Skills — 2 units. Students in environmental negotiations will develop or deepen their negotiation preparation skills through identifying the most relevant facts in controversy, and based on the facts, what legal theories are likely to apply, what remedies are available and likely to be sought, and potential defenses. They will practice negotiation skills including focusing on the problem, identifying the parties’ goals and interests, developing creative options for conflict resolution, and identifying objective standards to anchor their offers and counteroffers. They will practice active listening, framing questions, and following up on responses. They will strengthen their ability to develop concrete negotiation objectives and assess whether outcomes met those objectives. Specific course objectives include developing or enhancing skills in interpretation of environmental rules, statutes, and case precedent, framing open-ended questions, active listening, re-framing challenging conversations, developing negotiation objectives, and mutually agreeable, sustainable outcomes. Students will work in teams to analyze one or more environmental problems on behalf assigned, hypothetical clients, develop a negotiation strategy, and implement the strategy in live negotiations.
Final Assessment: Class Final Assignment (e.g. Trial, Mediation, Brief)
Grading Mode: Letter Grading
Graduation Requirements: Counts towards Professional Skills Requirement.
Prerequisites: Law 285 Environmental Law is recommended but not required.