” At a time when thoughtful leadership is especially critical for our nation and world, Lincoln’s example—and the lessons to be drawn from his life and career—matter more than ever.”
Thomas J. Stipanowich
William H. Webster Chair and Professor of Law,
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Abraham Lincoln is the most familiar and most written-about figure in U.S. history, and is generally ranked as our greatest president in polls of historians in almost every category of leadership, including public persuasion, economic management, moral authority, international relations, administrative skills, vision/agenda-setting, crisis leadership, and pursuing equal justice for all. Most Americans have formed impressions of Lincoln, and many style him as an exemplar of various virtues, values, or lifestyles. At a time when thoughtful leadership is especially critical for our nation and world, Lincoln’s example—and the lessons to be drawn from his life and career—matter more than ever. In politics, law practice, and personal life, Lincoln grappled with conflict of all kinds and employed a wide range of strategies and tactics to manage and resolve disputes. Lincoln repeatedly showed that he could learn from experience, adjust to circumstances, re-shape his perspectives and practices to meet new challenges and evolve as a moral person.
As a long-time legal educator focused on the management and resolution of conflict, I was surprised to learn that although Lincoln was a worthy trial attorney and perhaps even better when pursuing an appeal, he expressed the view that lawyers should try to “discourage litigation” and encourage clients to emphasize negotiated settlements to avoid the costs and delays associated with trial. I learned that Lincoln apparently practiced what he preached and actively employed consensual private arbitration, and other techniques, to achieve out-of-court relief. This was the starting point of a broader study of Lincoln’s exemplary life and career through the lens of modern studies in conflict resolution, behavioral psychology, moral philosophy, and leadership.
This spring, I am teaching a two-unit law school course entitled “Lincoln, Lawyering, and Leadership” that draws on many different elements of my research and study. The course aims to give participants a clearer and deeper understanding of Lincoln’s preparation for greatness as a lawyer and politician and his private struggles with depression, personal insecurities, and other challenges. The primary focus is on Lincoln’s presidential leadership throughout the most perilous period in our nation’s history, during which Lincoln guided the effort to preserve the Union while engineering the emancipation of millions of Black Americans and seeking opportunities for reconciliation among elements of a riven society. Along the way, the discussion will touch upon, among other things:
- Lincoln’s early reading and the influence of community as foundations of his character;
- his natural orientation toward rational public discourse and commitment to the law as bulwarks against “mobocracy” and political violence (and, paradoxically, his early engagement in partisan media and its dangerous consequences);
- his struggle with personal resolve and deep depression in the course of his romance with fellow politico Mary Todd;
- how Lincoln’s efforts at collaborative bargaining producing integrative solutions in the legislature and law practice;
- how his own long-time arch-competitor became the agent of his calling to greatness in the battle over slavery;
- the remarkable range of ways in which Lincoln brought added value to his side of the table as president in the “mega-negotiation” of war;
- Lincoln’s ability to control his own emotions and ego in order to resolve monumental problems and manage difficult personalities.
- Lincoln’s eventual “triad” of priorities as president, including restoration of the Union, permanent emancipation of all Black slaves, and the reconciliation of all Americans, North and South, regardless of race;
- Lincoln’s evolution as a moral being, and his growing recognition of Black Americans as a constituency whose needs must be considered.
Students in the class will read weekly assignments from Jon Meacham’s book And There Was Light, along with some of Lincoln’s own speeches and other writings, and contemporary recollections, and consider pertinent study questions. Class meetings will involve lecture, discussions, role plays, videos dramatizing the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and the film Lincoln; participants will include colleagues from our faculty and other persons of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Students will prepare and submit written reflections on the class experience; the final class sessions will be devoted to student presentations on the topics of final papers.
Please let me know if you would like more information on Lincoln, Lawyering, and Leadership.
