August 2005
In This Issue:
Events | Trustees | Faculty | Faculty Activities | Students | Around Campus | Getting to Know You | Essays & Scholarships | Calendar
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EVENTS
Dean’s Investiture Scheduled
The Investiture of Dean Bryant G. Garth
will be held at the Southwestern campus on Thursday, September 29,
2005. That evening, alumni, students, faculty and staff, and members of
the bench, bar and academic communities will gather to mark the
beginning of Dean Garth’s tenure as the tenth dean of Southwestern. He
assumed the position in July following the retirement of Dean Leigh H. Taylor who
served from 1978 to 2005. A brief program featuring prominent guest
speakers representing legal education and the profession will be
followed by a reception in the Bullocks Wilshire building. Further
information on the event may be obtained from the Development Office.
Commissioner Gordon '85 to Speak at Orientation
Los Angeles County Superior Court Commissioner and Southwestern Adjunct Professor Scott Gordon
will help welcome new Southwestern students as the keynote speaker
during Orientation on August 17. Formerly a Los Angeles County Deputy
District Attorney and a founding member of the office's Stalking and
Threat Assessment Team, Professor Gordon is a nationally recognized
expert in child abuse and domestic violence. Among his high-profile
cases as a prosecutor were the O.J. Simpson criminal trial and the
trial of a man accused of stalking actress Brooke Shields. read more.
Prominent Entertainment Attorneys Featured in Upcoming Conversation Series
This fall, the Biederman Institute proudly continues its popular lecture series, "A Conversation With..." featuring:
Daniel Petrocelli '80
Partner, O'Melveny & Myers
September 20, 7:30 p.m.
John Schulman
Executive Vice President/General Counsel, Warner Brothers
October 26, 7:30 p.m.
The
series is designed to present dialogues with prominent publishers,
television and film producers, senior counsel, and public officials
involved with the entertainment and media industries. The conversation
format allows students and members of the legal profession to explore
contemporary and sometimes controversial issues confronting the
entertainment industry and the media with featured guests. The events
take place on the second floor of the Bullocks Wilshire building, with
receptions following the program. Reservations are requested and can be
made through the Institute Office.
FACULTY ACTIVITIES
For a list of recent faculty activities, click here.
STUDENTS
Reed and Jannol Take Top Honors in SCALE Appellate Advocacy Competition
Top honors for the 2005 SCALE Appellate Advocacy Competition, announced in June, went to Rebecca Reed as first-place oralist and Rebecca Jannol as first-place writer. Other honors went to Reagan Boyce (2nd-place oralist), Rudi Baldwin (second-place writer), Laura Buckley (alternate oralist) and Stephen Sullivan (alternate writer).
Southwestern Students Selected for 2005 Equal Justice Works Summer Corps Program
Five
Southwestern students spent this summer interning with nonprofit public
interest law organizations as a part of Equal Justice Works' Summer
Corps program. Danielle Greene, Daniel Jimenez, Karen Lac, Lauren Liebes and Kenneth Meyer
each received a $1,000 education award voucher through the national
AmeriCorps-funded program. These students were among 505 applicants for
250 participant slots nationwide. read more.
Southwestern Student Selected for Graduates to Leaders Law Program
This past summer, Southwestern student Anthony Riggio
was one of thirty students in the United States selected to participate
in the Graduates to Leaders (G2L) Law Program, an educational workshop
program for first and second year Italian American law students in
Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation
(NIAF).
The two-day leadership program in the nation's capitol,
included lecture and discussion sessions on public interest and
advocacy law; statutory and administrative law; criminal and business
law; private practice versus public interest law; and the federal court
system and the role of specialized courts. It is intended to provide
the graduate law students with an "insider's" view of the inner
workings of the legal world. The seminars also served as networking
forums, introducing participants to a professional support group of
Italian Americans in law, including prominent Italian American leaders
in the legal field.
NIAF is a
non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to
preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. The NIAF organizes
cultural activities and helps young people with scholarships,
internships and other programs.
For more information on these and other programs, visit the Career Services Office.
Students Sound Off on Judge Roberts' Nomination
On
the eve of President Bush’s nomination of Judge John Roberts to the
Supreme Court, many were scrambling to learn more about the man who, if
appointed, will play a crucial role in the country’s future. Those who
turned to local TV news stations might have seen an unexpected group of
legal experts sounding off on the nomination: Southwestern students.
KTTV
Fox 11 sent reporters to Southwestern to gauge law students’ reactions
to the conservative Roberts. News of the nomination had been leaked
several hours earlier, and a group of seven SCALE I students had
already been busily researching the judge’s background, using legal
research programs on their laptops. Now, with the cameras rolling, they
sat in the Salle Moderne watching the president formally announce his
selection on television, and offering their opinions to reporters. read more.
ITAP Tryouts Scheduled
Students
who wish to polish their advocacy skills through competition are
invited to participate in the selection process for the 2005-2006
Interscholastic Trial Advocacy Program (ITAP). Informational meetings
will be held on August 29 at 12:30 and 5 p.m., with the first round of
tryouts taking place September 12-13 & 15. Further information is
available from ITAP Chair Daniel Varon through the ITAP Office or the Student Affairs Office.
Job Opportunities Come Calling with OCIP
Beginning
September 8, a variety of law firms, government entities, and public
interest organizations will be taking part in Southwestern’s Fall
On-Campus Interview Program (OCIP). Students in the 2nd and 3rd year
Day; 3rd and 4th year Evening; 3rd and 4th year PLEAS; and SCALE II are
invited to participate.
To be eligible, applicants must
do the following by 6 p.m. on August 25, 2005: 1) submit a signed copy
of the OCIP registration form to the Career Services Office; 2) fill
out a profile and upload a copy of their resume to the e-Attorney/OCI+ website;
3) read and review the 2005 Fall OCIP information, which includes, but
is not limited to, General Information, How to Participate, NALP Timing
Guidelines, and Policies and Standards. Students must “bid” for
interviews by the relevant and applicable deadlines. For employers
coming to campus in September, employers who have not yet chosen a
date, and all resume forward employers, bids must be placed by midnight
on August 25, 2005. For employers visiting campus in October, bids must
be placed by 11:59 p.m. on September 19, 2005.
Students must
also attend a “How to Participate in the OCIP” seminar on either August
18 at 12 or 3 p.m. in W329 or August 23 at 12:30 or 5 p.m. in W311.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend one of the resume writing
workshops in preparation for the Fall OCIP as well as the many other
workshops and seminars being sponsored by the Career Services Office.
Complete schedules of workshops and events were mailed to students, and
duplicate copies can be obtained in the CSO. Questions may be directed
to the Career Services Office.
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TRUSTEES
Leaders in Law and Business Join Southwestern Board
Daniel M. Petrocelli ’80, a partner at O’Melveny & Myers; Daphne M. Anneet ‘95, a partner at Bergman & Dacey; and James A. Coufos, former managing director of Goldman Sachs, have been elected to the Southwestern Board of Trustees.
“We
are very honored to have Dan, Daphne and Jim join the Board of
Trustees,” said Dennis P.R. Codon, the Board’s chair. “They bring
enormous prestige and talent, and we look forward to working with them
in our continuing efforts to enhance Southwestern’s reputation,
academic excellence and fiscal management." read more.
FACULTY
Buchalter, Rosenberg, Treusch 2005-06 Professors of Law Announced
Professors James M. Fischer, Danielle Kie Hart and Robert C. Lindwere honored with Professorships for 2005-06.
Professors Williams and Yokoyama Granted Tenure
At a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, Professors Kenneth Williams and Dennis T. Yokoyama
were granted tenure and promoted to the rank of Professor of Law. The
Board action followed the positive recommendations by the Faculty
Tenure Committee and acknowledged Professors Williams and Yokoyama’s
exceptional teaching, scholarly research and writing, and service to
Southwestern and the community.
Southwestern Welcomes New Adjunct Faculty
Professors Ira Gottlieb and Hope Singer, experts in labor law, have joined Southwestern’s adjunct faculty for Fall 2005. read more.
AROUND CAMPUS
Alumni and Students Honored at Annual Awards Event
An
enthusiastic crowd of alumni and friends gathered on campus to honor
three outstanding members of the Southwestern community, and to support
scholarships for students at the 2005 Annual Alumni Awards Reception
and Auction this past Spring. Shinaan S. Krakowsky ’81, General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer for Greystone Communications was named “Alumnus of the Year”; The Hon. Candace J. Beason ’80, Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, was selected as “Outstanding Judicial Officer”; and Dean Leigh H. Taylor
was recognized for his tremendous contributions to Southwestern and
legal education. Funds raised from the annual event support the Alumni
Association Scholarship Endowment Fund from which awards were presented
to Jennifer Dolan, LaShon Harris, Robert Minzner and Myle Phan during the program.
Notice Changes?
Summer
may bring a big drop in classes, but that doesn’t mean campus is quiet.
In fact, the break between semesters provides Southwestern with time to
tackle various projects that cannot be completed during the regular
school year. This summer’s primary undertaking has been a major upgrade
of the Westmoreland building.
Janice Manis, Southwestern’s
Director of Administrative Services, said the facility is being
enhanced both functionally and aesthetically. “We want to bring it in
line with the quality of the Bullocks Wilshire building, while
retaining its basic character,” she explained. “Every year we take a
look at campus facilities and determine what needs to be improved from
an academic, service, operations or safety point of view.” read more.
The Library Gets a New Name
Announced at the October 2004 Gala Celebration (pictured, left),
the Board of Trustees formally named the Law Library in Dean Taylor’s
honor, in recognition of his “extraordinary dedication to Southwestern
and to legal education.”
The
Leigh H. Taylor Law Library now bears its new name on the glass door
entrance and along the central corridor, where a formal portrait of the
honoree, now Dean Emeritus, hangs.
Staff Additions
Southwestern announces new staff members in MIS:
• Vicki Bartmess, Systems Coordinator–
Prior to joining Southwestern, Vicki spent 20 years at a software
development company in various IT positions. She earned her bachelors
degree in philosophy from Santa Clara University (SCU), and
supplemented her education with math and IT courses at SCU and Santa
Monica College.
• Tamara Imoto, Data Entry Operator–
Prior to joining Southwestern, Tamara was a development assistant at
the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. She earned her
associates degree in liberal arts from East Los Angeles College.
Fall Security Workshops
Street Smarts
Orientation Fair, August 17
Vehicle Safety
Wednesday, September 14, 12:30 & 5pm
Emergency Preparedness
Wednesday, October 19, 12:30 & 5pm
Online Shopping/ATM Safety
Wednesday, November 16, 12:30 & 5pm
Holiday Safety
Thursday, December 1, 12:30 & 5pm
All security workshops are held on the Westmoreland Steps.
Students Participate in Summer Externships
Over
the summer, a number of Southwestern students served in full- and
part-time externships in judicial offices, government and public
interest agencies, and companies that focus on entertainment law.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU
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A dozen questions for: Professor Ronald Aronovsky
Q: When you were a young child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: First baseman for the San Francisco Giants.
Q: If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
A:
I would probably go back to my undergraduate history roots and write
about American political history while moonlighting as a jazz
clarinetist (because I could not fail, the fact that I cannot currently
play the clarinet would not get in the way).
Q: After earning your bachelor’s degree in History, what influenced you to attend law school?
A:
First, studying history (with its emphasis on research, writing, and
analysis of human behavior) was excellent preparation for law school.
Second, I was attracted by the role of a lawyer as a problem-solver.
Finally, my lack of any apparent aptitude for math and science made
medical and business school unlikely options.
Q: What is your favorite memory of law school?
A:
For reasons that I still do not understand, the night before my first
law school class I went to see the movie “The Paper Chase,” which
turned out to be both foolish and lucky. Foolish, because I walked into
law school that next day convinced that I would spend the next three
years terrorized by one Professor Kingsfield after another. Lucky,
because law school could never be as bad as I thought it was going to
be when I walked into class that first day. In fact, I enjoyed law
school, due in large part to a great group of classmates (many of whom
I have stayed in touch with over the years).
Q: What was the most valuable lesson or piece of advice you obtained while working as a judicial clerk?
A:
I was very lucky to work for Justice Mathew O. Tobriner of the
California Supreme Court and Judge Alfred T. Goodwin of the Ninth
Circuit; both were wonderful role models. Justice Tobriner combined an
extraordinary mind and passion for justice with humility and a gentle
soul. Judge Goodwin is one of the brightest, funniest, and most down to
earth people I have every met. I learned a great deal from his clear,
efficient writing style, which he refined during his pre-law school
career as a reporter.
Q: What is something you know now as a professor that you wish you knew as a law student?
A:
The value of participating in class discussion and taking advantage of
office hours. I wish I had done more of both in law school, now that I
realize how much I enjoy (and think that students get a lot from)
active class discussion and appreciate the dedication of students who
ask questions reflecting a determination to master the course material.
Q: What encouraged you to become involved in environmental law?
A:
The intersection of law and science presented by environmental law
issues, as well as the public policy questions, statutory
interpretation puzzles and complex litigation problems that frequently
arise in the soil and groundwater contamination matters I came to
handle as an environmental litigator.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a professor or an attorney?
A:
I tried a CERCLA (Superfund) case in federal court in Fresno that
presented a variety of logistical and substantive challenges. The trial
itself was a net seven weeks long but took six months to try. This was
a bench trial, and every time the judge had a criminal case in which
the defendant insisted on his right to a speedy trial he sent all of us
home so he could try the criminal case. When the criminal case ended,
he called us back for a few days until the next criminal trial came up,
and so on. Overall, the litigation took six years from the filing of
the complaint to entry of final judgment, involved millions of pages of
documents, three dozen parties, over a hundred depositions, and several
dozen substantive, discovery or procedural motions. The cleanup
(involving soil and groundwater contamination that occurred over the
course of thirty years) will cost tens of millions of dollars and will
take years to complete.
Q: What would you like to be known for?
A:
Professionally, as someone who loved teaching and cared about whether
his students took away something meaningful from class about critical
legal analysis and the importance of doing things the right way in
daily practice.
Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A:
This is a question that is probably best answered by others, but
professionally I am proud of the fact that I co-founded and managed my
own law firm.
Q: What would you want your students to walk away from your classroom with, if it could only be one thing?
A:
The responsibilities of a lawyer in our society, including our role as
problem-solver, the need to look afresh at each client’s particular
problem, and practicing with the knowledge that a lawyer’s reputation
is her most precious and fragile asset.
Q: What do you do after you finish grading that last exam?
A:
Exhale — grading is a very stressful process. The next step usually is
turning to the next task. I try to put everything else aside when I
begin grading, so by the time I have finished that last exam there is
usually a backlog of class preparation and research projects waiting
for me.
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“ W.A.Y.” - Who Are You & Why Are You here?
This Month - Howard Chernin, Second-Year Full-Time Day Student
As
an undergrad student at UCLA, Howard Chernin thought he knew exactly
what he wanted to do with his life. His major was Spanish and
Linguistics, and he dreamed of becoming a professor and translator of
Spanish literature, plays and poetry. However, the L.A. native became
active in political and social causes, eventually co-founding two
Jewish student organizations on-campus. Those experiences led Howard to
rethink his goals. “I realized I like to spur change, to affect the
world in a positive way,” he recalls. Opting to forego his earlier
plans to pursue a Ph.D., Howard decided that a law degree would empower
him with the knowledge and marketability to become an advocate for the
underrepresented.
After visiting several Southern California law
schools, Howard chose Southwestern. “I decided that Southwestern would
give me the best opportunities to become a leader and an advocate,
based on its history and its continuing role as an institution for
change,” he says. Spending time on the campus and meeting with students
and faculty sealed the deal. “There was momentum here,” Howard
explains. “There was a sense of place and a sense of pride.” Now,
having completed his first year of law school, Howard says Southwestern
has exceeded his expectations, particularly the faculty. “The
professors are some of the friendliest people imaginable,” he says. He
has also observed that “We have a lot of progressive professors – They
are more interested in how the law affects society.”
Through a
career fair in the Bullocks Wilshire building last semester, Howard
landed a summer externship at the Civil Liabilities unit of the City
Attorney’s Office. He said the experience has enabled him to learn
about every aspect of civil litigation. “It’s really exciting,” he
says. “I’m pushing myself to the edge of my abilities.” He’ll also be
honing his skills as a new member of the Moot Court Honors Program this
fall. Though he has yet to decide which area of law he plans to pursue,
Howard says he’s confident that he’ll be well equipped to achieve his
goal of impacting society in a positive way.
Helpful hints for students from Southwestern Staff
Janice says: With greater use of laptops at home, around campus, on airplanes, Starbuck’s etc., the following practices are important:
•
Engrave your name or other identifying code on your notebook covers to
discourage theft. Engraving can be done at time of purchase by the
manufacturer or with a permanent marker.
• Use security devices such as locking cables or notebook security alarm system.
• Back-up
all computer data onto a CD or zip-drive on a daily basis and store
back-up in a secure location and separately from your notebook.
• Never leave your notebook unattended on-campus, in a public place, or visible in the back seat of a car.
• Purchase notebook insurance.
• Save
a copy of your purchase receipt. Copy the serial number and description
of your notebook and store it in a safe place. If the laptop is stolen,
police, security, and the insurance company will need the information
and it could also help in the recovery of your laptop.
Janice
Manis is the Director of Administrative Services. Prior to joining
Southwestern in 1981, she worked as a research project/grant
coordinator at the University of Minnesota — Minneapolis. She earned
her bachelors degree (cum laude) in Psychology from Pomona College.
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ESSAYS & SCHOLARSHIPS
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A
selection of scholarships and essay contests are available in the
Financial Aid Office (W102), on the bulletin board in the Westmoreland
basement and online.
Please note: The
information regarding scholarships and essay contests on Southwestern's
website provides a general list for informational purposes only.
Students interested in applying for any scholarship should contact the
sponsoring organization directly for specific details and deadlines.
External sites are provided for informational purposes only and are not
endorsed by Southwestern.
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Below
is a sample of available scholarships with deadlines approaching in the
coming months. Please visit the organization's website for further
information and specific details.
Los Angeles County Italian American Lawyers Association Annual Scholarship
Award: $2,500
Deadline: September 30, 2005
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CALENDAR
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August
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17 New Student Orientation
17-19 Legal Process
18-19 Orientation Lunch & Dinner for Incoming Students
18 Workshop: Resume/Cover Letter Preparation, 10 am and 1 pm, W329
Workshop: Interviewing Techniques, 11 am and 2 pm, W329
Seminar: How to Participate in the Fall OCIP, 12 and 3 pm, W329
23 Seminar: How to Participate in the Fall OCIP, 12:30 and 5 pm, W311
22 First Day of Fall Semester classes
Externship Orientation, 5 pm, W511
24 Workshop: Resume/Cover Letter Preparation, 12:30 & 5 pm, W311
29 ITAP Information Session, 12:30 and 5 pm
30 SBA-Faculty Back to School Party, 12:30 and 5 pm
Workshop: Interviewing Techniques, 12:30 and 5 pm, W311
31 Mocktails, Makeovers and More, 4 pm, W311
Seminar: Getting Most Out of Second Year, 12:30 pm
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September
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17 New Student Orientation
17-19 Legal Process
18-19 Orientation Lunch & Dinner for Incoming Students
18 Workshop: Resume/Cover Letter Preparation, 10 am and 1 pm, W329
Workshop: Interviewing Techniques, 11 am and 2 pm, W329
Seminar: How to Participate in the Fall OCIP, 12 and 3 pm, W329
23 Seminar: How to Participate in the Fall OCIP, 12:30 and 5 pm, W311
22 First Day of Fall Semester classes
Externship Orientation, 5 pm, W511
24 Workshop: Resume/Cover Letter Preparation, 12:30 & 5 pm, W311
29 ITAP Information Session, 12:30 and 5 pm
30 SBA-Faculty Back to School Party, 12:30 and 5 pm
Workshop: Interviewing Techniques, 12:30 and 5 pm, W311
31 Mocktails, Makeovers and More, 4 pm, W311
Seminar: Getting Most Out of Second Year, 12:30 pm
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Contact: For matters regarding the Southwestern Reporter Online, contact the Public Affairs Office.
Student organizations, faculty and staff should submit articles or information to be considered for publication by the 1st of each month. Send
submissions to the Public Affairs Office.
Southwestern Law School is a member of the Association of American Law Schools and is fully approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (321 N. Clark Street, 21st Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60654, Tel: 312.988.6738). Since 1911, Southwestern has served the public as a nonprofit, nonsectarian educational institution. Southwestern does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or prior military service in connection with admission to the school, or in the administration of any of its educational, employment, financial aid, scholarship or student activity programs. Non-discrimination has been the policy of Southwestern since its founding.
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