Author: naguerra31

Student Involvement

One thing we are not short of at Widener is student organizations. Signing up for an organization or attending organization events are not only a great way to network, but it is also a helpful way to determine what type of law you would like to practice one day. I remember in my first year, the first student organization event I attended was hosted by the Business Law Society. The Business Law Society invited Widener alumnus, and adjunct professor, Todd Shill to speak with students. Todd is a practicing entertainment lawyer, TV and film producer, who also founded the media production company, 75|77 Entertainment. During that event, Todd presented an episode from Netflix’s reality series, Deaf U, which he was production counsel for. Todd explained the legal issues he faced in the production of the series, and how he dealt with them. As a first year student, I not only found the presentation exciting, but also rather inspirational. Todd emphasized to students that a JD is practically a springboard for whatever you wish to pursue in your life. He explained that when he was a student at Widener, his wish was to become an entertainment lawyer and one of his closest friends (who, coincidentally is also an alumnus and adjunct professor) wanted to become an NFL agent. Spoiler alert, both Todd and his friend are pursuing their dreams now while inspiring students.

              After taking Sports and Entertainment Law (which I highly recommend), Todd offered me an externship position. An externship is a student’s experiential requirement for graduation. I began working with Todd this Fall and have been assigned exciting projects. Researching artificial intelligence litigation and previewing unedited films for potential copyright infringements have been among my favorites thus far. Not only did that single Business Law Event pique my interest in entertainment law, but it also inspired me to be an active member of the Business Law Society. As a first-year Business Law Society representative, my duties were limited but still allowed me to be an active member. As a representative in my first year, it allowed me to earn the Social & Events Chair position during 2L. This year I have been elected to serve as the President of the Business Law Society. It is sort of a full-circle moment in my law school career, one attendance at an event lead to leadership positions within the student organization, and an incredible externship.

              In short, I cannot recommend attending student organizations’ events enough. Not only does it help you navigate your legal career and network, but it also shows your peers support for their hard work.

Making the Best of 1L: Resources

Despite the fact that law school can be a rather overwhelming experience – there are also an overwhelming number of resources to get you through it! From within Widener Commonwealth and beyond, I am here to tell you some essential resources that I have used which may also be helpful to you. Some valuable resources may be obvious, from Academic Success Fellows to your Professors – but some not so obvious – like how to use social media to your advantage.

At Widener, for almost all classes there is an Academic Success Fellow. An Academic Success Fellow is essentially the same as a TA, or Teacher’s Assistant from undergraduate years. I remember in my first year classes the ASFs were not only kind, but very supportive. For myself, I needed to contact the ASF for some classes more than others – such as Legal Methods – but there was always an ASF to support all of the students.

Another academic resource are the professors. In all my years of higher education, I have never felt as much support from a professor than I do at Widener Commonwealth. From school matters to personal matters, I find that the professors are very welcoming and approachable. These are significant qualities because the law school environment can be very intimidating. Professors such as Professor Kearney and Professor Lee are instances of incredible support. Both have not only been open to answer questions either in person or by email (even after business hours), but they each have taken the time to sit through an exam review with me. Professors are not only an important resource to assist in your academic skills, but they can also provide encouraging words which are just as, if not more important! I suppose they are especially supportive because they too have experienced the stresses of law school!

Some other resources include bar prep companies such as Themis or Barbri. As a Themis Representative myself, I can say with confidence that we table every week in the Pit. At our table, we have resources which include essential outlines for 1L, 2L, and 3L courses. These outlines are offered in physical form or online according to your preference.

An additional resource is your peers! I cannot express enough how important it is to rely on one another – especially since we are all going through this experience together. From having a movie night together, to asking a friend to be a study buddy in the library – these little things have an influence on your academic success and your well-being! Plus, it is always helpful to have a friend to crack jokes with to get through those long days.

A final, and perhaps unexpected resource is social media! Sources like YouTube and Instagram, actually provide a lot of support through accounts in the legal community. One Instagram account that has provided a lot of guidance to me is @lexdoeslawschool. This user is a first generation law student, and a current 3L. She posts photos to share things like “3 Things I’ve Learned During 3 Years of Law School”, or “Studying for Law School Finals”. Some accounts also pair up with companies to offer special discounts – yes, that means textbooks!

Long story short, there are so many resources to turn to for help. Do not be afraid to ask for help, because it will bring you one step closer to your goals!