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Kristin Pagano Speaks: Breastfeeding Accommodations and the Illinois Bar Exam
By Sunny Choi • December 09, 2014 •Careers, Other Career Issues
As some of you may already know, the case of Kristin Pagano has been highlighted recently in various media outlets. Ms. Pagano submitted a breastfeeding accommodations request to the Illinois Board with respect to the February 2015 Illinois bar exam. Her request was denied by the Illinois Board. After she asked for reconsideration of the decision, I’m happy to report that Ms. Pagano has won her battle and the Illinois Board will be granting her accommodations. Ms. Pagano reached out to Ms. JD with her story, which is re-printed below from her blog with her permission. We believe that her…
Calling All Writers – Volunteer with the MS. JD JOURNALISTS!
By Sunny Choi • June 19, 2014 •Features
Are you interested in becoming involved with Ms. JD? Do you happen to enjoy writing and maybe even already have a blog on our site? If your answer to both questions is a resounding, positive YES, then please join the Ms. JD Journalists for a unique volunteer opportunity. The Ms. JD Journalists is a group of writers who will be responsible for writing posts, articles, and other content for Ms. JD. Journalists will be asked to commit to a period of either 6 months or 1 year, during which they agree to be “on call” to write about topics which have been…
Passion Forward - Finding Yourself In, Out, and Above the Law
By Sunny Choi • January 20, 2014 •Other Issues
Passion Forward, not backward. True passion means that you leave behind the errors of your past, live to the fullest in your present, and strive to build a better tomorrow in your future. Most importantly, passion is about finding yourself. When Katie asked me to write this post and share my passion with Ms. JD, I struggled with what I could possibly write in light of the fact that I’m admittedly not as passionate about the law as others. The truth is that most of us enter law with half the passion that is required to practice it. That is…
Legal Momentum Releases New Curriculum on Language and Sexual Violence
By Sunny Choi • November 21, 2013 •Other Issues
Raped or "Seduced"? How Language Helps Shape Our Response to Sexual Violence [ This post has been adapted from Legal Momentum’s press release on the curriculum. ] The National Judicial Education Program (NJEP), Legal Momentum’s award-winning judicial education project, has developed a new model curriculum for judges, advocates, media, and anyone interested in changing the way they speak and write about sexual violence. Raped or “Seduced”? How Language Helps Shape Our Response to Sexual Violence will help you and your colleagues write and speak about sexual violence accurately without euphemizing the violence or misleading your audience. Unintentionally, we often write…
Reposted from Above the Law Career Files: The Inside Scoop on How to Be a Stellar Summer Associate
By Sunny Choi • July 28, 2013 •Firms and the Private Sector
Hello dear Ms. JD readers! I haven't posted since my days as a 2012 Writer in Residence but I have been writing for Above the Law this year for their Career Files. I just wanted to share my interview with a fifth year associate at a certain Biglaw firm in New York City. My friend, Lady G, provides some insights on how to be a stellar summer associate and make a lasting impression. I know that there's only a week or so left of the summer associate period but better late than never, right? Here's a repost of my article…
Introducing the 2013 Writers in Residence!
By Sunny Choi • January 08, 2013 •Writers in Residence
The new year is upon us and Ms. JD is pleased to introduce the 2013 Writers in Residence. I was one of the 2012 Writers in Residence with my personal finance column Legally Thrifty. Now I am deeply honored to continue my involvement with the program as the 2013 Writers in Residence Coordinator. Through the Writers in Residence program, I was able to learn more about Ms. JD and the wonderful role that Ms. JD plays in supporting women in the law. I hope that this year's writers have a similar positive experience. I am also excited to be working…
Legally Thrifty: Let It Snow! Learning How to Make Snowflakes
By Sunny Choi • December 17, 2012 •Writers in Residence
Winter is upon us. The year is over and now it’s time to start thinking about our goals and resolutions for 2013. Let’s make the best of both worlds by learning how to make snowflakes! Photo Credit: www.savingadvice.comIn the realm of personal finance, “snowflaking” is lingo for taking any extra cash on hand and throwing it at your debt, savings, whatever the fund is for your financial goal. I’ve wanted to become more aggressive about tackling my loans by contributing a little here and there on top of my regular payments. I used to think, oh $10 won’t make a difference in…
Legally Thrifty: Too Many Lawyers Named the Joneses
By Sunny Choi • November 07, 2012 •Writers in Residence
Have you heard of the Joneses? If not, you live in a blissfully ignorant place. If you know the Joneses but ignore them, congratulations! You’re on your way to a conscious, self-induced happiness in all your life pursuits.[ Image Credit: http://www.stufftotweet.com/tweetthis/wikihow/how-to-stop-keeping-up-with-the-joneses ] “Keeping up with the Joneses” is a well-known expression that refers to the need to compare ourselves to our peers in terms of visible wealth and material possessions and then strive to own whatever they own in order to be just as good or better. Presumably, the Joneses are supposed to be your neighbors with the McMansion and…
Legally Thrifty: Credit Cards - The Necessary Evil That Can Be Used for Good
By Sunny Choi • October 17, 2012 •Writers in Residence
Plastic is fantastic. That is, if you know when to whip out the plastic and when to freeze it in a block of ice to deter usage. I kid on the latter, but all too often we’ve heard stories or seen on television the horrific consequences of credit card debt. Image Credit: http://www.fairloanrate.com/evil-plans-of-credit-card-companies/ Credit cards can be good. When used wisely, credit cards help build your credit score and get you cash or rewards, depending on which you prefer. I personally love getting cash back. If I’m going to spend money anyway, I might as well get “free” money out…