A Day in the Life

Student Organizations 101: Asian Pacific American Law Students Association

As part of a series of introductions to the more than sixty student organizations at the Law School we are pleased to present an introduction to the Asian Pacific American Law Students Organization (APALSA).  APALSA, like many of our other student organizations, recently sponsored a lunchtime speaker event.  Karen Kim ('09) and James Moon ('09) provides with a recap of a recent event:

"Recently the University of Chicago's Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) held a lunchtime speaker events featuring two prominent government attorneys.  The first was Asheesh Agarwal ('97), Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington, DC.  The second was Manish Shah ('98), Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois here in Chicago.

Messrs. Shah and Agrawal spoke generally about the appeal of government positions in contrast to private practice.  They also discusses the role of political ideology in government services and the importance in legitimacy in federal law enforcement.  Mr. Agrawal shared his experiences in recent federal issues involving voting discrimination, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and political appointments within the DOJ.  Mr. Shah talked about the role of a prosecutor, the benefits and drawbacks of being a government prosecutor in contrast to a litigator in private practice, and the general difficulty of reconciling differences of opinion with the administration setting policy. 

Overall, the event was one of many activities sponsored by APALSA this year.  In addition to hosting a number of guest speakers, APALSA members volunteer monthly at a downtown legal aid clinic, run a Big & Little Sibling mentoring program for its junior members, and help organize networking events with APALSA groups from surrounding schools.  Through its activities, APALSA aims to foster a sense of community and provide a network of formal and informal support for Asian-American law students here at U of C."

Thanks to Karen and James for the recap and check back to the blog for the next installment in Student Organizations 101!

The "Over the Hump" Party: U of C Students Celebrate the Mid-Point of the Year

U of C students are well-known for their dedication to their studies but they are also great at bringing balance to their lives with lots of fun.  Sara Feinstein (08), our Law Students Association President, gives us an example of the way our students celebrate the mid-point of the year:

"Students at the University of Chicago tend to embrace a "work hard, play hard" mentality.  The quarterly Law Students Association party exemplifies this mentality.  During Winter Quarter, after the 1L students complete their second Bigelow writing assignment, LSA hosts a heavily subsidized party affectionately called "Over the Hump."  This party, usually on a Thursday night, involves drinks, dancing and a much needed opportunity for law students to relax with their friends.  Over 200 law students attended the event held on February 7th at Club 720."

CLF Auction Raises Record-Breaking $89,000 for Summer Public Interest Grants

On January 31st the Chicago Law Foundation hosted its annual Public Interest Auction.  Not only is the Auction one of the biggest fund-raising efforts for CLF it is also one of the biggest social events of the year.  Lauren Kramer ('08), one the organizers of the event, provides us with this recap:

"As students entered the Green Lounge, they were greeted by the CLF Board dressed to the nines in flapper costumes and gangster gear, only to be whisked back in time to an era when the gin was always cold, the band played all night, and everyone would unwind and "speakeasy."

During the silent auction, a jazz band played 1920S hits as guests bid on the vast and varied collection of items available.  Highlights included Professor Epstein's vintage ties, a full collection of Supreme Court Bobble Heads, the new iPod Touch, and the remote control boats that formerly graces the Law School fountain.  Tables laden with delicious snacks and bartenders shaking or stirring with true grace only added to the atmosphere.

As the silent auction came to a close and Professor Baird stepped up to the podium to begin the live auction portion of the evening, guests sat forward on their chairs and grasped their number with sweaty palms, ready to ferociously bid.  Early in the auction, students showed that they were ready to throw down some serious money for public interest.  A Neiman Marcus gift card and personal shopper, dinner with Professor Samaha, and a night of poker with Professors Posner and Gersen were early favorites.  As the auction progressed, the fervor only increased with intense bidding wars over a Bulls game with Professor Henderson, the opportunity to attend the 2008 NBA Draft and have lunch with the NBA's Deputy Commissioner, and a Kirkland & Ellis-sponsored trip for four to Italy.

All in all, CLF raised over $89,000 at this fabulous event, more than doubling the success of past years.  The entire $89,000 will support students who choose to work in the public interest sector.  We can only hope that next year will be even better!"

Thanks to Lauren for the great recap and congratulations to all the members of CLF who worked so hard to make this year's Auction such a fantastic success and, of course, thanks to all the members of the Law School community who so generously gave to support our students who dedicate themselves to serving those so much in need.

"Super Wednesday" Coffee Mess

Each Wednesday morning the whole Law School community gathers in the Green Lounge for coffee, donuts and conversation for the longstanding Coffee Mess tradition.  This past Wednesday's Coffee Mess had a special theme.  The Law School Democrats hosted a "Super Wednesday" Coffee Mess that allowed students to informally discuss the results of Super Tuesday with faculty, including Professors Cass Sunstein,  Alison LaCroix, Adam Cox and Gerald Rosenberg.  Hollin Kretzmann ('08), a member of the group, provided us with the student perspective on this great event:

"Students across the country are keeping tabs on the primaries and talking about the election results and the Law School students are no different.  But what if we added the insights of Obama's top legal advisor, a couple of Constitutional scholars and economic experts to the mix?

What you get is the the Law School Democrats hosting of an informal "Morning After" discussion during Coffee Mess, inviting politically engaged faculty to sit with students over coffee and bagels to pour over the Super Tuesday results.  The diversity of opinions precluded a consensus on what Tuesday's results mean, but you can be sure professors and students had a lot to say!"

Although this event was a theme Coffee Mess, the type of interaction it fostered is indicative of the collegial and friendly Law School community, and something I always happily anticipate each Wednesday!

For some more faculty commentary on the presidential campaigns you can read Professor Geoffrey Stone's recent piece on former President Bill Clinton's role in the election in the Chicago Tribune, as well as other musings on current events and emerging legal issues on the Law School's widely renowned, frequently updated Faculty Blog.