Looking for Publication Opportunities? Write for Litigation News!
By Onika K. Williams • December 15, 2015
Write for Litigation News! The American Bar Association Section of Litigation's national news magazine, Litigation News, seeks excellent writers interested in joining the editorial board as contributing editors. Contributing editors write four articles per year and attend two ABA conferences (at least partial reimbursement available). This is a great opportunity to get your name out there and connect with attorneys across the country. Litigation News is published quarterly in print, and adds stories at least weekly to its online version. Its print circulation exceeds 50,000. Interested? Send a resume and writing sample to LitNewsWriteOn@gmail.com by January 22, 2016. By February 5, 2016, we will notify those applicants selected…
A Run in Her Stockings: How the Fabulously Average Law Student . . . Takes Advantage of New Year’s Resolutions
By Onika K. Williams • December 30, 2011 •Writers in Residence
The purpose of “A Run Her Stockings” was to give practical advice to “fabulously average” law students. As an average law student (who has successfully graduated and passed the bar), I hope that my advice was helpful, not overwhelming, and realistic. Since this is my last blog entry, I thought I would review some of the tips that can be immediately implemented and used as New Year’s Resolutions.With only a few hours left in 2011 and few days left of your winter vacay, here are few tips to start your new semester with:Remember that your grades do not define you!…
How the Fabulously Average Law Student . . . Enjoys Thanksgiving Break!
By Onika K. Williams • November 21, 2011 •Writers in Residence
Cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, eggnog, and . . . outlining?! This week is Thanksgiving and you may be trying to figure out how to manage the holiday along with your impending finals. Here are a few tips:1. Do not feel guilty for celebrating Thanksgiving!: I did not return home (to south Florida) during law school for Thanksgiving for multiple reasons: the flight was usually really expensive (I went to school in the Midwest), I still had a lot of homework to do, and I wanted to rest! However, if you choose to visit family for Thanksgiving, do not feel guilty…
How the Fabulously Average Law Student . . . Maximizes Fall Break!
By Onika K. Williams • October 06, 2011 •Writers in Residence
Some law schools provide a “fall break” to their students. It is like spring break…but in the fall. The original reason behind the week-long break was to provide students with time to attend callback interviews (when the interview season began much later than it does now). If you are fortunate enough to have a fall break approaching, here are some tips on how to maximize your time! Schedule Interviews: If you will be in an area where you have submitted an application to a potential employer, call/email the employer and let them know that you will be available during fall…
How the Fabulously Average Student…Writes a Publishable Note/Article!
By Onika K. Williams • September 12, 2011 •Writers in Residence
Congratulations to everyone that has received a Journal invitation! Personally, participating on a Journal was one of my favorite law school activities. As a Journal member, you may be required to submit a “publishable” Note. However, this info isn’t only for Journal members, but any student interested in publishing their writing. Register for a Seminar/Independent Study: Being in a seminar is a great way to ensure that you actually write your Note! Writing a Note on your own can be difficult. (Trust me, I have done and it is tough!) However, if you are in a seminar, you will be more motivated to…
How the Fabulously Average Law Student . . . Takes Notes
By Onika K. Williams • August 18, 2011 •Writers in Residence
Whether you are a newly minted 1L or a returning 2L or 3L, taking notes is a must for most law students. However, how you take notes can actually have a big impact on how easy/difficult of a time you will have preparing outlines and/or studying for finals.Thus, the question is: Do you type or handwrite your notes?Personally, when I was a first semester 1L, I typed my class notes because most of my classmates typed. When it was time to review for finals (which is way too late!), I realized that typing probably was not the best way for…
How the Fabulously Average Student…Wows at a Job Fair
By Onika K. Williams • July 16, 2011 •Writers in Residence
While it may seem counterintuitive, job fairs are excellent opportunities to allow prospective employers to match a face with a resume. Yes, there will be tons of other applicants vying for the same positions as you. However, because of this, job fairs require you to perform at your best. Here are some tips on how to wow at a job fair: Bring extra copies of everything: This may be obvious, but not everyone does this. You should have extra copies of your resume, transcript, and writing sample. If available, you can also bring a list of references. Even if you…
How the Fabulously Average Student…Studies for the Bar Exam in June
By Onika K. Williams • June 10, 2011 •Writers in Residence
Crisp, blue waves…warm sunshine…and Torts? For those of you studying for the July Bar Exam, the excitement of studying has probably worn off and you are beginning to question if you really actually want to be a lawyer. You do and you will. June is a complicated month of studying because the May excitement has dissipated and the gut-wrenching nervousness of July hasn’t yet arrived.So, here is some advice on studying for the Bar Exam in June: JUST DO IT.J: Justify what you are doing – You should be familiar with your study habits at this point in your educational…
How the Fabulously Average Law Student . . . Survives the Journal Note Competition!
By Onika K. Williams • May 09, 2011 •Writers in Residence
It is that time of a year again! One Ls around the nation are weary from completing their first law school final exams, but the journey is not over. There is one last hurdle between you and summer vacation: the Journal Writing Competition.Each law school’s competition varies. Some schools have blind admissions (you will simply be a number to the Three Ls reading your entries). Other schools require a personal statement from eager Journal members-to-be. Some schools have a minimum GPA requirement for eligibility to participate in the Journal Competition, others do not. Most schools use some sort of formula…