Keeping busy

Keeping busy It’s a little bit shocking how fast the time has flown by. Between classes, student government, networking, parties, conferences, volunteering and keeping up with friendships, there has been precious little time to stop and take stock. Now that finals are just a few short weeks away, I want to take a few moments to remember some of the details. …On the top of my list is the first annual ACLU NW Civil Liberties Conference. This event was hosted by the Lewis & Clark ACLU on the last weekend in October, and provided a great forum for visitors from Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington to meet and address some of the most pressing issues in civil liberties today. Speakers looked at the progress that has been made, and at the challenges still to be faced in Native American law, immigration law, freedom of speech and more. The conference has laid the groundwork for what should become a staple of the law school calendar at Lewis & Clark and a great example of what motivated students can accomplish in the limited free time law students enjoy.…As much fun as the conference was, there was also plenty of time for recreation. I made my first visit to Autzen stadium in Eugene and enjoyed an impressive football performance by the Ducks, found time to attend the HUMP! film festival in Portland, performed at local music venues, and resumed my favorite seasonal job at Mt. Hood. …Even with plenty of reading and studying to be done, it’s never too early to start networking. Lewis & Clark makes it pretty painless, hosting events like “Breakfast with the Judges” to help students with networking, and matching students with mentors in the school and in the legal community for support and camaraderie. The Portland legal community is uncommonly friendly and collaborative in approach; it seems like everyone in the professional community is willing and able to meet for a chat over coffee or lunch, and happy to take the time to share their experience and insight. …Beyond the school there are also ample networking opportunities, with stand-out groups like the Oregon Women Lawyers hosting speakers and events regularly, and bringing a real sense of community to the practice of law in Oregon.…Of course, one must also take some time to relax and unwind. The Student Bar Association at Lewis & Clark has been a big help for students seeking to maintain some balance in life, hosting regular social events including Bar Reviews at local establishments, an excellent Halloween party, and regular BBQ events on campus. There is nothing more relaxing than a free pint of beer before Con Law.