Chuck Henson, University of Missouri School of Law, is determined to use his teaching to bring out the very best in future trial lawyers. The son of two professors, being a law professor was always his dream job. He began teaching as an adjunct professor while working at a law firm. While working as the assistant general counsel for the Missouri Attorney General’s Litigation Division, he taught lawyering to transfer students, eventually becoming a visiting professor at Missouri Law. Since 2013, he has been a trial practice professor of law.
With more than 25 years practice as a successful litigator, he has been able to prepare students to become effective advocates for their clients. Imparting professionalism to students is a particular goal. Through teaching, counseling, and coaching his students, Professor Henson wants to send them into the world with the skills and competencies that will work to eliminate negative ideas about lawyers. “We are colleagues in the bar and have fiduciary duties to the clients, but a zealous advocate needn’t be loud or a bully. That kind of behavior is responsible for the lawyer jokes,” he explains. He is open with students about what it means to be a trial lawyer and works to ensure that trial practice acts as a tool for getting students to engage with how their doctrinal classes work in reality.
More information: http://law.missouri.edu/alumni/pdf/transcripts15.pdf
