October 2012

Cover Story

In Re: Obama vs. Romney By Ed Finkel

Education, the economy, health care, and more. Law students have much to consider when comparing and contrasting the two major-party candidates for president as they head to the polls in November. And the campaigns for Democrat Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, Obama’s GOP opponent, have much to say on those issues in attempting to woo them and other voters.

On the Campaign Trail 2012

By Ed Finkel

For some law students, the time spent working on a political campaign is just the start of a career in politics. For others, it’s an opportunity to get behind someone they believe in while gaining hands-on experience.

JOBS

By Carla J. DeVelder

Thomas Mann said “Everything is politics,” and this statement never seems more true than in an election year when the political system and its players seem to be the focus of every commercial, news article, mailing, and dinner-table conversation.

PROFESSIONALISM

By Mary Dunnewold

You’re a relatively new attorney, and you were really impressed by Judge X when you appeared before her recently to argue a motion in a case you’re working on. She seemed fair, informed, and competent. Your state has judicial retention elections, and Judge X is up for re-election this fall. You notice that there is a fundraiser for Judge X’s campaign coming up, and that she is being challenged by an attorney whose competence you question and who has a political agenda you think inappropriate for a judge. Should you contribute? May you contribute?

In Session

Law Student Thrives in the House of Representatives

By Eileen M. Laux

Emily Virgin always planned on attending law school. Her father and older brother are attorneys, and she grew up taking an interest in the law. Her start to law school at the University of Oklahoma School of Law was relatively the same as everyone else’s usually is, until she became a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

I Wish I'd Known

As you increase your legal knowledge and prepare to begin your career, it's important not to lose sight of the fundamentals. And what could be more fundamental than the ABCs? Here are some ABCs I've learned along the way that help guide me. I hope they can be helpful to you as well.

In Brief

When it comes to politics, if you think secret deals, ballot tampering, and other shady tactics have arisen only in recent decades, think again. Here’s a look at three historical US presidential elections that were marked by scandal and controversy.

SECRET LAWYER

By Leslie A. Gordon

After earning her law degree from Florida State University in 1996, Shannon Bream spent four years practicing labor and employment law. But while serving as a source for a story about relationships and careers, she became smitten with television news.

Division Dialogue

Officially Speaking

By Matthew Gorney

There are few certainties in life; an old saying refers to death and taxes being the only two, but it turns out there are others as well. More on that in a bit.