Law Student Affairs » Ramblings

A Switch In Chairs Only Because A Seat Is Visibly Empty

cooperj — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:22:36 +0000

In two weeks I get a chance to upgrade my desk chair. My back isn’t the greatest and this has always been a priority for me but it’s hard to find a proper ergonomically correct chair around BU. Soon enough though I’ll be settling into the soft, supportive, reclining comfort of something new . . . but only because my office is losing one of the best people ever.

Yes, in case you haven’t heard the real news around the Student Affairs office, Nicole Price is leaving BU Law for bigger and better things. Although I couldn’t be happier for Nicole (or happier to get her chair) it is seriously disappointing to lose her as a coworker. When we hired Nicole the position was brand new and our expectations were pretty simple as we hoped to make improvements to our office and maybe expand our reach beyond what we were currently doing. She came in and ended up transforming what our Student Affairs office is all about. Our presence has become significantly greater and our connection to students even stronger.

Beyond that Nicole has made work a better place to be, particularly for me. I quickly realized that I was given more than a coworker but also a co-creator, a co-counselor, and during certain times a coconspirator. Trying to ensure that life around school is running smoothly, students are satisfied and that we are bringing new programming to the student body is never an easy task. The Student Affairs office is the epitome of team work and knowing that I always had Nicole to collaborate with made me rest easy that we would get the job done.

Of course as I’ve constantly mentioned I think that our job can be pretty fun too. It’s not just in what we do but who we’re doing it with. Any and all can make an experience enjoyable but it’s the ability of someone to make the mundane enjoyable which is a true talent. When I worked with Nicole no matter the project the experience was always enjoyable. Planning orientation, running the Academic Enhancement Program, organizing hundreds of packets or throwing around ideas for new events while eating way too much candy for people our age – always enjoyable.

Working side by side with her was a great experience and luckily so many of you were fortunate enough to do so as well. So before the semester comes to an end take a moment to stop by our office and say thanks, good bye and good luck to Nicole.

Soon to be sitting in my new chair but terribly missing its original occupant, Josh

The Fall TV Line Up – Watching It Can Make You A Better Law Student

cooperj — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:49:43 +0000

Everyone has been so focused for the first 4 weeks of class I think they may have forgotten that the new season of television began around the same time. I know that classes take a priority but the lull of summer entertainment is over, rejoice! I’ll readily admit without shame that I love TV. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I am totally devoted to my favorite shows. If they aren’t on I’ll watch a movie, read a book, or eventually break down and force myself into having some form of human interaction. But, until I get to plans B, C, and D, plan A is sitting in front of the small screen with family and friends.

This is the exact reason why in law school I found out that television made me a better student. You can take 30 minutes for a silly sitcom, and hour for that legal drama, or a few hour each week to watch your favorite sports team – however little or long you choose it gives you a chance to escape your work. A release valve, a way to vegetate, catching up on the news, or spending some time with the ones you care about all can happen around the warm soft glow of the TV screen.

It’s a great chance to let your brain rest from all of the hard work you’re doing. I always remind people that there is a point of diminished returns when it comes to your work and the goal is to toe that line but not go over. However being successful at that is not using your down time to plan future studying and class work but to actually rest. Now some law students claim they do this well by going out for a drink or two. There is an inherent difference though in that I’m talking about resting brain cells, not killing brain cells.

In truth though it can be a complete break from reality. Well, the news can be real and reality TV “claims” to be real, but it is a break from YOUR reality. With the work and stress of law school isn’t that something you deserve? And don’t forget that it can be informative, educational and exciting along with being a great way to decompress. It’s readily available, conveniently located and it doesn’t have a last call. Now the only real question is what are you going to watch? I thought about giving you the breakdown of what I have stored in my DVR but a complete rundown might be slightly embarrassing, and I can’t blame any choices on my 2 year old except Thomas the Tank Engine which I admit has held up well over time.

So here are a few of my current favorites.

Modern Family – Seriously, probably the funniest show on television right now.
The Office – I’m surprised how much they’ve sucked me in even without Michael Scott.
Law and Order SVU – clearly the best of the L&O series
Mythbusters – I like to learn and since it’s on the Discovery Channel that counts. Plus science is fun when you’re not worrying about being tested on it.
The Walking Dead – The most riveting TV I can ever remember watching since Lost, probably even more so.
Survivor – I know it’s reality TV and some say past its prime but this is one guilty pleasure I have no shame about.
New England Patriots football games – Mandatory for anyone who wants to see greatness!

What are your favorite shows, guilty pleasures, or beloved distractions from law school reality? Please feel free to share below.

Keep TV in your life. I promise, you’ll be a better student. – Josh

Playing the Air Guitar at Work for a Good Cause

cooperj — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:55:22 +0000

Yes, I rock a mean air guitar. But the thought of bringing those skills to the work place is never something you plan on. However last week I found myself shredding my invisible axe all for the sake of the BU Law community via Legal Follies. Anyhow, with the shows coming up later this week I decided to reflect upon the things I have done in the name of Legal Follies.

Not being a cast member but still willing to subject myself to their whim, I have now over the years: rocked the air guitar, lip-synched to Ke$ha, carried around Dean Marx’s purse like her servant, and ran across Comm Ave in the middle of the day wearing a ski mask. When I think about the nerve I needed to do these things I realize it’s nothing compared to what the students in the show actually do. As a contributor but more importantly a fan, I have nothing but admiration for the students in Legal Follies.

They go on stage and leave it all out there for a live audience. Not only that, this audience is made up of their law school peers – soon to be attorney peers. But that’s not the full story. Where they’re even more impressive is the time and energy put into the show while still being full time law students. They put in crazy long hours for all of us to enjoy while also doing/attempting to do all of their class work. And these students aren’t slouches either. Just look at the Directors who both have other responsibilities such as to a Journal Editorial board or working in the Criminal Clinic.

While I have a full time job I gave up half an hour of my time. All of Follies, band included have put in countless hours. I know it’s a choice and is extremely tangential to their legal endeavors but it does give back to the community. This balancing act of academics and other activities is great practice for the world outside of law school.

So enjoy the shows this week. Watch your classmates step out in a way you’ve never expected and realize that they do this just as much for you as they do for themselves. Also, know that it isn’t easy. Even on the air guitar you can hit a wrong note.

ROTFL at Follies, Josh

To Loathe and Love the Snow: A New Englander’s Lament of this Winter

cooperj — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:30:50 +0000

I love the winter. I loathe this current winter. Freshly fallen snow is a beautiful thing to see. The sight of snow this winter terrifies me as my driveway resembles a white tunnel on the verge of a cave-in. As someone who grew up around here I’m not really too put off by a long winter but the shear amount of snow this year is almost soul crushing.

However, I ask all of you to look beyond the giant piles of snow (if that’s physically possible) and try to remember how wonderful snow can be. In proper amounts it makes an already scenic Boston more beautiful. It gives us the opportunity to sled, ski, build snowmen and drink more hot chocolate. Yes it can delay class, cause back aches from shoveling and simply look gross as the traffic along Comm Ave turns the snow a dingy grey. But for all you Southerners and West Coasters how exciting was it to have your first ‘snow day’? That’s a rite of passage your friends from home will never experience.

We in New England get the full 4-season experience and without snow that just wouldn’t be true. The fall has its gorgeous colors and the spring and summer bring some wonderful weather to spend time outdoors, leaving winter to get a bum rap. Why are winters known as harsh, dreary, and sullen? The cold air is invigorating, a blanket of snow can make a sight more picturesque, and the activities that are snow based are absolutely exciting.

While this winter is a bit extreme, as all New Englanders know – this too will pass and as we are currently in the spring semester so think Spring! Here in the law school we have so many recurring spring activities to think about – Student Appreciation Day, Legal Follies, Law Prom, Off the Record, the BU Law 5K, the PIP Auction, Commencement. These are yearly events that are distinct signs that spring has come to BU Law. Snow exists out there but it can still be our spring semester. It can be like spring in the law tower no matter what it looks like outside!

Looking forward to mowing my lawn, Josh

Hello? Is anyone out there? Don’t turn that light off – I’m still working back here!

cooperj — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 20:07:26 +0000

Yes it’s true. While all of you head home with exams officially over we are still working to tie up loose ends of the semester and prepping for the spring semester (it’s hard to say ‘spring semester’ when there’s snow on the ground). But wait! There’s no need to be upset or start an online petition for our freedom from the tower. We will be done in a couple of days and then we actually get a week off. Although it was a fleeting moment I do appreciate your concern. But that’s a great aspect of the BU Law community. For all the care and concern we have for the students we do genuinely feel that it’s reciprocated. Plenty of warm wishes and homemade baked treats made their way to our office and it means a great deal to all of us. My belt may be working extra hard because of it but the consumption totally rests on my shoulders. All I can say on behalf of the office is thanks.

All of the seasonal good cheer got me thinking of what I could do for all of you. I don’t think baking for all of you is possible and anyhow, we have Student Appreciation Day again in February – and instead of Ben and Jerry’s it’s all you can eat Dunkin’ Donut munchkins. I could entertain you with my amazing lip syncing and dancing but Follies has already put those skills to good use.

So I think this blog is the best way for me to reach the most people. I thought long and hard about my time as a law student and what you would want most. After a good cry to recover from bringing up those repressed memories I realized I could gift all of you with what I could have used most as a law student – better means of distraction once the spring semester begins.

So as I prepped my original list I realized that faculty and other administrators might frown upon me giving you means of distraction. For that reason I changed my tack and made my selections more relevant. Listed below are a few blogs that are law related but also tie in some other interests as well. You can dig into your favorite pastimes and the law all at once! Anyhow, without further ado here are my suggestions for some great law related websites to check out when you’re looking to procrastinate you’ve done all of your studying and looking to further your legal knowledge by other means.

For those who live, breathe, and die for sports and want to know where ESPN meets IIED:
http://sports-law.blogspot.com/

Can you sue someone for wearing a really ugly dress? Is the only places where fashion and law meet for you in the choice not to wear sweats to class? Check out more on fashion law straight from the streets of NYC.
http://www.caseclothesed.com/

THR is great for entertainment news but their legal blog brings you more info on the fighting, backstabbing, and suing that makes Hollywood so much fun! http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/thr-esq

What if the full extent of the law had to be played out in the world of superheroes? Two attorneys use dry wit and sharp legal theory to discuss entertaining topics such as superpowers and the second amendment:
http://lawandthemultiverse.com/

Probably the most serious blog on this list but I know the topic is near and dear to your hearts. For example, learn how they got Four Loko off the shelves so fast:
http://www.alcoholicbeverageslawblog.com/

I hope you all have a wonderful time off, enjoy all of the holidays and come back for the next semester energized for another four great months. There is so much in store for you both inside and outside the classroom and we’ll be posting more here about the happenings around the tower.

See you in the New Year, Josh

Golden Globe nominations announced – inexplicably, law school exams continue

cooperj — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:03:27 +0000

I love going to the movies. The theater experience of sitting with my favorite candy and soda can make a crappy movie not seem totally awful. Watching them at home isn’t half bad either – Netflix in my humble opinion is as important as running water. Almost everyone enjoys the movies as a bit of escapism and for all that adoration the announcements of the Golden Globes reminded me of the one part that I hate – over the top celebrating and self-aggrandizing by a group of famous, wealthy people.

On a day where all of you are working hard studying for exams, writing papers, and filling in your blue books typing away in Examsoft the general public is discussing the acting chops of these folks. Why aren’t people talking about your hard work? Maybe we should focus on better things to celebrate.

Look at all of you. You’re working so hard and from my perspective that is as captivating and celebration worthy as any Golden Globe winner. Maybe there should be some televised special on what law school exams are all about and the great successes you have. Some may claim that in the end it would all look like some Greek tragedy but as long as no one physically hurts someone else really how could it not be ‘must see’ television?

Think about it: people hunched over desks, hunkered down in library cubicles, working in complete silence as you work your mind through legal acrobatics to answer questions that likely don’t even have a black and white answer. Tears, stress headaches, losing hair because you’re actually pulling it out. I would watch that show. A little light on the dialogue, but it would definitely have high drama.

So as things continue to happen outside of the bubble that surrounds the law tower really important things that should be celebrated are happening right here in the library and the exam rooms. Lawyers are defining themselves, starting careers under the most stressful situations to move forward to even tougher jobs down the road. You may not become as famous as a movie star or be celebrated like one but you can have a greater impact on the lives of others with the work that you do. That might not garner world wide acclaim but it’s something that you would deserve. And if there is ever a show about it I’ll be sure to watch it with my candy and soda in hand.

Happy studies, Josh