Moot Court Team!

Recently, I was fortunate enough to serve as a research assistant to two competitors on our Moot Court Team. After working and practicing 6-7 days/week since November, we finally went to the Miami Regional of the 2009-2010 ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition on March 11-13, 2010. The competition was held at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, which was an exciting experience for competitors to argue in a real courthouse! The competitors were judged by practicing attorneys.

Our team won 2 of their 3 oral argument rounds and just missed advancing to the round of 16 by fractions of a point. Although the near-miss was disappointing, the two competitors, the student-coach, our faculty advisor, the second research assistant, and I were very excited to have achieved success in the competition, and were grateful for the opportunity to compete! Our participation in this prestigious national championship competition for the first time does wonders to enhance the reputation of our school!

Time Flies

The final semester is under way, and the first few weeks have gone as quickly as the past three years. For many 3Ls the course work for the semester is stocked with electives and "easier" classes; however, I am still taking required classes. I am also taking a full load in the business school. Making sure that one has all of their requirements to graduate is an endeavor: classes, pro bono hours, senior writing requirement, graduation application materials. Even though it seems like much work, the general feel of almost graduating is a crutch in itself. Many 3Ls may have the "itis" already and throughout the semester.

Law Review

Last semester, I was fortunate enough to be selected as a Member-Candidate for the St. Thomas Law Review. In our school, you have two opportunities to become a Member-Candidate—you can either (1) “grade-on” by being in the top 10% of your class, or (2) “write-on” by participating in a legal writing competition. Either way, becoming a Member-Candidate is a blessing, and a curse. Of course, it is extremely exciting, and an honor to participate in such a prestigious organization. However, it is also SO MUCH WORK! At the time, I was constantly stressed. But now, in retrospect, I see how much I gained from being a Member-Candidate. My research and writing skills have improved exponentially, and I was fortunate enough to have fantastic third year students serve as my mentors. I learned so much from them, and I consider myself fortunate to have had the unique opportunity work with other intelligent and motivated students. Now, I am proud to be a full Member of the Law Review, and I hope I can serve as a mentor to the new Member-Candidates.