Shaun Ossei-Owusu's journey through academia is not your typical legal tale. With a PhD in African American Studies and a stint at the American Bar Foundation, Ossei-Owusu entered law school with a unique agenda: to master the legal jargon that shapes real-world policies and practices. This quest led him to write "Law on Trial," a critical look at the legal education system and its broader implications on society.

In "Law on Trial," Ossei-Owusu unpacks the concept of "thinking like a lawyer," a mindset drilled into every law student. He argues that this way of thinking, though critical, often disconnects legal reasoning from its moral and social consequences. This separation, he believes, is a "tragically necessary skill" that lawyers must navigate carefully to avoid losing sight of justice.

One of the significant gaps in law school education, as Ossei-Owusu points out, is the oversight of key issues such as civil asset forfeiture. Despite its prevalence in legal practice, this topic is scarcely covered in property law classes, suggesting a disconnect between academic curriculum and real-world legal challenges. He also criticizes the economic model of Biglaw (large, corporate law firms), which he says can inadvertently suppress legitimate discrimination claims due to financial interests.

Moreover, Ossei-Owusu discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers working in city and county law departments. These lawyers often find themselves in a paradox, enforcing consumer and housing protections while defending against civil rights claims under the same legal frameworks. This tension highlights the complex role of government lawyers who must balance administrative duties with a commitment to civil liberties.

To navigate these challenges, Ossei-Owusu advises lawyers to establish ethical boundaries early in their careers. Setting these "red lines" before financial pressures mount can help lawyers maintain their integrity and adhere to their core values throughout their professional lives.

The conversation with Ossei-Owusu not only sheds light on the shortcomings of legal education but also provides practical advice for lawyers striving to reconcile professional success with ethical practice. His insights prompt a reevaluation of how law schools prepare future lawyers, urging an educational reform that aligns legal training more closely with the realities and ethical demands of the profession.

For those interested in further exploring these topics, Ossei-Owusu’s full discussion is available in his book "Law on Trial" and can be listened to via the embedded player in the original post on "Above the Law." This deep dive into the hidden curriculum of law school is essential for anyone involved in or considering a legal career, providing a crucial perspective on what it truly means to "think like a lawyer."