One L Squared

Good-bye 1L, hello sunshine

2009-05-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

May 8th marked my last official day as a 1L and it feels great. The hardest part of the whole year has been learning the language of law. It really is like a foreign language where nothing makes sense until at least three months of struggling. Motivation was also a struggle because a 1L can get burned out really easily. Overall though, after the first semester is over, life in law school becomes easier.

You can “relax” more, meaning that you know what to expect and can plan your studies accordingly. Finals are not scary and reading cases becomes second nature, and the whole IRAC method is replaced with side notes.

That said, the second semester is much busier than the first because of the appellate brief, oral arguments and job applications. Whatever. It’s done and I don’t have to re-live it again.

Lay Down the Law.

So Long, Farewell

2009-05-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Contracts went okay, although one of the essay questions was wicked confusing. I got my graded appellate brief back, and my final research assignment will be returned in a week. Summer classes begin in 2 weeks.

Last night, I took stock of myself in the mirror. I was looking for delight or relief or exhaustion in my eyes. I checked my head to see if there were any new gray hairs. My legs were pale, chapped, screaming for some time outside in shorts. My belly had grown from sitting in the library and then eating ice cream to take the stress away. And my beard was rough, scraggly, and starting to itch. I took out my shaving cream and a disposable razor and began to shave, slowly, deliberately. With each stroke, I began to see a little bit of myself from 9 months ago. And when I was done, there I was, lost and found again.

Congratulations to my esteemed colleague, and congratulations to me. Hello 2L.

Power to the people.

You have the right to remain silent

2009-05-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

And that’s exactly what I’ll do. I finished the Criminal Procedures exam today, but I can’t talk about it because some people were not able to take the exam. Something about being “sick” and “family emergency.”

If I said anything about the exam, I would be breaking the Honor Code, and that is not how I want to start off my legal career (or lack thereof).

Just know, it is done, and I have one more to go.

Lay Down the Law.

Match This

2009-05-05T15:22:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was our Property Final:

1. True / False: This was the easiest part of the exam; 10 questions, 50/50 chance of getting it right.

2. Common Law / Oregon Revised Statutes: If the statement was a common law rule, you circled it. Then, if the common law rule was replaced by statute, you put an "X" next to it. If the statement wasn't a common law rule, you did nothing.

3. Matching: A fill-in-the-blank exercise except there were about 25 questions and the possible terms that could be used to fill in the blank numbered about 45. In addition, all of the terms could be used more than once and some of the terms were never used.

4. Best possible answer based on a map of neighboring properties: Fortunately, there were only 5 questions and it was really all about easements.

5. Essay question hypo about deeds, conveyancing, recording, adverse possession, and damages: I don't remember what I wrote but I wrote something.

The exam was exactly what Professor Property indirectly promised - 3 hours of pain. But hey, Property is done - mark it down on the big board. Two finals to go...then 2L has arrived.

Power to the people.

The Halves and Halves Not

2009-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

I took the Contracts II exam this morning. Can’t say I feel particularly confident about it, but I’ve learned not to gauge the outcome of an exam based on my feelings.

Two down, two to go.

Lay Down the Law

Exam vomit

2009-05-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Property final is over. I must say how much I love when professors spend a considerable amount of time on certain topics in class, and then you spend half your time studying those topics to understand their complicated intricacies, only to find that they will not be on the exam. Instead, you’re presented with questions that are completely worthless because you were already tested on those topics in Torts last semester.

The good thing, though, is that most people felt the same way. This was my first experience of exam vomit, meaning there was no coherent structure to our answers because the questions were so broad and most of the time, poorly written, we all just had to vomit out words and phrases and somehow connect them to the question.

I’m just glad it’s over.

Now, excuse me while I clean up my mess.

Lay Down the Law.

Sui Juris

2009-04-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today brought the Con Law final, rising in the morning sky at 8:30am like a delayed, fiery sun. The exam consisted of two essay questions. #1 was about the Mass. Transportation Authority giving toll road discounts to state residents based on a 25-mile radius from work or home. #2 was about federal legislation aimed at enforcing a national standard for K-12 graduation certification.

Whatever. Con Law I is done.

I'm still looking around for a summer gig, something to do starting in July after summer classes end. Maybe I'll try out for Britain's Got Talent. Of course, I would have to move to Britain first. Then I would have to figure out my talent. I would love to do a dance routine like this.

Power to the people.

The Outline Weight Loss Plan

2009-04-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Finals are here, once more. These finals, though, don’t have the same looming uncertainty and tinge of terror that finals from last semester had. I feel much more confident in my ability to take these exams, having passed the novice level. I have learned to cut all the excess crap from my studying by condensing forty page outlines into 10-12 hand-written pages.

That’s right, hand-written.

At the beginning of the year, I forgot how to write notes in a class setting. So much so, in fact, that two weeks into the first semester I began typing notes on my computer. Of course, I typed every little thing the professor said, thinking it would someday be useful.
It’s true, by the way, about what they said at orientation. People, who type, usually type too much garbage. While those who write, focus on the main things because they can only write so fast.

Remembering the joys of handwriting from my pre-laptop days, I took out all of my outlines and began to write a condensed version of them. Somehow, I got started writing on printer paper and never switched to regular note taking paper, but that’s beside the point.

The result?

Clean, condensed pages of the most important and relevant information for each of my classes. The most fascinating part of this process, though, is that I actually remember the information better, compared to just reading my typed notes.

The “condense your outline” trick is a well-known study method, but actually going through the process proved to be an invaluable tool. Forty pages is just too much to learn, not to mention a daunting task. Twelve pages, though, is much more manageable. Plus, your brain will thank you.

Finally, though, I must give some thanks to my laptop. It enables my need to keep notes neat and organized. It allows me to delete, copy, and paste without leaving any strike out marks. I can keep all relevant pages together, without needing to skip back two pages and write in the margins. Lastly, I can find any word or case within the blink of an eye.

Lay Down the Law.

Finals Time

2009-04-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Final exams begin this week; Con Law is Thursday morning, followed by Property, Torts, and Contracts over the next two weeks.

The approach to finals this semester is similar to Fall semester in one important aspect: there is a ton of information to review, organize, and digest. Two of my exams are closed book, two are open, all four are going to be challenging.

The difference that I feel this semester is that I have some sense of how to survive a law school final, how to prepare for a law school final, how to walk into a law school final without such a high level of anxiety and anticipation. I am desperate to do well, just as I was desperate last semester to do well; I actually believe that I can make it happen this semester. As my attorney friend told me recently: "Love the law and it will love you back." Well, I have convinced myself over the last few days that I love the law; I hope that the love flows back to me.

In unrelated news, I'm going to be heavily involved in the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA) next year. I also will continue playing in the Legal Ballers Association Law School League (games start at 7am but it is worth waking up for). And I've applied for a fellowship with the Native Environmental Sovereignty Project (NESP) that is supported by the law school's Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program.

The fellowship doesn't pay 2L students but if you serve as a NESP Fellow both 2L and 3L years, there is a possibility of a small stipend during the 3L year. More than the money, the research, writing, and event planning associated with the fellowship is great experience and looks great on the resume, especially if one is interested in pursuing a career in Indian Law (which I am). Next year, I'll be applying for various summer positions throughout Indian Country and I hope to be able to tell potential employers about my involvement in both NESP and NALSA.

A colorful NY Times blog about the law: And the Pursuit of Happiness

Power to the people.

Someone still loves me

2009-04-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

I got a call this morning from Washington, DC staffing agency where I found my “long-term temp” job last year (my one and only for 9 months).

They had a long-term job waiting for me at a corporate law firm. I told them I was living in Portland going to law school.

If only I was loved by the Portland law firms.

Lay Down the Law.

Next Year?

2009-04-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

Next week is registration for the 2009-10 academic year. Wow. Laid out on the table before me is the course schedule. I've gone through and highlighted at least two courses for every time slot because I don't know which classes will still have open spots in them by the time I register.

At lunch today I went to a presentation about Business Law. I didn't really think I would be interested in taking more than 1 business law course but today may have changed my mind. I'm going to try Biz Ass this summer, and if I enjoy it, I think I'll be taking quite a few business law classes before I graduate.

As Professor Biz told us today during his presentation, he's only been to court 4 times since he graduated from law school. And only one visit had anything to do with his business law practice.

Transactions, not litigation. Building something mutually beneficial rather than arguing about something that is already broken...like a contract, like legs, like a family. True enough, Professor Biz. True enough.

Power to the people.

Reset Reset

2009-04-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's April, only 6 weeks before the end of the semester. The sun is about to set on the first year of law school. I've been thinking about the places a law degree might take me. I've been thinking about the bar exam (not sure why). I've been thinking about my decision to apply to law school. I've been thinking about what I've learned so far, what I want to learn next year and the year after, what I might have learned with more studying or less studying or a better sense of where I want to end up. I've been thinking about how I'm going to make a difference, big, small, on the surface, deep.

I was telling some friends today that many of my classmates love the law, or at least pretend to be enthralled by it. I, on the other hand, am ambivalent. I am not yet, nor may never be, a true believer. This is an okay thing. I have big dreams for myself but I'm not always sure how a law degree will get me there. Hey, I'm not always sure where "there" is.

This may not make any sense. Maybe the best way to say it is that I've been in a reflective mood of late. Staring out the window, watching the rain fall, insert reflective mood music here. During class, after class, before class, lying in bed at night rushing towards sleep. On the basketball court, defending another player, anticipating a steal and coast to coast drive to the bucket. Maybe I'm an old man playing a young man's game, ankles aching. Maybe I'm a heron, watching a fisherman, ready to steal his catch and gobble it down whole. Maybe I belong in another country, speaking an unfamiliar language, watching America from an impossible distance without regret.

Power to the people. Power to the people.

Spring Break Dude

2009-03-20T09:43:00.001-07:00

Next week is Spring Break (thank goodness) but I'm not going to Cabo. I really wish I was going to sunny Mexico for some chips and salsa, beach blanket bingo, and Coca-Cola with lime.

This summer I'll be taking two classes, Legal Profession and Business Associations. The summer session is 5 weeks long and classes are held every day, Monday-Thursday.

Legal Profession (Legal Pro) is the class that teaches you all of the things you should avoid doing when you're in practice. For example, don't have sex with a client. Don't have sex with a client while visiting him/her in jail. Don't have sex with a client in jail, promise to win his/her case, lose his/her case, and subsequently lose your license to practice law. If we spend a lot of time talking about all of the mistakes that lawyers make to get themselves disbarred, Legal Pro will be a lot of fun.

Business Associations (Biz Ass) is the class that teaches you all about business stuff, like how to form an LLC. Since I know next to nothing about Biz Ass and related topics, the class should be quite informative.

I'm also going to find a place in town at which I can volunteer. Legal Aid would be good but I'm still investigating my options. Maybe I can wrangle a position with the Eugene Emeralds and spend most of the summer at the ballpark. Whatever I find, summer in Eugene is going to be beautiful.

Power to the people.

Respondent

2009-03-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Monday evening, 7:15 pm. Tie, dress shirt, slacks, jacket. A panel of 3 judges. My two hands gripping the podium. A pause while the judge to my left finished writing his notes. Silence. A nod from the bench and I began.

Our final graded oral argument was somehow less painful than our practice oral argument. I made most of the points that I wanted to make, I did my best to be persuasive, and I remembered to listen closely to each question from the bench before I answered. I also stood up straight and tried to maintain a poker face, even when I could feel my clenching stomach and restless legs.

It definitely helped that my oral argument partner went first. I was able to get a sense of the type of questions the judges might ask me. I also tried to guess if the bench was subtly leaning toward my client's arguments. Finally, as the respondent, I didn't have to return to the podium for 1 minute of rebuttal.

I made plenty of mistakes but none were surprising to me. Except for maybe at the end of my 10 minutes. I finished answering a question and returned to my outline. I knew there was one final point I wanted to make. I looked at the sheets of paper in front of me and I couldn't figure out what to say next. After about 20 seconds, which felt like 20 minutes, one of the judges asked me if I had anything else to say. I told her that I simply wanted to state my conclusion. I did so and sat down. I still have no idea what that final argument was going to be - something really strong and wickedly persuasive of course.

It was a good experience, now that it's over. I don't know when I'll argue my next case but my guess is that it's going to be a long time from now.

Oral argument, even though the anticipation can be unsettling and the case and clients are fictitious, definitely helps you figure out if litigation might be in your future. It is a good introduction to the rules of the courtroom and the rush of making your best arguments to the black robes sitting in front of you.

Power to the people.

Oregon Supreme Court

2009-03-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the Oregon Supreme Court came to our school to hear oral arguments for two cases. I sat in the first case, which dealt with the definition of cruelty and exploitation in an alleged priest sex abuse case. I’m not going to talk much about that issue because I think most are aware of this topic. Instead, I thought it was a great experience to see how attorneys argue in front of a State Supreme Court and the process.

From the minute an attorney begins to speak, judges begin to ask questions. Granted these are cases that have been appealed from the trial level, the factual and substantial case law have been exhausted. The purpose is more for the judges to clarify issues that the lower courts have disagreed on and to understand from their perspective, how this case should be ruled under current law.

Attorneys have to know their case inside and out, and you would think by the Supreme Court level they are well versed in both their argument and the opposition’s argument. Not so, as I discovered yesterday. The first attorney, arguing for the alleged victim, stumbled over the definition of cruelty and the distinction of when, for example, reprimand from a parent crosses the line into cruelty. Interestingly enough, the judges were no concerned with the public standard of what cruelty would entail. Instead, they focused on the statutory language and whether or not that fit within the Legislature’s intent to include this current case of allegations.
The second attorney, arguing for the Archdiocese, had an easier argument because the statute was on her side. She still, however, did not hit a homerun.

After the judges have heard the arguments they usually convene for a short period of time to discuss the case and might even come to preliminary conclusions. Later they discuss in more depth, the case and research (meaning law clerks research) more, if necessary. The Chief Justice selects who will write the opinion for each case and drafts are thrown about until each justice on the majority agrees with the written product.

The experience allowed me to reflect on what I might want out of my career. I have never thrown out the idea of becoming a judge, but I also want to be in private practice. Actually, as I write this, I am listening to a Washington Supreme Court member talk about the Role of State Courts in Protecting Liberty. He just said he was in private practice for 20 years, so it is not impossible to become a judge the non-traditional route. I’m not sure if I’d change in the bureaucracy of private practice life for that of public service life. Then again, I don’t have much, if any, experience in either.

Lay Down the Law.

May It Please The Court

2009-02-22T12:01:00.001-08:00

In LRW this semester, we're writing an appellate brief. In conjunction with this assignment, we'll get the opportunity to give an oral argument in front of a panel of judges.

I had my first practice round last Friday. My partner and I argued the case, an employment dispute, in front of two LRW tutors while being videotaped. We each had 6 minutes to persuade the tutors that we weren't complete idiots and did, in fact, have some command of the English language.

I don't think I convinced them.

I gave the standard opening: "May it please the court, my name is ______, counsel for respondent Tonya Howard." After the opening, you're supposed to state a conclusion to the issue, basically telling the court how you want them to rule. In reviewing my videotaped practice round, I said something coherent. So far, so good.

Next, I launched into my argument about how the district court judge properly denied a motion for an order of recusal. This is where the English language failed me. I stumbled for about 30 seconds and then one of the tutors asked me a question. I didn't know the answer.

I resumed my argument and made it through another 15 seconds. The other tutor asked me a question. Again, I didn't know the answer. A follow up question was lobbed my way. Dumbfounded, I frantically searched my outline for at least a place to start. Nothing.

I spoke for about another minute, stated my conclusion, and sat down. Then I realized I was holding my breath. It's a miracle I didn't swoon at the podium.

The feedback from the tutors was pleasantly mild. They told my partner and I to speak with confidence, argue with confidence, respond to questions with confidence, and relearn English.

The good thing is that I now know how unprepared I was for the practice round and how prepared I will be for my final oral argument. And as far as relearning English or remembering how to speak a coherent sentence, it's really a work in progress. English is tricky, and even though I'm a native speaker, blah blah glar glar glar blah. Yes, your Honor, that is my argument - my client wins.

Power to the people.

I am Special (and so are you)

2009-02-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

Today our school had a luncheon where a person from a particular area of the law comes and imparts on us their knowledge of the real world. I sat at the Business Law table and listened to our guru speak of the joys associated with having a focus in the banking industry during this tumultuous time. His advice cemented in my head that I should find a specialized area of law that will be needed and billable during the corporate-executives-get-paid-millions-in-compensation times and the corporate-executives-still-get-paid-millions-in-compensation-while-asking-for-billions-of-federal-bailout-money times.

These specialized areas include:

1. Insurance/Reinsurance - worked as a paralegal in this field, but Portland does not have a big market for this… there will always be insurance right? Mr. Obama? Hi, it's me, your fan. I’d like my free health care now.
2. IP/Patents, etc - I will never do this, but I’ve heard Portland has a large IP market for national and global players. Even little boutiques keep busy.
3. Energy - with all this talk of renewable energy I think it’s time to reveal my hamster-driven generators.
4. Finance/Tax - people either have, want, or lose money; either way it’s a win-win
5. Ambulance chaser - aka Personal Injury – people get hurt and want to sue; it’s one thing the economy can’t change.
6. Professor - there will always be students and I have learned that it’s good to be in school during times like these.

Lay Down the Law.

Note: I have no experience in fields 2-6, so my comments are based on what I think would survive a bad economy.

2/23/09 Update - I've been advised by previous Supervisor at Reinsurance/Insurance firm that business is down and no one has work. Apparently, people don't want to sue and are more forgiving in times of recession.

Excuse me, are you disabled?

2009-02-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

The pressures of law school, and everything in between, makes the littlest occurrences seem bigger than they are. This, however, is something that has bothered me for a long time and I have been noticing it more and more on campus: able-bodied 20 to 50 somethings using the handicap door activation switches (“push plates”). Excuse me, are you disabled?

I’m not sure if anyone has noticed, but the push plate has the well-known handicap logo in clear view. Just like parking spots and other areas, indicated by paint or signs, designate those areas specifically for handicapped people.

Why then, must people use the push plate when they have not one, but two able hands/arms to open the door? I don’t see these people walk down the wheel-chair ramp, which takes longer. Not even people that roll their books around in luggage-like packs use the wheel chair ramp. They pick up their pack, proceed down the stairs, and then use the push plate. Why not continue to hold your pack, as you’ve just indicated you can do, and continue through the door using your other hand to open the door?

Even those that only have coffee or books in one hand/arm and have another free hand/arm take advantage of the push plate. I don’t even care if both of your arms and hands are occupied with books, coffee, food and/or babies (okay maybe I’ll let babies slide) you still have two functional hands/arms that, if anticipated properly, can open a door, without using the push plate.

There’s no need to take advantage of another person’s disability, in which they have no choice in the matter. (I am not saying disabled people are at a disadvantage for being disabled, only that opening our outward turning doors can create a disadvantage).

And just in case you were wondering, yes, if I am right behind a person that uses the push plate, then I go through the door… while burning a hole with my eyes into the back of their heads. If I am in a particularly unpleasant mood, though, and the opportunity presents itself, I will open the door next to them, with my own hand/arm, and show them how easy it was to accomplish.

Stop being lazy. Tell your brain to move your arm, to clasp your hand around the door handle, and pull. It’s not that hard, and if a five year old can do it, so can you. That goes for you too, Grandma.

Lay Down the Law.

No Crying in Baseball

2009-02-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

So, A-Rod took steroids. Is anyone in baseball nation surprised?

But he said he was sorry and shed a couple of tears, on national television no less. That's good enough for me.

I hope to one day give legal/PR advice to professional athletes.

Rule 1: Cry. If you can't find the tears, use eye drops.

Rule 2: Admit what you did wrong but be as vague as possible and chalk it up to being "young and stupid."

Rule 3: Wait for memories to fade and hope there is some sort of amnesty by the time you're eligible for the Hall of Fame.

Rule 4: Continue to make millions of dollars in salary and hope that you can keep your lucrative endorsements. Mr. Phelps smoked weed and only lost his breakfast cereal contract.

Rule 5: Continue to use performance enhancing drugs because everyone else is too. Maybe switch to some new ones that are as yet undetectable.

Power to the people.

What is: The kind you write, not wear

2009-02-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

It’s February and hard to believe that three weeks of the second semester have already passed.

The issue this semester is not confusion, but time management. The greeting to the second semester was very informal and professors wasted no time making sure we keep busy.

The highlight of a 1L’s second semester are job searching and the appellate brief/oral arguments. My colleague has done a fantastic job on describing what most of us will hear from our ~~potential~~ never-in-a-million-years employers. I have already received one such letter and expect more.

Appellate briefs, as I learned today, will be the main focus of my credit/no-credit legal writing class. At first, I was a bit annoyed about having to spend so much time on a project that will only get me a credit grade, but then learned about the possibility of receiving honors or best in class for the brief and/or best oral argument. These will also be indicated on your transcript and you get a fancy little certificate that shows your classmates how much better you are than them.

In a nutshell, the appellate brief is created in collaboration with a partner, and then argued in front of a panel of judges, who are really just our legal writing TA and attorneys who “volunteer” (i.e. get recognition for their “contribution to the community” and want a chance to show us 1L’s how much smarter they are than us). Some, I’ve heard, are actual judges (our oral arguments, thankfully, do not conflict with their golf games, which makes for happy judges).

For the record, however, I state that the “judges” I will argue in front of, will be of the caliber and pedigree that we mere mortals can only dream of (i.e. I will suck up because I want best brief and/or best oral argument).

A man can dream, right?

Lay Down the Law.

P.S. Briefs are not brief.

Deflection

2009-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Law Student,

This is a form letter that we will pretend is personalized because, as you will note, it is signed at the bottom in blue ink.

We received your application for our summer associate position and reviewed it thoroughly. While you should be proud of your previous academic achievements, volunteer work, and the depth of your work experience, we were not impressed at all.

This year was certainly one of the most competitive in recent memory. We received 150 applications and are surprised that we didn't lose more of them. We have chosen another candidate with the experience and dashing good looks that more closely matches the qualifications we believe are necessary to be successful in our summer associate position.

Honestly, we hired a law student from California because he's dating the daughter of one of our partners, has a 3.9 GPA, and will be a tremendous asset to our firm softball team.

We encourage you to apply again next year. Let's be honest, though. If we win the softball league title with Mr. California leading the way like we think we will, don't bother. We wish you continued success during law school and thank you again for submitting your application. And it should do you good to know that we didn't throw your application in the trash 5 minutes after we opened the envelope. Instead, we waited 10 minutes and then recycled it. Our firm is committed to the environment.

Take a hike, walk off a short pier, see ya!

Mr. Hiring Partner

Big City Law Firm

"Overcharging you for legal services since 1936"

Power to the people.

Super Bowl Sunday

2009-02-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

A man found himself in an unfamiliar land. He followed the course of a mighty river, drawn by its snaking rush deeper and deeper into a giant, emerald forest.

He spoke to the river:

"Where are you taking me, my new friend?"

The river replied:

"It is not I who am taking you anywhere. Rather, you are going wherever you please, whenever you please, in the manner that you please."

The man said:

"Forgive me, I believed that you were leading me. This is not my country, but yours. I thought that you were my guide - now I see that I am my own guide, as you are yours."

The river replied:

"I must continue on my journey. As you may have guessed, I already know where I am going. You must choose your own way - it is for you to decide. I wish you a safe passage and hope to meet you again someday."

The man bowed to the river and stopped walking. He sat down and watched with amusement as the river, spinning and jumping, continued on its way to a distant, unknown lake. The man then gathered himself, stood up, and with a wistful sigh set off in a new direction of his own choosing.

Power to the people.

To be or not to be, it will still be

2009-01-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

The start of the second semester has its positives and negatives.

The positives are that law school is not so unpredictable, it feels like you’re starting to get a grasp on the language, and the anxiety of being called on in class is considerably diminished.

The negatives are that there is no more “easing” into law school; the readings and Legal Writing assignments are not so forgiving. There is also a lot more to do such as; job and scholarship applications, and the time spent as a source checker for the Animal Law Review. Whatever time is not spent on assignments is spent on job searching and scholarships. The good thing is that these all have deadlines. The job application process is over and the scholarship process will be over next Friday.

I’ve decided that if I do not get a job at one of the larger firms, I will opt for summer school instead. The reason is the $12.44/hr rate that law clerks receive will hardly be enough to cover rent and two weeks of food (not to mention all the other expenses). I am not against clerking for $12.44/hr nor do I believe I am above such a rate, but practicality wins this argument.

If I take courses in the summer I will receive financial aid, which will most likely be more than $12.44/hour and thus pay the bills. I will be able to get a so-so part-time job that will help with any other summer costs, and by attending summer school I will get some courses out of the way. This could provide me with more time in my 2L and 3L years to either work part-time at a firm or spend extra time on other legal related activities.

My first choice obviously, is to work as a summer intern at a larger firm, but I am content with the idea of summer school as well.

Lay Down the Law.

Got to Work It

2009-01-16T13:26:00.001-08:00

What are you doing this summer? At the law school, this is how the majority of our conversations start now. It's the first week of the semester, mid-January, but the job search is already in full force. Classes? Not nearly as important as figuring out how to secure gainful employment out there in the big, bad world.

It's interesting how most of my colleagues have responded to the job question. At first, I expected to hear many of them talk about big firms and big money, high expectations of landing that coveted summer associate position in the city of their choosing. But of course, I forgot about the economy. Most of my colleagues tell me they hope to find anything, anywhere - they simply hope that it's somehow law related. The rest, however, might take classes or travel or work in a non-legal field and enjoy what they see as their last summer of freedom.

As a 1L, you are basically told that there aren't a ton of employers looking to hire you. Really, after one year of law school, what do you know about the law? In addition, you're in competition with 2Ls, 3Ls, and recent graduates who have been hit the hardest by the economic "downturn"...and "downturn" is stating it much too politely. So, what is a meek, naive, cluelessly hopeful 1L to do?

A few job search pointers for those 1Ls who haven't already given up:

1. Call everyone you know and ask them if they know any lawyers, and if so, will these lawyers talk to you, read over your resume, connect you with other potential employers, or simply hire you on the spot because you're desperate and will work for credit/milkshakes/one 15 minute break a day.

2. Go guerrilla and contact law firms big and small, public interest organizations, government agencies, and especially the National Yogurt Association and introduce yourself, tell them why you're awesome, and beg for work.

3. Use your law school's Career Center to polish your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills and then demand that they find you a summer job because, damn it, your tuition pays their salaries.

4. Relax, take classes this summer if you want to, do some traveling, and get a job delivering pizzas to all of the undergraduates on your campus. As you deliver those hot, fresh pies, let those undergrads know that in a few short years you'll be open for business, ready to meet their legal needs, from a MIP to employment discrimination to estate planning.

I've been asking that "What are you doing this summer?" question too often. It stops now. I don't mind discussing it with folks but I'm simply starting to get annoyed with the sound of my own voice when I ask that question.

What am I doing this summer? I don't know yet but I'm going to apply to many different firms/organizations/agencies, ask everyone I know if they know any attorneys, go guerrilla and introduce myself to the National Yogurt Association, make irrational demands of our Career Center staff, relax, take some classes, travel, and of course deliver pizzas to those hungry, hungry undergrads. A summer of free pizzas and meager tips? That's heaven, son.

Power to the people.

The First Day, Again

2009-01-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

The first day of the second semester of the first year came and went yesterday. The day was uneventful and passed relatively unnoticed. Readjusting to school after break takes a day or two, but I am getting back into the groove.

The new courses this semester are Property and Criminal Procedures. I am looking forward to Criminal Procedures because I feel like I am preparing myself for Law and Order: SLSU (Special Law Student Unit). Our book is co-authored by Erwin Chemerinsky who is Con Law buff, but apparently knows a lot about Crim Pro. If you’ve never heard of Chemerinsky and plan on going to law school, I suggest you check him out. He is, in my opinion, one of the best reads when it comes to explaining the law in an understandable and digestible way. I think Property will be standard - not exciting, but somehow necessary.

I still have not received my grades and probably won’t until late January because the snowstorm pushed back finals and thus grading. I continue on then, in my not so infinite bliss, that my grades will mirror my blood, sweat, and tears put forth in the first semester. Not likely, but I will live in my ignorance until grades are posted.

Lay Down the Law.

P.S. As I start the Gregorian New Year I have decide to drop the (!) after my sign-off and replace it with a humble (.). I believe that one must Lay Down the Law with a sense of purpose that can excite the senses to use a (!). However, I also think that a simple (.) states the matter in a quiet, yet dignified and somewhat ambitious manner. Therefore, please join me when I type Lay Down the Law.

Year of the Ox

2009-01-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

During this hazy vacation of Santa and snow and visits to see family and friends, first semester grades were posted.

I hoped for much better but was not overly surprised by the outcome. My job search will be negatively impacted by my GPA but at the same time, I'm mostly happy I survived and believe in my heart of hearts that I'll greatly improve this semester. My guess is that the majority of 1Ls aren't entirely happy with their first semester grades, mostly because they worked very hard and are used to getting higher grades which they equate with academic success.

It's difficult to receive grades that you haven't seen on any of your transcripts in a long time, especially since you feel you've gained so much new knowledge in the past 4 months. If you allow yourself to wallow in misery for more than a day, however, you'll lose track of the ultimate goal: to become a competent, confident attorney.

My day of misery is past, I belong to my future success, and I will make my own good fortune. Or some such thing I'll say to myself over and over again to help me mentally prepare for class on Monday.

Power to the people.

I just can’t get enough

2008-12-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

I had a master plan that on my break I would stay away from anything law school, except job applications. We have been snowed in for awhile and today is even worse, but it is the perfect time to catch up on reading. (Although the power went out this morning from about 6 am to 11 am). The problem is that I have read all of my books and can’t get more because of the weather. So, looking through my bookshelf I find a Constitutional Law textbook and start reading it.

Is this normal? Has law school had such an affect on me that I read a Con Law textbook for fun? The problem is that this book is actually useful! It gives the background to cases, the social atmosphere and sometimes pictures! I really wish we used this book in my Con Law class. Currently, I am reading about Religion and the Constitution.

The book is called “Constitutional Law for a Changing America: Rights, Liberties, and Justice” by Lee Epstein and Thomas G. Walker.

Also, maybe I am late in figuring this out, but buy your textbooks off Amazon.com! I found a book normally for $110 for only $13, and supposedly it’s not in bad condition. Overall I spent 60% less than what I would normally pay.

Finally, enjoy the pictures of our winter wonderland. (One is our balcony and the wind effects on the snow – thus the mound).

Lay Down the Law!

It’s Over

2008-12-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

Finally.

We had the option to take our Torts exam yesterday or today because of the school closure due to the weather. The plan was to take it today, but on a whim I decided to take it yesterday. It paid off because I’m at home now, instead of braving another freezing cold front and snow.

I hesitate to say the exams were easier than I thought, but my grades will determine that. Maybe I just set too high a bar (translated: freaked out too much). Now, I have to start the summer job application process.

Lay Down the Law!

Haiku

2008-12-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

Bicycle, snowed in

Old Man Winter triumphant

Retreat, a warm fire.

Power to the people.

The Weather Outside is Frightful

2008-12-15T07:18:00.000-08:00

After an almost full day of snow, freezing temperatures and thus roadways, and many hours of continued harsh wind conditions, school is canceled. Unfortunately, this prolongs the misery that is finals, and adds one more day that one must feel obligated to study civil procedures. Better yet, it is suppose to start snowing again on Wednesday and last through Friday, which will inevitably affect the last exam, thus cutting into my beloved break.

Woe is me.

Lay Down the Law!

Halfway Done

2008-12-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

Two finals are officially over. I imagined my Contracts exam to be this hellish ordeal with complex and hidden issues, but for the most part, it was pretty straightforward. That said I’m not going to get over confident. I do feel much better after this test, though, than I do about Con Law. The time pressure was not as bad as I expected either, but again some of my answers were only one paragraph while others were about a page (all were graded equally). I think the grading process will be much harder on Contracts than on Con Law, but who knows.

I am concerned about this snow business that is threatening Portland. The date of snow keeps changing, but currently it is suppose to start Sunday and stay below freezing until Wednesday. This is not good. It cannot snow. The last thing stressed out law students need is to deal with not being able to get to school, rescheduling their exams, and having their carefully constructed view and preparation of exams be totally destroyed by an Arctic front. Worse, yet, is this law student lives on a mountain (actually a dormant volcano, but why split hairs) and does not have the adequate snow tires or chains, nor the money to buy them, to get back up the mountain should he decide to brave the icy downhill trek to school. The best part is buses are non-functional during snow and ice because the hills are so steep. Thanks a lot Portland public transportation.

This is mid-exam period stress talking so don’t mind me.

Law Down the Law!

P.S. I must also thank previous supervisor at big name law firm in D.C. for sending an amazing assortment of candies, coloring books, and silly putty for finals period. Thanks!!

Unreality

2008-12-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

I'm still having trouble sleeping. What's going to happen to the governor of Illinois? Will the Seattle Mariners finish last in the American League West, again, in 2009? Tough questions to answer, to be sure, but questions nonetheless that must be answered.

My Civ Pro final was four hours. I thought it was going to be three, damn. During the last hour, while I was writing a brilliant essay about joinder of parties and claims, I had a vision. My vision was of the end of the semester. I was dancing. I was prancing. And eating. And watching football and college basketball. And being merry. I must have floated out of my body for a spell because when I looked at the clock, I suddenly had 10 minutes left to finish my exam and print it out and turn it in and run screaming from the law school out into the street.

My first semester of law school is complete. Well now, that's not entirely true. Grades will be posted on the 6th of January. Once I see my grades, my first semester of law school will officially be done.

Next week, I'm starting my summer job search. I currently have a list of 10-15 employment opportunities that I plan on pursuing but new jobs get posted almost every day. I don't know where I'll end up and I know how competitive the process is but right now, before I see my grades, I'm confident that I'll find something...and maybe something good.

To my classmates, I know many of you are not awake yet. When you do regain consciousness, I know that many of you will have a wicked hangover from yesterday's end-of-the-semester debauchery. I know many of you will swear up and down that you will never drink again, as long as you have breath in your body. I think that's a terrific idea. At any rate, congratulations. I'm really happy for you. For all of us.

To my distinguished and eminent colleague, I know in my heart that you've been rockin' your finals. Keep on keeping on for the promised land awaits you. It's closer than you can imagine. I'll see you at the after party, brother.

Power to the people.

One Down

2008-12-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

My first exam, Constitutional Law, was today. I am very glad it's over. Two long hypos to test on the whole semester is not an exciting way to spend three hours. It gave me a headache.

Everything I learned in Con Law:

Judicial Review, Supremacy Clause, Limits on Judicial Review, Non-Justiciable Political Questions, Advisory Opinions, Standing, Mootness, Ripeness, Separation of Power, Executive Privileges, Congressional Violations of Separation of Powers, Non-delegation doctrine, Appointments and Removals, War and Terrorism, Federalism, Commerce Clause, 10th and 11th Amendments, Spending Power, Dormant Commerce clause, Privileges and Immunities, Preemption, and the list goes on...

Next up is Contracts, which I believe will go much smoother.

Lay Down the Law!

Sweat Pants

2008-12-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

I'm having trouble sleeping. It's either the anticipation and nervous energy I feel before each final exam or my desire to see Sasquatch leaning down to the placid surface of a majestic river to fish for salmon from his perch upon a giant riverbank boulder while I hide in a tangle of brush, downwind, obscured and wide-eyed.

Contracts was yesterday - it was fine. I don't remember any of the multiple choice questions or the long essay topic. For the short essay, I wrote about contracts of adhesion and how they're a good thing for our free market society. Consumer choice and access to information are the great equalizers when faced with the awesome power of credit card companies, their nosebleed high interest rates, pervasive late fees, and general ability to do whatever they want to make a profit all spelled out in teeny, tiny font in a contract that no one reads before signing on the dotted line.

Civ Pro is Thursday morning. I'm pretty sure I'm going to wear my new sweat pants for that one. Sweat pants are so comfy. Stand by me until the end of the semester.

Power to the people.

Two and Two

2008-12-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

After you take your first law school final exam, all you can really accomplish for the rest of that day is a whole lot of nothing. I finished my Crim Law final on Monday morning, went out to lunch, fell off a swing at the playground just down the street from the law school, and then went home to stare at the TV and rest my bruised leg and arm. I don't think I lost consciousness during my circus act but if I did, would I even remember?

This morning, I took my Torts final exam. The first part of the exam was multiple choice. For most of the questions, I whittled down the answer choices to the two best candidates. And from there, I guessed. I like to think that they were educated guesses but there were a few times where I picked the answer based on which letter, B or C for example, I was more drawn to in that specific moment. Not which answer, which letter. I love the way that the letter B curves and swoops.

This does not inspire confidence, I know, but in my defense my brain was swirling with rules, defenses, exceptions, intentional torts, assumption of the risk, etc. The second part of the exam was an essay in which we had to untangle a vicious fact pattern of ridiculous behavior, multiple tortfeasors, car accidents, negligence, irrational fear, nasty diseases, and defective medical equipment.

I have two final exams remaining. The theory is that now that I've taken a couple of law school finals, I have experience and can more effectively manage my fear, trepidation, and anxiety. Maybe. We'll see.

For the rest of today, I'm going to stare at the wall and go watch the Ducks play Montana at Mac Court. And without a doubt I'll be staying away from the swings. They're dangerous, especially if you used to be coordinated but aren't any more. Sad.

Power to the people.

Wise Words about Finals

2008-11-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

Professor of Contracts wrote two pieces of advice about finals on the whiteboard the other day.

20 years from now…
1. If the best thing you can say about your life is that you got top grades in law school, then that's pathetic.
2. If the worst thing you can say about your life is that you did not get top grades in law school, you will be blessed.

I have spent the weekend mentally preparing myself for the next three weeks. This week is the last week of classes, which is really just a review class for most, and then studying very intensely for finals. After next week there are two weeks of finals spaced two days apart from each other.

How do I prepare you ask?

I watch Kung Fu Panda. Po gives me the inspiration that if a fat panda can become a kung fu master by understanding the secret ingredient, which is actually nothing but being himself (i.e. being motivated by food to become a kung fu master), then it gives me hope that this fat panda (law student) can aspire to become a kung fu master (pass law school exams) by being himself (sitting for long hours staring at a computer screen and stuffing his brain with the food of life that is Civ Pro, Con Law, Contracts and Torts)

Okay, I also studied over the weekend, but the real work begins tomorrow.

I would send telepathic messages to my colleague tomorrow at 8:30 am if I knew anything about Crim Law, but since I do not, I can only wish him good luck.

Lay Down the Law!

Come On Down

2008-11-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

I had a good Turkey Day, thanks, how about you? Pie, mashed taters, cranberries, gravy, etc. It was exquisite.

Monday, December 1st is the big day. Final exam numero uno at 8:30 am. Earth shattering glory or knuckle dragging defeat awaits.

A fellow 1L e-mailed our entire Crim Law class today. The e-mail was not sent for the purposes of wishing everyone good luck. In his message, the gentleman respectfully asked all of us to leave him the hell alone after the final. He doesn't want to compare answers with us. He has no desire to figure out if he covered everything in his essay responses. He has one simple wish: to live in ignorant bliss until grades are released in January. I think that if someone forgets his request after the final exam tomorrow, there will be fisticuffs.

In a surprise move, I've been staying away from the law school and studying at home. For my next final on Thursday, however, I may return to the law library for one day of mega Torts flash card heaven.

Don't wish me good luck for my final tomorrow. It will accomplish less than nothing. Instead, if you would, make yourself useful and send me the answers via mental telepathy starting at 8:30 am. I'll be ready and waiting.

Power to the people.

Let's Go Fly A Kite

2008-11-25T15:50:00.000-08:00

And so, studying for finals continues. My first final in Crim Law is on Monday morning. I have no idea if I'm going to be ready for it. That's just 1L fear talking.

I'm taking a short break at the law school and looking out the window. I can see three birds, sparrow-like, digging holes in some bark chips behind a bush. This bird watching, this ornithological observation, is imminently more interesting than what I should be doing right now.

In addition, if the bird watching isn't enough, Ziggy Marley's "Love is my religion" is stuck in my head:

"Love is my religion, Love is my religion, Love is my religion

hey you can take it or leave it, and you don't have to believe it"

At this moment in time, in this place, I am adrift. Hey, two of the birds just returned to dig some more holes. I have to go and observe them. I'll catch up with you later.

Power to the people.

Library Love

2008-11-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

All law students have their favorite spot in the law library. Some prefer a dark corner cubicle, far from the distraction of human interaction. Others like to sit near the entrance, always on the lookout for a chance to take a study break and socialize. I've found my own personal law library Nirvana; it's near the entrance at a 6 person table with 3 lamps. However, I minimize my study breaks and ward off would be socializers with headphones, lovely Pandora, and a slightly curled upper lip that clearly says "Before you start talking to me, don't. I don't like you."

I'm studying for finals, outlining for finals, attending review sessions for finals, dreaming of finals. I have two stupid days of class remaining, and I'll attend, but I really just want to prepare for finals all day, every day. I may even dress up for finals, tie and all, because if you don't look good for finals, well, finals won't have a good first impression of you.

If you need to find me sometime in the next 2 weeks, except for Turkey Day, look for me in the law library. I'll be at the 6 person table with 3 lamps, right near the entrance. Don't talk to me, however, because I don't like you. Well, okay, I do like you but let's save our pointless, social hour, study break conversation for Winter break. Thank you for your understanding. And by the way, shouldn't you be studying for finals too, you slacker?

Power to the people.

Don't Attempt to Steal a One L's Laptop

2008-11-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

This sums up what I've envisioned myself doing in this situation.

http://www.switched.com/2008/11/14/why-you-should-never-try-to-steal-a-law-students-laptop/?rss

Lay Down the Law!

PS. Someone yelled at another person in the library that they could hear music emanating (they did not say emanating) from their earphones. I take this as the start of finals hell that turns otherwise friendly people into man-eating goblins.

Two Turntables

2008-11-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

Imagine Record 1 is a classic Al Green album. Buttery smooth, sultry, passionate minister turned electrifying soulphonic groove master, preaching from the pulpit of love, sex, and life-affirming joy set to the sophisticated stylings of a down and dirty rhythm section.

Today was my last day of Torts until January. Euphoria. We're ending a week early because Professor Torts is going out of the country next week for a conference. I got called on in class today and did okay. I was halfway expecting it. My case was pretty straight forward and Professor Torts didn't grill me for an extended period of time. My open memo is due at noon on Monday and our final LRW class is on Tuesday. Relief. I have a full draft ready to be revised and edited. I met with Professor LRW today to make sure the structure of my open memo was on point and to ask a few final questions. Theoretically, this will be my best LRW work product of the semester.

Imagine Record 2 is a classic Ozomatli album. Frenetic, spinning, lyrical, no chance to breathe, giddy laughter, California hip-hop, salsa, cumbia, merengue with a twist, boom-bap percussion, a killer brass section, and a beat that won't let you sit still, ever.

Finals begin December 1. Take a long, deep breath and exhale. I've started to outline a little bit, to review class notes, to take stock of my strengths and weaknesses by class and to assess gaps in my overall subject matter knowledge. By the time I sit for my first final, will I be ready? Not just ready but truly prepared? And of course, there's no rest for the weary. Crim Law is followed by Torts which is followed by Contracts which is followed by Civ Pro. I have a lot of work to do between now and then but I'm starting to wear down. No excuses, however.

Mix Record 1 and Record 2. Scratch. Fade. Loop. Repeat. Sometimes it sounds so good. Sometimes it's just headache inducing noise that I can't dance to.

Power to the people.

Gary Poppins

2008-11-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

Winter has pretty much hit the Northwest - constant rain and a good dose of wind to make an umbrella useless, but I don’t mind. It makes the long hours sitting indoors, slaving away more bearable. At least I don’t have to think about what I could be doing outside.

Life has consisted of class, outlining and study sessions. Oh, I also signed up for the bar exam in 2011. Can you believe it! I’m actually assuming that I will survive the next three years and then have the energy to study for two more months right after graduation and take a test to determine whether or not $100,000 of debt was actually worth it. They got me on the “lock in the price” spiel. I’m told I’ll save $700 by signing up now and putting down a small (it was actually very little) deposit. Plus, I get access to even more study guides and online resources. I wonder how many study guides it will take to make me smart?

Lay Down the Law!

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

2008-11-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

This one time when I was living in D.C., I got a call at work from a Seattle TV news station. They asked me for the address of the White House. I guessed 1400 Penn. Ave. I was wrong. I now believe it was a prank call. I still can't understand how I got that question wrong. And I still don't know who pranked me.

I went home after class yesterday and didn't do a drop of homework. Instead, I watched the election returns on ABC News. George Stephanopoulos is still a hottie after all these years. If President-Elect Obama asked Mr. Stephanopoulos to join his administration, that would be one hottie administration.

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama and Vice-President Elect Biden. Senator McCain and Governor Palin, it's been real. President Bush, don't let the door hit you on your way out of town.

Back to homework. GObama. I can't wait until January 20, 2009.

Power to the people.

Career Services, Summer Jobs and ugh... Finals

2008-10-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

The super powers of Career Services held a mandatory meeting today. Their presentation was very insightful, but made the pressure of finding a summer job even more suffocating. Not that their informative session came at a bad time; in fact, many firms seek applicants in December and January. Rather, the pressure of finals and the thought of summer jobs, which can be determined in part by grades, have tightened the esophageal noose that much more.

If you don’t want to work at a law firm your first summer, now is the best time to take a pass. Most law firms expect you to gain experience during your 2L and 3L year, so if you think you can make more that $12-15/hr as a law clerk (more if you’re at a large law firm) or just want to sit a home all day in front of the television, then go for it. Those who want to work at a big law firm as a summer associate, good luck. This is a very competitive position and most of these firms tend to hire 2L students over 1Ls.

Networking is key. The more people you know and the more people know you, the better chances you have at getting a job. It was stated that 70% of people who get jobs at firms knew someone at the firm.

Career Services and their message in a nutshell is this: “Don’t find the best job, find a job that is best for you”.

Good luck on landing your dream summer job – and finals (you didn’t think I’d forget about our best friend, did you?)

Lay Down the Law!

10, 9, 8, 7...

2008-10-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

It's the final week of October. All over campus the golden leaves are blushing orange and red, cascading from branches, twirling to destruction. The sun is strong but knows it is a false champion. In the early morning and late evening, the chill bares its teeth, ferocious.

At the law school, we 1L students go to class, then go to the library. We put on a brave face but inside the panic is spreading. We talk about outlining and commercial outlines. We tell each other that finals will be challenging but that we'll get through. There are 4 weeks of class remaining, 1 dead week with turkey, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes, and 2 weeks of finals. The party is officially over.

In addition to my 4 finals, we have a closed memo due in LRW the last week of classes. I'm starting to prepare for exams but all I want to do is figure out how I'm going to spend winter break. This is not conducive to finals preparation.

As the upper-division students tell it, things are about to get really stressful. As I wander the law school, I expect to see a couple of 1Ls chained to their chairs in the library. I expect to see a 1L holding his head in his hands, wondering why he applied to law school, sobbing softly to himself in the corner near the water fountains. I even expect a 1L to spontaneously combust. If that happens, I doubt anyone will stop to help...they'll be too busy studying.

What should I do? Well, I plan to avoid the anxiety plague by staying away from large groups of 1Ls, kind of like that movie The Happening. I will travel solo or with only one or two others, constantly watching my back for stress and fear. I will take breaks, walk outside of the law school, and breathe fresh air. I will not forget to eat. I will make sure I sleep. And I will rely heavily on the food of the gods, chocolate. Wish me luck.

Power to the people.

Misdirection

2008-10-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

I attended a 1L study skills workshop yesterday hosted by the Oregon State Bar. The workshop facilitator is an attorney; he is also a former law professor. For 5 hours, the facilitator pulled back the veil, letting us gaze into the devious abyss that is the mind of a law professor.

We discussed study techniques, memorization, tips for exam preparation, and the history and function of the Socratic method. We spent even more time laughing about eccentric law professor behavior. The facilitator told us why law professors call on you in class, why they answer your lame questions with another question, how they prepare final exams, why they really hate to read your exams, why they call on you in class when you're not prepared and don't let up, and why they think they're wise and all-knowing but don't really know how to teach. Law professors are all about misdirection; they love it, they love it, they really love it.

Top 5 Tips:

1. Preemptive volunteering: Volunteer before you get called on. Even if what you say is really stupid and adds nothing to the discussion, your professor may go easy on you the next time he or she calls on you because you participated.

2. 50/10: Study for 50 minutes and make sure to take a 10 minute break every hour. This allows your brain to refresh itself. During the 10 minute break, don't watch TV, check your e-mail, or play computer games. A 10 minute break will suddenly be an hour break.

3. Studying: Study one subject at a time, study during the day, and if you study at night, stop studying one hour before you go to bed. This helps you stay organized, awake, alert, and allows your brain to process information while you're still conscious. Do you really want to dream about Civ Pro?

4. Memorization: There are a variety of memorization techniques. For example, when you are trying to memorize information, create visual pictures in your mind for each piece of information. The more outrageous, violent, or sexual the picture is, the more likely you will be to remember it.

5. Grades: In law school, in the vast majority of your classes, your grade is based on one final exam at the end of the semester. Spend the semester preparing for the final exam, not for classes. If you bomb in class, so what. If you bomb on the exam, it matters. The exam is the key.

To memorize negligence, I'm going to create a visual picture of myself in a negligee. And now you are too. I'm so sorry. You're not going to forget negligence now, are you?

Power to the people.

Law Reviews

2008-10-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

I’ve been told that being on a law review is a sought after quality that employers look for. Lewis and Clark Law School is great for this purpose. They have three law reviews; The Lewis & Clark Law Review, The Environmental Law Review and The Animal Law Review.

You can grade or write on to the first two law reviews and begin in your 2L year. 1Ls can join the animal law review as a voluntary source checker; if you do an “outstanding” job you could be asked to return for the next year without needing to grade or write on. If you’re invited back in your 2L year, you could shoot for an editor position. This sounds much better than slaving away your second year source checking, when you can get that out of the way your first year.

If you think the Animal Law Review is an activist group you are wrong. They publish articles from all spectrums of the animal law and animal rights world. You don’t have to be interested in Animal Law to be on the law review, nor do you have to be a vegetarian or vegan (of which I am not), and you don’t have to own a pet (but would, however, I fear the lifestyle of a poor law student would subject my pet(s) to scraps and DIY veterinarian care). According to our speaker, the Animal Law Review has twice the readership of both the other law reviews combined. It is also the nation’s first law review devoted exclusively to animal issues (according to their website http://www.lclark.edu/org/animalaw/)

Personally, I believe it will be a great experience and the law review office is animal friendly, which is a definite plus for my non-existent pets. It will also be one of the rays of light emanating from my resume, especially during a time when law firms are cutting the size of their summer programs or doing away with it completely.

Lay Down the Law!

Cake Junkies

2008-10-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today at the University of Oregon School of Law, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of our nationally recognized Legal Research & Writing program. And really, can there be a truly great celebration without cake?

The law school paid for 4 or so giant sheet cakes and placed them in the commons area just before noon. By the time I got to the commons just after 12pm, the line of sugar addicted cake fiends stretched for what seemed like miles.

If you want a law student to do anything, tell them you'll give them a piece of frosted cake in return. If they had cake in law school classes, no one would ever skip. If law students got a piece of cake in exchange for each hour of pro bono service, the world would be a better place.

Cake used to be reserved for special occasions, like birthdays, weddings, and retirement parties. These days, cake has been dumbed down, tossed onto folding tables for everyday pedestrian occasions like the 30th anniversary of a legal research and writing program. The cake is probably from the Costco bakery, mass produced, slathered with unmanageable amounts of frosting and sprinkles and not so cute messages written in electric pink icing.

Okay, I was tempted to have a piece. I love sprinkles, especially jimmies. What are jimmies? Chocolate sprinkles on the West Coast are jimmies on the East Coast. I held firm, however, refusing to eat a piece of cake in celebration of some 30th anniversary that means nothing to me.

I'm going to see if there's any cake left. Probably not. Law students are cake junkies, and they'll celebrate anything or pretend to celebrate anything for their next frosting hit. I can pretend I care as long as I get a piece of cake, with a ridiculous amount of jimmies on top.

Power to the people.

Bald Is Beautiful

2008-10-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

I just turned in my LRW final closed memo. After meeting with Professor LRW, I ripped apart my draft and went about reconstructing my legal arguments, case illustrations, and counter-arguments. I think I was able to simultaneously beef up my memo while trimming the unnecessary, irrelevant, and repetitive. I hope it's concise and insightful and answers the damn client's legal question. The client shouldn't have had a bag of Canadian superweed in his car to begin with...

The first drafts of my memo were very frustrating to write. I really didn't have a clue. Revising, editing, and fine tuning my final closed memo was rather quite enjoyable. I spent a big chunk of Sunday in the library, cases, textbooks, and notes strewn about me. I wrote and revised and read cases again to ferret out the teeny, tiny, important details that I failed to incorporate the first and second and third go around.

I also spent a big chunk of Sunday listening to a fellow law library patron laugh her butt off while watching David Letterman. She had on headphones. David would say something funny on her computer that I couldn't hear. She would laugh, not realizing how loud or not soft she was laughing. It was more amusing than annoying. David is not that funny. I don't think she's a law student. Law students don't have very much to laugh about.

Before I turned in my LRW final closed memo today, I had my head shaved. I feel brand new and shiny. See, if you go to law school and you're already bald, you don't have to worry about pulling out your hair. Go ahead, shave your head. Do it. You'll thank me later.

Tonight, I get to be a potential mock juror. The upper-division students in some upper-division class like Trial Practice are honing their jury selection skills. I plan to make it difficult on them by being ornery, slightly abusive, and mildly condescending. That's how it is in the real world of jury selection. Potential jurors are opinionated, nasty, and usually have no desire to do their civic duty by serving on a jury. You get paid crap, you get fed crap, and you have to sit there during the trial and listen to crap. The only saving grace is that you get to miss work, unless you don't have a job and serving on a jury cuts into your TV watching time. Anyway, it should be aces.

Power to the people.

Initiation

2008-10-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

I was initiated into the “study all weekend and still feel like you’re not doing enough” club this weekend. As my colleague says - poor, sad, horrible me.

The work is non-stop and no matter how much you do, it still feels like you’re at base camp.

Hike. Drop the e. Ing. Ampersand. Camp. Ing.

That sounds fun. Maybe I’ll just leave school and hike mountains and camp for the rest of my life. I can be granola. I live amongst them.

Lay Down the Law!

Beisbol

2008-10-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

When you're in the first year of law school, you sometimes lose track of what's really important.

I want to watch the MLB playoffs but I have to study. Poor me.

I want the Rays to get to the ALCS but I have to study. So sad.

I want the Angels to force game 5 but I have to study. How horrible.

I would love to see the Dodgers and Phillies play 7 in the NLCS, Mannywood and Mr. Howard trading majestic home run shots...but I have to study. It's a hard life.

How about a La La Land World Series? Maybe, but I'm sure I won't see it because I'll have to study. Poor baby.

By the way, I didn't do so hot on my practice Torts mid-term. My Civ Pro mid-term is on Thursday. I have a practice mid-term in Crim on Friday. My LRW revised closed memo is due a week from tomorrow. Bring it on. I will not be defeated. And don't you worry about me...I'll find a way to watch baseball. Holy cow.

Power to the people.

Malaise

2008-10-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after class, I rode my bike home in the rain. What a delight.

This morning, I awoke to gray skies. As I dressed in blue jeans and a tee-shirt, the rain began to fall again. As Forrest Gump might say, it was "big fat rain." Giant, man-crushing drops. Relentless.

Now, I'm preparing for my first practice mid-term in Torts. I think that the rain has stopped but the sun is still nowhere to be found. Fall has arrived and Oregon does Fall with the vengeance of Kobayashi eating hot dogs for prize money.

As this is my first law school mid-term, I don't really know what to expect. I've heard that the multiple choice questions that Professor Torts creates are long, snaking affairs and should be approached with a machete and bright, flaming torch. The machete is for cutting through the jungle vine hypos which precede the multiple choice answers. The bright, flaming torch will help you light your way to the correct answer...or...it can be used to dry your tears as the elusive answer escapes your grasp. I'll let you know how the exam turns out. I'll probably ace it. Hmmm, that was rather cocky. Deal with it.

Once the two hour exam ends, I'm going back outside. I will embrace the rain as a long lost brother. I will embrace Fall as a long lost fourth cousin who lives in Canada. If I don't, it's going to be a long 6 months in the beautiful, mysterious, lush green state of Oregon.

Power to the people.

Logic in the Abstract

2008-09-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

I attended an outlining seminar over the weekend and it was one of the best pieces of knowledge I have obtained since school started.

Everyone identified the type of learner they are; Left or Right-brained. A left-brain learner is more linear, symbolic, sequential, and logical among other things. A right-brained learner is more holistic, concrete, random, intuitive, etc. Law school is geared towards left-brained learners.

Those that are left-brained learners can take the rule of a case and apply it linearly. Those in right-brained land take the rule and intuitively know how XY and Z are related, but not always in that order. We applied this to how we should outline our course and when we should start.

It’s important to understand how you think and work in order to apply that to the teaching style and nature of the law.

Lay Down the Law!

My Bank Failed But I'm Okay

2008-09-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

We submitted our first significant LRW assignment this week: the fear-inspiring partial closed memo (worth 30 points, people, 30 points!). This assignment tested our ability to craft multiple legal arguments and format our memos to the exacting specifications of Professor LRW and the entire legal profession. I can't tell you how many times I checked my citations before I printed the final version of my memo. Volume number? Check. Page number? 516, not 515. Italics? Check. Two spaces after the period? Hopefully.

In class on the day our assignment was due, Professor LRW made us brownies. Really good brownies. Double-chocolate brownies. And then Professor LRW did something unusual. She talked about depression.

I've been in school for quite some time. In all of my years in higher education, Professor LRW is the first professor I've ever had who has discussed depression in a direct, open, and honest manner. She discussed the warning signs of depression and the resources available on campus to help students who are depressed (or who are not sure if they are depressed). She discussed law school depression statistics (something like 30% of all law students suffer from depression sometime during their 3 years in school). She discussed how stress, debt, perfectionism, grades, and job searching contribute to depression in law school. And, she reminded us about self-care and balance.

If you think you are suffering from depression, get help. Don't wait. If you don't know where to start, go to the Health Center on campus. Talk to the Dean of Students. Ask a friend to help you find resources. What happens when you get help? Life remains hard, school remains a huge challenge, but you feel so much better. Like you again.

Kudos to Professor LRW.

Power to the people.

Fall

2008-09-21T16:23:00.001-07:00

This is totally unrelated, but tomorrow is the first day of Fall!

Fall or Autumn is great for the following reasons:

1. Cooler weather
2. Changing colors
3. Pumpkins
4. Free candy from strangers
5. One season closer to Winter break

Lay Down the Law!

Grades With A Curve

2008-09-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

For most of my classes, mid-term practice exams are given in early October. For one class, Civ Pro, the mid-term exam is worth 25% of our grade. As of today, here are the grades I would give myself:

Civ Pro: C+

I usually know what's happening but the classroom is really chilly so my mind wanders/shuts down from time to time. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, however, keep me focused and alert...or not. My favorite rules are the ones which address sanctions. I hope to be sanctioned one day...or not. Professor Civ Pro is visiting and will be leaving us after this semester to teach at Lewis & Clark.

Contracts: D+

I like Professor Contracts but I'm struggling to keep everything straight. We have Contracts next semester as well. Maybe it will be my best class by then. I like to stay positive.

Crim Law: C

This class is entertaining and informative; I think I've only spoken once. Professor Crim Law starts every class with his general observations on the state of our country. The observations are usually funny. He also has a lot of good stories from his days as a PD in D.C.

LRW: B-

I want to be excellent at crafting legal arguments, damn it. The detail and precision required is slowly starting to make sense to me. Professor LRW is a self-proclaimed "writing geek." This is a good thing.

Torts: C

Why do bad things keep happening to the folks in our casebook? You intend to steal a melon from your neighbor the farmer; he blows your legs off with his pump action shotgun. He was in fear of his life; it's your fault and you're in the hospital. Plus, while you were running away from your gun toting farmer neighbor, you dropped the melon. Professor Torts has really mastered the art of PowerPoint: funny pictures of people and animals, random sound effects which are usually loud and startling, and movie clips from "Old School."

Overall grade: C

All of this means that, as of today, I'm passing. I'm not going to let them send me back to undergrad. No way. No how. Not going to happen.

Power to the people.

I Can See Clearly Now

2008-09-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

It only took three weeks, but I feel like the fog is finally lifting. I am getting use to my workload and understand how to balance everything, and still feel like I have a life. The best part is that I am actually enjoying school and remembering why I wanted to enter the legal field in the first place. I must add a disclaimer though; this is how I feel now. Next week I might question this expensive and tiring decision, but I think the cracks in the foundation have been adequately filled.

Lay Down the Law!

Lunch Abroad

2008-09-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

There are three highlights from this week of 1L bliss that really stand out:

1. I spoke in class and the things I said didn't sound completely idiotic. At least they didn't sound idiotic to me. So, they may in fact have been idiotic.

2. I had lunch with a professor - it was quite enjoyable. We both had sandwiches. I had fries on the side while my professor had a salad. Before lunch, I wasn't sure what we were going to talk about but I had a few topics ready and waiting. In reality, the conversation was easy and light and filled with rainbows. I surprised myself by telling my professor that I am not feeling completely overwhelmed (possibly true, possibly false, depending on the day). My professor surprised me by sharing the story of her courtship and wedding. Hopefully, I'll have another opportunity to have lunch with her this semester.

3. Dean Wilson from the Beasley School of Law at Temple University presented a lunchtime workshop on International Law. I don't know what the other students heard but this is what I took away:

A. Study abroad.

B. Dean Wilson looks young but really isn't. He has a wife, four kids, and has practiced law all over the country and all over the world. Plus, he runs Tokyo, or at least the Temple Japan Program in Tokyo.

B. Pick your country of interest and search for available programs, especially internship opportunities.

C. The practice of International Law is the practice of law in an international context; Dean Wilson spoke of "law with an international twist."

D. Be creative, law students. If you can't find what you're looking for, search for those opportunities you never considered. For example, the Ninth Circuit includes Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The First Circuit includes Puerto Rico. The Third Circuit includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. You could spend a summer in any of these places. You could spend a year in any of these places. You could spend a career in any of these places.

E. Distinguish yourself. Take advantage of your opportunities. Create opportunities for yourself. Send a resume, then call. When you call, tell them you're calling long distance and could they please put you through to the person you're trying to reach. When you call, tell them that you're going to be in the area and would like to meet with them. When they say yes, buy your plane ticket.

F. Study abroad. Intern abroad. Work abroad. Live abroad. Your law career will be that much more fulfilling. Believe it.

I'm going to buy my plane ticket soon...

Power to the people.

Say What?

2008-09-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Assault. Conversion. Mens Rea. I'm. Benefit of the bargain. Rule 12 (b)(6). Liability. Pro Se. Chattels. Actus Reus. Battery. Stalking. UCC. Pleadings. Sorry. Utilitarianism. Intent. Answer. Plurality. Could. Defendant. Plaintiff. USC. ALWD. Textualism. Retributivism. Black letter law. Westlaw. Common law. Black's. You. LexisNexis. ORS. Digest. Statute. The rule of 7's. Bench. Bar. Code. Rule. Explanation. Application. IRAC. Moot Court. State. Federal. Repeat. Judicial. Law Review. CREAC. Public Interest. Pro Bono. Possession. Associate. District. Partner. Rule 11. Discovery. That?

Power to the people.

Work/Life Balance II

2008-09-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

I couldn’t agree more with my colleague’s post. Balance is everything. We are told in orientation that we shouldn’t spend all of our time studying. That creating a healthy balance in your personal life creates a healthier one in your academic life. Of course, when every professor gives you the same amount of work, due at precisely timed intervals, you see that balance slowing fading away. However, when you let go of it, burnout occurs, and this is the worst enemy of all. Burnout takes away all of your motivation and leaves you forgetful of everything you studied the night before.

You’re probably thinking, “What? Burnout in the second week? How is this possible?” Friends, it is very possible.

Burnout is a very sneaky and cunning specimen. He slowly creeps up on you, stealing your brain cells through lack of sleep, and tricking you into thinking you have lost none by providing the essence of life that is coffee. While Balance screams from her prison cell, in the deep dark abyss of your brain, Burnout is in full force. He takes away your sense of purpose, while whispering sweet nothings in your ear. By Friday, Burnout has actually made you believe that you are motivated enough to do quality work, and by Saturday your feeble attempts to be productive come to a screeching halt. This is when Balance is released from the murky underbelly of deception and allows you to watch TV all day and not feel bad.

Lay Down the Law!

Work/Life Balance

2008-09-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

In the greatest movie ever made about law school (Soul Man), Mark Watson (played with sublime brilliance by 80's heartthrob C. Thomas Howell) says in reference to his 1L year: "This is Harvard. I don't need to eat, I don't need to sleep, I just need to study."

According to a posting on www.imdb.com, when the film was released in 1986 some folks said it was racist (including Mr. Spike Lee and Mr. Eddie Murphy) and picketed movie theaters where it was being screened. I don't remember the maelstrom that this little gem of a film caused but I will tell you that I enjoy it every time I see it. I focus on the humor, the fact that the smartest person in the entire film is Professor Banks (played with sublime brilliance by a master of his craft, Mr. James Earl Jones), and the fact that the two white law students who tell racist jokes throughout the film get a beat down at the end of the movie by a humbled and contrite Mark Watson.

Mark learns many lessons about race and class and access in this American society, about truth, about justice, and the fact that although not everyone is treated equally, success may be/is attainable by all.

And you know what else he learns? That you can achieve success and personal fulfillment without studying 24/7/365. I mean, what lessons would Mark Watson have learned about being in the minority if he had never left the law library? A little work/life balance never hurt anyone, right Mr. Watson?

So, if you haven't seen the movie, rent it and decide for yourself. And get the hell out of the law library once in a while...please. There's a whole world out there. Really.

Power to the people.

The Cure for Feelings of Anonymity

2008-08-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

Recipe:

1. Read the assigned reading for class X.
2. Forget to brief (outline) a case found in the reading.
3. Get called on by unrelenting professor.
4. Throw in a mix of aforementioned anxiety about being called upon.
5. Have the professor constantly mispronounce your name.
6. Add in periodic silences in which you frantically try to say something smart.
7. Let steep for 15 minutes.
8. Once cooked, people from near and far will give you that “aw shucks” look or a pat on the back, saying everyone will have their day.

My day, of course, had to be the one day I didn’t brief a case. Not because I purposefully put it off, but I just forgot. No excuses. Just. plain. forgot.

Note to future 1L’s: Always brief your cases!

The upside to this debacle is that now people know how not to say my name, I’ve talked to people I wouldn’t have otherwise and I can’t look more stupid than I did today. That means anything I say in the future will sound like words descending from the heavens above. I should just be a judge.

Lay Down the Law!

Low Fat Despair

2008-08-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

For one shining moment yesterday, I felt beat down. Drained.

No, I haven't recently been "jumped in" by the 2Ls and 3Ls. No, I didn't drop a volume of the Oregon Revised Statutes on my head, causing a mild concussion (actually, what is today?).

It has something to do with excitement waning and reality waxing...and something to do with the bone crushing, soul stealing, life destroying machinery that is our American criminal justice system. Maybe that's too dramatic. But maybe not.

As of right now, Crim Law is my favorite class. In addition to our primary casebook, we're reading "Courtroom 302" by Steve Bogira. What's the book about? Well..."A year behind the scenes in an American criminal courthouse" is what it says on the cover.

The book holds your attention, the writing is crisp, and the author introduces you to a wide variety of cases, criminals, judges, and attorneys; he also weaves in history and the development of our modern criminal justice system. And if that's not enough for you, the courthouse and courtroom 302 are in Chicago. The Windy City! Bratwurst and ballgames and mobsters!

So, I like the book but I find it difficult to read at times. Only the parts where the brown residents of Chicago confess to crimes and the confessions were extracted by torture in police station basements. Only the parts where the brown residents of Chicago are sent to jail and evidence which might have cast a reasonable doubt is withheld, misfiled, destroyed, etc. Only the parts where the brown residents of Chicago are...I suppose you get the idea.

For one shining moment yesterday, I felt beat down. Drained.

Power to the people.

Testing the Water and Drowning

2008-08-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

It is only the second day and I feel overwhelmed by the perceived amount of work ahead of me, which is rendering me totally useless. I have had those moments of affirmation while reading a case and becoming so immersed that I think I made the right choice.

Then I go to class.

The professor poses questions that, for some reason, the answer I cannot seem to infer or deduce from the reading. Not that the questions are hard, but my mind goes blank and then the anxiety rises when I begin to imagine the professor calling my name and I respond in a stuttering stream of nonsense. I comfort myself with the thought that there are many others like me that feel the same way. Those that pray they aren’t called upon, lest they blank as 100 pairs of eyes descend upon their reddening cheeks and trembling hands.

What I am really worried about is meeting my friend embarrassment tomorrow.

Despite my well-intentioned and valiant efforts to engage myself in readings regarding the history of our Constitution and various writings by John Locke and James Madison, I cannot. Tomorrow, I will be testing the notion that 1L’s cannot possibly read everything assigned and some readings must be sacrificed for the greater good… and still survive class.

Lay Down the Law!

Oh, you were "that guy"

2008-08-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

There I was, 20 minutes early before the second day of orientation, waiting patiently in a predetermined classroom to begin our three-hour session on briefing cases and bonding with our fellow “pod” members.

pod
n 1: the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds
themselves) (http://dictionary.die.net/pod)

In our warm cocoon filled with seedlings ready to sprout, we talked about the IRAC (acronym alert!) method, worked out a hypothetical that dealt with neighbors and killing them (queue ominous music), and what to expect in our Legal Analysis and Writing class. Things were going swell for this little seedling until attendance was taken.

What happened to this seedling’s name? Was it over looked? If this seedling wasn’t supposed to be in this pod, then where was his warm, life-giving nest? Did his real pod leave him behind, stranded without a home, left to find shelter in the billowy depths of the cold, brown, and sometimes manure-laden soil? As the all-knowing and powerful vessel transitioned smoothly back into the neighbor killing hypothetical (which, by the way, is a sore subject for crammed and sometimes irritable seedlings), the little seedling spoke to inform the great vessel of his dilemma.

I was “that guy” today that nobody wants to be. I was that guy that demonstrated his skillful use of reading and analysis by walking into the wrong pod. That guy that instead of stating his name and what he did in the past year, had to explain in front of everyone why he thinks he’s in the right class. That guy that people shake their heads at or curl their lips, silently thanking the powers that be that they are not “that guy”.

But, my friends, I’m not going to fret. I am going to allow this moment and all of its feelings to sink in because I know there will be many more like this. I might as well get over it and move on. The lesson has been learned and the embarrassment embraced. We’ve hugged it out and parted ways, knowing one day we’ll meet again. And when we do I’ll ask embarrassment to introduce me to his friends he’s made along the way in his 1L journey.

Lay Down the Law!

Eyes Wide Open

2008-08-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

It finally happened. The official “freak-out” moment descended upon me, waking me out of my peaceful sleep at 4:30 in the morning. I’ve been spoiled with a month of vacation between work and school and was already not looking forward to waking up by alarm at 6:45, but 4:30 is pushing it.

Today marks the day that alarm clocks are king once more and books are no longer read out of a desire to satisfy the imagination. Please excuse me while I enjoy my last hour of freedom.

Lay Down the Law!

G-u-n-n-e-r-s

2008-08-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, I walked in to my first law school class, sat down, and waited for the magic to begin. As I pulled my legal pad out of my bag, I scanned the room, trying to predict which of my classmates would be unfortunately subjected to the Socratic method I had heard so much about. I knew in my heart of hearts that it wouldn't be me (which should be read: I prayed in my heart of hearts that it wouldn't be me).

I also surveyed the scene before me with a more critical gaze, trying to determine which students were hoping to be called on the first day of class. I suppose I wanted to catch a glimpse of the elusive gunner, an animal which hides in the shadows of the law school jungle, salivating for an opportunity to impress the professors. And that got me thinking: What are the characteristics of a gunner? What is their true natural habitat? Where do they come from? Why do they behave in such a peculiar manner? What do they eat? And finally, do law professors hunt them or protect them?

The joke (not that it's necessarily funny) goes something like this: If you don't know who the gunners are by the second or third day of class, it's you.

I didn't get called on. And, as predicted (and somewhat hoped for so I could see the rare beasts), the gunners came out of the shadows rather quickly, teeth flashing, hands stretched towards the heavens every time the professor asked a question. When there were no questions to answer, the gunners invented their own (usually consisting of multiple parts). They asked about the syllabus, office hours, study groups, study aids, final exams, the grading curve, the sun, the moon, the earth, and the sky. There's really only one way to describe it: incredible. And distracting. And hilarious.

My plan, good people, is to capture a gunner alive, bring it back to the lab, and perform more extensive tests. It will be a challenge but one that I'm very willing to accept. I will publish my findings as they become available...

Power to the people.

Oregontation

2008-08-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

Orientation was two and a half days of advice from upper-division students, faculty, staff, attorneys, judges, deans…and we also got a lot of free coffee. A 1L who has yet to take a law class is trapped in a very specific kind of way, subject to an endless barrage of “if you hold on to one piece of advice, what I’m about to tell you is THE ONE you should hold closest to your 1L heart.”

Four faculty members briefly introduced us to the life of a law student, civil procedure, how to read cases, and how to brief cases. You should have seen it: the faculty members lectured and the 1Ls banged away at their laptops with the Fastest Fingers in the West. It was quite impressive and somewhat odd. Is this what class is going to be like? I’m afraid that one of my classmates is going to destroy a keyboard on the second or third day of the semester, sending a stray “L” key towards my left eye.

Anyway, I survived orientation and I may sell my fellow 1Ls tee-shirts that say I SURVIVED OREGONTATION. The end result is that I now have homework due on the first day of every single class: Torts, Criminal Law, Contracts, Civil Procedure, and Legal Research and Writing. As I get further into the semester, I’m sure I’ll increase my use of acronyms. Okay…not Legal Research and Writing but LRW. Happy?

Power to the people.

In the Beginning...

2008-08-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

The idea of orientation starting on August 21st has not quite hit me yet. The obsessive thoughts of law school during the application process and the worn cuticles that ensue have faded into a comfortable feeling of ease. No gray hairs have sprouted and I have not had any pain in my left arm. The only thing that has caused any concern is the incredible amount of student loans I have had to take out, but then again I don’t have to deal with the reality of that debt for three years.

Piggy-backing on what my colleague has said, I don’t expect law school to release endorphins nor do I believe the amount of brainpower used will strengthen my quads. In this respect, I will also refrain from referring to law school as a marathon. Plus, marathons are fun. Other than that, I have tried to keep my expectations to a minimum. I expect to be challenged and I expect to like it.

Lay Down the Law!

Day One L

2008-08-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Law school orientation begins tomorrow morning. In the great state of Oregon, in the county of Lane, in the green and yellow city of Eugene, I officially begin my love affair with the law. I love the law, truly, and if loving the law is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Here is where I make a couple of promises. One: Besides this sentence, I will not refer to my 1L year or the law school experience as a marathon. Two: I will do my best to tell it like it is, warts and all.

And so, in the spirit of full disclosure, I am excited for orientation. I am excited to begin classes next week. And finally, I fully expect to experience a panic attack during the entire first week of school (and possibly beyond). I’ve been told that 1L is about survival, and that surviving is a very good measure of a successful year. I am desperate to survive.

My colleague, the better looking and smarter half of One L Squared will be joining us soon.

Power to the people.