Last Semester

I apologize for the lack of posting lately. Honestly, I really have not even been on my computer much at all except for what has been necessary at work. And besides work, I have not really thought about the law since my last final. I started a trial last week, but it ended in a mistrial half way through the defendant's opening statements (not my fault,) which was kind of sweet because the defense counsel had been a bit of a jerk to me in the past and it was fun to see him squirm in front of the judge. Plus I did not like the jury and hope that the pool is better next time we get a crack at the case. But beside that, I have not thought much of the law. We took a weekend trip up to Pacific county because S had a hearing at the court house there. It felt very "My Cousin Vinny," except that I was in the Marisa Tomei without the knowledge of cars. The county only has one judge and probably only a handful of lawyers. It was not surprising that he thought he may have to conflict out on the case because he knew the parties. How do you avoid that in a small town like that. We stayed at a small hotel a block from the courthouse, which also happens to be in FEMA zone (last months floods.) There were FEMA agents staying in the room next to us. After the hearing was over, we went to the beach and practically got blown off our feet. We also visited a lighthouse and had oysters at Chester's bar and grill. I fit in in my flannel and beard. S was the only woman there, besides the bartenter, and the only woman with teeth. When the phone rang, the guy sitting at the bar said "if its my wife, tell her we're divorced." I started my reading for the semester toning. It included J.S. Mill's On Liberty--he did not know what a paragraph was and rambles on for long sentences before he actually says what he wants to say. I liked the subject matter just not how it was written. And then I had to read two articles about how the practice of law makes you a depressed alcoholic who trades free time, sanity, and health for money and the false dream of a meaningful profession. I think the profession, for professional responsibility, is going to try and impart some wisdom about how we might do things differently, but it sure does suck to have to read about how negative things have become for lawyers. Isn't there some inspiring stories about being a lawyer out there instead of this dribble about how much it sucks to work at a big firm billing 2200 hours for a six figure salary. I can tell you that much of the negativity is true based on what I see in those who graduated before me, but it is a little late for that. Greedy law schools have already let in too many helpless idealistic confused twenty three year olds right out of college with a dream of fast cars and downtown apartments to prevent the suffering that lies ahead. It is a good thing I went to law school because I saw how much working 60 hours a week in a kitchen could suck. It makes the long hours of the law seem pretty reasonable.

Well, there you have it. Some thoughts on the eve of my last semester of law school. I was hoping to take only easy classes that would let me slide by on a minimal amount of work, but because the registrar has done such a horrible job of creating a schedule I am stuck with what I have. One of my professions already wants us to turn in a thought piece for the first day of class. I hope that does not keep up. When I saw that, I looked for another available class, but I have to stick with it because administrative law lab is really not an option. Enough ramblings. I will probably be posting more often now that I have to sit through classes again. Yes, it is very clear I have senioritus, but can't I get a little break? This will be my 44th semester of school.