Summer "vacation"

Prior to law school, I was an instructor at a local community college, and I became quite accustomed to enjoying summer vacations. Even though I taught classes during summer semester, they were usually online classes that I could attend at my leisure, and the summer was mine. So, what did I do with all of that down time during the summer? Many of you know that I usually returned to the law firm to make some mad money. Some things change; but most remain the same.

It has been less than two weeks since final exams; yet, most of the pain from this year has moved to the recesses of my memory (much like a new mother forgets the pain of labor). I think I have caught up on my sleep, if that is even possible. I have returned to some type of exercise regime--to work off the weight that was added by lattes, cappuccinos, and midnight chili cheese fries with the study group. And I have started the summer job(s).


My primary job is working as a research assistant for a professor at the law school. This will generally be a full-time paid position during the summer. I can work up to 40 hours per week; and, the best news is that most of the time I can work from home.


I am also working as an intern at the Commonwealth Attorney's office two days per week. This is a volunteer position, but it exposes me to members of the local bar, and is great experience for me as I try to determine if I am really interested in pursuing a career as a criminal prosecutor. By the time we complete this summer internship, I should have been exposed to each area of the Commonwealth Attorney's office as well as each step in a trial, including interviews, victim assistance, case management, hearings, trial, etc.


Summer will also include a few days in Minnesota as I visit Westlaw headquarters for training as a Westlaw student representative. This will be a part-time job for me next year as I work on campus as the Westlaw representative. I was very excited to be offered this position with Westlaw. While I am familiar with Westlaw (from my days in the law office), I believe that this position will make me a better researcher, which will also make me more valuable in my position as a research assistant. Then, if I make it on Law Review, the skills that I learn through Westlaw should help with research for the Notes (20-30 page articles) I will be required to write.

Finally, I will be completing a course of independent study in order to become a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate) . CASA volunteers represent the interests of abused and neglected children in court. I should complete this course during the summer and be ready for my assignments by fall.


Other than these four priorities, I am still struggling with whether to apply for a transfer to another law school. For now, it is a matter of great prayer and informed research. I do not want to transfer just anywhere. If I transfer, I only want to move to a school that is ranked in the top 100. Because of my kids, I also feel compelled to choose a school that is geographically convenient (so, Pepperdine is out). Obviously, there are financial concerns. And I don't want to trade one bag of troubles for another. There are good things at LU that I appreciate; I do not want to sacrifice those just for the sake of change. Finally, I hate moving; so, if I'm going to turn my life upside down again with another move, it must be for something bigger and better on all fronts. I have sought the advice of trusted friends and legal professionals on this issue, and have taken each word of advice to heart. But the time has come to select schools that will fit into this matrix of criteria, and I covet your prayers. Yet, as you can read, so much is falling into place at this law school, I wonder if I already have my answer.


I am looking forward to all of my summer adventures. Sprinkle in a cruise to the Bahamas and several trips home to NC, and the summer "vacation" will be complete.