Kick Ass Closing Argument

I decided to try out for our schools trial association. It is an oganization that competes around the nation in litigation. In order to be accepted, I had to watch a trial and prepare a closing argument. I then had to present it to a panel of real-life judges and lawyers.

It was awesome.

It was a criminal trial and I was the side of defense. My theory was self-defense. I was kind of nervous to get up there in front of these professional legal folks, but since I have a background of being dramatic, it was a lot of fun. I used all the “evidence” that was there and pointed to diagrams and all that Law and Order crap. And didn’t even use my notes.  Another girl went first to present the state’s side.

After the arguments we went outside and waited for the panel to “deliberate.” They then called us back in and critiqued our arguments:

First judge: told me the argument was the best he had seen in three years since he had been participating

Second judge: asked me what my retainer was because he wanted to hire me as a defense attorney in case he ever got into trouble

Third panel member (lawyer): said I completely won him over

WOO HOO! Now THAT felt good =)  I will hear back on Wednesday if I made it or not.

Pointers if anyone else out there is doing the same:

1. dont memorize your argument word for word, instead read it over and over again, and memorize only key phrases. Also, split it up into easy-to-remember sections. That will help trigger your memory.

2. Use all the props and diagrams the school makes available. Pick them up and make sure the panel can see what you are doing.

3. walk around in front of the podium – don’t be stationary.

4. Pause in your speaking to get points accross, use eye contact, move with a purpose, and use voice fluctuation to emphasize key points.

5. Tell a story with your argument – don’t spurt out a bunch of legal jargon. Make it personal for the “jury”

6. Be engaging and passionate, and…

7. HAVE FUN!

Seriously?

Do people have to pop and chew their gum SO loudly as to actually disturb the peace in the library? Are you kidding me? I have never heard anyone chew as obnoxiously as this guy is right now.

 

I have heard complaints about flip-flops in the library; but I would much rather heard a short-term “flapping” than this constant, cow-like, unbelievable, disgusting  chewing.

 

Ugh.

 

Excuse my rant. But I am TIRED. I have been at school for 12 hours now, and this is just unnecessary. Especially since I am working through Contracts. And especially since loud chewing is my #1 peeve. Again…UGH!

The Girl Who Studies All the Time

Do you have this type in your class? There is this girl with whom I am trying to be friendly; it seems she would be a good study partner so I am trying to be nice and get to know her better. But whenever I ask her, say, to have lunch (I’m talking on-campus here, people), she’s like “I can’t, I have to study.” And when I ask her about her plans for the weekend, “I have so much to do.” And when I see if she is going to a student organization meeting, “I didn’t set aside time for it. Sorry.”

WTF? Am I missing something here? (and p.s., I know she isn’t making excuses just because she doesn’t want to hang out with me! She is actually very nice to me, and texts me all the time with like “have a good weekend” or “hope you have a nice day.” Weird.

A Look Back on my First Month

It has been five weeks since I began law school in August (including orientation). And I feel great. Do I need more sleep? Sure. Have I made major adjustments and sacrifices in my life? Yes. But I am happy. And here is why:

First, the people. I love the people in my section. Everyone is kind, not to mention funny and helpful. There are  few “gunners,” but they aren’t so bad. Each day a person in our group comes up with a “word of the day.” In class, whenever anyone is speaking, he or she should try to include the chosen word in their conversation with the prof. One day last week I managed to use the word “dragon” in my contracts class. It was awesome. The people have made it delightful to attend class. I look forward to seeing them. It’s fun making new friends!

Second, the school is great! There are so many resources in place to help students. And I really like my profs (well…contracts prof is last on my list, so I can really only classify him as “ok”). I am going to try out for our trial lawyers organization in October. The group does litigation competitions. It is kind of like moot court, except at the trial level, not appellate.

Third, I feel really smart. I love learning this shit. I love the vocabulary, the readings, the thinking. I love the challenge of it, and the amount of determination I have to apply in order to make it day to day. But it’s great, and much more fulfilling than my previous employment.

Some of you may be reading this right now and think that I am either 1. lying, 2. on drugs, or 3. a goodie-goodie. I’m not any of that; I’m not even a particularly positive person. I read a lot of other posts from people who are miserable with their choice to come to law school, or from people who hate the company of law school, or their profs. I have just been lucky (blessed) enough to like all of that, and it has put me in a very good position.

Of course I don’t guarantee this will last. Maybe I will just want to kill myself after finals. But for now, I am happy with my first month of “the law” and I look forward to what is to come!

Caveat: I do feel the stress and pressure of law school, but I try not to let it weigh on me. Instead I use it as motivation to stay energized. I just keep in mind that so many have gone through this and have done pretty well for themselves. I can be one of those people, right?? =)

#11 & #12

11. Microsoft OneNote 2007*

12. Free flow chart software at https://bubbl.us/beta/ 

* I highly recommend this program to new law students, or to any law student for that matter. It rocks. I would be lost (literally!) without it.