With the Law School heading right into finals during next week, I thought a survival guide was in order. Read on to learn all about the importance of study groups, how to best manage your time, and ways to make sure your parents feel good about the time and money spent on your education!
Showing posts with label law school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label law school. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Law School Registration
Hey all, not much of a post from me this week. Law School has been super busy recently.
All the 1Ls had a 20 plus page paper due tonight at midnight. Drift on over to our building, and I bet you see a lot of zombies. So, this post will be fun.
But I thought I would share a little about the registration process here at the Law School, and I am very interested to see what it is like across the rest of the disciplines.
All the 1Ls had a 20 plus page paper due tonight at midnight. Drift on over to our building, and I bet you see a lot of zombies. So, this post will be fun.
But I thought I would share a little about the registration process here at the Law School, and I am very interested to see what it is like across the rest of the disciplines.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Moot Court
This week I would like to share an awesome UB Law experience.
Moot Court is an inter-school law competition. It involves submitting an appellate brief and making an oral argument on a point of law. There is a hypothetical (but based very much in the real world) legal problem, which both teams research and review. They then write an appellate brief, which is similar to a position paper you might have written in undergrad. Basically, there is a question of law, and you attempt to convince the court why they should adopt your position. The oral argument is based off the same problem, but is performed before a panel of judges. It is most certainly not a speech, however, but more on that later.
The University of Baltimore is very actively involved in Moot Court. We have a ton of teams, and unofficially the most students out of any law school. Also, our teams do very well.
Moot court, however, is an extra activity outside of school. While it looks good on resume, it also is a lot of work. This is my experience.
First of all, the problem is released. About two weeks later, the brief is due. The problem set out a fact pattern, and an issue of law. For the try out, it was a closed problem, meaning the only authority (sources) you can use are the seven cases pre-selected for you. While this makes the problem much more manageable (NO RESEARCH!!!!) it also makes it more difficult. With a closed problem, the cases that support your position are from other jurisdictions or lower courts, and the ones from the highest courts in your jurisdiction generally don't support your cause.
After reading the 7 cases about 15 times, I was ready to write. The brief has a page limit of 6 pages, but in total I wrote approximately 20. Seriously. I can't tell you how many times I wrote a paragraph or two, then completely deleted it and re-wrote it, only to repeat the process an hour later. That is the thing about legal writing. Professor Warnken, whom the Moot Court competition is named for, says over and over, "There is no good legal writing, only good legal re-writing." I can tell you that I spent a solid 8 straight hours in front of a computer in the law library working on my final draft.
Then the draft gets submitted, and it is oral argument time. For oral argument, you basically make the same points as in your brief, but vocally to a panel of three judges. There is a strict 10 minute time limit, which sounds like forever, but in reality you spend more time trying to cut your argument DOWN.
Additionally, the judges (for the moot competition, you get UIB alums who are either practicing lawyers or real judges) interrupt you at any time with questions. Seriously, you will be mid sentence, and a judge will blurt out some random question. As soon as you see his or her mouth move, you have to shut up. Then, you are left trying to figure out a way to not only answer the question, but support your case, and use the relevant authority to do so. And the clock is ticking.
There are horror stories too. Some judges consider this a chance to haze you, by harassing you with impossible questions. One of my Law Scholars (basically a TA for law school) told us she cursed under her breath, but into the microphone, burst into tears, and ran from the room. Two years ago, a girl passed out. Guys' voices routinely crack like they are 12 years old.
So all this stress, and for what? Well, for one, I wrote a 6 page brief that I am proud of. The arguments are tight. The cases are relevant. The citations are accurate. It LOOKS nice. I would show it to a prospective employer. And as for the oral argument, let me tell you, when someone who a legal career towering over yours says, "It was exciting that you worked that case into your answer," well, I don't really know many other things that top that. I was so hoped up on adrenaline that one of my classmates I bumped into after admonished me to relax.
It is a time to really buckle down, work hard, but take serious pride in your work. In school, you always work hard, but most of it is so ephemeral. You hand it in, get feedback and a grade, but by the time it comes back to you, you have already moved on. Not this. I feel like I have done something worth while, that I have done work to be proud of, to take with me.
The unfortunate reality of moot court, is that there are slightly over 100 of us competing for about 50 spots. So more than half of us are going to have nothing to show for our efforts.
Not me though. Wether I get placed on a team or not, I will always know that I did something I am proud of.
Moot Court is an inter-school law competition. It involves submitting an appellate brief and making an oral argument on a point of law. There is a hypothetical (but based very much in the real world) legal problem, which both teams research and review. They then write an appellate brief, which is similar to a position paper you might have written in undergrad. Basically, there is a question of law, and you attempt to convince the court why they should adopt your position. The oral argument is based off the same problem, but is performed before a panel of judges. It is most certainly not a speech, however, but more on that later.
The University of Baltimore is very actively involved in Moot Court. We have a ton of teams, and unofficially the most students out of any law school. Also, our teams do very well.
Moot court, however, is an extra activity outside of school. While it looks good on resume, it also is a lot of work. This is my experience.
First of all, the problem is released. About two weeks later, the brief is due. The problem set out a fact pattern, and an issue of law. For the try out, it was a closed problem, meaning the only authority (sources) you can use are the seven cases pre-selected for you. While this makes the problem much more manageable (NO RESEARCH!!!!) it also makes it more difficult. With a closed problem, the cases that support your position are from other jurisdictions or lower courts, and the ones from the highest courts in your jurisdiction generally don't support your cause.
After reading the 7 cases about 15 times, I was ready to write. The brief has a page limit of 6 pages, but in total I wrote approximately 20. Seriously. I can't tell you how many times I wrote a paragraph or two, then completely deleted it and re-wrote it, only to repeat the process an hour later. That is the thing about legal writing. Professor Warnken, whom the Moot Court competition is named for, says over and over, "There is no good legal writing, only good legal re-writing." I can tell you that I spent a solid 8 straight hours in front of a computer in the law library working on my final draft.
Then the draft gets submitted, and it is oral argument time. For oral argument, you basically make the same points as in your brief, but vocally to a panel of three judges. There is a strict 10 minute time limit, which sounds like forever, but in reality you spend more time trying to cut your argument DOWN.
Additionally, the judges (for the moot competition, you get UIB alums who are either practicing lawyers or real judges) interrupt you at any time with questions. Seriously, you will be mid sentence, and a judge will blurt out some random question. As soon as you see his or her mouth move, you have to shut up. Then, you are left trying to figure out a way to not only answer the question, but support your case, and use the relevant authority to do so. And the clock is ticking.
There are horror stories too. Some judges consider this a chance to haze you, by harassing you with impossible questions. One of my Law Scholars (basically a TA for law school) told us she cursed under her breath, but into the microphone, burst into tears, and ran from the room. Two years ago, a girl passed out. Guys' voices routinely crack like they are 12 years old.
So all this stress, and for what? Well, for one, I wrote a 6 page brief that I am proud of. The arguments are tight. The cases are relevant. The citations are accurate. It LOOKS nice. I would show it to a prospective employer. And as for the oral argument, let me tell you, when someone who a legal career towering over yours says, "It was exciting that you worked that case into your answer," well, I don't really know many other things that top that. I was so hoped up on adrenaline that one of my classmates I bumped into after admonished me to relax.
It is a time to really buckle down, work hard, but take serious pride in your work. In school, you always work hard, but most of it is so ephemeral. You hand it in, get feedback and a grade, but by the time it comes back to you, you have already moved on. Not this. I feel like I have done something worth while, that I have done work to be proud of, to take with me.
The unfortunate reality of moot court, is that there are slightly over 100 of us competing for about 50 spots. So more than half of us are going to have nothing to show for our efforts.
Not me though. Wether I get placed on a team or not, I will always know that I did something I am proud of.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Bar Bowl
Let me tell you about an awesome UB Law tradition that took place last weekend. It is called Bar Bowl, and it is amazing.
Bar Bowl is the law school's flag football tournament (to be fully accurate its two hand touch). It draws from all the years, although it appears that 1L and 2L teams are the most numerous. It is a double elimination tournament, played 8 on 8 on fields about 25 yards in total length. The SBA (Student Bar Association) sponsors it.
The football action was pretty exciting. It is coed, and there are of course rules about playing a certain number of females at all times. Interestingly, there are also rules about 'forced gender' plays, where a lady has to either throw, catch, or run with the ball. On the opposing side, none of the men can play defense. While at first it seems almost like a left handed compliment, it turned out that by virtue of having some really talented girls on our team, we ended up scoring on almost every single 'forced gender' play. In fact, the girls on our team probably scored 2/3 of all our points.
The competition was pretty fierce as well. Although the fitness levels varied greatly, most of the game seemed pretty close. We played two very close games that came down to the final drives, but did lose handily to the returning champs. The student refereeing was for the most part very good. Of course, you always find a few examples of bad sportsmanship, but in general the spirt was more have a good time than grind your opponents into the dirt.
Also, the faculty team was impressive to watch. Dean Closius is quite the athlete. I think its great that so many faculty members come out to these events with the students as well.
The other piece that I have neglected to mention about Bar Bowl, and part of what makes it so entertaining, is that it is a drinking event. Our team began at 9 am with a team stretch, followed by a team beer chug. Players were subbed out to waiting Mimosas. I think Milwaukee's Best, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and of course Mr. Natty Boh himself were de facto sponsors. This is also why our team of 20 made so much sense, about half way through the second game people were taking longer and longer breaks.
But of course, this is law school, and fortunately we have some experience with alcohol. As soon as our first game was over, we fired up the grill, and the SBA provided water and pizza to help balance out the booze. While much beer was consumed, and while people definitely 'loosened up' this event was free from major binge drinking or scarily high levels of intoxication. People got loud and laughed easily, but I did not observe anyone staggering (except from sore muscles). If anything, nothing makes quick friends like coed football, a grill, and cheap beer.
Bar Bowl is the law school's flag football tournament (to be fully accurate its two hand touch). It draws from all the years, although it appears that 1L and 2L teams are the most numerous. It is a double elimination tournament, played 8 on 8 on fields about 25 yards in total length. The SBA (Student Bar Association) sponsors it.
The football action was pretty exciting. It is coed, and there are of course rules about playing a certain number of females at all times. Interestingly, there are also rules about 'forced gender' plays, where a lady has to either throw, catch, or run with the ball. On the opposing side, none of the men can play defense. While at first it seems almost like a left handed compliment, it turned out that by virtue of having some really talented girls on our team, we ended up scoring on almost every single 'forced gender' play. In fact, the girls on our team probably scored 2/3 of all our points.
The competition was pretty fierce as well. Although the fitness levels varied greatly, most of the game seemed pretty close. We played two very close games that came down to the final drives, but did lose handily to the returning champs. The student refereeing was for the most part very good. Of course, you always find a few examples of bad sportsmanship, but in general the spirt was more have a good time than grind your opponents into the dirt.
Also, the faculty team was impressive to watch. Dean Closius is quite the athlete. I think its great that so many faculty members come out to these events with the students as well.
The other piece that I have neglected to mention about Bar Bowl, and part of what makes it so entertaining, is that it is a drinking event. Our team began at 9 am with a team stretch, followed by a team beer chug. Players were subbed out to waiting Mimosas. I think Milwaukee's Best, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and of course Mr. Natty Boh himself were de facto sponsors. This is also why our team of 20 made so much sense, about half way through the second game people were taking longer and longer breaks.
But of course, this is law school, and fortunately we have some experience with alcohol. As soon as our first game was over, we fired up the grill, and the SBA provided water and pizza to help balance out the booze. While much beer was consumed, and while people definitely 'loosened up' this event was free from major binge drinking or scarily high levels of intoxication. People got loud and laughed easily, but I did not observe anyone staggering (except from sore muscles). If anything, nothing makes quick friends like coed football, a grill, and cheap beer.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Green UB
The University of Baltimore gets greener. At the end of last month, the University announced a new green roof was being installed on the law school. This roof offers stormwater management, oxygen generation, and will help cool the building during those Baltimore Augusts we love so much. This is the latest in several steps UB has taken to be more sustainable. As UB is building a new structure for the law school, replacing a parking lot, there is another opportunity for the University to get even greener.
Now when will UB let me hold a picnic up there?
Now when will UB let me hold a picnic up there?
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Conversation Continues
I am sitting in Langsdale right now to prepare the final post of the semester. Despite being at the end, the conversation continues as social media abounds at UB.
First, there's a collection of blogs worth noting:
Finally, there's a YouTube Channel:
UB and the Alumni Association have presences on Facebook and LinkedIn, too. So keep on talking, and if you start a UB-related blog, Twitter, or other social media account, post it in the comments!
First, there's a collection of blogs worth noting:
- Langsdale Library News--Straight from the librarians
- University of Baltimore Law Library--Librarians and lawyers
- Take the Lead!--Leadership UB's official blog
- University of Baltimore CNCM Student Info Blog--News from the Center for Negotiations and Conflict Management
- Ron's Blog--News from the Towson/UB MBA program
Finally, there's a YouTube Channel:
UB and the Alumni Association have presences on Facebook and LinkedIn, too. So keep on talking, and if you start a UB-related blog, Twitter, or other social media account, post it in the comments!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Expansion for the Law School
This week, the Maryland Daily Record reported the Maryland General Assembly had directed the University System of Maryland to explore the possibility of opening a branch of the University of Baltimore School of Law in Prince George's County. The idea of the PG law branch is to provide an alternative legal education, with public university tuition rates, to Maryland residents in the DC suburbs. There are five private law schools inside the beltway (American, Catholic, Howard, Georgetown, and George Washington) and one public (UDC). But Maryland residents must pay out-of-state or private tuition levels to attend these schools.
Given the success of the University of Baltimore/Towson University jointly-managed MBA program, UB should consider partnering with a USM school in Prince George's. There are two, the University of Maryland, College Park and Bowie State University. Bowie State is the better option. As an HBCU, partnering with Bowie State would give UB the ability to reach out to underserved populations and assist Bowie State with meeting is unique mission. Additionally, Bowie State is easily accessible from Annapolis, in addition to all of PG. It would be good to see UB and Bowie State consider this option.
Given the success of the University of Baltimore/Towson University jointly-managed MBA program, UB should consider partnering with a USM school in Prince George's. There are two, the University of Maryland, College Park and Bowie State University. Bowie State is the better option. As an HBCU, partnering with Bowie State would give UB the ability to reach out to underserved populations and assist Bowie State with meeting is unique mission. Additionally, Bowie State is easily accessible from Annapolis, in addition to all of PG. It would be good to see UB and Bowie State consider this option.
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