Faculty Speaker

Patricia Sánchez Abril
interim dean of the University of Miami School of Law

Patricia Sánchez Abril is interim dean of the University of Miami School of Law and, since 2004, has been a professor of business law at the Miami Herbert Business School. She has authored several widely cited articles on privacy, technology, and securities in various prestigious law reviews. Her work earned her the International Academy of Legal Studies in Business’ Distinguished Faculty Early Career Achievement Award.

Abril maintains a thriving research agenda, and her most recent publication focused on the impact of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT on the practice of law. She has served in various administrative capacities at the University, including as vice dean of the Miami Herbert Business School and chair of its business law department, as well as interim dean of the Graduate School. In 2018, Abril received the University of Miami Faculty Senate Outstanding Teaching Award. A Miami native, she earned her B.A. from Duke University, and her J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Dialogue as Superpower: Using Experiential Learning to Teach Constructive Communication

Regardless of a student’s discipline or career, one thing is certain: They will be faced with tough conversations, negotiations, and ethical challenges. The ability to communicate constructively is one of the most important skills to practice and hone. But how do you teach these critical skills? This session explores the various ways we prepare our students to engage in effective negotiation, constructive dialogue, and principled conflict resolution.