tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24218630548279388352024-03-05T12:20:58.594-08:00Excited UtterancesCapital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-30101850173827436902012-04-27T09:28:00.000-07:002012-04-27T09:28:22.494-07:00Pelotonia 2012: One Goal, End CancerAnyone living in Columbus has probably noticed those green arrows displayed on business windows and people's cars. Four words printed on the arrows boldly stand out, "One Goal End Cancer." These arrows help spread awareness for Pelotonia, an organization founded to raise money for cancer research. For the past three years, thousands of riders have traveled across the state on their bikes for this great cause. This year, on August 11, riders will start in Downtown Columbus and ride as short as 25 miles to Pickerington or as long as 100 miles to Gambier, the home of Kenyon College. True cycling enthusiasts also have the option to ride back to Columbus the next day - a total of 180 miles over two days!<br />
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If you ask Tom Lennox, Pelotonia Founder and CEO, what this organization is all about, he will tell you, "It is all about the money." That is because every single dollar raised by riders and volunteers goes to cancer research at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute ("The James"). In its first three years, Pelotonia has raised $25.4 million for The James, and after its fifth year, Pelotonia's goal is to have raised $50 million. Pelotonia has already raised over $1 million this year, and there are still 105 days left until ride.<br />
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Last year, Capital Law joined this fight against cancer with the formation of the Capital Law Cycling Club. Six students and two faculty members (current Capital Law School Dean, Richard Simpson, and former Capital Law School Dean, Jack Guttenberg) courageously rode in a Peloton on behalf of Capital and raised a total of $14,338.97. Four additional students also helped volunteer the day of the ride.<br />
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This year, the Cycling Club hopes to significantly increase the number of riders and volunteers, as well as the total amount of money raised. Because Capital will be hosting an exclusive "feed zone" in Pataskala, we need around 30 volunteers. These volunteers will serve the riders food and beverages to keep their energy levels high, but more importantly, they will cheer them on. Moral support goes a long way. It can be just what riders need to give them that little extra boost of stamina.<br />
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Staff, Faculty, Students: Are you interested in riding or volunteering? Potential riders can send questions to Ryan Schick (rschick@law.capital.edu), and potential volunteers should contact Molly Dames (mdames@law.capital.edu) or Tom Jeffcott (tjeffcott@law.capital.edu). If you are on the fence, I encourage you to watch the video posted below. After watching it, I was just about ready to sign up for the 180 miler, and I haven't ridden a bike in years. For more information about the Capital Law Peloton, visit our Pelotonia 2012 <a href="https://www.mypelotonia.org/team_profile.jsp?MemberID=178097&SearchStart=0&PAGING">profile page</a>.<br />
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2011 Capital Law Peloton</div>
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<br />Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-83754276388054966172012-04-02T08:47:00.002-07:002012-04-02T08:47:38.673-07:00Law Review Celebrates Its 40th YearForty years ago, Roberta Mitchell was a student at Capital University Law School. One day she was asked if she wanted to create a Law Review publication for the school. These kinds of publications were prevalent in law schools across the country, but Capital did not yet have one. After researching what needed to be done, and finding additional students to work as board members, Roberta Mitchell became the Law Review's first editor-in-chief. Today, Mitchell serves as a professor emerita, and in honor of this 40-year milestone, this year's publication was dedicated to her.<br />
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Staff membership on the Capital University Law Review is a true honor for students. The Law Review staff works hard throughout the year editing and selecting papers from scholars, attorneys, and judges with fresh ideas who are seeking publication. Students involved gain a tremendous amount of additional training in legal research and writing. Because of the sophisticated knowledge and skill that comes as a result of being involved in Law Review, employers look very favorably upon this activity.<br />
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But Law Review is much more than your average student organization. Staff members devote countless hours in making sure articles have all of the correct legal citations and that they are free of spelling and grammatical errors. In addition to their editing expectations, staff members also write their own articles on a current legal topic. These student-written articles are also submitted to the Law Review and each year, a number of them are published.<br />
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Capital Law students have three different ways to become Law Review staff members. First, students in the top ten percent of their class receive an automatic invitation. Second, students who earn one of the top two highest grades in their legal writing class also receive an automatic invitation. Finally, any other student not falling within one of those previous two categories may participate in the write-on competition. Competitors analyze a fact pattern with accompanying case law, choose a side, and write a short brief. A few briefs are selected as the winners of the write-on competition, and those students are extended an invitation to join the Law Review staff as well.<br />
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This year's publication focuses on contract and intellectual property, foreclosure, and adoption law. As an incoming law student, Law Review staff membership is a great goal to set for yourself. According to Professor Dan Kobil, a faculty advisor, "The students on Law Review tend to exemplify the combination of intelligence, diligence, commitment, and responsibility that make for the best lawyers."Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-875150237748912662012-03-08T08:30:00.000-08:002012-03-08T08:30:24.208-08:00The Barrister's Ball: The Fun Side of Law SchoolIt is often said that attending law school can feel like going back to high school. Students start and end their day with a trip to the locker room, almost everyone eats lunch in the People's Court Cafe around 12:00, and instead of secretly passing notes in class, students send messages to one another via Gchat. So, naturally, we also have a Prom. <div>
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Every year, students and faculty members get excited for the Barrister's Ball. This black-tie optional affair is a great opportunity to get to know your colleagues outside of the confines of the law school. This year's Ball was held at the Columbus Anthenaeum in its beautiful Olympian Ballroom. From 7:00 - 11:00, those in attendance enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and plenty of dancing. Additionally, each person received a voucher for chips to use at one of six casino tables ran by celebrity professor dealers.</div>
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A unique aspect of this year's Ball was the addition of photo booths. Everyone had free access to two booths, which fit up to fourteen people. The booths offered unlimited photo printouts in color, black & white, or sepia. People could also choose from a number of outlandish props to include in the picture. In addition to the photo booths, raffles for prizes from BarBri and other local businesses were held.</div>
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The Barrister's Ball is an event that no law student should miss. It is a chance to dress up, cut loose, and have fun with classmates and professors. A special thanks to the SBA for organizing such a memorable night!</div>
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<br /></div>Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-5473775579809497142012-02-20T11:13:00.000-08:002012-02-20T11:13:30.472-08:00Capital Recognized for Its High Bar Passage RateThe LSAT is a test that has the power to produce mixed emotions from a lot of people. Some enjoy cracking the puzzles of the logic games, while others cringe. We are told that the LSAT is primarily designed to reflect success in law school. So does this mean that if a person receives a low LSAT score, he or she will have a hard time passing the bar exam?<br />
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The National Jurist, a legal magazine distributed nationally, recently conducted a study looking at the correlation of LSAT scores and bar passage rate. Researchers wanted to find out if law schools with a lower median LSAT had a lower bar passage rate. They discovered that most schools have bar passage rates that correlate to their incoming LSAT scores, but that Capital "buck(ed) the average". The article goes on to showcase Capital's high bar passage rate.<br />
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To highlight some of Capital's effective preparatory programs, the article quotes Professor Yvonne Twiss, Director of Bar Services, and former Student Bar Association President Thomas Siwo, L'11. Siwo talks about his experience with the Academic Success Protocol, a program which helps admitted students prepare for law school, during the summer, before classes begin. He states, "We spent 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in mock classes...practicing reading and writing techniques with professors who taught classes. It really gave me a heads up on how to think and perform in law school." Siwo's hard work paid off. He passed the bar last summer and now practices law at Bricker & Eckler, one of Ohio's largest firms.<br />
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Professor Twiss talks about the success of the Capital Advanced Bar Studies (ABS) course. In 2005, the American Bar Association lifted a ban on for-credit, in-house bar prep at law schools. Capital crafted a course to help students get ready for the process of studying for the bar exam. Although it is not mandatory, around 95% of students choose to take this class. The course has certainly proven its value. Now, after the implementation of ABS, t<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he average percentage of first-time test takers passing the bar at Capital in the past five July exams is 90.26 percent, compared to 88.26 for all other Ohio schools.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/cypress/nationaljurist0212/#/28">Click here</a> to view the entire article.<br />
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<br />Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-60840043385310440722012-02-10T10:26:00.000-08:002012-02-10T10:26:49.358-08:00Capital Students Lend A Helping Hand<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Based on my experience thus far as a Capital Law student, I have come to realize that there is a strong sense of camaraderie among the student population. Before starting law school, I had heard tales of cut-throat students hiding books in the library to gain a competitive edge over their peers. I wondered if this was going to be an accurate prediction for the next three years of my life. But, my reservations proved to be false. At Capital, students are quick to lend a helping hand. Recently, this positive perception of mine was affirmed when I read about how Capital Law students are currently helping another student in a time of need.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adam Bessler finished classes at Capital Law in December 2011. With hopes to take the February bar exam, Adam began studying. But, on February 6, 2012, Adam found out that his young son, Jameson, was diagnosed with leukemia. Adam has now put the bar exam on hold to spend time with his family. Adam's wife, Megan, has been working as a teacher at Jane's Montessori Academy and is due to have another little girl, Olivia, very soon. To help alleviate the cost of Jameson's medical bills, and assist Adam and Megan with their day-to-day living expenses, students have donated money to "<a href="http://fundly.com/jamesonsgetbetterfast">Jameson's Get Better Fast</a>" cause. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yesterday, Jameson received some very good test results that puts him in the best possible prognosis for his leukemia. But, this will still be a long road for Jameson and his family. He is currently going through chemotherapy, and is being cared for at Nationwide Children's Hospital. To help keep his spirits high, supporters have also been sending cards to Jameson's room. Nationwide Children's actually has a <a href="http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/gd/applications/controller.cfm?&page=246">website </a>that allows cards to be ordered and sent directly to his room, J5321.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To stay up-to-date with Jameson's progress, the Bessler family has set up a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jamesons-Get-Better-Fast-Fund/267830036619748">Facebook page</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After spending some time reading about Jameson's strength and positive attitude, you will see how this little boy is a true inspiration to us all. I wish Jameson and his family all the best. Here's to Jameson getting better fast!</span><br />
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<br />Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-56042146339644480982012-01-30T10:20:00.000-08:002012-01-30T10:20:21.848-08:00Experience Capital LawAre you still on the fence about whether you want to apply to law school? Maybe you have already been accepted at Capital but you are unsure about what to expect as a Capital Law student? The decision of where to attend law school is one that requires a lot of thought. Luckily, Capital offers a number of programs throughout the year to help prospective students make an informed and confident choice.<br />
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I remember how excited I was when I received my acceptance letter from Capital University Law School. However, I suspected moving from a rural undergraduate campus to a law school located in downtown Columbus was going to be an adjustment. I knew that I was going to have to visit Capital first in order to quell any fears associated with relocating to a city. That is when I heard about an upcoming Capital Law Accepted Students Day. I immediately made a reservation.<br />
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The time soon arrived to attend the event. I woke up early one Saturday morning, left Oxford, and was en route to Columbus. As it turned out, the accepted students day solidified my desire to attend Capital Law School. The faculty, staff, and students involved in planning the event were so welcoming that I immediately felt comfortable in the school. I particularly remember an inspiring presentation by a recent Capital Law grad who had defended a young man accused of murder. This young attorney spoke of her hard work gathering new evidence and uncovering the truth behind a careless crime scene investigation which ultimately led to a resounding verdict of not guilty. I left Columbus that day feeling confident that Capital would provide me with an outstanding legal education.<br />
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It is important to note that I am not the only person who thinks highly of these types of events. Capital recently hosted an Open House that numerous prospective students attended. The positive evaluations of the event were overwhelming. Persons in attendance thought the activities, which included presentations on professional development, admissions, and financial aid, were both engaging and informative. Additionally, the student panel discussion received rave reviews. Based on a final evaluation survey, not a single person stated he or she was less inclined to apply after attending this event.<br />
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As you can see, attending an open house, or an accepted students day, is a great way to make your decision of whether to apply or attend Capital Law School easier. To stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding open houses and events visit http://law.capital.edu/Experience/. If you cannot attend one of these Experience Capital events, you can always set up an individual visit where the Office of Admissions will tailor a visit to your individual needs.<br />
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<br />Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-56000325259828785602012-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:002012-01-18T10:23:44.684-08:00Columbus, OH: A Foodie's Hidden MeccaWhen one thinks of Columbus, OH, the first thing that probably comes to mind is college football. But, if you look closely, you will find that there is much more to this city than pigskins and buckeyes. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a "foodie" is defined as "a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads." It may come as a surprise to learn that Columbus cuisine has been showcased in the <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-09-03/travel/sc-trav-0830-food-columbus-20110830_1_food-trucks-food-bloggers-flavors">Chicago Tribune</a> and on Anthony Bourdain's <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain/Episodes_Travel_Guides/ci.Heartland.map">No Reservations</a>. But, after discovering the diverse range of culinary options scattered throughout the city, you will understand why the Columbus food-scene is steadily gaining momentum<span style="background-color: white;">.</span> Below are three ways the city of Columbus can help you discover your inner foodie.<br />
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<b>North Market</b><br />
Located in the heart of the Arena District, the North Market is a smorgasbord of tasty eats. A great spot for lunch, the North Market is home to dozens of diverse vendors. Patrons have their choice of Indian, Vietnamese, Barbecue, Sushi, and many more. For those with a sweet tooth, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is a must. Using a wide-array of Ohio ingredients, Jeni's transforms normal ice cream into bold flavor experiences with options such as "Goat Cheese with Cognac Figs" and "Cumin and Honey Butterscotch Cake". Looking to improve your cooking skills? Check the schedule at the School of Cooking and take a class upstairs in the Dispatch Kitchen. For more information, and a full list of vendors, visit <a href="http://www.northmarket.com/">www.northmarket.com</a>.<br />
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<b>Columbus Food Adventures</b><br />
Tired of only spending time with your study group in the library? Or maybe you want to impress that girl in your Torts class with an awesome first date? Columbus Food Adventures is the way to go. Owner, Bethia Woolf, will lead you on an exciting food-oriented tour of Columbus. Tours include: German Village Tour, Alt Eats Tour, Short North Food Tour, Taco Truck Food Tour, and All Dessert Tour. In addition to Bethia's tremendous amount of local cuisine knowledge, stops on the tour will involve private meetings with restaurant owners, head chefs, or bakers. And, best of all, each tour provides plenty of samples. As a past participant of the All Dessert Tour, I would definitely advise anyone interested to wear loose fitting pants the day of the event. To purchase tickets, visit <a href="http://www.columbusfoodadventures.com/">www.columbusfoodadventures.com</a>. <br />
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<b>Food and Drink Festivals</b><br />
Throughout the year, Columbus hosts numerous food and drink festivals. Most recently, I attended the Columbus Beerfest. With the purchase of a ticket, each guest received a commemorative tasting glass and twenty-five sampling tickets. The festival showcased over fifty craft breweries including Columbus natives: Columbus Brewing Company, Barley's, and Elevator. If you are disappointed that you missed out on this event, don't fret. Another beer festival, AleFest-Columbus, is Saturday, February 4, featuring over 180 great beers from various breweries around the world. <br />
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The Food Truck craze has propelled mobile dining into the mainstream. This past summer marked the first annual Food Truck and Cart Fest held at Columbus Commons - a downtown grassy oasis. Over twenty vendors parked their trucks and carts on the lawn, and Columbus residents got the chance to discover a great variety of sandwiches, tacos, crepes, and desserts. Judging by the popularity of the event last year, I expect to hear about a second festival this summer. Just remember, these mobile eateries can set up almost anywhere, so it can be difficult to track them down on the street. But, if you find one you like, most trucks and carts keep Facebook or Twitter pages up-to-date with their latest locations.Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-81581295625634863252011-11-30T07:12:00.001-08:002011-11-30T08:01:30.558-08:00Holiday Stress ReliefTuesday, November 29, marked the Second Annual Capital University Law School Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest. Students scoured eBay, thrift stores, and their mothers' closets in search of the most fashionably heinous garment they could find. With finals beginning next week, stress levels are running high. But, yesterday, instead of worrying about exams, students were able to spread some holiday cheer and share a lot of laughs together.<br />
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The 2L class hosted the contest. Participants were required to give a brief explanation of their ugly sweaters before strutting their stuff down the aisle in front of the distinguished judging panel. The judges, Dean Jennifer DiSanza, Dean Rachel Janutis, and Director Shawn Beem, proved to be critical, yet fair. The Dean of Capital Law School, Richard Simpson, was in attendance as well. Unfortunately, he showed up in a suit, not an ugly sweater, but, there is always next year...<br />
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The student outfits did not disappoint. A wide variety of clothing and accessories were modeled: a shirt with a bedazzled Barack Obama in a Santa hat, a penguin onesie, and a sweater with a colorful collage of scenes from The Grinch. A special thanks to Ryan Schick, who not only participated in the competition, but was also the primary planner of the event. I encourage everyone to be a part of the Ugly Sweater Contest next year. You are guaranteed to have a good time!<br />
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<br />Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-58565401314300076232011-11-22T12:54:00.001-08:002011-11-29T12:27:30.169-08:00Oyez, Oyez, OyezThe Chief Justice of The Supreme Court of the United States calls upon the Petitioner to approach the podium and begin oral arguments. The first advocate rises from counsel table. Although there is great confidence in his stride, his mind is racing. He tries his best to suppress the nervous thoughts creeping into his head. Standing behind the podium, he stares into five sets of eyes. The judges look eager to ask questions, hoping to find holes in his argument. He has spent countless hours over the last two months preparing for this day, and, now, it all comes down to this. He takes one last deep breath, and proclaims, "Mister Chief Justice, and may it please the court."<br />
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The four members of the Fall National Moot Court Team experienced this scenario first-hand the weekend of November 19 and 20. The team traveled to Thomas M. Cooley Law School, in Lansing, Michigan, to compete in the regional competition. The competition was scored using points from a written appellate brief and points from an oral argument. I was lucky enough to accompany these students as a Moot Court 2L Fellow. Throughout the semester, I helped the team members prepare for the competition. It was such a great experience to watch these talented individuals steadily improved with each practice, and their hard work paid off in the end.<br />
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The team of Emily Jackson and Courtney Yeager excelled in the first two qualifying rounds. After the first day, Emily and Courtney were the second seeded team in the tournament. The next day, they skillfully argued their way into the semi-finals. In the semi-final round, these two fantastic competitors put forth truly amazing arguments. Ultimately, the team lost to a talented Cleveland-Marshall duo by a margin of a few points. But, Emily and Courtney did not leave Michigan empty-handed. Out of all of the competitors at the tournament, Emily Jackson won 2nd Best Oral Advocate and Courtney Yeager won 4th Best Oral Advocate.<br />
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The team of Rachel Sabo and Stefan Thomas also performed brilliantly. After watching both of these competitors in action, I hope I never have to argue against either one in court. Rachel and Stefan prevailed over teams from Ohio State and Case Western on oral argument points by large margins. Additionally, Rachel was awarded with the Best Oralist prize at the Capital Law Honor Round, and Stefan was the only competitor at the regional tournament to score a perfect oral argument score of 50 in a preliminary round.<br />
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Traveling with the Moot Court Team to Michigan was a very rewarding experience. These four Capital Law students were fantastic representatives of the law school. The coaches, Professor Susan Simms and Professor Jeff Snapp, also deserve recognition. They worked hard throughout the semester organizing practice judge panels and offering valuable advice to the competitors. Knowing how hard these students and faculty members work has given me a greater appreciation for the Moot Court program. I hope I will be able to compete on the team next year, and I wish all of the additional Moot Court Teams competing in the spring the best of luck!<br />
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<br />Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-472954398901248902011-11-16T10:53:00.001-08:002011-11-16T11:35:01.607-08:00Professionalism WeekThis week is Professionalism Week at Capital Law. Last night, I attended an event entitled, "Ethical Landmines that New Attorneys Face in the 21st Century - Twitter, Facebook, Blogging . . . How much is too much?" Hosted by the SBA, Phi Alpha Delta, Legal Professionalism Society, and the Office of Professional Development, this event highlighted ethical dilemmas dealing with social media. Jonathon Coughlan, Disciplinary Counsel for the Supreme Court of Ohio, and The Honorable Kim Cocroft of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas sat on the distinguished panel. Former Dean and current Professor, Jack Guttenberg, served as the moderator.<br />
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I thought it was very interesting to hear that jury monitoring via Facebook is a common practice these days. Jon Coughlan joked, "It is practically malpractice if [an attorney is] not doing it." When someone sits on a jury, that juror should be aware that the attorneys are searching the internet for any information that may reflect his or her opinions and biases. No ethical violations are imposed on attorneys who search public pages, like Facebook and Twitter.<br />
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Attorneys are not the only ones watching these social media sites. During a long trial, jurors are admonished not to speak about the trial outside of the courtroom. If a judge finds out that juror number four has been posting status updates on Facebook or tweeting about how he thinks the defendant is guilty, severe consequences could result. Not only will the juror be removed, and possibly fined, but this may be grounds for a mistrial.<br />
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Everyone, especially law students, need to be cognizant of how they hold themselves out to the rest of the world. In fact, it does not hurt to Google yourself. An unprofessional social media site or other inappropriate online material can easily hurt your chances when applying for a job. Last night, Judge Cocroft said it well, "All you have is your name and reputation, and once those are ruined, it is over."<br />
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Professionalism Week continues on Thursday. Jonathon Coughlan will return to Capital to lead a discussion on the unauthorized practice of law. This event is presented by the Legal Professionalism Society and the SBA Professionalism Liason Committee. This event will be particularly beneficial to 1L students since many of them will soon be working at their first legal internship this summer. Hope to see you there!Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-48927965708965366492011-11-09T13:09:00.000-08:002011-11-09T13:11:19.035-08:00Five Tips for InterviewingAs hard as it is to believe, spring semester is just around the corner. With each new semester comes a new recruiting program organized by the Office of Professional Development. One of the most beneficial aspects of the semester recruiting programs is on-campus interviewing, or OCI. OCI is an opportunity for employers to visit the law school, interview students, and select candidates for available positions. A wide range of employers participate in OCI, including, but not limited to: large firms, small firms, government agencies, and corporations. Here is a short list of tips to help students prepare for the spring semester recruiting program.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Have Someone Proofread Your Resume</span></b><br />
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A solid resume is the first step to landing an interview. You do not want to have any errors hiding in places you may have overlooked. Having a fresh set of eyes check it out is always a good idea. Students can email their resumes to the Office of Professional Development and the Director of Professional Development, Shawn Beem, will gladly review it. I worked with the Office of Professional Development my first year and changed the entire format of my resume. After working with Director Beem, I now have an organized and well-developed resume to send to potential employers.</blockquote>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Make Your Cover Letter Unique</span></b><br />
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Employers can tell when you send them a generic cover letter. Instead, do some research, and include specific reasons why you are drawn to the particular position for which you are applying. This will give you a competitive edge and make your application stand out from the rest. Also, end your cover letter on a strong note. Avoid passive language such as, "I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future," and replace it with, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will contact you within the week to follow up on my application. Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or requests. Thank you for your time and your consideration.”</span></blockquote>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Practice for Your Interview</span></b><br />
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No matter how comfortable you are with your speaking ability, it is always important to practice. Research commonly asked questions, write out possible answers, and then practice your responses. Do not be afraid to practice in front of a mirror. Sure, it may be awkward, but practicing in front of a mirror can help you improve eye contact, posture, and gesturing. Students can also schedule a mock interview with the Office of Professional Development. Mock interviews are recorded. This provides students the ability to re-watch the interview, and identify their strengths and weaknesses.</blockquote>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Dress the Part</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Students need to look their best when entering an interview. If you have not yet built up your professional wardrobe, it is time to do so. A professional image is key to a professional reputation. Not wearing a suit, donning colors that clash, or showing too much skin can easily harm your chances for getting a job. On November 14, the Office of Professional Development, Women's Law Association, and Phi Alpha Delta are presenting "Dress for Success." This event will highlight w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">hat to wear (and when), how to infuse your style, how to build a professional wardrobe, and where and how to shop. I attended this event last year, and not only is it informative, but it is also highly entertaining.</span></blockquote>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Be Confident</span></b><br />
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Confidence is essential. During an interview, all of the attention is on you. You are the star; so make yourself feel like one. Recognize your strengths, and have confidence in your experience. When you enter the interview room, stand tall, smile, make eye contact, and use a firm handshake. Keep in mind that it is important to distinguish confidence from cockiness. The moment you enter the realm of cockiness, you begin to look arrogant and unprofessional. For example, be proud of your accomplishments, but do not brag about them. Never act like you are better than the job for which you are interviewing. Projecting an attitude of confidence will command attention and respect.</blockquote>Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-80508380793608209342011-11-04T07:18:00.001-07:002011-11-04T07:18:53.894-07:00Stay Healthy: Physically and Mentally<br />
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It should not come as a shock to hear that law school is a huge time commitment. Students face a lot of pressure each day. They are expected to read numerous cases per week, complete legal writing assignments with an extreme attention to detail, and consistently update their outlines. How in the world, then, do law students find the time to stay healthy and active? It is not easy, but, it is very important. It takes discipline and organization. Exercising and eating a well-balanced diet increases a student's energy level and mental acuity. Staying healthy just might give you that extra edge you need to succeed.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">When it comes to physical fitness, all law students have access to the Cap Center located on the Capital University main campus in Bexley. But, for those that are interested in alternative options, Capital offers discounted membership rates at three different fitness centers. The Grant Fitness Center (located in Grant Hospital) is just a couple of minutes away from the law school. Students can purchase a semester-long membership pass for $60. Urban Active Fitness Center offers membership passes for $29.95 per month. This membership grants students access to all Urban Active locations. Seven locations exist in the Columbus area alone. Finally, The Athletic Club of Columbus offers student memberships for $75 per month. While this is more expensive than the others, the student fee is drastically lower than the normal rate. Also, because a lot of practicing attorneys are ACC members, students can take advantage of networking opportunities here as well.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">For runners, bikers, and walkers, Columbus has a fantastic trail system. The Scioto trail is my personal favorite because it showcases a beautiful view of the city, especially at sunset. Columbus is also home to the largest marathon in Ohio. The Columbus Marathon is held in the fall, and this past October, 14,000 people, including a handful of Capital Law students, participated in either the half or full marathon. Cycling enthusiasts will not want to miss out on Pelotonia, a two-day ride to Athens and back that raises money for cancer research. The new and exciting Capital Law Cycling Club organizes a team for this event each year. Last summer, six students along with Professor Jack Guttenberg and Dean Richard Simpson participated and raised almost $13,000 for cancer research!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
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Mental health is also very important. Stress levels are always high throughout the year, but they tend to skyrocket when finals roll around at the end semester. Ward off that stress by taking advantage of Capital's health and wellness program. This year, Capital started a program called Wellness Wednesdays. During the semester, the Achieve Balance group sponsors multiple wellness workshops including: Tips to Healthy Living, Building Healthy Relationships, Wellness Assessments, Performance Enhancement, and Tackling Stress. On top of that, students also benefit from FREE massages during finals week.<br /><br />Law school is a stressful undertaking, but students at Capital are lucky to benefit from discounted fitness center rates, and school-sponsored wellness programs. Living in Columbus, a city committed to fitness, fosters a desire to lead a healthy lifestyle. By staying healthy, physically, and mentally, students maximize their potential to focus and succeed in law school.</div>Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421863054827938835.post-46516380265693203762011-10-26T09:27:00.000-07:002011-10-26T09:37:24.092-07:00Experience, Experience, Experience<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
A couple weeks ago, I attended the Criminal Law Association’s “Clash of the Crusaders” event. Kevin Kelley (Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of Ohio, L’89) and Steve Nolder (Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Ohio, L’87) discussed hot topic issues and career experiences that led them to where they are today. When posed with the question, “How can students best differentiate themselves out of a large pool of applicants,” the answer was “experience.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I, like many of my fellow classmates at Capital, chose to attend law school right after graduating from undergrad. When I arrived at Capital, I had some legal experience on my resume, but not enough to make me feel particularly confident going into an interview for a law clerk position. However, my feelings of uncertainty soon changed after finding out about the externship program.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Capital’s externship program offers students a glimpse into the legal real world. This program is one of the many ways Capital molds its students into market-ready practitioners of law. The number of externship sites available to students is beyond impressive. Placements include: positions in the court system, various government agencies, and other legal service organizations. Students have the opportunity to apply for an externship in the fall, spring, or summer. It is common for a student to complete multiple externships.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I completed an externship at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas this past summer. Because it was such a positive experience, I applied for a placement in one of the divisions at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for this spring. One of the most rewarding aspects of my externship was proving to myself that I could successfully apply the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to a judicial externship.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, if you are worried about not having enough legal experience on your resume, do not fret. Make a point to investigate the externships Capital has to offer. No matter your interest, be it litigation, corporate law, or labor and employment, Capital’s externship program can set you up with a position geared specifically toward your intended career path. Before you know it, that resume will be filled with diverse legal experiences that will differentiate you from the pack.</div>Capital Law Admissionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08913954912526366575noreply@blogger.com0Capital University Law School39.962743 -82.99214239.9612215 -82.9946095 39.964264500000006 -82.9896745