Vol. 57, No. 8, February 6, 2007 University of Michigan Law School

Home , Chutes Too Narrow, New Slang, Wincing the Night Away

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2007 Vol. 57, No. 8, February 6, 2007 University of Michigan Law School

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February 6, 2007 Vol. 57 No.8

Grades: Some Perspectives and Advice

Submitted by as strong as many of your Dean David Baum \ classmates' answers. There are some things you can do about ased on more than a that, which I discuss below. But 1 decade of counseling realize that if you leave the Law ! law students, I can School having truly learned the tel u that nothing causes material in all your courses, more anxiety around this place then, GPA notwithstanding, than grades. I've also learned you will have received the that there are many myths world-class legal education for and misconceptions about which you came. grades. My goals in sharing the thoughts below with you are Myth #2: Receiving a poor to dispel some of these myths, grade indicates that I am going provide you with some useful to be a bad lawyer. advice; and, by putting grades into perspective, alleviate some This �tudent is down, but not out. He will close his laptop, walk away, Writing answers to law . and hve to see another day. Photo by Adam Dubinsky . o f th at anx1e ty. sc h oo l exam quest" 1ons 1s a very reflection of a student's performance on specialized exercise which is one way of Myth #1: Receiving a poor grade means an examination, compared against the testing a particular skill: legal analysis. To that I didn't learn what I was supposed performances of the other students in be sure, having the intellect and ability to to learn. the class. (It is true that many professors conduct legal analysis is a fundamental make adjustments to grades based on part of lawyering. And certainly a law Many students disappointed with a class participation and attendance, school exam is a relevant way to test for grade will come into my office and say but these usually are only very slight.) that skill. But even a student at Michigan something like this: "I worked so hard in So a poor grade doesn't mean that Law Schoolwhoreceives mediocre grades that class. I did all of the reading. I went you didn't learn the material; it means develops adept legal analysis skills that to class every day. I wrote a great outline. simply that the professor felt that your CONTINUED on Page 14 During the study period, I studied for four articular examination answer wasn't days solid, and I went over everything. I really thought I knew the material, but I got a poor grade, so I guess I didn't." The On TheInside: fact is that most students here go into the • Music Review: The Shins, • The Senate-Qualifieds, exam room having thoroughly prepared Page 2 Page3 and possessing a genuine understanding

-and even a mastery- of the material • • Secret Crushes, Pages 3-4 Valentines Day Ideas, Page 4 covered in the course. Receiving a poor grade doesn't negate that. In most • Bar Night FUNJ, V. 0 F M J ®;t.oker Night, Page 9 traditional classes at this law schoot Pages 6-7 the grade assigned is almost entirely a liz • Jlfchruar � 6, 2 0 0 7 II �£s �¥sta£ Wincing the Night Away Uol:57,:\o.8 By Andrea Hunt The album's first single, "Phantom �lniocrsity of fi1ir�ignn Limb," was available on iTunes on 1Cnh1 .§c�ool ou gotta hear this one song. It'll November 14, 2006 and everywhere change your life, I swear!" else a week later. It's a catchy, fun, Editor-in-Chief" -Sam (Natalie Portman), and, apparentl:Yt Sapphic song -Mercer Nate Kurtis Garde11 State has stated that the song is about a lesbian couple in high school. Though the Executive Editor: The song was "New Slang," by the decidedly vague lyrics do little to support Bria LaSalle Shins, and since Sam's bold declaration his claim, the reference to northern girls three years ago, fans have been waiting for frozen into coats may, for some of us, Managing Editor: the Shins' response -do you really think Li::. Po!i::.::.i always trigger images of these snowy your music changes lives? Fortunatel:Yt Michigan months. The music video

Contributing Editors: the Shins seem to have ignored Sam's for "Phantom Limb" is much easier to Patrick Barry, Heather Claxton, hyperbole, producing an album that is interpret and can be seen on amazon. com. Adam Dubinsky, Malak Hamwi, what the Shins truly are: introverted and The scene where they cut off the goat's Andrea Hunt, Austin Rice-Stilt, low-key, not life-changing. head is equal parts shocking and creative. Sumeera Younis (Now you have to watch it, don't you?) Wincing the Night Away is the band's long-awaited follow-up to 2003's Chutes The Shins seem most comfortable Too Narrow. when they Rumors of a aren't trying Res Gestae is published biweekly duringthe school new album to shock or year by students of the University ofMichigan Law School. Opinions expressed in bylined articles circulated change are those of the authors and do not necessarily like a cold lives. They represent the opinions of the editorial staff.Articles sore at bring out with contact information in italics at the end of the Rick's. It was the introvert article or ··submitted by" in the byline are opinion slated to be pieces, not factual news stories, and the opinions in all of us, contained therein are not necessari(v reflective of r e l e a s e d the dreamer the opinions of the editorial staff Articles may in August wh o trips be reprinted without permission, provided that the 2006, then down South author and Res Gestae are credited and notified. November Res Gestae welcomes submissions and letters to U, softly the editor. Submissions may be made via email, 2 0 0 6 . singing, preferably as an MS Word attachment. Letters P e r h a p s eyes closed, to the editor must be clearly and unambiguosly Shins front occasionally marked "Letter to the Editor." Res Gestae reserves the right to edit all submissions and letters to the man James bumping editor in the interest of space. M e r c e r into people n e e d e d and maybe Mailing address: some rest cars; the Res Gestae University of Michigan Law School -the title, thumb- Sub Pop Records, January 23,2007 625 South State Street according sucker who Ann Arbor, Ml 48109 to Rolling Stone magazine, references winces when the professor scans the Mercer's insomnia. seating chart, looking for a victim. What Web Site Address: http://students.law.umich.edu/rg made "New Slang" so great wasn't that The four years since Chutes Too Narrow it changed lives, but that it was a theme Office: gave the Shins lots of time to experiment, song for the inner dreamer. "Red Rabbits" 116 Legal Research with mixed results. The drums and bass and "A Comet Appears" carry on that in "Australia" overpower the vocals, but tradition. Their minimalist orchestrations, this sort-of Southerner enjoyed the banjo. coupled with Mercer's wistful, plaintive "Sea Legs" is also percussion-driven and vocals and characteristically opaque is a sharp, but pleasant departure from lyrics, beg you to lay in the Law Quad, the Shins' earlier sound. "Black Wave," staring up at the sun (when spring comes, on the other hand, is like a melancholy of course). Just watch out for errant [email protected] "Sphagnum Esplanade," which was Frisbees . already pretty dark. • 3 Old People Form Group: Law Students Beware SQUALSA Bare Souls By Austin Rice-Stitt in the same ways as younger students, and older students also have other hippersnappers beware: commitments like families and long term For Free: the old people in your law partners to deal with. Also, we don't all school class have banded live at the law school like many of our •••• to form Michigan Law's newest younger counterparts. basement group, SQUALSA. The "Senate Please don't close your eyes and 12(b)( 6) Qualified Law Students' Association" was RG: Are you saying that there aren't ample my love, I hang on all your words, as if unanimously approved by the Student opportunities for old people to meet each your sentences have no beginning or Senate in mid-January, and the first other? What's about bar night at Rick's? end.... tell me that the light is green at the meeting was held on January 29th. The corner of State and Hill. RG was curious about what, exactly, all MS: We expect that SQUALSA will these old people are planning to do with continue to be well-represented at •••• their new group, so we sat down with co bar night, and the youngsters will be founders Ted Whalen and Maili Shaffer disappointed if they think that the You should probably know that my to find out. formation of SQUALSA means that us two favorite things in the world are going older students are going to stop grinding running with you and taking naps with Res Gestae: Thanks for taking some the hell out of our classmates to really, you. Sometimes you get carried away time to talk with us. I want to start with the really bad music at Rick's. But we are also biting my ears and shit, but let's be real. I question that I know is on everyone's mind: planning to hold social events thatappeal am yours forever. Is there going to be bingo? to an older crowd - events where people can have conversations and where kids •••• Ted Whalen: Of course. and spouses can come without getting beer spilled on them. Dear "Nordic" god, RG: How old do you have to be to play? RG: I see. What's up with that name, FACT: You are hot stuff. Maili Shaffer: We started the group SQUALSA, anyway? FACT: I have a big crush on you, but with people who are 30, or who will Valentine's Day is a non-event. turn 30 before they graduate, in mind. MS: It could have been a lot worse. It's QUESTION: Would you like to eat But the group and its activities are open an homage to the Constitution because chocolate fudge pudding and frozen to everyone, and we hope that the law of the 30 year old age requirement for dairy topping with me tonight? school's younger members will come out Senate members. It's kind of tongue in FACT: I will wash the dishes if you as well. Just because you've never had a cheek though -we don't actually take make the pudding! real job and you're still being supported ourselves very seriously. by your parents doesn't mean that you Love, The Little Counselor don't love bingo. RG: But it isn't completely a joke? •••• RG: Exactly. In addition to the lack of TW: No not completely. We had a great organized bingo opportunities, what do you tum out at the first meeting -about 40 Dearest Vulpine Vixen, think are the biggest problems confrontingold students- so the interest is definitely out people at the law school? there. Most of the people who came to You make me swoon when you serve the meeting were 1 Ls, so we're hoping Zingerman's instead of Cottage Inn at TW: Most students at the law school that more 2 and 3Ls will get involved and your organization's events. face the same challenges -making friends, help us out. We may be old, but unlike the doing well in class, getting along with youngsters, we don't know everything. Love, Delicate(ssen) professors- but every type of student brings different issues to the table. It can Interested in SQUALSA? Send an email •••• be difficult, especially at first, for older to Ted at [email protected] or Maili at students to feel that they are a part of the [email protected]. CONTINUED on Page 4 social fabric of the school. Older students aren't always into doing the same things • AskSandra D. CRUSHES, From Page 3 Three SizesFit Most: .,.,.,., Dear "Cutie Pie" 2L, V-Day Advice Rumor has it that you are headed to hese cold winter days are the While your valentine is enduring a long NYC for spring break. .. I may be there perfect time to warm up with day of classes, make sure to brighten up too and I hope to run into you. Maybe a hot Valentine's Day romance. their day with a singing Valogram from you'd be interested in grabbing cafe and Are you afraid this dreary, snow-covered The Headnotes; and, after class, meet a bagel...or maybe a mojito. city has nothing for you and your love? them with some cheesy Valentine's Day Ha! We have some hot date ideas for any balloons. Yours, Gryphon law student's needs.

A great way to end the night is with a .,.,.,., TheStudy Date few drinks and karaoke at Blind Pig. If the day has gone really well, the perfect Dear Angel-Kissed, Wake up your sweetie with a hot ending to the night is you serenading double espresso to rev you up for hours your valentine with "I Got You Babe." [Poke!] :-p of ... studying. If you are at a serious place We all know there is only one place to go in your relationship you might want to go after that.. .. Sans Sans, Stargazer to Starbucks, otherwise snack bar coffee should be fine. The Steamy Date .,.,.,.,

After your Valentine's classes, you You want to wake up your hattie, sexy Dear girl who is not in law school, might want to skip lunch because there is style. And by sexy style we mean sexy no time to waste if you want to get those time; and, by sexy time, we mean with It is amazing how you put up with my book awards. (What is more romantic hot griddle cakes, omelet eggs, drizzling frequent beeps and legal tirades. than matching book awards?) For a study syrup, hot steaming coffee, and orange break, you can find each other's alma juice. A nice RG to read on the side will Love, Your Secret Admirer maters on the stained glass windows in add the perfect steamy touch. the Reading Room. .,.,.,., Next, escort your love to class where Dinner is a must, and the perfect they can do that whole law school thing Dearest Woman in Culinary Club, way to keep your brains gearing while and you can begin preparing for your eating a great meal is eating up a storm afternoon. After class, you don't want to Nothing steams my mussel more than at Leopold's over an even crazier game set the bar too high --save the super steam sitting across from you at the Earle Happy of chess! Finish off that meal with a for later on tonight. Hour. romantic sundae for two. We especially recommend Washtenaw Dairy, where a This is the perfect time to satisfy your You know the way to my heart little ice cream goes a long way. date's afternoon appetite so they are fully

charged for later on. Red Hot Lovers .,.,.,., TheFun Date may seem like the obvious choice, but have you seen Rick's by day? Suddenly Dear 8:45 AM class: The perfect beginning to a fun transformed into the swanky American Valentine's Day is a perfect breakfast. Cafe, it is the perfect romantic spot. There is nothing remotely civil about Try chocolate chip pancakes shaped like your confusing, convoluted rules. You Mickey Mouse's head. If you want to be Finish off your night with a couple's *are* a conflict of law. Three mornings a daring with a romantic touch, add some massage at any of the local spas. A week I wake up crying because there is baby heart pancakes. romantic dinner afterward is key. If you no Motion to Stay in Bed. want something a little fancy the Earle is Walk your valentine to class a good choice, or try out any of the quaint I hate you. reminiscing on fun times and funny selections on Main Street. Make sure jokes. Skipping is not mandatory but to serve lots of compliments sprinkled .,.,.,., highly recommended. lightly with suggestive remarks. After dinner ... well we got you this far, the rest is up to you! • · • · �.e5 &>.esta.e • Jtfchruar!J li, 200 7 5

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ATLANTA BRUSSELS CINCINNATI CLEVELAND COLUMBUS DAYTON NEW YORK WASHINGTON, D.C. II6 c%q �cs C@cshtc • Jlfchruary 6, 2007 111------LSSS Bar Night at Mitch's, 1/25/2007 ------lll JR.es&;.esta.e • Jlf.chrunr!J 6, 2007 �-._ 711 LSSS Bar Night at Leopold's, 2/1/2007 II8 c%:

Know WhenTo Hold 'em, WhenTo Fold 'em SFF Tournament Raises Money in Spades

he First Annual SFF Poker Tournament took place on Friday, February 2. Over 110 players took part to raise funds for SFF's fellowship program. Mayur Sajnani, an undergrad in LS&A, won the grand prize of $500. Second place went to LS&A undergrad Nick Posavetz. The top Law School finishers were 1L Jason Ryu, 6th place, and 2L Dave Sillers, 9th place. Raising a net $1400 for SFF, the event was an enormous success . • 10 �chrunr1,1 fi, 20 07 TakeIt From Me: Rhyming Rodent Receives Rage: Even Alliteration Won't Heal TheseWo unds By Bria LaSalle Prohibition, he pluckily threatened let myself begin to detest painfully cold to impose 60 more weeks of winter if ears, runny noses that end in frozen snot, here have been few times someone didn't give him a drink. This is and puddles of rock salt on my wood Win my life when I have been a success story for all groundhogs, and floors. When the wind picks up mid-way particularly cross with a rodent. I fully support him in his arrival to the through my walk home from school and I had pet mice as a kid, my sisters had a good life. threatens to steal the last of my body battery of hamsters, and I've always been heat with its unjust aggression, I remind fond of watching the Ann Arbor squirrels myself that "there is no bad weather, gorge themselves into oblivion in the only bad clothing." I need to believe that "EI Nino has caused high fall. But last Friday, Punxsutawney Phil, this mantra is something other than the winds, heavy ·snow, ice and the world's most famous groundhog, horseshit it plainly is, even though that freezing temperatures in decided to tease me mercilessly, and I'm requires a hefty dose of denial; my denial the west. not thrilled. is fierce enough to work.

Here in the East with much That little bastard didn't see his Theoretically, we enjoy our brief and mUd winter weather we have shadow. nippy spring much more after staggering been blessed. through endless months of frozen ankles. Now every weather correspondent If I had a dollar for every sandal-footed Global warming has for every media source in the country undergrad who drapes lazily across the caused a great debate. is gleefully announcing that we will Law Quad grass within 20 minutes of experience an early spring. I refuse to be the mercury passing 60 degrees for the This mild winter makes it sucked into this madness. Infact I predict first time, I would retire immediately and seem just great. we will not see spring until July. This way explore a life of naps and donuts. Perhaps one can average my prediction with Phil's I'll just surrender a dollar myself and join On this Groundhog Day we and come out with reasonable accuracy. them -60 degrees sounds pretty luxurious think of one thing. right now. But why does anyone put any stock Will we have winter or will in the weather-forecasting prowess In the meantime, I must ignore Phil by we have spring? of a member of the order rodentia? way of a deafness thatcomes from mild Punxsutawney Phil has, historically, been hostility. He has offered a completely On Gobbler's Knob I see no right 47 times since he began predicting unreliable glimmer of hope that I may shadow today. in 1887; 39% is a failing grade in my be able to go hatless before May, and my book. I have better accuracy when I pick winter coping mechanisms simply can't I predict that early spring socks out of the drawer with my eyes is on the way." risk such devastation if this year follows closed, but the world has yet to establish his persnickety tendencies towards a national celebration of my abilities. inaccuracy. If I'm wrong, I hope he'll -Punxsutawney Phil accept my apology in the form of a But I don't begrudge Phil his station groundhog-appropriate care package: in life. According to his handlers, Phil But I'm not willing to believe his tall dog food, a pint of ice cream, and the enjoys a comfortable existence at the tale of an early spring. My tenure in Ann alcoholic beverage of his choice. Punxsutawney Library, where he dines Arbor is drawing to a close, and I find on dog food and ice cream. He is a zaftig it more and more difficult to enjoy the Bria LaSalle is a member of the order 15 pounds and successfully negotiated trappings of winter when a long future Primate, and is the Executive Editor of Res the installation of a heating system in his in sunny Los Angeles beckons more with Gestae. She predicts spring will come on simulated tree stump stage in Gobbler's every passing day. But, so far, I have been March 21, 2007. Knob, where he emerges each February 2 able to successfully ignore the existence of at 7:25 a.m. to read a rhymed prediction. non-wintry places. It's easier that way. My He has appeared on Oprah. He was school work will suffermuch more than in a great Bill Murray movie. During the typical bruising from 3L malaise if I • 2!\cs �cshtc • Jlfchruar!J 6, 2DD7 11

A St. Valogram Story

By Adam Dubinsky

he quad was cold last February 14. Snow W fell from Heaven, each flake melting a softly burning kiss into my cheek. Love was in the air, or at least the ringing sound of it-from 8:00 am to after 5:00 pm, the joyous harmonies of mercenary serenading resounded through Hutchins Hall. You all did your part. You bought valograms by the buckets. We ran from class to class, singing seven songs in some, struggling to complete our task on schedule. Onone errand, though, I left my heart behind.

Someone sent an anonymous note to the pulchritudinous Vik Khanna and chose my song. It all began like any other Valogram, with longing gazes and suggestive gestures, but I somehow could neither tear my eyes nor my gyrations away. With tremulousness I approached him, this maverick master of mergers and markets. I reached out ...and he took my hand. I stole precious time from his class, but with one deft movement, he stole my heart.

Purchase your own Valogram Outside 100 HH, Wed & Thurs, Mon & Tues, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

• Photo Courtesy of The Headnotes .The Res Gestae Got a problem only a Supreme Court Justice would understand?

Help is on the way. Website is All New!

Visit us online at: http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/RG/

Ask Sandra D.

She'll help you find your happy medium.

Send your quandary to [email protected]. 12

;�PRESSWJH E ACROSS

1. Inflict 6. Ottawa, for short 9. Indian torture 14. Hungry, hungry 15. Before 16. Rise 17. Willow 18. Bow or score 19. Flip flops 20. Natural growth 22. Small island 23. Circle segment 24. Kournikova 26. Grave crime 30. Peer 34. Malicious look 35. One-celled protozoa 36. Exploit 37. From Arabia 38. Pilot sim. 39. Stigma 40. Bite 41. Not right 42. Chocolate source 43. Small falcon 45. Bumpkins 46. Vino 47. Unagi 48. Skylit rooms 51. Beatles' "wood" 12. Guard prefix 57. Woodland 13. Attention getter 58. Sin 21 . Do to a case 59. Atherton college 25. Beaks 60. Dead language 26. Side 61. Over follower 27. Creepy 62. Daddy Warbucks' girl 28. Dancer jumps 63. Ice or board 29. Sphere 64. Grass implant 30. Accumulate 65. Bird homes 31. Prevention measure 32. Typical DOWN 33. Spanish currency 35. Nimbleness

1. Horse command 38. Prayer's end Duby Says: Look for the answers next issue, February 20th 2. Computer architecture 39. Hard wood 3. Record company 41. Theseus thread-giver 4. Copycat 42. "What you takin' about, Willis?" actor 5. Seoul inhabitants 44. Dusky 6. Eye 45. Evergreen 7. Three 47. Did #58 Across 8. Adolescents 48. Hole-makers 53. Heredity unit 9. Mock orange 49. Tall evergreen 54. Hotels 10. Salad or Roman 50. New Zealand tree 55. Dismount 11. Lipinski jump 52. Sandwich cookie 56. Denials �cs ®cshtc • Jlfchrmn1! 6, 200 7 13 No Other Warranties, Expressed or Implied: TheWheels of Progress Grind Ever Faster ... and Ever Louder By Nate Kurtis is spreading. Reading in Borders last Now, I make no claims at electronic week, a woman sat down next to me so sainthood. I admit I have my own vices. was at Amer's when it she could talk on her cell uninterrupted, For my part, I am a slave to GPS. That happened. Standing in line and did so for over forty minutes. might not sound so bad, but think about Jl at the checkout counter, this it: Without GPS, I would be lost and ri o sly hot girl looked right at me The noise pollution doesn't stop there. confused, which means that I would and said, with a silken voice, "Hi, I'm One of the few non-phoners in Amer's be traveling at a respectable speed and Karen1." Now, since you weren't there, a that day was a guy, let's call him "KF/' paying attention to where I am going. moment should be spent on Karen herself. listening to music on his iPod so loudly With GPS, I don't have to bother with Blonde and buxom, Karen looked to be no that I could hear it, clearly. While it is either! Indeed, it gives me the freedom to older than a junior. The rest of Karen not possible that KF was deaf -and if he travel at 70+miles per hour down roads withstanding, it was her ensemble -the wasn't before he sure is now- and needed I've never even heard of. You'd think GPS very latest in nouveau-skank: a tight the music up that loud to hear it. But, if would at least help me drive more safely, crop-top, form-fitting low-rider jeans, he really is deaf, I think I ought to have seeing as I would know where I was the straps of a black thong visible- that a say in what he is playing since I'm the going. You'd be wrong on that count, too, teased at the sheer carnality to be had by only one of the two of us who will have since my unit doesn't really give all that any man to tempt her. to suffer through it. much warning about upcoming turns.

Back in college, I wouldn't have been Fortunately, we at the Law School are Perhaps the greatest irony about using able to get the time of day from a girl like spared these annoyances. Anyone playing GPS is that it is less help the more you Karen; but, lately, I've been noticing this music that loudly would be slaughtered in know where you are going. Indeed, sort of thing happening more and more. the Reading Room and the ancient gothic when you are lost on the other side of Girls who wouldn't look at me before my architecture of our buildings mercifully Ann Arbor and haven't a clue how to get grad school days are now walking up to blocks cell phone signals. At least for back to campus, GPS is golden. However, me and introducing themselves! Clearly the moment. Improved technology has when you know exactly where you are my Law School Cachet has been growin� opened up the halls of Hutchins to cell and need to find a more specific target, and the ladies have taken notice. As for phone folks, and with them the loud, such as wandering the stacks of Legal Karen, I did what any red-blooded male rude behavior that was once so alien to Research trying to find the 6th floor,GPS would do: mustered my deepest, manliest our quad. The school has taken some couldn't be less helpful. Now, since the baritone and said, "Hey there." half-hearted steps to help, like the new GPS unit I have is built into my car, this "cell phone booths" in the basement of second case is moot (unless they make I knew the moment her suddenly cold legal research. The fact that most cell those elevators bigger). Stilt how could stare locked on me that things weren't phones don't get reception down there I find my why around the Law Quad going right in this conversation. That is beside the point (and if you do get without GPS? I can't ask for directions! was when I saw the heretofore unnoticed reception down there, PLEASE keep it You see, I'm a guy. And, besides, who cell phone grafted to her ear. Now that to yourself). would I ask? Everyone is talking on their I think about it, this is how all of these cell phones. conversations have gone. You see, as technology is making it easier to wall ourselves offfrom the world Nate Kurtis is a 2L and the Editor-in-Chief Looking around, I found that Karen around us, or communicate with people of Res Gestae. He is not sure where he is right was part of a larger trend. At a table in who are miles away, we have begun to now. Have you seen him? the cornersat four girls, all talking on cell ignore the people standing right beside phones. Indeed, it was the rare caffeine us! We are, as a community,becoming less drinker who wasn't talking, loudly, to considerate as a response, paradoxically, • someone who wasn't there. And the to increased convenience. I encourage inclination to rude phone conversations everyone to stop for a moment and ask: "Have I been electronically rude lately?" 1 All names have been changes to protect You'll have to put down the cell phone theheinously guilty. first. �cs @csh.tc • Jlfchrunr!J 6, 2110 7 II GRADES, From Page 1 as you progress in your legal career, all of the very talented people alongside your law school grades become less and put her at least even with -and most often whom I worked. I prosecuted cases less important, and your professional ahead of- most other practicing lawyers. successfully at trial, post-trial, and on experience and accomplishments matter And I can assure you that when you go appeal in local and Federal courts. I won more and more. So, yes, grades do matter out into practice, you are never going to awards and commendations. And, most in your job search, but they matter a heck be asked to sit down in a room with a importantly, I loved my work, which was of a lot less than you think they do. fact scenario and write an essay within wonderfully captivating and challenging, three to four hours without consulting as well as completely fulfilling. So, I am How do I know that all of this is true? with anyone else and having limited or one example among countless others of no access to relevant materials. What's someone who made it in the profession In large part I know these things are more, high quality lawyering requires in spite of having received mediocre law true because I have known hundreds a wide range of other skills and talents, school grades. of students who have earned less than such as oral and written communication, stellar grades and who have gone on to good judgment, leadership, active So, if you get a poor grade(s), what become amazingly successful lawyers. listening, general problem solving, the should you do? But I also speak from personal experience. ability to sympathize, interpersonal I was a very hard-working and serious skills, negotiation and facilitation skills, There are a number of things you can law student. In every course I took, organizational skills, and so on. All of do: I completed virtually every reading you came with many of these talents and assignment. I briefed practically every • skills, and you have many opportunities Find out how you could have written a case. I almost never missed class. I put here to develop them further. More on better exam answer. together comprehensive outlines. I was that below. in study groups where I both learned Read any model or "A" answers and contributed a lot. I studied hard for Myth #3: Receiving a poor grade (or even published by the professor. If your exams. I went into each and every exam a few) means that I will not get a job. professor conducts a session to go over that I took feeling as though I knew the exam, attend it. Review your exam the material cold. And I did know the Anyone who tells you that your grades answer with your professor. With respect material cold. My problem was that I have absolutely no impact on your job to this last suggestion, understand that was not a terrific law school exam taker. search during law school is not telling you should not approach the professor Consequently, I got some C-range grades you the truth. The fact is that grades do with an eye toward having the grade in law school. And I had a whole bunch of matter to employers. But keep in mind changed. The Law School's Academic B-range grades, and not so many A-range that they matter to different employers Regulations preclude a professor from grades. This was tough on my ego, having to different degrees. I have heard that changing a grade unless he discovers come here directly from a rigorous and some employers will not hire students that he made some sort of objective, competitive undergraduate program with who fail to achieve a certain GPA. But quantifiable error (such as adding points a very high GPA. But things worked out. I countless other employers evidently wrong or failing to read part of your got summer associate positions with law do not have such cut offs, because even answer). Your focus should be on learning firms during each of my two summers, students who finish in the bottom half what you may not have understood and I got an offer from a large national of the class at UMLS get jobs. Indeed, substantively and how you could have firm in Washington, D.C. to returnas an the Career Services Office regularly written a better examination answer. I'll associate. I forwent that offer to pursue a reports that the employment rate for add that this is particularly useful if you clerkship in D.C. with a Superior Court our graduates is in the high nineties. So, received grades below the class mean. judge (essentially,a state trial court judge). the best advice I can give you is to be If you are consistently receiving grades It wasn't a prestigious clerkship, but it open-minded about your job search and of "B" or higher, then you are doing a was absolutely phenomenal. I learned a work hard to find the best opportunities fairly good job writing exam answers, tremendous amount about the practice of for you. Also, take full advantage of so you certainly shouldn't feel as though law and developed a special relationship the excellent resources UMLS offers to you need to do this after every exam. with my judge who to this day remains help you do this, most significantly the Instead: both an inspirational mentor and dear top-notch staff in the Career Services friend. During my clerkship, I received an • and Public Service Offices. This advice Take other steps to become a better exam offer to work at the U.S. Attorney's Office applies regardless of what your GPA taker. in D.C. I accepted that offer and practiced is. The more time and effort you spend there for five years before returningto the looking for the right job, the more likely Besides finding out what went wrong Law School. All humility aside (and thank it is that the job you take is going to be on exams you've already taken, get some you for indulging me here), I was a very one that is interesting, challenging and additional instruction about how to good lawyer. I was as able and effectiveas a good fit for you. You will findout that CONTINUED on Next Page �£5 ®esiae • Jlfchruaq;! 6, 20 07 15

CONTINUED from Previous Page • Make time fo r yourself to do the things you EVENTS, from Page 16 write better exam answers. Then practice want to do, and take care of yourself Fall registration! Featuring doing it. One great way to get some Professors John Pottow, Adam help is by working with a tutor. Each Every law student knows that if he Pritchard, Dennis Ross, David year, Christine Gregory's office solicits wanted to, he could spend virtually all Hasen, Alicia Davis-Evans, and Karl and hires students who have done well of his time working. Don't do this. You'll Lutz. 12:20 p.m. in 150HH. Lunch on exams to work with other students. burn out. Your grades will improve only provided. This is Part Two of a 2- Tutors get compensated but are available marginally - or maybe not at all. So play; part lunchtime panel series for stu at no charge to you (beyond the tuition rest; recreate; spend time with friends; dents interested in learning more dollars you have already paid). If you call your family; exercise; watch TV; read about transactional law in practice, request a tutor for a particular class, Ms. a novel; volunteer at a soup kitchen - you and pursuing a business-law cur Gregory's staff will try to place you with get the idea. You'll have a much better riculum in law school. See Tuesday, someone who has previously had that shot of living a balanced life once you February 13, for Part One. class taught by the same professor. One become a lawyer if you figure out how Sponsored by Simpson Thacher & way of working with a tutor is to write to do it now. Bartlett LLP. answers to old exam questions and get her • feedback on those answers. Ask the tutor Come talk to us. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 to comment not only on your substantive analysis but on your answer-writing I've already mentioned that you Congressional Preview (MLSD): technique. Was the answer organized should go talk to our Career Services The Michigan Law School well? Did you have too much "fluff?" professionals and to faculty. I also want to Democrats invite you to a panel dis Did you over-analyze some issues and invite you to come see Christine Gregory cussion on what to expect from the under-analyze others? All of this assumes or me. We are eager to discuss your 110th Congress, featuring that you are still doing the reading and particular situation with you and offer Professors Sally Katzen, Marvin regularly attending class. It is hard to further advice and perspectives. I'll add Krislov, and James Levinsohn. 12:15 write a great exam answer if you don't, that very occasionally, students receive in 250 HH. Lunch (Big Ten Burrito) and what's more, you're cheating yourself very low grades ("C-" or below). If this out of that world-class education. happens, Ms. Gregory and I can inform will be provided. you about rules that enable you to do Chief Judge Bernard Friedman (US • Work on developing other lawyering skills more work to get that grade replaced by and leam about the practice of law. a "C." Beyond all that, we want to help District Court Eastern District of you determine how to have the richest Michigan): Brown bag lunch with Besides continuing to take your possible experience during law school. Chief Judge Friedman and his three doctrinal courses as seriously as you can, And that's really the point of all this. Law law clerks to discuss federal clerk as an upper-class student take clinical school is, of course, about so much more ships and judicial internships. law and practice/simulation courses than exams and grades. Sure, work hard Sponsored by the Federal Bar (like Negotiation, Alternative Dispute in your classes and try to earn the best Association University of Resolution, Advanced Legal Research, grades you can. But realize that there is Michigan Law School Student etc.). Volunteer in the Family Law Project so much more to you, too, and remember Chapter. 12:15-1:15 p.m. in 138HH. or at a law office in Ann Arbor or Detroit to enjoy and experience the rest of what for a few hours a week. Consider doing this amazing place has to offer. FRIDAY, MARCH 16 an externship one semester. Participate PROM 007 (LSSS): "Shaken Not in competitions. Attend attorney lunch To make an appointment to see Dean Baunz, Stirred"; Meeting House Grand talks and symposiums. Join a journal. call734-764-0516. To make an appointment to Ballroom, Plymouth, MI. Law stu Take a leadership position in a student see Christine Gregory, call 734-615-0019. dents are welcome to bring non-law organization. Put extra effort into writing students. Attire is semi-formal. a seminar or independent research paper. Dates, tuxes, limos, corsages not All of these suggestions will help you required. Tickets go on sale develop and hone the other lawyering • Wednesday, March 7 at 12:20pm. skills I mentioned previously, prepare you for the practice of law, and even make you a happier law student. They • will also give you more and better things to talk about during interviews and make you more marketable to prospective employers. Jlfchruarl! fi, 2 0 0 7 11 �------

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Law School Bar Night (LSSSS): 20, for Part Two. Sponsored by Conor O'Neill's, 318 South Main St, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Is Habeas Corpus Dead? (ACLU): 8-10 p.m. Bob Gensburg, a Vermont attorney, Entertainment Law & Business talks about his work on a habeas MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Mixer (EMALSA): Co-hosted by corpus petition for one of the IPSA & the Ross School of Business Guantanamo Bay detainees to be Representing Amusement Parks: A Entertainment, Media and Sports filed in the US District Court in Legal Roller Coaster Ride (EMAL Club. Downstairs at Ashley's, 338 S Washington. 12:20 p.m. in 250 HH. SA): Cipriano Beredo, Partner, State Street; 7 - 9p.m. Food will be provided. Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP Counsel to Cedar Fair (owners of SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Cedar Point and other amusement parks). 12:20 - 1:20 pm in 150HH. Juan Luis Tienda Scholarship Networking: What is it, Why do it, Lunch provided. Banquet (LLSA): The Latino Law How to do it (Career Services): Al Students' Association invites you to Cotrone, Director of Career TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 attend the Juan Luis Tienda Development and Student Affairs at Scholarship Banquet. Dinner & the University of Michigan Ross "Transactional Law in Practice" dancing. 6 -11 p.m. Polo Fields Golf School of Business, will discuss net (BLA): Come hear high-profile, and Country Club, 5200 Polo Fields working and how it can make your experienced corporate law attorneys Drive. Bus transportation provided. career a highly successful one. 12:15 speak about practicing transactional Tickets on Sale February 3 in front p.m.- 1:15 p.m. in 250 HH. law. Featuring attorneys from of 100HH. Questions, contact Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Knepley: [email protected]. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C., and Michigan Law professors Dennis TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Careers in Law Teaching (Career Ross, Karl Lutz, and Nico Howson. Business Law Curriculum Panel Services): Professors Ellen Katz, Phil 12:20 p.m. in 150HH. Lunch provid (BLA): Current Michigan Law pro Frost, Daniel Halberstam, and Vivek ed. This is Part One of a 2-part fessors and 3Ls will speak about Sankaran will discuss their career lunchtime panel series for students course selection and relevant course paths and offer advice and informa interested in learning more about work for students interested in cor tion to those students interested in transactional law in practice, and porate law careers. Just in time for pursuing a career in legal academia. pursuing a business-law curriculum 12:20 p.m. -1:20 p.m. in 220 HH. in law school. See Tuesday, February CONTINUED on Page 15 "GRIOT" Is Now Accepting Photography, Poetry, Fiction AI and Non-Fiction Submissions For Publication In This Year's Volume.

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