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.