THE COLUMBUS SCHOOL OF LAW’S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER November 7, 2014 Volume X1X, Issue 13 Inside this Issue: Calendar of Events Academic Affairs Student Services THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA L AW S C H O O L C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S : FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7through FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Friday, November 7 First Year Friday Reception: First Year Students and Alumni Mentor Reception with keynote speaker, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky ’75, Senior International Partner, WilmerHale, 5:30—7:30 pm, Atrium. Monday, November 10 Faith in Action Program: The Law of the Holy Places in the Holy Land with Professor Breger @ 12:30 pm, Room 213. R.s.v.p. [email protected] Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans Day. School in Session. Discussion on Internships in Criminal Prosecution @ 12:30 pm, Room 208 Thursday, November 13 Saint John Paul II Guild of Catholic Lawyers hosts the Mirror of Justice Lecture – Children are Different: A Constitutional and Moral Call to Action given by Professor Cara Drinan @ 4 pm, Slowinski Courtroom. Reception to follow. Friday, November 14 First Year Friday: Exam-Taking Strategies and Techniques @ 6 pm, Auditorium. Pizza and salad available beginning at 5:30 pm. Coming Soon… Monday, November 17 Interfaith Prayer Gathering: A Season for Giving Thanks @ 5:15 pm, Room 312C. R.s.v.p. [email protected] Tuesday, November 18 Office of Student Support presents Dog Therapy Day @ 12:30 pm, Student Lounge Thursday, November 20 Faculty Luncheon Speaker Series @ 12:10 pm, Room 220 Faculty Meeting @ 3:15 pm, Room 220 Brendan Brown Lecture - Unconventional Responses to the Unique Catastrophes: Tailoring the Law to Meet the Challenges with Kenneth M. Feinberg, Esq., Feinberg Rozen, LLP @ 5 pm, Slowinski Courtroom. Reception to follow. Friday, November 21 3rd Annual Toast Our Troops, 6—10 pm, Union Pub Monday, November 24 SCOTUS Moot @ 9:30 am , Slowinski Courtroom Law School Christmas Tree Lighting @ 1 pm, Atrium Wednesday, November 26 – Sunday, November 30 – Thanksgiving Break Monday, December 1 – Tuesday, December 2 – Reading Days Tuesday, December 2 21st Annual Pancake Supper @ 7:30 pm, Law School Café. Wednesday, December 3 - Wednesday, December 17 – Final Exams Monday, December 22 – Friday, January 2 – Christmas Break Thursday, January 8 – Classes Resume Class of 2017 The Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) began individual meetings with each first year CUA Law student on October 20th. Please check your hanging file (by the student lockers) for a memorandum from our office with an assigned date and time to meet with a career advisor. This meeting will provide you with important information and access to our online jobs database Symplicity. Thank you, OCPD Evening Student? Can’t get the help you need during the 9 to 5? The Office of Financial Aid has new late hours: Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Outside Scholarship Opportunity Richard Linn American Inn of Court Mark T. Banner Scholarship (Applications due 11/12/2014) Awards $5,000 payable for the Fall semester of second or third year of law school. The scholarship is open to all students currently enrolled in a ABA accredited law school who are interested in pursuing a career in intellectual property law, and are a member of a historically underrepresented group in IP law (including race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability). Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLC Diversity Scholars Awards (Applications due 12/12/2014) Awards a scholarship of up to $2,500 to a deserving second year law student in each region where the Firm has offices. These awards recognize the achievements of students who have demonstrated an interest in diversity. The awards are made to students based upon academic achievement, commitment to diversity in the student’s community, school or work environment; and personal achievement in overcoming challenges to reach his or her goals. Donald W. Banner Diversity Scholarship (Applications due 1/5/2015) Beginning September 15, 2014, Banner & Witcoff will begin accepting applications for the Donald W. Banner Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship is part of the firm’s commitment to fostering the development of intellectual property lawyers from diverse backgrounds. Applicants must be a member of an historically under represented group, and must have exemplary writing and oral communication skills. * Check future editions of HeadNotes for more scholarship opportunities. We are in room 340 of the Law School, from 9-5 daily, but until 7:00 pm on Tuesdays.. You are always welcome to email us at [email protected]. We look forward to working with you. Bart Himel, Financial Aid Coordinator David Schrock, Director Visit the Law and Social Justice Initiatives Web page: http://law.cua.edu/lawandsocialjusticeinitiatives/ See our full calendar of Public Interest Events on the L&SJI Website INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia is accepting applications for judicial internship positions for spring 2015. Interns will research substantive and procedural legal issues and draft written recommendations for resolving those issues. They will also be responsible for detailed editing and citation checking. Additionally, interns will have regular opportunities to observe court proceedings. This unpaid internship is open to all law students. Interns during the semester are expected to work a minimum of 15 hours per week, preferably over two full days a week. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, transcript (unofficial is accepted), a short (15 pages or less) writing sample that reflects the applicant’s research and analytical skills, and a list of three references. Please send all applications via email to [email protected] by November 25, 2014. Please do not mail applications. Also, please title the subject line as follows: Spring 2015 Intern Application: [applicant’s name] Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Questions may be directed to chambers via phone at 202-354-3460 or to the above email address. The Center for Children’s Law and Policy (CCLP) seeks first- and second-year law student applicants for its 2015 spring and summer internship programs. CCLP is a public interest law and policy organization focused on reform of juvenile justice and other systems that affect troubled and at-risk children, and protection of the rights of children in those systems. The Center’s work covers a range of activities including research, writing, public education, media advocacy, training, technical assistance, administrative and legislative advocacy, and litigation. Based in Washington, DC, the Center’s staff work with federal, state, and local officials throughout the country on a range of issues that include reducing the unnecessary incarceration of youth, promoting racial and ethnic justice, and eliminating dangerous and inhumane conditions in facilities that house children. The Center’s summer internship program provides law students with valuable work experience in the areas of juvenile justice, reform of public agencies and systems, and racial justice, as well as an opportunity to make substantive contributions to the Center’s projects. Interns will have the opportunity to attend legislative hearings, research substantive law and policy issues, and learn about the work of other organizations in Washington, DC that are working to improve the lives of at-risk youth. CCLP generally hires two interns for its summer program. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in legal and policy advocacy for youth in the juvenile justice system. Strong consideration will be given to applicants with relevant work experience and course work. Applicants should have excellent research and communication skills and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and a commitment improving the lives of troubled and at-risk youth. Internships are unpaid, and applicants must be willing to commit to a minimum of ten weeks of full-time employment. Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Staff Attorney Jason Szanyi at [email protected] with the subject line “2014 Summer Internship Application.” For more information on the Center, visit www.cclp.org. The Center for Children’s Law and Policy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, ethnic background, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. D.C. BAR PRO BONO PROGRAM -- VOLUNTEER LEGAL INTERN A volunteer legal internship is available beginning January 2015 at the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program for a law student, focusing primarily on client intake and supporting the management of our various pro bono programs. The Pro Bono Program recruits, trains, and mobilizes volunteer attorneys to take pro bono cases serving individuals living in poverty who are at risk of losing their homes, their livelihoods, and their families. The program also helps small businesses and community-based nonprofits needing legal help. Last year, the Pro Bono Program touched the lives of 20,000 D.C. residents. This is a part-time, unpaid internship during the spring semester with the possibility of a continued internship during the summer break. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can commit to working a minimum of fourteen hours as two full days per week. There is no compensation for this position, however the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program will consider a law student who has fellowship or grant money for public interest employment. Additionally, the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program will provide support to students seeking academic credit for their work. The law student reports to a Managing Attorney. The volunteer legal intern may provide support to various pro bono projects, including the Advocacy and Justice Clinic, Health Care Access Project, Probate Resource Center, Landlord Tenant Resource Center, Consumer Law Resource Center, and the Immigration Legal Advice and Referral Clinic. Specific pro bono opportunities may include: 1. Interviewing prospective clients and assisting in the screening of cases before the case is placed with a pro bono attorney. 2. Helping coordinate arrangements and logistics for clinics. 3. Maintaining contact with clients and prepares client case files. 4. Helping maintain the Pro Bono Program database of clients and volunteers. 5. Providing legal research as needed. 6. Assisting with updating online pro bono and pro se materials in various substantive law areas, including but not limited to public benefits and family law. 7. Drafting forms, materials, reports, correspondence, notices and other documents. 8. Interviewing customers at court-based resource centers and assisting in screening the customers before they meet with an attorney. APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS 1. A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university and completion of at least one year of law school. 3. Demonstrated commitment to public interest law. 4. Excellent oral and written communication skill with an ability to write clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences. 5. Excellent organizational abilities, attention to detail, and ability to manage several priorities in a day. 6. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop good working relationships with staff, clients, and attorney, paralegal, and law student volunteers. 7. Spanish-speaking capabilities a plus. HOW TO APPLY Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and resume no later than November 18th to: Vanessa Batters-Thompson, Managing Attorney vbatters-thompson@dcbar.<orgmailto:[email protected]> JOBS The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has just launched an app for searching for jobs and externships within DOJ. Currently only the iOS version is available, but an Android version is coming. Here is the information on the iTunes page: “DOJ Law Jobs is a quick and easy way to find an attorney job or law student internship with the nation’s largest legal employer, the U.S. Department of Justice. Searches are simple, fastloading, and allow users to find jobs in desired locations. DOJ Law Jobs is a must have app for lawyers and law students who want to find attorney jobs and legal internships at the U.S. Department of Justice. Features of DOJ Law Jobs: •Creates personalized searches based on practice area, geographic preference, and hiring organization. •Provides instructions on how to apply to attorney jobs and legal internships. •Saves search criteria for quick access to future opportunities. •Save, share, and email your favorite jobs. •Access to hundreds of attorney jobs and legal internships at the U.S. Department of Justice.” AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) seeks a paralegal to work 20 hours per week during tax season 2015 and a few weeks beyond, to assist with LCE's Schedule H Tax Project. The salary is $22/hour. The position will begin on January 5 and continue to May 22, 2015. LCE champions the rights of seniors by providing free legal services to low-income DC residents age 60 and older. Schedule H is a DC tax credit for low-income individuals with high housing costs, providing a benefit of up to $1,000 per year. LCE's Schedule H Tax Project assists low-income seniors who do not need to file a full tax return. LCE staff and volunteers meet with clients, assist them with filling out the Schedule H forms, advise them regarding supporting documentation, and follow up with the Office of Tax Revenue regarding disposition. The paralegal will be responsible for overseeing scheduling of appointments, maintaining a data base of clients, ensuring proper case file handling, and assisting with pro bono clinics. In addition, the paralegal will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, assisting them with their Schedule H applications. To apply, submit a resume and two references to Rochelle Bobroff, Senior Attorney for Systemic Reform, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, rbobroff@aarp.<orgmailto:[email protected]>. PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES Short-term and longer-term pro bono projects are listed on the CUA Law Pro Bono TWEN page. You also may create your own pro bono project. We encourage you to take the Pro Bono Challenge. Through the Pro Bono Challenge, CUA students pledge to complete varying levels of pro bono service during their three or four years of law school. Students can pledge at any of the following levels and will be recognized accordingly: One pro bono project of any duration 25 hours of pro bono (Pro Bono Service Honors Certificate; notation in graduation bulletin) 50 hours of pro bono (Outstanding Pro Bono Service Honors Certificate; graduation bulletin) 75+ hours of pro bono (Exceptional Pro Bono Service Honors Certificate; graduation bulletin) Here are typical projects: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Clinic with CASA de MD on 11/15 in Hyattsville: http://tinyurl.com/odjrmnq Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at CUA Law: http://tinyurl.com/nyq4k88 2014 VITA Program Are you interested in helping low-income taxpayers prepare their returns at CUA Law this spring? If so, you may become trained to serve as a Tax Preparer as part of the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program! Tax Preparers interview customers and prepare their federal and state income tax returns. While helpful, Preparers do not need to have significant individual income tax preparation experience - all Preparers will be trained and subsequently certified by the IRS. More info is available here: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers Paul Kurth with the Consumer Protection Project at CCLS plans to coordinate the third annual VITA project at CUA Law next semester. He would like to get a sense as to potential interest among students. Volunteers must be willing to: 1. Participate in a training program to take place in January to become certified; and 2. Commit to at least one shift (generally 3-4 hours) per week during tax season (February - April) at CUA Law. Best efforts will be made to accommodate students' schedules. If you can reasonably predict that you’ll be willing and able to make the above commitment, sign up on the Pro Bono at CUA Law TWEN page to receive updates. PAID FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY! For Second Year (day and evening) and Third Year Evening Students BECOME A DEAN’S ACADEMIC FELLOW Continuing the Columbus School of Law’s commitment to first-rate legal education and service to others, we are recruiting new academic fellows to provide first-year students critical studyskills support, while developing your leadership, professional and problem-solving skills. The Position Description and Application are available on the Academic Excellence Program’s TWEN site under Dean’s Academic Fellow Position Description and Application Spring 2015. You may also stop by the Office of Academic Affairs, Room 343 to pick up an application. You may return your application any time between now and Friday, November 07 at 5:00 p.m. Questions? Contact Maura DeMouy, Assistant Dean for Student Support at [email protected] DON’T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY!! WRITING COMPETITIONS Description and details on all of the writing competitions, fellowships and scholarships mentioned can be viewed in Suite 341 (Ask for the Writing Competition Folders.) TITLE DEADLINE AWARD ASECA Securities Writing Competition November 15, 2014 $5000, $3000, $2000 Victoria Fisher Memorial Prize 2014 November 30, 2014 £ 250 American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers 2015 Writing Competition December 1, 2014 $2,500, $2,000, $1,000 Mollie and Paul Hill Student Writing Competition January 2, 2015 $250 17th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition January 6, 2015 $5,000, $1,500 First Annual Jameson Crane III Disability And the Law Writing Competition January 15, 2015 $1,500, $1,000, $1,000 Pacific Legal Foundation Law Student Writing Competition January 16, 2015 $2,000 $1,000 Louis Jackon National Student Writing Competition January 20, 2015 $3,000, $1,000, $1,000 Animal Law Writing Contest February 15, 2015 $2,500 Louis Tertocha Fashion Law Writing Competition March 23, 2015 Beveridge & Diamon Constitutional Environmental Law Writing Competition April 6, 2015 $2,000 ABA Section of Labor & Employment Law Annual Law Student Writing Competition May 15, 2015 $1,500, $1,000, $500
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