Emily Christiansen

A Typical Day in the Life of a Full-time Working, Evening Student

The other day, while deciding what to write my most recent blog post about, I realized that while I’ve posted a lot about events that have occurred on campus and in the Portland area, I haven’t really provided a “snapshot” of my daily life. To some being an evening student may be a bit daunting but it is entirely doable and still provides an opportunity to have life outside law school and work. Below is what my day was like yesterday (with some notations about how things may differ at other times.* 5:30 a.m. - Alarm goes off. It’s early and dark - instead of jumping out of bed I’m going to hit the snooze for a bit.* 6:00 a.m. - Finally drag myself out of bed and begin the process of getting ready.*6:30 a.m. - I grab a coat and my rain boots, put my dog on a leash and head outside to briefly walk the dog. (Note: Having a dog during law school is the best - they provide you unconditional love!).*6:40 a.m.  - Back inside from the walk. I make some peanut butter toast and grab a cup of coffee and head out the door.*6:50 a.m. - I’m walking to work and it’s DARK outside. I can’t wait until “fall back” this weekend so it will lighten up a little.*7:00 a.m. - I arrive at work and boot up my computer. While my computer is booting I have a brief chat with a coworker about the lack of physical activity and movement in our modern lives. I’m trying to figure out how to fit in a workout regularly so I don’t feel like such a slug.*7:15 a.m. - My boss (an attorney) has reviewed and approved two letters that I drafted yesterday so I convert them to pdf and electronically fax them.*7:45 a.m. - I receive an e-mail from my boss concerning the potential settlement of a client’s case. I had previously conducted a review of the claim and drafted the settlement demand and she needs some additional information in order to make a proper response to the defense counsel’s counter-offer.*8:30 a.m. - I complete my evaluation of the points my boss wanted me to address and e-mail her re: same.*8:45 a.m. - Time for a cup of tea - Yerba Maté (it’s my new saviour because it has natural caffeine!).*8:50 a.m. - It’s time for me to begin working on a settlement proposal in another case. Typically drafting a settlement offer involves combing through a voluminous claim file and writing a persuasive letter as to why we think we will prevail in court if we don’t settle. I’ve been working on this case since Monday. It’s amazing how little interruptions like phone calls from clients, etc.  prevent you from completing big projects as quickly as you would like.*9:30 a.m. - I have a question concerning an idea for one of my arguments in the settlement letter so I head into one of the attorney’s offices in order to run my argument by her. I want to make certain my idea has merit before incorporating it into the letter.*9:45 a.m. - I return to drafting the settlement proposal.*11:30 a.m. - Hunger has struck - I grab my tupperware and head to the kitchen to warm up my food. Then I return to my desk and continue working while eating. (Note: not talking a lunch break is my choice because I have a good writing flow going).*1:00 p.m. - A client unexpectedly drops by to see me and drop off paperwork. I briefly meet with him and appraise him of the status of his case.*1:25 p.m. - Time for some more tea!*1:30 p.m. - And I’m back to working on the settlement demand.*2:45 p.m. - I’m called into an attorney’s office to discuss our strategy on another case that is pending in litigation. We have briefs due in early November and I will be assisting with the legal research and part of the brief writing.3:00 p.m. - Time to head home for a brief break before school.*3:15 p.m. - I’ve arrived at home. I put on my tennis shoes and head out the door with my dog. Luckily it’s not raining (although the sky is still gray) so I’m heading on a long walk with my dog around the waterfront.*4:30 p.m. - I’m back at home. Time to pack up my books and laptop for school. After packing up I give my Mom a call to catch up.*5:15 p.m. - Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to school I go. I’m in the car and headed on the 10 minute (if there is minimal traffic) to school.*5:30 p.m. - I walk into the Legal Research Center at Lewis and Clark. Since I have 30 minutes before class starts I’m going to get ahead on a little of my reading.*5:55 p.m. - Head to class.*6:00 p.m. - Commence Conflicts of Law (which state or country’s law applies in a multi-state dispute) class. Today we are discussing how a U.S. Court obtains personal jurisdiction over foreign plaintiffs.*7:20 p.m. - Conflicts is over. I have a 40 minute break before my next class so I head to the next classroom in order to do a little more reading ahead (and also a little checking of Facebook and e-mail).*7:45 p.m. - A few of my friends and I created a “dinner club” this year. There are 4 of us involved and every Monday and Wednesday one of us brings dinner for all of us. This means that we all are well fed and on Monday’s and Wednesdays and only have to cook a meal once every other week. Today is Meg’s day to bring dinner and she’s made delicious homemade chicken noodle soup and toasted some sourdough bread.*8:00 p.m. - Alternative Dispute Resolutions begins. Today we have mock mediations in groups of three. I’m an attorney for an injured teenager and we are suing the school board for negligence related to a slip and fall accident. We proceed with mediation and miraculously reach a settlement in our allotted time (only 3 groups in our class reached an agreement, the other 16 were at an impasse). We head back to class for a debriefing session with the professor.*9:20 p.m. - Class is over.*9:40 p.m. - I meet a few friends for a margarita in SE Portland.*10:30 p.m. - I head with one of my friends to her house to pick up a part of my Halloween costume that I’m borrowing from her.*11:00 p.m. - Back at home. Time to take the dog out quickly and then head to sleep. Good night world! Tomorrow begins a similar schedule.

29 October 2009

Justice Kennedy and Kathleen Sullivan’s Visit

Another year has begun and once again we were lucky enough to start off the year with a visit fr0m Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. This visit, Justice Kennedy was inaugurating the 1st Annual Justice Kennedy Lecture Series, which featured Kathleen Sullivan, a renowned constitutional scholar, dean of Stanford Law School, and author of the gigantic casebook I have to lug to class twice a week.

Both Justice Kennedy and Kathleen Sullivan spoke informally in a lunchtime Q&A, and then Ms. Sullivan delivered a formal speech in the evening regarding the 1st Amendment and its interpretation in Constitutional Law. Listening to both Justice Kennedy and Kathleen Sullivan renewed my motivation and passion for being in law school and going into the noble profession of law. I was struck by how both Justice Kennedy and Ms. Sullivan were able to communicate so clearly and extemporaneously about a variety of topics while also incorporating humor. In listening to their speeches it became clear to me how important it is to not only be knowledgeable in matters of the law but also to be knowledgeable and well read in other areas. Justice Kennedy told an anecdote of when he was a practicing attorney and was able to convince a client of an unwise decision in a matter concerning a will not by using law, but by recommending that his client read King Lear.

Perhaps Mark Twain’s words, “Don’t let school get in the way of your education,” are especially important in law school. Sure, it is important to keep up with the reading and to study, but it is equally important to take advantage of outside opportunities whether they are law related or not.

18 September 2009

Tips to Survive the 1st Year of Law School - and What I Need to Change

Summer has been wonderful. I opted not to take summer classes and instead just continued my full time employment. Although a few of my classmates made the decision to take summer courses and survived, I’m happy with my decision. Having evenings free for a few months was blissful. It provided me with time to relax, get in shape (rowing and playing golf and kickball), pick up new hobbies and interests, hang out with friends, sleep, and catch up on the rest of life. In fact, I spent so much time relaxing that I neglected my blog duties - I apologize.Summer has also provided me with an excellent opportunity to reflect on my 1st year of law school and analyze which of my study/life habits worked well and which need to change in the coming year. I’m sharing these survival tips in the hopes that they help some of you preparing to start law school and in the hopes that I, myself remember to follow them.1. Don’t get behind in reading assignments. It can be difficult, though not impossible, to get caught up. If possible get ahead on reading assignments - that way when a particularly busy week comes along you can skip the reading and not get behind. Note: Getting ahead is not always possible because some professors only give the reading assignments a week or two in advance or they constantly modify the syllabus based on the pace of the class.2. Read hornbooks and complete Examples and Explanations (E&E) problems as the semester progresses. Although those tools provide excellent review, less time will be needed to prepare for finals in the last few weeks if you are preparing constantly throughout the semester.3. Make time everyday for something you love/something that makes you happy. This could be anything: a sport, a hobby, spending time with family and friends. It helps you to keep your perspective and sanity.4.  Eat healthy, fresh items….even during the month before finals. Yes, there are numerous events with free pizza on campus and the impulse to eat greasy food during stressful times might rear its head, but eating consistently healthy will keep you healthy and energized.5. Be social. Yes there is a lot to read, a lot to study, and generally a lot on your to-do list, but take advantage of the numerous social and networking events happening. It helps maintain your sanity and build important connections for the future.6. Explore Portland. Portland has amazing restaurants, outdoor activities, concerts, festivals, bars, etc.7. Don’t procrastinate on writing and research assignments.8. Get the amount of sleep you need to function. Similar to getting behind in reading, if you go too many nights without the amount of sleep you need to function it can be difficult to “catch up” on your sleep and feel well rested.9. Check out textbook rental services like Chegg.com or buy textbooks used in order to save money and not incur more debt than necessary. 10. Backup your notes, files, documents. Luckily my computer did not die during school (although one of my classmates did right before fall finals last year) but my recent fried motherboard reminded me of the importance of backing up your files constantly - especially during the semester.

9 August 2009

Hard to believe the year is almost over

So I’ve been a bit delinquent in my blog postings. Of course my delinquency is for good reason: life has been busy, so busy in fact that I don’t know quite where to begin. In the past month + all of us first years handed in our legal analysis and writing appellate brief project and then headed downtown to the Multnomah County Court house in order to present oral arguments. The oral arguments were judged by our legal writing professors, tas, and some area attorneys. It was helpful to receive some feedback - both things that were good and things I need to improve upon. One of my biggest weaknesses was starting to answer a Judge’s question before they had finished asking it - a bad habit that I picked up from my years of debate where you didn’t want the opponent to finish their question. This experience made me realize that I would enjoy participating in moot court and that is something that I will hopefully be exploring in the next couple years.

There have also been quite a networking events in the past month. Career services hosted an end-of-the-year social for the mentoring program. My attorney mentor and I met up and enjoyed some appetizers  and wine while chatting and meeting other attorneys and judges. One of the judges invited me to visit her court room and I’m hoping to take advantage of that once finals are over.

I also attended “Drinks with Drummie” - an event hosted by my Torts Professor Henry Drummonds. Every year Prof. Drummonds offers 20 people the chance to have drinks with and food with him in order to raise money for PILP (Public Interest Law Project). A few of my evening podmates as well as some other 2ls and 3ls bid on the spots and then went to the Lucky Lab where we were able to get to know Prof. Drummonds outside of the classroom environment. It was great to hear his “war stories” and meet some other LC students.

Now, it’s time to start studying for finals. This week is the last week of lectures and then finals start next Friday. Most of my free time will be spent pouring over my textbooks and outlines. I do planning on taking a break for two Women’s Law Caucus events - the semester happy hour and a brunch at Dean Martha Spence’s house.

I’m signing off for now but will be updating the blog to report on the happenings of the summer. Until then…

23 April 2009

Time goes by…so quickly

Spring semester seems to be flying by incredibly quick. It seems like just yesterday winter break ended and classes resumed, but it has been a month. Time really does fly when you are busy and having fun.

There was only one new class and professor to become acquainted with this semester - instead of Torts the Green Pod is now taking Constitutional Law I. Civil Procedure, Contracts, and Legal Analysis and Writing all remained in our schedules. Constitutional Law provided an excellent platform for discussing the Inauguration of President Obama and the potential ramifications of Chief Justice Roberts’ messing up the oath of office (those potential ramifications are now moot since the oath was re-administered). Its always interesting when timely issues are incorporated into the discourse of the subject matter.

In addition to school work, LC scholarship applications were due last week. There are numerous scholarships offered by the school for the upper level years of law school and I ended up submitting application materials for a few of them. Although we received the application materials right around the time classes resumed, I ended up not getting a chance to complete the application materials until the weekend before the deadline. Part of my procrastination was due to the fact grades were not posted until the end of January and part of it was because I find writing personal statements to be one of the most difficult types of writing.

Of course this past month has not been all studying and submitting applications, there have also been quite a few social events. Last night I attended the Women’s Law Caucus wine tasting. It was fabulous! As we learned about and sampled various wines we also had a chance to nibble on delicious food and discuss everything from politics to work/life balance to recent movies. All in all it was a great evening!

8 February 2009

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