Who should win the Coping with law Mozart or Xzibit? presidential election? school stressors Will it be McCain, Clinton Whether students cope by One Gavel editor used or Obama? With three drinking or doing yoga, to read books and attend formidable candidates, there are a variety of ways to concerts in his free time. The Gavel debates who the cope with stress. The Gavel Now he just wants to strongest choice is. explores the possibilities. watch “Pimp My Ride” on MTV.

POLITICS, PAGE 5 LAW, PAGE 3 OPINION, PAGE 6 THE GAVEL VOLUME 56, ISSUE 5 MARCH 2008 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT CLEVELAND-MARSHALL COLLEGE OF LAW

Barrister’s Ball Delta theta phi sponsors spring break trip to D.C.

By Kevin Shannon 2008: a night of STAFF WRITER On Sunday, March 9, 2008, 16 Cleve- land-Marshall students embarked on a trip revelry to Washington D.C., braving the blizzard By Paul Deegan of 2008. Organized by Delta Theta Phi CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and funded by the SBA, the trip included Our SBA outdid itself by hosting Barris- tours of the Supreme Court and the Library ter’s Ball 2008 at Windows on the River, in of Congress. A chance encounter with the West Bank of the Flats. The event began Representative Dennis Kucinich further at 7pm with the elegantly dressed attendees provided a smaller group of students with an beginning to arrive around 6:30pm. The intimate after-hours tour of the U.S. Capitol. open bar was especially a hit since it served The trip was almost cut short before top-shelf liquor and a variety of other drinks. it began due to the almost two feet of “Now this is the type of bar I’m talking snow that mother nature unceremoniously about,” said Chuck Northcutt. All of the dumped on Cleveland on the eve of the trip. hard work and planning paid off as nearly The undaunted students dug out their cars 250 students, faculty and their dates attended. and traversed the dangerous terrain on their Windows was exquisitely prepared way out of the city. The students were glad Delta Theta Phi group takes tour of the Capitol with Ohio Representative Dennis for the Cleveland Marshall crowd. With they did, once they arrived and discovered Kucinich. ample space to dine and dance there were that lodging was at the luxurious Days Inn of Supreme Court, where they met the Court’s before the Court wait for their case to be no long drink lines or feelings of restraint. Alexandria, just minutes outside of the city. Clerk Major General William Suter for a called. He gave a lecture about the court The catered meal was delicious which- Awakening on Monday morning to a tour of the building. This would prove to and answered students’ questions about ever dish you ordered. “This Prime Rib deliciously catered breakfast at the Chikzza be far from the ordinary tour and General memorable oral arguments, cameras in is fantastic,” raved Gannon Quinn as he Restaurant, the students fortified themselves Suter provided the students with a view of the courtroom, and his basic training took another bite, but the big hit according for the long day ahead. They boarded the Court that few people have ever seen. experiences with Elvis Presley. One to many was the cheesecake. The author the Metro for a short trip into the city. Suter began the tour in the private student asked him about the so-called of this article had two pieces himself. The students began the day at the U.S. lawyer’s lounge, where lawyers arguing “highest court in the land,” which is the See BARRISTER’S, page 7 See D.C. TRIP, page 3 CSU hosted democractic presidential debate

By Michelle Todd from CSU students alone. A public Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs STAFF WRITER lottery was held in addition to the Jones, and Chelsea Clinton, who th On Tuesday, February 26, 2008, student and volunteer lotteries. was celebrating her 28 birthday. Cleveland State University received In addition to volunteers and Several lucky C-M law stu- national recognition when it hosted attendees of the Decision 2008, dents were also in attendance at Decision 2008, the Ohio Democratic more than 500 reporters from the debate, both as volunteers and Presidential debate between Senator across the nation and around the audience members. 2L Matt Lallo Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack world converged on the CSU won a ticket in the student lottery Obama at the CSU Wolstein Center. campus to cover the 90-minute to volunteer at the debate and also Attention 3Ls By hosting Decision 2008, CSU debate. As a result, all classes at got the chance to sit in the audience. and the city of Cleveland took cen- the University were cancelled for As a volunteer in the “spin room”, ter stage in one of the most hotly the day in order to properly accom- Lallo helped reporters and politicos The application to sit for the July contested races for the Democratic modate this large media presence conduct their interviews with the Presidential nomination in recent on campus for the historic event. press. Lallo and approximately 2008 Ohio Bar Examination is due on history. Such a position definitely The debate was broadcast 20 other “spin room” volunteers had its advantages for several C-M locally on WKYC-TV3, while were paired up with someone April 1, 2008. law students, who were given the other NBC affiliates broadcast whom the media would like to in- unique and invaluable opportunity to the debate throughout Ohio. NBC terview. Once this person entered attend this highly anticipated debate also broadcasted two editions the room, the spin room volunteer For more information log onto the between the Democratic candidates. of NBC Nightly News from the would stand next to this person and Although tickets to attend the debate CSU Wolstein Center, as well hold a sign with the individual’s Supreme Court of Ohio’s website: were limited, all CSU students were as a taping of the Hardball pro- name on it, so that reporters could given the chance to enter a lottery for gram featuring Chris Matthews. identify their position in the room. http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/ a chance to be one of the 200 volun- Some of the more recogniz- When asked what the most teers needed for the event or to sit in able faces in the debate audi- memorable aspect of his experi- admissions/examApps/default.asp the audience of approximately 1,600. ence were Ohio Governor Ted ence was, Lallo said that meeting According to the CSU Marketing Strickland, Cleveland Mayor Ohio Governor Ted Strickland in and Public Affairs Department, more Frank Jackson, Senator Sherrod person was something he truly than 20,000 ticket requests were re- Brown, Reverend Jesse Jack- enjoyed. “Probably the best part ceived for the debate, including 5,000 son, former Senator John Glenn, about the debate was that I got See DEBATE, page 2 THE GAVEL Page Law 2 March 2008 Dean congratulates distinguished C-M faculty By Geoffrey Mearns

The foundation of any academic institution is its faculty. We are for- tunate to have a foundation of dedicated teachers and creative scholars. Two weeks ago, we celebrated the accomplishments of four of our faculty members who were appointed to named professorships. Such an appointment rec- ognizes a faculty member who is an outstanding teacher and accomplished scholar. Professor Susan J. Becker: Charles R. Emrick, Jr. – Calfee, Halter & Griswold Endowed Professor of Law Professor Becker received her law degree, magna cum laude, from our law school in 1983. After graduation, she clerked for the Honorable Robert Kru- pansky of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and then she was an associate at Jones Day. Her publications address civil litigation and cutting edge issues in the area of sexual orientation and the law. Her recent articles have appeared in the AMERICAN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF GENDER & LAW and the WILLIAM AND MARY JOURNAL OF WOMEN AND THE LAW. She is the author of two books: DISCOVERY OF EMPLOYEES (2005), and THE LAW OF PROFESSIONAL The RESPONSIBILITY IN OHIO (with J. Guttenberg and L. Snyder) (2008). Dean’s Chuck Emrick (’58) and his wife, Liz, along with his col- Column leagues, friends and clients, funded this professorship. He was a partner at Calfee, Halter & Griswold. During his years in practice, Chuck helped build the firm into one of the region’s most successful. He and Liz have been unwavering supporters of our law school and our students. Professor Kathleen C. Engel: Leon M. and Gloria Plevin Professor of Law Professor Engel graduated from Smith College and the University of Texas Law School. She clerked for the Honorable Homer Thornberry of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and then she practiced law at Burnham & Hines in Boston. She is an authority on mortgage finance and regulation, sub-prime predatory lending, and housing discrimination. In January, she was appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank’s Consumer Advisory Council. Her publications, a number of which she co-wrote with Professor Patricia McCoy, include articles in the TEXAS LAW REVIEW, FORDHAM LAW RE- VIEW, WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY LAW QUARTERLY, and HOUSING POLICY DEBATE. Leon Plevin (’57) is a highly respected and very successful trial law- yer. His wife, Gloria, is a nationally respected painter and printmaker. In The debate at Cleveland State the 51 years since he graduated, he has never lost touch with his law alma mater. He has been a member of our Visiting Committee and President of our Law Alumni Association. Both the law school’s and the university’s --Continued from page1 Matthews. Grimes described his volunteer duties alumni associations have honored him. Gloria’s work hangs in museums as “background scenery” on the Hardball pro- and galleries all across the country, as well as in our law school. Professor paired up with Governor Ted Strickland gram. “The best part of my debate experience Sheldon Gelman: Joseph C. Hostetler – Baker & Hostetler Chair in Law while he was in the spin room. The governor, was having about 45 minutes of background face Professor Gelman received degrees from Rutgers College, Rutgers University along with his press secretary and security team, time on national cable television,” Grimes said. School of Law and Harvard Law School. His writing and teaching focus on issues were all very friendly. After about two hours of Although Grimes said he does not feel arising from the intersection of medicine and constitutional law. His articles on interviews with every media outlet in the room, that the Ohio debate changed any of his abortion, forced sterilization of men and women, and psychotropic medications the governor even took some time out to talk political viewpoints, he did see Senator have appeared in the GEORGETOWN LAW JOURNAL, the UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA with me and get to know who I was,” Lallo said. Obama as the clear “winner” of the de- LAW REVIEW, the WILLIAM AND MARY LAW REVIEW and elsewhere. He is the author Another C-M student and moot court member, bate. “Hillary sounded petty when she com- of MEDICATING SCHIZOPHRENIA (1999). Professor Gelman is the current President Rick Ferrara, was one of the lucky ticket lottery plained about the alleged negative treatment of the Cleveland State University Faculty Senate, an organization offering winners. Ferrara, who received a ticket to be part she’s gotten from the press,” Grimes said. counsel to the University President on educational policy and procedures. of the debate audience, said he enjoyed the debate When asked what impact, if any, hosting the The late John Deaver Drinko, a senior partner at Baker & Hostetler, overall, but was “shocked” that debate modera- debate had on CSU and the city of Cleveland in was the principal creator of the Baker & Hostetler Endowment. Dur- tors, NBC’s Tim Russert (C-M ’76 alumnus) and general, both Lallo and Ferrara speculated that ing his leadership years, the firm experienced astounding growth. Brian Williams, failed to set ground rules for the any impact would be positive in nature. “The Joseph C. Hostetler, for whom our chair is named, together with New- candidates. “They [the moderators] made the big- debate got CSU’s name out in a public forum ton D. Baker and Thomas Sidlo, founded Baker & Hostetler in 1917. gest mistake they could have made in a debate,” as a reputable and distinguished university,” Both Mr. Baker and Mr. Hostetler were members of our early faculty. Ferrara said. “At times, the debate got boring Lallo said. “Hosting the debate here also Professor Kunal Parker: James A. Thomas Distinguished Professor of Law when the candidates would simply talk over the forced the candidates to address issues that are Professor Kunal Parker received his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, other, or the moderators. I remember an instance specific to our region…as a result, the spotlight and his law degree, cum laude , from Harvard. His M.A. and Ph.D. in legal history where a collective groan escaped the audience should continue to focus on our region’s issues are from Princeton. His scholarship has focused on colonial Indian legal history as Senator Clinton interrupted Brian Williams a which in turn should bring some improvement and American immigration and citizenship in various historical and political con- third time on the same question,” Ferrara said. to our local/regional economy,” noted Lallo. texts. Relevant articles have appeared in THE CAMBRIDGE HISTORY OF LAW IN AMERI- Despite this, Ferrara noted that there was a clear Ferrara said he hopes that hosting the de- CA, in LAW AND HISTORY REVIEW and in POLAR: POLITICAL AND LEGAL ANTHROPOLOGY debate “winner” in his mind. “Senator Obama won bate will “increase CSU’s prestige,” but also REVIEW. Professor Parker been a research fellow at New York University Law because he kept his poise throughout the debate, said that realistically it will have next to no School, Cornell Law School, Queens University (Belfast, UK), and the American answering questions with an even tone and clear national impact. Grimes echoed these senti- Bar Foundation, and he has lectured throughout our country and around the world. language. Meanwhile, Senator Clinton seemed irri- ments when he commented on the fact that tated, eager to interrupt others at the table, and long Jim Thomas (’63) is the founder, chairman, president and chief executive the majority of people cannot even remember winded in his answers,” Ferrara said. Ferrara also th officer of the Thomas Properties Group, Inc., a highly successful national real where the 14 debate was held. “No one other said that there seemed to be more audience interest estate developer of commercial and residential property. He was the original chair than ‘Cleveland Plus-types’ will remember in Senator Obama than Senator Clinton. “Sena- of the law school’s National Advisory Council, a committee of our most prominent where this debate was held,” Grimes said. tor Obama’s line for autographs was much longer graduates and friends. Jim was editor-in-chief of the CLEVELAND STATE LAW RE- Although hosting Decision 2008 may not than Clinton’s after the debate,” Ferrara noted. VIEW and graduated magna cum laude. Jim was also principal owner of the Sacra- have any long lasting national effect on CSU, Although he remained undecided as to mento Kings NBA Basketball Team and the Arco Arena. Few of our graduates are it is likely that those students who attended and whether he would actually vote for Senator as devoted to our law school as Jim Thomas, a leader, a benefactor, and a friend. volunteered at the debate will not soon forget Obama, Ferrara felt the debate improved his I am grateful that so many of our distinguished graduates show their ap- their experience or the people they met while “perception” of the Senator, adding that Sena- preciation for the education they received here by giving us the resources they were there. “It was really nice to hear tor Obama “certainly is a presidential figure.” to recruit, retain, and reward our outstanding faculty. Please join me in Tim Russert talk to the crowd and acknowl- Along with Ferrara and Lallo, 3L Jason Grimes thanking our benefactors and congratulating our distinguished faculty. edge his C-M background…he said that he was in the audience for the debate after winning a wouldn’t be where he was today without his volunteer spot on the Hardball program with Chris Cleveland education at C-M…,” Lallo said. THE GAVEL LAW MARCH 2008 3 Remembering Michael Crows Law students seek relief June 24, 1980-Dec. 29, 2007 By Shawn Romer from stress in many ways CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Crows was a 3L at C-M who was to repay this generosity by sponsor- tragically passed away over Christmas break. ing a four year scholarship to Grand By Katie Vesoulis Michael’s story is probably more unique River Academy. His experience with STAFF WRITER the entire week. These classes are so enjoy- than any other student’s here at C-M. He was this generosity during his adolescence With finals forthcoming, stress levels able to because the instructors are excellent born in Detroit, Michigan, before moving to undoubtedly inspired his giving character. are bound to escalate to an unhealthy and helpful, even to students who have no Florida with his mother early in his child- I personally remember Michael as level. Although stress is often viewed as previous experience in yoga, said Stephen- hood. He then moved to California to live one of the most caring and giving people. a typical byproduct of law school, many son. These sessions are taught at various with his fa- Generally, when people students are looking for outlets to relieve times throughout the day and are $2 per class. ther. Due to ask if you need something, such angst. Upon entering school, it be- Dining out affords students temporary unforeseen they are being courteous. comes abundantly clear that many students relief from school. Many students enjoy c i r c u m - However, when Michael equate alcohol consumption with stress trying various new and diverse restaurants stances, he asked, you could see the relief mainly because it offers the interest- on the weekends that don’t involve “eat- began liv- genuine look of sincerity ing juxtaposition between the stoic Socratic ing fresh.” Some favorites include Great ing on the - he really wanted to get classroom and the classmate with the 3.7 Lakes Brewing Company (Ohio City), streets of you whatever you needed. that can no longer recall how to drink out Heck’s café (Ohio City), Nate’s Deli and California. His caring nature was of a cup. A close second in apparent means Restaurant (Ohio City), La Dolce Vita W h i l e perhaps the first thing of stress management is the obsession with (Little Italy), and Tommy’s (Coventry). attempting that most remember when the mundane rumor mill of the school that is If the stress of school and everyday life to sell a mo- recalling their personal not only semi entertaining, but can at times are too much for a student to successfully t o r c y c l e , experiences with Michael. provide a much needed ego boost. navigate, Cleveland State offers a variety M i c h a e l M i c h a e l e n j o y e d All of this aside, the ABA has reported of mental health services in an attempt to ended up making people laugh. I that roughly 1 in 5 lawyers are alcoholics, remedy the situation and get students the befriending specifically remember and a recent Johns Hopkins study ranked help that they need. The counseling center the family how he entertained a car- lawyers as the most depressed profession. offers both individual and group therapy who was full of people, including Therefore, it is important for law students to to students designed to allow open com- to be the myself, by blasting the start dealing with stress early on to prevent munication, reflection, and input regarding p o t e n t i a l theme song to the “Jef- negative outcomes in response to future individual’s experiences. The center also purchaser, and they took him in as if he fersons” as we were “moving on up” W. stressors down the road. One such way offers a variety of testing services to help were there own son. Michael lived there 6th St. Michael had a personality, a car- students cope is through physical activity. identify the particular areas a student may until it was time to go to high school, ing disposition, and a sense of humor not The Cleveland State Recreational Cen- need assistance in. There are also a number when his grandfather and uncle gave often found. This rare combination will ter offers a variety of intramural sports for of sponsored programs to help students with him just enough money for a greyhound be missed amongst the C-M community. the fall and spring semesters. 1L Patrick important issues such as time management, ticket to come back to Cleveland. He Michael enjoyed working out and fre- O’Connor has participated in a variety of stress reduction techniques, assertiveness, was dropped off at the station on Ches- quented the CSU Recreational Center. He teams including soccer, racquetball, and alcohol awareness, overcoming depression, ter, right outside our school with nothing was interested in physical fitness and often basketball. Participating in these organized etc. If a student wishes to receive counsel- but the things he could carry with him. took body composition tests to keep track contests affords him a few hours a day ing, he or she may set up an appointment Michael began a new life here in of his progress. He also enjoyed riding his to unwind, socialize, and compete, said by calling 216.687.2277 or visiting the Cleveland. His uncle and grandfather paid motorcycle and was very close to receiv- O’Connor. The Rec center allows any stu- counseling center located in Rhodes Tower. for him to attend Grand River Academy, ing his pilots license before passing away. dent enrolled in classes to sign up for teams Law students have a variety of options where he prospered and graduated. He At C-M, his favorite classes were and compete on various assigned days. available to help maintain some level of attended Florida Atlantic University and contracts and corporations. He one day Currently, the REC is offering everything sanity, but finding the time to do these received a B.A. in business. Following hoped to open his own practice in the from racquetball to basketball to corn hole. activities is half the battle. Based on sta- graduation, Michael worked in finance area of real estate law. He, along with his The REC center also offers a variety of tistics pertaining to the legal profession, at the Loreal Company for two years girlfriend Timsi Pathak, were active in individual classes and workshops designed it is important to develop healthy coping before beginning law school at C-M. helping students from out of town become to work off some steam and train your body mechanisms now that will help later on. Michael always remembered his up- oriented when they first came to Cleveland. to decompress. April Stephenson, a 1L, has Finally, students must realize that there bringing and the generosity of others that Michael will be remembered as a recently discovered the mind/body yoga are many individuals on campus who are helped him overcome the obstacles that caring and generous member of our class that helps her relax and reenergize for here to assist students who may be sinking. he encountered. One of his ultimate goals community, and he will be missed. Students tour U.S. Supreme Court, Library of Congress

--Continued from page 1 The tour concluded with a stop in nis Kucinich walking down the street. the rights that the Constitution ensures. retired Justice Sandra O’Connor’s of- Following Mr. Kucinich into a Greek The students then saw the old Senate basketball court located on the top floor fice. General Suter pointed out a throw Restaurant, the students introduced them- chamber where Kucinich noted that the hall of the Court. Suter confirmed the basketball pillow on a couch in the office that pro- selves and explained that they were from had seen some of the most significant de- court’s existence and promised to show it claims “maybe in error, never in doubt.” Cleveland. Kucinich asked if the students bates in our country’s history. It was there to the students before the tour was over. After a break to get lunch, the stu- would like a tour of the Capitol and prom- that slavery was debated and where the The tour then moved to the historic dents met at the Library of Congress ised to call them after he finished dinner. choice to secede from the Union was made. courtroom where the students were sur- where they received a tour from Elizabeth The students retired to the Hawk and Kucinich then brought the students to prised just how close the Justices are to Pugh. Ms. Pugh, the Library’s gen- Dove, a nearby bar, to wait for Kucinich’s call. the Capitol’s Rotunda. Kucinich pointed out the podium where advocates present their eral counsel, is a 1978 graduate of C-M. As time went by, the students grew skeptical his favorite statue in the room of President arguments. At Suter’s suggestion, Jennifer She began the tour by showing the over whether Kucinich would call. Finally, Abraham Lincoln. The students joined Ku- Isaac stood at the 200 year old podium students the private dignitary reception Isaac’s cell phone rang and Mr. Kucinich cinich for a few moments of silent reflection and clearly and confidently proclaimed room, which had hosted the King of Jordan told the students to meet him down the street. in front of the statue of the great American. “Mr. Chief Justice and may it please the week before. Ms. Pugh showed the The only question was how they would Two hours after the tour began, Ku- the court, I’m here representing Cleve- students many of the paintings and sculp- divide up the $180 bar tab. Since time cinich concluded by reading a quote land Marshall and we’re going to win!” tures that help make the Library one of the was of the essence, Isaac threw down from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. The trip then moved to the Solicitor most beautiful buildings in the country. her credit card and the students hur- The passage that Kucinich read began by General’s Office and continued on to other The students saw the main reading ried out the door and down the street. asking where the “king of America” is. It concludes by explaining that “as side rooms at the court. Next, the students room, made famous by the movie All the Kucinich led the students through the in absolute governments the king is law, saw the private dining room where the Jus- President’s Men. Finally, Ms. Pugh con- members-only entrance and down the halls so in free countries the law ought to be tices eat lunch together on argument days. cluded the tour by showing the students of Congress. Then he brought them onto the king; and there ought to be no other. But The tour then provided the students the members-only reading room, which is floor of the House and had them sit down lest any ill use should afterwards arise, with the unique opportunity to shoot only accessible to members of Congress. in the front row while he explained some let the crown at the conclusion of the hoops at the gym on the top floor of the At this point, some of the students of the House’s procedures and customs. ceremony by demolished, and scattered Court. One student, Leslie Hines, had a returned to the hotel, while others de- The tour continued and one of the stu- among the people whose right it is.” bit of trouble making a basket. Finally, cided to rest their feet over some cold dents asked Kucinich if he had his pocket Leaving the students just outside the after several tries, Hines banked one in beverages in one of the District’s many Constitution with him. Kucinich pulled Capitol, Kucinich quietly vanished into the and received a resounding ovation from watering holes. Walking to a bar, the it out and explained his view that the cur- night, leaving behind seven law students General Suter and her fellow students. students noticed Representative Den- rent administration was trampling all over in awe at what they had just experienced. THE GAVEL Page 4 CareerCareer March 2008 Practice Prospects for employment in legal field diminish exams are key By David L. Moore postponed. Class action firms and after graduation remains at approxi- GAVEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER shareholder recovery firms are on the mately 93 percent, a level consistent with to doing well While the legal field is typically rec- decline as well due to corporate gover- that of previous years, said Bernadette ognized as an industry that weathers eco- nance revamping. Likewise, corporate Salada, assistant director of the career nomic turmoil just as well as it flourishes litigation firms, real estate firms, and services department. However, students in classes in economic prosperity, that time may be financial segmented firms have been are finding a need to work more dili- retreating in 2008. The current domestic less active in pursuing litigation due gently than they have been in the past, as By Karen Mika and international environment is result- LEGAL WRITING PROFESSOR to their direct exposure to the sub- increased economic costs and increased ing in a “Perfect Storm” for law firms: a prime debacle and financial uncertainty. competition are making the already com- The only way to do well on something is to whirlpool of slowed profits, less litigation, rehearse for it. Consequently, aside from studying The easy money that existed during petitive legal field more competitive. and less recruitment, according to the Feb. the recent years has come to an end. But Cleveland’s resilient legal econ- material, the best way to prepare for finals is to 25, 2008 Wall Street Journal article Why do mock exams under exam conditions. Obvi- Law firms using debt financing to aid omy, complimented with C-M’s strong Big Law is Bracing for a Learner 2008. growth have found it more difficult to alumni presence in the community and ously, there is no way to tell how you did unless In recent years, law firms, large you have some type of model answer, so the best obtain further financing, despite the its superior student achievement have all and small, have been characterized by status of their credit. Combine that with enabled this employment rate to remain mock exams to use are the ones with sample rising associate salaries, higher cli- answers. In the alternative, the decreased profit growth and expecta- relatively constant, said Salada. Students Legal ent rates, and increased national and tions, the ability to repay that debt is finding it difficult to obtain employment, mock exams should be done in a international growth. Average revenue Writing group and should be compared. becoming more difficult. While budgets though, are encouraged to seek assistance has been seen rising in excess of 10 are being cut, advertising and recruiting from the career services department. When comparing what is writ- percent yearly, while profit-per-partner ten down, the end determination efforts are being postponed or limited. Setting up individual appointments and numbers have seen similar gains, accord- The news is not all bad. With in- submitting resumes and cover letters should not be critiqued so much as ing to The Wall Street Journal Online. the clarity of format (are rules separated from creased economic turmoil, law firms for review are a few of the ways stu- The rise in litigation throughout the specializing in subprime litigation and dents can seek assistance, said Salada. analysis?) and the logic and depth of the analysis late 1990’s has added to the exponen- (are there merely statements with facts in them international litigation are well set to Ultimately, prospective hires and tial increase in profit margins and thus thrive in this turmoil. Diversity and new associates can be expected to work or are they connected to the rules set out?) increased hiring. With recent judicial Students too often underestimate the value global exposure are mitigating the ef- harder now than ever in the past, both reform and economic uncertainty, though, fect of a U.S. downturn. While new in their job search as well as on the job. of these dress rehearsals. Pretty much every law suits are declining and so are profits. student knows the same amount of law prior to hiring isn’t going to be as flush as it Confidence, networking, perpetual skill According to a recent report by the has been in the past, law firms are al- refinement, and assistance from those going into finals. There are only a finite amount Wall Street Journal, a survey of 250 law of elements and tests to memorize. Success on ways on the prowl for strong recruits able and willing to offer it are necessary firms, conducted by Hildebrandt Inter- with a diversified skillset, and most criteria to be successful in this economic exams depends on clear organization, articula- national Inc., concluded that profit and tion and application of those elements or tests. importantly, a strong commitment. environment. While decreased salaries litigation numbers have seen a stagger- Recently, large law firms are report- and competitive hiring may continue, a Additionally, it is nearly impossible to anticipate ing slowdown throughout the latter half how one will parcel out time under exam condi- ing a 30-50 percent attrition rate of new diversified background, high productivity, of 2007 and are forecasted to continue associates after 3-4 years due to lack of and long hours will still continue to be the tions. Quite often, exams involve complex issues downward through 2008. As a result, that have many subparts. Without “rehearsing” responsibility, nominal partnership pros- mantra of, and the gateway to, big law. associate pay rates and new associate pects, and the so-called “drudge work,” how long it will take to organize and set out the hiring rates are expected to stagnate or numerous subparts, it is likely that organization according the Feb. 29, 2008 Wall Street marginally decrease in the near future. Journal article How Bad is Associate Summer will suffer during an exam. Panic often sets in, Both general practice and tailored and the student winds up writing a stream-of-con- Life. New associates may find it difficult Law Study practice firms are experiencing a slow- to land positions at large firms, but as- sciousness diatribe on every aspect of a particular down. The current economic condition in course. Exam graders are rarely impressed by a sociates at large firms may find it more of slowed growth, rising gasoline and difficult to subsequently develop their piece of writing that is simply a “mass” of infor- food costs, and rising unemployment is Barcelona mation related to a particular topic. There are a skills than their peers at smaller firms. resulting in less disposable income for C-M students are also feeling the few constants that apply to taking every exam: clients to pursue uncertain litigation in Dublin 1. Answer the question(s)! Students have impact of the economic situation on anticipation of settlement. Discretion- their legal employment prospects. The a tendency to dive right into the law without ary litigation is subsiding and is being Florence addressing the specific question posed. Stu- percentage of C-M students employed dents also have a tendency to decide to answer London other questions besides those that are posed. Think of the answer as the topic sentence of a paragraph. Most paragraphs require a topic Moscow sentence in order to be coherent, and the same is true for exam answers. If you can’t point Oxford to the topic sentence of a segment of an exam, chances are the answer is organized poorly. Paris 2. Separate out rules from analysis, and place the rules first. Once again, if you can’t look at an exam answer and be able to circle where the rules are and see that they come before any analysis, then there is probably something wrong with the answer. 3. Do not set out stray statements of facts that are disassociated from a legal rule that should precede it. For instance, the phrase, “The defen- dant pushed the plaintiff into oncoming traffic” means nothing legally. Compare that with, “The ‘harmful touching’ occurred when the defendant pushed the plaintiff into oncoming traffic.” 4. Remember good principles of presenta- tion. Even when using a word processor, don’t STUDY ABROAD underestimate the value of using headings, pro- viding white space, and refraining from writing 5998 Alcala Park LS 310 paragraphs that continue on for pages. If you turn San Diego, CA 92110- in your exam answer thinking, “I’m glad I don’t 2492 have to sort through that,” chances are that the professor will feel the same. Too often students will say, “Well, it may not have been organized Email: [email protected] well, but it was all in there.” The reality is that Fax: 619-260-2230 organization is often the key, and that given all www.sandiego.edu.lawabroad things are equal, the more “palatable” exam will be the one given the benefit of the doubt. Created by Maryann Fremion THE GAVEL POLITICS MARCH 2008 5 The Political Broadside Which presidential candidate should win the 2008 election?

By Chuck Northcutt CONSERVATIVE GAVEL COLUMNIST By Alin Rosca LIBERAL GAVEL COLUMNIST It’s another presidential election year, and the Republicans have once again produced If we could reduce to one word all speeches and slogans of this year’s Presidential contests, a strong candidate. In Senator John McCain we have an American that word would undoubtedly be “change.” “Change” has been the buzz hero with extensive foreign policy and military experience, and word most frequently used by candidates across the political spectrum. he also has immense legislative experience with 25 years in Con- This year’s call for change transcends political orientations and gress. By contrast, Senators Clinton and Obama have served in summarizes both Democrat and Republican voters’ discontent with Congress for less than half that time, a combined 12 years. While where our country is today, after eight years of (mis)management by some question McCain’s conservativeness, he scored a lifetime the Bush administration. “Change” is what Americans desire most rating of 83 percent from the American Conservative Union. from the next President of the United States. “Change” is a need and To the staunchest of my fellow conservatives, I submit that aspiration you can almost feel in the air at the political rallies of any a man who agrees with you 83 percent of the time is a friend of the remaining contenders to the Presidency of the United States. who is far better to have in the White House than someone There is another need felt by the American voters, perhaps who doesn’t agree with you at all. To underline my point, that same report gave Hill- equally powerful and intense as the one for change, albeit less articulated in “buzz ary and Obama a 9 percent and 8 percent conservative rating, respectively, making words”: the need to put an end to political partisanship and quarreling, to move beyond whoever gets the Democratic nomination not just another liberal, but an ultra liberal. attacks, backstabbing, and squabbling in D.C. Political life in our capital has became While the Democrats want higher taxes by not renewing the Bush tax cuts and in- a combination of a cheap circus and a gladiators’ arena, where politicians are so busy creased government spending in nationalized healthcare, McCain has never voted for a doing favors for their campaign contributors and going after their opponents’ jugular tax increase. McCain further supports cutting taxes for the middle class by permanently that nobody has time to care or do anything about the common good of the country. repealing the alternative minimum tax that affects 25 million middle class families, and This is not the United States our Founding Fathers have envisioned. We now have a super- he supports a pro-growth tax policy by keeping tax rates low. McCain recognizes that class of politicians almost completely disconnected from reality, as seen by the average Amer- the only way to grow our economy is by putting more of people’s money in their own ican. Something has gone terribly wrong and needs to be fixed soon. The person who will be hands and not the government’s. Along this same reasoning, McCain rightfully wants elected president on November 8 will be the candidate the American voters will see as most to make tax increases harder by requiring a 3/5 majority vote in Congress to raise taxes. likely to change everything that’s wrong about Washington D.C. That person is Barack Obama. McCain also plans to eliminate earmarks, wasteful subsidies, and pork-bar- We have three able candidates to choose from: a former war hero who has rel spending. Coincidentally, Hillary refused to release her own earmark requests demonstrated he can move beyond ideological partisanship; a former First this past week. McCain vows to veto every pork-laden spending bill passed by Lady who’s experienced and effective; and a brilliant politician, full of en- Congress and will seek the line-item veto if elected. McCain promises to cut waste- ergy and untainted by the evils and sins that reign supreme in Washington D.C. ful spending in defense and non-defense programs. He recognizes that the real Each of them would make a great leader. Two of the candidates would probably path to a balanced budget is responsible government spending, not raising taxes. push for incremental change and be successful. The third candidate, however, has Even when he was criticized for not originally supporting the Bush tax cuts, his reasoning the capacity to go far beyond incremental steps. Under his leadership, our coun- was noble - the cuts weren’t backed by conservative spending policies. This stance showed try can make the leap to a new kind of governance – just like it once made the leap two traits that we should want in any President: fiscal conservativeness and a willingness to to a world without slavery under the leadership of a president; to a society with stand by his convictions and not conform to the party line, even in the face of criticism. Even safety nets for the elderly and the sick under another president; and no less than to on issues that McCain and I disagree on, I have always respected him because I knew that he- the Moon, under the leadership of another president who could inspire the people. acted in the best interest of America and, unlike the stereotypical politician, not for himself. Leaders like these are rare: they’re valuable not for what they are, but for what Furthermore, on issues addressed in this column, McCain opposes socialized healthcare. He they can inspire us to be; not for what they can accomplish, but for what they can in- prefers free market solutions to our health care crisis that allow more competition. McCain sup- spire us to accomplish. They don’t emphasize what they can do, but what we can do. ports a secure border and requiring immigrants to learn English, American history, and civics. Barack Obama himself cannot change America, certainly not more than the other McCain’s experiences greatly outshine either democratic candidate when it contenders can. The President himself is merely one person surrounded by a huge comes to the war on terror. In calling for cut and run policies of arbitrary timetables bureaucratic machine that has its own way of getting things done. What Barack for troop withdrawal, both Democratic candidates show their lack of understand- Obama can do, more than any other contender, is mobilize the American people ing of foreign policy. They would hand Iraq over to Al Qaeda on a silver plat- to improve their country. In a way, our leap of faith on November 8 will have less ter while abandoning our allies who are risking their lives to build a democracy. to do with his ability to effect change, and much more with our ability to change. McCain was right in supporting the troop surge in Iraq, which has yielded great Election campaigns are voters’ best chance to scrutinize a candidate and get ac- progress. It’s also reassuring that McCain wishes to continue the policies of the current quainted with him or her. The campaigns also offer a glimpse at how each candidate administration in the war against terrorism. That’s right, it’s about time that President may lead the country, if elected. With his campaign, Barack Obama accomplished Bush was given credit for making both America and the world safer. While Al Qaeda several remarkable things: he has been able to feel and articulate the voters’ need for grew stronger during the Billary administration, under Bush, they have been reduced change better than anyone else; he persuaded scores and scores of voters that politics from guests of an entire nation to hiding in caves. As a result, there has not been a single can be something else than partisanship, corruption, entitlement, and arrogance; he terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11. These same policies that liberals love to hate made average Americans believe in their capacity to make a difference; he awakened resulted in an Iraq without Saddam Hussein and an Afghanistan without the Taliban, both the civic sense and political activism in the otherwise politically inert American youth. having been replaced with democracies. McCain recognizes that these policies have Hillary Clinton would also make an able president. Her experience in the White House and made America’s enemies weaker, while making us stronger; and he rightfully wishes to her work as a United States senator have shown she is an effective leader and an agent of change. continue them. Under a McCain presidency, we can continue to sleep soundly at night. Liberal rebuttal. . . Conservative rebuttal. . .

I’d rather not use this rebuttal to find faults in Senator McCain – an American hero McCain is the only candidate that tried to break the campaign contributors’ hold on Wash- and a man of character. There are, of course, disagreements of substance between him ington, that my counterpart mentioned, through the McCain-Feingold Act. Hillary’s claim and the Democratic candidates, but they may be smaller than at first sight: I am sure Mr. that being a former first lady somehow qualifies her to be President is laughable. Hillary is no McCain would pull most troops out of Iraq tomorrow if the situation stabilized overnight, more qualified to be President than Bret Farve’s wife is qualified to start in the Super Bowl. and equally sure a Democratic president will avoid leaving Iraq in a chaos through a sudden Recently, my opinion of Barack Hussein Obama was that other than his lack of ex- and total pull-out. I am confident both Mr. McCain and the Democratic candidates want perience, weak foreign policies, and far left agenda, he’s otherwise likable and sincere, a tax system that helps nurture a strong middle class and eliminate poverty. Mr. McCain unlike Hillary. Furthermore, Obama is all speeches and no substance. Ask an Obama certainly doesn’t want to see uninsured Americans suffering from treatable illness because supporter about his policies, and you’ll hear about doing the “Obama Dance” at his they can’t afford the treatment, just as no Democrat plans to destroy our medical industry or latest rally. Obama talks of ‘change,’ but change of what? However, to paraphrase cripple our economy with unbearable taxes to support universal health insurance. All three Obama’s pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s chickens are coming home to roost. contenders are reasonable individuals, not prisoners of rigid ideologies or special interest To see where Obama really stands, just connect the dots - from the America hating Rev. groups, and they will not promote reckless or irresponsible policies if elected President. Wright’s call for God’s damnation of America days after 9/11, to receiving an endorsement Senator McCain is an able politician, but Senator Obama can accomplish much more as from anti-Semitic Louis Farrakhan, who’s also Wright’s good friend (Wright gave Farrakhan President – by making the American people accomplish more; by enlisting our help, mobi- a lifetime achievement award and the two visited Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi togeth- lizing our energies, and inspiring us to act for the common good of our country. I’m asking er). Wright officiated Obama’s marriage to his wife, who was not proud to be an American you, the reader, to listen to his speeches and watch the enthusiasm he generates among aver- until just recently. As Obama’s spiritual advisor for the last twenty years, Wright is more age Americans, then imagine President Obama calling on the American people to end our de- than just a crazy uncle. The complete Obama picture is now clearer, and it’s not pretty. With pendence on oil; reduce poverty and disease; stop global warming; become again that coun- friends like these, it’s no wonder why Obama wants to befriend tyrannical regimes, like Iran. try to which the whole world looks up with respect and admiration; lead the world in science, They can all sit around and bad mouth America. Here’s a guy who argues his judgment technology, and education; open new roads and break old barriers. Imagine what this coun- offsets his lack of experience, yet these are the people with whom he surrounds himself. try can do in response to his call, and inspired by his message: our possibilities are limitless. It’s clear to me that Obama neither has the experience, nor the judgment, to be President. THE GAVEL Page 6 Opinion March 2008 Law school dulls intellectual curiosity 3L reminisces,

By Shawn Romer However, I was not prepared for this. When filling anticipates ‘real world’ CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF out a survey asking for the applicant’s occupation, Anonymous 3L those of you who took some time off Before I entered law school, I used to like a friend of mine, instead of writing “student,” said The following is the fourth in between college and law school, to read books and write things. I the following:“I read boring crap all day, then I write of a six-part series following the you know the shock of the real world. was unable to satiate my intellec- The boring crap about the boring crap that I just read.” beaten and broken law student. Many of you 3Ls will be experienc- tual curiosity. If I had downtime, Gavel Fortunately, I’m not so cynical. But I see their point. For those of you who do not ing it for the first time ever and some Some of the material is intellectually stimu- I was trying to read every book Editorial remember Barrister’s Ball, it was advice: brace yourself. The real world I could get my hands on, memo- Opinion lating, and some is UCC 2-207. Those who find a great time. All has some great aspects: living above rize poems, watch Jeopardy (I the intricacies of the Uniform Commercial Code joking aside, it was 3L the poverty line, evenings and week- stimulating should become law professors (and Third-year was captain of my high school a fantastic night and life Part V ends are free (unless you are a slave quiz team, so I had some mad Jeopardy skillz). good for them). I, however, look forward to the it caused me to be- to a firm), and owning furniture that It probably helped that I had a job that involved actual practice of law, which involves more than come a little senti- hasn’t been passed on to you from a lot of emailing and traveling and little reading and just reading and writing - client interaction, a sense mental. It was my last Barrister’s three different people. With that writing. When I wasn’t doing it all day, doing “school” of accomplishment when you help someone, litiga- – not just prom, but senior prom. said, the real world can be quite a stuff during my downtime was fun and rewarding. tion – verbal disputes over an issue, a paycheck. From Dean Mearns’ fierce com- disappointment: no more sleeping in I even considered myself to be a creative Of course, if called upon at work to address a petitive side coming out during the on Friday mornings, no more creating person. I had an energy that I wanted to get out “battle of the forms” issue, I’ll do it. I’ll probably do DJ’s game to singing “Hypnotize” your own schedule, and no more see- – in writing and poetry. Sometimes I sang in it well since Stephen Werber engrained that one into at the top of my lungs, I tried to ing your friends everyday. It can also the shower, but if you heard it, you probably my head. Every job has the mundane stuff you have soak in every moment. It made make you feel a little lost in life – you wouldn’t call it music. I visited art museums to just put your head down into and bull through. But me realize, however, that in a few ponder your life and ask: is this it??? and attended concerts. I enjoyed having philo- I don’t want my job to be all of that kind of work. months we won’t have this any- This is probably the biggest challenge sophical and political debates with my friends. Maybe I’ve just hit a down-slope with my more. Sure, we’ll get together for and one in which there is no easy an- And then I went to Law School. Now, after intellectual curiosity and fervor – it will come happy hours and CLEs, but nothing swer. This does not apply to those of a day of classes, I just want to watch “Pimp my back, it’s just taking a break. Maybe reading and like Barrister’s. Some of my favor- you who have been working full time Ride” and eat Cheetos, or go to the Boneyard. writing all day has temporarily drained it out of ite memories from law school have while going to law school part time I don’t remember the last time I read a book me, and it will return when I’m not in school. come out of “law school prom” and, honestly, you are my personal for fun – it had to be before I started law school, Or, maybe it’s gone. I’ll never again browse through – singles have become couples, heroes – I have no idea how you do and I’m a 3L. I tried to read a biography on Bill the Plain Dealer for any upcoming concerts or operas professors dancing their hearts out, it and I give you so much credit for Clinton over Christmas break, but I didn’t even or be excited about the book on CD about George and friends expressing their love it. My point is, the next few months get through his grammar schooling. Living in Washington that I can listen to while working out. for each other over cocktails. Call are your last as a student so enjoy it Cleveland, we are surrounded by music and art, yet I’ll be one of those people watching The it cheesy, roll your eyes at it, but I – take yourself off of autopilot and ap- I pass up opportunities all the time to attend these Hills, sucked-into caring about who is cheat- have loved my time at Barrister’s preciate every day that you can wear events. I spent all day deciphering UCC 2-207. I ing on whose boyfriend instead of contemplating and, no matter how much I have sweatpants. Also, prepare yourself just want to go home, watch basketball, and get the great mysteries or indulging in perhaps the had to drink, I will never forget it. emotionally for the real world, espe- some sleep so I can do it all over again tomorrow. most valuable part of life – beautiful expression. On another note, is it just me cially if you’ve never been out there. Sure, I knew that going to law school would I remain optimistic. I’m just a little burnt right now. or are most 3Ls in a “funk” lately? I leave you with this bit of be a lot of work. I knew that it would involve a After the bar exam, it’ll come back. I’ll watch Jeopardy Seems like we are on autopilot, just inspiration by Thoreau (to hope- lot of reading and writing, and I knew that I’d again instead of playing Nintendo games on my com- trying to get through. It’s prob- fully help those of you current- be less inclined to spend my off-time pursuing puter. “Hope springs eternal in the human breast,” Alex- ably a combination of exhaustion ly in a “funk”): “Go confidently intellectual activities after reading cases all day. ander Pope once said. Hey, I’ve already started to bust and fear. It kind of reminds me of in the direction of your dreams! out the poetical references, maybe I’m back on track… graduation from undergrad. For Live the life you’ve imagined!”

CLEVELAND-MARSHALL COLLEGE OF LAW 1L lacks motivation, questions abilities CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Anonymous 1L I to ameliorate my everyday life with being decided to give up baby-sitting altogether. The following is the fifth of a six- an attorney? People will be trusting me In sum, the fact that people will be rely- part series following the experiences with their issues when I can’t even figure ing on the mental processes in my already of an anonymous first -year student. out how the magnetic strip on my credit crowded brain to obtain relief or to defend My law-cred is dwindling everyday. I card works. Somehow, I keep thinking that against allegedly bogus claims sincerely can feel it. While I may have witty things something will click. Somehow, the way escapes me. Right about now I am wonder- to say in class, my ability that I am supposed to be will find its way ing why I never put the amount of effort I to remain in cool control of 1L Co-Editors-in-Chief First-year into the universe, have put into law school into my rampant mouth ceases to It is hard for me Paul Deegan life Part V and I will be wor- painting, writing, or even Margan Keramati manifest itself. I find myself thy…but “we’re to believe that in less mechanics. I would rather Shawn Romer pushing the envelope on a not worthy!” We be responsible for rebuild- daily basis. Saying things that should not be than 3 years, people Staff just graduated ing an engine, or painting said. Doing things that should not be done. Anonymous 1L undergrad where will be trusting me with a masterpiece, than help- Last week I was at the grocery store. I Anonymous 3L chugging a Natty ing or hindering someone‘s Tara Chandler began talking to the checker as if she actu- their lives. I don’t even Light in 10 seconds future. In modern days, I Sarah Dixon ally cared about my life. By the end of the Maryann Fremion was equivalent to take my garbage out on think it is a rare occurrence transaction, she was sufficiently convinced Emily Honsa writing the next indeed that a mechanic loses Kevin Shannon that my ego was inflated to the gargantuan a regular basis. verse in the Bible. custody of his children for George Sakellakis size of the Charlie Brown balloon in the While the weather teases us with its doing his job in an unsatisfactory manner. Michelle Todd Macey’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I had Katie Vesoulis elusive beams of light and the occasional The reality of my situation begs a couple proceeded to tell her about how I did not warm wind, I am willing time to stop. I of beers and some home shopping network Gavel Columnists understand relationships, how I supported would rather be stuck trying to decipher to calm my nerves. The women with perfect Chuck Northcutt the troops, how my father tends to be a bit Alin Rosca my professor’s cryptic explanations rather fingernails and steady voices, who devote bull-headed, and how I did not particularly Matt Samsa than actually being responsible. Mastering the majority of their lives to describing care for bananas. I guess that when I feel the restatements is more preferable than the unique capabilities and features of the Gavel Contributors uncomfortable, I tend to spew out words and trying to figure out how to save a company Bread-builder 5000, tends to have a calming Klaus Luhta sentences that are not causally connected. David L. Moore two-hundred thousand dollars or trying effect. If someone can devote their lives to Hopefully, she will never be a client. to acquit a seemingly innocent man of describing needless products without losing It is hard for me to believe that in less Adviser Thomas Buckley statutory rape. The last time I had to be their sanity and picking people off with a Printer P.M. Graphics than 3 years, people will be trusting me with responsible for someone‘s life other my high powered assault rifle from a clock tow- their lives. I don’t even take out my garbage http://www.law.csuohio.edu/students own, the eight year old I was baby-sitting er, I think I just might be alright. After all, I ALL RIGHTS REVERT TO AUTHOR on a regular basis. I don’t floss everyday. I had succeeded in pushing a crunch berry have a little less than three years to at least [email protected] ignore warning labels. I drive through yel- 216.687.4533 TELEPHONE into her middle ear. A trip to the emergency break even with my law-cred. Who knows, low lights. One time I actually got my head room and phone call to her parents later, I I might even make it into the double digits. stuck between a beam and a wall. How am THE GAVEL OPINION March 2008 7 Barristers have a ‘ball’ at Window’s on the River

Payton’s streak. In addition, Colleen Cas- sidy won the Stephen J. Werber Award, the --Continued from page 1 prestigious distinction offered to a student By the time dinner was over, SBA Presi- of high collegial integrity. The SBA also dent Nick Hanna had a number of awards offered three new Student Leadership to hand out. Professor Chris Sagers was Scholarships to deserving students who once again voted Faculty Member of the demonstrated a commitment to leadership Year, while Jessica Mathewson was voted and service. The three $1,000.00 schol- Staff Member of the Year, breaking Israel arships were given to The Gavel’s own Shawn Romer, Katheryn McFadden and Laura Perme. And, of course, Rod Mastan- drea won the “Best Dressed” distinction. After the formalities ended the party began. The DJ was particularly engaging and interactive. He was even successful in getting Dean Mearns to participate in a “musical chairs” type of game (he ul- timately lost) that ended with a few belts and shirts on the floor. With the drinks flowing and the music blaring the dance floor was packed with future lawyers let- ting loose. From old school jams to recent top 40 hits, the crowd loved the music. At one point there was even a limbo line. The general consensus was that this Bar- rister’s Ball was the best in recent memory. The only complaint throughout the night was that some of the drinks were served too strong. “Hey, if that’s the only complaint, I can deal with that,” said Greg Gentile. With all of us so used to the structure and professionalism of being at school its Professor Sagers speaks after learning no wonder that Barrister’s Ball 2008 will that students voted him Faculty Member be a night long-remembered as one of those of the Year. rare times that we let ourselves go and relax. C-M students attend Barrister’s Ball. The night started with dinner followed by a brief LETTER TO THE EDITOR awards presentation. The rest of the night was spent on the dance floor. 3LE’s view on 2Ls in 1L classes Students should have a choice: I was recently reading the past articles for those of us entering our fourth year). about 2Ls in 1L classes, and the most So, a 1L that complains about a 2L in RTA u-pass fee is unfair recent article about 2Ls in 3L classes. I their class and proposes that 2Ls should was thinking about my first year and be graded differently needs to realize that By Klaus Luhta And those students who do not are the other section of 1Ls that feel even similar proposals have been made regarding GAVEL CONTRIBUTOR not given the option to opt out. As a more disgruntled about GPAs and class them. I have heard evening students argue If you followed the news this past result, students who do not use RTA mixes - the 1LEs. They are almost com- that day students should not be allowed October, you heard the Greater Cleveland essentially subsidize the students who pletely forgotten by the administration and in the evening classes because the day Regional Transit Authority (RTA) earned an do. Upon inquiry, RTA failed to provide sometimes even despised by the faculty. students, supposedly, destroy the curve. I award for the “best large transit agency in revenue statistics as they relate to the During my first year, I often heard my don’t know if that is correct, but hearing a North America” from the American Public U-Pass program. The CSU bursar’s of- classmates saying how unfair it was that day student’s input in class based on their Transportation Association. Consider- fice also failed to respond to inquiries. all the extracurricular activities, meetings, ability to read every case fifteen times and ing the outstanding mass transit options RTA’s stance is that if everyone does and presentations were either scheduled know all its intricacies (while we evening available in cities across the continent, not participate, it is not cost effective for during our work hours or during our students are hiding away in restrooms and this award brings prestige to Cleveland. the agency to provide U-Pass to the few. class time. Even the all-important “how reading in our cars in order to get the case The RTA may be succeeding nation- This makes little sense. Whether U-Pass as to schedule for 2L classes” was initially read even once) is quite annoying. Don’t ally, but at home, particularly at CSU, the a program exists or not, RTA buses, trains, scheduled during the day. (After many take it personally, but day students - real- agency has some problems. A growing and trolleys will still traverse the Euclid complaints by students, another session ize that you may be just as disdained in number of students question why they corridor, downtown Cleveland, and outly- was set up after one of our evening classes.) an evening class as the 2Ls are in your 1L are forced to purchase a $25 “U-Pass” ing areas. RTA incurs no additional cost by This “unfairness” did not get any classes. But we all just have to get used to it. from RTA every semester that many participating in the U-Pass program since its better when the schedules came out. Not Realize that none of the suggestions never use. Students are concerned they routes and operational costs are fixed. How- only were there few choices for summer in this and the prior articles will happen. are unwillingly subsidizing this agency. ever, RTA does receive a great benefit from classes, but the 1LEs are put at the bottom The faculty doesn’t have the time, and To ease parking congestion in 2001, the program. Let’s say 10,000 CSU students of the registration list based on the number the administration may not even care. The the CSU student government adopted a pay the $25 per semester. That amounts to of credits earned. This meant that most administration is bombarded with so many provision establishing the U-Pass on a an annual $500,000 tax against CSU stu- classes were full by the time 1LEs were complaints and suggestions that it can’t con- trial basis at a rate of $15 per semester. dents that goes right into the RTA coffers. able to register. On top of that, for the fall cern itself with each one. And besides, what The program mimicked an established ar- Without U-pass, it is argued that RTA schedule many 1L day students registered should they do – separate classes by year, rangement between RTA and Case Western could not maintain the level of transporta- for the evening portion of Constitutional day/night students, age, work experience, Reserve University. Students carrying tion service it currently provides. Even if Law rather than the day section that was and so on? One of the keys of life is learn- the U-Pass sticker could ride any RTA true, does this make the program fair? How on a Friday, filling up the evening sec- ing to deal with diversity, and like it or not route without restriction. The program RTA and CSU can rationalize subjecting tion before the 1LEs could even register. mixing day and evening, 1Ls and 2Ls, is one was deemed a success, and in 2005 the individual students to an arbitrary charge for Luckily, the administration opened up way to get some diversity in the classroom. rate increased to $25 dollars per semester. an often unutilized service is not only un- another summer class for evening students No matter how much you think that The cost to students clearly is not the reasonable, it is un-American. What will be and turned the evening Con Law section law school is specifically unfair to you, issue. If the U-Pass program did not exist, next? Charging student accounts to fund re- into a massive class of over 80 to accom- realize that it is just as unfair to others: day students who travel on the system would be ligious organizations they do not belong to? modate evening students. But the fact students, evening students, students living required to pay the same $63 monthly RTA Giving students a choice in the matter remains that 1LEs get the short end of the on/off campus, or students planning on tak- fee available to university employees. For a would solve the problem. But that choice stick, too. Day students have the ability to ing the bar in another state. My suggestion student body that is largely commuter-based, is neither available nor apparently up for register for either the day section or evening to everyone is to just suck it up and accept this is a huge savings, so the argument goes. debate. So whether you see your manda- section. Evening students are pretty much that law school is unfair. The sooner you The problem lies in the lack of choice tory U-pass charge as a subsidy for the stuck with what few options there are for do, the sooner you can start concentrating on given to students. Ask around and you will students who ride RTA or as an illegal evening classes - options that become even other things – like those exams coming up. find more students who do not use the U- tax on the CSU student body as a whole, slimmer the further along we get (the most Pass on a daily basis than those who do. it is evident RTA is taking us for a ride. recent schedule being a perfect example Kristin Cool – 3LE 8 March 2008 THE GAVEL