptorium of some mediaeval monastery. My lecture went very well. The class was very bright and very responsive. I have heard reports from the other judges that this is the most promising class we have, and I can't disagree with this assessment at this point.

I have been trying to throw in a few Russian proverbs, and jokes, etc., and the class has seemed very responsive. The assistant law professor who attended thought that the lecture was well received.

I have been trying to emphasize to my classes that the skills for successful advocacy have nothing to do with looks, age, gender, or outward appearances of wealth or good taste, such as in the manner of dress. What really matters for the great advocate is the ability to connect on a human level with the jury. Some of the greatest trial attorneys I have seen in action fall into this category--their success is a mere reflection of their overflowing humanity. The Hollywood image of the successful, wealthy and arrogant attorney is an utter fiction. What matters is the ability to communicate with sincerity and compassion and openness to the jury.