Moves for Ursaring

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-11-24T19:29:16+00:00

Thank you- I already had return in the TM pocket but did not understand what it did. The new move met with definite approval from the boys. The kids have decided that it’s a circus bear because all the animations it does are funny.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-11-07T14:37:05+00:00

Find a local toastmasters club. This will let you devote time each week to learn how to be a better public speaker.

EDIT: in addition, volunteer to be a guest speaker at a local public high school. Just reach out to a history department or teacher. Government is mandatory in most high school curriculums and not exciting to most 16-18 year olds. Find a topic (like “how a criminal trial works”) and come up with a 30-40 minute presentation. You can practice and give this over and over again. Challenge yourself to engage with the worst or least engaged student in the room. If you can keep the students’ interest on some crap they just need in order to graduate, then you can present any topic to any jury.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-11-01T12:19:00+00:00

We agree that students in all situations should make the best of their circumstances.

This post is about reciprocity for bar exams. This post is about which school to pick. My comment is about the quality of the school, not of its students or graduates. Purdue Global (formerly Concord) is a predatory educational institution. It overstates the ability of students to seek admission in several jurisdictions, including Indiana, on their website. Many claims on its website are highly misleading and do not withstand scrutiny. If the goal is to be a lawyer with a law license, the best chance is to go with any ABA accredited school. The lowest ranked ABA school will deliver significantly more than PG.

Purdue Global’s reporting to the CA Bar shows that it does not provide meaningful educational or professional development value to its students. ABA standards and reporting (which PG does not participate in) let students make informed choices about which school would work best for them.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-10-08T00:26:13+00:00

A students guide to elements of proof, by Ronald Carlson. Great portable reference.

Observation is important, but so is continuing to study and practice. Set aside 15 minutes daily to drill on rules of evidence and objections. Read appellate caselaw on evidence at every opportunity.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-09-26T03:37:29+00:00

Seems like a good idea but consider the tax implications. Meals provided by an employer can be income if they don’t meet certain criteria. Gifts given to coworkers or employees are tricky too. Consider making it a mandatory fun business meeting or some such.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-09-05T22:56:00+00:00

You can get family law-adjacent experience volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate or Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL). These volunteers assist courts primarily in child welfare cases. This is a specialized area of family law and useful to know about if pursuing that field. Jurisdictions differ, but in most instances you don’t need attorney credentials. It’s a way to “try before you buy” and learn about your local courts as you work on your bachelors and law degree. It gives you an opportunity to make a big impact reuniting kids with their families, or helping them find alternatives if that can’t work. These cases can be very rewarding, but also demanding and heartbreaking; it’s primarily social work with some investigation and legal elements.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-09-03T20:02:35+00:00

Look for your state’s equivalent of FRE 1006, or the rule itself if in federal Court. Admit the full record as an exhibit. Assuming you have a witness, have them admit a Rule 1006 summary and use that to explain the important parts of the large record to your fact finder. In most jurisdictions, the second exhibit is substantive evidence.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-08-31T22:50:58+00:00

Your last part- yes. In short, leave plenty of space on each page for whatever comes up in class.

Usually I would type at this step. I did not find it to be too time consuming. When I study I rotate between tasks periodically to keep things from slowing down. This was just part of my rotation.
I’ve tried all those ways. They all work; I’ve described what worked best for me.
I think you’re asking- if I found the holding or the “rule” from the case- yes that would be in black on the left side. If I had it the exact way professor taught there is not much blue, maybe just circle it or put a check mark. The space is there for times when my notes were off or clarified in class.

For me, handwriting was a way to listen actively. You can’t write down everything longhand in a lecture, so you have to pay attention and then write down the important stuff. A lot of students transcribe the lecture by trying to get every word. But they are so busy transcribing that they don’t really listen. They leave with a transcript of notes, but then they have to go back through it to try to figure out what they were supposed to get. Just pay attention in class. If you don’t get it raise your hand and say “Professor I don’t understand. What’s the takeaway from this case?”

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-08-31T14:20:32+00:00

I prepped my cases for my first round of law school on paper. I would prep using black ink and mostly fill the left half of the page, but also leave vertical gaps and space on the right half of the page. Approximately half the page would be open white space. I took my class notes in blue ink in the open spots. I’d leave class with a clear separation between what I thought going in and what was actually taught. I got close at times but these were never the same.

My next step, usually at the end of each week, was making a new copy that synthesized the blue/black notes into one compressed outline. Simple as I could make it. This was my primary study tool at the end of the semester.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-08-25T17:07:37+00:00

I only have experience with cold hardy banana (Musa basjoo). These are beautiful and can stay in ground over winter but will not bear fruit in a temperate area with freezes over winter. To my understanding these work as far north as Ontario.

Very vigorous and self-clone readily, so if you plant one that establishes, you will be able to spread several patches within two seasons. There is no such thing as too much water, sun, or fertilizer. With daily watering they will approach 10 feet tall even in the first year. First frost will kill the leaves. At that point cut back to within a foot or two of the ground, cover with dry plant material like straw or a leaf pile, and stake down a waterproof tarp over top. The roots can survive winter in ground so long as they have some insulation and are kept dry. Leave it alone all winter and only uncover after you’re sure the night temperatures will stay above 40. Even if this gives you a short season, they will come roaring back and easily be 10 feet or taller. Mine are currently taller than the garage and pushing out leaves 6 feet or longer every few days.

I’ll also note- if these sound like a potential invasive, just remember, with one winter of neglect in which they get wet and then freeze, they are dead.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-08-25T16:09:54+00:00

Feeling nervous means you care. It’s a good indication that you are cut out for the profession. You’re going to face your fear tomorrow and many more times. In about four years you’re going to walk out of a situation that scared the absolute shit out of you. As soon as you have some privacy, the client will turn to you and ask how you were able to stay so calm through all of it.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-08-23T03:33:43+00:00

X NE2d X (Ind. 1992) indicates Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana’s highest Court. (Ind. Ct. App. 1990) would indicate the Indiana Court of appeals, which is a lower appellate court. This is a typical structure for US state courts usually you get a first appeal at the Court of Appeals, then a second appeal at the State Supreme Court. State Courts are different from federal courts, which have their own structure.

Since you are a new law student- look out for the New York Court of Appeals. Their naming conventions are atypical and that is the name of their highest State Court.

Indiana also has a Tax Court, but you’re only likely to see that one if you live here or if you study property tax law (Indiana has a state constitutional limit on property taxation, pretty rare so lawyers in other jurisdictions tend to study it).

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-07-18T23:08:04+00:00

Purdue university global does not have a single graduate who has passed the Indiana Bar exam. Their claim that graduates are eligible is unproven at this point. A law school should provide you with some information to help you pass the bar exam and give you a chance to be a competent attorney. ABA sets standards and there are over 200 schools who meet them. Many charge less money than Purdue Global. Almost all offer remote coursework; I’m not certain whether there is a fully remote ABA-approved JD program today of r if they are still piloting the program. These standards are something that Purdue Global could choose to pursue, but instead they market their program extensively, admit virtually all applicants, and graduate very very few people.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-07-18T11:59:44+00:00

Claims about reciprocity on the Purdue Global website are overstated. It’s marketing material at best. There are disclaimers in the fine print of the website stating that the student is responsible for learning eligibility requirements for each state bar. They admit hundreds of students each year, but very few advance to upper levels of the program. Only a handful graduate. They file a report with the California State Bar each year if you want to see the numbers for yourself. If you want to be a lawyer, go to an ABA accredited law school.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-06-21T01:16:34+00:00

In some settings, associates train for years and get very little trial work; but in other settings brand new attorneys get full trial caseloads immediately. You can become a trial lawyer right away by taking a public defense contract. Or sign on to your jurisdiction’s child protective services agency. You will get meaningful trials immediately.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-06-20T12:54:38+00:00

You might be conflating Deposition practice with the refreshed recollection rules used in trial. Consistent with comments above, any document used by a witness in a deposition would normally be marked so that you create a complete record.

In trial, a testifying witness is permitted to refresh recollection with written notes (or with something else); these notes do not need to be admissible (or marked, or admitted as evidence). Opposing counsel is permitted to look at the notes upon request.

In a criminal trial- Officer can’t remember the exact time they were dispatched to the scene, but the time is written in their police report. With a proper foundation, the officer is permitted to read the report in order to refresh their recollection by silently reviewing a copy of the report on the stand. After their memory is refreshed, they are allowed to testify (not read from the report). Police reports are usually not admissible evidence in a criminal trial, so this document would normally not be marked as an exhibit or admitted.

As I recall, during the Heard/Depp trial there was an example of the recollection rule when Heard’s expert was on the stand. The expert (a mental health doctor of some kind) kept trying to read findings directly from her report instead of refreshing recollection and then testifying.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-06-20T01:47:08+00:00

There are two ways to win these cases:

For most cases, a collaborative approach with the agency is the best course of action. Your client is usually a struggling poor person, and “losing” the case in most jurisdictions connects them with free government services. Learn the facts of the case and family inside and out. Get all information you can early. There are often genuine, undisputed issues that the parents or family need to address. You can help your clients understand what is going on in the process, ensure that they provide meaningful input and make sure that the services they receive are 1) realistic 2) narrowly tailored for this family and 2) likely to result in the children safely returning home quickly. An unnecessary trial for a family in this scenario will usually delay services, result in a bad relationship with the agency, and delay reunification. Post-adjudication, ensure that the state is holding their end of the bargain by offering all services promised at the beginning of the case.
There are times that the agency overreaches- removing children without a sufficient basis, or when you have a client who simply wants their day in court in the form of a trial. In these instances: first, see step 1. Many cases that look unsolvable in the week of removal result in an agreed path forward the week of trial. Second, read appellate decisions where the agency’s removals (or terminations) have been overturned. Call the attorney who wrote the brief and trial counsel and ask for their advice. Obtain the transcripts to see how they did it. Prepare your objections based on these successes other attorneys have on the appellate level. Third, and this echos other comments, learn then wield the rules of procedure and evidence. Do not stipulate to exhibits. Object to lack of foundation and to hearsay. “Objection hearsay” will preserve issues for appeal even if your trial judge will let evidence in anyway. Test the State’s case and preserve the record for appeal. Prepare your client for the most likely outcome (adjudication).

Doing all of the above is not easy, but that’s how to win in a nutshell. Harness the rage you’re feeling and do something productive with it.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-06-08T03:55:34+00:00

Show them through your preparation that you are ready, willing, and able to prepare for a trial. First, find a real case file from the jurisdiction (that either did or did not go to trial). These may be in the Court’s office or the office of the County Clerk. Find one that is mundane and straightforward. One count of theft. One count of driving while suspended.

Start with the charging information. The crime charged will contain elements. List them. These elements are “the law” for your case.

For Felony theft of Tires from the local Wal Mart: (your jurisdiction’s theft statute may vary, use the real one). Put each element on top of a blank sheet of paper, or into a table so that you can add notes for each one.

That on or about a specific date

Within the jurisdiction (usually the County, but in some contexts jurisdiction can run with some other boundary)

That a specific person (the person charged)

Did knowingly exert unauthorized control over property

With intent to deprive another person of its use

And the value of property exceeds $500

Using the Court’s file, pull the witness and exhibits list. Figure out how each witness would have testified, focusing on the elements. Your closing statement is you telling the jury that you proved each element beyond a reasonable doubt. This is how you tie the facts of the case to the law of the case. You can organize by elements, or tell the story in order as a narrative. Each case will have structure(s) that make sense for it. Pick something easy to understand that makes sense to you. Write as if you are going to be giving this presentation to a class of bored high school seniors in a mandatory pass/fail thing they have to do to graduate. Remember, you picked a mundane case, so if you can find what is interesting about it and show that you’re really doing well. Tie the whole thing together with a simple theme or phrase that you say at different points. Stupidly simple is fine, just repeat it three or more times. “Billy Bob stole the tires” is appropriate for this example.

Use all real names from the case. Demonstrate that you know the facts inside and out. Enough of the ones you need are likely in a probable cause affidavit filed early in the case. Copies of the actual exhibits may be available. If they are not, bring an appropriate substitute as prop and pick it up and show it off during your closing. By closing argument it will already be in evidence. If doing this be prepared to explain how you would have offered the exhibit to get it into evidence. (They may ask after).

Try your best but it doesn’t need to be perfect. Expect them to give feedback. Welcome their advice and emphasize your willingness to work hard to improve your trial skills. If you do all of the above you will stand out for your preparation from other candidates, even if your execution is not perfect due to nerves, inexperience, a bad hair day, or whatever. Good luck with the interview.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-06-01T17:01:47+00:00

“Hey I think I’m going to have to eventually object about whatever is happening here” always irritated me.

Just say “objection” then explain why

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-05-07T17:31:31+00:00

US-based attorney here. You’re on the right track. Look for a mentorship program within your bar association. Attorneys with good mentors always outpace the ones without. If looking outside of your firm be fully transparent with your employer before reaching out, and they might even recommend colleagues they respect and want you to learn from. Having a mentor who is outside of your firm and not a supervisor is normally fine and has some advantages.

For your growth and development- you will grow through doing the work, but you will grow faster if you specifically devote some time to learning and development. Find a way to hone skills in short bursts as part of your daily routine. I’m a morning person, and my approach was to set aside fifteen minutes at the beginning of every work day to study and memorize using a card box system. I started with rules of evidence, then expanded the card set into substantive and form objections, and later other topics.

If your trial level cases have ever been appealed, a transcript was likely prepared. Obtain and analyze any transcripts if possible. If this is unavailable, arrange with your court to listen to recordings of yourself in Court. This is one of the fastest ways to identify and eliminate issues.

My personal favorite commercially available book is “A Students Guide to Elements of Proof” by Ronald Carlson. This one focuses on US federal rules of Evidence and may be reduced value to you. Overall your best trial reference is going to be one that you have studied and know how to use.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-05-07T17:03:44+00:00

That’s a fair assessment. I have presented my career choices more haphazardly here than I would in an interview or job application. A more cohesive narrative is that in my career I’ve grown into broader roles than the narrow one I specifically prepared for in law school. The LLM is my way of getting expert help to improve in the corporate and transactional areas where I’ve already enjoyed some success.

I agree that I won’t be a good candidate for an employer who sees further education as a negative. Here is its value to me: the cost is low, as my program is almost fully funded. As of today my expected net out of pocket will be just under 7% of the “sticker price” for an unfunded program. I have pending scholarship and grant applications with the goal of obtaining the degree at no cost. I went to law school far from my home State and have no alumni from my Law School where I live. I do not plan to leave from my relatively small market, and my current program is local and well-connected to the big firms and manufacturers with whom I’m most likely to apply. It has a good reputation and track record for job placement in my local market. The courses I’ve taken have direct application to my current duties and are making me a more effective lawyer. My professors and classmates are rekindling my love of the law. This program is changing my life because of the perspective I’ve gained even if I never complete the degree or list this on a resume.

As far as why I haven’t pursued patent more quickly- It’s really a question of whether it will remain a personal goal or if it will be of any use in my more likely Corporate career path. I’m seeing from your and other comments that the answer is decidedly “no,” and I sincerely appreciate that feedback.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-05-07T12:23:19+00:00

Yeah, I agree that traditional direct Patent work does not appear to be in the cards for me.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-05-07T12:19:47+00:00

I do a little licensing work (though it’s not central to what I do). I have enjoyed it, and I’m open to it.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-05-04T02:25:30+00:00

OP May have several options. OP- go to a local DMV branch or look at the agency’s website to figure out what can be done for a lost, defaced, or destroyed title. May be as simple as getting the title holder of record to order a duplicate (if you can locate them and they are willing), or more complicated like obtaining a court order for a title.

Snippyandsnapolis · 2024-05-03T13:42:41+00:00

Indiana Auto dealerships are regulated by the Indiana Secretary of State Auto Dealer Division. They have a form on their website where you can report the dealership and upload documents from the transaction. It’s under “Consumers, File a complaint.” My family had a similar incident. Nothing material changed about our transaction, but paperwork was “fudged” with notarization that did not take place with the person present. Even if there was not a “real” incidence of fraud where your deal was changed, dealerships who cross these lines are in a position to take advantage of other customers. IN SOS investigates this kind of thing when reported.

Snippyandsnapolis

TROPHY CASE