Welcome back, WCL!

One semester down, one to go.  I hope you all enjoyed a nice, relaxing break and experienced success during your fall semester.  Below find a few updates and things to look forward to as we all fall back into the swing of things. Don't forget - you can utilize the links on the left hand side of this newsletter to take you down to exactly what you want to read. We know your time is valuable, so make the most of it!

Best wishes for 2013!

Best,

Abby Duggan, WCL Student Bar Association President                       Hilary Swab, WCL Student Bar Association Vice President

Graduation/Commencement Committee: This committee is available for 3L/4L students to plan a week of celebratory events for graduating students as well as help select the Commencement Speaker and Student Speaker.  Please email sba@wcl.american.edu with your resume and a brief statement of interest by January 11th, 2013 at 5:00pm.

SBA Chief Justice: The Chief Justice serves as head of the WCL SBA's Judicial Branch. The Judicial Branch is composed of one Chief Judge and four associate Judges, appointed by the President to terms that last as long as they are students in good standing at WCL. The Court interprets the SBA's Constitution and Bylaws and settles other disputes involving WCL student body issues. Please submit a resume and (brief) statement of interest to sba@wcl.american.edu with "Chief Justice Application" in the subject line if you are interested in applying for this position. Applications should be submitted by January 11th, 2013 at 5:00pm. Nominations for Chief Justice will also be accepted on behalf of another student.

Campus Life Representative: The Campus Life Representative will be WCL's liason to the a main campus group CLARCC that focuses on improving student campus life, primarily through athletics on campus.  Main campus has requested that there be a representative from the law school; generally, CLARCC meetings are held once a month a time convenient for all members of the group. Please submit a resume and (brief) statement of interest to sba@wcl.american.edu with "CLARCC Application" in the subject line if you are interested in applying for this position. Applications should be submitted by January 11th, 2013 at 5:00pm.

On January 16th the AU Mens Basketball team will host its second "WCL Night at AU Basketball" as they take on Lehigh at 7:30pm in Bender Arena. We encourage all of you to attend and bring your friends, after all - all AU/WCL students get in to all games for free.

Important Details:

• American will be hosting Lehigh; the game is on Wednesday, January 16th and starts at 7:30pm.
• Raffle for FREE Chipotle (6 people will win)!
• WCL Professor Shootout 
• Section Attendance Competition for FREE PIZZA - the 1L section that brings the most students to the game will win a FREE PIZZA PARTY for their section!

Students can get in through the main entrance to Bender Arena like all fans do.  All you need to do is simply show your AU WCL ID at the entry to the arena, which is found past the fitness center through the Hall of Fame hallway on the first floor of Bender Arena.  There is also free parkingin the Bender Arena garage after 5pm on the night of all games

Make sure you *CHECK IN*!  We will have a table set up in the Blue Crew Student Section Corner next to Section 112 for you to check in at so wecan see which Section brings the most people. Come stop by so we can mark you down!  Please email me at sba@wcl.american.edu with any questions.

We hope to see you there; Go Eagles!

AU is currently seeking two student representatives for its University Board of Trustees. This is an excellent leadership opportunity and a GREAT way for you to get involved with the school and make some excellent professional connections. I urge you to apply! More information can be found here.

Student Trustee for the American University Board of Trustees: The American University Student Trustee is a regular member of the Board for purposes of meeting and committee participation and other general obligations of trusteeship, but does not have the power to vote. Because there is only one Student Trustee, the successful candidate will be conversant with the issues important to most students at American University, regardless of their programs of study, and will demonstrate a general understanding of how university policies and operations affect student life. The Board meets four times a year, in September, November, February and May; the student trustee must be available to attend each meeting of the Board. The Student Trustee’s term will begin at the September 2013 Board meeting and conclude at the end of the May 2014 Board meeting. Instructions for applying are attached; the application is due Wednesday, January 9th at 5pm. The Student Trustee application is also available on the Student Activities website.  www.american.edu/activities.  The direct link is http://www.american.edu/ocl/activities/loader.cfm?csModule=security%2Fgetfile&pageID=3384783.

Student Trustee Elect for the American University Board of Trustees: The Student Trustee-elect is an observer for the first term, and in the second term is a regular member of the Board. During his/her second term, the American University Student Trustee-Elect becomes the Student Trustee and serves as a regular member of the Board for purposes of meeting and committee participation and other general obligations of trusteeship, but does not have the power to vote. The Student Trustee-elect will serve a two year term – the first as an observer and the second as Student Trustee.  The Student Trustee-elect must be eligible to serve in both the first and second term. The Board meets four times a year, in September, November, February and May; the student trustee-elect must be available to attend each meeting of the Board (eight in total). The Student Trustee-elect’s term will begin at the September 2013 Board meeting and conclude at the end of the May 2015 Board meeting. 

Instructions for applying can be found here; the application is due Wednesday, January 9th at 5pm. The Student Trustee application is also available on the Student Activities website.  www.american.edu/activities.  The direct link is http://www.american.edu/ocl/activities/loader.cfm?csModule=security%2Fgetfile&pageID=3384783.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

The ACLU of WCL successfully finished its first semester as a new organization at WCL and is ready to come out strong in the spring. Due to popular demand, we plan to host events on prison reform. As a member driven organization, we hope to increase our numbers and desire your input. All are welcome, whether you want to participate, lead, or simply be a part of the discussion. If you are passionate about civil liberties and wish to contribute, please contact us at mw6851a@american.edu.

Communications and Media Law Society

On Thursday January 24th from 5:30 - 8:30 pm, the Communications & Media Law Society will be hosting a presentation by the Media Law Resource Center Institute followed by a reception.  The presentation by MLRC attorneys will focus on topics including changes in the news business brought about by the Internet, including citizen journalism, user generated content, and the liability faced by both media and individuals, and censorship’s effects on First Amendment rights.  For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sarah Leggin at sarah.leggin@gmail.com.

Equal Justice Foundation

It's time for the EJF Book SALE!

The Equal Justice Foundation and Public Interest/Public Service Scholars are holding their semi-annual Used Book Sale on Tuesday, January 8th, 12pm - 5pm and Wednesday, January 9th, 12pm - 5pm in the WCL Lobby. They will have hundreds of books available, including casebooks, study guides, hornbooks, and more available for purchase for $10-$40.  Supplies are limited, so come early!  Email wclbookdrive@gmail.com with any questions.  We'll be accepting cash, check, and credit! Proceeds benefit EJF summer grants.

Mock Trial

Become a Member of the Mock Trial Honor Society. Any 1L, 2L, or 3L part-time students interested in joining Mock Trial Honor Society are encouraged to participate in the Sprint Qualifying Tournament [SQT]. Participation in qualifying tournament is the only way to join Mock Trial Honor Society.

Subscribe for more info and updates here.

The Modern American

The Modern American, WCL's scholarly publication devoted to diversity and the law, is filling several staff positions this Spring.

The Modern American is currently seeking Managing Editors, Articles Editors, Junior Staffers, Staff Writers and a Design Editor. If you are interested in finding out more information please e-mail tma@wcl.american.edu.

Moot Court

Alvina Reckman-Myers First Year Moot Court Competition

January 26-27th

First year students have the opportunity to test their appellate oral advocacy skills in a competitive environment and receive feedback from Moot Court Honor Society members and WCL faculty. The competition prepares first-year students for Moot Court’s Spring Qualifying Tournament and the legal rhetoric appellate arguments.

Moot Court Sponsored Bar Review

January 24th

Come join the Moot Court team at bar review.  Meet the current team members and find out all about Moot Court.  

Moot Court Spring Qualifying Tournament Registration

January 28-February 1st

Moot Court members will be tabling in the lobby in order to answer questions and register students interested in signing up for the Moot Court Spring Qualifying Tournament.  Students will be required to write a brief and participate in oral arguments in order be considered for the team.  Oral arguments will be held on February 23rd.

National Security Law Brief

The National Security Law Brief will be hosting Bar Review on Thursday, January 31st. Stay tuned for more details!

Society for Dispute Resolution

ATTENTION ALL 1L STUDENTS.  The Society for Dispute Resolution will host its annual 1L Competition January 19, 2013.  The 1L competition provides first-year students with a unique opportunity to learn valuable negotiation skills while gaining experience and practice for the Spring Qualifying Tournament (which will be held March 2013).  Best of all, SDR's 1L Competition requires less than 2 days of preparation and absolutely no outside research.  We will be tabling in the lobby January 9-11 and 14-16 if you want to sign up or would like more information. We will also be having a training session Wednesday, January 16.  So, if you are interested in learning why 99% of cases are resolved outside of a courtroom then come out and experience what SDR has to offer. For questions, please email sdr@wcl.american.edu.

Sports and Entertainment Law Society

The Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS) has extended the deadline to January 7 for SELS E-board applications. The application is on the SELS myWCL page.

Sustainable Development Law and Policy Brief

The Sustainable Development Law and Policy Brief is looking for new staff with an interest in writing, editing, and managing a dynamic legal publication. The publication, now in its 12th year, has an extensive domestic and international following, and covers a wide array of legal and policy issues related to environmental sustainability and economic development.  Staff members not only take part in editing and bluebooking, but also play an integral role in contributing to the content of the publication.  All staff are encouraged to submit either full length articles or shorter features on relevant topics of interest, making SDLP a great opportunity for students looking to get published. 

The Brief will be accepting applications until Friday, January 18th at 5:00 PM.  Please view the application form here or pick up a hard copy outside the SDLP office in Room 631.

Women's Law Association

The Women's Law Association will hold its monthly Coffee Hour on Wednesday, January 16th at 4:00 pm in Room 527. We will be joined this month by Ms. Katherine Fallow, a First Amendment Litigator and Partner at Jenner and Block. Please join us to discuss the coming semester, applying for summer jobs and internships, and to ask any questions you may have. Ms. Fallow was previously an adjunct Legal Rhetoric professor at WCL, so she also has insight on any questions 1Ls may have about the Legal Rhetoric program. They look forward to seeing you there!

A DC lawyer is seeking interns to assist in six co-defendant murder conspiracy case. See the announcement below:

I am currently seeking interns (1-3) that are interested in pursuing criminal law to assist in digesting documents in a six co-defendant murder conspiracy case pending in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. While there is no financial compensation to be gained, I can insure that in addition to digesting of the documents the students will be able to accompany me to court proceedings in the case and if interested, I will seek their student admission so that not only will they get the benefit of trial preparation in a somewhat complex criminal case, but will also be exposed to courtroom procedure and actual courtroom experience in both the pretrial and trial settings.

Contact:

Janai C. Reed
Law Office of Janai C. Reed PC
717 D Street Northwest
Suite 300
Washington DC 20004
Telephone Number: (202) 506-2725
Email Address: janaireed573@comcast.net

1Ls –
Spring Recruitment Q&A Session January 15th
Initial Resume Review Deadline February 8th

2Ls –
Career Boot Camp February 8th –Student input request will follow

3L/4Ls –
3L/4L Job-Search Series resumes with Marketplace Update, January 23rd, 12PM.

* Visit CareerLink for a full listing of Events, Job Postings, and to Schedule a Counseling Session. *

Once again, VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, in conjunction with the DC EITC Campaign will be helping low income individuals in the DC area prepare their 2012 tax returns in the lead up to tax day, April 15th, 2013.  Over the years, WCL has been a strong supporter of the VITA campaign with many students volunteering their time to help the less fortunate.  Once again, we are reaching out to the student community to help this cause.

Who can participate?  Any WCL student who completes the VITA training and commits twenty hours leading up to tax day may participate.

What if I haven't taken a tax course, can I still participate?  Yes!  You NEED NOT HAVE ANY TAX BACKGROUND OR HAVE TAKEN A TAX COURSE to support the VITA cause. 

When does the training and volunteering take place?  You need to complete 12 hours of training made up of the following three courses - Basic TaxWise Preparation Course, Tax Law Basics Course, and IRS Certification Course.  You must take the TaxWise and Tax Law courses before taking the Certification course.  Please see the Training Schedule for dates and times.  You will only be able to sign up for training after you have been approved for your volunteering time- the Sign Up Instructions tells you how to sign up for training times.

There are two different volunteering options; details and dates can be found in the Sign Up Instructions.  You will indicate your volunteering preferences on the google sign up link below.

What do I get out of it?  The satisfaction of serving less needy individuals and pro bono hours that may count towards the WCL pro bono pledge.

How do I sign up?  Click the following link and input your contact information into the Google spreadsheet along with your volunteer preferences: VITA Sign Up.  Please sign up by Friday, January 11th.

In addition to filling out the sign up sheet, please read the attached document for details regarding the program.  A member of the VITA team will be in contact with you as we begin the training process.

Thank you for your interest.  If you have any questions, please contact Erica Parra at parrae@gmail.com or Freddy Cuellar at freddy.cue@gmail.com.

REMINDER: Please submit awards nominations for the 16th Annual Hispanic Law Conference by the close of business on
Friday, February 1, 2013. Nominations can be made here.

The Edward Bou Alumni Award, Premio Inspiración, And the Goldman-Grossman Award honor those in the WCL community who have demonstrated a commitment to the national and international Hispanic community near and far.

Should you have any questions, please contact Ana Lopez at (202)274-4139 or at alopez@wcl.american.edu.