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Mommy Law: It’s time to ask “the Question”
By Jennifer Ward • May 19, 2010 •Writers in Residence
When is the RIGHT time to have a child? This is the question that has frequently been on my mind in the last few weeks.As I wrote my last column I decided to do a little advanced preparation for this post. I started asking people “the Question” just to see what sort of answers I might get. I was amazed by how quickly the answers came, particularly from people who hadn’t started a family yet. It was clear that many of the people I asked about the “right” time to have a child had already given it a tremendous amount…
Swimming in Small Ponds: Cultural Considerations
By Andrea Welker • May 17, 2010 •Writers in Residence
I spent Saturday evening with a bag of popcorn and a movie: the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2009 production of Hamlet starring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart. I highly recommend it, it’s simply phenomenal. Seeing it though, I couldn’t help but think about a trial I watched a few months ago. It was a medical malpractice case, and the Plaintiff’s attorney discussed Hamlet during the closing argument. Now, that would have earned bonus points with me had I been on the jury, because I am a total nerd. However, by the confused looks from the jury, I’d say they weren’t big…
Running from the Law: Getting Started
By Vado Porro • May 15, 2010 •Writers in Residence
So school has either let out or is letting out for you. By now, you have probably decided, especially if you are a 1L, that this summer, you will return to your regularly scheduled healthy habits that went on hiatus during your first year. You have pledged to give up coffee, eat vegetables, and return to the gym. Some of you have no doubt pledged to start running. And despite the fact that I believe that no one should attempt to start a running habit during the summer, I'm going to give you some advice on how to get started.First…
Small Firm Life: Jumping to Conclusions
By Michelle Valerio • May 14, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Office politics can be scary and frustrating, especially when you may not have all of the information you need. This week I was reminded just how important it is to remain calm and gather all information before jumping to conclusions. I was at a managers meeting where I was informed that everyone else would be performing a new administrative function except me. I immediately felt frustrated and I began to worry that by not performing this role there would be a perception around the office that I was not at the same level as the other managers. To make matters…
Reflections From A Headhunter and Hiring Partner: From Recession to Recovery
By Franklyn Kimball • May 13, 2010 •Writers in Residence
As the economy moves from the depths of an extraordinary recession to a recovery of uncertain dimensions, many questions confront law students and lawyers in the early years in their careers. This month’s post addresses three areas of interest - changing hiring patterns in litigation, the ‘training’ model for new associates, and associate compensation. Litigation - For thirty-five years litigation has been a key driving force in the growth of the profession. That era is over. Large, mid-size and boutique firms accustomed to working at 110% or more of budget year-in and year-out are experiencing a significant slow down in…
Forget the Linen Closet: Can Working Moms Care about Eating Healthy?
By Katrina Richards • May 10, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Let's face it, the Food War is raging, the corporate giants that prepare our food are not telling us exactly what they're putting in it or how it's prepared, or how it affects our bodies. I know that pre-packaged foods, fast foods, microwavable dinners, and frozen chicken nuggets are not the best thing to be feeding my hungry little kids. But, on the other hand, I feel like I have little time for preparing wholesome meals, shopping around for good deals on produce, and even investigating products to see what I'm actually buying for my family. Another issue is that…
Couture-At-Law: Interview with Jennaydra Clunis, Esq.
By Mikki Collier • May 10, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Since beginning this journey of trying to introduce my sisters-in-law to the idea of incorporating a little bit of fashion into their otherwise functional work wardrobes, the biggest objection I’ve received relates to time. “I want to present a more polished, stylish image,” says some of my colleagues (who shall momentarily remain nameless), “but I simply do not have the time. I’m too busy working to worry about my wardrobe.” As a busy attorney myself, I understand that the demands of the profession leave little time for something as seemingly unimportant as how we are dressed. Before you throw your hands…
Lawyering and Living for Less: Go Green to Save Green
By Erin Rohne • May 07, 2010 •Writers in Residence
It is pretty difficult to ignore the green movement these days. But there is no reason to ignore it, when most 'go-green' tips are not only good for the environment, but also good for your wallet. Whether you have a solo practice, work for a firm, or are in between jobs, taking steps to minimize your impact on the environment can also save you a significant amount of money.Computers are huge office energy-hogs. Merely shutting down computers, printers, fax machines, and the like when you leave for the day can have a huge impact on the electrical bill (if your…
An OWLS’ View: Laptops in the Classroom - What are the Issues?
By Jennis Hemingway • April 30, 2010 •Writers in Residence
When the ABA published an article about a 57-year-old Economics Professor going to law school and being appalled at students’ use of computers in the classroom, I decided to look into the issue.[FN1] Several professors have broached the topic in my classes- often to inform students of the ongoing debate among educators regarding laptop use in the classroom. In my two years at a first- tier law school, only one professor banned laptop use. Our dean has considered the feasibility of banning Internet use in the classrooms.Like other students who completed their undergraduate degrees without a laptop, when…