Inaugural Law Clinic Fellows Selected

Southwestern's first Clinic Fellows have been selected: Jennifer Rodriguez-Fee'08 has been named as the Children's Rights Clinic Fellow, and Julia Vázquez has been named as the Immigration Law Clinic Fellow. During this two-year position, Ms. Rodriguez-Fee and Ms. Vázquez will assist in the representation of clients, the supervision of students and the development of course curricula for the respective clinics they serve. They will also participate in teaching the clinic seminars and receive support for research and professional development. The fellowships provide an excellent foundation for a career in public interest law or clinical/skills teaching.

EVENTS

State Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny '79 to Speak at Southwestern

Diversity Week is Back

Building on the strong commitment to diversity that has been central to the law school's mission since its founding, the Southwestern community will celebrate its Second Annual Diversity Week with a variety of events and activities during the week of October 4. The Career Services, Dean of Students and Diversity Affairs, Institutional Advancement and Student Affairs offices will hold events during the week to celebrate and encourage diversity at Southwestern and within the legal profession.

Highlights include:

• the First Monday in October Event - a discussion of significant U.S. Supreme Court cases related to diversity issues (Monday, October 4, 12:30 p.m., BW390)
• a Career Services Panel on diversity (see details below) and a Disability Awareness Event (Tuesday, October 5, 5:00 p.m., W311)
• the Annual Cultural Food Fair and a Cultural Bake Sale (Wednesday, October 6: Cultural Food Fair at 12:30 p.m. and Cultural Bake Sale at 5:00 p.m., both in the Student Commons)
• a Networking Reception with alumni and other legal practitioners of varying backgrounds (see details below)
• and a Community Service Event with Professor Laura Cohen (Friday, October 8)
  

Diversity Week Career Panel

Listen to a panel of attorneys from diverse backgrounds talk about their experience working in the legal profession on Tuesday, October 5 at 12:30 p.m. in W311. There will also be a question and answer session where you can get all of your questions answered and network with attorneys.

Diversity Week Networking Reception

Co-sponsored by the Career Services and Institutional Advancement offices, bring your business cards to this networking reception on Thursday, October 7 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Louis XIV Room (BW 2nd Floor). Alumni from the various student groups (BLSA, LLSA, APALSA, OUTLaw, etc.) will be attending, as well as members of the general legal community. This is a great opportunity for you to meet alumni and other attorneys from the general legal community!

STUDENTS

Southwestern Mourns the Loss of Two Students

The Southwestern Community was deeply saddened by the untimely passing of students Alex K. Myers and Peter Schoettler in recent months.

Alex Myers, a third-year day student, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, July 15. Alex's fellow students, faculty and family members from across the country gathered at the law school in early September to honor his memory. Known for his compassion and concern for his colleagues, his perseverance and professionalism, Alex will be greatly missed by the Southwestern community. According to his family, he loved studying the law and cherished the friendships he made at Southwestern. They would like to thank those who have reached out to them during this difficult time.

On August 20, just a few days before he was to begin his final year in Southwestern's PLEAS program, lymphoma claimed Peter Schoettler's life. Despite a grueling battle with cancer throughout his law school experience, Peter embodied the spirit of achievement with kindness and optimism. One of the top students in his class, he was a member of Law Review, a teaching assistant and president of Southwestern's Tax Law Society, spearheading the groups' award winning Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (see story below). Peter's family and friends will gather to celebrate his life with music and a reception on Sunday, October 17 at 4:00 p.m. in Southwestern's Tea Room and have extended an invitation to members of the Southwestern Community who would like to attend. In lieu of a memorial scholarship fund in Peter's name, his friends and family will establish a 529(C) college fund account for his two young daughters. Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the fund or would like to attend Peter's Life Celebration should contact the Institutional Advancement Office.

It is always difficult to lose a classmate and a colleague. Students who feel in need of counseling services may contact the Dean of Students Office as well as Helpnet at 1-800-HELPNET (1-800-435-7638).

VITA Program Earns Accolades from IRS

Southwestern's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program received an Honorable Mention Award by the Internal Revenue Service, for the outstanding job they did earlier this year. The group prepared 216 tax returns for local residents in 2010, and the total amount refunded to clients by federal and state governments exceed $250,000.

The IRS gives awards to recognize VITA programs that had both high productivity and low reject-for-errors rates. According to Professor Lon Sobel, faculty advisor to the VITA program, "Our reject rate was very good (that is, very low) and the number of returns our program prepared increased 33% from the year before; our acceptance rate was up 25%; and our average taxpayer refund went up as well (to $1,344)."

He explained, "Southwestern's VITA program is run entirely by the students in the Tax Law Society, who gave up their Friday afternoons and weekends from February to mid-April to do something very valuable for eligible taxpayers in Los Angeles. The program's remarkable success is attributable in large part to the tireless work and leadership of the Society's president, the late Peter Schoettler - a truly outstanding student, citizen and role model."

Southwestern Student Elected Lt. Governor of ABA/LSD

Third-year day student Jeffrey Harris has been elected Lieutenant Governor for SBA Presidents of the ABA/Law Student Division, 9th Circuit. Having served as Southwestern's SBA secretary during the 2009-2010 academic year, he looks forward to the collaboration with other law schools. "I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the students from each school of the 9th Circuit," he said. "I hope to bring an ever-increasing amount of energy to this year's ABA Student Division."

In this position, Mr. Harris's responsibilities include: promoting ABA/LSD membership and benefits; working with the 9th circuit governor to plan and coordinate resources and information for the ABA representatives workshop at the Circuit's Fall and Spring meetings; outreach to first-year law students; maintaining and developing circuit membership programs, plans, and activities for promoting Division programs, activities and national competitions through regular communications with circuit ABA representatives, members and SBA presidents; and securing and updating election/ appointment results and contact information for ABA Representatives and SBA Presidents at each of the Circuit's ABA-approved law schools.

Student Wins First Annual Rule of Law Prize

Third-year day student Elissa Felman won the Beverly Hills Bar Foundation's First Annual Rule of Law Prize. She received $2,500 for her first-place essay, which has been published on the BHBF's website.

Because the competition rules were fairly broad, Ms. Felman took an international approach and discussed how morality shapes and changes the rule of law. Before she began her research and writing, she says she had no idea what the rule of law was. When she discovered how broad the topic is, narrowing her focus became a challenge. She started four different papers before finally honing in on one aspect of the rule of law: morality. Read more.

Six Students Earn MABF Scholarships

The Mexican American Bar Foundation (MABF) awarded scholarships totaling $30,000 to six Southwestern students at its 2010 Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala. The recipients included: Yvonne Garcia '11; Leslie Reyes '12; Enrique Rodriguez '11 (recipient of the Zoe Pfaeffle Memorial Scholarship); Cynthia Valdez '12; Jessica Verano '12; and Nicole Vongchanglor '11. In awarding scholarships, the Foundation's Scholarship Committee considers the applicant's commitment to community service, academic achievement and financial need. In the past four years alone, Southwestern students have won 24 MABF scholarships totaling $130,000.

SBA Board of Governors Announced

The Student Bar Association is proud to announce its Board of Directors for the 2010-2011 school year.

President - Andrew Janz
Vice President, Day Program - Larry Castruita
Vice President, Evening Program - Sean Taliaferro
Treasurer - Michael Bauer
Secretary - Shadi Sedighzadeh
ABA Representative - Tiffany Behfarin

HONORS PROGRAMS

Law Review and Law Journal Announce New Staff

The Southwestern Law Review and Southwestern Journal of International Law welcome their 2010-2011 staff members.

Law Review

William Aulbert, Jason Benkner, Katrine Berger, Amy Beverlin, Sarah Braun, Justin Brossier, Katherine Bruce, Melinda Carrido, Chris DeClue, Silviana Dumitrescu, Greg Gasawski, Megan Gyongyos, Adam Houtz, Sabrina Jangda, Will Jeffrion, Shaina Kinsberg , Daniel Kohler, Margaret Leidy, Shanda Lowe, Rene Maldonado, Courtney Martin, Alfred Movsesyan, Iman Nabizadeh, Anna Sarukhanyan, Michael Schroeder, Jennifer Seigle, Jenna Sleefe, Kira Teshima, Shannon Thiele, Mark Velez and Sipora Zaghi.

Law Journal

Nicole Abboud, Ilyssa Adler, Margo Arnold, Tiffany Behfarin, Brandon Carroll, Nathalie Dina, Kevin Doran, Elise Epperson, Tiffany Gardner, Andrew Janz, Elliot Jung, Deborah Kahn, Alexander Larian, Marcus Lee, Michael McLean, Troy Mueller, Tania Ochoa, Oganes Oganesyan, Antoine Pitts, Adam Rapaport, Natalie Rodriguez, Johnny Rundell, Shawnell Russell, Bahar Sodaify and Anthony Werbin.

Advocacy Programs Announce Members

The Moot Court, Negotiation and Trial Advocacy Honors Programs are pleased to announce their respective team members for the 2010-11 academic year.

Moot Court Honors Program

Board: Gibran Bouyad (Chair), Julie Bemel, Daniel Benji, Crystal Lara and Patricia Rosman. Members: Sarah Braun, Clark Braunstein, Justin Brossier, Anthony Colunga, David Dowining, Sholi Goodman, Rebecca Goodrich, William Harless, Kerrigen Hennings, Sabrina Jangda, Nayri Jilizian, Britt Karp, Jody Klipple, Kris Knipprath, Rebecca Kohanbashiri, Marcus Lee, Courtney Martin, Anthony Martinez, Joseph Mellis, Amanda Moghaddam, Troy Mueller, Puja Pahwa, Chandler Parker, Catalina Rodas, Shawnell Russell, David Russell, Jennifer Seigle, Jenifer Slott, Brian Swaim, Shannon Wainwright and Genevieve Younce.

Negotiation Honors Program

Board: Natalie Weatherford (Chair), Benjamin Lau and Nathan Harpham. Members: Ilyssa Adler, Garrett Behrens, Diana Bernstein, Garrett Charity, Courtney Collins, Steven Diaz, Renee Dubie, Philip Hall, Timothy Kuhl, Michael Laufer, Jessica Rafipour , Jenna Sleefe, Andrew Sommers, Timothy Sutton, Antwoin Wall, Adam Wood and Gayane Zorabian.

Trial Advocacy Honors Program

Board: Lynette M. Jones (Chair), Jeremy Davis, Chris DeClue, Donald Reese and Tegan Sattel. Senior Advocates: John Begakis, Steven Bondy, Eric Bonholtzer, Leslie Bouvier-Hashemi, Jennifer Carter, Ashlee P. Clark, Jeremy Davis, Chris DeClue, Lynette M. Jones, Kris Le Fan, Hyun-young Na, Stella Pogosyan, Giancarlo Recinos, Donald Reese, Tegan Sattel and Rachel Stapleton. Junior Advocates: Carlos Arias, Anet Badali, Jessica M. Balady, Michael E. Bauer, Kunal Jain, Nestor A. Lopez, Michael McLean, Carlos A. Perez, Enrique Rodriguez III, Daniel Selarz, Jessica DeVille and John B. Twomey.

BIEDERMAN INSTITUTE

JIMEL Announces New Editor, Upcoming Defamation Law Colloquium and Release of New Issue

Professor Michael Epstein is now serving as the supervising editor of the Journal of International Media and Entertainment Law (JIMEL), a publication of the ABA Forums on Communications Law and the Entertainment and Sports Industries, and the Biederman Institute. Professor Epstein will also serve as moderator at the JIMEL International Media Law Colloquium, where a panel of experts will discuss emerging international issues in defamation law on September 29 at Southwestern. Read more.

CAREER CORNER

"Off the Record with..." Lunch Series

Join the Career Services Office (CSO) for their new brownbag lunch series, "Off the Record with..." Each session takes places at 12:30 p.m. in the Salle Moderne (BW 5th Floor). Bring your lunch (drinks and snacks will be provided) and chat with alums about their careers. This is your chance to network with alumni and get some great advice from attorneys who were once in your position! You will have the chance to meet with alumni in a small group setting. Upcoming sessions include:

Tuesday, September 21: Recent Alums and How They Got Their Jobs

How did some of our recent graduates get their summer and post-graduate positions? What advice do they have for you? What questions do you have for them? Is networking really important? Come join the discussion.

Tuesday, October 12: Attorneys Working in Small/Medium Sized Firms

The vast majority of lawyers work in small to medium sized firms, so what advice do they have for you?  What is it like to work in this type of setting? What type of experience will you obtain? Do these firms care about grades or class rank? Do they care about the Moot Court Negotiation or Trial Advocacy Honors Program? Mark your calendar for this helpful session.

OCIP is Only One Way to Find a Job

Want to find out about other important methods for finding a job? Join Careers Services on Wednesday, October 13 at 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. in W311 for an in depth discussion on ways to find a job and methods to tap the "hidden" job market.

LIBRARY NEWS

New Search Platform Available through Westlaw

The Southwestern Community now has access to WestlawNext, West's breakthrough search platform that aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in legal research. The uncluttered front page features a single search box for all purposes. Users can enter a natural language search or a case or statute citation. You no longer need to pre-select a database to search - just select your jurisdiction and WestlawNext will show you all the relevant documents. Other enhancements include the ability to highlight, annotate, and drag and drop documents into research folders that can be saved on WestlawNext for up to 12 months. If you are accessing through a mobile device, WestlawNext will automatically deliver the optimal format for that device. There are a few features not yet available on WestlawNext. There will be no access to the free Westlaw printers or support by chat until the spring semester. These will continue to be available to you in classic Westlaw. Please watch for training opportunities online.

BNA Online

The Law Library has upgraded its BNA Online subscription to include all BNA online titles. The service provides current, high-quality information in areas such as environment and safety, employment and labor, ethics, health care, international law, litigation, corporate responsibility, tax, and trade and commerce. The complete list is available online. Students can search the BNA library or sign up for weekly email alerts of developments in each area of law.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

A Dozen Questions for Professor Steven Krone, Director of the Biederman Institute

Q: As a USC film school graduate, were you always interested in entertainment law?

A: I had wanted to be a lawyer since I was pretty young, and I always loved movies, but my path to entertainment law was somewhat more circuitous than my resume would suggest. I went to film school with some vague notion that I would be in the film business, but then I worked in advertising for a few years before going to law school. My law school experience and judicial clerkships pointed me in the direction of a Washington DC-based trial or appellate practice, but then I decided to come to LA and practice entertainment law at the eleventh hour.

Q: What is your fondest law school memory?

A: Meeting my wife (Heidi Rummel, a USC Law School professor) at the annual "Over the Hump" party held at the mid-point of the school year. We talked for hours. We had our first date, on Valentine's Day, right after I got back from an impromptu road trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (that's another story). We've been married for 16 wonderful years.

Q: What were some of your proudest accomplishments while serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Village Roadshow Pictures Entertainment?

A: We made some great movies with our partners at Warner Bros. - The Matrix, Ocean's Eleven, Three Kings, Training Day, Mystic River and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to name a few - and we also had some stinkers. But my proudest accomplishment was assembling a remarkably talented and loyal group of people and creating an environment in which they could excel and truly enjoy their work.

Q: Why did you decide to transition from practicing to teaching law?

A: In 2000, I began teaching at the University of Chicago, my alma mater, while I was still President of Village Roadshow Pictures. So I've been teaching pretty regularly for the past ten years. I've always loved teaching. I tutored the younger kids on the block when I was in junior high school and high school. I taught LSAT prep courses before going off to law school. It's in my blood.

Q: What do you like most about teaching law?

A: The interaction with students, both in and out of class. And frankly, I think you have to be a little bit of a performer to really enjoy teaching. I'm a ham.

Q: In particular, what do you enjoy most about teaching 1Ls?

A: The enterprise in the first year of law school is in some ways very different from everything that comes after. Whereas most "upper division" courses are primarily about an area of substantive law or a set of lawyering skills, the first year is much more heavily focused on learning how to think, analyze and communicate like a lawyer. A first-year professor has the best (but certainly not the only) opportunity to profoundly influence the way someone thinks about the law on an essential level.

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in the Los Angeles area?

A: The traffic. Just kidding. We have the best outdoor concert venue in the country, the best sushi outside of Japan, and just about the best weather on the planet - and the Hotel Bel Air (which I'm hoping will reopen in time for Mother's Day 2011!). That's pretty good for starters.

Q: What is the most important piece of advice you give to your students?

A: On the career front, I always emphasize the importance of mentors. Finding someone to take you under their wing is often overlooked in the face of other factors on which new lawyers in the job market tend to focus - things like practice area, the type of organization or industry, and even location. Virtually every highly accomplished person I know has an inspiring story about an instrumental mentor.

Q: What are some of the biggest trends in media and entertainment law right now?

A: We are in the midst of enormous technological and creative innovation that is fundamentally reshaping how a lot of entertainment is produced, distributed and consumed. Consequently, entertainment lawyers have the opportunity to operate on the cutting edge with respect to issues ranging from structuring of new business models, to access and pricing of content, to shaping the contours of novel (and not so novel) intellectual property rights.

Q: What are some of your goals for the Biederman Institute?

A: As I said when I took the position, the Biederman Institute already boasts an extraordinary full-time faculty, an extensive network of seasoned adjunct faculty, and a fabulous array of externships, summer programs, and other opportunities to learn and work in the entertainment and media arena. In addition to continuing to build on all of these fronts, I am looking to launch some exciting new initiatives. A few things on the drawing board are an Entertainment and the Arts Legal Clinic providing representation to artists working in fields including filmed entertainment, music, videogames, new media and the fine arts; some joint programs with film schools and cultural institutions; and a new international presence in an important entertainment and media center such as Brazil, India or Australia. Stay tuned.

Q: What are some of your hobbies and interests outside the legal profession?

A: Yoga, soccer, food and wine, and college basketball - especially North Carolina Tar Heels basketball: our family has traveled to three of their last four Final Four appearances, including the National Championship wins in Detroit (2009) and St. Louis (2005).

Q: If you could do anything and knew you could not fail, what would you do?

A: Sing like Frank Sinatra. I try all the time, even though I know I'm going to fail miserably.

Judge Mavis Encourages New Students to Pursue Their Passion and Make Connections

As the keynote Orientation speaker welcoming Southwestern's 100th entering class, Hon. Darrell Mavis, Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court and a member of Southwestern's adjunct faculty, hoped "to inspire new students to pursue their passions and convince them that Friday the 13th is their lucky day!" Before administering the Professionalism Oath to the new class at the conclusion of the formal Orientation program, he encouraged the students to start building good reputations immediately. "Lawyers talk," he said. "The people you go to law school with will be your colleagues for the rest of your career. You have one chance to make a good first impression."

Judge Mavis explained that when he wrote his own personal statement for law school, he started with the sentence, "I want to be a trial lawyer." At the time, his knowledge of trial advocacy came only from what he had seen on television, but he loved the concepts of representing someone and convincing a jury. He went on to pursue a career as a prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

"It's an extraordinary privilege to stand in front of juries trying cases that I believed in," he said, speaking of one of his first cases in Van Nuys, prosecuting gang members who killed a high school student. "I met the victim's mother and felt the weight of the world on my shoulders to find justice for her son." Read more.

FACULTY ACTIVITIES

• The Instrumental Justice of Private Law, 78 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY LAW REVIEW 559 (2010)

• Inducted, Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers

• The Rise and Fall of the Constitutional Exclusionary Rule in the United States, 58 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE LAW 631
• Speaker, Cultural Influences on Gender-based Violence in West Lombok, Meeting of Government and Community Leaders, District of Gerung and Kediri, Lombok
• Presenter, U.S. National Report on Rules Regarding the Exclusion of Illegally Obtained Evidence, Congress of the International Academy of Comparative Law, Washington DC

- CLICK HERE FOR MORE FACULTY ACTIVITIES -

FACULTY

Steven Krone Appointed Director of the Biederman Institute

Following an extensive national search, Steven G. Krone, former President and Chief Operating Officer of Village Roadshow Pictures Entertainment and recently a member of the Chapman University law school and film school faculty, has been appointed Director of the Donald E. Biederman Entertainment and Media Law Institute and Professor of Law.

In announcing the appointment, Dean Garth said, "As a senior entertainment lawyer and executive, experienced legal educator and former U.S. Supreme Court law clerk, Professor Krone brings invaluable expertise and insight into the law and business of the entertainment and media industries from both a practical and academic perspective. We are delighted that Professor Krone will play a crucial role in the growth of our highly regarded Institute as it begins its second decade."

Professor Krone's responsibilities as Director of the Biederman Institute include the development and supervision of the Institute's curriculum, externships, research agenda, symposia and other public programming, the entertainment law LL.M. program, local and international summer programs, strategic planning and fundraising. Professor Krone will also initially teach Contracts, as well as Law, Lawyers and the Legal System in Film and other courses as time permits. Read more.

Professor Gray Appointed Dean of Students and Diversity Affairs

Professor H. Nyree Gray, who has served as Director of Diversity Affairs since 2007, has been appointed as Associate Dean/Dean of Students and Diversity Affairs. As Dean of Students, she is responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing a variety of programs and services designed to support students in achieving academic and personal success. She will continue to supervise Southwestern's Diversity Affairs efforts as well.

"By centralizing the functions of the Dean of Students and Diversity Affairs, we aim to build on our solid foundation of resources in both of these areas that are essential to Southwestern's mission and student-centered approach," Dean Bryant Garth said. "Dean Gray brings an important multifaceted perspective as an alumna, practicing lawyer, faculty member and administrator to this new post." Read more.

Gowri Ramachandran Named Professor of Law

Following the positive recommendation by the Faculty Tenure Committee, Gowri Ramachandran was granted tenure and promoted to Professor of Law by Southwestern's Board of Trustees. "Professor Ramachandran excels in teaching, service, and scholarship," Dean Garth said. "We are very fortunate to have her on our faculty." The appointment acknowledges Professor Ramachandran's individual attention given to students, scholarship, and service to Southwestern as well as the profession. She was also named as the Irving D. and Florence Rosenberg Professor of Law for the 2010-2011 academic year (see story below).

Southwestern Names Four Faculty Members to 2010-11 Professorships

Southwestern has honored four of its highly respected faculty members with professorships for the 2010-11 academic year: Professor Alan L. Calnan as the Irwin R. Buchalter Professor; Professor Gowri Ramachandran as the Irving D. and Florence Rosenberg Professor; Professor Arthur F. McEvoy as the Paul E. Treusch Professor; and Professor Debra Lyn Bassett as the Justice Marshall F. McComb Professor. Dean Garth says of these appointments, "The four professors selected exemplify the commitment to scholarship, service and teaching that makes Southwestern's faculty so outstanding. The Board of Trustees has selected very wisely. Read more.

Adjunct Professors Appointed to the Bench

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently appointed two members of Southwestern's adjunct faculty to judgeships in the Los Angeles County Superior Court: Hon. Scott M. Gordon and Hon. Tamara Elaine Hall.

Judge Gordon served from 2002 to 2010 as a Superior Court Commissioner and in May was appointed Judge after a distinguished 16-year career with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office where he was a founding member of the Stalking and Threat Assessment Team and was responsible for policy and legislative issues relating to child abuse, domestic violence and sex crimes. In 1997, he was one of three U.S. prosecutors selected as Legal Specialists for the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in the Hague, Netherlands. A 1980 graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills, Judge Gordon spent the early years of his career as a police officer and detective for the Santa Monica Police Department while attending Southwestern. He completed his J.D. in 1985, and since 1990 has taught Family Law, Community Property, Trial Advocacy, Advanced Criminal Procedure, Forensic Evidence, and the Criminal Response to Terrorism Seminar as an adjunct professor. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2003 and twice served as the keynote speaker at Southwestern's Orientation program for new students. He was honored by the law school as Outstanding Judicial Officer in 2008.

Judge Hall has served as an adjunct professor at Southwestern since 2008, teaching courses in Trial Advocacy in the traditional and SCALE programs. A deputy district attorney for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office from 1999 until her appointment to the bench, she worked in the Special Operations - Hardcore Gang Division and was recognized for outstanding service by the office in 2004. Judge Hall earned her J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law, where she won the American Jurisprudence Award for Trial Advocacy, and a B.S. from the University of Southern California. Early in her career, she served as a law clerk for the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California.

Professors Pen Advice Book

In response to first-year student requests for some practical, no-nonsense advice about law school, Vice Dean Austen Parrish and Professor Cristina Knolton have written Hard-Nosed Advice from a Cranky Law Professor: How to Succeed in Law School (Carolina Academic Press, 2010), a helpful and humorous book for law students.

"In some ways, they were tired of just hearing that law school was 'hard work,' without any clear guidance as to why it was difficult," Dean Parrish said. "Cristina [Knolton] and I saw a need for a book that explained in a succinct, straight-taking and hopefully humorous way what is expected of students when they begin law school." Read more.

SENIOR STAFF

Dean Powell Appointed Associate Dean for Special Projects

Associate Dean/Dean of Students Jane Powell has taken a new role as Southwestern's Associate Dean for Special Projects. In this capacity, she will be involved in a range of research, writing, instruction, student services and external affairs responsibilities in support of academic and student enhancement programs at Southwestern.

Dean Powell joined Southwestern in 1985 as an Assistant to the Dean. She became Student Activities Administrator and in 1994, she was named Director of Student Affairs. She was appointed Assistant Dean/Dean of Students in 2002, and was promoted to Associate Dean/Dean of Students five years later.

"In her various roles at Southwestern, Dean Powell has contributed immeasurably to the growth of the law school in the areas of student services, academic affairs, academic support and co-curricular and extracurricular programs," Dean Bryant Garth said. "Her extensive experience and insight into the development of Southwestern and higher education in general will be invaluable as she takes on new projects in support of Southwestern's advancement." Read more.

ALUMNI

Professor Ostrove Recognized for Milestone

The State Bar of California recently honored alumnus and Adjunct Professor David Ostrove '58 for 50 years of service to the legal profession. A Board Certified Specialist in Taxation Law and a Certified Public Accountant, Professor Ostrove is highly regarded for his expertise in the areas of probate and trust, tax and complex business litigation and served as President of the American Association of Attorney-CPAs. He serves as a mediator and arbitrator and regularly appears as an expert witness engaged by private practice lawyers representing defendants and plaintiffs, as well as county, state and federal government agencies.

In recent years, Professor Ostrove also celebrated his 40th anniversary as a member of Southwestern's adjunct faculty where he teaches a variety of courses in tax, accounting and wills and trusts. He is a veteran faculty member of Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) and the California CPA Foundation As well as a published author, writing extensively in the areas of wills, trusts, probate and business law. Professor Ostrove received formal recognition from the Supreme Court of California and the State Bar of California for his five decades of service to the legal profession.

AROUND CAMPUS

Southwestern's Turning 100!

As Southwestern approaches the 100th anniversary of its founding, a variety of programs, special events, online and print communications, community outreach and public recognition efforts, as well as a fundraising campaign are being developed to commemorate this historic milestone. These activities will help the law school and the greater community celebrate Southwestern's remarkable history, growth and momentum, and honor the many people who have played a significant role in the law school's development and achievements through its first century. A special centennial version of Southwestern's logo has been designed to reflect the law school's 100 years of innovative legal education. Keep an eye out for events and program details as the plans continue to unfold.

LSSSE 2010: Survey Indicates New Student-Centered Programs Are Making a Difference

The results of the 2010 Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE) offer significant evidence that the implementation of a variety of programs and services designed to enhance students' law school experience at Southwestern are having a positive impact.

Dr. Robert Mena, Director of Student Affairs at Southwestern, said, "The results of our most recent LSSSE survey indicate that our students are saying Southwestern cares about them as people, that we want them to succeed academically and we provide the support for them to do so. It also shows that the relationships that they have with faculty, staff and their fellow students are supportive, helpful, encouraging and enhance their overall quality of life in law school." Read more.

New Issue of JLE Released

Along with Dean Bryant Garth, Professor Gowri Ramachandran is now serving as co-editor of the Journal of Legal Education, the publication of the AALS that is hosted by Southwestern. According to Assistant Dean Molly Selvin, the JLE's associate editor, the latest issue, released in August, features a symposium on "Balance in Legal Education," exploring issues such as the need of law schools to better address mental health issues that arise during or are exacerbated by law school.  It also includes a provocative article arguing that "Learning law the hard way is not better, it is just harder." Shortly after publication, articles from the JLE are posted online in PDF format.

New Staff

Jenna Bushore, Events Coordinator, Institutional Advancement, earned her B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from Loyola Marymount University. While in school, she was Director of Performance Events for ASLMU (LMU's Student Government) for two years, where she planned concerts, speakers, comedy nights, battle of the bands and other events. Prior to joining Southwestern, Ms. Bushore served as an Event Coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles' 2009 Uncork-A-Wish fundraiser.

Christopher Kimura, Computer Services Assistant, Management Information Systems, received a B.A. in English from Kasai Gaidai University in Japan, and completed a degree in Computer Science at Pierce College. Prior to joining Southwestern, Mr. Kimura worked as a Systems Engineer at seeknet USA providing technical support to an array of clients, troubleshooting various hardware and software problems, repairing PCs, and administering user accounts.

Valerie Knight-Davis, Online LL.M. Program Specialist, spent 11 years on the staff of Concord Law School where she served as the Director of Academic Services. Completing her B.S. in Instructional Design and Technology at Walden University, she is assisting with the launch and administration of Southwestern's new Online LL.M. in Entertainment and Media Law program.

Rosalva Lara, SOS Assistant, Administrative Services, studied music at Loyola Marymount University and UCLA. Most recently, she worked as a Credit Analyst at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and was an executive assistant at Classic Media. Ms. Lara is also Program Director and a DJ for KXLU Radio's "Alma del Barrio" program.

Anna Olivares, SOS Assistant, Administrative Services, received her B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior with a minor in Educational Studies from the University of California, Irvine. While attending college, she worked as a Student Services Assistant in UCI's Registrar's Office and a Peer Consultant in UCI's Career Center. Most recently, Ms. Olivares was a Student Services/Registrar administrative assistant at Kaplan College and a membership marketing and fundraising intern for Step Up Women's Network.
 
Kathy Rennels, SOS Assistant, Administrative Services, received her B.A. from New York University. Prior to joining the Southwestern team, she worked as a contracts coordinator at HarperCollins Publishers. She has also been an office associate at the Fashion Institute of Technology and a photo coordinator at Sports Illustrated.

Transitions

• Nicole Duntz - Dean's Office Assistant
• Stacy Oh - Student Services Assistant, Career Services
• Debra Snyder - Alumni Coordinator, Institutional Advancement

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

"W.A.Y." - Who Are You & Why Are You here?

This month - Chandler Parker, SCALE II Student
Actors seeking more creative control often turn to directing. Chandler Parker decided law school was a more inspired opportunity to shape the course of his career. "I love acting, but sometimes it feels very powerless," Parker explained. "I've always been attracted to the practice of law because it encompasses a wide variety of knowledge and skills.'

The performance aspect of legal training has come naturally to Parker, who recently won First Place Oralist at the SCALE Appellate Advocacy Competition. And though he says legal writing is a big challenge, his brief for the competition did earn an honorable mention, which he deems "a testament to how well Southwestern is preparing me to be an effective writer."

Although balancing the extraordinary amount of work in SCALE with his personal life is a major feat for the self-proclaimed perfectionist, Parker takes pleasure in the intellectual stimulation of law school and enjoys gardening to counterbalance the stress. He has particularly enjoyed Civil Procedure with Professor Aronovsky, Professor Karen Smith's Criminal Procedure class and the way Professor Sloan brings to life the subject matter in her Contracts course. 

In an effort to learn about more areas of the law, Parker spent the summer externing for the District Attorney's Office, working on a high-profile death penalty case. He is a member of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and plans to join the Moot Court Honors Program. But he intends to keep at least one foot firmly planted in the entertainment business. He is currently developing a kids' show with actor Adrian Grenier (Entourage), which turns children's ideas into movies.

Parker's impressive list of acting credits includes roles in the movies Be Kind Rewind, Preaching to the Choir and Deception as well as guest-starring stints on Cold Case, Numb3rs, Law and Order and The Sopranos. He played the part of Jailbait in a Suzan-Lori Parks play at the Public Theater, a famous off Broadway venue. He points out, "It's usually so hard to find a job as an actor. It's great to get any job, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be [playing Craig] in Be Kind Rewind because it was about the power that art can have to inspire a downtrodden community, and that's why I was so proud to be a part of it."

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Parker's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establishing a nonprofit organization devoted to producing theater around the country and the birth of the Create Carolina Arts Festival held annually at Winthrop University. With a B.F.A. degree in Acting from the esteemed University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Parker chose Southwestern because of its location and strong connections in the entertainment industry. In particular, he loved the idea of SCALE, a two-year program where he thought it would be easier to "rip the band-aid off fast rather than slowly peel it." To his delight, law school has opened his mind to other possibilities.

"I wanted more control over the direction my life would take, and I came to law school to widen my skills and achieve my goals as an actor," he said. "Since coming to Southwestern I've broadened my horizons and become interested in other facets of the law." Other areas that have garnered Parker's attention include constitutional law, business practice and civil rights. "I am primarily interested in being in the courtroom, thinking on my feet and presenting arguments to win."

ESSAYS & SCHOLARSHIPS