Mindsets for Successful Legal Practice (SC) (JAG)

This elective will explore the concept of a growth culture, encompassing the science of failing well, and how that mindset can help Judge Advocates to be more effective in the practice of law. Decades of research on mindsets has shown that a person with a “fixed mindset” will often shy away from challenges, interpret mistakes or setbacks as reflecting a lack of ability, and give up more easily in the face of difficulty. Conversely, those with a “growth mindset” tend to believe that abilities can be developed over time through hard work, effective strategies, and support from others. This elective explores how individuals and teams can develop the mindsets necessary for successful legal practice. The elective will cover how cultivating a culture of growth enables team members to effectively manage risk and respond to failure in a healthy way. This elective will also explore the nuances and different types of failure to equip students with an effective framework for individual and collective resilience in the context of administrative and civil law, national security law, contract and fiscal law, and criminal law.