Professional Identity/Professionalism & Leadership Program
Leading and Serving Through Professionalism in Law
Texas A&M School of Law is committed to providing our students with a well-rounded and multi-dimensional education that transcends classroom and theory-based learning. Integrity, persuasive communication, community service, teamwork, ethics, and business and entrepreneurial acumen are vital to flourishing as a lawyer in the real world. To help you reach your goal of becoming a successful, ethical lawyer who makes a difference, the Professionalism & Leadership Program (PLP) at Texas A&M Law teaches future Aggie lawyers how to lead and inspire change through innovative, engaging, and cross-disciplinary professional development opportunities.
Core Aspects
By taking the Professional Identity course required for all 1Ls and participating in PLP workshops throughout the year, you will identify and develop essential skills, knowledge, and habits while learning core aspects of successful and fulfilling lawyering such as:
Learn the skills that employers seek when hiring and promoting, strategies on networking and business development, approaches when faced with challenging ethical dilemmas, and the value of becoming involved in local bar associations.
Learn and practice techniques for effective and persuasive speaking. Resources include workshops run by Texas Christian University theater faculty, a Toastmasters club just for students, and personalized communication assessments.
Through various workshops and guest speakers, you’ll learn the importance of service to a lawyer’s professional identity. You will learn practical, high-impact ways to become involved in your community.
To be successful over the long run, you need to develop a healthy perspective on how being a lawyer fits into your overall life. Through training on topics like mindfulness and strategies for balancing work/life obligations effectively, you’ll learn how to implement practical strategies for remaining physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy while fostering growth in your career.
“The Professionalism events I attended were very insightful and helped to shape my view of the legal profession, and where I will fit into it. This program was by far my favorite aspect of my time at Texas A&M Law.”
- Jake Wheeler ’17
PLP Workshops
While programs and opportunities vary year to year, here are some of the workshops PLP has hosted in the past:
Communications Assessment and Training
Etiquette Essentials
Networking with Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association
Hiring & Promoting Decisions
Dress for Success Fashion Show
Leadership Skills for Lawyers
Ethics of a Corporate Scandal, presented by Peter Elkind
Polishing Your Public Speaking Skills
Enhancing Your Career through Memberships in Local and State Bar Associations
Building Leadership through Community Service
How Multinational Corporations Contribute to Solving World Problems
Distinguished Careers in Law
Thriving in Today’s Intergenerational Workplace
Mindfulness as a Tool to Achieve Balance and Maximize Performance
“I was thrilled and very grateful to be able to attend the Professionalism events at TAMU Law School. They were informative, interesting, and very eye-opening. I think that everyone in law school, especially those who just started, would benefit from attending these events.”
- Mildred Ashley ’15
Aric Short, Director of Professionalism & Leadership Program, gives his thoughts on PLP and how it gives students the necessary skills to have a fulfilling career as an attorney.
On leadership: “Today’s students will be the leaders of tomorrow. On nonprofit boards, in government, and through their law practices, our students will lead and inspire change at all levels of society.”
On integrity: “Integrity is at the heart of lawyer professionalism. Clients and the broader justice system expect the highest ethical conduct from attorneys, and our programs foster and develop that core value.”
