The guy on my left was woefully unprepared for the barrage of questions steadily blazing his way from the professor. Watching an unprepared student writhe under the gaze of an inquisitive professor is a decidedly uncomforatable experience for everyone involved. I remember thinking “that’ll never happen to me… I’m too smart."
“Since your neighbor is not up to the challenge, Mr. Pill, perhaps you could help us.” Professor Contracts was looking right at me. I felt my stomach drop, my heart-rate spike and my hands begin to sweat. Professor Contracts was still looking at me. (Had he asked a question yet? Did I miss it? How long has he been looking at me?) I was panicking.
“Mr. Pill…” Contracts began. (I’m still OK, here comes the question.) “Mr. Pill, what is consideration?” Contracts asked. (OK, I know this. I just read about 100 cases that told all about consideration)
I started to speak. My voice sounded small bouncing off the cavernous walls of 1-15. “Consideration is what you pay for the thing you want…”
It goes without saying that this nugget of brilliance wasn’t exactly what the professor was looking for. I did a little writhing myself as my recall was tested by Professor Contracts. It was quite an experience: a little terror, a lot of adrenaline and one helluva challenge. I’m ready for my next one…
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Too Warm for Law?: by Scribbles
It felt too warm to be going back to school on August 11, the first day at St. John’s Law for the class of 2011. The first day of school, traditionally just after Labor Day, always felt a bit more like autumn to me. But that day was not like any other back to school day. For starters, everyone there, like me, was a survivor of the LSAT. They were from the top of their undergraduate classes and were convinced of their abilities.
Orientation Day at St. John’s Law was a great way to break the ice, meet new friends, and get to know the lay of the land. Tours of the law school were arranged, and the school’s various resources and services were explained to us. After breakfast and speeches by the dean and others, the 240 day division students broke up into our separate sections. (These are the people you will be spending most of your time with your first year of law school.) We were introduced to a few of our professors and this provided a great opportunity to find out about teaching styles, final exams, and whether or not they allow laptops in their classrooms (they do). We also got to hear from two judges, St. John’s alums, who gave us advise about the importance of professional ethics and a solid reputation.
Classes begin…
With its large tiered classrooms, imposing professors and 9:00 a.m. class times, the first week of law school can be an anxious time for freshly minted 1L’s. But not at St. John’s Law. The professors are very helpful and take the time to explain the public policies underlying the area of the law they are teaching. They really do take a “there are no dumb questions” attitude. The 2L’s and 3L’s offer advice about what to focus on, who the tough and not-so-tough professors are, and why it’s important to take a break too. And the other members of your section quickly become some of your best friends.
Perhaps the most important part of any 1L’s first week of law school is Introduction to Law (IL). While you may have never heard of this class, the time you spend in this introductory procedural course will be one of the best investments of your law school career. Intro-Law takes you through briefing cases, handling the Socratic Method, and thinking like a lawyer. You’ll also get to know Contracts, Property, Torts, and other classes during your first week. These classes will simultaneously enlighten and mystify you. But it’s the practical tools you gain during your first week of law school that prepare you for the challenges and opportunities ahead. I hope.
Orientation Day at St. John’s Law was a great way to break the ice, meet new friends, and get to know the lay of the land. Tours of the law school were arranged, and the school’s various resources and services were explained to us. After breakfast and speeches by the dean and others, the 240 day division students broke up into our separate sections. (These are the people you will be spending most of your time with your first year of law school.) We were introduced to a few of our professors and this provided a great opportunity to find out about teaching styles, final exams, and whether or not they allow laptops in their classrooms (they do). We also got to hear from two judges, St. John’s alums, who gave us advise about the importance of professional ethics and a solid reputation.
Classes begin…
With its large tiered classrooms, imposing professors and 9:00 a.m. class times, the first week of law school can be an anxious time for freshly minted 1L’s. But not at St. John’s Law. The professors are very helpful and take the time to explain the public policies underlying the area of the law they are teaching. They really do take a “there are no dumb questions” attitude. The 2L’s and 3L’s offer advice about what to focus on, who the tough and not-so-tough professors are, and why it’s important to take a break too. And the other members of your section quickly become some of your best friends.
Perhaps the most important part of any 1L’s first week of law school is Introduction to Law (IL). While you may have never heard of this class, the time you spend in this introductory procedural course will be one of the best investments of your law school career. Intro-Law takes you through briefing cases, handling the Socratic Method, and thinking like a lawyer. You’ll also get to know Contracts, Property, Torts, and other classes during your first week. These classes will simultaneously enlighten and mystify you. But it’s the practical tools you gain during your first week of law school that prepare you for the challenges and opportunities ahead. I hope.
I’m REALLY a Law Student-Week 1: by D. Rapids
Although my id card that I got during Orientation claimed I was a “law student”, it wasn’t official until I sat through my very first law-school class, not including “Introduction to Law”. Rumors of my contract’s professor’s excellence proved true. He
explains everything so thoroughly and in a very systematic, easy-to-understand way. Also, he really engages students in the material by asking lots of questions.
Then, there’s Torts. My Torts professor seems very, very, very passionate about the subject, which is always a good thing. I think Torts is going to be my favorite class because the cases involve everyday situations (i.e. people throwing things at each other, poking people’s eyes out with sticks).
Legal writing. Oh, what can I say about Legal Writing? Well, I was an English major and legal writing is more like math than writing. Really! Everything has to be precise and concise. My professor is very upbeat and seems like she is going to be helpful, but I’m still worried. However, there is the Writing Center if I really need help.
Besides the classes, the first week of law school was kind of like the first week of high school. We even get lockers! Everyone is trying to get to know each other and get accustomed to the school. I was actually surprised by how friendly all the students are here. I had this image in my mind of “the law student”. But this student doesn’t exist. All the students have really different personalities, which makes things exciting.
explains everything so thoroughly and in a very systematic, easy-to-understand way. Also, he really engages students in the material by asking lots of questions.
Then, there’s Torts. My Torts professor seems very, very, very passionate about the subject, which is always a good thing. I think Torts is going to be my favorite class because the cases involve everyday situations (i.e. people throwing things at each other, poking people’s eyes out with sticks).
Legal writing. Oh, what can I say about Legal Writing? Well, I was an English major and legal writing is more like math than writing. Really! Everything has to be precise and concise. My professor is very upbeat and seems like she is going to be helpful, but I’m still worried. However, there is the Writing Center if I really need help.
Besides the classes, the first week of law school was kind of like the first week of high school. We even get lockers! Everyone is trying to get to know each other and get accustomed to the school. I was actually surprised by how friendly all the students are here. I had this image in my mind of “the law student”. But this student doesn’t exist. All the students have really different personalities, which makes things exciting.
Convincing Mom: by M.C. Ethics
The thing that struck me most about orientation was the fact that almost every speaker seemed to be focused on ethical behavior. When I was accepted into law school, I asked my mother if she would support my decision if I decided to enroll. She told me that she did not like lawyers but would be willing to pay for my tuition deposit and books only. I was on my own regarding the rest of the tuition because my mother was hoping that I could attend some other graduate program for free. I wondered for a while why my mother did not like lawyers and I bet in her mind, lawyers were evil and would do anything for their fee.
This is why ethics are so important. The reputation of an entire profession hinges upon how attorneys conduct themselves. My mother must have had to hire someone who behaved unethically which created the view in her mind that every lawyer was evil. By focusing upon ethics at orientation, St. John's is betting that after our class graduates, we will be able to change people's perception about lawyers.
Classes Begin…
During the first few days, I was very afraid of my professors, they seemed to have a way of instilling a sense of fear upon students. After a few more classes, however, I found that most of the professors cared about the well-being of their students and want all of their students to succeed.
Then there are fellow students. I have noticed that the caliber of the student body is amazingly high. It is as if the admissions committee selected the single brightest person from classrooms around the country and placed them all in my class. It seems that I will have to work harder than I anticipated just keeping up with the rest of the section, but this is a challenge I will embrace with perseverance and determination.
This is why ethics are so important. The reputation of an entire profession hinges upon how attorneys conduct themselves. My mother must have had to hire someone who behaved unethically which created the view in her mind that every lawyer was evil. By focusing upon ethics at orientation, St. John's is betting that after our class graduates, we will be able to change people's perception about lawyers.
Classes Begin…
During the first few days, I was very afraid of my professors, they seemed to have a way of instilling a sense of fear upon students. After a few more classes, however, I found that most of the professors cared about the well-being of their students and want all of their students to succeed.
Then there are fellow students. I have noticed that the caliber of the student body is amazingly high. It is as if the admissions committee selected the single brightest person from classrooms around the country and placed them all in my class. It seems that I will have to work harder than I anticipated just keeping up with the rest of the section, but this is a challenge I will embrace with perseverance and determination.
New Beginnings: by Night Rose
As an evening student, I have a unique advantage over the 1L full time students. That is right, I am here to embrace my inner PM status, and announce to everyone that I love starting out as an evening student. I took a year off between college and law school. Anyone who has done that, especially if the time span more than a year, can say with certainty that the idea of returning to classrooms, textbooks and, studying, is terrifying! All I heard was “you better study your brains out!" I was VERY nervous about starting school.
Orientation came, and I had no idea what to wear- what do you wear to a law school orientation? When I got there, they were serving food, wine and beer. Yes! My jittery nerves were gone with a glass of red. What really stood out to me about orientation was the welcoming nature of the St. John’s community. St. John's really seemed to care about everybody! The Deans and some teachers welcomed us- they also had a couple of evening students come in and talk. I went home at the end of the night, and felt better. This is going to be fun.
Classes Begin…
Wow. There is a lot of reading. Like, a lot! The first week was four uninterrupted days of Introduction to Law. We learned the basics of writing a case brief, which has been very helpful in the subsequent "substantive classes.” I also experienced my first interrogation in which the Professor latched onto me for one case for 20 minutes. He had me scrambling through my notes and case brief to find answers to questions I did not even know existed!
Time has passed and I am not nearly as terrified as I was a month ago. I actually enjoyed reading as a child and as an adult, so I am plowing right through the assignments, while retaining at least most of the pertinent facts. Let me just reiterate though, I am still nervous, and probably will be, until I experience my first exams… in December.
Orientation came, and I had no idea what to wear- what do you wear to a law school orientation? When I got there, they were serving food, wine and beer. Yes! My jittery nerves were gone with a glass of red. What really stood out to me about orientation was the welcoming nature of the St. John’s community. St. John's really seemed to care about everybody! The Deans and some teachers welcomed us- they also had a couple of evening students come in and talk. I went home at the end of the night, and felt better. This is going to be fun.
Classes Begin…
Wow. There is a lot of reading. Like, a lot! The first week was four uninterrupted days of Introduction to Law. We learned the basics of writing a case brief, which has been very helpful in the subsequent "substantive classes.” I also experienced my first interrogation in which the Professor latched onto me for one case for 20 minutes. He had me scrambling through my notes and case brief to find answers to questions I did not even know existed!
Time has passed and I am not nearly as terrified as I was a month ago. I actually enjoyed reading as a child and as an adult, so I am plowing right through the assignments, while retaining at least most of the pertinent facts. Let me just reiterate though, I am still nervous, and probably will be, until I experience my first exams… in December.
It Begins: by A.T. Gone
Orientation, which was last month, was a great opportunity for first-year students like me to meet other first-year students as well as some faculty and administration members. The food is pretty good too. The first weeks of classes was welcomed by many as a good way to transition students and prepare them for the challenges ahead. This first week for 1L's consists of four hours a day in which you are introduced to law school and all that comes with it. IRAC? BaRAC? Too many acronyms, too little time.
Basically, this week is dedicated to an overview of the court system, analyzing and briefing cases, all of which mastering becomes crucial to success throughout law school and your career. If you ever took a law course in undergrad, this is your week to breathe a little easier as this should be a simple recap for most of you. If most of this is foreign to you, and you find yourself feeling lost and frantically looking up translations for all the Latin that you will see, don't be discouraged. This first week is meant to help ease your way into things. Briefing and finding the IRAC in each case will become second nature to you.
Basically, this week is dedicated to an overview of the court system, analyzing and briefing cases, all of which mastering becomes crucial to success throughout law school and your career. If you ever took a law course in undergrad, this is your week to breathe a little easier as this should be a simple recap for most of you. If most of this is foreign to you, and you find yourself feeling lost and frantically looking up translations for all the Latin that you will see, don't be discouraged. This first week is meant to help ease your way into things. Briefing and finding the IRAC in each case will become second nature to you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
