Higgs attorneys are continuously finding unique ways to give back in the community. Maybe it’s by volunteering their time at an event, donating funds to a special cause or providing assistance to local law students. Higgs’ professional liability attorney, Susan Basinger, is one of 20 experienced practitioners serving as adjunct professors in California Western School of Law’s STEPPS (Skills Training for Ethical and Preventive Practice and career Satisfaction) program.

Launched in 2004, STEPPS provides training in practice readiness by allowing students to work with experienced practitioners for a full academic year. In this role, Basinger supervises a group of 12 students who come together to form their own law offices and meet twice a week. Students perform a variety of activities and tasks that are normally done in real law offices, including case handling discussions. However, these meetings also provide opportunities for skills exercises, discussion of ethical problems from both the cases and the course text, and evaluation and feedback on case handling performances. In addition, the meetings provide students opportunities to discuss career issues and to experience work environments that are important to job selection and career choice.

Basinger is in her second year of teaching.

“I’m so honored to be part of such an outstanding and innovative program,” shared Basinger. “It is an incredible experience, both professionally and personally, to guide students through the steps necessary in everyday practice to analyze and implement solutions to their clients’ legal issues, while demonstrating how to build their reputations as ethical and civil practitioners.”