Gotta love this story--- Jurors Playing Sudoku in Court Roo

http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/06/17/the-sudoku-jury-redux-are-the-lawyers-to-blame/

Last week, as we sifted through numerous reports about the mistrial declared in Australia when it was discovered that members of the jury had been playing Sudoku, one comment struck us: “Legislating for attentiveness is very difficult,” Australia’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, John Hatzistergos, told The Australian. “What we can do is to streamline these very lengthy trials.”
For those LB’ers who missed it, here’s what happened: After 105 witnesses and three months of evidence, Judge Peter Zahra aborted a drug trial that cost $1 million, and discharged the jury after the jury forewoman admitted that she and four other jurors had been playing Sudoku since the second week of trial. Judge Zahra, who had previously commended the jury for its diligence, told the forewoman that the Sudoku players had let down their fellow jurors and all involved in the trial.
To us, this seems a bit harsh. Had they really let down those involved? What if, as the forewoman told the court, the numbers game helped her concentrate during the long trial?
We checked in with a couple prominent trial lawyers to get their take. Steven Thomas, a former S&C litigator who left to start a plaintiffs firm — Thomas, Alexander & Forrester — said, “When you have long service, no one can sit on the edge of their seat all day long.” Thomas, who has heard of jurors doing crossword puzzles and playing hangman with each other, added: “Lawyers aren’t that exciting. But your job isn’t to entertain, it’s to persuade. And if the jurors are playing Sudoku or falling asleep, you’re not doing your job.”
But over at Morrison & Foerster, Jordan Eth, who defends companies against securities class-actions, thinks the issue of jury diversions is less cut and dried. “I have no idea what the law is down under,” Eth told the Law Blog. “But did you ever get an A in a class where you were doodling?” He said: “Some people close their eyes when they focus. Others need a radio to study. I’m in favor of anything that aids juror comprehension. Can I say off the top of my head that playing Sudoku reduces comprehension? For me it would, but who knows?”
As for the idea that it’s the lawyer’s job to keep a trial interesting, Eth says, “Lawyers can have an inflated opinion of themselves. ‘It was my job to keep them interested.’ Well, jeez, how compelling can it be? You’re supposed to give an Oscar winning performance on some drug case, day after day?”

First Update In Months!!!

Well I can finally report some good news. After patiently awaiting decisions from the various schools I applied to---I was accepted into three schools off the waiting list. This shows you how competitive the process has been this year. School 1 accepted me in mid may--and it was actually a suprise. As I was nearing finals--and graduation--I embarked on a job hunt that was intended solely as a backup for law school. However those expectations changed as I realized that I had a realistic chance of not being accepted anywhere---but with that inspiring news-- I had to make an important decision. Work for almost 50K a year (with decent benefits and perks) I may add--or attend law school at a cost of over 40K a year in loans (53K when all is said and done).

It was a tremendously taxing decision--and I proceeded to research and seek out the most advice from as many professionals, professors, friends, and family members as possible. Despite hearing some bleek and overly excited/perhaps too optimistic outcomes---I decided law school was my best route--and that going through the entire application process next year would be no different (how could one possibly guarantee a higher LSAT score). Therefore my mind was almost decided-

However I soon found out that the rumors about waiting lists (such as never really being considered) were unfounded. School 2 (being a considerable distance from home) offered me a decent package with large loans as well. School 3 offered me part time evening admission---but they are the highest on the official ranking list.

But it appears that the latter schools may be unfeasible. Why go so far for a tier III school at an exorbitant cost---and why accept part time evening admission, when school 1 is offering me the best financial package so far (which isnt saying much)--but offered me admission the most expeditiously (which shows they had more interest in me).

So for now--law school will be a possibility--unless some dramatic developments occur (highly doubtful-considering I turned down 2 job offers)--

As a last bit of advice--I would tell any prospective law school applicant to not immediately give up hope. Sometimes unexpected outcomes occur-- and you never know what may happen---- so try to stay positive-- and most importantly......BE CONFIDENT

Finally received my first response......

What a way to knock off the application season. I got my first and probably not my last denial letter of the year from from Seton Hall. Shokcingly when I first saw the letter sitting there I knew it was bad news. It came in the famous thin envelope. All denial letters are one and the same. They in essence say thanks but no thanks. Im just glad that Seton Hall was actually a long shot and it was a last minute decision to apply full time although my numbers probably didnt fit in well.

I have this feeling that this wont be the 1st denial letter of the season--and its not a good sign when a mid tier II school says no-- especially when I applied to several other similar schools.

But well see and this will definitely be a revealing and interesting cycle.

The wait is the worst part.......

Just to update my current application status-- My school held a pre-law society event this week (in which I am involved in), and it turns out that one of the admissions officers (from St. John's) we brought in had interviewed and met with in December. This woman was extremely nice at the time and our meeting was quite cordial. However after discussing some intricate details on my numbers etc.. she basically told me that I had a very slim chance unless I applied part time. However she left open this slight possibility that I might qualify for their summer program.

Basically upon completing a 6 week course- your take one exam and contingent upon obtaining a B- or better, you are offered admission.

After the event I decided to go up and speak to her-- and basically rekindle the cordial relationship we had when we met last. She indeed remembered me and reminded me to apply for that summer program. So lo and behold-- as soon as I got home, I emailed her-- and within a few days they sent me notification.

I dont know quite what to expect--- but I am desperately trying to explore any possibilties.

With 9 applications submitted-- I am just patiently waiting for the mail every day--although I know these feelings will soon turn into anxiety--
And since these 9 applications were all submitted to Tier II and III schools-- I know I already have an uphill battle.

oh why must we wait?.......

I will provide more updates soon...

Notes of a hopeful applicant

It's an interesting time of year. Most undergraduate seniors are finishing up their last year and deciding on where or what exactly they want to do with their lives. I am patiently awaiting, along with many of my fellow students, for the results from our schools of choice. Think of all the hard work and time we have put into the application process. Thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours spent on preparing for the LSAT's, our personal statements, and getting those recommendations completed. It is a trying time. But despite all the trials and tribulations we put ourselves into for this golden process---one has to stop and think. The admissions committees at each school make their decisions in a relatively short amount of time. Could be minutes or seconds......

We are essentially begging to be accepted into our schools of choice. According to the vast research and material available on the application process, such as those by Richard Montauk and Anna Levy, often our acceptance is based on a few key issues: LSAT Score, GPA, Race/URM Status.

It is extremely frustrating to think that despite being such individual and differentiated applications-- we are really one and the same. The fellow with the better LSAT score and more rigorous undergraduate curriculum wins out. It's not fair and just-- but life isn't either.

So as we patiently await our forthcoming decisions, via electronic or snail mail, we are left on the mountain's edge. Close to the pinnacle or perhaps close to the end of our trail---it could be time to exit the stage and pursue another career or degree.

Whatever it may be, we are truly at the school's helm......

Let me put this clearly---this blog is intended for people who are looking at tier 2-3 schools (such as myself)---->and i am simply trying to generate an answer for the question--is like law school worth it for us? seems like the general consensus is no---but i differ from the mainstream


AGAIN I HAVE NO INTEREST IN THE TOP 14---and i simply want to reach out to others like me----!!!!

Information and Situation for current aspiring lawyers

So why create this blog?

Although there are several prominent law related and law student blogs available....I feel there is still a clout residing over what lies ahead for aspiring attorneys/prospective law students.


1st off--
This is the middle of the application cycle. Most students applying to Top 14 law schools have had their applications in for months now.....However other more mainstream students are still meddling through a myriad of applications at the moment. So how do we assess what's going on? Its tough. Some students feel that they don't understand exactly what law schools are looking for--or compelling reasons to apply-----> A sense of direction so to speak.

the issue here is:
Do undergraduate students who have simply taken their LSAT's really know why they want to attend law school (and I mean REAL reasons--not simply I want to be an attorney based on research..etc..). I would think the clear answer is no. Most undergraduate students simply have their head in their ass....I don't mean this in a begrudging way---but honestly it's tough to understand the legal market and what the future holds..until were actually a part of it.

So please.... respond with your comments. Do you think I'm right here. Or do undergraduate students really know what their getting into when it comes to law school?