University of Michigan WLSA

Digest April 12

2009-04-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

When you see these people in the hall, be sure to congratulate them on their new positions on the WLSA E-Board:

President - Tina Han
Treasurer - Becca Crocker
Secretary - Val Wicks

Public Service and Political Action Co -Chairs - Bryn Pallesen and Anne Choike
Social Co-Chairs -Meredith Smith (2 semesters) and Diana Zelikovich (1 semester)
Admissions and mentoring - Jane Khodarkovsky

As we all know (but may be choosing to ignore), exams are approaching! Check out the WLSA outline bank here. There's also a link on the wlsa website. Can't find what you're looking for? Our outline bank will only grow if you help out and contribute your outlines. Send your outlines to dnicole@umich.edu. We'll remove your names! You didn't have to get an A for your outline to help out a fellow WLSA member.

As a PSA to 1Ls, check your pendaflexes for information on journal applications!

Come attend a program sponsored by OCS tomorrow, April 13 at 12:20 in room 150. In a shocking turn of events, despite the fact that this is an OCS presentation, lunch will be provided! Lindsay Harrison of Jenner & Block Associate will talk about her pro bono experience that led to her arguing in front of the US Supreme Court.

On January 21, 2009, Jenner & Block Associate <http://www.jenner.com/people/bio.asp?id=1955>Lindsay C. Harrison presented oral argument in the US Supreme Court on behalf of Jean Marc Nken, a citizen of Cameroon whom the Firm is representing on a pro bono basis in his efforts to obtain asylum in the United States.

Mr. Nken, a pro-democracy advocate in Cameroon, applied for asylum in the United States in 2001. He fled Cameroon because the government detained, interrogated, and beat him for his advocacy for free elections. After several years of court and administrative proceedings, his motion to reopen his asylum case was denied by the Board of Immigration Appeals earlier this year. He sought review in the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The court of appeals, however, declined to issue a stay of his removal while the appeal there was pending, meaning that he could be deported back to Cameroon notwithstanding the grave danger he faces there.

Mr. Nken, represented by Jenner & Block attorneys, then filed an emergency motion in the US Supreme Court, seeking a stay and contending that the standard that the court of appeals had used in denying the stay was incorrect and unjustified by federal immigration law. The Supreme Court granted the application for the stay and scheduled argument on Mr. Nken's case.

The Jenner & Block attorneys contend that in evaluating Mr. Nken's application for a stay, the court of appeals should have used the traditional test for granting a stay -- a test that eight other federal appeals courts have applied. Instead, the Firm argues, the court of appeals misapplied a 1996 immigration law to permit a stay only if the immigrant can show "by clear and convincing evidence" that his removal is prohibited by law.

At the oral argument, in response to a question by Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. about whether an asylum-seeker can pursue his case if a stay is not granted and he has been removed from the United States, Ms. Harrison responded that the case "may abate because they are killed, they are put in jail, they are not in a position to come back to this country. And that is why consideration of the equities in this context is so critical."

At the end of the argument, the Chief Justice expressed thanks to Ms. Harrison and to Acting Solicitor General Edwin S. Kneedler, who argued for the US Government, saying that the Court "had entered a very expedited briefing and arguments schedule in this case that unfortunately fell over the holiday season, and we appreciate very much that this must have imposed a burden on you and your colleagues." The case was the first argument for Ms. Harrison in the US Supreme Court or in any court.

Have a great week!

Election results

2009-04-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our newly elected E-Board members!

President - Tina Han
Treasurer - Becca Crocker
Secretary - Val Wicks

ELECTIONS!

2009-04-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

WOMEN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION ELECTIONS

Liked a WLSA Event? Care about gender issues? Want to spend more time getting to know the fabulous female (and male!) students and professors at the University of Michigan Law School? JOIN THE 2009-2010 WLSA Executive Board!

Candidate statements due SUNDAY APRIL 4TH by midnight to castlem@umich.edu. Vote in the Election on WEDNESDAY APRIL 8TH, 12:20-1:20pm, 100HH or by proxy email to castlem@umich.edu.

The following positions are up for election:

Co-President
1 person, 2 semesters. This is a position for a person passionate about women's rights and women's well-being at the law school and in their careers. The Co-Presidents work together to supervise the executive board, facilitate "policy-setting" for WLSA, and communicate with the Michigan and law school administration and other student organizations. Co-Presidents assist with and advise the executive board regarding projects and events where needed, and organize and run board meetings each week and general meetings each month. The presidents have wide latitude, with the board's consultation, to direct the focus of the organization, and initiate/plan events. Applicants should expect a significant time commitment, but a HUGE reward. For more information, please email outgoing Co-President
Kaitlyn Beyer at kbeyer@umich.edu or current Co-President Mandy Castle at castlem@umich.edu.

Secretary
1 person, 2 semesters. Position entails updating listserv and contact information records, taking notes at meetings, coordinating WLSA contact with admitted students in the Spring, and working with other members to update and maintain the WLSA website. For more information, please email outgoing Secretary Nicole Dunn at dnicole@umich.edu.

Treasurer
1 person, 2 semesters. The treasurer is responsible for establishing and maintaining WLSA's budget. The treasurer also collects member dues, manages WLSA's accounts, coordinates reimbursements, and reports monthly to the board regarding WLSA's financial affairs. The treasurer also oversees fundraising activities to ensure that WLSA
can properly finance all of its activities by keeping track of and completing all funding applications, as well as organizing various fundraising activities. This position requires organization, strong communication skills, and creativity. For more information, please email outgoing Treasurer Meg Barry at barrym@umich.edu.

Social Co-Chair
2 people, 1 semester and 2 semesters. The social co-chairs are in charge of planning the Women's Faculty Reception and a 5K race, Race Ipsa, to raise money for the battered women's shelter during the winter semester and the Jenny Runkles banquet in the fall semester. Social co-chairs are also in charge of organizing the weekly breakfasts in the WLSA office. Social co-chairs also plan occasional smaller scale social events during the year, such as study breaks, game nights, or ice skating outings. For more information, please email outgoing Social Chair Becca Crocker at rcrocker@umich.edu.

Public Service and Political Action Chair
1 person, 2 semesters. The political action chair is responsible for two projects each semester pertaining to women's issues of the officers choosing. Often the events address issues that are broader than those affecting only women law students. Examples of past projects include the annual trivial pursuit tournament to raise money for rape kits at the U of M Hospital, a book drive for Scott Women’s Prison, a panel discussion on sexual harassment policy and law, a question and answer session on female professional attire, and a letter writing campaign encouraging insurance providers to cover the HPV vaccination, and fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. For more information, please email outgoing Public Service and Political Action Chair Kellie McEvoy at kemcevoy@umich.edu.

Admissions and Mentoring Co-Chairs
2 people, 1 semester and 2 semester positions. The Admissions & Mentoring Co-Chairs for WLSA are primarily responsible for: (1) Coordinating mentoring opportunities with undergraduate women's groups interested in law (undergraduate pre-law sorority); (2) Coordinating contact with prospective Michigan women via the M-Law admissions office; (3) Creating law school mentorships between 1Ls and upperclasswomen; (4) Facilitate faculty interaction with WLSA; (5) Continuing relations with the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM). The co-chairs can address these responsibilities in ways they see fit. In the past, the co-chairs have: held a faculty panel to discuss gender in the law school classroom and curricula; organized happy hours between WLAM and WLSA; organized mentor meetings or events; and set up coffee chats between professors and members. Feel free to run for both positions, but indicate your preference for the 1 semester or 2 semester position. For more information please email outgoing Admissions and Mentoring Chair Margia Corner at margia@umich.edu. Questions? Email kbeyer@umich.edu.

Digest March 29

2009-04-05T07:16:00.001-07:00

Hi WLSA Members,

We hope to see everyone at our General Body Meeting, this Wednesday, April 1, at 12:20 in 218HH. Lunch will be served. We'll be having a panel for OCI/2L summer tips. Please send your tips to mandycastle@gmail.com so they can be included in our discussion (your name will be removed). We'll also be providing information on the upcoming elections for next Fall's E-Board.

The following week, we'll be having another General Body Meeting on Wednesday, April 8, at 12:20 in 100HH. We'll be having our elections! Lunch will be served.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday!

Digest March 22

2009-04-05T07:15:00.003-07:00

Hi WLSA Members!

We wanted to let you know that there are two General Body Meetings coming up:

Wednesday, April 1 at 12:20 in 138HH: There will be an OCI tips/Summer Job panel combined with a general body meeting. We will also be providing information on our upcoming elections. Lunch will be served.

Wednesday, April 8 at 12:20. Location TBA: We'll be having a general body meeting/elections. Come vote! Lunch will be provided.

As always, breakfast continues every Thursday morning in the WLSA office.

Have a great week!

Digest March 15

2009-04-05T07:15:00.001-07:00

Hi WLSA Members!

Thank you to all those who attended our Women's Week events. You made it a great success. If you are interested in learning more about National Women's History Month or reading President Obama's 2009 Proclamation please see http://www.nwhp.org/. Women's Week may be over, but there are still exciting things happening.

Check out this article for an interesting perspective on Sarah Palin and the Objectification of Women. http://jezebel.com/5164970/which-came-first-the-objectification-of-sarah-palin-or-the-mistrust-in-her-competence?skyline=true&s=i

WLSA has started a new Women of Color Initiative. Faizah Malik is our e-board representative for this initiative. Here are the Initiative's goals:

The Women of Color Initiative under the Michigan Women’s Law Student Association provides a space to support and empower women of color at Michigan Law. WOCI’s mission is to advance the needs of women of color through educational, professional, cultural, and social initiatives, and to serve as a critical resource for the broader law school community. WOCI seeks to achieve these goals through mentorship, education, and activism.

Mentorship: organizing events to facilitate mentorship, networking, and community-building among women of color at the law school, law school faculty and administration, greater graduate community of color at Michigan, and women of color alums/professionals.
Education: providing a forum for the discussion of issues affecting women of color by planning talks, panels, and workshops open to the law school and university community.
Activism: collaborating with affinity groups to increase student of color admissions and faculty of color recruitment, to incorporate critical perspectives into class discussions, to expand course offerings, and to create a network of women of color in the university community.

If you are interested in joining the WOCI committee please email Faizah at faizahm@umich.edu." Thanks!

On that note, we wanted to alert you to a great upcoming event!

First Annual State of Women of Color Faculty at the University of Michigan Address: Are YOU Ready for the Diagnosis?

Tuesday, March 24, 4:00- 6:00 p.m.

Rackham Amphitheatre, 4th Floor,

915 E. Washington Street

How might we support the University of Michigan’s goal of diversifying its faculty with women of color? The purpose of the First Annual State of Women of Color Faculty at the University of Michigan Address is to incite dialogue within the university community about the state of recruitment, retention, and promotion of women of color faculty across ranks, departments, and units.

Panelists and topics include:

GLORIA THOMAS, Ph.D., Director of the Center for the Education of Women, University of Michigan

[national trends for women of color faculty]

ABBY STEWART, Ph.D., Director of ADVANCE, Sandra Schwartz Tangri Distinguished University Professor of Psychology and Women's Studies, University of Michigan

[overview of ADVANCE initiative and observed/expected outcomes]

AIMEE COX, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of African American and African Studies, Rutgers University

[institutional climate and retention issues facing women of color faculty]

LORI PIERCE, M.D., Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs; Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan

[history of Diversity Blueprints Task Force and status of recommendations]

With a Moderated Discussion by:

B.J. EVANS, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, Past Chair of the Committee for a Multicultural University, University of Michigan

The challenges are great, and we hope to contribute solutions. What we know is that there have been some improvements, albeit not as rapidly as we hope. From 1985 to date, women of color at the full professor rank have increased from less than one percent to approximately three percent of the total faculty at this institution. Women of color faculty have increased at a higher rate among the assistant and associate professor ranks, however, across all ethnic minority groups, women of color still comprise only 12% and 10% respectively. We also are concerned about systematic barriers for women of color(particularly at the 3rd year review and tenure stages), both in terms of valuation of their unique and often increased teaching and service contributions, as well as their innovative and often culturally-specific programs of research. In addition, retention of women of color faculty has emerged as a heightened area of concern, with the latest statistics indicating that women of color faculty left the university at a rate of 5 women per year in between 2001 and 2006.

We hope to develop interventions that will lead to the successful recruitment and retention of women of color, as well as improve classroom environments, departmental climates, and service contributions.

The panelists will discuss local and national tenure statistics for women of color faculty, the effectiveness of current diversity initiatives, the impact of the ban on affirmative action policies on institutional climate, and issues of accountability. The brief presentations will then be followed by a moderated discussion. The goal is to provide a forum wherein to discuss areas of concern and promising practices.

This event is sponsored by the Women of Color in the Academy Project (WOCAP). WOCAP is jointly funded by the Center for the Education of Women and Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Multicultural Affairs.

Registration is highly encouraged and space is limited for this discussion. Please register online at or by calling 734-764-6005. Please register by: Friday, March 20th.

Dean Baum has brought the following to our attention!

Dear Faculty Members,

I am writing to remind you of the range of services and financial resources available through the University of Michigan's Center for the Education of Women (CEW), with the hopes that you will share this information with others who may find it useful -- especially your students.

With regard to financial resources, we are able to offer UM graduate students and non-traditional undergraduates (older or raising a child) enrolled at the Ann Arbor campus small emergency grants to help with unexpected financial crises, providing the situation meets our criteria. Appointments for counseling, including possible assistance with student financial emergencies, can be arranged by calling 764-6360.
Additionally, we have an annual scholarship program for returning students (those with a four year interruption in their education) -- see our website (www.cew.umich.edu/students/scholar.htm) for more details.

CEW's free career and educational counseling is available to students, faculty, staff, and community members - both men and women are welcome.
Our counselors assist students with a range of issues, from applying to graduate school, balancing studies/work/family, to career decision-making, to researching financial aid/scholarship options. We also assist people undergoing various life transitions, career planning, working to attain tenure, job-changing, job searching, etc.

In addition to our counseling, we also offer an extensive schedule of workshops, lectures, and research symposia each semester, as well as modest student research grants for students' independent research.
Finally, our library (open to the public) is not to be missed, and focuses on education, employment and careers, leadership, and women's growth and development (http://opac.libraryworld.com/cgi-bin/opac.pl?command=signin&libraryname=cew).
Please visit our website at www.cew.umich.edu for more information on our services, as well as the research and advocacy aspects of our mission.

Sincerely,
Kirsten Elling

--
Kirsten A. Elling, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Counseling, Programs & Services
Center for the Education of Women
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2289
e-mail: kelling@umich.edu phone: 734.764.6360 fax: 734-998-6203
www.cew.umich.edu

As always, WLSA breakfasts continue on Thursday mornings.

Thanks!

Digest March 8

2009-04-05T07:14:00.001-07:00

Hi WLSA Members!

We hope that you're all excited about Women's Week! For the schedule, add the WLSA Google Calendar here. You can also check out the WLSA Website at http://umichwlsa.blogspot.com/

Without further ado, here's the Women's Week 2009 Schedule:

Women's Week 2009: Yes We Can!

Women in Transactional Practices
Monday, March 9, 12:20 p.m. 150HH
Alicia Davis Evans, with a corporate background, Colette Routel, with an Indian Law background, and Susan Kornfield with an IP background, will share their experiences as transactional attorneys
BTB lunch provided

Faculty-Student Reception
Monday, March 9, 4-5 in the Lawyer's Club Lounge.
Come chat with a professor in an informal setting at our faculty-student reception.
Coffee and food will be provided

Work-Life Balance
Tuesday, March 10, 12:20 p.m. 150HH
Women from a number of legal settings will share their experiences with seeking a work-life balance. Panel includes D. Jean Veta, Partner at Covington & Burling, LLP in Washington, DC., Jennifer Gorland, AUSA, Chief, General Crimes Unit, US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Linda Burwell, Founding Partner of Nemeth Burwell, P.C.
Ali Baba's lunch provided

Women in Public Service
Wednesday, March 11, 12:20 p.m. 150HH
In a panel moderated by Dean Sarosi, women from a variety of public service backgrounds will share their experiences.
Potbelly's lunch provided

WLAM Happy Hour
Wednesday, March 11, 5:30. Bar Louie, 401 E. Liberty St.
Because we could all use a happy hour. Enjoy this networking event with the members of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. They'll be sharing their thoughts on "Changes in Michigan."

Women in the Courtroom
Thursday, March 12, 12:20 pm. 150 HH
A lecture from Eve Brensike Primus, former attorney for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Elizabeth Jolliffe, an attorney with 19 years of commercial litigation experience turned lawyer-coach, and Donica Varner, attorney from the University's Office of the General Counsel.
NYPD lunch provided.

Movie: Tea and Justice
Thursday, March 12, 5:30 p.m. 120HH
WLSA is co-sponsoring this event with the Michigan Journal of Race and Law.
The maker of the film, Ms. Ermena Vinluan, will present the film and discuss it after the screening. The film is about Asian American women police officers in New York City, their interactions with the immigrant community as immigrants themselves, and the difficulties they face as minority women cops. You can find out more about the film at www.teaandjustice.com.
Refreshments will be served.

Digest 3/1 + Women's Week Preview!

2009-03-01T20:15:00.001-08:00

Hello WLSA members-

Welcome back to sunny Ann Arbor. WLSA's biggest event of the year is next week, and here's the breakdown (which can also be found on the WLSA website, http://umichwlsa.blogspot.com/

. To add the WLSA google calendar, click here.)

Women's Week 2009: Yes We Can!

Women in Transactional Practices
Monday, March 9, 12:20 p.m. 150HH
Alicia Davis Evans, Colette Routel, and Susan Cornfield will share their experiences as transactional attorneys
BTB lunch provided

Small Groups and Faculty-Student Reception
Monday, March 9, 3-4 p.m. (small groups), in the Lawyer's Club Cook Room and 4-5 p.m. (reception) in the Lawyer's Club Lounge.
Come chat with a professor in an informal setting at our faculty-student reception.
Coffee and appetizers provided

Work-Life Balance
Tuesday, March 10, 12:20 p.m. 150HH
Women from a number of legal settings will share their experiences with seeking a work-life balance.
Ali Baba's lunch provided

Women in Public Service
Wednesday, March 11, 12:20 p.m. 150HH
Women, including Dean Sarosi and AUSA Judith Levy, will explain their paths to public service.
Potbelly's lunch provided

WLAM Happy Hour
Wednesday, March 11, 5:30. Bar Louie, 401 E. Liberty St.
Because we could all use a happy hour. Enjoy this networking event with the members of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. They'll be sharing their thoughts on "Changes in Michigan."

Women in the Courtroom
Thursday, March 12, 12:20 pm. 150 HH
A lecture from Eve Brensike Primus, former attorney for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Elizabeth Jolliffe, with 19 years of commercial litigation experience, and Donica Varner, attorney from the University's Office of the General Counsel.
NYPD lunch provided

Trivial Pursuit Night
Thursday, March 12, 5 p.m. BTB Cantina, 1140 S. University.
Pick a partner and come have some fun! Email Nicole Dunn at dnicole@umich.edu with your teams (team names optional).
Snacks a'plenty provided

Digest 2/8

2009-02-08T08:15:00.001-08:00

Happy two-weeks-from-spring-break! We've got some info for you regarding the upcoming weeks.

Re-mark your calendars for the WLAM Happy Hour. Our new date is March 11 at 5:30 at Bar Louie. This is going to be a great event with some fantastic female attorneys from around the state.
Speaking of Women's Week... March 9-13 there are going to be a variety of events at lunch and after hours. Stay tuned.
WLSA breakfasts continue every Thursday.

Digest 2/1

2009-01-31T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hello WLSA Members!

While you all attempt to keep warm for the next few weeks until you head off to exotic Winter Break (I love that they call it "Winter" break, because that's more honest), we have some exciting things to share with you!

If you're a gmail user, add the WLSA calendar to your Google Calendar. Just search for UMich WLSA on Public Calendar. Also, check out the WLSA website at http://umichwlsa.blogspot.com/
Thursday breakfasts continue! Come down to the WLSA office for an end of the week pick-me-up.
We're still expanding our outline database. Send your outlines to us so we can post them at the aforementioned website! We will remove your names from the outlines before we post them. To find outlines, go to https://sites.google.com/site/michiganwlsa/wlsa-outlines-2
This is our last call for our cellphone drive. Come drop off your old cellphones in the WLSA office.
Mark your calendars (or add the WLSA gmail calendar, and we'll mark it for you). WLSA and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan are having a happy hour on February 17th. Time and Location to follow. Come meet some fantastic leaders and mingle with your fellow WLSA members.
Women's week is coming up March 9 through March 13. WLSA will have lunchtime talks and some nightime activities. We look forward to seeing you there!

Have an excellent week!
WLSA

Outlines Please!

2008-11-23T17:39:00.001-08:00

WLSA is in the process of creating an updated outline database. Send Nicole Dunn your outlines at dnicole@umich.edu and follow the instructions under "Show Me The Outlines" to access the database.

Mentor Mentee Cider and Donuts!

2008-11-23T17:37:00.001-08:00

Cider and Donuts in the WLSA office from 3-5 on Monday, November 24

Domestic Violence Survivor Cell Phones

2008-11-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

WLSA will be collecting cellphones for use by domestic violence survivors in the WLSA office. Your used cellphone donations would be greatly appreciated.
What you need to know:

Delete all of your information
Any cell phone can be donated
The phones are programmed to be able to dial 9-1-1 when a dangerous situation arises
any phones that cannot be donated will be recycled
A drop-off box is located in the WLSA office.

Revised Election Dates

2008-11-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

We will continue to accept candidate statements until Wednesday, November 26 at 5pm. Email your statements to Kaitlyn Beyer at kbeyer@umich.edu. Here's a description of the positions.

Co-President
1 person, 2 semesters. This is a position for a person passionate about women's rights and women's well-being at the law school and in their careers. The Co-Presidents work together to supervise the executive board, facilitate "policy-setting" for WLSA, and communicate with the Michigan and law school administration and other student organizations. Co-Presidents assist with and advise the executive board regarding projects and events where needed, and organize and run board meetings each week and general meetings each month. The presidents have wide latitude, with the board's consultation, to direct the focus of the organization, and initiate/plan events. Co-Presidents take final responsibility for financial commitments, board actions, events, and compliance with the university's student organization policies. Applicants should expect a significant time commitment, but a HUGE reward in advocacy, leadership skills, and service. For more information, please email current Co-President Kaitlyn Beyer at kbeyer@umich.edu.

Treasurer
1 person, 2 semesters. The treasurer is responsible for establishing and maintaining WLSA's budget. The treasurer also collects member dues, manages WLSA's accounts, coordinates reimbursements, and reports monthly to the board regarding WLSA's financial affairs. The treasurer also oversees fundraising activities to ensure that WLSA can properly finance all of its activities by keeping track of and completing all funding applications, as well as organizing various fundraising activities. This position requires organization, strong communication skills, and creativity. For more information, please email outgoing Treasurer Meg Barry at barrym@umich.edu.

1L Representative
1 person, 1 semester. (1Ls only!) The 1L rep is a great way to get introduced to the WLSA e-board! The 1L rep is essentially a liaison between all of the 1L students and the WLSA e-board. You would be responsible for sharing any concerns that are specific to 1Ls, gathering outlines, and just generally making WLSA available to the 1L population. For more information, please email outgoing 1L Rep Kate Nielson at nielsonk@umich.edu.

Social Co- Chair
1 person, 2 semesters. The social co-chairs are in charge of planning the Women's Faculty Reception and a 5K race, Race Ipsa, to raise money for the battered women's shelter during the winter semester and the Jenny Runkles banquet in the fall semester. Social co-chairs are also in charge of organizing the weekly breakfasts in the WLSA office. Social co-chairs also plan occasional smaller scale social events during the year, such as study breaks, game nights, or ice skating outings. For more information, please email outgoing Social Chair Megan Rodgers at mrodg@umich.edu.

Public Service and Political Action Co-Chair
1 person, 2 semesters. The political action co-chairs are responsible for the two projects each semester pertaining to women's issues of the officers choosing. Often the events address issues that are broader than those affecting only women law students. Examples of past projects include the annual trivial pursuit tournament to raise money for rape kits at the U of M Hospital, a book drive for Scott Women's Prison, a panel discussion on sexual harassment policy and law, a question and answer session on female professional attire, and a letter writing campaign encouraging insurance providers to cover the HPV vaccination. For more information, please email outgoing Public Service and Political Action Chair Tina Han at tinahan@umich.edu.

Admissions and Mentoring Co-Chairs
2 people, 1 semester and 2 semester positions. The Admissions & Mentoring Co-Chairs for WLSA are primarily responsible for: (1) Coordinating mentoring opportunities with undergraduate women's groups interested in law (undergraduate pre-law sorority); (2) Coordinating contact with prospective Michigan women via the M-Law admissions office; (3) Creating law school mentorships between 1Ls and upperclasswomen; (4) Facilitate faculty interaction with WLSA; (5) Continuing relations with the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM). The co-chairs can address these responsibilities in ways they see fit. In the past, the co-chairs have: held a faculty panel to discuss gender in the law school classroom and curricula; organized happy hours between WLAM and WLSA; organized mentor meetings or events; and set up coffee chats between professors and members. Feel free to run for both positions, but indicate your preference for the 1 semester or 2 semester position. For more information please email outgoing Admissions and Mentoring Chair Mandy Castle at castlem@umich.edu.

Questions? Email kbeyer@umich.edu.

WLAM Holiday Party

2008-11-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Susan Gundi has let us know about this invitation. Take a break from studying for just a couple of hours!

Set up an RSS Feed!

2008-11-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

Want to know what's going on without sorting through your emails? Does MLaw Live make you want to jump off a cliff? Add this site to your RSS feed. Don't know what that means? Check out this awesome explanation. You'll be addicted in no time. Basically, it's a way to check out new blog posts from your favorite blogs with no hassle.

The site has some great suggestions for RSS applications, but if you're using a mac, check out NetNewsWire.

WLSA Election Information

2008-11-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP for the Women Law Students Association!

Get your candidate statement together by Friday November 21!

The Women Law Student Association is seeking interested people to fill the following executive board positions: Co-President, Treasurer, 1L Representative (1 semester), Social Co-Chair, Political Action/Public Interest Co-Chair, and Admissions & Mentoring Co-Chairs (1 semester and 2 semesters).

Interested in RUNNING? Please e-mail a brief statement to Kaitlyn Beyer (kbeyer@umich.edu) by 5:00pm on Friday, November 21 explaining a little bit about who you are and why you are interested in the position (just a short paragraph will do). If you are running for more than one position, please specify your preferences. These statements will be emailed to the rest of the membership before elections so we can get to know you. For 2-person positions, you can run with another person or by yourself.

Want to VOTE? Voting will be online at WLSA's Westlaw TWEN page Monday November 24th. The link will be e-mailed to you with the candidate statements.

Position descriptions:

Co-President
1 person, 2 semesters. This is a position for a person passionate about women's rights and women's well-being at the law school and in their careers. The Co-Presidents work together to supervise the executive board, facilitate "policy-setting" for WLSA, and communicate with the Michigan and law school administration and other student organizations. Co-Presidents assist with and advise the executive board regarding projects and events where needed, and organize and run board meetings each week and general meetings each month. The presidents have wide latitude, with the board's consultation, to direct the focus of the organization, and initiate/plan events. Co-Presidents take final responsibility for financial commitments, board actions, events, and compliance with the university's student organization policies. Applicants should expect a significant time commitment, but a HUGE reward in advocacy, leadership skills, and service. For more information, please email current Co-President Kaitlyn Beyer at kbeyer@umich.edu.

Treasurer
1 person, 2 semesters. The treasurer is responsible for establishing and maintaining WLSA's budget. The treasurer also collects member dues, manages WLSA's accounts, coordinates reimbursements, and reports monthly to the board regarding WLSA's financial affairs. The treasurer also oversees fundraising activities to ensure that WLSA can properly finance all of its activities by keeping track of and completing all funding applications, as well as organizing various fundraising activities. This position requires organization, strong communication skills, and creativity. For more information, please email outgoing Treasurer Meg Barry at barrym@umich.edu.

1L Representative
1 person, 1 semester. (1Ls only!) The 1L rep is a great way to get introduced to the WLSA e-board! The 1L rep is essentially a liaison between all of the 1L students and the WLSA e-board. You would be responsible for sharing any concerns that are specific to 1Ls, gathering outlines, and just generally making WLSA available to the 1L population. For more information, please email outgoing 1L Rep Kate Nielson at nielsonk@umich.edu.

Social Co- Chair
1 person, 2 semesters. The social co-chairs are in charge of planning the Women's Faculty Reception and a 5K race, Race Ipsa, to raise money for the battered women's shelter during the winter semester and the Jenny Runkles banquet in the fall semester. Social co-chairs are also in charge of organizing the weekly breakfasts in the WLSA office. Social co-chairs also plan occasional smaller scale social events during the year, such as study breaks, game nights, or ice skating outings. For more information, please email outgoing Social Chair Megan Rodgers at mrodg@umich.edu.

Public Service and Political Action Co-Chair
1 person, 2 semesters. The political action co-chairs are responsible for the two projects each semester pertaining to women's issues of the officers choosing. Often the events address issues that are broader than those affecting only women law students. Examples of past projects include the annual trivial pursuit tournament to raise money for rape kits at the U of M Hospital, a book drive for Scott Women's Prison, a panel discussion on sexual harassment policy and law, a question and answer session on female professional attire, and a letter writing campaign encouraging insurance providers to cover the HPV vaccination. For more information, please email outgoing Public Service and Political Action Chair Tina Han at tinahan@umich.edu.

Admissions and Mentoring Co-Chairs
2 people, 1 semester and 2 semester positions. The Admissions & Mentoring Co-Chairs for WLSA are primarily responsible for: (1) Coordinating mentoring opportunities with undergraduate women's groups interested in law (undergraduate pre-law sorority); (2) Coordinating contact with prospective Michigan women via the M-Law admissions office; (3) Creating law school mentorships between 1Ls and upperclasswomen; (4) Facilitate faculty interaction with WLSA; (5) Continuing relations with the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM). The co-chairs can address these responsibilities in ways they see fit. In the past, the co-chairs have: held a faculty panel to discuss gender in the law school classroom and curricula; organized happy hours between WLAM and WLSA; organized mentor meetings or events; and set up coffee chats between professors and members. Feel free to run for both positions, but indicate your preference for the 1 semester or 2 semester position. For more information please email outgoing Admissions and Mentoring Chair Mandy Castle at castlem@umich.edu.

WLSA on the web (reborn)

2008-11-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to proliferate post-2003 outlines to WLSA members, this is the reborn WLSA website. Unfortunately, we can't add documents. To check out our ever-expanding database of outlines, check out TWEN on westlaw. Just log on, click on the TWEN tab, and select "WLSA." Outlines are under "Course Materials." You may have to add it by selecting "add a course" and checking the box for "Women Law Students Association." Happy studies!

Even if you just came for instructions on outline retrieval, this can be your source for:

Information on WLSA events
Newsworthy items
Digests