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This title probably encompasses how things are for everyone right now!

I'm doing quite well- I'm very busy, but I make time to enjoy myself. Classes are difficult in terms of workload, and I complain sometimes, but I'm learning a lot. I'm really getting to try out things I'm interested in (as opposed to being forced to drudge through something that bores me to death) and I honestly like my classes. My grades may not be top notch this semester but I'm not going to worry too much about it- as long as I'm doing as well as I can, then that's all that matters. I'd rather struggle for a 3.0 by working my tail off in classes that mean something to me-and growing in the process, as opposed to taking classes that let me slide somewhat and getting higher grades. I've been loving meeting a lot of really nice, friendly, interesting people from places all over- it's so cool to learn about what other people bring to the table and different life experiences. That's it for now, I'm under time constraints!

By Digmedia (Digmedia) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 06:05 pm: Edit

"I've been loving meeting a lot of really nice, friendly, interesting people from places all over- it's so cool to learn about what other people bring to the table and different life experiences."

Twinkle, I think the reason that the people are "really nice, friendly, interesting" is because of what you bring to that table!!

Glad to hear everything's going great!

By Demingy (Demingy) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 10:20 am: Edit

Twinkle! Great to see you. I'm glad that you are enjoying your classes and that you've met so many people. I agree with Digmedia that *you* are the one who is bringing about these nice and friendly people.

Good luck (not that I think you'll need it). Hopefully you'll have some time to let us know about some of those classes that you are enjoying.

By Dadofsam (Dadofsam) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 07:24 pm: Edit

Hi, Ariesathena. Just wondering whether you are planning to work this summer in the patent group of your company or looking to possibly try a law firm. If the latter, they start interviewing in the next month or so.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 10:56 am: Edit

DadofSam:

For next summer, I'll definitely look into working with my old company (which, incidentally, just got sold to a group in England) and try for a law firm. NALP says that we can't talk to career services until 01 November, and I don't think we're allowed to start mailing until 01 December... or at least, W&L won't allow us to start mailing until then.

Still managing with the work - outlining and reviewing (so I can hopefully spend November sending out ridiculous amounts of letters to law firms).

As we can't mail until 01 December, I think we're pretty much stuck waiting until January to interview (unless we did it over winter break), because the last day of classes is right around the first of December. What's your take on this?

By Ellemenope (Ellemenope) on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 06:05 pm: Edit

[Caveat--just recollections from someone who did this years ago]

While working in a law firm during the summer is something most second year law students are expected to do, it is not that common for first years to do it. If you can find such a job, that's GREAT!

Most law schools (and law firms) are geared in the fall to fill out their second year summer internships slots and snapping up third years for permanent jobs after graduation. I suspect that is why the career office wants you to hold off until Nov/Dec.

Some firms interview first years in the spring for slots in the upcoming summer. But mostly, you'll be left to your own devices to find a law firm on your own. Targeted letter writing and hitting up people you know who are in the law business are some ways to go about getting news of openings. If you can talk to someone during the winter break or the spring break, you're ahead of the game.

You might also see if there is any professor who needs help during the summer (especially if he/she is in the area of intellectual property). You won't make a lot of money, but getting to know a professor well enough to get a good recommendation is, as they say, "priceless."

If you can work in the patent area of your old employer (even as a go-fer), that would be just dandy also.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Monday, October 04, 2004 - 05:08 pm: Edit

Thank you!!!

I've heard that, if you really really want to, you can get a firm job after your 1L year - but it's mostly very small firms or, occaisionally, specialized areas.

I'll keep it in mind to work for a professor. Would you (or any of the many attorneys here)happen to know what 1Ls could do in government? DC isn't very far away. I'll certainly throw my resume into the patent office.

A lot of people basically say that you should try to get something law related during your 1L summer, and if it pays, even better. Not overly concerned (at least not yet).

So very much to do. We have a practice exam (doesn't count for anything, but we get a grade so we know how we're doing) on Thursday. A friend from home is visiting this weekend, so Thursday's review session is getting moved to Wednesday. I'm feeling the first flickers of real stress.

By Dadofsam (Dadofsam) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 06:01 pm: Edit

Ariesathena: the answers of others got me to wondering whether what I had written was accurate, so I checked with our firm's recruiting coordinator, and here is what I learned (she said that in this respect we were not very different from other IP firms).

We typically look to hire students for the summer in their second year of school (2Ls) and usually look at 1Ls if we are unable to fill our specific needs for that summer. Normally we would not look at 1L resumes until after December 1, so that dovetails with your school's procedures.

I suspect, though, that if a student already is a registered patent agent, particularly one with some experience, our approach could be very different.

So I was premature, there's no need to rush on this one. My suggestion is that if you are interested in working at a law firm this summer (or if you think things might not happen at your company due to the acquisition), you might start contacting a few firms in a geographical area of interest to you (the D.C. area has many).

In the government, I don't think the USPTO has any summer internships, but they might. I would contact the Solicitor's Office. Another pssibiity might be interning on the staff of a member of the House or Senate Judiciary Committee (expect a long line of applicants for any such posts)

By Thedad (Thedad) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 09:41 pm: Edit

I received an e-mail from Twinkle.

Sounds as if she's drowning in work but otherwise having a good time. Sounds amazingly similar to my D at Smith. Unfortunately, as those who have followed Twinkle for a while might guess, she's exhausted.

The only negative about Trinity that I derive from reading her e-mails is that counseling is so-so and she's got a *very* ambitious schedule for a first-semester first-year student, partly due to other classes not being available.

By Ellemenope (Ellemenope) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 04:20 am: Edit

>>The only negative about Trinity that I derive from reading her e-mails is that counseling is so-so and she's got a *very* ambitious schedule for a first-semester first-year student, partly due to other classes not being available. <<

I'm concerned that Twinkle is starting out with such an ambitious schedule for her first semester at Trinity. The counsel that my D got from counselors at her college was that the worst mistake a freshman could make was to take too hard of a load that first semester--whether from too many classes or taking an advanced class for which the student wasn't prepared. Twinkle may need some closer monitoring. . .

By Thedad (Thedad) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 03:18 pm: Edit

Ellemenope, I have the same concern but at this point the die is cast. I was underwhelmed by Twinkle's reports of the counseling she received. Otoh, I think she has a tremendous attitude and isn't giving anything up competing against students from stronger high schools or who are sophormores/juniors.

That which does not break you, etc. etc. etc.

By Ellemenope (Ellemenope) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 07:54 pm: Edit

As busy as Twinkle is, this thread may only be Twinkle-active during the holidays. . .

By Demingy (Demingy) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 12:37 pm: Edit

I'll keep my fingers crossed that Twinkle doesn't burn herself out (no pun intended, I swear)--I've been there, it is not pleasant. I'm glad that at least she's enjoying herself.

I know that school has been taking up almost all of my time outside of work. It doesn't help that I'm trying to teach myself Chemistry because my prof just isn't cutting it. I've also been trying to teach one of my classmates because she's been having a tough time (currently failing the class)--she needs to pass this class and will probably be in Chem II and O-Chem with me. She has to finish up that series to get into dental school (she's currently a dental assistant). Chemistry has been taking up almost all of my time, and I'm getting to the point where I need to devote more time to Trig (factoring isn't one of my strengths).

Aries- I'm sure that you've been busy. I hope things are going well for you. Hopefully you'll get a break soon so you can de-stress before it gets too overwhelming.

Thedad- How's your D doing at Smith?

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 02:54 pm: Edit

DadofSam: thank you. I have vaguely looked into taking the patent bar (and noted that you don't actually need to be in law school for it), but was under the impression that most people take it during their 1L summer - which would obviously be too late for hiring purposes that summer. I believe that it's offered online now, so taking it over winter or spring break could be an option - although I strongly suspect that I'll want to do nothing more intellectual over winter break than watch cheesy movies.

Demingy: wow - looks like you have a lot on your plate. Best of luck to you as well - here's hoping that chem works out for you.

Fall break starts Wednesday at 11! Yay! I had a break this weekend: a friend came down to visit, which was wonderful. Nice to catch up and see someone whom I've known for more than two months and who isn't in law school. Exciting plans for fall break include madly outlining, doing a bunch of work, and making flowcharts (esp. for Civ Pro). Ought to be phenomenally exciting. I'll try to manage a trip to DC in there to visit friends.

Oh yes - SOX on Tuesday!!!

By Ellemenope (Ellemenope) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 04:16 pm: Edit

Demingy--organic chemistry has been the graveyard of many a pre-med/pre-dental student. If your friend can't cut intro chem, I have grave doubts that she can succeed at organic. Does she have a back up plan to going to dental school?

By Demingy (Demingy) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 06:47 pm: Edit

Ellemenope- She doesn't have a back up plan (she is bound and determined to be a dentist instead of an assistant the rest of her life). I think a good deal of her problem is that she didn't spend enough time on the class at the beginning, and that is even more of a necessity than usual in *this* class--I'm not exaggerating when I say that the prof isn't cutting it. The only students who are doing well are those who have had it before and/or are learning on their own. If it wasn't for the fact that this is the only time I can take it, and that I can learn this on my own (it is mostly a formality--it's a pre-req for the other classes I need), I would have dropped it and taken it with someone else. It's been rather disappointing because I've rarely come across an unqualified teacher at my cc, the school actually prides itself on being rigorous (with good reason). I'm pretty sure this is her first year and I'd be willing to bet money that it's also her last (with us lucky ones-her only class here-being her guinea pigs).

My friend is going to finish this semester (it's too late to drop it and receive a refund); I told her that even if she doesn't pass she'll have some foundation for retaking it next semester. I have my concerns about o-chem as well (heck, I'm concerned for me too), but she insists that she'll do well because it "made sense" to her when she had some of it in high school. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.

Sorry about the poor grammar (and meandering sentences). I wanted to post this really quick while I have a short break here at work.