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Nota Bene, March 12, 2008

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Vol. 22, No. 8 GW Wins ABA Client Counseling Competition Students Vote

BY JAMES CHANG Competition included participants from were the client to engage us." Assistant News Editor law schools in Delaware, Maryland, New Crandall and Carbonneau fleshed in Annual Jersey, Pennsylvania, and DC. Crandall out the actual issues in all five prompts, clarifying the intentional vagueness to Over the weekend of March 7-9, and Carbonneau defeated a team from substantively counsel their clients. SBA Election GW Law students Emily Crandall and Georgetown and a team from the Uni­ All advancing competitors received Brianna Carbonneau won the national versity of Baltimore in this year's Region a new set of five problems with similarly round of the American Bar Association 3 final round. Sheats Ran Unopposed vague prompts for the National Competi­ (ABA) Client Counseling Competition, The Competition has a different tion. Crandall and Carbonneau said that which is held annually for members of theme each year for the issues that the for SBA President "[i]n preparing for the competition, as we the ABA Law Student Division. hypothetical client is seeking counseling. This year's theme is "Civil Rights and did for the regional, we [had] tried to an­ Crandall and Carbonneau advanced BY SARAH VALERIO ticipate likely problems from the prompts to the National Competition after they Civil Liberties," but beyond that there News Editor we [were] given. We... found, however, won the Region 3 Competion at the Uni­ is little guidance for what competitors that it [was] equally, if not more, impor­ versity of Baltimore School of Law on can expect. The prompts, as given by a fictional secretary, on this theme are tant for us to continue to work on our Feb. 16. At the Nation Competition at Recently, the SBA held its annual brief. For example, "Jack/Jane Smith counseling skills and conversational style. Pace University School of Law in White elections. Students voted on the portal to has scheduled an appointment to see you A primary goal of ours, which we... [car­ Plains, NY, Crandall and Carbonneau elect next year's representatives. about his/her child, Terry Smith, who is ried] over from the regional competition, competed against the winners from 12 Current SBA President, Bryan King, being denied needed medical treatment." [was] to create a relaxed and welcoming other regional competitions, including noted that, "We had more people vote this Or, "Mr. or Mrs. Brown and his/her environment for each of the clients we some held at Canadian law schools. year than last year." daughter Samantha have scheduled an met. We [also focused] on identifying Because the Competition aims to Current SBA Vice President and appointment to see you about a problem possible conflicts in the representation simulate a law office consultation with 2L, Brett Sheats, ran unopposed and was in Samantha's school." and other ethical concerns." a client, participants conduct interviews elected to take King's spot next year as All competitors have to prepare to The international round to this with an acting client based on short President. 2L and current SBA Senator, deal with clients and anticipate questions competition will be held in Bangalore, prompts provided to them and then ex­ Rahul Reddy, was elected to Sheats' cur­ and courses of action based on these India from April 3-6. This is the first time plain how they would proceed in the situ­ rent position, and will become SBA Vice short prompts. Crandall and Carbonneau that the international stage of the com­ ation. The Competition is similar to the President next year. described their approach to each client in petition is being held in South Asia, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) "I just want to thank everyone who the Region 3 Competition. participants from law schools from over Client Counseling Competition held voted for me. I promise I'll put in 100% "Each counseling round last[ed] for 35 countries are expected to attend. every spring at GW Law. Both Crandall Crandall said the prompts for the as Executive Vice President next year. & Carbonneau got onto the ADR Board 45 minutes. In that 45 minutes, we [had to] meet with the client and then hold a International Competition will be some­ Also, a special thanks goes to my friends through this internal competition, though who put up with my annoying election wrap-up session in front of the judges, in what more complicated than those for the Y>otE\ Yvave additionally enrolled in the cli­ tlc-rnc'.i 1101 and still were nfc-e enough to role, after the client ha[d] left the room. regional and national rounds. ent counseling class. help me campaignsaid Reddy. The timing [was] up to the competitors. "The problems... will continue to The GW ADR Board sends board deal with civil rights, albeit on a global "As far as running the Senate," We typically interview[ed] the client for added Reddy of his duties as next year's members to this ABA national, external scale, and will feature judges from a vari­ 30 minutes, and then conducted] a 15 VP, "I'm going to take what I learned from competition every year. This year, two ety of counties," Crandall said. "We are minute wrap-up. In this wrap-up, we Brett and use it as a blueprint. He did a teams were sent to Baltimore, Crandall thrilled that GW has yet another chance to identified] areas for research, discuss[ed] brilliant job last year, and I'm going to do and Carbonneau as well as 3Ls Rob make a name for itself in an international particular concerns relating to the client, my best to emulate him as moderator of Peccola and Ryan Foley. The Region 3 competition." and map[ped] out how we would proceed the Senate." Reddy also elaborated on goals he Mock Trial Board Chooses New Members hopes to achieve next year, including con­ prepare for the competition. aware of the points that opposing counsel tinuing to pursue a flexible exam schedule. He said, "This administration will work BY KATIE EARNEST Students had to prepare witnesses might try to highlight. Other than reading Staff Writer for their chosen side as well as become the depositions, I memorized the ques­ hard with the student body to accomplish familiar with the rules of evidence and tions for the direct, and looked at the list immediate goals such as ensuring Law Students competed in the 2008 the deeper nuances of trial advocacy, that my counsel had prepared of possible School events run smoothly. At the same mock trial competition on Feb. 23-24. The which was a challenge for many first-year questions that I might get asked. I had a time, we are also concerned with the contest was run by the Mock Trial Board, competitors. great time doing it." welfare of GW Law's future classes, and a student-run honorary society that, ac­ Several competitors viewed the Another witness, Morgan Cosby, will strive to achieve important goals such cording to its website, is "dedicated to the competition as a way to explore a new 1L, noted that many witnesses had to as instituting an effective flexible-exam pursuit of excellence in trial advocacy." legal career path. Joel Chorny, 1L, stated, balance their own views with those of scheduling system." The Board conducts its internal "There is something special about dress­ the competitors responsible for prepping In the evening division, Tory Silver competition each year to seek out top ing up in a suit and standing before a them. "As a law student it was difficult not was elected as the 4L Evening Senator, student litigators for board membership. judge in an actual courtroom. It felt great to bring my own opinions to the table, but while the 3L Evening Senator, 2L Evening Members of the Mock Trial Board also and I look forward to making a career ultimately, it was [someone else's] gig not Senator, and Evening Division Senator compete around the country in various out of it." mine, so I had to take orders!" positions were still being tabulated. interscholastic competitions, including the Aditya Luthra, 1L, enjoyed playing Chorny urged students who did In the day division, Kerry Coleman National Civil Trial Competition and the the part of Richard McKyton, a witness not compete in mock trial as counsel or was elected to serve as 3L Day Senator. John Sorrenti, Liz Westbrook, and Eric ABA Labor Law Competition. for the defense. He pointed out the diffi­ witnesses to consider participating next Malis were all elected as 2L Day Senators. The fact pattern for this year's com­ culties that many teams had in preparing year. He stated, "I definitely recommend One remaining 2L Day Senator position petition concerned a slander and libel suit their witnesses for trial. competing in mock trial. So far it has been has yet to be determined by run-off elec­ initiated by a fictitious law firm partner, "My group, compared to some other one of the most rewarding experiences tion, as well as the Day Division Senator Lukas Reiter, against another law firm groups, dedicated a lot of their energies to­ I have had in law school. Preparing for partner, Richard McKyton. The twist in wards prepping the witness," he said. "But it was a blast, and I am certain that it's position. Due to a technical error, 3L students the suit was that the defendant's allegedly there is only so much that the participants because I had such a great partner. ... who wanted to vote in the run-off elec­ false accusation centered on the plaintiff's can do, and a point comes where it is left We challenged each other and genuinely tions had to do so by paper ballot. affair with the defendant's wife, an associ­ up to the witnesses themselves to prep. So wanted to see each other succeed." ate at the made-up law firm. I just thoroughly went through my own Luthra echoed this view, "I would "Thanks to everyone who voted," Working under the direction of deposition to make sure that I didn't get totally be a participant next year! I have said King. student coaches who are also members of sideswiped with something on the stand. I no doubt that after my experience being The election results are unofficial the Mock Trial Board, students worked in also skimmed through the others' deposi­ a witness this year, I want to participate until they are ratified by the current SBA Senate. pairs (defendant and plaintiff counsel) to tions to make sure that I was somewhat next year." FEATURES OPINION INSIDE: Page 2, 4 Page 3 Page 2 Nota Bene March 12, 2008 FEATURES

NOTA BENE Hope Springs Eternal 2008 G STRUT, N.W. WASHINGTON, DC 20052 WWW.NOTA8KNEGW.COM [email protected] for Softball Wannabes NOTA B ENE IS A BI WE EKLY S TUDENT PU BLICATION AT THE G EORGE WA SHINGTON UNI­ VERSITY LAW SCHOOL. NOT A BENE SERVES AS A FORUM F OR NE WS, FEATURES & OPINIONS BY JONATHAN AUERBACH IN T HE LA W SCHOOL C OMMUNITY. W E SEEK S UBMISSIONS FR OM S TUDENTS AT GW LAW day would play out like Charlie and the Columnist SCHOOL. NEWS AND FEATURES ARTICLES ARE PAID AT A RATE OF $25.00 PER ARTICLE. Chocolate Factory, except without the blueberry gum. PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.—'The sun­ Next up is a filming session for EDITOR IN CHIEF drenched fields of Southern Florida are Jose Reyes's Spanish Academy. These ANITA FARAH V ALLIANI a welcome change from the dreary grey promos are shown during home games, skies of the District of Columbia. where Reyes tries to teach the crowd a MANAGING EDITOR CALLIE BUYS While many of you are enjoying new Spanish word. Today's segment is NEWS EDITOR SARAH VALERIO warm, vacation spots during Spring the Spanish word for ice cream, helado. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR JAMES CHANG Break, I have traveled south not for rest I knew from my previous viewings of OPINIONS EDITOR MATTHEW BROWN and relaxation, but for a chance to realize these videos that they want the players to FEATURES EDITOR BRAD FIELDS my second and third-grade dream: to be a mispronounce the word so that they can professional baseball player. The story of cut to a, clip of Reyes rolling his eyes at our stupidity, so I purposefully butcher STAFF how I ended up here amongst the myriad minor league hopefuls and aging veterans my pronunciation. JONATHAN AUERBACH, begins last summer on the Softball fields When we finally make our way RE ID COPLOFF, KAITLIN DUNNE, KA TIE EAR NEST, of New York City. to the field, only the investment banker Scorr HARLAN, ADAM PEARLMAN, MIKE STANEK I had signed up to play for my firm's and I are left from the original group. Softball team on the first day of work, but He mentions something about hitting a could barely complete a simple throw grand slam to win a game last summer, from short to first, so I was banished to but he shuts up after I tell him I turned an Restaurant Recommendations the outfield. I soon won over the man­ unassisted triple play from the outfield. ager with my impressive pop-up catching Clearly he has not honed the art of Softball ability and willingness to lean in to every self-promotion. for Graduation Celebrations pitch, rising up to seventh in the batting Out in left field, we are told to order. alternate fielding Then one game, it balls hit by a double- all came together. Due As 1 walk over to a A kid the team cut either to my excellent nearby garbage can to earlier that day. The hit placement or the ter­ young man's anger Proof would benefit from a few choices BY KAITLIN DUNNE rible infield defense of dispose of my parting from not making the on the cheaper side. Still, it's a worthy Columnist the other team, I man­ team is manifested choice. Proof / 775 G Street NW / 202- gifts, I see a small boy aged a triple, raising my in each of his first 20 737-7663. slugging percentage an leaning over the fence, hits, which sail over Tucked away in a shopping center Graduation countdown is on, as amazing .500 points. baseball and pen in hand. the left field fence. anyone who looks at the portal knows. on Wilson Boulevard is Ray's the Steaks, The next inning, as I Minaya, having rec­ With all the undergraduate and gradu­ an unassuming restaurant that knows its I walk over and sign the was fielding a line drive ognized his mistake, ate schools of The George Washington steaks. The menu declares that they won't out in left, I noticed ball for the confused sends the greenhorn University holding commencement on serve certain cuts well-done. Even better, the runner on second tyke, who has no idea back to rejoin the May 18, 2008, the wise 3L would make as far as steakhouses go, Ray's is cheap: was trying to leg out a team and calls out reservations sooner rather than later. Here Steaks come with potatoes and creamed who I am. Some day run. "Not so fast, my third base coach are my recommendations for the perfect spinach, and when I went, my party of friend!" I yelled. With he will. Sandy Alomar, Sr. place to take your family to give them a two got salad, soup, steaks and a bottle deadly accuracy, I fired to replace him in the taste of DC's finest and celebrate! of wine for under a hundred. the ball home, and, after batter's box. Kinkead's is an easy walk from the The biggest drawback is that they one hop, the catcher The first hit off Smith Center and the Law School and has don't take reservations, so either get there scooped it up and tagged the surprised Senior's bat rockets towards us and Mr. great food. It's consistently recognized as early or be prepared to go the Mexican runner for the third out. I-Banker decides he's going to make a one of the best restaurants in DC, which restaurant next door and have a margarita A Mets scout approached me after flashy grab. Unfortunately for his face, he means that it will probably be crowded or two (Ray's will take your cell phone the game and told me that the team would has not accounted for the added speed of graduation weekend. But if you can, snag number and call you when your table is be interested in inviting me to Spring a baseball, and as he writhes on the grass a table inside (unless you want your family ready). This is a great choice for some­ Training if Moises Alou somehow got clutching his bloody face in pain, I motion to have a view of La Prima!). one looking for good food without a lot hurt again. One Alou-hernia later, and for a stretcher. Kinkead's is best known for its sea­ of fuss. Ray's The Steaks / 1725 Wilson I found myself on a plane to Florida in Minaya does not seem content to food, boasting favorites like pepita (that's Blvd., Arlington, VA / 703-841-7297. pursuit of a dream long thought lost. let me join the team by default, so he puts pumpkin seed) crusted salmon and a raw One of my favorite restaurants in the When I arrived at Mets camp, I was forth the final challenge: I have ten pitches bar. Also, look forward to a great wine city is Tabard Inn. Tabard is on N Street, surprised to find that I was not the only to get a hit off of Johan Santana. Luckily list and beer selection. Last time I went, south of Dupont Circle and a little off the former Softball player invited to try out. I know a lot about Santana; he is left- the sommelier was helpful in picking out beaten path. Every time I've been (and Taking a page from Billy Beane in identi­ handed, he has a changeup, and he is from a bottle of red that went with our fish I've been at least four times), the food has fying baseball player market inefficiencies, Venezuela. I take the first three pitches entrees and stayed within our budget. been stellar. Mets GM Omar Minaya has determined just to see if I can pick up anything from Kinkead's / 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW The menu changes frequently but that the market had undervalued summer Santana's windup. No such luck. Having is always based around classic American / 202-296-7700. Softball league players. The resumes of watched three straight fastballs blaze by If you are looking for a place for a dishes with a twist. I've had shrimp and those invited to this grand new experi­ me, I guess (correctly) that Santana will celebration (and by celebration I mean grits, creamy chilled tomato soup and ment (and hopefully the subject of a new offer up his famous changeup next. How­ champagne and other bubbly wine), delicious crab crakes. Whatever you Michael Lewis book) read like a sam­ ever, his major-league change is still a tad order, save room for dessert; the pastry check out Proof, a newish wine bar and pling of America. There was the young faster than the windmill lobs I'm used to, restaurant downtown where the waiter chef makes some amazing concoctions. investment banker, the grizzled NYPD and I swing way too late. pushes around a champagne cart with a Look for homemade ice cream (mint detective, the struggling waiter/Broadway After another six whiffs, I walk off number of bottles open on ice, available paired with a fudgy chocolate torte was actor, the Russian mob wannabe, and the the field dejected after coming so close to the best of the bunch) and tarts and pies by the glass. bike messenger. achieving my dream. Minaya thanks me Although portions are on the small­ with fresh fruit (cherry and peach with As we size each other up, Minaya for coming to the tryout and told me I er side, the food is rich and creative: buttery crumbles and cream cheese ice leads us into a conference room where he would not be going away empty-handed. cream and a plum tart that I swear is the flatbreads with seasonal toppings, cheese goes over the details of our tryout. Hoping for a signed jersey, he instead boards selected from local shops and pro­ best dessert I've ever had in DC). First up is Celebratory Handshakes hands me a Ryan Church bobblehead The prices are reasonable and you ducers, and succulent braised meatballs. to test our chemistry with potential team­ doll and a Mets metal street sign that can come in slightly dressier than casual Not surprisingly, there are also a number mates. We are each given 30 seconds to says "Miracle Mets Ave." As I walk over of wines by the glass and knowledgeable clothes, no ties or jackets required here. develop a routine with Endy Chavez, but to a nearby garbage can to dispose of my If your family is in town on Saturday or staff to help point you toward wines you some people find this more difficult than parting gifts, I see a small boy leaning over Sunday morning, check out their brunch, and your party may like. In my numer­ others. After Endy slaps our Russian the fence, baseball and pen in hand. I walk too, with homemade donuts and a range ous trips to the bar, my biggest complaint friend on the back, he punches Endy in over and sign the ball for the confused of entrees. Tabard Inn/ 1739 N Street is the lack of good wines under $10 a the face and is promptly escorted off the tyke, who has no idea who I am. Some NW / 202-785-1277. glass. While the selection is always good, premises. I had a feeling the rest of the day he will. Page 3 Nota Bene March 12, 2008 OPINION A Question of Integrity for Presidential Candidates

Bv ADAM PEARLMAN only step back from Postema's thesis and out. From these individual characteristics speak on his campus, he reasoned that al­ Columnist look at what really occurs during an elec­ sprout societal double-standards and an though he did not like what Ahmadinejad tion to see that convenient, light-hearted abbreviated collective memory. In the would say, he would absolutely support As we plunge into the remainder treatment of integrity in everyday life has political arena, this is most clear: candi­ his freedom to say it. Yet Columbia shuts of an election cycle that will surely be grown up from the roots of our society. dates regularly try to one-up each other in the door on the free exchange of ideas defined by potent bitterness, we expect to Perhaps one of the most well- the public eye while thinking little of the and information and opportunities when hear much about two things -ex perience known tenants of Twentieth Century shifting positions they espouse. it comes to those who defend the very and integrity. liberal philosophy is John Rawls' "veil Sadly, those double standards are freedom he speaks of: the school does not Sparring about experience is petty of ignorance." Rawls posits that the just as apparent with two.supposed bas­ allow ROTC programs on its campus. - nobody is presidential until they actu­ most just society would be designed by tions of the free and open exchange of Individuals, including reporters and ally become president. But character and people completely ignorant of what their information; the media and academia academics, pride themselves on looking at leadership have vast importance. Both prospective socioeconomic status might regularly show brazen hypocrisy. situations on a case-by-case basis. relate to the broader concept of integrity be. By "just," Rawls means "equal." But Indeed, a profound aspect of the Lawyers in particular make a living - moral integrity in the first instance, and a someone more conservative might argue media is what it often chooses not to re­ on the case-by-case system: we analyze human version of structural integrity, call that those sequestered would rather design port. Take an example from local Virginia specific sets of facts, we analogize, we it initiative or perseverance, in the latter. a more equitable system based in equal op­ politics: while Senator Allen's careless use advocate. But when we finish billing The Democratic primaries, where portunity. There, status ultimately would of a now-infamous word on the mid-term hours for the day and become human both candidates are lawyers, have been depend on the quality and value of one's election campaign trail was exploited by again, we would do much better to remain especially harsh. And while electoral poli­ contributions to the rest of society. local news outlets for weeks, Congress­ critical, especially of ourselves and of the tics colors all issues in a particular way, it Whether one emphasizes equality man Moran's regular anti-Semitic com­ standards we have created. We should should invite neither the candidates nor or equity, I think the veil, in a strictly so­ mentary goes largely unreported. realize when we choose to maintain our the public to treat integrity lightly. No one cial setting that abstracts from economic And think of last month's report standards versus when we tolerate their should throw the term around in debates considerations, amounts to The Golden by the New York Times about John degradation. or advertisements as a mere word because Rule. "Do unto others" is a mantra we all McCain's alleged extra-marital affair with Analogy and distinction should it is an important principle. try to treat as somehow not cliche, even a lobbyist. The editors initially chose not not simply be methods to make excuses University of North Carolina Law as we use it that way. There is a certain to report the story and instead endorsed for those with whom you agree. Nor is it Professor Gerald Postema writes that a intrinsic value in it, an idea that it's the McCain. Immediately after he secured the an excuse to ignore rampant inconsisten­ "lawyer's integrity is put into question simplest thing an individual can do to Republican nomination, they plastered cies in logic. It is when we fail here that by the mere exercise of the duties of his make the world better. it on their front pages as part of a smear Postema's assessment rings most true. profession." This rings true for politicians But rarely do we live up to this lofty campaign. This election cycle's candidates should also - both in campaigns and, in their standard. Rather, we tend to contradict The academic example is just as easy be particularly aware of this, because for legislative votes. our values with a passive-aggressive sense to point out. When Columbia University politicians even more so than lawyers, But those moral costs are just as of entitlement. We feel the need to ambi­ President Lee Bollinger invited Iranian integrity is really the only currency they prevalent in all other areas of life. We must tiously stake our own claims and stand President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to have. Arguments at One First Street Bring Law School to Life

BY MIKE STANEK be lucky enough to be an invited guest up on the front steps around 6:30 a.m. to lan looked like. We've spent enough time Columnist with a reserved seat, a member of the 7 a.m. Blockbuster cases like Lawrence v. learning what they thought, so we might Supreme Court Bar or a member of the Texas require camping out for the night, as well put a face with a name. This is a column about One First general public. I will assume that you do akin to a law version of a Star Wars pre­ So what is worthwhile to see this Street, home of the Supreme Court. It's not have the connection required to score miere. At about the time the Court opens, term? For those interested in federalism, often easy to forget that just a few miles a reserved seat -bu t if you, per chance, do the Court police distribute a number to speech, or labor law, I'd recommend at­ away sit the Justices who indubitably af­ know a party to a case or a Justice, then designate your spot in line. Typically, the tending Chamber of Commerce v. Brown on fect what we do and learn every day. This you should take full advantage.of it. I will first 30 to 40 members of the public will March 19. Civil Procedure fans could take column hopes to bring that to life, to prod also assume that you are not a member of have secured a seat (even if it is partially a moment to see Philippines v. Pimental you to experience the Court, to take a min­ the Supreme Court Bar. If you are, then behind a column and so far removed from on March 17 for a lively discussion on ute to see how the case law you read for enjoy your separate line and entrance. We the bench that you can no longer see FRCP 19, interpleader, and necessary and class yesterday may be utterly irrelevant are significantly less fortunate. Ginsburg's elfin body). indispensable parties. Criminal Procedure in just a few months. For those of us who are merely typi­ After you get your number, you'll fans can check out two Sixth Amendment This first edition of the column cal law students, we are relegated to the have a window of time to warm up and cases - Rothgery v. Gillespie County, TX is somewhat appropriately a primer on general public lines. For the public, there get some food in the Court's cafe. You on March 17, and Indiana v. Edw ards on visiting the Supreme Court to attend oral are two lines, one for attending the entire also could make a quick run over to the March 26. For the recurring debate over arguments. While it certainly is "touristy," hour and one where you can sit in for a Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue for habeas corpus and the war on terror, the now that you are a legal nerd, it will likely few minutes. The "few minutes" line is some caffeine. Make sure you have a few Court will hear a pair of cases on March be rewarding and could change your iew satisfying only for a fanny pack-wearing quarters to get a locker - barely anything 25 - Munaf v. Geren and Geren v. Omar. of the fascinating institution. Beginning tourist who is happy to see the appealing is permitted to go into the courtroom with That same day it will hear United States the first Monday of October, the court decor and learn that there are nine Jus­ you. Although I did make fun of tourists v. R essam, a case the federal government typically hears two oral arguments a day, tices. The full argument line is the only gawking over the Supreme Court's decor, claims it must win to maintain its ability each lasting an hour, at 10 a.m. and 11 way to go. I do recommend checking out the por­ to prosecute terrorists. a.m. They are typically scheduled only on Seating doesn't begin for the first traits of former Justices and the gigantic All outside information was obtained Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. argument until 9:30 a.m., but sadly, you'd Marshall statue in the hallway. There was from http://docket.medill.northwestern.edu There are a few ways to attend oral better set your alarm a tad early. For cases something immensely satisfying about and supremecourtus.gov/visiting/visitors- arguments at the Supreme Court: You can generating some news, you should show seeing what Brennan, Blackmun and Har­ guidetooralargument.pdf. WRITE FOR NOTA BENE! We are actively recruiting News, Features and Opinions writers Earn $25 per 800-word News or Features Article

Contact us at [email protected] for more information or for our publishing schedule Page 4 Nota Bene March 12, 2008 FEATURES GW Law Students Volunteer in New Orleans

BY AMANDA NICOLE RENTZ damage from Hurricane Katrina, but have Guest Columnist been locked to their former residents since the storm more than two years ago. While many GW Law students Public housing projects in New fondly dream of the recent relaxation of Orleans are owned by the Federal Depart­ spring break, some students still recall ment of Housing and Urban Development their unique experience volunteering in (HUD) and managed through the feder­ New Orleans over the winter break. ally-controlled Housing Authority of New Some 35 members of the GW Law Orleans (HANO). Prior to Hurricane School chapter of the Student Hurricane Katrina, they were part of a scheduled Network (SHN) travelled to New Orleans plan of phased demolition - meaning they during the winter break to assist commu­ would have been demolished in phases as nities devastated by Hurricanes Katrina new low-income housing was built. and Rita by providing volunteer legal aid New Orleans has suffered a severe and physical labor. housing crisis since the storm, and low- While in New Orleans, GW stu­ income African-American residents dents helped rebuild a community center have suffered the most. Homelessness in the Lower 9th Ward, worked with the in the city has doubled, and available Louisiana Justice Institute, a nonprofit rentals across the city spiked 70 perent in organization working for social justice, price after the storm and have remained devoted attention to housing issues in prohibitively high for most low-income the New Orleans City Attorney's Office, residents. or worked with Americorps attorneys to Displaced residents began mobiliz­ GW Law students witnessed protests at the New Orleans City Council Meeting. Photo develop an immigration handbook with ing to stop the demolitions shortly after courtesy of Kaitlin Donley, 1L, who volunteered with the Louisiana Justice Institute. the Louisiana Bar Association. HUD's plan was announced. Advocates "I thought I would be going down to representing them obtained an order from Council Meeting. Orleans police treated the situation. talk to victims of the storms and 'fight the a state judge enforcing a city ordinance "The protesters outside were very "Anyone who feels comfortable system,' so I was a little disappointed to be requiring the City Council to vote on de­ angry about being denied entry to the with their life or proud to be an American placed with the city attorney's office," said molition of public housing before permits meeting, and concerned that those inside should visit the Lower 9th Ward in New 2L Kristalyn Losen. "In the end, however, may be granted. The meeting procedure would not be representative of overall Orleans," said 1L Gordon Scott, who I was pleasantly surprised to have the allows citizens to speak before the seven- community sentiments," Donley said. helped rebuiled the community center. close-up view that working in that office member council prior to a vote, and many "They were concerned that the chambers "Two-and-a-half years later, with people's provided of the issues of the city. It's not interest groups made plans to speak. were filled with HUD representatives and homes still crumbling in on themselves as simple as saying the government is all Inside City Hall, before the meet­ not by individuals against demolition. or heaped in rubbish piles on overgrown wrong, and it's hard to choose which side ing was scheduled to start, some people Many accused the City of conducting lawns, while the City Council votes unani­ to stand on in the 'fight for justice.'" opposing demolition had begun to loudly tainted proceedings. Protesters were mously to demolish the last remaining Losen and other GW Law volun­ decry the plan as corrupt and racist. The chanting demands for equal housing and public housing for dislocated families, teers witnessed the internationally-re- protest intensified when police declared shaking the gates to demonstrate their makes it difficult to claim that we haven't ported events at the New Orleans City the chambers had reached its capacity of anger. ... In the park across from City given up on these people. If we can spend Council Meeting on Dec. 20. 278 and began refusing entry to the 50-100 Hall, hundreds of homeless individuals a billion dollars a day in Iraq, we can pay a The meeting was convened so coun­ people waiting in line outside. had set up tents. It was upsetting to see so little more attention to American families cil members could vote on the planned GW Law students working with many homeless individuals, and to know living under overpasses. Don't relax now, demolition of four large public housing the City Attorney's Office were present that demolition of public housing units there's still lots of work to do." projects in New Orleans. It began with a inside the meeting, while others working would affect many more displaced New Students who participated in the vocal protest inside that became a physical with the Louisiana Justice Institute were Orleans residents." SHN trip noted that the support of GW altercation on the chamber floor between among those denied entry outside. Supporters and opponents of the Law students and faculty helped make it police and displaced residents against Protestors accused the police of demolition spoke at the meeting, which possible. "The opportunity to volunteer demolition, and it sparked a violent clash changing the normal procedure which ended with a unanimous vote to approve in New Orleans for the past two winter between police and people outside City allowed standing and objected that there the granting of demolition permits for all breaks has been one of the most rewarding Hall who were denied entry. were many seats remaining. four of the housing projects. experiences I have had in law school," said The four public housing projects Kaitlin Donley, 1L, volunteered Many GW Law volunteers were 3L Kiva Feldman. "I am so grateful for the at the center of the controversy contain with the Louisiana Justice Institute, and disheartened by the perceived indifference support of GW Law school's administra­ 4,500 units and sustained only minimal was among those denied entry to the City with which the City Council and the New tion and students." CD Review: Vampire Weekend's Debut Album is Irresistible

They even namecheck the none-too-cool It's hard not to randomly start humming passed. It seemed more like just 15. So BY REID COPI.OFF Peter Gabriel. it at inopportune times. listened again. That was more than a wee! Columnist But being different doesn't make Vampire Weekend consists of four ago and things haven't changed. a band good. I've never heard any other recent Columbia graduates, who describe When I used to go into my favorite While listening to "Cape Cod Kwas- band that sounds like The Mars Volta, but their sound as "Upper West Side Soweto." record store in college, I would ask the sa Kwassa," the fourth track on Vampire I still can't stand their music. Using Wikipedia, I have learned that owner what people were buying and what Weekend's self-titled debut album, an A lot has been written about Vam­ Soweto is an urban area in Johannesburg, was making news. I ended up buying a interesting thought struck me. "My God," pire Weekend since their EP dropped last South Africa. I'm not exactly sure if this long line of the "next big things." This is I thought, "this sounds like 'Diamonds on year, essentially all of it glowingly posi­ made-up label fits the band's sound or not, how I ended up starting to listen to The the Soles of Her Shoes.'" tive. Try as I might, I have not been able but that's hardly the point. In an age when Strokes, Wilco, Arcade Fire, The Wrens With this thought in mind, I turned to find one negative review of this album. every new band tries to shrug off familiar and so many other bands that I love. It's to Google, searching for "Paul Simon and Though I may love being a contrarian, this labels and come up a new way to describe also how I ended up buying a Bright Eyes Vampire Weekend." I got 464,000 hits. is not going to be the first negative review their "original sound," it's refreshing CD that I hate. Sometimes these bands As it turns out, I am not nearly as of Vampire Weekend. I can't do it. This when a band comes along that actually of the moment go on to'produce more clever or insightful as I think. CD is just too irresistible. No wonder their deserves such special classification. music of equal or higher quality (The New The newest in what seems like recent show at the Rock and Roll Hotel There's nary a weak track here from Pornographers, Arcade Fire). Sometimes a long line "next big things," Vampire sold out in what seemed like 12 seconds. the mid-tempo sunniness of "Campus," they just disappear (The Strokes, The Von Weekend merges sprightly Afro-pop It starts with lead single "Mansard which kicks off the second half of the Bondies). Sometimes their second album sounds with semi-jittery indie rock pat­ Roof," a slight, slow-building pop work­ album, to off-kilter, wistful love song is bad enough that it makes you think less terns, creating a sound that's somewhat out that may actually be the worst song "Bryn" and through bassy album closer of the first one that you loved so much familiar, yet entirely different from the on the album. From there, things pick up "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance," each (The Rapture). Somehow, though, I ex­ normal "next big things." While other with the bouncy "Oxford Comma" and song adds a new texture to the band's pect that that won't happen with Vampire bands of the moment since the turn of the fantastic second single "A-Punk," the fast­ sound. Weekend. No matter the future holds for century have evoked the typical influences est and perhaps best song on the album. It's so much fun to listen to that the this it band, I expect to keep their debut (The Velvet Underground, Television, "A-Punk" serves as a perfect microcosm first time I listened to Vampire Weekend, in heavy rotation for a long time. The Stooges, The Talking Heads, Pixies, of the album. Its bouncy jubilant groove I thought something was wrong with my And, you know what? Now that I etc.), Vampire Weekend elicits memories glides beneath shouts of "'ey 'ey 'ey 'ey!" iPod because it stopped playing. As it think about it. I always kinda liked "Dia­ of mid-'80s Paul Simon and Fela Kuti. It's hard to sit still. It's hard not to smile. turned out the album's 34 minutes had monds on the Soles of Her Shoes."