Graduation Is In Sight!

WHOA!  If you had asked me in the Fall of 2006 what I'd be thinking, feeling, or doing in (almost) December 2008, I would have had no idea.  Right now, I'm studying for my LAST LAW SCHOOL EXAM!  I have my Corporations exam tomorrow morning, and then 3 papers to finish before Friday at midnight, and I'm DONE.  I can finally enjoy the holidays this year, without worries of Spring schedules, books to buy, or final grades about which to stress.  Sure, I'll stress over my grades, but not beyond December 13th, at 10:00 a.m., which is Graduation time.  Sure, I have to study for the Bar, but after the time I've spent at STU, with such great faculty, administration, and students, it will be a pleasure to settle in, study hard, and show the Board of Bar Examiners what I've learned!  Law School has changed me completely.  I think, write, and speak differently, see the world differently, and (hopefully) am a more conscious, well-rounded citizen.  I actually love STU so much, I don't want to leave.  Leaving is a little scary, but also a right of passage.  I have a great network supporting me, and a number of mentors and guides to help me along the way.  For anyone out there slogging through their first exams, or even their first LSAT, go for it!  Enjoy this time as a means of proving yourself!  It is a step in the process of a longer voyage.  It flies by, and it's awesome, in the scheme of things. Good luck to all of you, and happy exams!  Your Graduation will be here before you know it. 

Covi

Learn What It’s Like to be a Lawyer ASAP, and Get in the Loop!

Law school is a scary time for even the bravest and most outgoing first-year law students. You don’t understand the weird legal stuff that people talk about at social events. Lawyers and other law students make law-jokes you don’t think are funny. And, for the most part, you feel as though you are out of the loop. As a law student, I highly recommend students to diligently work to get some exposure to the world of a lawyer as soon as possible—the first semester of law school is a great, if not crucial, time to start.

I had a hard time getting in the loop at first. I tried to mingle with attorneys when I could, but it was hard for me to jump in a conversation with them. Many people approached my concern with good advice such as “just be yourself, people have to like you for who you are.” However, this advice did not get me too far because I was already being myself. My problem was that I did not know what it was like to be a lawyer, so I could not relate to them. I took the wrong approach to this issue at first by ignoring it and avoiding embarrassment. I decided to focus only on the academic side of law school and took solace in the belief that I would somehow figure it out later. However, this hurt my ability to get a job later when I could not relate to the lawyers who were interviewing me.

That is when I started searching for the missing link—the link to the information that would get me in this exclusive club for lawyers only. I observed other students who I felt were in the loop. How did they figure it out? A quick survey revealed that these students had been more proactive than I had been and were working or had worked at a law firm, had convinced an attorney to mentor them, or had taken the plunge at networking events and learned by trial and error. I had focused just on studying.

I was lucky enough to finally figure it out while working at a law firm in the summer after my first year. There I explained my concerns to a St. Thomas alumnus who mentored me and got me in the loop. Just in time for my last on-campus interview; however, this was almost too late for me. Plus, there were a couple of awkward moments during my first year of law school that I would have been happier without.

Now, what do I recommend to you: the prospective law student or the law student who is not in the loop yet? I have identified many opportunities I took advantage of that made a huge impact in my law school career and showed me what it’s like to be a lawyer: (1) get a mentor ASAP; (2) search for and go to every networking event possible; (3) join organizations on campus; and (4) get an externship placement.

First, mentors will be the key to understanding what it takes to be a lawyer because you can share your concerns with them and they can back you up at networking events. A mentor should be a lawyer or faculty member, or other second-year and third-year law students who you feel are in the loop already. Asking someone to be your mentor is not an intrusive request, so do not be afraid to ask. From my experience, people in this profession are happy to mentor students who ask.

Second, networking events are a great place to make friends in the legal world, and while you may not understand what they are talking about all the time, with enough exposure, you will start to pick things up. Remember that the point of a networking event is to meet people. No one will take offense to you inviting yourself to listen to a group discussion. Pay careful attention to people’s comments and others’ reactions. After enough times, you will hear groups of people talking about something you have heard discussed before. Now, you will have something safe to say because you heard someone say it before and saw the reaction of the group. This will enhance your confidence with group conversations at networking events. And before you know it, you will be in the loop, talking and laughing about weird legal stuff just like everyone else.

Third, joining organizations on campus will open up many more opportunities for networking. Student organizations are geared toward helping students establish relationships with lawyers and other law students. Some students may even be willing to share their mentor with you.

Finally, working as an intern for a law firm, judge, or government agency will put you in the loop for at least 20 hours a week. St. Thomas has one of the best clinical placement services I have heard of. Almost everyone that applies gets placed somewhere. This is extremely helpful in many ways. You learn what it’s like to be a lawyer by watching and practicing, and it will look great on your résumé. This program has allowed me to work for a federal judge, the US Attorney’s Office, and I am now applying for a placement at the State Attorney’s Office. It is imperative for you to take advantage of this clinical placement program while at St. Thomas.

I hope my thoughts have helped you in some way. I welcome questions and relevant examples of social situations you have been in and how you reacted to them. Good luck!

Musings From a Third Year Law Student

Hi All -

So things here in law school land are crazy, as usual. Aside from the usual course load, I am busy with Law Review, interning, and, of course, my beloved Mock Trial. On November 14, two teams of 5 St. Thomas students will be competing in the FJA Mock Trial Competition in West Palm Beach. As one of those students, my life has been consumed by practicing and strategy sessions. This, however, will be my last Mock Trial competition and I want to go out with a bang... which means I want to win so bad that I dream about cross examination at night. It makes for a rather interesting night's sleep.... This semester has flown by and it is beginning to hit me that after this, there is only one more semester and then I'm done; that's all folks... no more law school.

It is a frightening and exciting and overwhelming and crazy feeling....

Well, I must return to the land of trying to keep up with my reading while simultaneously learning my closing argument. I hope everyone out there is living their lives to the fullest. Feel free to ask me any questions you have about St. Thomas or law school life in general.

Oh yeah, one more thing before I go... VOTE. I'm not telling you who to vote for because that is none of my business, but nothing makes me angrier than a group of young people who want to change the world, who complain about the world they currently inhabit, and then sit on the sidelines and watch helplessly as the states turn colors. If you want your voice to be heard, start now, with this election.

I will get off my soap box now :)

Cheers,
Dara

ARGHHHH! Summer Exams!

Hi Everyone!

Congrats to Dara on her awesome Summer experience.  (I'm psyched you're loving it, Dara!)  I'd like to share a different perspective, on a different kind of law school Summer.  I'm taking three classes this Summer, 9 credits.  Evidence, Wills and Trusts, Agency and Partnership.  I also have two active research positions, a life, a husband, a bird, a wooden boat (lots of work to keep her afloat), and a need to sleep sometimes.  It's been...busy.  I like Summer classes because I'm sort of an "all-or-nothing" person, and I love the intensity of the abbreviated semester.  I just emerged (somewhat unscathed, I think...I hope) from my Evidence exam.  It was challenging, but fair.  As usual, I wish I'd had more time to fully MEMORIZE EVERYTHING (before the exam, that is).  But that's always the case with me.  If I see something I don't automatically know, but I know right where it is in the book, in my outline, or in my notes, it drives me coconutty!  My Summer semester has been spent reading and digesting new material, and getting ready for the exams, with an eye toward getting ready for the BIG KAHUNA of exams:  the Bar.  Since I'm graduating early, it's time to start thinking about it.  I just keep telling myself that I love being a student:  my job is to read.  In the meantime, if you're headed to law school this Fall, make sure you take the time to enjoy yourself!  Get a flip flop tan, and read something fun (I'm an enthusiastic proponent of the pre-law-school Harry Potter survey).  Have a great day!  And enjoy your Summer!

-Covi

Greetings From Summer Associate Land

Hello Out There -

This blog will be short, as I am exhausted from my twelve hour day at work. I now wake up at five in the morning every day to drive downtown. That is the bad news. The good news? I love my job!

I cannot begin to explain how it feels to be getting the type of training I am getting at my firm. So far I have attended two hearings, sat in on a deposition, taken two (mock) depositions, drafted motions for federal court... I even get to participate in a mock trial against the other summer associates from our other offices at the end of the summer... I am learning so much... and to top it all off... I have my own office. With my name on it. Overlooking downtown Miami. My own stapler. My own desk. Crazy.

Saturday night I will be attending a cocktail party at a partner's home. The party is in honor of me and the other summer associate in my office. Yep, they're throwing me a party. And a picnic next weekend. They're paying me, too.

Life is good.

And I owe this experience to St. Thomas University. I got this job through the on campus interview program, and I am so grateful for this opportunity. If anyone has any questions about the program or about life as a summer associate, let me know :)

Cheers,
Dara

One Single Shot At Success

So, I made it through the first week of my finals.  I keep trying to tell myself that this is FUN. This is the time to showcase all the hard work and brilliant, refreshing, innovative interpretations of law and application I put into each area of scholarly endeavor.  Right.  This is freak-out time.  Time to wish I could channel Hermione in the Harry Potter when Professor McGonegal gave her the time-turner, so she could take 2 classes simultaneously (yes, I know I'm a huge dork).  Time to wish I had the 113 minutes it took to watch that Harry Potter favorite BACK to prepare more fully.  I only sit for two "normal" written exams this semester,then I have one take home (Admiralty), and three papers.  The worst is over: my Con Law II and Crim Pro written exams are OVER.  My Con Law II exam was sort of fun, though.  The thing about law school is that in most classes you have ONE CHANCE, ONE GRADE: your final exam.  I alternatively love and hate this.  I have found that the best way for me to learn is to contribute in class, and be a part if the discussion.  This helps me to internalize and reinforce the key aspects of the assigned material.  I just hate exams.  An entire grade rests not just on your knowledge, but on your ability to organize and convey it effectively.  I understand how this commutes to success as an attorney, and being able to communicate and problem solve efficiently.  I just don't care for the stress of the time period surrounding exams, especially the few minutes before the exam is distributed.  I hate that feeling of, "I'm not sure where to begin, or how to begin."  I love that feeling of, "awesome!  I know this!"  It all comes down to what the exam in front of you is asking, what the issue is.  When you're on, you know it.  When you're not, you definitely know it.  I am not an exam adrenalin junkie, that's for sure.  Well, it's almost over, and then Summer classes, and preparing for another set of exams.  I actually have 4 whole days off!  I'm looking forward to reading nothing but Harry Potter.

Finals Are Upon Us

So it is one week before my Con Law Final, I am getting a take home exam in Law and Literature today, I have my final trial in Trial Advocacy tonight, and I am feeling a wee bit numb. At any moment it is going to hit me that the semester is over and the fate of my grades rests solely on these final moments of studying, and I am going to freak out... but for now, I feel detached; calm even. Odd.

In other Dara news, Mock Trial held its end of the year banquet this past weekend, and it was amazing. I have been blessed with an incredible executive board and wonderful new members (including Jesmany who also blogs on here). If anyone out there in Blog World has any questions about Mock Trial here at St. Thomas, just let me know. I am so proud of the program and love to talk about it, so don't be shy lol.

I also start at my firm in less than a month which is a little overwhelming. I will do my very best to keep you updated on what life as a summer associate entails, but I have the feeling I will be working a million hours a week, so it might be difficult :)

Wish me luck. Cross your fingers for me. Send me positive vibes on my exams. All good wishes are appreciated as I head into the lion's den known as finals.

I hope everyone out there is getting closer to their dreams daily!

Cheers,
Dara

Pirate the Parrot: Symbol of Justice and Paragon of Legal Advocacy

I agree with the WebGenius that Pirate makes an excellent mascot for Lasik For Justice, and not because I am at all biased.   If I were, I would respectfully recuse myself from the proceedings, in accordance with the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility, and the Judicial Canon.  As it is, however, Pirate represents numerous relevant aspects of current law. On the substantive level, Pirate's case involves issues of  immigration, euthanasia and fundamental rights, animal abuse, environmental law, and constitutional rights.  On the procedural side, Pirate has just reached the age of majority, and well, he has a trust fund.

Let's look at Pirate's case from a legal perspective:

 

Pirate was illegally smuggled into this country as an egg, in 1990.  He wears a bracelet, basically a small, metal greencard, that indicates he is a legal permanent resident (LPR) of the United States.  Smuggled illegally, he could be eligible for some sort of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a W-Visa, or Asylum (under the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, Pirate is a derivative victim of abuse, and he is legally entitled to certain benefits).  However, as Pirate's beloved parent and sponsor, I complied with all required US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements:  among all other required forms, I submitted an I-864, Affidavit of Support for him, and promised to keep him off welfare and public assistance while he is present in the country.  Since Pirate has been an LPR since 1990, he is eligible for Naturalization.  We are currently working on his Natz filing.

He was born in a nest in Costa Rica, despite his paperwork indicating he was born in Belize. Both countries have worked to create a bustling eco-tourism industry, and do not feel the immediate threats of rapid deforestation as seriously as in other Central and South American countries. However, Pirate is an Amazon parrot, and the Amazon rainforest is the target of widespread deforestation, and its deterioration has a direct effect on global climate change.  Advocates of environmental law and Earth jurisprudence would do well to remember Pirate in their daily work, and remember that his family lives in the canopy of the rainforest.  

 

Pirate was so badly abused (he'd been thrown against a wall, and his collarbone, wings, and toes were broken), that he was scheduled to be euthanised.  He could not hold food or stand.  Until I found him.  We chose each other, and I became Pirate's voice and advocate.  He only speaks about 35 different words and phrases, so he needs my oral argument skills to have a full and fair opportunity to be heard.  I personally protected his fundamental constitutional right to life by intervening in the euthanasia proceedings.  In not keeping him in a cage at home (we object to using the word C-A-G-E in our home), I protect his right to liberty.  Pirate's rights under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution are duly protected.  I make sure of that.  

Pirate turned 18 on October 13th, 2007.  He has thus reached the age of majority.  He is legally able to contract.  He may vote, and serve in the military.  He has a trust fund (FL permits the establishment of legal, irrevocable trusts for pets), and health insurance.  Since Amazon parrots are capable of living almost 100 years, he is willed to a relative in the event of my death.  As for Pirate's will, I'm not scheduled to take Wills & Trusts until the Summer semester.  I'll let you know then.

 

See how law school changes your thinking?  Forever, and in every aspect of your life!  

(Nota Bene:  Unfortunately, Pirate is currently not LEGALLY entitled the same constitutional, immigration, contract, and environmental rights as human beings, but there's always hope! This was all in good fun, but enjoy!)

Announcement -- Blog Mascot

Hey Blogfans!

As an avid animal (and all things feathered) lover: I have done some research on marketing and animals. Apparently, wine and liquor companies (i.e. Fat Bastard - a hippopotamus , Ravenswood - a raven, Famous Grouse - a red grouse, among many many more) that feature animals on their labels sell up to 75% more than those that don't. I imagine other types of companies fare the same. Several insurance/investment companies also feature animal mascots: ING features a Lion, T. Rowe Price, a bighorn ram; The Hartford group, a red stag. And who could forget the Alfac duck?

So why not name Covi's yellow-naped Amazon parrot, Pirate, as the face of Lasik for Justice. My significant other, who took his Admiralty Class with Covi last Fall, mentioned him being the mascot for the class... particularly when he yelled out obscenities at random in a sort of 'avian turret's syndrome' way.

And I cannot think of a better animal representative for a place where people 'talk' out and express their thoughts than a parrot!

Let me know what you think! :)

Professors Are People, Too.

I was thinking the other day about the professors and community at STU.  The catalog and publications tout the "open-door" policy of the faculty here, and I have to say that it is an accurate statement.  The professors here are amazing.  The faculty consists of, literally, a cast of characters.  My first 1L semester, each of my 5 different professors had such distinctive and unique (okay, VERY UNIQUE, in some respects) personalities, that often I felt like I was watching a comedy based on my life in law school.  (I recommend that anyone considering law school read Scott Turow's 1L, because he also describes wacky professorial antics, and it is an interesting read.)  Once I had completed the required courses, and was able to take electives, I gravitated toward professors I admired, enjoyed, and just understood.  There are a handful of  faculty members I now know pretty well, and I turn to them for advice, guidance, and interesting information in general.  I consider them friends and mentors.  I definitely love the fact that at STU, the open door policy is so important.  At many other law schools, professors are unapproachable, or it is possible that students don't even have classes with professors, but with teaching assistants (Horrors!).  I couldn't imagine going through this experience without the opportunity to get to know my professors.  Time spent in their offices, outside of class, discussing specific questions, issues, or concepts is so helpful, and that time is what truly makes this crazy educational endeavor human, and whole, and personal.  Hearing about a professor's family, work experience, or interests has opened my eyes to new areas of law, and life.  I didn't approach any of my professors outside of class the first semester I was here, and I sort of regret that.  Despite encouragement and an open invitation for all students to come meet with them, I avoided the faculty outside of class.  I definitely changed that my second semester, and it was reflected in my grades.  There are so many aspects of a law school education, beside going to class, taking exams, and reading all the time.  Not many people tell you about it, and you just have to figure it out for yourself (that's why this blog is a great thing!).  Each individual law school experience is highly personal.  For me, getting to know my professors, and taking advantage of their willingness to work with students, to help them as they grapple with all the new concepts and rules of law, has been pivotal in forming my own perspective on the law, and my life as a law student, and probably my life in general.

Have a great day, and go hug your professor!  Ok, maybe just shake their hand...or at least say "hello."  Or, you know, bring them an apple.  

The Accidental Pep Talk

At this point, I have likely become a member of everything you could be a member of and volunteered for everything you could volunteer for. Plus a couple of jobs on the side, a long-term girlfriend, and, of course, the family issues everyone has. Fortunately, you will only have this problem if you think you can do things like . . . fly, teleport, stop time, and shoot fireballs.
Why did I join all this stuff? Why am I here? I am writing this blog to disconnect for a moment. I need to step back and evaluate what my REAL priorities are. I am sleep and fun deprived. Is it worth it? When you’re in law school everyone will expect 120% from you every day. And, no one will care what your excuses are.
As a 1L I always resented the insensitivity of professors and upper classmen toward my stresses, worries, and inexperience in law as a whole. Everyone expected more. Professors wanted me to read more and be better prepared for class. The students kept pushing me to join more organizations. I would think to myself, “Am I really paying this much to feel like I am running full speed in two directions? These people are crazy! How do they do it?” I felt like everyone was so much more qualified than me in every way. Students with master degrees, some with doctorates, and others with more life and business experiences, a family of lawyers, etc. The professors had tons of academic success and career bragging rights—authors, entrepreneurs, and distinguished speakers.
Many times I thought, “Do I even belong here? How am I even going to compete?” Yet, here I am at the top of my class. No arrogance intended. I am just trying to tell you that law school has pushed me to do things I never thought I could have done. Now, I understand why everyone expects so much from you . . . that’s what you are paying for.
You will develop the ability to do all this stuff—fireballs and all. I am done evaluating for today. I feel like I just gave myself a pep talk . . . lol. I encourage you to do the same and enroll at St. Thomas. While the beginning is tough, once you figure it out, you will be so impressed with yourself. I have been forced to push myself harder than I ever thought I could. Whether or not you’re at the top of class “gradewise” at the end of the day, you will feel like you are on top of the world. See you at the top!

The End of the Semester is Upon Us

There is one month left of school.... OMG.... there is one month left of school!!! I have one month in which I have to finish my senior writing requirement, tie up loose ends with Mock Trial, study for finals, prepare for my new job, study for finals (I know I said that twice, but its a big one)..... Where does the time go?
This time in the semester is the time that truly tests a law student's stamina and ability to juggle a million things at once. As someone highly involved in campus organizations, I, along with the other crazy people who stretch themselves to the point of breaking during the semester, find myself feeling as if the weight of the world is pressing on my shoulders. I keep telling myself, "You signed up for this. Nobody made you take on extra responsibility. Nobody forced you to take on leadership roles." I keep telling myself that, but it doesn't seem to alleviate any of the pressure that has settled firmly in my chest.... lol....
I don't mean to frighten any of you out there in Blog World, but this, unfortunately, is the real life of an overachieving law student. There are plenty of people who go through law school without ever becoming involved in extracurricular activities; they go to class, take their exams, and graduate. They get the same degree that I will get.... the difference is, most law firms will not even interview a candidate, even one with a 4.0 gpa, that is not on Law Review, who is not involved in Moot Court or Mock Trial... Law firms want to see that you are more than just your grades, that you are someone who can handle more than one endeavor at a time. And this, my friends, is why I am currently sitting in the Law Review Office, writing this blog, surrounded by my research for my paper, all the while jotting down ideas for Mock Trial....
This is my life at the moment. I have entered the non sleeping phase of the semester where my brain refuses to shut off. I do three things at a time while thinking about another.... but I have an amazing job waiting for me this summer.... and an amazing future to look forward to..... and I am creating this future for myself with every freaked out sleepless night that spurs me to greatness. I signed up for this; and while the weight of the world can be a rather bulky load to bear, I am bearing it with my goals in mind, and my future shining in front of me, pushing me forward.
So that's all for now; an inside look at the craziness inspired by the end of my second year of law school. I hope everyone out there in Blog World is doing well, and is taking the time to do what they love :)

Cheers,
Dara

Pirates on the Law School Horizon

I'm so psyched to be contributing to this Blog for STU.  As I said in my bio, law school is what you make of it!  Once I realized that I could use the classes and resources available to me here to study the things that interest me, law school became an entirely different ballgame.  This semester, I'm writing 4 different papers on a topic that, although relatively unknown or unconsidered in the daily lives of the general population, is relevant and important in the maritime realm.  I'm focusing my research on the environmental causes of East and West African piracy (yes, piracy, as in "Arr").  As the focus of four of my courses, I have the chance to tailor my law school career as it focuses on a topic that is one of great concern to me.  Modern day piracy causes more than 3000 deaths on the high seas each year, and contributes to more than $50 billion dollars in losses to the maritime and shipping industry.  That's a long way from the popular conception of pirates as salty but good-natured scalawags!  My coursework here at St. Thomas has allowed me to guide my own research, and view it through 4 different lenses.  My seminar in Jurisprudence has lead me to consider the role of justice in this turn to piracy.  My law review paper has lead me to consider the problem from an intercultural human rights standpoint.  My Earth Jurisprudence seminar has lead me to reconsider the approach to remedying the pirate problem, and envision changes that would have to take place on the local, state, and international level to effect change.  My Admiralty and Maritime Law advisor has helped me to shape my research trail and focus my work on certain issues pertaining to maritime law and policy.  Overall, my work this semester has been fascinating, exhausting, enjoyable, and diverse.  In the context of my law school "career," I've been given the opportunity to explore, research, and cultivate an opinion on a topic that is important to me, and relevant to the safety of the global community.  

My New Inspiration...

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the National Conference of Law Reviews this past week. As I mentioned in a previous post, I was recently elected Managing Editor of our Law Review, and my new position on the incoming board afforded me a spot at the Conference, which was hosted by St. Thomas, and held at the Westin Diplomat here in sunny South Florida. I spent the week in panels, learning about my new position, and at meals listening to speakers. Mostly I felt overwhelmed by the amount of information being thrown at my head...lol.
The best part of my week, however, came in the form of a woman named Catherine Crier. Some of you out there in Blog World may know Ms. Crier as the former host of Catherine Crier Live on Court TV, as a best selling author, as a former state judge.... she is a woman who has worn many hats.... I was honored to play host to Ms. Crier on two different nights during the Conference. First she attended a dinner where Alberto Gonzales spoke, and then she was the keynote speaker at our closing dinner on Saturday night. I accompanied her to both of these events, and I was honored to do so.
I am one of those somehwat annoying people who believe that everything happens for a reason. That philosophy has gotten me through a lot of tough times. These past few days have been stressful... spending time at a conference, concentrating only on law review, while the rest of my life had to take a backseat, was stressful.... I was taking calls about Mock Trial, worrying about my senior writing requirement, upcoming finals.... ugh....
But then.... I met Catherine Crier, and I know it sounds cliche, but all of a sudden, it all seemed worth it. Here was a woman who had gone to law school, litigated, become a judge, carved out a career as a journalist, started her own production company.... and she didn't accomplish these things by sitting around and waiting for opportunity to find her. And there I sat, stressed, at the conference, worried about getting everything done... I realized in speaking with Ms. Crier, that I should instead be relishing these moments of opportunity that I am creating for myself. I should be proud to lead such a full and accomplished life. Yes, my life is crazy... but without the craziness, I would be bored and unfulfilled. Ms. Crier took the time to learn about me and make me feel special.... she is an amazing person; full of incredible stories, funny, brilliant, warm, and kind... meeting her has renewed my spirit for this final push before finals. Meeting her was the reason I was supposed to be at the National Conference of Law Reviews... maybe even the reason I was supposed to run for executive board in the first place... who knows?
Catherine Crier signed a book for me before we parted company. I didn't read the inscription until I returned home from the Conference. I opened the book and read:
"Dara, you're a star... Catherine"
That is one inscription I will be tucking away for moments of self doubt :)

Cheers,
Dara

How to approach Intimidating Professors?

One of the challenges of a first year student is figuring out how to form a good relationship with professors in order to maximize the class room experience. Of course you are not going to understand contracts and Civil Procedure after the first day or week of classes…unless of course you are a natural…which you probably are! Well I was not a natural and those classes I just mentioned were the most difficult classes I had. And so if you find yourself feeling lost after a day in class you must visit your professor. The professor’s at STU while some may seem intimidating in the class room are the total opposite once you get into their office. But the challenge is making that journey to the professor’s office with your laptop and books in hand…. It’s not that difficult what I did was make rounds to every single professor I had at some point during the semester, either to say hello, to talk about something I found interesting in class, but the most difficult time was when I really had no clue what happened in class and didn’t even know what to ask. In that event just go to the professor explain that you put in all the effort [because of the Socratic method- they want to know that you have at least tried!] but that you just don’t understand what happened in class that day. The professors response will probably be well what don’t you understand? Many times my response was “well I don’t know I don’t understand anything” , while I felt like a major retard at the moments the words came out of my mouth – I got positive feedback because I expressed my willingness to learn and understand. Keep going back to the professors- you will likely be in a class of 50 students…it helps when the professor knows you! By going to office hours on more than one occasion that professor will know your name and will remember it. You will be faced with situations where particular students are always talking, always volunteering ….just never shutting up. Don’t let that discourage or dissuade you…some students may actually know what they are saying, many students however speak because they can. If you feel you can’t go to a particular professor’s office…maybe because he is intimidating, another alternative is to go with a group of friends. That takes the attention from any one student but, everyone receives the benefit, and you will be more comfortable going alone next time.
The Bottom line is…..don’t be afraid to speak to professors, on occasion speak to them about a topic you know they are interested in…maybe your property professor is interested in Cats because you see them in his/her office…Speak about your cat..Then get down to the property questions you initially had! You have to work the system…because there are many people who are doing just that and you don’t want to be left behind!

How to Balance Moot Court, Mock Trial, Law Review, Work and Classes

...as i struggle to do all that i have to do i blog....
For those of you that like to be INVOLVED you may wonder how can I be involved and be successful in law school. So the question is how do you do it? Well I ask myself that every day. I am one of those people that pride themselves from being involved and it is for that reason that I am involved in Moot Court, Mock Trial, Law Review, The Black Law Students Association, The Academic integrity committee and other miscellaneous activities. How do I do it? Well…. Look at it this way…if you have a lot to do you virtually have no time to waste time. You are forced to manage your time well, you are forced to make a schedule and stick to it. Or…that’s how it is when things run smoothly. Let me be honest—it does not always go according to plan. As I write this blog, I have a headache, I am wondering how I am going t complete my two papers for classes, read for classes and study for finals while doing everything else that I have to do! I am freaking out now…but it usually falls into to place. I always complain about having too much to do but the beauty of it is that I always get it done. There are perks that come with getting involved with various activities within the school and the legal community. For one you get to interact not only with students but with the faculty and support staff for the school. I feel I am a good example of this…I have a good relationship with the staff in the registrar’s office, the admissions office, the career services office, the dean’s office, the SBA office….I think you get my point! On the other hand I am active in the community which gives me the opportunity to interact with lawyers and other professionals. This can only help you…And believe me it will! STU has an open door policy…WHY NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT? It never hurts to have a good relationship with all the individuals that are in the school community. When you need advice, favors have questions you will always have someone that’s in your corner. In law school NO MAN IS AN ISLAND you will always need someone for something. I will post another blog soon telling you the importance of NETWORKING-trust me you have to!
Until next time ……..

Mock Trial Madness: A Poem

An inside look at the madness competitions can inspire.....

Here I am in the Moot Court Room
during this
my Spring Break
while other people are on vacation
while other students are sleeping
and catching up on their reading
and studying for finals
here I sit
and stand
and sit
and stand
and cross
and direct
and object
and argue my case
here in the Moot Court Room
practicing for a Mock Trial competition
in four days
in Georgia
where it is cold.

Wish me luck!

Cheers,
Dara

Who Has Seen "The Paper Chase"?

I am watching it for the millionth time right now. If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest watching it before you go to law school :) It should scare the heck out of you. If you still want to go to law school after watching it, it is a good sign that you are ready to face your fears of the dreaded Socratic Method....
Ah, the Socratic Method.... picture your first day of college.... you know that your professor is going to give a lecture about what is going to happen during the semester... you don't even really have to attend that class... it is basically a free day.... right?
Now picture this... first day of law school... you've tried your best to read your assignments for the first day of class... you really have no idea how to read a case correctly, let alone know what a professor would want you to say about it.... you walk into class and try to figure the best place to sit... the front row definitely gets you noticed, right? You don't want to be noticed on the first day, right? So the front row is no good.... the back row makes you look like you don't want to be noticed, which is not good, either... The middle probably gives you the greatest odds of being called on so that's no good either, right? But you have to sit somewhere.... So you find a seat and pray. (I spent a lot of time my first semester praying not to be called on.) And inevitably... it happens... "Ms. So and So... tell us the facts of Some Guy v. Some Other Guy"... and with your heart in your throat you stumble through your first experience with the Socratic Method... no matter what you say with a lot of your professors, they will never tell you if you're right... they just ask you questions until you have no clue anymore if you're even talking about the case you read.... It is a lot of fun... really....
But you know what? It doesn't kill you. There are times where a professor can really embarrass you, but that typically only happens if you're not prepared for class. When I would get scared about being called on in class, my father (who is an attorney) would tell me, "What's the worst that can happen? They can't kill you, they're not allowed to hit you, and they probably don't want to eat you...." lol I still think about that when I get nervous about something.
The Socratic Method is a rite of passage... you will never be as nervous as you are the first time you are called upon to brief a case. Just remember that everyone else is as nervous as you are! If you want to chat about your fears about the darn method Socrates created, give me a holler :)

Cheers.
Dara

Law School Fears

I recently sat on a student panel for students interested in attending law school here at St. Thomas, and was asked if I had been nervous about embarking on my law school adventure. The answer is a resounding yes! I am sure that many of you out there in blogging land feel some sort of anxiety about law school... where you are going to go, who you are going to meet, your professors, studying..... I want to assure you that this is a completely normal way to feel. My Mom still laughs about the fact that I sat at my kitchen table crying before my first day of class (I'm a theatre chick, remember, I tend to be a little overdramatic). It didn't end there, though. My entire first semester I was convinced that everyone here was smarter than me, that they all knew what was going on, and because it would take me three hours to read one case, I was convinced that I was going to fail.
Fast forward to the present.... I didn't fail. I'm not the only person here who didn't understand things.... and my nerves pushed me to study harder and excel. I'm of the notion that if you really care about doing something well, you will be nervous about doing it. The people who don't care are the ones whose nerves never bother them. Making the decision to go to law school is a difficult one for some people. For some it is the natural progression of things, their life's calling... but for others, like me, who started out on a different path, deciding to go to law school is a complete upheaval of our lives. For all of us, it is the start of something new, which is scary for anyone. Change is scary.
Do I still get nervous? Sure... I freak out during finals... worry about finding a job... I have too much to do and not enough time to do it in... I spend many a sleepless night worrying about what I need to get done....but I'm a law student, and that is just the job description. I signed up for this, and quite frankly, as masochistic as it may sound, I love it. I hope you love it, too! If you have any questions, just let me know!
Catch you next time!
Cheers,
Dara

random thoughts about law school

Jesmany spoke about how to balance work, studying and Law school...I agree with his take on at as i took a similar path. [i will tell you about my views on balancing school, work and extracurricular activities at a later date] I don’t recommend that any full time law student consider working during their first semester. Your average day will consist of arriving at school around 8 or 9a.m., going to classes until around 4 or so, maybe hitting the gym, and studying for the duration of the night....this you will do for the entire first semester! For those that enjoy thanksgiving and would love to spend it with family---you may find yourself at the dinner table with your iPod- listening to Contracts---that was what happened to me at least. Don’t be discouraged though--while the first semester is described as the worst--if you put the time and effort in you will see the fruits of your efforts. For me it was a true battle...for one..I could not get out of my bed in the mornings--unfortunately for me I LOVE to sleep in---so to deal with that, I stayed up late at nights studying. You will figure out what works for you-while many of my friends arrived at school at 7:30 a.m. and were asleep by 11, my days were much different....i got to school right before classes at about 8:45 BUT stayed at school until 12 when the library closed...getting to bed around 1. As I said though..Don’t be disheartened- you will figure out what works for you as you go along. Let me talk about the library---on the one hand, you may find that you get most work done at school in the library or at home or at the park or at another schools library---don’t get your feathers ruffled by what works for your friends and classmates always do what works for you. One thing you may hear from STU students is to not get lost in the BREEZEWAY--i have mixed feelings where that’s concerned--some of the best students at STU studied day in day out in the breezeway---some students did not make it back after the first semester because they were in the breezeway day in day out...again do what works best for you! If you’re a social butterfly like myself socialize in the breezeway after you are comfortable and on top of your work. there are some perks about the dreaded breezeway though, such as being able to interact with your professors, Dean's and Judges in a very informal manner..Just don’t get stuck there! Until next time...shoot me any questions or leave any comments i will respond ASAP..

Student Life, Work Life, and Good Grades

A question was posed in a prior post regarding my thoughts on how to balance school and work and still achieve good grades. This is a tough one. I am inclined to say that it can’t be done. That law school is way too far-reaching and all-encompassing to have any time to do anything else but study as much as you can and worry about not studying enough. However, I can’t say that because I did it. I worked the 20 permitted hours during my first year. And my first semester of my second year was satiated with work and extra-curricular activities. So where’s the balance? I will focus first on your first year because that’s where you are headed. I worked, but it was a big mistake. If it wasn’t because I had about 10 reading days before the final exams I would have been singing a totally different tune (probably not writing in this blog about what to do in law school . . . lol). I recommend no work at least your first semester. I understand everyone has different needs, but if you are shooting for the top of the class, if you work, you are also shooting yourself in the foot. I did it and I can’t tell you how. I have always done better when I have a lot on my plate. Now, one thing I never swayed from--any work I did take I made sure that it was law-related. Everything you do should be helping you toward your ultimate goal of becoming a successful lawyer one day. Some tips on what I did to handle everything include: (1) write everything down on a calendar and check that calendar often; (2) don’t procrastinate and make sure to work on all your legal writing projects early because they will surely mess up your entire schedule if you don’t; and (3) outline your classes early (I’ll tell you more about outlining on another post). In regard to the first semester of second year . . . wow! That semester will need its own post titled “10 Easy Ways To Drive Yourself Crazy for an Entire Semester” . . . lol. Until then good luck! And I welcome any other questions you may have.

Law School’s Tough, but It’s Worth It!!!

I’m a 23 year old Miami local. I graduated from FIU with a major in Finance. I decided to attend law school because I wanted something more challenging, and sometimes you get what you ask for. Law school has definitely been the most challenging experience of my life. Other law students told me how difficult it could be at times, but you cannot really understand what they mean until you experience it for yourself. My best advice for you now is to not get discouraged by the horror stories you will probably hear in this blog . . . at the end it will be worth it. My decision to go to law school has been one the best decisions I have ever made. The fact that law school can be so difficult makes the feeling you get when you finish a semester, an exam, a legal writing memorandum, etc., that much greater. It is an incredible feeling for me to be able to look back and tell you these stories. Law school has given me the opportunity to accomplish sometimes insurmountable goals in an amazingly short period of time. At this point in my law school career, as a second year law student, in has not been that bad anymore. You figure out how this stuff works, so your second and third years tend to be more bearable. However, I always have to go and get involved in other extracurricular activities (like this blog) to make sure I’m still going nuts. I don't know why I do it, it just sort of happens . . . lol. I look forward to sharing many law school stories with you in the near future, so until then, good luck and ask me any questions you want.

Jesmany

Miles to go before I sleep...

Ah, trying to balance real life with law school; the seemingly endless battle between what I need to get done, what I would like to do, and what my life outside of law school requires. Since my first day of law school I have held firm in my belief that once we start school, the universe should construct a bubble around us capable of protecting us from the "real" world. Your first semester of school makes you feel as if nothing other than reading for class and studying for exams exists in the world... and then, inevitably, it happens... whatever "it" may be. Trust me when I tell you, something will happen during your first semester, a fight with your boyfriend/girlfriend, drama with your parents, some sort of sadness derived from the "real" world that you have somewhat removed yourself from in order to focus on school.... something... and it sucks... and you have to deal with it.
I wish I could tell you it gets easier after first year. That is what they say, right? First year they scare you to death, second year they work you to death, and third year they bore you to death... In my opinion, it only gets more difficult as you continue on in school. Sure, by second year you know more of what to expect, how to study more effectively, you're not quite as horrified at the idea of being called on in class.... but I, like many of my friends, have taken on so much more responsibility this year, between Mock Trial and Law Review and still taking required classes... oy.... I basically live at school... just set me up a cot in the breezeway and I would be all set.
So back to the initial point of this blog...Today is Valentine's Day. Big deal, right? Stupid holiday anyway. But here's the problem.... I have a Mock Trial Competition in less than a month, a 30 page paper to write, reading to catch up on for class, I just got elected to a new executive board position on the Law Review (I'll write more about that some other time)... my parents are going out of town so I have to dog sit, and darn it, I WANT TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY! I want to have dinner with my guy and not feel guilty about it. Is that so wrong? Of course, no one makes me feel bad about taking time off except for me... which is just one of the many crazy parts about law school that you all have to look forward to :)
So as I sit here at school today, the battle between work and play rages on.... wish me luck with my Valentine's Day plans! Either way, I have miles to go before I sleep....
Catch you guys next time!

Cheers,
Dara

A long day at law school

As i come to the close of a long day at school, i will post my first blog and tell you a little about myself. I am 23 and a second year law student at St. Thomas Univeristy [STU] in Miami, Florida. I was born and raised in Jamaica. . .and completed my Bachelor's Degree at the Univeristy of the West Indies. I am one of those that has done the "school thing" without working or taking a break for anything. So... i came to the US just for law school- what a shock that was for me! While it was somewhat challenging to adjust to law school and the way of life of law students i did it and im still alive and kicking. Fortunately for me coming to STU has served me well. That of course required efforts on my part....being a Jamaican i have a little 'hustle' in me- one thing i've learnt is that you soemtimes have to work the system in order to achieve goals. That remains true in the legal community/profession. STU has an environment which allows you to grow and achieve your goals and i have been doing just that. Let me be blunt...the first semester of law school was one of the most difficult times in my life BUT it gets much better...i promise. Being in my second semester of my second year i am extremely involved in the law school community and the legal community as a whole. I am currently on the Moot Court and Mock trial teams at my school...bascially these are honor societies which allow you to show your 'skills' [or the skills you think you have] as an advocate. I am also on one of the Law Review of my school as well as other activities. I try to be invovled...it helps me keep my sanity and balance. some people take a different path...not doing much besides reading those heavy law school books....for me i need a break every now and then.
...and of course there is work...so thats school, extracurriculars and work...how does it all get done? I havent exaclty figured that out yet. Despite this it all gets done someway-somehow. At the end of the day though...after drinking the 4th or 5th cup of coffee ,i think "its not that bad after all" ...what do you think?
............catch you next time!

How Far I've Come....

Seeing as this is my first official blog, I suppose I should tell you all a little about myself. As you may have already guessed, my name is Dara, and I am in the second semester of my second year at St. Thomas University School of Law. I graduated from the University of South Florida in 2002, moved to New York City to do the starving actress thing, and then moved back home with my parents after deciding that taking my LSAT and going to law school seemed like the lesser of two evils…
Now that the formalities are dispensed with, I can get down to the nitty gritty, the truth about my life, or lack thereof, as a law student… Have you ever had a day where you had nothing to do, and you just stayed in bed all day watching television and reading magazines? Sigh… I remember those days. Those pre law school days. See, I never thought I would end up here. My original plan was miles away from St. Thomas, and from law school in general. I started out as an actress. An honest to goodness, theatre majoring, NYC auditioning, working in retail to pay the bills, actress… It never ceases to amaze me how things turn out. If you would have told me four years ago that I would be sitting in the breezeway at St. Thomas, writing this blog so I didn’t have to read my monster Con Law assignment for tommorrow… I would have called you crazy. But here I am, and my NYC days seem to get further away with every word I type. Don’t think for one minute, though, that I regret my decision to go to law school, because that is definitely not the case. I have channeled my love of theatre into a newfound love of litigation and am completely smitten with the courtroom. Not that it has always been an easy transition. True confession time… I was fortunate enough to land an interview with one of the bigger firms in South Florida. I was so excited… I had my new suit… my resume all prepared… all my perfect answers carefully held on reserve until just the right moment presented itself to impress them with my brilliance… the first attorney I met with was the hiring partner. THE HIRING PARTNER! I was ready. I was so going to land this job. He shook my hand and hit me with the line I will never forget, “So… you were a theatre major? Really? That’s a real major? They really let you major in theatre?” Long story short, he wasn’t kidding… he thought I was a moron without ever hearing one of my brilliant answers. I didn’t get that job.
But its not all sadness and worry here in the land of the reformed actress. I impressed the heck out of another firm who only does litigation (litigators get the whole theatre thing), and I will be working there as a summer associate beginning in May. This “stupid” actress has also been elected the President of Mock Trial, been selected as a member of Law Review, and is going to be published in an upcoming issue of said Law Review. So take that, Mr. You Were An Actress So You Obviously Have No Brain.
I will end with a little unsolicited advice. Don’t let anyone dictate what you can do with your life. You know who you are, and what you are capable of. People will always try to tell you that you can’t. Don’t listen. I never really knew how much I was capable of until I turned my world upside down and came to law school. There are days where I sit back for the few seconds I have to myself and allow myself to think about how far I’ve come…. and I am proud. Live your life in a way that makes you proud! Catch you next time
Cheers,
Dara

Hello World

This is the new post!