Law School in Hindsight

At my alma mater, the University of Queensland, it is around this time of year that Brisbane’s jacaranda trees start to blossom their distinct purple bloom. It is a sight that I miss immensely, but back in my university day, the purple haze of the jacaranda around my hometown always aroused a slight sense of dread, signaling impending end-of-year examinations. At Oxford University, my second alma mater, the same sense of anticipation pervades the “gown” part of town at the end of each short term (Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity), but instead of jacarandas, carnations are the relevant bloom. Following an old tradition, students attend examinations with carnations pinned to their academic gowns – white for the first, pink thereafter, and red for the final exam (these colors are rumored to represent the blood, sweat and tears that go into a degree.) I remember the trepidation and excitement with which I pinned on a white carnation, and the feeling of joy and freedom of walking out of the Examination Schools on red carnation day.

Jacaranda trees in bloom at The University of Queensland, Australia.
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Moot Court and Brittany Kachingwe: A Love Story

I came to Marquette for the Sports Law program.  If anyone asked me what I wanted to do with my law degree I simply stated that I wanted to be the next Brian Cashman.  I worked in sports throughout college and for two years after.  When I got into Marquette, after I stopped crying of happiness (true story), I told myself that I would keep my mind open to other legal paths.  I can safely say, wholeheartedly, that Appellate Writing and Advocacy changed my life.  When I walked into that class I physically, metaphorically, and literally fell in love with appellate litigation and moot court (physically only in the sense that I am super clumsy and probably fell over and broke something).   If moot court were a person we would get married in an appellate courtroom, officiated by Justice Scalia, and instead of “I do” we would say, “May it please the court.”  To follow is the greatest love story you have ever read.  This post puts love stories such as Twilight, The Notebook, and Kim Kardashian/Kanye West to shame.  Here is the love story of Brittany Skye Kachingwe and Madam Moot Court. 

Continue ReadingMoot Court and Brittany Kachingwe: A Love Story

Marquette Moot Court Team Success at the Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition

Please congratulate third-year law students Brittany Kachingwe and Kerri Puig, whose brief took second place at the Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition in Virginia. The team was advised by Professor Jacob Carpenter and coached by Attorneys Jennifer Severino and Joel Urmanski. Please also congratulate third-year students David Herring and Jessica Shank for their performance in the competition.  They were advised by Professor Susan Bay and coached by Attorneys Nick Cerwin and Chad Wozniak.  Both teams were also coached by third-year student Patrick Leigl. The competition this year included 19 teams.

The issues were 1) whether the President has the authority under the Recess Appointments Clause to make both intra- and inter-recess session appointments, and 2) whether a state action exists where a compulsory fee agreement arises under the National Labor Relations Act.  The United States Supreme Court is deciding the first issue this term.

Continue ReadingMarquette Moot Court Team Success at the Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition