“I. Declare. BANKRUPTCY!” If you are like me, this iconic line from Michael Scott may be one of the first things that comes to mind when you think about bankruptcy. Of course, the joke is that bankruptcy does not really make “all your problems go away,” per Creed Bratton. In fact, bankruptcy is a complex mechanism and not everyone or every entity can take advantage of its benefits.
One of the first things I learned about bankruptcy is that a legal condition that arises after someone files or petitions for bankruptcy. It does not just mean someone has run out of money or are not able to pay their debts. And once you enter into the bankruptcy process, there are many additional steps to be able to address the problems and get a fresh start. [Read more…] about Bankruptcy 101
Are you dissatisfied with law school class discussions about legal doctrine and policy goals? Are you not sure what practice area is a good fit for you? Are you tired of reading cases and doing legal research? Working during the summer gives law students a more comprehensive understanding of what lawyers do on a day-to-day basis, how open questions are dealt with, how a young lawyer supports a team and more. For students who are looking for practice-oriented classes or experiences in law school, doing the work is the best way to learn.
After a stressful cycle of law school applications, you’ve finally picked your home for the next three years – Congratulations! You may be thinking, so what’s next? You may have heard that the first year of law school, or 1L, is not easy. Whether you are transitioning from working or from your undergraduate studies, law school will be a big change.
Throughout law school, I have discovered things that are mysterious and tedious: from taking exams to choosing extracurriculars, from searching for jobs, clerkships, and fellowships to handling the logistics of bar admission. I am now a third year law student, but some things still remain a mystery and I often find myself full of questions. While law school administrators and professors offer helpful resources, I’ve leaned most heavily on the wisdom of students that have come before me. I find that their perspectives and advice to be the most practical, reliable, and insightful. Now as a 3L, I’ve made it a point to make myself available (whether in person, phone, or email) about topics on which I can offer my thoughts.
At some point in law school, you’ll be asked to draft a complex legal memo whether for a class, a clinic, a job, or an internship. This involves extensive research, digesting all the information, developing analysis, crafting arguments, and giving your recommendations. At the end, you will package all your work in a succinct but useful format for your professor, supervisor, or client.