When It's Not A Bonus

I keep trying to tell myself that there's a silver lining to having an inflamed gall bladder... that I've lost six pounds in one week.

Yeah, I didn't need those six pounds anyways and I've been struggling to lose weight for ages. But let's face it, I didn't need to lose six pounds this way. But I can tell you I'm terrified of eating the wrong thing now because the pain I experienced was horrible.

We went out for dinner on Saturday night and I ordered a grilled chicken and broccoli. I had absolutely no desire to sneak a french fry off my husband's plate and when he ate dessert, I just watched knowing I was preventing massive pain. In fact, the pain medication makes it so I'm not really hungry, which I guess helps me not eat.

My poor husband has been trying to find things that both of us can eat while I'm on this low-fat diet (and I mean LOW fat, not just your generic cut back on the fat) so that I won't experience any pain after eating. On Sunday evening we found a bagged stir fry in our freezer that had 1 gram of fat per serving. I was so excited I cooked it up for us. It asked for a tablespoon of vegetable oil, which I used. After dinner, I looked at the oil and it said it had 14 grams of fat per teaspoon. I freaked out a little, until my husband said that some of the oil probably cooked off while I was making the stir fry. In either case, I didn't have massive pains, but I'm not going to press my luck on that one again.

Yes, having gall bladder problems is helping me reduce what I eat and lose weight. But I would never have picked this as an option in weight loss, that's for sure! I hate to say it, but I'm almost glad the surgery will only be a month away and not longer!

Family Support

I would not be where I am today in law school without the love, understanding, and support of my husband and my family. I just don't know how some people try to do it without any help.

I'm not just talking about this week where I was hospitalized and needed help from my husband and my family to be able to get things done. But they help me all the time.

I have a law school friend who told me a few weeks ago that she was on her last pair of clean clothes, had absolutely no food in the house, and the cats were out of litter as well, simply because she's been so busy with work and law school. I felt for her because I know that as bad as I am about laundry, we never run out of everything and if it gets that bad, my husband takes action instead of waiting on me.

When I came home from the hospital, I went to bed and slept. My husband folded the laundry, cleaned both bird cages, and did the dishes. When I woked up, I almost cried because he had been so sweet and helpful. I just had no energy to do anything and here he was going to pick up my prescription and offering to make me dinner. He does these types of things all the time, but it just reminded me when I came home from the hospital just how wonderful he is and how blessed I am to have someone to help me get through the hard days.

In general, my husband helps pick up the slack when I'm studying for finals (okay, he helps all the time because I'm a pretty slack-y person, but that's another story). I have a family member who works at my law school who helps me get in contact with specific people when I have a question or I need help with something. My mom e-mails me and calls me to let me know they are thinking of me, and she's great when I need to rearrange schedules just so I can participate in a family function. My mother-in-law is also supportive when I need to rearrange schedules or is understanding when I just don't have time to do something.

I just don't know how I would have gone this far without them!

Things You Don't Care About

Timing is crucial in law school, but I've noticed that when bad things happen, it's usually accompanied by bad timing.

Things you just don't care about while you're in law school when you've just come home from the hospital:

• Your law journal assignment due yesterday
• Your paper draft due yesterday
• The Inns of Court meeting that you missed
• The reading for this week (or last week's that you missed)
• Whether or not you get dressed for school
• Whether or not you make it to class
• Whether or not you'll flunk out this term

Things you do care about while you're in law school when you've just come home from the hospital:

• Drugs for the pain - and I mean the good ones.
• Your PJ's
• A comforter and a soft pillow
• Your doggie who's curled up next to you in bed
• Sleep

Maybe tomorrow I'll start caring about everything else.

What a Week!

What a crazy week this has been. I spent the past two days in the hospital for a gall bladder attack. I'm not sure what's worse, having the painful attack or being in the hospital where you get zero rest.

I was having chest pains so I went to the emergency room. I had to go to TWO emergency rooms because the first was so backed up that it was a nine-hour wait just to be seen. So after the first one checked to make sure I wasn't having a heart attack, they let me leave (against doctor's advice, of course).

So I went home and called the other local emergency room, who said I should head right over. I got right in and although there's no fast process in the emergency room, at least I was able to get a room with a bed to rest in while I waited.

An ultrasound revealed that I had gall stones - lots of them. Fortunately, the surgeon said we can wait until after finals to yank my gall bladder. He said until the surgery we'll control the pain through pain medication and an extremely low-fat diet.

On the plus side, I have a perfectly good reason to be drugged up during my finals!

Registration Time

Despite the fact that I haven't even moved into my end-of-term-exam-time mode, I had to register for next term's classes today.

I still have about five required courses I need to take over the next year, but I plan to spread those out so they aren't as painful. As a result, I get to sprinkle in electives to soften the blow.

So next term, I will be taking the following:

Pretrial Skills
Evidence
Juvenile Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution

On the plus side, two of the four don't have a final exam, which is always a bonus (unless you consider that I'll need to write papers for the ones that don't have a final exam).

I don't really know what Pretrial Skills is, except that it is a semi-required course - everyone needs it unless you are going into litigation, in which you take Trial Skills. I also know I'll need to create a trial book, which I'm not quite sure what that is either yet.

Now I'm off to work on my draft for Scholarly Writing that is due tomorrow afternoon. I did manage to get some work done on it today while I was at my job, so that helps!

Living with Your Topic

I have been seriously procrastinating with my paper for scholarly writing.

It's due in less than two weeks but I can't seem to find the gumption to finish it. I have another draft due this Wednesday, which I'm sure I'll be pounding out late Tuesday night. It just sits there, like an albatross on my laptop, complete with "To be finished" sections highlighted in yellow.

I don't know why I can't seem to compel myself to finish it. I know what I want to say. I have all the sources I need (and then some). I know how to write the citations. And I have a pretty good argument.

Maybe it's just that I've been living with this topic for so long I'm feeling weary of it. Twelve long weeks of thinking about torture and persecution of women under the guise of population control. It's a worthwhile topic. And it's certainly a worth cause. But I just have become numb to this particular case I'm writing about.

I have learned so much about the asylum process in the United States while writing this paper. And I've also learned that while the theory is good, the actual application is much more muddled and inprecise - probably similar to everything else legal that I've been learning.

To have to think about what women go through, such as being forced to have an metal IUD implanted inside of of them and for the next 12 years report for intimate inspections to ensure it's still there, seems so wrong.

And yet the United States' asylum process views it as not quite enough to be persecution, despite the fact that a woman has to wear this metal device in her body for nearly 12 years. It's no different than a tattoo or a cattle brand. I wouldn't want my body to be held hostage to the governement's whims. And yet just because our country views it as wrong to do to its own people doesn't mean that they'll do anything to help people in other countries suffering from this type of specific persecution.

It's disheartening. And maybe that's why I'm weary of it.

Unfortunately, what I just wrote was from my own perspective as a woman and not necessarily something that translates easily into a scholarly paper.

If only I could magically convert it into legal analysis....

When Do I Stop Feeling Dumb?

I met with my scholarly writing professor this morning to go over a draft of my final paper. When I e-mailed her my draft a few days ago, I thought it was really bad. After I finished meeting with her this morning, I realized it wasn't as bad as I thought and in fact it might actually turn out pretty good. She told me lots of students feel that their papers are bad when they really aren't.

My question is, when do I stop feeling like I'm dumb?

When will I stop feeling insecure about my legal knowledge?

Despite having learned over my law school experience a wealth of legal information, I still question everytime I do something, like writing my paper for class, whether I actually know anything legal at all. It isn't until the professor tells me that I'm on track that I start to feel like I know something.

When does that unsure feeling go away? When I graduate? When I pass the bar? When I've been a lawyer for 20 years?

Will I ever feel like "I get it"?

I Caved

I caved.

I didn't want to and quite frankly, I have better things to do - like finish writing my paper, study for finals, spend time with my husband, clean, pay bills, wash my hair, etc. But I told the Law Journal board I would attend the mandatory banquet (instead of coming up with a really weird excuse or scheduling major surgery for myself.)

I'm only staying for the free drinks and cheap appetizers. Then I'm slipping out the back to meet up with my husband!

My First CLE Class

I just returned from my first CLE class, held this morning.

The topic was on family and employment based immigration law. Please note, a morning session is not nearly enough time to cover even one part of that, let alone two.

When I arrived (my typical 20 minutes early), I was handed a four inch thick packet of sample forms, instructions, the syllabus, and powerpoint print-outs. The paper packet alone was worth the price of admission.

When the classroom filled up, I looked around the room and thought to myself, "So.... these are real, live lawyers?" Half were in jeans. The other half were definitely not wearing three piece suits. They didn't look like the attorneys in my Inns of Court group. And they didn't look like corporate attorneys. They were a hodge podge of people, and in a way, it was comforting to me to see attorneys as real people.

On the other hand, the presenters definitely looked like they walked off the cover of the ABA Journal.

I'll also point out that the presenters had their law firm names emblazened on everything and spent probably a good half hour at the beginning of class expounding their accomplishments, accolades, and associations (no matter how weak.)

Since they spent so much time doing that, they had to cut their presentations short. I wasn't very happy about that and felt the time could have been better utilized. If they want to promote themselves, they should do it on a handout instead of having us miss out on their last 10-15 slides from the presentation because they had too little time left.

Immigration law is a beast in itself. It's pretty dry as a subject, even moreso if you're talking about employment-based immigration.

The family-based immigration presenter was great! She included different scenarios and what forms to fill out. She gave us a checklist of things to remember no matter what type of immigration application you are working on. And her hand-outs were great.

The employment-based immigration presenter had a different style. He presented more of an overview and less on practical-type matters. He did indicate which types of applications were more complex than others as well as indicate which types of visas were dual-intent (which means the person can change try for a different type of visa once they are present in the US.) His material was dryer though, probably beause it seemed less about people and more about corporate structure.

I'm taking it as one of my classes this term, so this CLE was a nice compliment to what I am already learning.

Overall, I am very glad I went and I learned a lot (or at least reinforced what I wasn't sure about from my law school class.) I didn't schmooze this time because I had to get back to work afterwards. But I'm sure it would have been interesting to talk to the other participants afterwards.

Tomorrow afternoon I have another CLE closer to home. It's on animal law so I'm really looking forward to it!

Too Much Info in Paper?

Apparently, when I turned in my 11-page draft for my scholarly writing class, my professor informed me that once I add my footnotes, my subject headings, and double space the text, I'll have close to 30 pages.

I actually only need 20 pages.

So I need to trim about 10 pages, and then tweak what I have to include what I don't have. The tough part is figuring out what I do need to make it an effective paper without losing the meat of the topic.

To be honest, I thought I didn't have ENOUGH information to create a decent argument in my paper. That's scary!

I hope when I'm writing pleadings as a lawyer I can figure out when to say "When!" and not inundate the court with needless extras.

I remember what my Advanced Writing professor told me. She said that shorter is better. She said succinctness is very important because judges have very little time to review the briefs submitted to the court. So they need to be able to get the gist of the brief without slogging through 50 pages of legalese.

I know for scholarly papers it's okay to dive in a little more than you would a brief, but I just don't want to dive in and not be able to come up for air.

Time is Sand that Gets in Your Shorts

I never seem to have enough time.

I was so annoyed when one of the women in my mom's senior apartment complex told my mom that I don't care about my mom because I never come to visit. Of course, that's not true. I do go visit my mom, but not as often as I'd like. And the fact that I don't come see her often (despite e-mailing her almost every day) is that I am so BUSY. And when I'm not busy, I'm TIRED.

I have to take that woman's comment with a grain of salt. She's generally an unhappy and negative person to begin with - and her family actually never comes to visit her.

I'm not the "I'm busy because I have a regular job and a family" busy. I'm busy because I have a regular job, a family, and law school. I barely have time to see my husband, let alone anyone else.

Despite feeling overwhelmed and short on time, I figured out that if I keep at the same pace I am at with law school, I will graduate in a year and a half. Part of me wants to go a little slower because I'm exhausted. But part of me wants to get out of law school as soon as I can and get it over with.

Yes, that would mean I probably won't have a job lined up when I graduate because of the bad economy. But it would be a relief to be done with law school. I imagine the huge weight lifted off my shoulders from all the pressure that law school has been.

And I imagine that I would have time to do all those things I've been missing out on while in school, like having a life.

Before law school, I had too much time on my hands. Now I can't seem to find enough of it to go around. Time is like sand that gets in your shorts. You've had a nice day at the beach but now your stuck trying to shake what's left out of your clothes.

How to Avoid MANDATORY Journal Banquet?

One of our law school journals, which I am on, is having a MANDATORY banquet. Mandatory? Are you kidding me?

Since I am planning on ending my required two-term commitment at the end of this term, I really have no desire to go play nice with others and eat bad food. On top of that, it's formal attire.

I suppose telling them that I will be having a lobotomy on that Saturday evening right at the same time they are holding the banquet would be a bit of a stretch?

I really don't want to go. I just haven't figured out how to legitimately get out of it.

The funny thing is, I've been receiving specific requests from the journal board to join their board of editors, which I have no intention of doing.

Journal work was unpleasant. It wasn't painful per se, but it was unpleasant and time-consuming considering how much other stuff I have on my plate.

Did I learn something from being on the journal of dimwit editors? Maybe - my bluebook skills are a little sharper. But the thought of having to add an additional two term commitment to them would just drive me over the edge.

Now if only I could schedule that elective ambulatory phlebectomy for the same date and time as the banquet, I could have a legitimate excuse not to go.

Stimulus for Student Loans

Here's a great idea from Above the Law - stimulus for student loans!

Check out the post:

Student Loan Bailout. Just Do It.

Supplements, Oh My Supplements!

I'd like to say I'm the brainy sort that naturally gets good grades.

Instead, I have to confess that I'm a tired, 30-something woman with a full-time job and not enough time to absorb everything I read in casebooks. So what's a woman to do?

Supplement.

I actually supplement my reading in more ways than one:

• I book brief (write notes in the margins) which helps me if I'm called on to recite in class. It also helps me remember what I'm reading better.
• I write out flash cards. For some reason, handwriting the legal concepts helps me remember everything better.
• I use Examples & Explanations Series books. Everyone has their favorite hornbook or supplement. Some like Gilberts. Some like Emanuels. But for me, it's Examples & Explanations Series. They break down the concepts into small, digestible chunks.
• I also use CALI lessons, short for the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction. They're a great refresher, especially right before finals or if I'm having trouble with a concept.

Everyone has their own way of retaining information, but so far these have been the most helpful to me. Without them, I would be lost in a world of legalese.

There is a (Law School) God!

Got a call that my first class tomorrow morning (Saturday) has been cancelled. My last class for tomorrow was also cancelled earlier this week courtesy of an e-mail from the professor.

So all I have is my middle class, in which I am now seriously contemplating performing no-show for the day (since I can miss a certain number of classes and this hasn't been one of them).

That means I can:

a) sleep in;
b) get caught up on studying; and
c) work on my paper.

There is a law school god!

Seven Year Law Degree?

Arizona State's Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law has announced that it will offer a new, flexible seven year law degree, designed to accomodate busy professionals and those who need to work while in school.

I'm all for flexibility. Unfortunately, my state requires that you finish your law degree in no more than four years if attending part-time. And by that time, I'm pretty sure I'll be more than ready to be done with school.

Of course, this is different than Northwestern's two year law degree. If given a choice between the two, I'd prefer a two year degree instead of a seven year program.

Seriously, there's only so much studying you can do before you lose it. If I had to go for seven years, I'd certainly expect a bigger degree than a J.D.

Life in the Fast Lane...

What was that Eagles' song lyric? Life in the fast lane....surely make you lose your mind!

My brother e-mailed me at the last minute on Friday to say that my niece's 16th birthday party was on Sunday. Not able to cancel other plans on Sunday. Told him I would try to make it at the end, but no promises.

After a week of working full-time and a class the previous evening, on Saturday I had class scheduled from 9-5. My 3 pm class ended at 3:20 because I apparently did a good job with my assignment so we didn't need to go over it. Bonus!

Went looking for my husband and found him repairing bathroom fixtures at my in-laws. Note: Proceed with caution when approaching a husband with plumbing tools... they tend to growl frequently and mumble incoherently.

Making a hasty exit, left husband to go pick up my niece's 16th birthday party present... still unsure if I was going to be able to make it to her party on Sunday. Came back and husband was still muttering and tweaking all the little drips. Offered to get him dinner. He didn't respond until he was done.

Then I went to get him dinner - broasted chicken and cole slaw. Fed him and in-laws. Our little piggy dog and my in-laws' dog sat at our feet begging sweetly. I ignored them - mainly because I don't like to clean up the aftermath when they've had people food.

Made it home by 8 pm. Exhausted. Voicemail from my mom reminding me that I could probably (hint, hint) make the tail end of my niece's birthday party. Pretended to look at Property law supplement. Couldn't focus so I went to bed.

On Sunday, husband left early for all-day event with his buddies. I stayed in bed with the dog because it was cold.

Woke up late. Scurried to take shower and get dressed before my lunch date. Managed to make the bed and let the dog out but left wet towels in bathroom.

My mom called to say that niece's party would end earlier than expected. Told her I probably wouldn't make it but would get her gift to her another time.

Met childhood best friend for lunch, shopping and gossip session. Nothing will make you saner than spending time with someone who knows you better than you know yourself. Made it home by 3 pm.

Left for my niece's 2 pm birthday party. Made it there by 3:30. Brought her presents (gift card, book, and a frog - don't ask.) Spent an hour there with my brother's family and my parents. Another reminder that I am more than my law school studies. Left at 4:30 because nieces had function to go to at church.

Went grocery shopping to make up after a two week dearth. Unloaded groceries solo as husband was still out of town. Four trips to car, three bags ripped. Was moody afterwards.

Leaning tower of laundry awaited in the basement. Started a load of laundry. Also re-started dryer to ease wrinkles in clothes that have been sitting in the dryer for a few days. Collapsed on sofa with piggy dog. Husband came home 1/2 hour later.

Hadn't even started any law school studying yet, nor was dinner made.

Life feels like a whirlwind. No wonder I fall behind....

Making Connections Can Get You Hired

I can't take credit for finding this article (so a big thanks to NonTradLaw.net) but I like the idea that finding a job is never quite where you think it will be.


After an Eight Month Search: You're Hired

In her job search, Pfeiffer's most successful connection came through volunteer work. She had already interviewed at the Clark Hill law firm when, while working on the Obama campaign, she met an attorney who was training poll watchers. He turned out to be a senior member of the Clark Hill executive committee that would vote on her new position.

All the attorneys I've met so far, especially through Inns of Court, have suggested to me that it's who you know that will get you your job. I've also had someone tell me that it was their volunteer work that helped them land a job - not so much in who they knew, but who else those people knew as well.

I guess that's why they call it 'networking'.

As a Follow Up to Finding Your Name in Print

As a follow up to my last post, Finding Your Name in Print, I just want to say the following:

Make sure your biggest case as an attorney is not the one where you lost famously. Even more important, make sure the one you lose doesn't become a textbook case!

In my Property II class, after reading a case, someone always raises their hand to ask, "Can the losing party file a malpractice suit against their attorney for botching it up this badly?"