Have You Heard About the Women's Law Association?

The Women's Law Association is yet another amazing student organization at the Capital University Law School and they provide excellent opportunities for all students, including men! Did you know, in 2013 women represented only 20.2% of law firm partners nationwide? This number is only 3.4% higher than it was in 2003! The mission of the Women's Law Association (WLA) is to improve the status of women in the legal profession by identifying barriers that women face. They design projects and programs to engage the student body and enhance understanding about the issues legal professionals face on a daily basis.


WLA is very important to its members, especially their president, Holly Torres. She states "[a]s a female entering a predominately male profession, I think it is exceptionally important to provide women with as many educational and professional opportunities as possible in order to improve their status. . . . Even with women entering, and graduating, law school in higher numbers than in the past, women are still fairly underrepresented in [the] profession, especially in top-level positions such as [] partner." She feels an organization like WLA is not only essential, but it is the perfect platform for women to have an open dialogue and encourage each other to make real change. WLA has allowed its members to develop leadership, organizational, and networking skills that can't be beat!

WLA is doing a lot of awesome stuff this year, and everyone should check them out.

• WLA will participate in Capital's 2nd annual Diversity Week. On October 19th at 5:00 PM in room 208 they will host Former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Yvette McGee Brown, Ohio Attorney General Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Jennifer Adair (a Capital alumna!), and General Counsel and Executive Sponsor for the Professional Women's Network Group, Pam Vest Boratyn (another Capital alumna). Come check it out!
• WLA will begin hosting a monthly Brown Bag Conversation series, similar to Barrister's Club. They will be hosing local judges, attorneys, and deans to talk about the legal field and professional life. These brown bags will be limited to only 6-8 members so be sure to watch your e-mail for more information! 
• WLA and the Office of Professional Development will host Capital's annual Women Leadership Forum with the Esther Brocker Scholarship Reception on November 3rd at Ice Miller. 
• In November, WLA will host a fundraiser. They will be selling raffle tickets for final exam "crash" baskets that will include all of your exam time goodies/must haves! Be sure to enter to win a basket full of sugar, energy drinks, school supplies, and gift cards. 
• In the spring, WLA will host a "Galentines Day" bake sale.
• Watch out for a wine and paint social - my favorite! 
• Also, stay tuned for the highlight of the spring, the Constitutional Law Debate where you can watch your professors battle out current issues before the Supreme Court!
• Finally, WLA will work with the Women Lawyers of Franklin County on a joint community service project, and provide WLA members the opportunity to attend Women Lawyers of Franklin County's Soiree celebration.  
• As always, feel free to attend regular meetings to get more information on how to get involved!

This year, WLA would like to grow its membership and make all their events successful. Success to them means their attendees walk away from the conversations, panels, and events with a new perspective. Holly believes "it is imperative that women be equipped, educated, and inspired to break the ever present glass ceiling that lingers over women in the legal field[,] and it is not enough for only women to speak on these issues!" If you are interested in attending a meeting, participating in an event, or just getting to know more about this incredible student org, contact Holly Torres at htorres@law.capital.edu for more information!

Social Media Dos and Don’ts for Law Students

Pretty much everyone uses at least one, if not more, forms of social media. It's easy to use, fun to look at and can pass time even on the slowest days.  But, watch what you say, once you hit the post, send, or tweet button, someone out there is going to see it.  Even though posting on social media is usually protected speech, that doesn't mean you should always say what you feel.

1. Don't vent about your professors.

You may feel the need once in awhile to vent about a particular professor or class.  But don't do it on social media.  Professors and administrators are on social networks and you wouldn't want to give the wrong impression to anyone that you can't keep your opinions to yourself.  If you really feel the need to vent, do so with a trusted classmate, without other ears around, so it stays between a limited number of people.

2. Don't vent about your classmates.

Same as your professors, don't vent publicly about classmates.  You wouldn't want someone out there trashing your name, so you really shouldn't do it to someone else.  Your classmates will become your colleagues in the near future, would you want to go up against opposing counsel who remembers what you said about him/her on social media years ago?  Memories can be long when it comes to things of this nature,

3. Expand your professional network.

By all means, friend your classmates, professors, administrators and those you network with, as you come across them in your lives. The law profession is all about networking, use social media to create a solid professional network, and use it!

4. Avoid the time suck.

Set aside some time each day to look at, post, and comment on social media.  Don't just randomly hop on and off during class and other times of the day, that time can surely add up.  Also, watch when you post things.  Employers and professors can see social media, and if you constantly posting during work or class hours, someone may notice. Stick to times are you waiting for class to start, or after you get home, so you don't get the reputation as someone that is distracted all the time by social media.

5. Don't trash the school.

This should go without saying, but don't trash the school you go to, even in jest.  It looks bad on everyone when students say nasty things about their school.  If you can't say something positive, then don't say anything at all.

6. Only post messages and information that you would say publicly.

A good rule of thumb...if you wouldn't say it in front of your mother (or grandmother), then chances are you shouldn't say it on social media.

7. NEVER post when you are angry or upset...once it's out there, someone has seen it.

Even if you think better of something later and delete, chances are more than one person has already seen it.  Cool off, take some time to think about what you were going to say.

8. DO have fun with it.

Social media is out there for a reason...it's fun.  How else can you see endless pictures of cute baby animals, or that video of the baby panda sneezing that scares his mother?

These are always good pointers for your professional life after law school...be mindful of what you say..

Check Out the Christian Legal Society!

Happy October, Cap Law community! As we are gearing up for fall, I want to introduce you to the Christian Legal Society! The Christian Legal Society (CLS) is  yet another one of our amazing and dedicated student groups. Their mission is "to provide an avenue for students to either explore their faith, or to continue to grow an existing relationship with Jesus Christ" according to President, Paul Strobel.

The Christian Legal Society is very important to Paul because it helped him keep perspective when faced with the challenges and stresses of 1L year. Doing well in school was extremely important to him. However, CLS showed him there is more to life, and to law school, than getting good grades. Not only is it important to give back to your community both inside and outside the law school, but it is important to stay in touch with what is important to you.

                                                   http://meditationonlongisland.org/volunteering-at-the-center/

The Christian Legal Society has a lot of awesome activities planned this year.

• One event they are particularly excited about is hosting a mock trial of a story from the Old Testament. They are going to incorporate practicing attorneys in Columbus. Not only is this an amazing way to hone your advocacy skills, but it will allow you to network with local attorneys. 
• There are also several volunteer opportunities to look forward to and get involved with such as:
• Volunteering with the Faith Mission. The Faith Mission is the largest shelter system in Columbus. They have two men's shelters and one women's shelter where they provide beds, food, clothing, and support services such as free legal clinics.  
• Volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House Charities provide assistance for families who have sick children in the hospital. Their mission is to support programs that improve the health and well-being of children by making sure their families are close by.
• Look for e-mails from the Christian Legal Society about these really amazing events and volunteer opportunities! 

This year, CLS would like to have more of a presence in the Capital Law School Community. They want to make sure people know what CLS is, and how to get involved in this awesome organization. If you have any questions, or would like to find out more about CLS, contact Paul Strobel at pstrobel@law.capital.edu!

And now for something completely different...

Photo Credit

Now that midterms after over for 1Ls, and the semester is nearing the half-way point, it is time to have a few laughs (or roll your eyes at the bad jokes, whatever makes you happy! :) )

What's the difference between a good lawyer and a bad lawyer?       

     A bad lawyer can let a case drag out for several years. A good lawyer can make it last even longer.

A lawyer dies and goes to Heaven. "There must be some mistake," the lawyer argues. "I'm too young to die. I'm only 31." "31?" says Saint Peter. "No, according to out calculations, you're 110." "How'd you get that?" the lawyer asks. Answers St. Peter, "We added up your billable hours."

As the lawyer awoke from surgery, he asked, "Why are all the blinds drawn?" The nurse answered, "There's a fire across the street, and we didn't want you to think you had died."

A man and his young son were visiting the grave of the son's grandmother. On their way through the cemetery back to the car, the son asked, "Daddy, do they ever bury two people in the same grave?"       

      "Of course not, son," replied the father, "Why would you think that?"

      "The tombstone back there said... 'Here lies a lawyer and an honest man.'"

What's the one thing that never works when it's fixed?

    A jury.

Why won't sharks attack lawyers?

    Professional courtesy.

What do you get when you cross the Godfather with a lawyer?

    An offer you can't understand.

And finally...

A lawyer boarded an airplane in New Orleans with a box of frozen crabs and asked a blonde stewardess to take care of them for him. She took the box and promised to put it in the crew's refrigerator. He advised her that he was holding her personally responsible for them staying frozen, mentioning in a very haughty manner that he was a lawyer, and proceeded to rant at her about what would happen if she let them thaw out. Needless to say, she was annoyed by his behavior. Shortly before landing in New York, she used the intercom to announce to the entire cabin, "Would the lawyer who gave me the crabs in New Orleans, please raise your hand."

     Not one hand went up . . . . so she took them home and ate them.

SMILE!

The Children & Family Law Association: Why You Should Get Involved!

Welcome back Capital Law School community. Have you heard of the Children & Family Law Association? If not, you should definitely check them out at their next meeting. Their mission is to promote and advocate for the rights of children and families. They also want to connect Cap Law students and CFLA members with practicing attorneys in the area. As I have mentioned, these groups understand the value of networking, and strive to create opportunities for students to interact with family law practitioners in the Columbus area.


http://www.dorchesterchildren.org/

Steve Katz is one of CFLA's most dedicated members. He is incredibly passionate about their cause. He states "children don't have their own voice in the legal system, so it is important for us to advocate on their behalf and for their best interests." His involvement in CFLA has also given him the opportunity to expand his network. He has spoken with magistrates, judges, practicing attorneys and politicians about these hot button issues. CFLA members can have an open and candid conversation about the challenges and issues facing children and families in our local community.

There are a ton of opportunities to get involved with CFLA this year. You just missed an OSBA/CFLA luncheon with Magistrate Lenski. However, don't fret! Watch your e-mail for more opportunities to get involved, coming soon!

This year, CFLA wants to keep up the good work. They hope to have:

• A second lunch with a magistrate to give students an opportunity network and learn more about their involvement in the community.
• A documentary film screening.
• A discussion with state senators to allow students to ask pointed questions about how the Ohio legislature is working for children and families.
• They also plan to add to this list of awesome events. Like I said, stay tuned and watch your e-mail! 

Finally, Steve and CFLA would like to share some words of wisdom for 1Ls and new and incoming students. "Get involved and get involved early!" 1L year is tough and can seem completely overwhelming. However, the key to success is balancing your time and if you do that, you will find time to get involved with student orgs. Whether students choose to join CFLA or another student group, just try to make it a priority. Steve personally has made a lot of valuable connections through his work with CFLA. We can never emphasize enough the importance of building your network and establishing relationships with people in the legal community. It is never too early to start. If you have any questions, contact cfla@law.capital.edu.

Midterms are OVER!

Now What?

There are generally one of three thoughts law students have after they take their first midterm.

1.   "Wow! I did awesome! I'm going to do great in law school!"
2. "Hmm, well, I did as well as the curve, I'm doing okay, I'm going to be just fine!"
3. "Oh my! What happened? I can't believe I got a D! Maybe I am not cut out for law school!"

No matter what your grade, or what your thoughts, you should always meet with your professor and get feedback and use it to improve your study habits.  Meeting with classmates can also help get feedback on your study habits.  Take the next couple of weeks to fine tune what works for you.

If you thought #1, great!  But don’t stop studying. Just because you did well, doesn’t mean all your classes would have had the same outcome, keep up the good work…but don’t stop!

If you thought #2, good! You are going to be just fine, try to retrace your study habits and make some adjustments.  For some of us, we just need to take one test to be able to know what to expect.  Now that one is out of the way, you’ll be able to know how to prepare for the next one and improve.

If you thought #3, don’t worry, life isn’t over.  Most every law student at one time or another takes a bad test.  It happens, learn from the experience and start studying for the next one.  You can certainly pass the class, and even do quite well, with one low midterm grade.  Meet with your professor and take advantage of any ASP workshops going on.  There are plenty of people and resources to help everyone be successful and help you recover from this one midterm.

Well done, now take a break for a few hours and do something fun!

Go Green with the Environmental & Energy Law Society!

Welcome back to our weekly Capital University Law School student org update! This week I want to tell you about an awesome organization that goes by EELS. EELS stands for the Environmental and Energy Law Society. Their mission is to give students at Capital exposure to the abundance of opportunities available in this booming industry. EELS would like to provide guidance to students who are interested in this career path. They are there to help determine what kind of classes you should take and expose students to 

                          http://blog.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/tag/cse/                                                                                                                    
valuable networking opportunities. Finally, EELS cannot overlook the importance of exposing students at Cap Law to the gravity of caring for the environment and preserving it for the future.

The President of EELS, Erica Friedman, feels very passionately about the organization. She wants to help students who are interested in this career path break into the field. She understands the value of networking and meeting like minded individuals who are currently practicing in this area of law. The environmental bar in Columbus is a very dedicated group of people who want to engage with students. Erica also feels passionately about environmental stewardship. EELS gives her an outlet to raise awareness in and around the law school community about the importance of conservation and our responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. 

So what is EELS doing this year and how can you get involved?

• Their first meeting is on September 29th from 5:00-6:00 PM. During this meeting, there will be a panel on "Careers in Energy Law"  hosted in conjunction with the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation and the Office of Professional Development. Alumni will have a chance to talk about what exactly they do, and why they do it! Food and Beverages will be provided. 
• They will host a panel on climate change with esteemed professionals ranging from OSU Moritz College of Law to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Watch your email for more details!
• They will also be planning a fundraiser and a community service event. They welcome anyone who is interested to get involved.

EELS hopes to host an exciting event each semester to get the word out about this awesome group and their mission. They want to get students excited about environmental and energy law. If you have any questions please contact efriedman@law.capital.edu!