This coming Thanksgiving, I am taking a road trip. First one in years, and the first one with my daughter since she was a child. I am so excited. This post really has nothing to do with law school, more single parenting I guess. What I am excited about is that I am visiting my sister, niece, and nephew. They live on a base in Colorado. I want to see what base life is like... and I want to talk to a MP on base! LOL. I know there is a whole federal law issue and the MP's control. I am really interested in how the military structures it's laws.
More than that, I am fascinated by the fact that it is federal land and so therefore, no state tax on the base. My mom has tried to explain what it is like. There are commissary's like giant, sterile, WalMarts with everything you can imagine, gas stations, restaurants -- this absolutely fascinates me.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Blogging, Facebook, Twitter and Hiring....
A lot of you who are following me have blogs that you write. I would place a bet that you are on Facebook and possibly Twitter as well. We are part of a society where we can publish, easily, any thought that crosses our mind. We can add pictures, link articles, tweet our latest thought, pet peeve, or irritation.
So, now that you have decided to embark on your law school journey and your life as a lawyer -- take a look at what you post. Anything embarrassing? Any pictures you would not want your grandma to see? Any really bitchy comments about the classmate sitting next to you? Because if there are, you might really want to start censoring yourself to a degree. Law schools are starting to take a look at your Facebook, blogs, websites. Law firms will google your name and look for you before interviewing you.
For me, I have nothing to hide! I am who I am, and what you see is what you get! My personal facebook is on lockdown, but more for security purposes from a past ex who is half-crazy---not because I would be ashamed of what anyone would see or read. In fact, my posts are boring and my pictures are cute Halloween outfits of my child, nieces and nephews!!!
Also, remember the power of words. What you say about yourself and how you speak of others. Someone recently reminded me that a lawyer only has their reputation. This reputation must be guarded at all costs. We don't sell a product, we brand our names --- and a good lawyers name implies integrity, trust, wisdom and truth. If what we post implies something different, it can come back to haunt you. If you post something about a fellow student, friend, or even a co-worker, than you are tearing down their reputation. And would we want the same done to us in reverse?
It's never, ever too soon to start working on this.
So, now that you have decided to embark on your law school journey and your life as a lawyer -- take a look at what you post. Anything embarrassing? Any pictures you would not want your grandma to see? Any really bitchy comments about the classmate sitting next to you? Because if there are, you might really want to start censoring yourself to a degree. Law schools are starting to take a look at your Facebook, blogs, websites. Law firms will google your name and look for you before interviewing you.
For me, I have nothing to hide! I am who I am, and what you see is what you get! My personal facebook is on lockdown, but more for security purposes from a past ex who is half-crazy---not because I would be ashamed of what anyone would see or read. In fact, my posts are boring and my pictures are cute Halloween outfits of my child, nieces and nephews!!!
Also, remember the power of words. What you say about yourself and how you speak of others. Someone recently reminded me that a lawyer only has their reputation. This reputation must be guarded at all costs. We don't sell a product, we brand our names --- and a good lawyers name implies integrity, trust, wisdom and truth. If what we post implies something different, it can come back to haunt you. If you post something about a fellow student, friend, or even a co-worker, than you are tearing down their reputation. And would we want the same done to us in reverse?
It's never, ever too soon to start working on this.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Mommy Daughter Night
Wow! I wish I would have thought of this during law school. Tonight I took my daughter to a high school play and we had a fabulous time. We saw 12 Angry Jurors (I think I chronicled this as a MUST see for a legal movie in a past blog entry). What was wonderful about this is a) it was cheap and good entertainment. That's right, for 10.00 total, we were entertained for 2 hours and pulled into a wonderful story. b) We supported the local high school by purchasing the tickets and watching high school students do something they were talented and passionate about.
Even better, this was a wonderful teaching moment for my daughter. More so because of the subject matter of the play. This play was set in the jury room, after jurors have been sent to deliberate whether a young man of 19 was tried for killing his father. The play cleverly centers around "reasonable doubt" and what it means. This opened a wonderful conversation between my daughter and I about jury duty, why it is important, how it works. I was able to point out to her what would really happen and what would not happen in a jury room.
And even better, we now have a list of upcoming shows at the high school. We decided to go back for a showing of Hairspray in January.... at 5.00 a ticket, and a talented bunch of kids, it provided a wonderful night for both of us! A win-win!!!!
Even better, this was a wonderful teaching moment for my daughter. More so because of the subject matter of the play. This play was set in the jury room, after jurors have been sent to deliberate whether a young man of 19 was tried for killing his father. The play cleverly centers around "reasonable doubt" and what it means. This opened a wonderful conversation between my daughter and I about jury duty, why it is important, how it works. I was able to point out to her what would really happen and what would not happen in a jury room.
And even better, we now have a list of upcoming shows at the high school. We decided to go back for a showing of Hairspray in January.... at 5.00 a ticket, and a talented bunch of kids, it provided a wonderful night for both of us! A win-win!!!!
Going back in time
The other night, I volunteered to be a witness for one of my 3rd year law school friends who was competing in the Don Turner Moot Court Competition. I walked into the school and it was weird. What felt like home to me for 3 years, well it didn't anymore. It was like walking into a house where I use to live, but finding someone else living there. I wasn't expecting that feeling.
I had a blast playing witness... perhaps my friend should not have asked a graduated law student to play witness for her! I really quibbled at many of the questions.... gave the opposing team quite a hard time in controlling me. If they did not phrase a question right, I would correct them... batted them around a bit and it was funny.
My friend and her team mate rocked! However, the other teams motion in limines cracked me up. First they said they wanted to exclude photos of the victim because they were prejudicial and they weren't there to argue that she was shot, just who shot her..... then they argued they were prejudicial.
I giggled... like out loud giggled....... Rolled my eyes and was really trying not to laugh (I don't think I should ever judge). Why did I giggle? This trial was a MURDER trial. Her death is at issue!!!!!!!! Oh goodness, seriously! And of course the pictures are prejudicial.
Then there was an objection to an admission of a handwritten letter -- but really what they were objecting to was not anything other than credibility -- who do you believe? I was on the stand at that point, I had given my friend everything she needed to lay a firm foundation.
Oh, and I delighted in saying at the end at least three times, "The defendant shot my daughter!" HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then there were the questions, "You thought this, didn't you Mrs. Wilson." No, that is not what I thought... totally hilarious!!!!!
I don't know if I helped or hurt as a witness, I do know I had a blast doing it!
I had a blast playing witness... perhaps my friend should not have asked a graduated law student to play witness for her! I really quibbled at many of the questions.... gave the opposing team quite a hard time in controlling me. If they did not phrase a question right, I would correct them... batted them around a bit and it was funny.
My friend and her team mate rocked! However, the other teams motion in limines cracked me up. First they said they wanted to exclude photos of the victim because they were prejudicial and they weren't there to argue that she was shot, just who shot her..... then they argued they were prejudicial.
I giggled... like out loud giggled....... Rolled my eyes and was really trying not to laugh (I don't think I should ever judge). Why did I giggle? This trial was a MURDER trial. Her death is at issue!!!!!!!! Oh goodness, seriously! And of course the pictures are prejudicial.
Then there was an objection to an admission of a handwritten letter -- but really what they were objecting to was not anything other than credibility -- who do you believe? I was on the stand at that point, I had given my friend everything she needed to lay a firm foundation.
Oh, and I delighted in saying at the end at least three times, "The defendant shot my daughter!" HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then there were the questions, "You thought this, didn't you Mrs. Wilson." No, that is not what I thought... totally hilarious!!!!!
I don't know if I helped or hurt as a witness, I do know I had a blast doing it!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Veteran's Day
Today, if you know someone that is serving, or has served this great nation -- please tell them thank you. These brave men and women fight to preserve the constitution, protect our country, and safeguard our freedoms. And sleep better at night, knowing there are marines, army, navy, air force, and coast guard soldiers that are keeping watch over us.
And a big thank you to their families who sacrifice as well.
And a big thank you to their families who sacrifice as well.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Family in a Small Firm
Small businesses usually mean family business. Even if only one family member owns the business, usually others work there. Now, for 10 years prior to law school I worked for my mom. My sister worked there too. I now have a new appreciation for employees who have co-workers who are family members. One thing to think about is how it will be working for family members. This can effect your own dealings with co-workers and your employer.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Client Confidentiality
You are taught from day one in law school that client confidentiality trumps all else. There are very few exemptions to this rule.......... at all. Unless it is to prevent an imminent crime (there are a few others) you keep your mouth shut, and your lips sealed.
Today I ran into my first real moral dilemma. One thing I did not think about is that an injured worker is at his most vulnerable. They are off work, dependent upon the worker's compensation insurance to pay time loss. But what if the insurer denies the claim, and it drags on for months? What if they literally are now broke, with no capital to borrow from for day to day expenses? When they are so demoralized that they just have no sense of self anymore. What if they are mentally in not a good place? How do you help them without breaching confidentiality --- these are issues you have to deal with. They are real and they keep you up at night.
Today I ran into my first real moral dilemma. One thing I did not think about is that an injured worker is at his most vulnerable. They are off work, dependent upon the worker's compensation insurance to pay time loss. But what if the insurer denies the claim, and it drags on for months? What if they literally are now broke, with no capital to borrow from for day to day expenses? When they are so demoralized that they just have no sense of self anymore. What if they are mentally in not a good place? How do you help them without breaching confidentiality --- these are issues you have to deal with. They are real and they keep you up at night.
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