Dan's
College Blog
Ready for the Next Step!
June 16, 2008
I've been enjoying my professional development course. It's a relatively low-stress process compared to the bar exams. Every day we discuss issues such as professional ethics and client communications.
We've learned that the most common complaint that clients have is that their lawyer doesn't communicate with them properly. Too many lawyers fail to return phone calls promptly and fail to answer questions as thoroughly as they should.
Last week we had to write a legal memo. Legal memos are often written by junior lawyers for more senior lawyers. They summarize the applicable statutes and case law in an area of law and then apply those rules to a particular client's case. The senior lawyer can then use the memo to prepare a legal strategy for the client or to write an opinion letter for the client. Being able to write clear, persuasive and well-reasoned legal memos is one of the essential skills that law firms expect new lawyers to have.
Today we discussed mediation, arbitration and other methods that are used to avoid going to court. Going to court is very expensive and can be very unpleasant. More and more, lawyers are developing negotiation and mediation skills. These skills help them reach agreements for their clients so that their clients never have to see the inside of a courtroom.
Yesterday, I moved into a new apartment downtown. I wanted to be close enough to work to be able to walk to it every day. That way, every day I get some exercise and I have a chance to unwind on my way to and from work. Also, I wanted to be close enough to restaurants, theaters, stores, etc. that I won't miss my car too much. I plan to sell it soon so that I'll have more money to put toward student loans. As I'm sure you know, law school is very expensive. I'll be paying off my loans for years to come.
I've heard that the first five years of practicing law are the toughest. If you can make it through the first five years, then things get easier. That's the kind of good news that I'm sure will help keep me motivated when things seem overwhelming!
I expect to be continuing this blog in September, so you'll soon hear what it's like to work inside a law firm. Have a great summer!
No More Exams!
June 9, 2008
The past few days have been wonderful. For the first time in a long time, I don't have any exams hanging over me. I've been able to really relax for the first time in months. It has been great getting into the sunshine and visiting friends.
The exam last Wednesday went fairly well. I think I did well enough, but I won't know for sure for another month. It was very hard to keep up my motivation and energy in those last few days, but I slogged through it, and I've lived to tell the tale.
This week I'll be starting a mandatory four-week professional development course. Each week we have to complete an assignment. I don't know exactly what we'll have to do, but I've heard that some group work is required. I think we'll have to do legal research and write legal memos.
It will be fun to reconnect with some classmates at the course this week. We had the choice of choosing either morning or afternoon sessions. I chose morning sessions so that I could get them out of the way each day. Otherwise, it would be tempting to sleep in every day, and then my days wouldn't be very productive. I feel refreshed and ready to tackle this course, which I'm sure can't be anywhere near as grueling as the bar exam process!
Final Countdown
June 2, 2008
In two days, I'll write the bar exam.
I've settled into a good groove with my studying. I study in three or four hour sessions -- three sessions per day. I'm able to get through 80 to 100 pages a day this way. Right now I'm about 100 pages from the end of the materials. My plan is to finish it all today, and then I'll have tomorrow to skim over everything one last time. I can't tell you how happy I'll be when I finish this exam!