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Running from the Law: Why You Should Play a Team Sport
By Vado Porro • March 16, 2010 •Writers in Residence
I remember, as a third-grade student, standing on the soccer field, absolutely still, hoping the ball would come nowhere near me. I remember playing basketball and ducking out of the way. In softball, I would watch the entire field move in when I came up to bat. When the ball was passed or kicked to me, I would inevitably embarrass myself. It was safer to not try. When the ultimate humiliation happened and my classmates chose teams, I was always standing there alone at the end.It didn’t take long for these small embarrassments to lead to an inevitable conclusion: I…
Couture-At-Law: Exquisite Wardrobe Essentials
By Mikki Collier • March 16, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Now that you have successfully landed the job - thanks in part to your outstanding choice of interview attire- it is time to put thought into building a professional, polished, and sophisticated work wardrobe that will reflect your sound judgment and ESQuisite personal taste. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a law student intern, the key to creating a work wardrobe is to build a foundation using classic, versatile, and functional pieces that will convey the desired image for your workplace.First to consider is dress code appropriateness. Appropriate attire depends on client interaction and the responsibilities at hand. Take…
Forget the Linen Closet: When mother and father reverse their traditional gender roles
By Katrina Richards • March 15, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Role reversals confuse people. My husband is a "stay-at-home dad" to our three sons; I head to work each day to advance my legal career and support our family. We decided to raise our children without daycare long before we had any, and we stuck by that decision, for better and for worse. Although it may have been financially easier to have both of us working, we have managed to scrape by on one income since the beginning. Many people on the outside have a difficult time understanding why we made this decision -- even our own families have questioned…
The Prosecution Rests: Jackie Lacey
By April Christin • March 15, 2010 •Writers in Residence
It is not easy being third in command of one of the largest district attorney offices in the country, but to those who know her, Jacquelyn Lacey makes it seem effortless. Jackie has been a prosecutor for nearly 24 years in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, an office of about 1,056 deputy district attorneys most notably known for the prosecutions of O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson, and - ironically - the doctor accused of causing Michael Jackson’s death. As Assistant District Attorney of Line Operations, Jackie oversees the Bureau of Central Operations and the Bureaus of Branch and Area…
The Prosecution Rests: Jackie Lacey
By April Christin • March 07, 2010 •Writers in Residence
It is not easy being third in command of one of the largest district attorney offices in the country, but to those who know her, Jacquelyn Lacey makes it seem effortless. Jackie has been a prosecutor for nearly 24 years in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, an office of about 1,056 deputy district attorneys most notably known for the prosecutions of O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson, and - ironically - the doctor accused of causing Michael Jackson’s death. As Assistant District Attorney of Line Operations, Jackie oversees the Bureau of Central Operations and the Bureaus of Branch and Area…
From the Desk of the Working Mom—Happy Toes
By Jennifer Guenther • March 03, 2010 •Writers in Residence
I have recently come to the realization—somewhat to my relief—that so-called “life balance” is impossible to achieve. In fact, striving for this mythical state of well-being was quite stressing me out. There are entire websites devoted to “work-life balance” or finding your “inner balance”. Each of these sites advocates finding ways to reduce your workload, to relax, and to enjoy life more. It sounds lovely in concept, like sitting under a cabana on an exotic beach somewhere, the gentle sea breeze cooling your face, while the attractive waiter who can actually pull off a pair of short shorts brings you…
Confessions of a Non-Networker: Layoffs
By Laura Cullison • March 01, 2010 •Writers in Residence
My post this month does not cover the topic I planned to write about. You may remember that one of my proposed networking goals last month was to return to my law school for a two-day event. I did that in mid-February, and really enjoyed catching up with my friends who practice near the law school. It was interesting to talk about our practices and realize that "big city" law firms have many of the same issues for associates as firms in smaller cities – finding mentors, how to stay active when work is slow, developing client relationships, etc. However,…
Mommy Law: Watch Those Corners!
By Jennifer Ward • February 24, 2010 •Writers in Residence
“I arrived exactly on time and went inside. Within minutes, a nanny came running in as another nanny went running out. It was probably time for a shift change. I entered the house and headed to the music room. Three of the daughters came bounding in to show me their guinea pig, and I could hear the youngest daughter singing upstairs. Since the parents didn't come to greet me, I knew they were still at work. I began the piano lessons as usual.” This was my life before law school. I ran a piano studio. I taught oodles of lessons…
You Don’t Always Get What You Want
By Jennis Hemingway • February 24, 2010 •Writers in Residence
As an older student, people always ask me: "Why did you decide to go to law school?" I explain how my skills and abilities match those required by lawyers; and the profession will allow me to help others and make a difference. That response is not untrue; just incomplete. I started law school to regain my confidence in my own merit as an individual. Contrary to lip service, society does not value homemakers’ contributions. We admire money and tangible accomplishments. After leaving a successful career for the opportunity to live abroad, I focused my energy on kids, husband, and home.…