Women Who Inspire: RBG

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, affectionately known as RBG, was a pioneer who embodied confidence and resilience. Her life and career are examples of how women can rise above societal barriers with persistence and determination.

In an era when women were vastly underrepresented in law, Ginsburg faced discrimination and bias. Despite graduating at the top of her class from Columbia Law School, she struggled to find employment. Undeterred, she built an impressive career, championing gender equality and civil rights, eventually becoming the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

RBG displayed confidence by remaining steadfast in her beliefs, even in the face of opposition. She dissented loudly when necessary, influencing the future of American law. Her ability to combine fierce intellect with quiet confidence, while advocating for women and marginalized groups, inspired generations of women to break down barriers in their own careers.

Beyond her legal achievements, Ginsburg exemplified resilience in her personal life. She overcame numerous health challenges and kept working through them with an unshakable sense of duty. Her courage and determination demonstrated that confidence isn’t about having no struggles, but about how one faces them.

Ginsburg's legacy continues to empower women, showing that confidence stems from knowledge, purpose, and a commitment to justice. She taught women everywhere that, with the right mindset, they can challenge societal norms, fight for equality, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Advantages of Digital Textbooks Over Physical Books

Advantages of Digital Textbooks Over Physical Books

Having spent over five years in higher education, I’ve had my fair share of textbooks. When I began law school, I made the decision to use only digital textbooks (eBooks). The thought of carrying heavy books around campus and paying hefty shipping fees to get them from Chegg, Amazon, or Aspen was exhausting. By August 2023, I fully committed to eBooks, and it made studying on the go so much easier. I could effortlessly reference information and keep track of highlights without needing to tab pages. However, when the spring semester arrived, I couldn’t get all the books I needed in digital format, so I had to revert to hardbacks. Now, three semesters in, I’m ready to explain why I strongly prefer eBooks.

1. Portability

With a Kindle, iPad, or e-reader, I can study virtually anywhere. Whether I’m traveling, commuting, or just heading to a study session, having multiple books at my fingertips is a game changer. Digital textbooks provide unmatched accessibility, especially for students who are constantly on the move or need to carry multiple textbooks.

2. Convenience

Digital textbooks are perfect for reading and highlighting in any setting—be it a car, plane, coffee shop, or office. The compact size of an e-reader means it easily fits into a purse, taking up minimal space and making it easier to study on the go. There’s no need to carry highlighters or tabs; everything is built into the device.

3. Searchability

One of the standout features of digital textbooks is their search function. This tool allows students to quickly find information, making study sessions more efficient. While I still take notes during readings and lectures, having digitized notes combined with digitized textbooks offers unparalleled searchability, streamlining both study and review.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Digital textbooks are often significantly cheaper than their physical counterparts. In law school, I’ve saved over $100 on some books, not to mention the elimination of shipping fees. With digital books, you receive instant access to the material without waiting for delivery, making it a smart financial choice for any student.

Legal Issues Creatives Should Know

Creatives, such as artists, writers, musicians, and designers, often face a range of legal issues, many of which relate to the protection and use of their intellectual property (IP). Here are some common legal issues they encounter:

1. Copyright Infringement

• Issue: Unauthorized use of a creator's work by others.

• Challenge: Enforcing copyright can be difficult, especially in the digital age where work can be easily shared and reproduced without permission.

2. Trademark Issues

• Issue: Protecting brand names, logos, and other identifiers.

• Challenge: Creatives may need to defend their trademarks against infringement or navigate the process of registering and maintaining trademarks.

3. Contracts and Licensing

• Issue: Agreements for the use, distribution, or collaboration on creative works.

• Challenge: Creatives must ensure that contracts clearly outline terms, rights, compensation, and obligations to avoid disputes later on.

4. Right of Publicity

• Issue: Using a person’s likeness, image, or name for commercial purposes.

• Challenge: Creatives must avoid infringing on the rights of others and protect their own likeness from unauthorized use.

5. Work for Hire vs. Independent Contractor

• Issue: Determining who owns the rights to a work created by a freelancer or an employee.

• Challenge: Creatives need to understand the implications of "work for hire" agreements and ensure that ownership and usage rights are clearly defined.

6. Moral Rights

• Issue: The right to attribution and the integrity of a work.

• Challenge: In some jurisdictions, creators have the right to control how their work is used, even after it has been sold or licensed.

7. Defamation and Libel

• Issue: Creatives, especially writers and journalists, must be careful not to publish false statements that could harm someone's reputation.

• Challenge: Avoiding defamation claims requires thorough fact-checking and legal review, especially when dealing with sensitive topics.

8. Plagiarism

• Issue: Using someone else’s work or ideas without proper attribution.

• Challenge: Creatives must ensure their work is original or properly credits sources to avoid plagiarism accusations.

9. Fair Use

• Issue: The use of copyrighted material without permission under certain conditions, such as for commentary, criticism, or education.

• Challenge: Determining whether a use qualifies as fair use can be legally complex and often involves a case-by-case analysis.

10. Digital Rights Management (DRM)

• Issue: Protecting digital works from unauthorized use or copying.

• Challenge: Balancing the need for protection with user rights and the potential for alienating customers or fans.

These issues underscore the importance of legal literacy for creatives, as well as the need for professional legal advice to navigate these challenges effectively.

Prioritizing Your Peace During Law School Finals: 4 Essential Tips

Law school can be overwhelming, especially as finals approach. The pressure to perform well is immense, and maintaining your mental health often becomes a secondary concern. However, prioritizing your peace and well-being is crucial for achieving academic success.

In one of my final classes before exams, a professor emphasized the importance of self-care, pausing on a slide that simply said "Self-Care." This brief moment resonated with me, especially when she mentioned "avoiding toxic people." It was a reminder that self-care isn't just about bubble baths and meditation—sometimes, it's about protecting yourself from negative influences.

Here are four effective strategies I used to protect my peace and manage stress during law school finals:

1. Activate "Do Not Disturb" Mode

The "Do Not Disturb" feature on your devices can be a game-changer during finals. Customize it to allow only essential calls or messages, ensuring you're not constantly interrupted by notifications. This simple setting can help you stay focused and minimize distractions, allowing you to concentrate on your studies without unnecessary disruptions.

2. Eat for Success

Your diet plays a significant role in your ability to focus and retain information. During finals, I made a conscious effort to eat foods that supported my body and brain. Think of it as fueling your mind—what you eat can directly impact your energy levels, concentration, and overall performance.

3. Reward Yourself

Creating a reward system for your study sessions can be a powerful motivator. Whether it's a small treat, a short break, or something you enjoy, having something to look forward to can help you stay on track. This approach provided me with short-term motivation, making the daunting task of studying a bit more manageable.

4. Keep the Blinders On

During finals, it's essential to stay focused on what truly matters. I made a conscious decision to avoid unnecessary distractions and stressful conversations. By limiting my exposure to anything that could throw me off balance—whether it's toxic people, social media, or irrelevant topics—I was able to maintain my focus and protect my emotional well-being.

Prioritizing your peace during law school isn't just about self-care; it's about making intentional decisions to protect your mental health. By implementing these strategies, I was able to manage stress, stay focused, and ultimately perform better during finals. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as acing that exam.

What I Wish I Knew Starting Law School

Completing my first year (or 1L) of law school has been a transformative experience, leading me to reflect deeply on my reasons for pursuing a legal career. Why did I leave behind a successful career as a songwriter and performer to step into the demanding world of law? The answer is simple: I wanted to prove a point.

As a woman, I've often felt confined by societal expectations. While overt discrimination may have lessened over the years, subtle microaggressions still persist. Like many women my age who grew up in the United States, I've felt the undercurrents of these attitudes. Instead of merely lamenting these challenges, I chose to take action—and that's how I found myself in law school.

Here are four key lessons I’ve learned after one year of law school that I wish I had known before starting:

1. Law School Will Test Your Self-Confidence, Not Just Your Knowledge

Law school is more challenging than you might anticipate, not just because of the workload but because of the self-doubt you'll experience. The good news? You can do it! Those moments of crying in your car on the way to class will eventually fade as you realize you’re capable of handling the rigorous assignments and intense academic pressure.

2. Grades Aren’t Everything—Balance is Key

I entered law school without an obsession with grades, and that mindset has been a lifesaver. While achieving A's in every class would be fantastic, maintaining a healthy balance between school and life is far more important. Stressing over grades won’t make you a better lawyer, but managing your stress will help you succeed in the long run.

3. You’ll Want to Quit, But You’ll Be Glad You Didn’t

Throughout law school, you’ll face moments of doubt where quitting seems like the easiest option. You’ll feel overwhelmed, anxious, tired, and frustrated. But every time you push through and complete a challenging class, you’ll feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Legal writing may confuse you at first, and civil procedure might seem like an endless maze of terms and rules. But with perseverance, you’ll find your footing and discover how capable you truly are.

4. Law School Will Reveal a New Side of You

This journey will uncover aspects of your personality you never knew existed. You’ll develop a steadfast determination, learn to be more flexible, and gain a deeper respect for yourself. The experience will make you more humble and more confident simultaneously.

The first year of law school has been tough, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. For anyone considering this path, know that while it may test you in unexpected ways, the growth you’ll experience is worth every challenge.

What is a Hybrid Law School Program?

As a student in a hybrid law school program, I’ve discovered a unique blend of online coursework and in-person classes that offers unparalleled flexibility and demands a high level of discipline. While each program varies, they typically share the common feature of being full-time, with typically three semesters a year and short breaks in between, making it an intense but rewarding journey.

What Are Classes Like?

Classes in a hybrid law program are a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning. This means that sometimes I have live classes, either online or in-person, where attendance is mandatory. On the other hand, asynchronous classes are self-paced, with a set start and end date and specific deadlines for assignments. This structure allows me to manage my own time, completing work according to my personal schedule.

Benefits of a Hybrid Program

The primary benefit of a hybrid law program is the ability to study whenever and wherever I can. Whether I’m a night owl who prefers working late into the night or someone whose work schedule only permits studying during the day or on weekends, the program accommodates my needs. It’s designed for those juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, making it possible to complete the significant workload on my own terms.

Challenges to Consider

However, the hybrid law school experience is not without its challenges. At times, it can feel overwhelming and as though I am teaching myself, despite having access to faculty and resources. Law school involves a lot of reading, understanding complex information, and applying that knowledge. Initially, some doctrinal courses can be confusing, but with persistence and trust in the process, everything begins to make sense, usually around the halfway point of the course.

Overall Reflection

A hybrid law program isn’t for everyone; it comes with unique requirements and demands. Yet, the experience is incredibly rewarding. I know that when I look back on this time, I will cherish the fun moments, the friendships I’ve made, and the sense of accomplishment from achieving my goals.

In summary, if you have the discipline and desire for a flexible learning schedule, a hybrid law school program can be an excellent path. It offers the best of both worlds – the freedom to study on your terms and the structure needed to succeed in a demanding field.

Three Must-Haves for 1L of Law School: Tools to Ace Your Courses

Starting law school can be overwhelming, but it becomes much more manageable with the right tools. Here are three indispensable resources that have made a significant difference in my journey through 1L:

1. Quimbee: Your Ultimate Case Brief Companion

Quimbee is a game-changer for law students, offering concise and easy-to-understand case briefs that simplify complex legal concepts. In the whirlwind of new information law school brings, Quimbee lightens the load by accelerating study sessions and ensuring you grasp the crucial points from each case. Their study tools are invaluable for streamlining your learning process and preparing effectively for classes and exams.

2. WestLaw Audio Series: Enhancing Understanding Through Listening

The WestLaw audio series, particularly the Arthur Miller lectures, proved indispensable during my studies, especially in navigating challenging subjects like civil procedure. These lectures provide a holistic view of the course material, helping to connect the dots and see the "big picture" that is crucial for comprehensive understanding. Whether preparing for finals or enhancing daily study routines, these audio resources are a must-have for any law student looking to deepen their grasp of legal principles.

3. GoodNotes: Digital Note-Taking Perfected

GoodNotes revolutionizes note-taking in law school by combining the benefits of handwritten notes with the efficiency of digital organization. Starting with my iPad, GoodNotes allowed me to take detailed, searchable notes that are crucial for retaining information and creating effective study aids. Its ability to convert handwritten notes to text has been particularly useful, ensuring my notes are comprehensive and easily transformable into structured outlines and study guides.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Preparing for law school courses from day one sets the foundation for success. By integrating these three essential tools—Quimbee for streamlined case briefs, WestLaw audio series for comprehensive understanding, and GoodNotes for efficient note-taking and organization—you can navigate 1L with confidence and clarity. These resources have proven invaluable to me, simplifying study sessions and making finals preparation less daunting.

Whether you're just starting your law school journey or looking to optimize your study routine, incorporating these tools will undoubtedly enhance your learning experience and academic performance. Equip yourself with the best resources available and watch your confidence grow as you conquer your first year of law school.

Choosing Between the GRE and LSAT: A Comprehensive Guide

The answer is a legal coded as you would expect: it depends.

In higher education, particularly for those considering law school or graduate programs, deciding between the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) can be crucial. Each test has its own merits and is suited to different career and educational paths. Here, we break down the benefits of each and considerations for choosing one over the other.

Benefits of the GRE

1. Versatility: One of the primary advantages of the GRE is its flexibility. While it is accepted by several law schools, it is also the standard entrance exam for a wide range of graduate programs across various disciplines. If you're uncertain about pursuing law school but certain about furthering your education, the GRE opens up more possibilities.

2. Score Conversion: Interestingly, GRE scores can be loosely converted to LSAT scores. This feature can be advantageous if you're undecided about your future plans and want a score that can be translated across different admissions requirements.

Benefits of the LSAT

1. Specialization for Law School: If your career path is firmly set on law school, the LSAT is tailored specifically for this purpose. Law schools predominantly require the LSAT as part of their admissions criteria, and it is designed to assess skills essential for legal education and practice.

2. Writing Showcase: For those strong in written communication, the LSAT includes a written portion that allows applicants to demonstrate their analytical and argumentative writing abilities—a crucial skill set for legal professionals.

Timing and Accessibility

• Timing: The LSAT is available year-round but not as frequently as the GRE, which offers more testing opportunities throughout the year.

• Online Option: Both the GRE and LSAT now offer online testing options, making them more accessible than ever. However, the GRE's year-round availability gives it a slight edge in accessibility compared to the LSAT.

Personal Preference

Choosing between the GRE and LSAT often comes down to personal preference and career aspirations. For those seeking flexibility and broader educational options beyond law school, the GRE may be the preferred choice. Conversely, if your goal is strictly focused on entering law school and showcasing legal reasoning skills, the LSAT is likely the better fit.

Ultimately, both tests serve important roles depending on your career trajectory. Understanding their respective strengths and aligning them with your goals can guide you towards making an informed decision.

In my experience, the GRE was preferable due to its broader utility across different graduate programs, offering more options once completed, whereas the LSAT is specifically tailored for law school admissions.