Golfing Bulldog Blog

First Week of Classes

2012-01-21T15:08:00.000-08:00

The first week of classes is complete...sort of. I had 3 classes this week, but 2 of them canceled because the professor was ill. So last week was a nice way to ease in to classes and this week I get a do over for the first week of classes. Next week will really be the official start of the semester for me and we really get in to classes.

It was great to be back and see everyone on campus and catch up with a lot of friends!!! And the first week wouldn't be complete without a "First Day Photo~~

New Year's Eve

2012-01-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

Ringing in 2012 was a blast this year!!! New Year's Eve is one of those Holidays that sometimes doesn't live up to expectations, and sometimes it sets the bar pretty high for the year. This year I had 2 parties to attend. One party was a group of friends from law school and the other was a group of friends from college. It was great to get to ring in the holiday with such great friends. This New Year's Eve was one of the best!!

I was able to make both parties, see everyone and get to count down the seconds until 2012. Both parties had a light and fun mood, hosted at homes around Des Moines. It's also a time of year when people begin thinking about 2012 so I got to hear a great deal of resolutions and hopes for 2012. We shared in enthusiasm for 2012 and had a great time!!!

Entering the Final Semester

2012-01-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Break is nearing an end, this will be the final week. Then I will begin the final semester of law school, and my final semester at Drake University (as a student). Lately I have been answering the same questions pretty often. It's high time that I share with you a few thoughts on my final semester and my plans for after graduation.

I'm pretty excited to be entering my finals semester of law school. I'm taking 4 classes. Land Use Control, Administrative Law, Mass Media Law and an indpendent study class on current issues effecting real estate development. My independent study class requires a 25 page paper, which I am still developing exactly what I will write about. There are also a great deal of experiences I'm looking forward to. There is still much to do. Besides passing my classes, we'll have our 100 day party, Supreme Court Day, applications for the bar, finals and graduation.

I will graduate from Drake Law in May and then begin bar preparation. The preparation for the bar exam lasts about 7 weeks and then in late July, I'll take the actual bar exam. The actual exam takes about 3 days and is a combination of essay and multiple choice questions. Today the exam can be taken on computer.

After the bar exam, I have accepted a position as a Marketing Representative with R&R Realty Group here in West Des Moines, Iowa. I have worked at R&R Realty Group for about 3 years now, and I am very excited to be able to go to work for them this summer. I could not be more excited to start this next chapter of my life. I have the pleasure of working with a group of high achieving, high energy individuals who make going to work everyday a blast.

I won't be practicing law full time in the traditional sense as many of my friends will be doing. However, I know from experience that a law degree is multi-dimensional and I'll be able to put my law degree to good use in whatever path life leads me on.

Cheers!!

In case you were wondering...

2012-01-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

The Iowa Caucuses

2011-12-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

It's time to wake up from the food induced coma and post Holiday daze for the Iowa Caucuses!! Candidates are criscrossing Iowa, talking to Iowans, learning about our issues and sharing their beliefs. If you are interested in civics or politics, then this is the state for you!!

There's no opportunity to not be engaged in Iowa. Candidates have been hosting town halls, rallies and events in all 99 counties and have been all over Des Moines and at Drake. All the candidates have been spending plenty of time and have been hiring Drake interns and giving students great access.

In addition to candidates, political commentators, celebrities, journalists and political strategists are all in town for the action. There's no better place to be!!!

Here's just a few of the folks visiting Iowa:

2011 in Review

2011-12-26T18:16:00.001-08:00

Break Plans

2011-12-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

Over break I have some projects that I'm going to spend my time on!!

I need to register for my bar exam review course. I'm taking the BARBRI class and I'll register over break. The class will last from May until July and prep me to take and pass the bar.
I'm taking an independent study class and I have some reading to get done on my topic regarding legal issues in commercial real estate development.
We have an aggressive schedule for the upcoming semester for the Federalist Society at law school and I have some speakers to schedule. I have a speaker to coordinate on conservative environmental issues, which will add to our diversity of speakers.
I also have a couple books I'd like to get read, including a book on hedge funds and a book John Jay.
I'm also going to be spending time at R&R Realty Group working on some year end projects and real estate work. I'm looking forward to being in the office full time!!
I have some political campaigns I'm working with, and I'd like to spend time working with them and taking in all that is the Iowa Caucuses!! The road to the White House runs through Iowa.
I also want to spend time relaxing, sleeping and enjoying time with family.

2011 in Review

2011-12-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

Winter Break

2011-12-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

Finals are done...CELEBRATE

Holidays are here...CELEBRATE

Time off is here...CELEBRATE

At the end of each semester there is always plenty of celebration. There is nothing better than having fun with friends after finals are done!! Everyone is relaxed and focused on their lives besides school!! I had a great time celebrating with my friends, we had an absolutely great time and Santa made an appearance!!

Over break it is very important to get away from school and take time to relax. Over the last semester you have worked hard, read hundreds of pages and had a lot of late nights. Take time over break to be with family and friends and relax.

Get healthy, eat healthy and get recuperated!! Take time away from the office to travel and get away!! There will be another semester beginning soon enough and it is important to be on top of your game.

Drake Hosts Presidential Debate

2011-12-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

How often do colleges get to host presidential debates?? Well, Drake has hosted 3 presidential debates since I have been there. In 2007 Drake hosted a Republican and Democratic presidential debate and this weekend in 2011 hosted a Republican presidential debate.

Democracy has a home at Drake and we are fortunate to have so many candidates visit Drake, and come here for a nationally televised presidential debate on ABC. Candidates come to Drake for an in depth discussion on the issues of the day.

Great coverage of the Great Drake Debate begins at: www.drake.edu

Finals Are Done!!!

2011-12-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

Finals are done!!! I took my Secured Transactions, Advanced Torts and Election Law finals this week and I am done!! It feels great to be done with finals for the semester!!!

Students have the rest of the week to take and finish finals and complete the semester. I'm happy to be done and ready to start break!! We'll also have some Holiday parties this week to celebrate the end of the semester and the beginning of the Holiday Season!!

Over break I'll be spending time working at R&R Realty Group, relaxing at home, and working on some side projects. We have 4 weeks off for break, so it makes for a nice chance to get away from school and spend some time on other projects!!

The Holidays are Drawing Near

2011-12-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

This time of year the Christmas music comes on and you begin to hear the familiar sounds of the season. Lights go up, snow begins to fall and decorations come out!! It is a great time of year. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the music. I'd listen to it all year if people didn't think I was crazy!!

My favorite Christmas song is Celebrate Me Home by Kenny Loggins. It reminds me of being away at school and working hard on finals, and then going home for Christmas to be with family. I think this song sums up my Holidays. Regardless of the crazy sweaters and hairstyles, this is the best video I could find:

Finals

2011-12-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

Finals are here. This week begins the first of two weeks of finals at the Drake Law School.

The law school has a hybrid system of finals, with some finals being "flex" exams and other exams that are scheduled. Students are allowed to take the "flex" exams at times of their choosing throughout the week. This semester I have 3 finals, one of which is scheduled for Tuesday and the other 2 are flex exams. This system makes for some confusion, but if you plan early you can avoid some of the confusion with scheduling. The system of flex exams has great benefits and is a great system for allowing students to pick their exam times and be able to find success.

I have final exams in Advanced Torts, Secured Transactions and Election Law. Each are three hour finals and I plan to have them wrapped up by the end of the week. I have been preparing since Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to having them done.

They are each a different variety of finals. Advanced Torts will likely be a couple of long essay questions, and Secured Transactions will have more questions, but require shorter essay answers and Election Law is all multiple choice. Regardless of the style, they are long and difficult. They all require a great deal of preparation to be successful on!!

I'm looking forward to completing the week and having finals done!! If you are taking finals, best of luck!! This is the chance to prove yourself and show how much you know. Most law school classes only have 1 test, and it is your whole grade!! So use it as opportunity to knock it out of the park. Study hard, type quickly and succeed!!

Just think how great it'll be when they are done!!

DU More: Iowa Caucuses

2011-11-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

With the Iowa Caucuses rapidly approaching on January 3, the GOP candidates are going to be spending a great deal of time in Iowa. With Drake located in the capital city, we have great access!! What a great opportunity, regardless of your political persuasion.

This weekend, the Family Leader hosted a GOP presidential forum here in Des Moines. The event centered around questions about family and faith. Frank Luntz was the moderator and he did a terrific job!! He pushed the candidates to talk about their background and what significant events in their lives helped shape who they are today. I've never seen a better moderated event. There were no buzzers or lights, just candidates explaining their ideas and beliefs.

Several of the candidates teared up as they were answering very personal questions about why they believe what they do and significant milestones in their life. All the candidates were civil, courteous and engaged.

Also this week, Michele Bachmann had a Q&A with students on the Drake University Campus. The event got a little heated with an exchange between students and Michele, but I think both sides were able to get their point across. Grassroots democracy is about candidates explaining where they stand and why. Michele was not afraid to interact with students and share her thoughts, and none of the students shied away from the interaction. This is at least the second candidate who has come to campus to host an event. Olmsted was packed with students there to listen!!

2011-11-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a great article about the power of students connecting with professionals, and it is taking place here at Drake!!
Drake Blue Article

Registration Tomorrow

2011-11-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

Registration begins tomorrow. Can this really be my last registration of law school? How about my last registration of school? WOW, I'm setting my schedule for the last semester. I have been working with my schedule to ensure I'll have the right number of credits to graduate (fingers crossed) and the right classes to pass the Bar exam.

I'm registering for:
Business Planning - Course covers corporate financing and tax aspects of organizing closely held and publicly held corporations, distributing corporate assets to shareholders, and combining and dividing existing corporations.

Administrative Law - A study of the federal and state law that controls the administrative operation of government. Course emphasizes the powers that may be exercised by the administrative agencies, the principles governing the exercise of those powers and the legal remedies available to persons aggrieved by administrative action.

Land Use & Control - Course deals with how individuals and the government can regulate the ways in which owners may use their land. Topics include restrictive covenants, conservation easements, the planning process, subdivision platting, and zoning administration. Local municipalities, which normally regulate land use, are also studied. Recent judicial developments concerning the constitutional taking issue are also considered.

Independent Study - I'll also be structuring an independent study class this semester on some current legal issues in commercial real estate development. The law school allows students to structure a course on their on and write a paper with a faculty adviser. I've chosen a professor and I'm now working on a subject for my paper.

Next semester I'll only have class on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm looking forward to only having classes 3 days a week. It will allow for a nice mix of school and working.

From Blackberry to iPhone

2011-11-13T17:21:00.001-08:00

I never thought I would say this but, I got the new iPhone 4s!! I never thought I would leave the blackberry network, but I made the plunge and got the new iPhone. I've been working on it this weekend, and I'm so impressed and love my iPhone!!

DU More: Advice from DSM Leaders

2011-11-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

Sages Over 70 from Luminary Creative on Vimeo.

Get a Good Feeling

2011-11-06T19:19:00.001-08:00

Almost Thanksgiving?

2011-11-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Only in law school do you look at the calendar on November 4th and think it is almost Thanksgiving!!! That is because after Thanksgiving, we have 1 week of classes and then enter finals.

Being a 3L I am not nearly as stressed as I would have been 2 years ago, but now the word "outline" will begin being heard around the law school. Students will be discussing, speculating and preparing for finals. We are in the home stretch of the semester and it is about that time to really dig in. Hint: the more you get done now, the more you can enjoy Thanksgiving when you are home with your family. Here are some thoughts on the weeks leading up to finals:

As the semester in law school progresses, it is as important to know what you already learned, as it is to get the reading for the next day done. This is because as the semester progresses, all the pieces from the semester begin to fit together like a puzzle. Some classes are easier than others to see the big picture, but at the end of the semester it should all make sense so that you can do well on the final.

Don't get caught up on the rumor mill. There will be rumors going around that someone has the perfect outline or that someone else knows torts better than Prosser. You're the person that will be taking the exam, so don't worry what others are saying. Learn the material for yourself, in whatever means works best for you. Work with a study group or alone, just make sure that you put in the time and really know the material. You'd be surprised how much you can get done when you don't worry about all the gossip.

Make some progress everyday. We still have several weeks before finals, there is no need to get worried today. If you can make some steps each week towards getting outlines done and learning the material, then come finals, you'll be in great shape!!

Good luck and have a great week!!

Party Rockin' Halloween

2011-10-23T18:45:00.001-07:00

Drake Basketball Season

2011-10-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

I got my season Drake Men's Basketball tickets today and I'm ready for some basketball!! 2 weeks to the first game. I believe!!

Learn from the midterms

2011-10-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

This semester I had two midterms, one was at the end of October, and the other is this Friday. My first midterm was in my marketing class, and my second midterm this week is in Secured Transactions.

Midterms can be positive in that they make sure you know the material from the beginning of the semester and spend time learning that material very well. It also makes outlining at the end of the semester a lot easier. It is important to examine midterms strategically. They will give you a chance to see what answers the professor is looking for, how they structure their questions, and what material they think is most important. Knowing what the professor is looking for is the single greatest advantage you have. If you can understand how to write to your audience and provide an answer that is on both stylistically and contextually, then you are on the right path.

If your professor is whiling to take the time to prepare and write a midterm exam, then you owe it to yourself to prepare for it and give it your best. That is the only way to know if you are headed in the right direction. If they are willing to spend time with you going over your midterm and providing you feedback, take advantage of that!!

Midterms can help you get prepared for finals, so use them as a tool!!

Iowa Hawkeye Football

2011-10-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

I was at this game and the card trick at the beginning of the game was absolutely amazing!! Here's the best video I've seen of the introduction of the Iowa vs. Northwestern football game.

Fall Break

2011-10-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday is fall break at the law school. It is our chance to get away from school for a 4 day weekend!!! I don't have any big plans for the weekend, I'd like to get caught up on some school work and yard work. I'll also be heading over to Iowa City for the Hawkeye game on Saturday. I'll also be putting in some time in the office, it will be nice to spend some uninterrupted time at work.

Fall break is a great chance to visit friends and family and not worry about school, or spend a couple days getting ahead. If you're on fall break this weekend, enjoy!!!

Reflections of a 3L

2011-10-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

So how is the 3L year different? The old saying: 1L year they scare you to death, 2L year they work you to death and 3L year they bore you to death, has some truth to it. To clarify, the 3L year hasn't been boring yet, but I do think there is a general sense with our class that they are ready to graduate.

I am really settling in to this 3L lifestyle though. I'm considerably more comfortable in class, the reading takes a fraction of the time it use to, and I spend a lot less time at the law school. I haven't met anyone yet who has put the cruse control on, but I don't think there is anything they can throw at us that we haven't seen. We have spent a lot of time reading and researching, and we are really starting to get it down.

Most weekend I spend time working on projects that are not law school related, and I usually only open my books between Monday and Friday. That has been a great feeling and is a great relief from the mammoth hours I put in 1L and 2L year.

Needless to say, there is still a great deal of work going on at the law school. Most of my friends are busy interviewing for jobs and seeking employment, or spending time working at a job. It is a nice transition to be able to really put our skills to use. And, we still have plenty of reading to do to prepare for class. The work isn't over, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.

Barrister's Ball

2011-10-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Each fall, the Student Bar Association hosts Barrister's Ball. It is our annual fall law school formal. This is a great change to get everyone away from school and enjoy a social evening. Many students also bring their spouses or significant others, so it is a great chance to meet families also.

This year's event was hosted at the Polk County Convention Center downtown and it was very well decorated for the evening. The committee who put the event together did a great job. There was a reception before dinner, dinner and then a dance. After the event, most of us headed downtown to Court Ave. and hit different bars. It was a great night to sit on the patios downtown and relax.

It was a great evening, and I heard a lot of people remark how much fun they had. I thought this Barrister's Ball was the best yet!!

Party Rock Anthem

2011-10-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

The World of Social Media 2011

2011-09-25T14:45:00.001-07:00

DU More: Oktoberfest

2011-09-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

It may not be October yet, but it is Oktoberfest, and Des Moines is getting in the spirit. Saturday night I hit up downtown for the annual Des Moines celebration. It was a blast. There were several different types of Oktoberfest brews to sample and I got a great mug to commemorate the experience.

I ran in to a ton of people I knew. This was my first Oktoberfest, and by the number of people who have been attending for years, I have been missing out on the fun. There was a great German band playing and we heard a variety of music, including a Polka. Des Moines is a long way from Germany, but you could not tell last night. The brews, food, and music were right out of the original. Last night, everyone was German.

Make sure to check out Oktoberfest.

Donald V. Adams Leadership Academy

2011-09-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the Annual Fall Leadership Conference hosted by the Donald V. Adams Leadership Academy at Drake University. The Adams Academy is a multi-dimensional leadership program at Drake that provides students the leadership skills to be strong and passionate leaders on and off campus. I joined the Adams Academy as a first year student and I continue to be involved on the National Advisory Council. When you find a program that has so many passionate stakeholders and grateful beneficiaries, you jump on board and stay with it for as long as possible!!

This weekend is a very special weekend in that there is a very special program planned that will forever change both the Fall and Spring Leadership Conference. I can't give away the details on that though, you'll see more about it in the coming days.

I had the great fortune of getting involved with the Adams Academy, Dr. Don Adams and Jan Wise as a First Year Student and I truly believe that the program forever changed who I am. The programming helped me develop my devotion to servant leadership, committed me to leadership development at Drake, provided me tangible steps I could take to better my campus and my community, and introduced me to many lifelong friends. The program is multi-dimensional, there is a terrific Emerging Leaders Model (ELM) for first year students, the Adams Academy for sophomore through senior students, a academic concentration in Leadership, various leadership conferences and speakers throughout the year, an annual awards banquet to recognize outstanding students and programs, and a Senior Reflections program for seniors who have been active on campus for 4 years.

This year's fall conference will provide students with dynamic speakers, hands on breakout sessions, team building workshops and a great deal of fun as they develop their leadership skills. This will be my 7th conference, and let me say, if you are a student at Drake, there's no other place you should be on Saturday. It is the best leadership conference I have ever attended. You'll have fun and walk away with more than you know. Beyond the programming, there are great people to meet including fellow students, faculty members and presenters from all over the country.

Also, make sure you take a moment and introduce yourself to Dr. Don Adams.

Throwback

2011-09-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

1 Month Complete

2011-09-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

The first month of law school is almost complete, this week marks the end of the fourth week. Congratulations on completing the first month!! Hopefully you are beginning to get your routine down and are really beginning to understand the work load.

The first month is the opportunity to establish good study skills and build the foundation for a successful law school experience. You should be beginning to understand what it takes to be prepared for each class and how to keep up on the reading. Other assignments are being assigned and learning how to balance everything can be a great accomplishment. It is also a chance to get involved on campus and make new friends. Hopefully you have been able to find some campus organization to be involved with and made some good friends.

While you may be very busy, it is important to find a good outlet for your stress and a way to stay active. Hopefully you are finding time in your busy schedule to relax and burn off some energy also.

The semester is getting underway, congratulations on finding success thus far!!! You have done a great job and are bringing a great passion to the law school. Keep up the good work and keep your energy!! You can and will find success at the Drake Law School. Keep your passion and drive alive!!!

New Drake Bloggers

2011-09-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the NEW Drake Bloggers!!! Here's a profile on each blogger, check out their blogs and support them!!!

Kim Askren - Des Moines, IA
Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
» A Bulldog at Heart

Matt Nelson, Hibbing, MN
Education/Journalism, School of Education/School of Journalism and Mass Communication
» Navigating the Ins and Outs of Drake University

Ashton Weis, Decorah, IA
Magazine Journalism/English, School of Journalism and Mass Communication/ College of Arts and Sciences
» Ashton Weis @ Drake

Michael Rodriguez, Chanhassen, Minneapolis
Chemistry and Mathematics Double Major, College of Arts and Sciences
» The Great Divide

Drake Federalist Society

2011-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today we had the first meeting of the year for the Drake Law Federalist Society. It was a great start to the semester. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce students to the Federalist Society, preview our schedule for the year, and we had a guest speaker from the Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society.

The Federalist Society is a national organization of conservative and libertarian students whose judicial philosophy focuses on the original intent of the drafters based on the text of the Constitution. We host speakers and debates that share a viewpoint not often heard in the Constitutional Law classroom.

Our plan for the semester includes monthly meetings where we discuss actual text from the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, authored by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. We will also host a speaker each semester as well as events with local Federalists.

For more information on the Federalist Society, check out their website.

Enjoy the Music

2011-09-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

Suits

2011-08-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

My new favorite legal drama is Suits on USA Network. It's a modern twist on the classic Perry Mason. The high power New York lawyers fight for the interests of their clients and through hard work and great strategy they find victory. You need to check out Suits.

Truer Words Have Never Been Spoken

2011-08-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Looking for advice on a great college experience? Look no further than the Drake Facebook Page and Twitter Feed!! Students, alumni and friends of Drake took to social media to share their advice for incoming students.

Check out their advice:

Your advice for the class of 2015

First Day of School

2011-08-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Monday will be the first day of school, and for me it will be my 21st first day of school. I'm also hoping it will be my last first day of school and that in the spring I'll be graduating. I'm looking forward to getting the year started, I think it will be a great year.

Here is a run down on my classes for the semester

Advanced Torts: Advanced Torts is taught by Professor Albert, who I haven't had since 1L year, but I wanted to take more classes from him. Professor Albert is extremely passionate about teaching and his students' development. He has a fire that is contagious.
Contract Drafting: The business world runs on contracts, and we spend a lot of time negotiating and writing conflicts to put deals together. I'm looking forward to learning more about drafting conflicts and the various provisions that can be used as tools.
Services Marketing: This is a graduate class in the College of Business and Public Administration. Having a degree from the college, I know the quality of their classes. I'm looking forward to learning more about the marketing of intangible products. I'm also going to earn credit for this class that will transfer back to the law school.
Secured Transactions: Professor Dore is teaching this class and I really enjoyed taking Business Associations with him last year. He really understands corporate law and current issues in business, so I'm looking forward to this class. I learned a ton in Business Associations, and I think Secured Transactions will be the same.
Election Law: This class is taught by an Iowa Supreme Court Justice and the Chief Clerk of the Iowa House of Representatives. Who knows more about election law then the people who create it and enforce it. I'm really looking forward to learning from them and better understanding the legality of working in elections.

Ready, Set Go, it's time for the first day of school. Best of luck!!!

Ames Straw Poll

2011-08-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

You have probably heard that this weekend was the Ames Straw Poll, an annual fundraiser for the Republican Party of Iowa. The event is a nonbinding chance for poll goers to cast a vote in favor of their candidate of choice among the GOP field. It is also a first showing of which candidates have broad, grassroots appeal in Iowa.

The candidates have been traveling across Iowa for several months, but in the last couple days, they have been really hitting up Iowa. On Thursday evening there was a presidential debate. I had the chance to attend the debate. If you ever get the chance to attend a presidential debate, do it, they are a terrific event to see live. All the candidates that had announced their candidacy attended the debate and Fox News Channel hosted. I thought the debate was both entertaining and interesting.

On Saturday my brother and I headed to Ames to take part in the Ames Straw Poll. It was a fun event to go to. I got to run into a great deal of friends who are political junkies and were in town for the festivities. There were numerous different things to do. We stopped at most of the candidates booths and cast our ballots. We also ran in to several presidential contenders.

It was a great day to witness democracy in action. The Ames Straw Poll is the first true test of a candidates' strength. Michelle Bachmann won the straw poll, but Rick Perry also threw his hat in to the race, so it will be interesting to see how telling the straw poll results are.

Law School Orientation

2011-08-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

The law school will begin orientation and hopefully you'll find the week to be a great opportunity to meet other law students and learn more about Law School. It will also be a great opportunity to learn more about the law school and the resources that are available for you.

You'll also have the chance to purchase your law school text books. Be prepared this will cost about $1,000 and you'll walk out with quite a stack of books. You do have the opportunity to go online to MYDUSIS and look up the required texts and then order your books online. It is up to you how you choice to purchase your books. You'll need and use almost all of the books they set you up with at the book store. If a legal dictionary gets placed in your materials, you can refrain from purchasing it, I never used mine. As for the rest of the books, you'll likely get plenty of use out of all of them!!

You'll also have the chance to rent a locker in the law school. It is $10.00 for a lock and you get your money back when you return the lock. As a 1L, the locker can be very helpful. It is a place to store your books and materials while you aren't using them. Since most 1L's won't get carols, the locker can be a great place to store things.

During orientation, most people go out for lunch, but once school starts that can get expensive. There are a couple refrigerators located around the law school and plenty of microwaves. These are available for student use. The refrigerators get pretty full during the day, but that is because a lot of students will bring their lunches. Lunch can be a great chance to sit with friends and relax a little bit from classes and there are always plenty of people sitting around eating.

That's a start at some orientation information, I'll keep the thoughts coming!!!

Franklin & Bash

2011-08-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

August Arrives

2011-07-31T19:46:00.001-07:00

As August arrives, so too will the start of school. Whether you are beginning a new year of school or starting your freshman year of college or law school, it can be a big change. But much like all the big first steps you've taken, you can achieve here and now. Here are some thoughts on how to start the new school year poised for success.

1. Go in to each activity with an open mind. There's no way you'll enjoy every minute of the new school year, but let those moments come and pass. There is no reason to go in to an activity with a negative attitude. You'll never love every challenge, but there is no way to love a challenge if you don't start with an open mind. Have an open mind as you begin this new school year, you'll enjoy issues and challenges you never thought possible. Give it a shot.

2. Start everyday with a smile. If you are starting a college or law school, there's a good chance you'll be going through the process of making a lot of new friends. Good for you!! Remember, so is everyone else. You already know this, but let me remind you, it's easier to make friends with a smile than a scowl.

3. Get busy. There's reading and studying to be done, resumes to send out, meetings to attend and friends to make. College and law school will push you to a whole new level. Whether it's getting involved on campus or hitting the books, you'll need to get busy. Jump in with both feet.

4. Stay in good shape. Eating healthy, getting exercise and sleeping are key pieces to success in college. Not every day will allow for a perfect balance of health, but the long term effects of living healthy in college will help your success in the classroom.

5. Have fun. I can't say this enough. College is suppose to be the "best 4 years of your life." Make that a reality. Get out there and meet people, get involved, step outside of your comfort zone, great creative and take it global!!

2011-07-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

A Day Made of Glass

2011-07-23T19:28:00.001-07:00

Business Horizons

2011-07-23T19:24:00.001-07:00

This week I'll be spending the week volunteering as an Industry Advisor at Business Horizons. Business Horizons (BH) is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on, action-oriented weeklong summer program for high school students who want to learn about the world of business and what the future holds for them. Our mission is to promote the value of the free enterprise system through leadership, teamwork, entrepreneurial activities, and personal development opportunities.

I have been to BH before as a speaker to meet with students, but never have I spent the entire weeks. This summer I decided it was time to take the plunge and spend the whole week at an Industry Adivsor. I'm very excited about the opportunity to spend the week with the camp and get a chance to work with students as they learn about the free enterprise system!! BH has enjoyed over 20 successful years of educating young people about economics, the free enterprise system, entrepreneurship, skills they need to be successful in today's workplace, and about opportunities available in the state of Iowa. BH is a program of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation and partners include the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Bankers Association, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, Simpson College and local Chambers of Commerce across Iowa.

For more information on BH, check out: http://www.businesshorizonsiowa.org/

2011-07-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

Exams...Consider the Audience

2011-07-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Grades have been out for a couple weeks but I really haven't been that concerned about them. I checked them recently and was pleasantly surprised. Among other things I think good grades show you are beginning to communicate in a "legal way," and that you are beginning to understand what the professor is looking for. Of course there is no substitute for knowing the material exceptionally well, there is no amount of style that will make up for a lack of substance, but style does play a role in the success of exams. When preparing for exams, it is important to consider you audience and remember that each professor has a particular style, and they will be the person assigning a grade.

I cannot stress the importance of writing for your audience on final exams. Every professor will want to ensure that you have learned the material, can identify the issues in the question and that you know how to apply the law to the facts. However, different professors will want you to show your knowledge in different ways.

One professor I have likes his exam answers to be written like legal memos where you state the issue first and then go through the analysis in a clear and organized fashion. Another professor wants you to get straight to the point, and yet another is literally a point grab where you run through the analysis as quickly as possible to get as many points as possible. The sooner you can figure out what the professor is looking for the more successful you will be on exams. Versatility is key, it is not about your style, but about what the professor is looking for. Most professors will tell you how to structure your exam answers, and upperclassmen can be a big help in offering suggestions. Between the professors feedback, (and if the professor doesn't give you any feedback, ask about it), guidance from others who have taken their exams, and your own experience with the professor you'll get a good idea of how best to structure your exam answers.

When professors discuss their exam in class, pay close attention, they may give you very important feedback. With that said, first and foremost you must know the material. Style will not take you from a C to an A, but it may bump that B to an A. If you don't know the material, there is no point in even trying to nail the style, because it just won't matter. There's so much material covered in a law school exam, there is simply no room for BS. But if you know the material, and you will, apply it in a way so that the professor will best understand your answer. If you can find a great combination of substance and style, you'll find success on law school exams.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank the patriots – past to present. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Vacation, all I ever wanted, Vacation, all I ever needed

2011-07-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

I write this blog post while I sit beside the pool in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. It is a little warm, but things by the pool are very comfortable. I'm currently on a trip that is both business and pleasure.

A friend of mine, Nick and I, had the opportunity to come to Phoenix, Arizona for a few days to learn about some of the projects that a mentor of mine is working on. These are very high profile and exclusive projects, and we have gotten a front row seat to the action. The chance to get to learn about these projects was an opportunity I could not pass up. The chance to learn how other drake grads have gotten from graduation to working on billion dollar projects with a global scope was a lesson I wanted some guidance on. And I found that guidance in Arizona.

Nick and I have also gotten to see a great deal of Phoenix on our trip. We have gotten to see numerous parts of the area, including Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, Old Scottsdale, Tempe and Arizona State University. We have also spent plenty of time relaxing at the pool and enjoying the long weekend.

It is amazing how refreshing a vacation can be. It is nice to just sit and relax, not worry about working or school. For as hard as law school is and for how hard you work, it is important to get away and let your mind check out. My biggest worry right now is that I got sunscreen in my eye, and that's a good feeling to have. I need time to take a break and check out from responsibility. It helps you keep life in perspective and keeps you mentally and physically healthy.

Over the last year I have worked harder than I could have ever imagined. I've done more than I ever thought possible. Law school and my various jobs and projects have challenged me to push myself to new levels. Part of going on a vacation is also the chance to reflect on your achievements, learn from your failures and chart a course forward. I have always used vacations as a chance to reflect and chart a course for the future. I'm able to clear my head, put life in perspective and set future priorities.

I'm looking forward to enjoying the last few days of my vacation and coming back to Des Moines with a clear head and rejuvenated spirit.

DU More in DSM: Des Moines Arts Fest

2011-06-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite events every year is the Des Moines Arts Festival!! It is one of the premier arts festivals in the country and one of the most fun events every summer. The weather was little wet, but the art was HOT!!

People really turned out for the great art, live music, food, fireworks and interactive exhibits about art. Drake is always a great sponsor of the Arts Fest and it was great to see so many bulldogs at the event, gazing and volunteering!! There were also so many beautiful pieces of art to look at. All different mediums are represented, from sculpture to photography. There was even a section for Emerging Iowa Artist, where young people got to showcase their talent.

I picked up a couple pieces of art for my house. Renowned photographer Xavier Nuez was at the Arts Festival and had some magnificent photographs at his booth. I got 2 great photos from him, which I'm looking forward to getting framed for the wall. Here's a link to see some of his great work!!

I also got a piece from one of Iowa's most talented emerging artists. Jolynn Anderson had some great prints at the arts show, and I was able to get a great, inspirational piece from her. Jolynn has a very bright future, to learn more about her, here's a link.

Make it a point to check out the Arts Festival, you'll get a chance to see how much culture and class Des Moines has. I was downtown with some friends this weekend at the Arts Festival and a friend made the comment that this event made him feel like he was in a town much larger than Des Moines. Events like the Arts Festival make Des Moines feel like a much bigger city, so check it out next year!!

The Summer Before Law School....

2011-06-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

As many students begin to prepare for law school this fall, I wanted to offer a couple ideas for making the most of the summer before law school:

Spend some time reading. Once law school starts you'll be doing a lot of reading, so over the summer I would spend some time doing some free reading. That way you'll keep the skills you've acquired during your undergrad years. Also, there won't be much free time for reading once law school starts.
Follow current events. Much of the law is based on current issues in our society. Be sure to read the paper and follow what is going on both locally and globally.
Stay fit. Law school can be a grueling experience both psychically and mentally. To be able to stay in great shape and stay fit can be a great advantage to have in law school, it will benefit you to have focus, persistence and stamina. It will keep you healthy, and exercise can be a great outlet for stress.
Continue networking. It's clear that law grads will have as difficult time finding jobs as ever. There's never been a better opportunity to get a law degree, but there has also never been a more difficult hiring environment for law graduates. Be sure to spend time networking and meeting lawyers and non-lawyers. Finding a job is a great deal about relationships, so get out there build relationships!!
Have fun and visit friends and family. Law school can make your life busy. So be sure to take time over the summer to relax and spend time with your friends and family. If it's traveling, golfing, reading or spending time relaxing, whatever your passion is, spend time doing it!!

Summer Plans

2011-06-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

The summer is off to a great start so far!!! Here's an update on what I'll be up to this summer.

I have the great fortune of continuing my work at R&R Realty Group in West Des Moines, where I am on the commercial leasing team. It is my job to lease commercial office space in our 5 million square foot portfolio. I love going to work everyday and I have a great group of people to work with. R&R Realty Group is a great place to work and I'm looking forward to spending more time there this summer and really getting in to leasing!!

I'll also be continuing to work with my brother as we continue our mowing business. We have a great group of clients and the weather has been perfect lately for mowing. The temperatures have been mild and warm, but there has been plenty of rain. It is always great to get outside and get some work done!!

I also have several books I'm working on reading and looking forward to getting out on the golf course. I'm reading a history textbook on Iowa and a couple books by Lee Iaccoca. I've been playing some golf, and I'm very much looking forward to getting out more this summer.

The Iowa political scene is also heating up, as it does every four years, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing and working with the campaigns as they come to Iowa. It is always energizing to hear the Iowa people interact with candidates and see the grassroots process first hand.

It's no doubt going to be a busy summer, but that's the fun part!!

DU More in Des Moines: SWinefest

2011-06-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

This Saturday was SWinefest!! Where pork meets the cork. This was a new festival for me, I'd never been before, but I'll definitely be going back!! The festival is held in Ankeny at the DMACC Campus and local restaurants and wineries have wine and food sampling. The pork was all different variations, but it was all very tasty!!!

I don't drink wine very often, so I was somewhat skeptical, but the sampling was great. The local wine owners were available to help me understand that different wine varieties and helped me find several varieties that I enjoyed. For the price of admission, I received a bottle of wine and and a wine glass, not to mention some great samples!!! I walked away with several great varieties of wine that I really liked, and are available at my local Hy-Vee!!!

DU More in Des Moines - I-Cubs

2011-05-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

The I-Cubs are by far the best summer activity in Des Moines. Taking in a game at Principal Park and cheering on the I-Cubs is a blast. The fans are excited, the food is great and the baseball is the best you'll see locally.

Last weekend, I took in a game and it was a blast!! We had a box in the outfield and got to just relax and take in the game. Whether it's a date or a whole group of friends, the I-cubs bring the entertainment. There is also a great deal of night life around the park and there is plenty to do before and after the game.

This summer, be sure to take in an I-Cubs game!!!

GRAND Rapids

2011-05-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Grand Rapids, Michigan came out with this community video that does more than just highlight their local musical talent. Here's the article about the video. Check this out!!!

Let the Politics Begin

2011-05-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

There's no better place to be when the presidential elections begin, and in Iowa they begin early and fast!! Campaigns are reaching full steam in Iowa as candidates visit the state to announce their candidacy. I have not yet picked a candidate to support, currently I'm in the same position as most Iowas, getting to know the candidates and hearing their views. Between now and the August straw poll, it is a great chance to meet the candidates and hear their views.

On Sundary, Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty released this video:

And his first top of the campaign on Monday was here in Iowa:

With Governor Pawlenty, came the national media and the caucus buzz. Let the excitment begin.

Iowa is the hottest place to be during caucus season. Candidates crisscross the state an in effort to meet every voter and convince them to caucus. Both Democrats and Republicans can get involved and see our version of grassroots democracy in action.

See you on the campaign trail!!

DU More in Des Moines: Iowa Craft Brew Festival

2011-05-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Now that summer has arrived, a return to the DU More in Des Moines series. Throughout the summer I'll be sharing events that sound like a great opportunity to enjoy Des Moines, so that you can DU More.

Coming up this weekend is the Iowa Craft Brew Festival. This is the first ever event of its kind in Des Moines, and it is hosted by local Iowa breweries. It sounds like a cool event to enjoy the outdoors in downtown Des Moines. The event will feature beer tasting with 80+ different varieties from over 20 different Iowa Breweries and some great live music.

This will be a great opportunity to "buy local" and support our local economy.

Here are the details:
Iowa Craft Brew Festival and Suds in the Street
Saturday, May 21
3-7pm Tasting
7:30-11pm After Party
10th Street between Walnut and Mulberry, downtown Des Moines
To get more information on purchasing tickets and attending this inaugural event, check out the Iowa Brewers Guild.

Our President is Climbing Mountains (Literally)

2011-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Drake University President David Maxwell will be taking on yet another challenge, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. His visit will be part of the Great Kilimanjaro Bowl , in which the Drake Football Team will play in the first collegiate football game on the African Continent. The trip will also be a great chance for the Drake athletes and President Maxwell to take part in service projects in the country and expand the Drake Family.

You can follow President Maxwell in his blog Peak Performance and the Drake Football players as they set of to summit multiple challenges. We'll be cheering for everyone here in the states!!! Go Bulldogs!!

Wrapping Up Finals Update

2011-05-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

One final remains, Evidence. I have completed all the other exams and projects and I am ready to knock out this remaining final to finish the semester. This semester has been a very work intensive semester. Classes like Evidence, Business Tax, Banking Law and Wills & Trusts have been a lot of work. The work has been worth while because I feel like I have learned a lot about a variety of topics!!! All of my finals so far have been very comprehensive and covered a great deal of material.

I'll keep you posted when I finish up my last final.

Best. Relays. Ever.

2011-05-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend for the Drake Relays. The sun was shining and the athletes were working very, very hard!! The relays provided a great chance to reconnect with friends and alumni and have some fun.

Five of my college roommates came back to Des Moines to reconnect and celebrate the relays. It is great to see what everyone is up to and I'm glad so many people have found success. My roommates are spread out all of the country but everyone flew or drove back to Des Moines to relive some memories, and we certainly made some new memories.

When everyone got in to town, we hit up Johnny's Italian Steakhouse which was the restaurant we always went to celebrate big occasions, and this was no different. We had a great time catching up, exchanging some laughs and having fun at dinner. We also hit up our old stomping grounds for some time at WestEnd and Peggy's.

Friday night was the Court Ave. block party. The street is blocked off and Nappy Roots preformed. When alumni come back to campus, the younger alumni all head downtown to Court Ave. I ran into a ton of people I knew. Alumni and students packed the tent parties and the bars to reconnect and have some fun. The Drake Relays spirit was alive and well with alumni at the Court Ave. block party.

Saturday I spent the day with the National Advisory Council for the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute and we had a great set of meetings developing our direction for the future. It is always a pleasure to get together with the council to examine our progress and continue to chart a course forward. I also got to attend the Drake Relays on Friday and Saturday and it was a beautiful day to be at the Relays!! The weather was perfect and the stands were packed.

Another edition of the Drake Relays, one for the record books, in more ways than one.

Here are more photos of the Drake Relays.

Drake Relays Update

2011-04-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

This is the week before Drake Relays and the activities get fun but busy!!! Here's an update on some of the activities.

The Florence Myers Wallace Dinner is an annual event to honor outstanding student leaders. I've gotten the honor of attending the last several years. It is an honor to get to meet the student leaders and learn what they are doing on campus with their organizations. It is also a great event to connect with friends.

I've also have the distinct honor of attending and being a member of the National Advisory Council of the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute. We will be having our annual board meetings in conjunction with the relays. This is always a great chance to learn more about how the institute is going and learn how we can help as board members.

Also, 5 of my college roommates and friends are coming to town for the Relays. My buddies are flying in from all over the country and we fully intend to relive and make some new memories. We are focusing our itinerary, but we have some great plans made. It will be truly great to see my friends again. Relays is a giant homecoming of sorts for alumni.

It has become a tradition to always make a stop at the Drake Relays. While many students never take part in the actual running of the Relays, I always like to at least stop for a little bit. I'm hoping to take everyone to the Relays for a little while to watch some events, and we have hinted about getting some golf in.

Let the Drake Relays week begin!!!

Finals are Approaching

2011-04-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

This week will be the last week of classes before finals begin at the Drake Law School. We have classes Monday thru Thursday and then we have Friday off to study. we then have 2 weeks of finals and as a 2L I'll be on the flex exam schedule. This schedule allows me to select when I want to take my finals and then take them when I choose.

I have 4 finals this semester, as one of my classes does not have a final. Next week, I'd like to take my finals on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. My last final is for evidence, and because it is a required class, it won't be part of the flex exam schedule. My evidence final will be on the following Tuesday. My goal is always to get finals taken as efficiently and effectively as possible.

My finals prep started in early February and I've been trying to stay on top of the material so that when finals come around I'll be ready to review and take them. I've been working hard the last couple weeks to really get ready.

My finals for Evidence and Banking Law are closed book and no material is allowed to take the final. My Business Tax and Will and Trusts final are open book exams and I'm able to bring in any materials I'd like. That doesn't make the studying any easier, but it makes for less memorization.

I'm looking forward to getting finals going and getting the semester wrapped up!!!

Drake Relays - Reunion Season

2011-04-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest aspects of the Drake Relays is the chance to see old friends and connect with alumni. Friday night I got the chance to get together with some buddies from the Drake Investment Club to grab sushi and catch up.

The guys I got to know the most through the Drake Investment Club are seniors at Drake this year. Friday we got the chance to talk about what everyone is up to and how the year has been going. It's always great to hear about what they think of classes and school now that they are so close to graduation. It was a terrific chance to catch up and I got to hear about how the investment club is doing.

The Drake Relays festivities are underway. The theme is: Come for the Relays, stay for the ____. You can fill in the blank. On Friday it was: Come for the Relays, stay for the Friends.

Belize Dance Marathon

2011-04-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend students at Drake are hosting a Dance Marathon to benefit school children in Belize. I'm excited to get the chance to participate and enjoy time with friends dancing and having a ball, all to help fund scholarships for students in Belize.

To find our more about what's going this weekend, follow the link here.

When was the last time your college broke a WORLD RECORD?

2011-04-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

World's Largest Custard Pie Fight @ Drake University

Make-A-Wish Auction

2011-04-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

This year R&R Realty Group has adopted a wish through the Make-A-Wish foundation. We've adopted a child whose wish is to go to Disney World. In order to grant the wish we need to raise about $10,000. As part of our fundraising each year, we solicit gift cards and products from local businesses and then have a live auction.

Friday was our annual auction and it was a great time!! We had so many great business offer donations of gift cards and services. We had about 30 different items or baskets to bid on and one our co-workers is an auctioneer so he kept the event very lively!! Everyone got really in to the auction and it was a great fundraiser to help meet our goal. Gino's, one of Des Moines best Italian restaurants, even brought in lunch for everyone.

At R&R Realty Group we get the chance to work with some great companies and build great relationships. All our partners and businesses from all over Des Moines really stepped up to help make this event a success. My co-workers at R&R also put in a great deal of extra work to make the event go so well!! It was a HUGE success!! I was so proud of all my co-workers and the folks who helped make the auction possible.

I purchased a basket of items that had a variety of sports items. I got gift cards to Allplay in Des Moines, and tickets to I-Cubs, Iowa Energy, and the Barnstormers. I'm really looking forward to using the tickets this summer and in to the 2012 seasons!!

We are well on our way to making our adopted wish come true!!

Delt's Annual Karaoke Contes

2011-04-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

Every year the Delt's host a karaoke competition to raise money for a cancer treatment center in Des Moines that works with children. Last night was the annual event and it was a BLAST!! We had a huge variety of songs preformed and people really got in to the competition. Here are some photos I took on my blackberry:

Everyone pays to get in to the event and then there is a raffle with tons of prizes. Students collect prizes from Des Moines area businesses and then we all buy raffle tickets to win the prizes. I don't know how much was collected in total, but each we provide a nice check for cancer treatment. The real prize is getting to see other Drake law students shine with their karaoke "talent."

We probably don't spend enough time at the law school showcasing people's talents that are not law related. This was a great forum to see students with great vocal talent. There are many students who have sang in choirs before and have great voices!! We even had some members of the faculty join us and preform.

There were also plenty of people who didn't have a great deal of talent, but were having plenty of fun!!!

It was a really great time to get everyone together and jam out!!!

Doing Business In China

2011-04-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

The Drake Law School is currently offering a class, Doing Business in China. I was very excited to be able to sign up for this class and learn more about enterprise and regulations in China.

The class started with an introduction to China and the basic structure of the government there. We are also going to be spending time on Chinese Civil law, intellectual property in China, business enterprises in China, and foreign investment in China. We are learning from a professor whose full time job is teaching at a Chinese university. His English has been good, and he has been taking a variety of questions about China.

The class will also have a paper and group presentation. For my paper, I'm going to be writing about Urbanization and the future of cities in China. We have yet to determine what our presentation topic will be. We have free rein to pretty much pick any topic we want that relates to business and law in China.

China is a rapidly growing economy with a huge workforce, that makes it a very interesting and dynamic place to learn about. China is and will continue to be a major player on the global stage, there is a great deal of potential coming from the region as it becomes more open for business.

Legal Negotiations

2011-03-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

This semester I am taking a class on negotiations. So far the class has been going very well. It has been interesting to learn different strategies and processes about negotiation. Our most recent negotiation was over the issue of county consolidation.

In Iowa the debate continues as to whether counties should consolidate to share resources and reduce costs. While the jury is still out on whether it makes the most sense for rural or urban counties to consolidate, and how much money really will be saved, we were charged with the task of trying to negotiate through the problem.

In teams of two, we were all suppose to represent different constituency groups and take their position on county consolidation. My partner and I represented Dallas County. To better understand the issue we spoke with with elected officials in our county, as did many of the groups. Once we had developed our position it was time to negotiate.

We opened the negotiations with everyone sharing their opinion and it became apparent that we were not going to get far with our negotiations. Almost everyone who represented a county, was staunchly against any form of consolidation. Most counties voiced opposition to losing the county identity, losing the quality of services to residents, losing their ability to control their county and losing their position as the county seat, and losing the use of resources.

Through our investigation my partner and I decided that we would at least approach the negotiations with an open position to county consolidation. After talking with local elected officials and strategizing, we determined that there was nothing to be gained from walking in to a negotiation in staunch opposition to a conversation on the issue.

It became apparent very quickly that we were not in friendly waters, as students and the professor questioned are position. We remained committed that if there is something to be gained from negotiating, that there must be two sides to every opinion. We felt that a partnership between Dallas County and Polk County could provide a very powerful force in recruiting jobs to central Iowa. Rather than having Dallas County and Polk County compete for economic development, let's join forces and bring sustained economic development to central Iowa.

We came to the negotiations with an open position that there was a positive solution that could be gained from considering county consolidation and talking about the issue. We lost the day. With no support except the two of us, the negotiation was complete. That left us with an interesting perspective. We represented Dallas County, the fastest growing county in Iowa, one of the most property rich and sustainable counties in the state, yet no one was willing to come to the table and have a conversation on the issue. Dallas County has a great deal to offer, yet no one was interested in a conversation on consolidation.

I was disapointed that no one was even willing to entertain a discussion on what a consolidated county may look like, and what kind of agreement might be possible. This reveals how committed each party is to their position, and I understand that. It was a good chance to become better educated on this issue, and hopefully our next negotiation goes more successfully.

Let the Finals Prep Begin

2011-03-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Now that spring break is over and we are working through the final weeks of the semester, it is time to start gearing up for finals. Our last week of classes will be the last week of April, and then we have 2 weeks of finals.

As a 2L we are allowed to select the times we want to take finals, so that we can take them on our own schedule. My goal will be the same as last semester, to get finals completed in as efficient a manner as possible. I usually like to take a final and then leave a day in between, so that I can spend the day studying and re-cooping from the final.

This year I have 4 finals, one for Banking Law, Wills and Trusts, Business Tax, and Evidence. This is one less final then last semester, which I'm excited about. I'm beginning to prepare for each of my finals. None of them will be particularly easy, and some are going to be considerably more challenging then others. I'm working to make sure that everything that we have already covered in class makes sense and become well versed in the material up to where we are. Then as the next weeks go by, I'll continue to add that material to my finals preparation.

Drake Law School

2011-03-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

March Madness

2011-03-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

4 or 5 basketball games on at 1 time, March Madness is underway. No other time of the year can you watch so much great college basketball!! March really is a great month!!

Although neither the Bulldogs or the Hawkeyes are still in the tournament, my bracket is not doing too bad thus far. I have North Carolina and Kansas in the championship game, and North Carolina taking it all. Regardless of which teams win, there has been some great basketball to watch so far!!

I hope these videos help get you in the mood for March Madness!!

Spring Break

2011-03-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Monday, and that means Spring Break is done, and back to school. I hope you've had a great spring break and have enjoyed the chance to get away from school!!! Once spring break is done, it's a sprint to the end of the year. April is almost here, then Drake Relays, finals and the school year is over. It is going to go quick.

I spent break at my place in Urbandale. I put some time in at work, which was great because I got a chance to catch up on some projects and spent some time working on school work. My goal was to get through a lot of school work and get set for the last few weeks of the semester. I did get a lot of work done, and I'm in good shape for the next month and a half.

I also got a chance to go out of town for a day, which was a great chance of scenery. I've also gotten to spend some time with friends that were in town. We had a great time celebrating St. Patrick's day, we went downtown to Court Ave., and the bars were packed. There were a ton of people in green, enjoying the celebration!! I also spent time relaxing and enjoying not having to go to school or study.

All in all, I'm very happy with my spring break, and I'm ready to hit the ground running and get the semester finished up. The weather is getting very nice in Des Moines, and the next couple of weeks are going to go very quickly!!

Drake Relays is coming

2011-03-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

The Drake Relays are about a month and half away, but plans are already underway. I've been talking to my roommates from college, and it sounds like everyone is wanting to come to town for the relays. Drake Relays is a homecoming for Drake Alumni, and I'm looking forward to having my good friends back in town for the weekend.

People are making plans to fly across the country and get in on Thursday so that we can begin to celebrate and enjoy having everyone back together. As a student we always watched alumni come back to campus and celebrate their friendships and history together. It was always something that I like to watch, the great bonds that people had created. Now, my friends get to have those same experiences.

We have some traditions that we are going to relive. Our group always went to Johnny's Italian Steakhouse to celebrate big occasions, so we'll relive some memories at Johnny's. We'll also be reliving some memories at Peggy's and West End probably. We also had a habit of playing some Call of Duty, so the vintage game will be making the trek back to Des Moines.

Everyone is looking forward to the long weekend. We'll be reliving a great deal of memories, but we'll also be making some great new memories!!

MPRE: Taken

2011-03-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

This morning I took the MPRE, and it feels very good to have it done. An ethics exam may seem easy enough, but in fact this exam is more focused on professionalism and regulations in the legal profession. To protect the public, clients and prospective clients, lawyers uphold a high degree of professional responsibility.

The exam took a great deal of preparation, and I really worked hard to become prepared. The preparation is worth it to understand how to best represent clients. Minus the lawyer jokes, the public should feel confident that lawyers are held to a high standard of ethical conduct and their confidences and interests are protected.

Now that the exam is complete, I'm happy to have my life back and get started on some other projects. For my Wills and Trusts class we are to write an actual will. I also want to keep up on my reading and get started with outlining for finals.

Social Media Revolution

2011-02-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

Characteristics to consider in a Law School

2011-02-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

Here are a few characteristics that I have found important at Drake that I would encourage you to consider when searching for a law school:

A welcoming environment. Law school can be a very competitive environment. If you've ever read the book 1L, you've heard the horror stories that can be law school. As you consider a school, I would take note of the way students interact with each other. Ask students about the environment and how competitive it is. Try and find a law school that meets your needs and expectations about competitiveness.

Careers services with a national scope. The success of law school must in part be measured by the job prospects during and after law school. Spending three years in law schools is an accomplishment, and so is finding your dream job. Possibly, your dream job will not be in the same city as your law school, so you should consider a law school with a career services department that has connections where you want to work.

Social student organizations. Law school is a very busy place to work, and it is important to be able to blow off steam and make friends. Make sure the law schools you are considering will allow you the chance to make lifelong friends and create lasting memories.

Quality professors who care as much as they teach. There comes a time at the end of the semester where you look back and realize how far you have come. Much of the credit goes to the professors who allow you to think beyond what is normally possible, and grow beyond their teaching. This comes from professors with a passion for building students intellectual reach. Look for professors with the cognitive ability to push you.

These are few of my thoughts. There is much to consider when looking at law school, but make sure you find a place where you feel comfortable. You're going to be spending a great deal of time there, it should be a good place.

Weekend Getaway to Kansas City

2011-02-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend I spent the weekend in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas. I got the opportunity to go out of town with some great friends and make some great memories.

I got to take in the Kansas Jawhawks victory over Colorado and witness a game in the famous Allen Fieldhouse. This is one of the most historic and difficult places to play basketball. What a place!! It was a blast take in the game and cheer the jayhwalks on their victory!!! Rock Chalk Jayhawk.

I also got the chance to spend some time relaxing and having fun while not worrying about school. It was very refreshing to get away. We took in some great KC bbq and spent some time on The Plaza and the Power and Light District. The weather was very nice and it was great relax.

I'm back in Des Moines, refreshed and ready to hit the MPRE!!

Law School Admission - Personal Statement

2011-02-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

I was talking with a prospective law student last week and she was talking to me about writing her personal statement. She shared some feedback about her personal statement and asked me for guidance on what to write.

There are a great deal of resources available regarding personal statements online, and I'm happy to share my thoughts. I'm not an expert on writing them, the only feedback I got was being accepted, so I would encourage doing some research on what advice is available in other sources.

I wrote 2 personal statements. After writing the first one, my undergrad business law professor advised me on some changes. I ended up scrapping the entire thing and started a new. The main problem with my first personal statement was that it lacked inspiration. I wrote it while I was trying to write the "typical" personal statement. Then it hit me one day. Why didn't I use my passion for golf and compare the fundamentals of successful golf to the fundamentals of success in law. I shared my belief that in golf one shot won't break or make your game, as in law one case won't make or break a career, it is more important to focus on a career based on the fundamentals.

When writing, I wanted to share with the admissions panel that I had a passion for something that could last a lifetime, that involved constant evolution, and required work and practice. I drew these comparisons in golf to the legal profession.

My advice would be to find inspiration in your life for your personal statement, and the easiest way to do that is to look at your passions. Then try and let the admissions panel get a sense for who you are and that you have a passion to put what you learn in law school to real use. As you get comfortable with your personal statement, ask for feedback from people familiar with the process. Put yourself in the shoes of the admissions committee, what would you want to read about?

MPRE

2011-02-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is the national exam that must be passed in order to take/pass the bar in most states and jurisdictions. It is a 60 question multiple choice exam. It is usually taken about a year from when students take the actual bar exam and sometime after they have taken an ethics course in law school.

I'm scheduled to take the MPRE on March 5. I've taken the ethics course at Drake, but the test is considerably different then the class I took. For that reason I am beginning to prepare for the exam. Each state has a different number of questions that are required for passage.

Just in case you were not thinking about a good ethical lawyer joke, here's one:

After drafting a will for an elderly client, the attorney announced a fee of $100.

The client gave the attorney a $100 bill.

After the client left, the attorney saw that the client had in fact paid $200, as two of the client's $100 bills had stuck together.

Looking at the $100 overpayment, an ethical question arose in the attorney's mind: "Do I tell my partner?"

But in all seriousness, the legal profession has additional serious rules regarding lawyer conduct. The rules instituted by the American Bar Association ensure that lawyer advocate and protect the interests of their clients. The rules address a variety of topics, and I am in the process of learning them so that I can pass the exam, but more importantly, so that I can be a competent and ethical professional.

Superbowl Ads

2011-02-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

A few light hearted Superbowl ads. I hope you enjoyed the game!!

Snowmageddon

2011-02-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

Des Moines, as well as most of the country, is bracing for some pretty bad winter weather. This is the worst I've seen it here. I was out earlier and visibility is horrible, the blowing and falling snow are a bad combination. The road crews are doing a good job clearing streets, but black ice is present and the blowing snow keeps the streets in bad shape.

Night classes at Drake were canceled tonight, and I've already had classes cancel for tomorrow. It is looking to be a snow day for a large part of the country. I won't know until tomorrow if Drake cancels. But judging by the cancellations on TV, there will be very little business done in Des Moines tomorrow.

Blogger from Egypt

2011-02-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

A friend, and fellow blogger Ian Weller, is in Egypt right now. He had some great posts that got put up this morning. Check them out, it is fascinating: http://ianwellerdrake.blogspot.com/.

Law School Questions

2011-01-31T18:56:00.000-08:00

This weekend I spoke at the annual Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute Spring Leadership Conference. I was speaking on law school admissions and law school life. I got some great questions that I wanted to share.

What kind of activities are good to get involved with in college that will help you in law school?
Any kind of pre-law organizations can help you meet law students and help you meet lawyers. They can help you with LSAT prep, application and personal statement advice, and other kinds of law school tips. Pre-law groups can be very helpful and it can be great to meet other students who are interested in law school.

It is also very important to pick activities that you are passionate about. When you write your personal statement it is important to show passion. No matter the groups you are involved in or the organization you join, be able to show passion. Whether it's a job, volunteer, or campus involvement, find something you have a passion to be involved with. Your personal statement and resume will write themselves when you can find groups which ignite your passion.

Is law school as competitive as people say it is?
I can only speak for Drake, but it is nothing like the rumors. One of the law school fraternities has a mentorship program so 1L students can be paired with 2L and 3L students. Students help each other understand concepts and collaborate within the boundaries of the honor code. We work hard at the law school, but we also develop strong friendships and have fun.

How hard is the work in law school?
Law school is like nothing you've ever done before. It is a challenging environment, and there is a great deal of reading, issue spotting, and problem solving. It can be a real challenge to stay with the reading and stay on top of all the assignments. With that said, thousands of people have come before you and have accomplished and completed law school. If you bring effort, passion and hard work to law school, you can succeed and thrive in law school.

1st Week: Complete

2011-01-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

The first week of the second semester is complete. The week went really well. I got a feel for my classes and the schedule.

I have no classes on Monday so I'm spending Mondays working at R&R Realty Group in West Des Moines. It is nice to be able to put a full day's work in during the semester, and not have to worry about leaving for classes.

On Tuesdays I only have 2 classes so it gives me time to get prepped for the week. I can use Tuesday to make sure I have my reading caught up. I have banking law on Tuesdays, which is really interesting. I did the reading for this coming Tuesday and the reading was fascinating. We are spending time on the financial crisis and the Dodd-Frank regulatory bill which was the result of the financial crisis. The book is brand new and has a great analysis of the effects of the bill.

Wednesdays are my busy day. I start the day at 7:15am with Business Tax. Business Tax has been very interesting so far. Last semester I took Business Associations which was all about structuring businesses. This class builds upon that on the tax side. It focuses on what makes business sense, and tax sense. There are only about 10 people in the class, but I think it will be a HUGE learning experience. Also on Wednesdays I have Negotiations. Negotiations was very practical and fun last week. We conducted 3 negotiations and learned strategies to better our skills. My initial reaction from both these classes is that they are going to be very interesting and educational.

Thursdays I have the second day of Business Tax, as well as Wills and Trusts, and Evidence. Evidence has been interesting so far because it is so vital in the trial process. Learning when to object and how to use evidence is very important. Even though I don't see myself working in a litigation environment, this class is interesting because of its importance to the process.

Fridays I have Wills and Trusts and Evidence. I also have the afternoon free on Fridays, so I'm looking forward to using the day to get caught up on any outlining or reviewing I didn't get to, and get a start on reading for the next week. I think this schedule will allow me greater time to study so I won't have to spend so much time on the weekends on school work. My plan is to put in the time at school, so that by the weekends I can take the time off from school.

Inauguration

2011-01-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend Governor Terry Branstad was inaugurated as the governor of Iowa. Because of a friend I was able to attend all the festivities from the inauguration. It was one of the best events I have been too. There were thousands of people that took part in the ceremonies, receptions and balls. It was great fun to be able to see so many friends and celebrate the election of Terry Branstad.

Here are some photos from our weekend!!

Second Semester

2011-01-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday we begin classes and the second semester will be under way. I'm excited to get back to classes and see people that I have not seen in a while. I have some interesting classes coming up this semester.

I am at the point in law school where I can begin to select more of classes and have greater control over my schedule. Here is a preview of the classes I am taking:

Wills and Trusts: Between the aging population in Iowa and the number of families that want to hold on to property, it is likely that every student will be effected by wills and trusts. I think it is an important area of the law to be familiar with. This type of law is always changing and can be very innovative. I'm looking forward to learning more about it.

Banking Law: I don't know when a better time would be to take banking law. This seems like a great time to continue to learn about finance and banking. Our text book is brand new and will cover much of the new regulation that is being implemented. I've had the professor before and really enjoyed his classes, so I think this will be a great class!!

Evidence: It seems like a lot of cases turn on the evidence. There may be cases where the evidence is clutch, but because it was collected improperly, the evidence is not available. It is important for every lawyer to understand the rules of evidence and be able to follow the rules so that they can protect their client and use the evidence in court.

Negotiations: This class is being taught by the Dean of the Law School, Dean Vestal. I've been very impressed with Dean Vestal and he has a great attitude, I'm looking forward to learning from him. So much of what we do in business and law involves negotiations. I'm looking forward to learning strategies and ideas to maximize negotiations.

Business Tax: Who doesn't love business tax? I took federal income tax last semester, and I think this class will provide the other side of the tax code. There are not very many people who enjoy learning about taxes, but I'm interested in becoming informed and I think this class will be valuable.

Bulldog Basketball

2011-01-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

It's basketball season, and there's nothing better than some Bulldog Basketball. The season has has been off to a close start. The team has been playing toe to toe with their opponents and the games have been close.

There is a great deal of talent on the team and they play really well together. The team is developing and I think they are going to be a real force to be recognized with!! I'm excited to see this team play together and advance.

Top 10 of 2010

2011-01-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

Top YouTube Videos from 2010:

2010 JibJab Review:

Top 10 internet searches of 2010:

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

I hope you have had a very enjoyable and fulfilling Holidays season. No matter what Holiday you celebrated, I hope you had the chance to enjoy some time off work and with the joy of friends and family. I got to spend time with a great deal of friends and families over the last month, and it has been a great joy.

With all the hustle and bustle of law school, I hope the Holidays help you get back to what's really important. The encouragement of family and the time away from school can help you put law school in prospective.

Another great part of winter break is that there is no school. The tests are done and nothing for the next semester has started. It is a perfect opportunity to clear your mind and spirit and totally enjoy the break.

Winter break is also a chance to celebrate!!! For all the 1L's, this is a milestone. You have completed all the writing assignments, the Sloan's and Teply's, the memos, the case briefs, and the most important part, the finals. You've made it through your first semester of law school!!! That is a big accomplishment and you should be commended on your achievement. I've had faith in you the whole time, but this is a chance to recognize it yourself. You've made it along way!! Congratulations.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.

Plans for Break

2010-12-19T20:15:00.000-08:00

Now that finals are complete, I have some exciting break plans. My biggest plan is to get back to work at R&R Realty Group. I'm working on various projects. I have a real estate transaction that I am working on and break is a great chance to get it moving. I'm also working on a few other projects that I want to get finished up over break.

R&R Realty Group is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. To commemorate this year, we have produced a video to recognize the outstanding achievement of our people. I got to play a vital role in the production of the video and it taught me a great deal about our people and our history. It was an extraordinary experience. I spent last week finishing the video and it was displayed to a very warm reception on Friday. My goal was to create a video that would make people proud to be an R&R team member, and I think we accomplished our goal.

I'm also looking forward to attending some professional and social events this break. The Book of Lists debut party is over break, the Drake v. Iowa woman's basketball game is coming up and Governor Branstad is being inaugurated. There are a variety of activities, and I'm looking forward to having some fun over break.

I'm also going to be doing some relaxing. I got all 6 season of Entourage on DVD on black Friday, and I'm looking forward to watching them and getting ready for season 7.

Break is an important time to relax and spend time with friends and family. It's a time to clear your head and move on from the semester. If you're on break, have fun and enjoy the time!!

Finals are Done

2010-12-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

This semester have been very busy, but finals are not complete. All the tests have been taken and the celebrations have commenced. There was a big party on Thursday to celebrate the end of finals, and it was great to see everyone in a good mood as all the tests had been taken!!!

The Holidays Are Almost Here!!

2010-12-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

Light at the end of the Tunnel

2010-12-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

4/5 Finals are complete!!! It has been a long time coming, but I finally feel like I am near the end of this semester. I've taken finals for Ethics, Insurance Law, Business Associations and Federal Income Tax. That's a total of 14 hours in the last week with my computer typing out exam answers.

Each exam has taken a great deal of preparation, starting weeks before Thanksgiving, but culminating this week. The remaining final is Constitutional law which I will take on Monday, at which point I'll be done for the semester.

This semester has been the busiest semester I have had. I'm hoping this was the busiest semester, I'd prefer to never have a repeat. What made this semester so busy was a combination of things. I took 17 hours and several of my classes were very work intensive. The nice thing about being busy is that this semester has flown by. I can still remember very vividly the first day of classes, and now we are half done with the year. However, I like when school goes by quickly, but this semester has flown by.

I'm looking forward to knocking out Constitutional Law on Monday and being able to relax and enjoy being half done with my law school career!! This is the hardest I have ever worked for finals. Over the last 3 weeks I have been doing nothing but studying, so I am very much looking forward to getting back to working and having some fun.

The Holidays will provide a great chance to spend some time with family and enjoy having some free time again. I'll be getting a chance to work and spend some time at R&R Realty Group and doing some traveling and relaxing over break.

Flex Exam Schedule

2010-11-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

As a 2L I have the privilege of partaking in the flex exam schedule. This means I get to take my finals whenever I want to. Well it may not be as fun as it sounds, but it is a great option.

The law school is open for the 2 weeks that finals are given and there is a morning time slot and and an afternoon time slot. With the exception of a few scheduled finals that are given at a certain time, you can take the finals on your time line during that week in either the morning or afternoon time slot. As long as you get them all taken, it is up to you how you get it done.

I really like this option. None of my finals are scheduled, so I have the option of taking all my finals on my time. This way I can stagger them so I have enough time to study and take them when I am ready. I also have the desire to get them done and be complete for the semester.

I also have one final that is online, and will be available starting Friday. There are no classes on Friday because it is a free day for studying. I think I have my schedule pretty well set. Provided nothing drastic happens I'll take one final on Friday, then Monday, Thursday, Saturday the following week and Monday of the last week.

Final week of classes

2010-11-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

When we reach the point in the semester where finals are only a few days away, it always seems like the semester flew by. Then you look over all the notes you've taken and all the knowledge that must be compiled for the final, and there is a lot there!! Maybe it was a longer semester than you thought.

This week we have 4 days of classes, and they tend to be pretty short days. I'll only speak for myself, but usually I'm only listening for the most important points in class. We have 4 months of material to remember, and the details from the last week are likely not to show up in great length on the final. The challenge now is to compile everything from the last few months, clear up any questions and get set for a 3-4 hour final.

Hopefully as you prepare for finals you are beginning to see how everything fits together. You should take pride in all the knowledge you've gained. Don't be scared for the final, if you've done a good job thus far preparing and working, the final is the place to prove it.

I would offer 1 suggestion for this last week. At some moment, you'll likely feel a little flustered, anxious or scared. Don't let your emotions get the best of you, take a few deep breaths, calm down, and turn your attention to focus. Staying calm and focused will get you through the next couple of weeks. Best of luck!!!

Thanksgiving Week

2010-11-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't like a 2 day week? The law school has classes on Monday and Tuesday of this week and then we have the rest of the week off. I think it will be a much needed break for most of us. 2 days of classes, then sleeping in, eating, and just relaxing with family and friends, I think I can handle that.

Tuesday I have Insurance Law that will last until about 8:30pm and then we are done for the week. There is something about being one of the last people to leave the law school before a break that is kind eerie, but I like it.

I don't have any big plans for break. I'm staying here in Des Moines. I will spend some time working at R&R Realty Group, see the family on Thanksgiving, probably help my parents put up Christmas lights, make the annual trip to Jordan Creek Mall at 12:01 on the day after Thanksgiving, and maybe a little studying.

We have come a long way since the pilgrims first landed on Plymouth Rock nearly 400 years ago, yet we have still much to be thankful for. I hope you have the opportunity to spend some time with family and friends, and give thanks for the many joys in your life. Happy Thanksgiving.

Did You Know 4.0

2010-11-19T20:54:00.001-08:00

Finals Study Guide

2010-11-14T18:30:00.000-08:00

Here are some tips for making the most of the last few weeks of the semester and surviving finals:

Stay Healthy - Cold and flu season is here, but this is not the time to be getting ill. Do what you can to keep your immune system strong and keep yourself healthy.
Stay Fit - often times the gym time or the meditation time is the time that gets cut when you get busy. Don't let that be the case, keep your mind and body in good shape so that you have the stamina and drive to make it through finals.
Set Goals, and Execute - It may seem like you have plenty of time until finals and plenty of time to get preped, and there is plenty of time to get done what you want to. I like to set goals of when I'd like to have work completed by. Once you set a goal then the challenge is to stay on track to accomplish it and hold yourself accountable to reach the destination.
Work Effectively - It is pretty easy to spend an hour "studying" when really you spend about 30 minutes on facebook and another 20 minutes reading the paper. We've all been there, I know I have. But during the time when you begin to prepare for finals, it is important to really spend your time studying and really stay on task.
Forget the Books - Some nights you need to put the books away. Take an afternoon or an evening off and do something fun. Go out with friends or watch a movie, anything not law school related. It will be a good chance to get the batteries recharged and help you keep everything in perspective.
Sleep - All the research suggests that a good day starts with a good nights sleep. I'm surprised by how much more I get done during the day if I can get a good night sleep the night before.
Have Confidence in yourself - You've survived almost the entire semester of law school, you've made it through the hardest part. All that's left is to organize it and put it down on paper. Have confidence that you've made it this far and that you can make it to the finish line!!!

Best of Luck!!