Ms. JD | Changing the Face of the Legal Profession

Women Lawyers Who Rock: An Interview with Dean Joan Howarth

Submitted by ms.marisa

In my previous entry I acknowledged Ms. Arabella Mansfield who established a place in the legal world for women across the country. Today, I would like to recognize the Dean of my law school, Dean Joan Howarth, who is an incredible and profound leader to all her students in so many ways.

Dean Howarth is the first female Dean at Michigan State University College of Law (MSUCOL), and she has done a fantastic job since taking the position in 2008. Prior to being the law school’s proud Dean, Dean Howarth had already created an impressive academic and groundbreaking path for herself.

A native of the Garden State, she earned her A.B. in religion from Smith College. Following college and before law school, Dean Howarth worked for five years, including as a civil liberties organizer.

Her work as a civil liberties organizer was the catalyst behind Dean Howarth’s law career. Dean Howarth decided that she wanted to improve the work that she was analyzing, and to do so, she would need to become a lawyer herself. This decision led her to the University of Southern California where she earned her J.D. (And on a side note to any pre-law ladies reading: Dean Howarth highly recommends taking some time off in between undergrad and law school if possible!)

After learning Dean Howarth’s background, it’s no wonder that she makes being the face of an entire law school look effortless. She’s been a law professor for over twenty years in California, and prior to moving to Michigan she was the Associate Dean of the William S. Boyd School of Law in Nevada. But in 2008, Dean Howarth recognized some amazing possibilities at MSUCOL.

“The opportunities here at MSUCOL were enough to get me out of my geographic comfort zone,” she said.

One Step At A Time - Identifying Key Issues For New Women Lawyers

Submitted by Desiree Moore

I practiced at a large law firm for nearly seven years before I launched my own business. Near the end of my practice, some of the key issues we discussed routinely as women in the firm included work/life balance, salary equality, promotion to partner, and related topics. These issues become exceedingly relevant as women associates approach the threshold for making partner. There are relatively few women partners, and fewer who manage career and life outside of work with ease - it is natural, then, to question whether there is any realistic possibility for doing it differently.

There is so much to be said here, and I look forward to Sarah Villaneuva's upcoming posts on these and other issues. In the meantime, however, I thought I would take a small step back and identify some of the key issues that routinely impact new women lawyers early in a legal career, long before the larger issues become pressing.

In my work with law students and new lawyers, I am sensitive to the nuances of the new lawyer experience. For all new lawyers, there is a transition period. Often, this transition period involves substantive and interpersonal challenges. And for new women lawyers, there are additional nuanced scenarios that further impact the new lawyer experience.

Three recurring scenarios in particular come to mind:

1. Not having a voice

New women lawyers routinely struggle with feeling as though they do not have a voice in their legal practices. This is in part a function of being a new lawyer generally – it takes time and effort to earn an audience of your colleagues.

Now & Then: What It Means To Be A Feminist featuring Njeri Thuku

Submitted by Mahira Siddiqui

Njeri Thuku is a Resident Magistrate in Kisii located in southwest Kenya. Ms. Thuku received her Bachelor of Law with a minor in Economics from Keele University-U.K., a Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law, and a Certificate in Mediation and Arbitration from the International Law Institute, in collaboration with Georgetown University.

Ms. Thuku is the recipient of the International Women Judges Graduate Fellowship, established by Golden Gate University School of Law and the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) in an effort to advance issues involving the role of women in international justice systems.

As part of Black History Month, Magistrate Thuku speaks about the need for advancement of women of color, her experiences as an international feminist "then", and her optimistic outlook for Kenyan women "now". The views expressed below are her own and do not reflect the Kenyan Judiciary’s position.

Could you describe some of the predominant differences between the Kenyan and United States justice system?

Too Legit to Quit: Life Happens and Keeps Happening...

Submitted by Sarah Villanueva

As much as it pains me, I have to admit it. I’m not prepared to write this month’s column. I had great aspirations. Women I was going to interview, questions I was going to ask, books and articles I was going to read. It was going to be epic.

Then life happened.

I’m a first year associate. We all know what that means: long hours, lots of work, and the constant stress of not knowing what the heck you are doing and worrying that you are screwing everything up and committing malpractice at every turn.

In addition to that, I coach (and am in charge of) a high school mock trial team. And I co-chair a subcommittee for Oregon Women Lawyers and we put on an event in early February. And I’m on the Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Committee. And I’m sure I do other things that I’m forgetting....

AND THEN... I got notice that my husband and I have to move out of our rental. So we are packing, moving into another rental, while we start looking to buy a house. Moving twice in a matter of months! SO FUN! AND I’m also training for a half marathon with the amazing group Team in Training and raising money to cure blood cancers. (Self-serving plug: If you want to donate to my team... you can go here.)

The Mother Law: Stop Talking and Listen

Submitted by jrossamato

I completely disagree with the notion that when I am with my kids I add nothing to my skills as a lawyer, or vice versa. That is just flat out wrong. Lawyers and mothers have something fundamental in common that, when we see ourselves in that role, makes us better lawyers and mothers.

Lawyers are the gatekeepers of civil justice because their expertise increases their clients’ access to the legal system.[1] An experienced lawyer significantly increases the chances of a litigant's success.[2] Why is having a lawyer so significant? Lawyers translate the hidden language of the courthouse, filtering information about complex legal rules and principles.[3] Even more importantly, lawyers understand complex relationships between lawyers, judges and litigants. Put simply, lawyers know what judges want to hear and they use their relationships with others - usually lawyers - to gain leverage and resolve cases. [4]

Mothers are no less the gatekeepers for their children’s access to the larger world. A caring and involved mother can significantly increase a child’s chances of success in life. Just like in the legal system, mothers help their children understand and navigate the world.

Through Feminist Lenses: The Fairer Sex?

Submitted by Beth

My 1L Contracts class has been eye-opening in several ways-- who knew you could be bound by a contract without signing your name? (Answer: probably all of you-- but not me until now!) But I also have learned a bit about something I didn’t necessarily bargain (har, har) for.

On the first day of class, my professor was cold calling around the room, asking our insights, like so many Contracts students before us, on poor old Hawkins and his hairy hand. Specifically, we were asked why simply refunding Hawkins the money he had paid for his surgery was not the best remedy. One classmate was called on. “It… wouldn’t be fair?” she said, voice wavering, face still flushed.

I knew what she was getting at. I waited for the professor’s response.

“It wouldn’t be…”—he made his voice high, feminine, girlish and wrinkled up his nose—“fair?” And then again, “What is fair?"

He then proceeded to describe the economic incentives of the case. In the margins of my classnotes, I scrawled: “more econ, less fairness, if called on.”

Why the high-pitched voice? Sure, the answer about “fairness” was vague, squishy, and lacked precision. But I think there’s something more going on here—it’s that in legal education, the concept of “fairness” is gendered and feminized.

Ms. JD International: State Department, Part I

Submitted by Ms. JD International

State Department, Part I: Student Opportunities

The State Department, perhaps the pinnacle of all things international, has fantastic professional opportunities for internationally-minded law students. The three core opportunities for students are: the Student Internship Program, STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program), and SCEP (Student Career Experience Program). Law students can extern during the semester in at State headquarters in DC for credit or intern at an embassy abroad. The Office of the Legal Adviser, otherwise known as “L,” offers a very small number of externships and paid summer internships specifically for law students, but law students interested in international law should definitely pursue internships in other bureaus. No matter where at State you intern, international law will touch upon the work you do, and your law studies will be viewed as a great asset by your supervisor.

More specifics on all of these opportunities after the jump!

Practical Innovation – A Guide to Greener Lawyering and Living: The Superhero in You

Submitted by moniquehawthorne

I am and always will be a skeptic. That is, a person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions. I think as lawyers that is either how we are wired or how we were rewired in law school. So whether or not you acknowledge the skeptic in you, she is probably in there, lurking, rolling her eyes, and mumbling under her breath. Because of this personality trait, I'm not always the first to accept "green" methodologies. Here's the thing though - in your quest for super hero status as the Enviro-Avenger, your skeptical under ego will help you win the war against the evil mastermind the Green Washer.

What I'm talking about here is, of course, the recent wave of products calling themselves "green" or the "sustainable" alternative. For example, a very popular brand of bleach started adverstising how "natural" its product is for the home and touting it as an alternative to other types of "harsh" cleaners. It quickly stopped this type of advertising when the Federal Trade Commission came knocking on the door. Now, if you response to this last story was, "What?! Bleach is bad?" Stop reading now and call me. But, if you, like me, rolled your eyes at this, then give you skeptical self a good pat on the back because this is the part of you that will help you separate the true steps to a greener life from the steps that will lead you to help build Green Washer's minions.

Statement from the ABA Young Lawyers Division and Law Students Division

Submitted by editor

Editor's Note: This press release was sent to us by the Young Lawyer's Division of the ABA. Please contact the ABA for more information. The Young Lawyer's Division website is here. The Law Students Division website is available here.

CHICAGO, Jan. 31, 2012 —The American Bar Association cares deeply about law students and young lawyers, and is committed to helping you succeed during this challenging time for our profession. Our Law Student and Young Lawyers Divisions—which make up nearly half of the association's membership—are working individually and collaboratively to support you, speak out on your behalf, and provide resources that will ensure your achievement and fulfillment in the legal profession.

Law students and young lawyers face more stress and uncertainty today than ever. Today, the cost of legal education and average student loan debt loads are unprecedented, while job prospects for graduates are uncertain. The ABA and its Law Student and Young Lawyers Divisions understand these realities, and are creating and leading initiatives to assist you during the initial stages of your career

Tremaine "Teddy" Reese, the 2011-2012 Law Student Division chair who attends Florida A&M University College of Law, said, "Considering the challenges for today's law students, I am encouraged by the leadership, support and resources provided by the ABA. We are arguably attending law school during very challenging economic times. However, this is not the time to give up. With the continued support of many judges and attorneys throughout the ABA, we will continue our push to be movers and shakers in the legal community.

"I speak from my experience as a member that the ABA is in full support of all law students and is committed to developing resources that will assist law students in their job search, and providing access to experienced attorneys. With signs of economic improvement, our job seeking resources and our attendance at vital meetings, I am convinced that ABA law student members will be in a better position as they embark on their careers in the legal profession."

Personal Branding Corner: Are You An Authentic Leader?

Submitted by Katy Goshtasbi

Have you ever taken a good hard look at the way people around you are leading? Are the male leaders fitting the stereotype of a strong leader you'd want to follow? What about the women leaders? Are the women leaders "owning" their leadership position or are they sending mixed messages?

The problem that often occurs is that men lead like men and women try to lead like men, too. Sadly, when women lead like men, they often forget to use their natural leadership skills. Each gender has a natural talent that lends itself to authentic leadership. However, women often ignore this natural talent and try to fit in with the boys and lead like them.

The result: when women lead like men it is ineffective and harmful to their personal brand. Going against anything that is your nature and natural talent will come off as fake, disingenuous, dis-jointed and ineffective. Worse yet, when women lead like men, they often feel exhausted and frustrated. Imagine, doing something day in and day out that is not in your nature and doesn't get you positive results. Who wouldn't feel exhausted and frustrated?!

Click HERE to read more.

Win a Ticket to From Burnout 2 Breakthrough: March 9th in Chicago

Submitted by legalwellness

I am super pleased to announce that one lucky woman from the Ms. JD community will be attending this fun CLE workshop in Chicago absolutely FREE! We encourage practicing attorneys, non-practicing attorneys, and law students to apply.

My co-presenters and I created this event for you. You with the brilliant mind and passionate heart. You went to law school to make a difference, didn't you? Did you know there are ways to make that difference, while still making a living, besides pro bono work?

It's true. There are lawyers all around the U.S., and the world, finding ways to be themselves, and be a lawyer - to feel fulfilled both financially and at that deep, soul level. Lawyers who don't feel hamstrung by difficult choices, who achieve "work/life balance."

At this event, you'll hear the success stories, and learn how to create your own. We'll show you:

Ms. JD Weekly Round-up: Week Ending February 17, 2012

Submitted by Ms. JD Weekly R...

This Week in BizDev: Fix Your Follow-up

EEOC to D.C. Firm: No-Backsies on Job Offers Just Because You Didn't Know Your Applicant Was Pregnant

Who's Afraid of Cupcake Feminism?

32 Schools Provide Employment Data to Law School Transparency

Girl Scout Research Confirms Majority of Girls Interested in Math & Science

Who is Training New Lawyers? Evaluating a Consequence of the Current Legal Market on the Profession

Submitted by Nancy Glazer

I graduated from law school back in the Dark Ages. Then, a new lawyer freshly- minted and passed-the-bar licensed, worried a little bit about getting hired but never about being trained. We assumed with gusto that our first positions in law would be full of training and direction. Back then, we were generally right.

Law graduates’ plans and expectations all changed in the past three years. Law firm clients tightened their overly- stretched budgets and refused to pay to train new lawyers. As a result, law firms put the brakes on hiring new graduates. All law firm hiring went down. Way down.

I. “Experience required”

In the past three years, the supply and demand pendulum has swung highly in the legal industry, knocking itself far off-balance. As a result of the market, new admittees have competed fiercely for jobs, and most job postings frequently scream two disappointing words, “experience required.” So pardon my naïveté in asking, like the kid who shouted out that the Emperor had no clothes, but how do we expect recent law school grads get trained to compete for starting and lateral jobs? Are they supposed to waive a magic wand and just become trained?

A Working Mom's Job is Never Done: DOWN TIME

Submitted by mptucker2kk

As a working mother, I don't have much down time. Lately, in fact, I haven't had any real down time. My "down time" has consisted of doing the laundry, cooking meals for the week, running errands and other similar tasks. It all started the beginning of December with the holidays coming up. Any "down time" I had was spent shopping and planning for company to arrive for the holidays. Then, in January, my "down time" consisted of getting our new lawfirm, Coronado Katz, LLC, up and running. Now, February has started with all my "down time" being spent planning my son's 6th birthday party and getting things ready for his kindergarten valentine's day party. I feel worn out.

From past experience, I should know better than to let myself get to this point.

Dear [Law Firm Recruiter]: Snail Mail vs. Electronic Applications (and the Curse of the Mass E-mail)

Submitted by k.a.morgan

Starting on December 1 every year (okay, more like 8:00 p.m. November 30), 1Ls start eagerly applying for summer positions. When thinking about how I should kick off this column, I figured I might as well start with some basic, practical tips that will help us both. While this advice is certainly not intended for your eyes only, I would like to dedicate it to the current and future 1Ls of America!

In the days when applying electronically wasn't common (or even an option), the physical appearance of your application package could make a strong first impression. Some applicants still like to FedEx me fancy folders filled with expensive resume paper, but in 2012, we are simply beyond that. Our files are largely electronic (especially in light of green initiatives). The vast majority of candidate materials are shared by email or a central database and viewed by increasingly mobile attorneys while they are away from their offices. And - perhaps most importantly - in my experience, no candidate has received bonus points for spending money on an elaborate package.

Even if an employer officially accepts applications via snail mail in addition to any electronic process it has in place, it probably creates more work (and you might just get a response back to apply online anyway). For instance, when I receive a hard copy submission, I have to scan it so I can upload it into a database and email it to those I want to see it. If a candidate emails an application, then those materials are already there on my screen. Employers implement electronic systems to streamline the process, and working against their systems doesn't help anyone.

In short, I don't see any particular upside to a snail mail application.