Page 17 - Briefcase Volume 36 Number 2

MERLE MORRIS

Clinical Assistant Professor Merle Morris began working
at the University of Houston Law Center in 1998. A 1992
alumna of the Law Center, she was the founding director of
the school’s Public Interest Law Program from 1999-2000.
“In Lawyering Skills and Strategies, the students
received training in essential lawyering skills, such as oral
communication, legal writing, research and analysis using
fact pattern simulations involving typical litigation and
transactional issues that students worked through to develop
lawyering skills and problem-solving strategies,” Morris said.
Prior to her retirement in August 2017, Morris provided
coaching and mentorship to students in a number of
competitions. She said she enjoyed helping students gain
knowledge that would assist them immediately in their
careers as lawyers.
“The more practical experience a student has with the
application of law to the facts of real-life situations, the more
capable the student will be in effectively and accurately
applying the correct law to reach a thorough evaluation of
the issue,” Morris said.
While she may no longer officially hold an academic title,
education will remain a priority for Morris on a volunteer
basis. Morris said she would like to use skills drawing upon
her legal background to prepare students for success in the
real world.
“I want to get involved in an elementary school, junior
high or high school program designed to assist students
with developing written and oral communication skills,”
Morris said.
Morris also plans to add travel to her agenda to enhance
her knowledge and understanding of legal, educational and
cultural developments in other countries. ■

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