Topic: Networking

Anticipation and Preparation

Finals are still a month away, but as a 1st year evening student I am not yet sure of how much time I will need to prepare. In anticipation of upcoming finals (and corresponding with a deadline free week at work) I took a week of vacation in order to work on my outlines and begin my study process. So far the week has been great, although I will admit I haven’t done that much studying so far. I have, however, been able to sleep in, run errands, spend time with my dog, and attend to other matters that will likely be placed on the back burner during my finals. I still have two more days this week to complete more studying and despite spending the first three days on other tasks I am feeling more organized and refreshed, which I hope will be valuable in the long run.

Corresponding with my week of preparation and relaxation, the Legal Writing and Analysis TA’s put on a panel presentation about preparing for finals. The presentation was helpful. Although a lot of the information was not entirely new, it was comforting to be reminded that there is no right or wrong way to study for finals. The biggest piece of advice I took away from the presentation is to not forget how you studied during college that was effective. If study groups work for you then you should study in groups for law school. Just because it is a different type of material does not mean that the basics and the way I learn most effectively should be forgotten.

In addition to preparing for the short term (ie. finals), last night I took advantage of a Career Services mentor networking event. At the beginning of the year, we were given the opportunity to be matched with an attorney mentor. The mentors are typically Lewis and Clark graduates who are working in the Portland legal community. After being matched, I was introduced to my mentor at a meet and greet in September. There was at least one other event held before last night, however, I believe they were daytime events which are difficult for both my mentor and I to attend as we both work downtown. Last night, however, the event was hosted at the Uptown Billiard Club in Northwest Portland which allowed both my mentor and I to attend.

The Uptown Billiard Club was a new to me. Despite having been on NW 23rd numerous times before I had been oblivious as to its existence.  It is a warm and cozy bar with delicious food. The club provided a nice respite from the downpour of rain and puddle-filled streets outside (Portland winter has arrived!). In addition to having the opportunity to chat with my mentor and some other attorneys and law students, I had the chance to work on my pool game. Admittedly I was borderline inept at playing pool, but after a few helpful pointers from my mentor, my game seems to be improving! Overall the night was enjoyable and needless to say I will hopefully be attending the next networking event that comes along.

13 November 2008