I was searching for a good motivational workout video today when I came across these two videos and was absolutely blown away. If you have a few minutes you should check them both out. Watch them in order because the first one tells the story of Dick Hoyt and his son Rick. The second video is footage of them completing the ironman triathlon - yes, the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. Incredible.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRHxHapwirw&feature=channel
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
There is hope!
So I was contacted by Best Best & Krieger today....no offer for me. This really sucks because they normally hire 12-15 summer associates, but this year it was only 7, and I was next line in both the San Diego and Riverside offices. Oh well, I have a good plan "b" at the DA's office here - just wish they paid more.
The Utah legal market is tough. Even the 100+ lawyer firms here only hire 1-3 summer associates, whereas firms in other cities often hire over 15 per office. Also, many Mormon law students go back east to top schools and want to come back to SLC to "keep the faith", so we also have to compete with them, in addition to BYU students.
I just don't get it - I was top 3% of my class after my first year of law school, I made law journal and even got published, my interview feedback has been positive, and I have legal experience. It is quite frustrating that I didn't get any offers from law firms - Utah law firms I should point out. However, it really doesn't matter because Henry Kang and I are going to start our own law firm in a couple of years which will soon be a global super power!!
A random thought - how cool was election night?!?!? Regardless of your political preference, Obama's speech was absolutely electrifying as was the energy and enthusiasm surrounding his historical win. It is amazing to me how many people refuse to accept Obama (won't watch debates, listen to speeches, etc., but take every word spewed from Fox News as gospel) and wouldn't watch his victory speech.
Luckily the majority of us sent a loud, clear message - a new political form is needed in this country and Obama is the best candidate to achieve it! Obama's victory restored the global credibility and respect America has lost during the past 8 years. Also, this week he is appointing his staff and it is rumored that some republicans are high on his list. A bipartisan approach would be a great start in my opinion, it would end the political divide that plagues the system.
McCain (not Palin) and Obama are two of the best canidates in a while. I have heard so many people say the exact opposite - that both are bad candidates -and I have to disagree. In fact, I wouldn't even say I voted against McCain (I like him), but I voted for Obama (I agree with more of his policies and he is best for the US). Think back to Bush/Kerry, Bush/Gore, Clinton/Dole, Clinton/Bush Sr.....IMO McCain vs. Obama is a better matchup.
If anyone missed his speech, here is the link. Honestly, I get chills when I hear this - it gives me inspiration and hope! History in the making! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jll5baCAaQU
The Utah legal market is tough. Even the 100+ lawyer firms here only hire 1-3 summer associates, whereas firms in other cities often hire over 15 per office. Also, many Mormon law students go back east to top schools and want to come back to SLC to "keep the faith", so we also have to compete with them, in addition to BYU students.
I just don't get it - I was top 3% of my class after my first year of law school, I made law journal and even got published, my interview feedback has been positive, and I have legal experience. It is quite frustrating that I didn't get any offers from law firms - Utah law firms I should point out. However, it really doesn't matter because Henry Kang and I are going to start our own law firm in a couple of years which will soon be a global super power!!
A random thought - how cool was election night?!?!? Regardless of your political preference, Obama's speech was absolutely electrifying as was the energy and enthusiasm surrounding his historical win. It is amazing to me how many people refuse to accept Obama (won't watch debates, listen to speeches, etc., but take every word spewed from Fox News as gospel) and wouldn't watch his victory speech.
Luckily the majority of us sent a loud, clear message - a new political form is needed in this country and Obama is the best candidate to achieve it! Obama's victory restored the global credibility and respect America has lost during the past 8 years. Also, this week he is appointing his staff and it is rumored that some republicans are high on his list. A bipartisan approach would be a great start in my opinion, it would end the political divide that plagues the system.
McCain (not Palin) and Obama are two of the best canidates in a while. I have heard so many people say the exact opposite - that both are bad candidates -and I have to disagree. In fact, I wouldn't even say I voted against McCain (I like him), but I voted for Obama (I agree with more of his policies and he is best for the US). Think back to Bush/Kerry, Bush/Gore, Clinton/Dole, Clinton/Bush Sr.....IMO McCain vs. Obama is a better matchup.
If anyone missed his speech, here is the link. Honestly, I get chills when I hear this - it gives me inspiration and hope! History in the making! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jll5baCAaQU
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Settling in at the U
As expected, the experience of transferring to the U has been like starting all over again. Meeting new people, getting to know professors and faculty, and new surroundings have all made the past few months feel like my first year again. However, I am now feeling much more comfortable here. The U seems more laid back than Thomas Jefferson, although I am not sure if it's just being a 2L (first year is scary and intimidating!) or just the differences between schools. That being said I do have a test next Thursday that I need to cram for!
Much has happened since September: my note for the Journal of Law and Family Studies for publication (I will post a link to it for those who are super bored!), I started working for the DA's office (crim law rules), I am very close to getting an offer from Best Best & Krieger for this summer, and I am now president of the U's new Business Law Society (business law rules too). My Accounting for Lawyers professor just started here after teaching at Loyola Law School in Chicago for the last 13 years. He helped establish a Business Law Society there and asked me to help him do the same here. We have some really cool events forthcoming - Tara....you should join! We are going to tour the Zions Bank trading floor and Huntsman business headquarters, (and others...like Xango!), organize guest speakers and panels at the law school, and establish a mentoring program so students can see what the real business law world is like from practicing attorneys here in Salt Lake. Yay!
One of the toughest parts about being a law student is choosing a particular area to focus on. This is probably obvious from the things I am doing: family law, criminal law, and business law. But hey, why not get to learn about multiple areas? Besides if I ever have a client who is arrested while simultaneously going through a divorce and starting a business, think of the cost effective service I could provide :) Or, I suppose white collar criminal law combines business law and criminal defense or prosecution. Who knows?
Do you all think I should where my judge outfit (including powdered wig) to the DA's office tomorrow? I can't wait for the party tomorrow night....jello shooters, here I come!!!!!!
Much has happened since September: my note for the Journal of Law and Family Studies for publication (I will post a link to it for those who are super bored!), I started working for the DA's office (crim law rules), I am very close to getting an offer from Best Best & Krieger for this summer, and I am now president of the U's new Business Law Society (business law rules too). My Accounting for Lawyers professor just started here after teaching at Loyola Law School in Chicago for the last 13 years. He helped establish a Business Law Society there and asked me to help him do the same here. We have some really cool events forthcoming - Tara....you should join! We are going to tour the Zions Bank trading floor and Huntsman business headquarters, (and others...like Xango!), organize guest speakers and panels at the law school, and establish a mentoring program so students can see what the real business law world is like from practicing attorneys here in Salt Lake. Yay!
One of the toughest parts about being a law student is choosing a particular area to focus on. This is probably obvious from the things I am doing: family law, criminal law, and business law. But hey, why not get to learn about multiple areas? Besides if I ever have a client who is arrested while simultaneously going through a divorce and starting a business, think of the cost effective service I could provide :) Or, I suppose white collar criminal law combines business law and criminal defense or prosecution. Who knows?
Do you all think I should where my judge outfit (including powdered wig) to the DA's office tomorrow? I can't wait for the party tomorrow night....jello shooters, here I come!!!!!!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
My Favorite Girls!
So the other day I was feeling quite sorry for myself because I haven't yet landed the "high paying, big firm, sexy job" (however, the DA's office will be great & who knows Best Best Krieger could call any day). Anyhow, I was walking up to the house feeling a bit blue; then I walked in and was greeted by the cutest witch and pirate I have ever seen! The doom and gloom immediately vanished and I realized how lucky I am. We then headed off to my Law Journal's Halloween party (did you know I am on the "party planning committee") where we ate pizza and candy, and watched "Hocus Pocus." What was a "bad day" turned out to be a great night! Thanks Summer and Kaia!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Back from a lengthy Hiatus
I haven't posted for a really long time, but after reading the blogs of Summer, Andrew, and Shauna, I felt inspired to post. Tonight was a bit rough because Kaia had a nagging cough. I went in her room and was holding her and she said "I want to watch sleeping beauty." Being the sucker that I am I set up a bed on the couch and started the move because she always falls right back asleep. However, just as we were getting comfy she started coughing and threw up all over me. Those of you watching her this weekend need not worry - this wasn't a "flu-like" episode, simply a cough turned into a gag turned into..well you get the picture.
So, after a shower and getting Kaia back to bed (Sleeping Beauty is playing right now & Kaia is fast asleep on the couch), here I am. Whenever it is the eve of a trip I simply cannot sleep. I am so excited to get back to So Cal and see our friends. Plus I always wait until the morning of a trip to pack - not a good idea when your plane leaves in less than 8 hrs. Oh well, that's what coffee is for.
I have had a great Fall Break, although it has gone by much too fast and I haven't done near the amount of catching up I had hoped to. Oh well, what are breaks for? That's right....trips to San Diego! Lol I always bring my laptop and books with the grand idea that I will study while traveling....yeah right! Perhaps I can read a bit on the plane though.
Wow am I boring. Not sure how the rest of you all keep your blogs so entertaining. I need to have Summer show me how to post pics, etc. Hell, Andrew posts videos of his guitar solos - how am I supposed to match that? Maybe it's time to dust off the old alto sax.
Who is excited for our Halloween party? I can't wait!!!!
So, after a shower and getting Kaia back to bed (Sleeping Beauty is playing right now & Kaia is fast asleep on the couch), here I am. Whenever it is the eve of a trip I simply cannot sleep. I am so excited to get back to So Cal and see our friends. Plus I always wait until the morning of a trip to pack - not a good idea when your plane leaves in less than 8 hrs. Oh well, that's what coffee is for.
I have had a great Fall Break, although it has gone by much too fast and I haven't done near the amount of catching up I had hoped to. Oh well, what are breaks for? That's right....trips to San Diego! Lol I always bring my laptop and books with the grand idea that I will study while traveling....yeah right! Perhaps I can read a bit on the plane though.
Wow am I boring. Not sure how the rest of you all keep your blogs so entertaining. I need to have Summer show me how to post pics, etc. Hell, Andrew posts videos of his guitar solos - how am I supposed to match that? Maybe it's time to dust off the old alto sax.
Who is excited for our Halloween party? I can't wait!!!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
TIME TO PUT SOME FLOWERS IN OUR HAIR.....
Well, I got some great news yesterday - I was accepted to UC Hastings School of Law in San Francisco. This school is the oldest law school in the Western United States and has a very prestigious reputation, not only in California, but nationally as well. It is located in downtown San Francisco right next to the California Supreme Court and within walking distance from the financial district.
Transferring to Hastings is a no-brainer! University of San Diego was a tough call and I am not sure what I would have done had I not been accepted to Hastings. However, Hastings is an incredible, solid first tier law school and I am literally in awe that I was accepted and excited (and scared) as hell to start this fall. Several hundred law firms and organizations recruit at Hastings and the emloyment rate for graduates is roughly 95% with an average starting salary of just under $100k/year. These statistics, together with the curriculum and clinical offerings at Hastings offer to good of an opportunity to pass up. Hastings offers concentrations on family law, criminal law, and civil litigation, which are my three main legal interests and also offers more clinical programs than most schools.
Classes begin at the end of August so we have lots of work to do between now and then, e.g. find a nice place in the Bay Area, pack our belongings, and drive north 7 hours - I don't think it will be as taxing as the move from Salt Lake to San Diego was, however. The toughest part is up-rooting Summer and Kaia again as they have truly thrived in San Diego and have made a number of close friends. This is clearly difficult, but it is definitely worth it as I will be much more marketable as a lawyer with a degree from Hastings and we will all be better off in the long run.
There is an ever so slight chance I won't be going to Hastings if I get accepted to UC Berekely. However, it is also in the bay area so we would essentially move to the same place regardless of whether I attend Berkeley or Hastings. There is also a chance I may get into UCLA which would require some serious thought as it is perhaps the top school in Southern California. Also, the University of Utah is reviewing my transfer application and I competed in their law review write-on competition, so if I get accepted there and also make law review, that would be another potential option.
For all intents and purposes we are planning on moving to San Francicso where I will attend UC Hastings. Summer and kaia have been so great and I am forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made in order for me to realize my law school dream. I am sure they will again adapt well to a new city and you all will enjoy coming to visit as much or more as you have in San Diego.
After all, it is the city where Tony Benett claims to have left his heart...
P.S. Below are a couple of links that give some information about UC Hastings:
Transferring to Hastings is a no-brainer! University of San Diego was a tough call and I am not sure what I would have done had I not been accepted to Hastings. However, Hastings is an incredible, solid first tier law school and I am literally in awe that I was accepted and excited (and scared) as hell to start this fall. Several hundred law firms and organizations recruit at Hastings and the emloyment rate for graduates is roughly 95% with an average starting salary of just under $100k/year. These statistics, together with the curriculum and clinical offerings at Hastings offer to good of an opportunity to pass up. Hastings offers concentrations on family law, criminal law, and civil litigation, which are my three main legal interests and also offers more clinical programs than most schools.
Classes begin at the end of August so we have lots of work to do between now and then, e.g. find a nice place in the Bay Area, pack our belongings, and drive north 7 hours - I don't think it will be as taxing as the move from Salt Lake to San Diego was, however. The toughest part is up-rooting Summer and Kaia again as they have truly thrived in San Diego and have made a number of close friends. This is clearly difficult, but it is definitely worth it as I will be much more marketable as a lawyer with a degree from Hastings and we will all be better off in the long run.
There is an ever so slight chance I won't be going to Hastings if I get accepted to UC Berekely. However, it is also in the bay area so we would essentially move to the same place regardless of whether I attend Berkeley or Hastings. There is also a chance I may get into UCLA which would require some serious thought as it is perhaps the top school in Southern California. Also, the University of Utah is reviewing my transfer application and I competed in their law review write-on competition, so if I get accepted there and also make law review, that would be another potential option.
For all intents and purposes we are planning on moving to San Francicso where I will attend UC Hastings. Summer and kaia have been so great and I am forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made in order for me to realize my law school dream. I am sure they will again adapt well to a new city and you all will enjoy coming to visit as much or more as you have in San Diego.
After all, it is the city where Tony Benett claims to have left his heart...
P.S. Below are a couple of links that give some information about UC Hastings:
Sunday, July 6, 2008
TRANSFERRING LAW SCHOOLS - THE CAUSE OF MY INSOMNIA
Before I enrolled in law school at Thomas Jefferson, I set a goal to transfer to a higher ranked school if I could place near the top of my class. I remember hoping for a rank in the top 20% which would make a potential transfer possible. Well, my current rank is 6th out of 224 students which places me in the top 2.5% of my class after the first year. Of course this thrills me and I now realize that transferring is no longer a possibility, but a reality.
I applied to 7 schools for potential transfer (I always tend to overdo things a bit): UCLA, University of San Diego, UC Hastings (in San Fran.), U of U, UC Berkeley, Georgetown, and George Washington (both in DC). I was not accepted to Georgetown, however I recently learned I have been accepted to transfer to U of San Diego (USD) and am waiting to hear from the rest. USD has the best reputation of the San Diego law schools by far, so one would think transferring is a no brainer. However, if I transfer, I have to give up my spot on law review as well as my class rank because I will obviously no longer be at Thomas Jefferson. It is still possible to write on to USD's law review and I can try to claw my way towards the top of the class there as well. What is making it super tough is the fact that Thomas Jefferson offered me a fellowship that - when added to my scholarship - covers 75% of my tuition.
I will be calling the financial aid department at USD tomorrow to set up a meeting to see if they can ease the burden of their $40k/year tuition - that's right $40k/year tuition :( However, they have an 80% first time bar passage rate for the CA bar compared to a 56% percent passage at Thomas Jefferson. I think I will pass the bar on my first try regardless of which school I attend, however, the job prospects from a USD graduate are much greater than a Thomas Jefferson graduate.
In the meantime, I will be watching the mailbox every day to see where else I get accepted. If it is UCLA or Berkeley, my bags are packed as they are two of the most prestigious schools in the nation. UCLA is ranked about 15th and Berkeley is 6th, while UC Hastings is ranked 35th, the U of U is 53rd, and George Washington is 20th. Thomas Jefferson is a tier 4 school, meaning it is somewhere between 150th - 200th, due in large part to the fact that it has only been accredited for 12 years. USD is currently ranked 85th. This ranking does not reflect USD's reputation in California, however, as the alumni network and job prospects are some of the best of any California school. Also, the school was ranked 50th a couple of years ago, but apparantley the career services office failed to submit employment data on time to US News - the ranking authority for schools - leading to a plummet in recent rankings. I should also note that Thomas Jefferson is most likely on its way up the charts because of a brand new downtown campus in the works and a bar passage rate that continually increases.
The hardest part is that I personally think the ranking system is a bunch of crap. I have had a great experience at Thomas Jefferson and feel the legal education I have received thus far is as good as any other law school. The reality, however, is that leading law firms generally recruit from the higher ranked schools as they have usually been around longer and are better known.
Time will tell I guess..... "Should I stay or should I go now....."
I applied to 7 schools for potential transfer (I always tend to overdo things a bit): UCLA, University of San Diego, UC Hastings (in San Fran.), U of U, UC Berkeley, Georgetown, and George Washington (both in DC). I was not accepted to Georgetown, however I recently learned I have been accepted to transfer to U of San Diego (USD) and am waiting to hear from the rest. USD has the best reputation of the San Diego law schools by far, so one would think transferring is a no brainer. However, if I transfer, I have to give up my spot on law review as well as my class rank because I will obviously no longer be at Thomas Jefferson. It is still possible to write on to USD's law review and I can try to claw my way towards the top of the class there as well. What is making it super tough is the fact that Thomas Jefferson offered me a fellowship that - when added to my scholarship - covers 75% of my tuition.
I will be calling the financial aid department at USD tomorrow to set up a meeting to see if they can ease the burden of their $40k/year tuition - that's right $40k/year tuition :( However, they have an 80% first time bar passage rate for the CA bar compared to a 56% percent passage at Thomas Jefferson. I think I will pass the bar on my first try regardless of which school I attend, however, the job prospects from a USD graduate are much greater than a Thomas Jefferson graduate.
In the meantime, I will be watching the mailbox every day to see where else I get accepted. If it is UCLA or Berkeley, my bags are packed as they are two of the most prestigious schools in the nation. UCLA is ranked about 15th and Berkeley is 6th, while UC Hastings is ranked 35th, the U of U is 53rd, and George Washington is 20th. Thomas Jefferson is a tier 4 school, meaning it is somewhere between 150th - 200th, due in large part to the fact that it has only been accredited for 12 years. USD is currently ranked 85th. This ranking does not reflect USD's reputation in California, however, as the alumni network and job prospects are some of the best of any California school. Also, the school was ranked 50th a couple of years ago, but apparantley the career services office failed to submit employment data on time to US News - the ranking authority for schools - leading to a plummet in recent rankings. I should also note that Thomas Jefferson is most likely on its way up the charts because of a brand new downtown campus in the works and a bar passage rate that continually increases.
The hardest part is that I personally think the ranking system is a bunch of crap. I have had a great experience at Thomas Jefferson and feel the legal education I have received thus far is as good as any other law school. The reality, however, is that leading law firms generally recruit from the higher ranked schools as they have usually been around longer and are better known.
Time will tell I guess..... "Should I stay or should I go now....."
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
My First Post!
Hello Everyone -
I thought it would be a good time to finally break the ice and write my first post. I need Summer to show me how to paste links and photos to my page, so there will be nothing fancy for a bit.
I got some good news yesterday - my summer internship qualifies for federal work study, meaning I will start getting paid! I wasn't aware of this until now which is a shame because I worked 92 hours in June for FREE. I love what I am doing though and now it will be even sweeter knowing I get some money. Hell, it costs me $5 every day just to drive to the court house and back!!!!
We are thinking of driving up to SLC and hanging out the first week of August. Originally we were going to come up for Kaia's 3rd birthday on September 2, but I will be too busy with school and we wouldn't be able to spend more than a few days.
I realize this post is incredibly dull compared to Summer's, Shauna's, and our new blogging superstar - Andrew Scheier. However, I will be posting some fun stuff soon with guidance from blog-goddess Summer.
I thought it would be a good time to finally break the ice and write my first post. I need Summer to show me how to paste links and photos to my page, so there will be nothing fancy for a bit.
I got some good news yesterday - my summer internship qualifies for federal work study, meaning I will start getting paid! I wasn't aware of this until now which is a shame because I worked 92 hours in June for FREE. I love what I am doing though and now it will be even sweeter knowing I get some money. Hell, it costs me $5 every day just to drive to the court house and back!!!!
We are thinking of driving up to SLC and hanging out the first week of August. Originally we were going to come up for Kaia's 3rd birthday on September 2, but I will be too busy with school and we wouldn't be able to spend more than a few days.
I realize this post is incredibly dull compared to Summer's, Shauna's, and our new blogging superstar - Andrew Scheier. However, I will be posting some fun stuff soon with guidance from blog-goddess Summer.
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