Abraham Lincoln advised lawyers to "[d]iscourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser, in fees, expenses, and waste of time." The principles that animated Lincoln's own law practice are just as relevant today as they were in Lincoln's day, and offer valuable guideposts for modern lawyers. "Discourage Litigation: Lincoln's Lessons for Lawyers," which draws on memos, letters and other documents from Abraham Lincoln's cases, provides insights into his pragmatic and creative approach. Presenter Professor Thomas Stipanowich, William Webster Chair in Dispute Resolution and Academic Director of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University, is currently at work on a book entitled, The Lincoln Way: The Evolution of a Master Manager of Conflict. This presentation was made a Pepperdine School of Law in February, 2013.
