Posts Tagged law school
Coping with Law School: an upgrade from undergrad
THE iPhone is going to help me so much.
Pandora Thomas Newman is far too dramatic for maintaining concentration (but is an amazing station normally), but the Piano Solo Genre station may work. Apart from having a calm melody to temper my thoughts while studying, I am empowered to create less distracting ambient noise to replace the horrible situations on a commute, etc.
Calendars, contacts, “scanning” by photo, quick uploads/backups/access anywhere. Oh man the iPhone is the best phone.
I would get one immediately no matter what the current part of your educational career is. If I had this during undergrad I predict at least an 0.1 better cumulative GPA and a lot less stress.
The con, I guess? Potential distraction!
Chicago in June with some thoughts on MMO’s
The Waiting Game
Two waitlists, one committed accept ($$) and one reserve (huh?) still comprise law school results. I ought to hear from Cornell within a week or less and may visit Nashville early in July, but I will start planning concretely to move to Boston around July 15.
Law hasn’t taken up too much time thus far this summer. A History of American Law is still in the works but I should be finishing up very soon. A lot of it is interesting, some parts are spinachy. Most of my to-do list going in has more to do with habits and discipline than reading over subject matter, but I’ll definitely go for one or two more law books before August.
June in Chicago
Andrew has left and most everyone is working or studying, so things have been quiet this week. Earlier I raced Gilbert to 242 stars on SMG2 then, to fill a gap, chased down victory on Shining Force 2 off a tip from both him and my brother.
New Game List
All this gaming has inspired me to reorganize my favorite games, especially because what’s come out recently has started to shine like the old school hits. In molding and discussing it I found three key distinctions.
First, over a long time some games lose their appeal (Age of Empires, Cyber Speedway, Fifa World Cup 2002) while others do not (Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger). The properties of games and design decisions that go into them that ensure timelessness are very nebulous and can vary from person to person, time to time, and genre to genre, but personally, in the present they include some or all of these four qualities: 1) Sentimentally memorable or storyline-rich 2) Rich in shared personal experiences or meaning multiplayer episodes 3) Masterfully and memorably scored 4) Brilliant by toying with the boundaries of a genre or experimenting with new mechanics.
Second, getting started with the list pretty much revolved around my Final Fantasy order. I used some rough subjective input followed by averaging for the lower 60 games, and hand ordered the top 30 or so. VI (1), IV (3), T (4), VII (6), XI (12), VIII (15), I (24), IX (27), XII (59), XIII (82), X (83), V (93), II (99), III (100) was the outcome. X-2 didn’t make it.
Third, I had a tough time deciding where MMO’s fit in. Previously they were all easy to jam at the top because of my utter enchantment a la Everquest. At that time I had not fully plunged myself into one for an expansion or two worth of content. Now that I have they are no longer the greatest thing in the world as I have learned there are dire tradeoffs involved in playing.
MMO’s are thus demoted from the indisputable lead and enshrined roughly between the pantheon and the legendary games. During their peak I traded intellectual stimulation, job security, and amazing friends for a very satisfying gaming experience, the opportunity to be the very best at something, and another pool of amazing friends. Sadly, I must have judged that that trade was worth it at the time.
Now, years later, I have little to show for the gaming experience, realize that to be the very best at something that isn’t financially productive is a crushing mistake, and my pool of amazing friends has dwindled below where I wish it could be. That last one is the one that really matters, but I realized something when comparing COD4 and Halo 3 to MMO’s. All my friends from those FPS’es (finite, escapable console game) are still great friends and are doing fine or exceptionally in life. On the other hand, many from WoW, FFXI are either still involved and thus have no reason to talk to me, or have lost touch.
Based on my experience, then, I’ve really begun to think that MMO friendships built around hardcore play are illusory and ultimately destructive.
Anyhow
Check out the list and let me know what you think. Not sure if I’ll be writing extensively for each game like the last one but it feels good to have the new order hashed out.
For tomorrow we sail for the kingdom of Duke
John Gilbert, a true and appreciated friend, has decided to tie the knot. Doubt I would have done it any sooner, but I am surprised he is the first of my group of friends from Duke.
Duke. Where we went and where I return for the first time in five years. Work and life have kept me too busy to fully appreciate the gravitas of this trip, but I have no doubt that upon arrival I will be stirred violently. Returning to campus, seeing the chapel, walking and talking where I for just one year acquired a flood of invaluable knowledge, and lobbying the law school to let me back in, as it were, will fill me with emotions that I cannot predict and probably won’t be able to describe.
I’d do well to get over it and quick because a few hours into the trip I’m interviewing with a Duke Law adcom, hopefully giving me at least a marginal boost. Rehearsal in front of the airplane lavatory window? I think so.
Afterward it will be all fun, all reunion, all wedding. I have looked forward to this day more than nearly anything before it; I hope it is spectacular.
5 day, 5 week, 5 month, 5 year plan
One choice for a law school essay instructed applicants to describe how the particular school’s program would fit into their “five year plan.” I chose a separate essay, but ruminating on this question along with multiple other obsessive short, mid, and long-term plans inspired me to write this post. Being able to take stock of your plans on multiple dimensions like this can help stabilize your life if you ever feel that it’s random, chaotic, or otherwise directionless.
Five Days
Get my wind back, succeed in November at work
A couple of weeks ago, to avoid the winter lung attack and to get into shape Andrew and I committed to Lakeview Athletic Club for a year. So far every day has been a mix of struggle and victory, leading to feelings of wondrous exhaustion the following mornings. I’ve talked to many people about my goals and can’t really articulate them that well. But among them:
-Fit into a medium tee
-Lose the geek frame; reduce my thickness below the belly to thickness above ratio
-Have enough physical strength and energy to spill over into boosts for mentally exhausting tasks
Anyway, more concretely, for the next week I’d really like to get my wind back, get past that initial hurdle that makes you sickeningly sore every day, and start on an upward climb to some seriously ambitious goals.
With respect to numbers at work, last month was incredible. So far this month we need to pick it up as we’re hovering around a 100% (just meeting goal) trend, but my personal goal is to hit at least 110% for November and December so as to be competitive for a downtown transfer directly after the holidays.
Five Weeks
Survive the onset of winter, start climbing the wall, hear from more law schools, get a new job
Winter is going to be hell for me on days that my dear and generous coworker can’t give me a ride. It will indeed be the winter of my discontent. As another prolific wordsmith once said though, I will survive.
By climbing the wall I mean to gain enough upper body strength to effortlessly perform 10 pullups, or boulder a few pegs on the climbing wall. Should I hit this target my upper body should be on its way to shredded!
Anxiety is taking over re: law as two key letter writers have not yet sent their LORs. Once they’re in I’ll be submitted everywhere, but right now I’m only accepted at AL and pending at UT and BU. This is nerve wracking as the applicant pool almost certainly will be jam-packed. I don’t want to go to T14 for Biglaw, completely, rather I’d like to maximize my options geographically and with respect to sector and field.
Then, on the job front, I’d like to either be tutoring full-time or transferred to within an hour’s commute for AT&T. Either way, I hope that the holidays help me to amass cash to give me some freedom for the months leading into law school.
Five Months
Continue to develop a love for law, bench 250, meet new people, travel the country
Bob Woodward’s The Brethren has begun to radiate, and Toobin’s The Nine along with many more books and podcasts should follow. This stuff is very cool.
I moved downtown to meet new people, and although that end was crippled by my denial of transfer, the post-December outlook ought to allow for a lot more goings-out. In addition to meeting new people locally I’d love to move around and meet new potential classmates while visiting law schools, visit new and old friends before the onslaught, and stay connected with my dear family.
Five Years
Ah, the challenging one.
Here, overall, I’d like to reverse two trends: 1) apathy and lack of accomplishment academically and professionally 2) visions of grandeur with leisurely endeavors, like games (a sort of moderation in all things thing).
Attacking #1, I’d like to compete and thrive in law school, and find a calling that lends itself to adding value to society. Possibilities abound: environmental law, international trade/tax/relations, financial institutions, digital rights, and many more. Short-term, finding a few specific jobs that would match these arenas would be lovely.
On #2, I’d like to keep my ambitions for greatness in games buried as they have been for a while. Spreading the gaming royalty house over the next 25 or 30 years will keep things sustainable I suppose. Playing WoW sparingly if at all and finding reasonable, finite substitutes should keep the irresponsible play in check too. These are neatly intertwined: sacrificing FFXIV in law school should be a confirmation of my commitment to #1.
Of all these…
Everything is pretty firm save for a few things. I’ll definitely have to think more about the five year component, and may be considering a run at poker (with less than 5% of net cash as risk capital!) I want to game when it is valuable – with friends and at milestones like FFXIII. I want to cook. I want to get a piano and get into it. I want to not only brush up on but re-master Japanese as well. All the usual wishes reoccur, there’s just the problem of making time.
“John Adams” in light of law school
Discuss a work of art or literature that has influenced your decision to go to law
Every few generations the world undergoes major revolution in the course of war, technological advancement, or shifting social mores. During such times it is the thoughtful, principled, and curious individual that rises to the forefront and shapes the outcome. Such a leader is depicted in David McCullough’s John Adams.
Even though obvious differences exist between the upheaval Adams faced and that of our own time there can be no doubt that issues stemming from climate change, globalization, and the unregulated frontiers of the internet present challenges of a similar order of magnitude. Adams and many of his contemporaries attest to the fact that throughout history, lawyers have possessed the skills necessary to step unafraid into the fray, make sense of rapid change, and broker lasting solutions. Thus, in many ways John Adams is a model for decision makers in the face of current issues.
Additionally, McCullough not only richly portrays the politician but also delves into personal aspects of Adams’ life. His steadfastness as a founding father is mirrored in his piety, his family life, and his admirable willingness to work among his followers. He forms a balanced intellect by tempering revolutionary beliefs with classical truths that had survived for centuries and still resonate. In a book containing an expansive survey of incredible men and women, John Adams is one of the most firmly principled and independently minded among them.
I seek a fulfilling and consequential path to follow, the privilege of lifelong engagement beyond the standard retirement age, and the presence of mind to thrive in personal and professional endeavors. My reading of our second president’s biography suggests that an education and career in law provides these gifts to those open to receiving them.
Decent I think. Thoughts?
Update from Downtown
Law
Decided not to apply to Harvard or NYU. Added Penn because I’m in range and would love to be in Philadelphia and on the eastern seaboard, at an Ivy, near Wharton, and tread where Ben Franklin once did.
Personal Statement – done.
Why X for Mich, Nwestern, Duke – done.
Optional: Why Failure, for Mich – done.
Describe the work of literature or art most influential in your decision to pursue law, for Penn – in progress. One L would have probably been too cheesy. John Adams, on the other hand, while probably overused is at least incredibly genuine.
Home
I’ve been trying to attain that whole home is where the heart is business lately. In a few ways – buying furniture and decorating is fun – it has been coming along. In others – commuting 2.5 to 4 hours per day is hell – it is falling flat.
Work
Long story short, I got selected by a downtown manager with verbal commitment, signed a lease, then was abrogated by a technicality – from the past – that I feel was selectively brought against me at a level of progressive discipline beyond inappropriate for what they had found. I have never been so screwed over, and in the short term this setback is going to have dire implications on my finances and my health.
I’m trying my best to bear and forebear (thanks Abby) so as not to let it have a dire effect on my spirits. Verdict is still out on this one.
When Applications are Done..
I must find a new pasttime. Because of the ungodly commute I’m already planning on reading The Brethren, The 9, and a few econ books. I’ve considered joining a gym around the neighborhood and if Andrew wants to and one is accepting of a non-committal interest I’ll probably do it. Games are appealing but I am going to try to seriously resist.
MMOs
Returning to WoW, while a lingering desire at various instants, is completely out of the question. Today there were a lot of those instants, but the pettiness and racism, among other things, that bled through within mere minutes of logging back on to say hello reminded me how glad I was to be out of the loop.
On MMOs more generally though, I’ve been telling people I came to the following conclusion – tentatively, school may nix this – on FFXIV or future MMOs.
I should play only for 1) Japanese 2) friends 3) story. I should make it a point not to play for 1) competitive position 2) immaterial power 3) immaterial wealth.
As I told one friend, oh if only I had known this 6 years ago I’d be rich and successful and probably have a beautiful gf and already be halfway to an advanced degree and be ripped and live to 100.
If only.
On the Life and Influence of John Adams as Read by a Young Citizen from David McCullough’s Biography
Long ago while still in college I saw an unassuming ad for Paul Giamatti in John Adams only a few days before staying in a hotel that had, you guessed it, HBO. There I happened to flip through the channels and the series was on part 4, wherein Adams was installed in Europe to negotiate with the French for manpower, the Dutch for financing, and the British for peace. Even though the poster ad in the Post Office had not meant much, this episode – its music, its acting, its touching upon the origins of our country – inspired me to watch the rest.
In my experience, Tom Hanks + HBO is one of those alchemical recipes that fuses to form nothing other than beauty. Lately I picked up From the Earth to the Moon, another masterpiece, and upon being revisited by the magical feelings Hanks somehow evokes amid a bid to go to law school, I thought it appropriate to read the real thing.
Humor
I laughed audibly at a few points quite possibly only because of Giamatti’s job. Picturing him courting a girl in the gardens and reading aloud from a book on wooing women by Franklin, of all people, was just one of these episodes. His verbatim reaction to attending a Catholic service, “had the Reformation failed?” also tickled me, myself Catholic. Some of the antics that took place in France, like Abigail’s quip that it would be worse to be out of fashion than to be seen in nature’s form, which happened often in Paris, simply cracked me up.
Admittedly this work is not meant to be one of comedy, but the fact that my reading led to a few laughs speaks to the personable manner in which this story is told.
Government and Law
Adams, the most vociferous of our forefathers, had plenty to say on government in this work. Before launching on a reaction to some of his thoughts it’s important to note the historical context affected him in a way I don’t and probably can never fully understand.
Adams’ consistent line of inquiry into the necessity of government was always intentionally coupled with remarks about the widespread diffusion of knowledge, positive moral character of the governed and governing, and ceiling on power where “no living man can endanger the public liberty.” The big vs small government debate today, and most political talk in general, seems to be unable to breach even this amount of qualification. It must have been nice, then, to accompany a position with a detailed argument as Adams often did.
Principle
I felt that the central quality of Adams’ disposition toward government, one he held more closely than every other character in the book, was firm adherence to his principles. And, as far as I can remember, as written he was completely unwavering. Should we attribute then the trade offs made by characters like Jefferson, Hamilton, and Franklin, all a bit more artful than Adams, as poor moral character?
On slavery, yes.
On US politics, unfortunately, maybe not. At least with the direction party and legislative politics has gone over the past two centuries, there seems to be little room for holding to one’s principles.
On international relations, no. Adams was probably very lucky to have succeeded as much as he did abroad, probably due mostly to Congress’ management of his whereabouts and respect for standing his ground from the governments with whom he negotiated.
I hate to conclude then that it’s best to sell out in some instances but not others, however, like with the debate on government this issue is very complex. That he went without a clear cut compromise of his deeply held religious, political, and legal beliefs is just as or more admirable than the victories enjoyed by men history often deem more successful than him.
Leadership
Participation in events like the Treasury fire, Boston fire, and firefight aboard the Boston was equally admirable. I am happy that my belief was confirmed that good leaders are at an instant among their followers, performing the same task just as well, when the situation calls for it.
When speaking on how an executive branch would be necessary for the new government he also brought out a concept of leadership I also love, that of the natural or emerged leader. He argues that the masses cannot always decide best or even come to a decision by invoking the physical analogy of centripetal and centrifugal forces. The implication here is that leadership is a necessity, and coupling that necessary role with good leaders leads to good government.
Quotes I loved
“Fame without honor would be like a faint meteor gliding through the sky, shedding only transient light.”
-Abigail
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in the shallows and in miseries…
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.
-Shakespeare; one of Adams’ favorite quotes
“I must study politics and war so that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study paintings, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”
-Adams
“I shall bear and forebear.”
-Abigail
Meaning
I take away from this book a more complete survey, incomplete having only watched the miniseries, of great men and women. I understand and believe in the value of truths that they each embraced that have survived for 230 years, some of which in their time had already survived for over 1000. I want to reread the French Revolution because I had forgotten it from junior year HS and really wish we had analyzed more closely its causes and implications instead of just memorizing a 100 item list.
I appreciate how at age sixty John Adams did not retire as so many people today feel entitled to do at 59.5, and I earnestly hope to love what I do so much that whether it’s law or business, or whatever, that retirement at 59.5 would be a punishment. I would hope that the outcomes of Adams’ life demonstrate how lawyers’ skills and thinking like a lawyer can lead to any number of stations of consequence so that I can resolve to do half as well as he did.
As the above Shakespeare quote suggests and as Adams’ life suggest countless times, there is a time and place to sail into a storm. I hope for me that this time is now and this storm is law school and that the venture ends up worthy.
But above all these hopes and dreams and what not, I seriously hope I can form principles and adhere to them more loyally than I have up until now.
Lucky I read this..
because Penn asks to describe the work of literature or art that motivated you to go into law. John Adams will be a fine choice, although, he and Franklin were at odds more than once!
Review/Reaction: One L
Recommendation
All at once, while on vacation in Alabama last week, professors, friends, and faculty and staff at law schools I visited recommended reading One L to get a glimpse at the realities and vagaries of law school.
Needing more of a general and realistic preview, I headed over to Barnes & Noble to try to buy it, but that attempt was thwarted by my father who kindly took care of it.
Here are my thoughts
Meeting one’s enemy is an idea that resonates. For Turow to ultimately suggest the enemy was himself came off as tacky, but I thought overall the idea that the enemy takes many forms is enlightened.
I, hopefully, will be finding and conquering my enemy.
The book also motivated me to attend as high quality a school as possible rather than to refer to and consider location, sentimental attachments, and other considerations.
Perhaps the most difficult realization both Turow and recent circumstances in general motivates is improvement in my opinion formation and conveyance skills. Both socially and professionally I need to become a better orator in terms of eloquence and conviction. My weaknesses now come from apathy, not being well-read enough, and blindly following the American liberal cause.
This order shall be tall but shall be closely monitored all along the way.
Now, lastly, a character is described as holding onto “the proposition that business can be conducted with decency.” He seemed like a marginalized character, as I remember (Stephen possibly?). Anyway I seriously hope I can develop the wherewithall to adhere to that belief, to keep it from becoming an impossible ideal, and to spread its truth and beauty throughout a long career.
Birmingam and Alabama
a brief visit south
Moving to the North Side has, happily, killed the need for a car for at least the coming winter. Dad suggested coming home via car then returning in the air with a visit in between.
Thankfully, work cooperated and made it possible. So I left early last Saturday and made it by 3:30 am, stopping over at Waffle House for my first all-star in years and making pretty good time in a pretty dead car.
Sunday
First order of business: Mom and I visited the Catholic church and grade school where I came of age. Few things were different and many the same. I saw some elementary school teachers, my piano teacher, and some old friends.
We got lunch at Lloyd’s, where the hamburger steak and turnip greens emanated that same ole soulfulness, then headed to Grandpa’s. There we talked a lot about politics and Obama and whether I should go for law school.
Thereafter, Dad and Heide treated me to Jubilee Joe’s, where I shared some of the more exciting life stories as of late.
Monday
I connected with Ry for lunch and caught up on Japanese at Alabama, his plans for Japan, and some cool tech news.
Afterward the Honda made it’s final voyage with me at the helm – it was a good run – and then I went for Cracker Barrell with Mom after visiting The Summit, getting a south-priced jacket, and checking out Remon’s new Summit location. Amazing store, maybe I’ll get a suit there before 30.
Tuesday
The University of Alabama holds a special place in my heart. Certainly, the majority culture was not a part of my experience, but what did develop is something of which I grow increasingly fond with each phase of my life.
Some campus improvements, as well as l the luxury condo in place where my Katrina-victim apartment once laid, were impressive. Lunch with Bachrach with discussions of law and work at the T was even more exciting.
That night, Heide cooked a great shrimp scampi from Food Network and I had some good talks with Dad about the past and the future.
Wednesday
On a return trip to UA, Dr. Dulek gave incredible reassurances and clued me in to recent university developments. I decided to tour the Law Center there, where the staff and faculty were gracious and inviting. UA Law will likely serve as the near home option should Vandy not pan out, but the decision is far too early to make.
On the way out I made a trip to Andy’s house, chatted it up for an hour or two, then took off and packed up for the journey home.
Nighttime, I went to Bdubs with Dad, sampled the new flavors (5/10 at best), and talked a lot more.
Today
Home cooked breakfast from Mom, some final packing, and a quick drive to the airport.
Thoughts
I left Alabama over a year ago disliking many things about it and trying to prospect what other parts of America did better. There are still a few things, culturally and politically, that are comparatively off-putting, but by returning after a pretty long-term internalization of Chicago the discovery of many similarities and even things done more unfavorably up north has been eye-opening.
Ultimately, I don’t know where I’ll end up. The progress and value added to my personal statements over this break certainly suggest it will be in Law School. But I think I’ll miss Alabama more from now on.
Making The Decision to Apply to Law School
Dear Reader,
Another iPhone post experimentation!
I come to you asking for advice: will applying to law school be the best choice among my alternatives?
The Numbers Game
I’m working with a 3.54 GPA and 168 LSAT, putting me within both interquartile ranges at Northwestern, Georgetown, UVA, Penn, Michigan, and UCLA. I’m within only the LSAT range at Berkeley, Duke, and Stanford. One point behind the LSAT and an sd below GPA at the rest.
So, all I’m saying with these numbers is that I have a shot at getting into a number of amazing schools. I have yet to formulate any semblance of a short list or closely examine my softs but have some pretty awesome friends to help me work through that.
But to move on, to invest ever increasing sums of time and money, I want to affirm that I will go if successful in the admissions process.
Check my past law posts for insight into the history and formation of this endeavor if you’d like a little more.
Current Thought: Fear of Change
I’ve tried to make leaps such as this, how shall I put it, transition from ambivalence to ambition before, but have had some trouble at times. Thinking UO to honors in high school, EQ to Duke, provincially minded Alabamian adolescent to hopeful, hard working international citizen (lol), aimless majorless college student to Japanese Businessman, jobless grad amid looney recession to mostly self reliant retail employee, etc.
Here’s what I observe in almost every case: to make these switches I have to fill a void, and this void has components of both social and professional development. When one has been absent or both have been unbalanced, failure has soon followed.
Getting straight to the point, finally, I’m hesitant to take on the social void by giving up my ties to local friends, my job, and my online friends by foresaking MMOs. I consider these choices all necessary to make it through.
And I’m reluctantly willing to make them, but the hardest part will be replacement.
All this, with no mention of how difficult it will be academically and with, honestly, little worry in this arena. Is neglect of this so late in the game overzealous in a positive or negative way, I wonder?
Anyway I want to do it but I want your input on this specific issue.
