Young Alumni Council Newsletter - June 2008

Vol 1, Issue 3

In this issue:

Letter from the President - Be Connected

Since the dawn of Friendster, social networking websites have become more complex and popular, with each iteration seeking to outdo its predecessor.  Sites like Facebook are a convenient resource for keeping in touch with friends, meeting new people, and communicating efficiently.  These online communities also are becoming more useful tools for event planning and organizational development.  Given their popularity and convenience, the recent emergence of websites dedicated to professional networking was inevitable. 

Boston University has implemented cutting edge technology to respond to the anticipated demand.  We now have our own professional networking site, dedicated to the unique needs of our Law School alumni.  The site is called the BU Law Connection, and can be accessed online through www.bu.edu/law/alumni. 

All alumni are welcome to set up a free account, create a profile, and explore the many available resources.  Search for old classmates and friends by graduation year or various affiliations, see what they are up to now, and get reconnected with them.  Those of you looking for a change can view job postings, accessible exclusively by BU Law alumni.  If you are an employer, you can post job opportunities that you know will only be viewed by candidates who have received a first-rate legal education.  The BU Law Connection is a one-stop source for keeping tabs on all of your alumni interests.  Plan class reunions, get notified about interesting panel discussions, and learn when your favorite professor is giving an open lecture.  Additionally, all of the Young Alumni Council chapters will be posting information on activities in each city.  You will soon be able to volunteer as a 1L mentor, a moot court judge, or a panelist on various topics through this site.

There are, of course, discussion boards open to any topics of interest.  Post about upcoming events.  Ask for tips on finding information.  Seek attorneys in other specialties for referrals.  Offer your expertise to others who might be looking. Share your latest successes and exciting news in the class notes. 

We all know that effective professional networking is integral to a lawyer’s success.  As the profession continues to evolve the use of these Internet resources becomes increasingly vital in the pursuit of that goal.  Do not be left behind.  Be connected – on the BU Law Connection.

Chris Strang (JD ’05), an associate at Corwin & Corwin LLP in Boston, is the YAC National President.

Back to Top

Kick-Off Event for the San Francisco Chapter

by Lisa Thompson-Bereda (JD '05)

San Francisco Young AlumniThe San Francisco chapter of the Young Alumni Council held their inaugural event on April 24, 2008 at Cigar Bar, located in historic Jackson Square and within walking distance from the Financial District.  The rustic, Spanish-inspired bar offered couches for lounging and an outdoor courtyard, making it the perfect spot for nearly fifteen Boston University School of Law alums to catch up on old times and hear about new successes. 

The house specialty mojitos were a favorite amongst the alums during the Thursday evening happy hour.  Jessie Arlauckas (JD ’06) and Nick Bohl (JD ’06) were kind enough to provide some great appetizers, including crowd pleasing bar staples and that classic California treat – guacamole.  Alums shared advice about their favorite weekend trips to Napa and the best hikes in Marin.  As surprising as this may be to those of you who just made it through another frosty winter, some folks reminisced fondly about those infamous Boston winters. 

The San Francisco chapter of the YAC includes alumni from the entire Bay Area, including those working in “the City”, the East Bay, and the technology and venture capital heavy peninsula.  One and all were excited and surprised to find such a large group of BUSL alumni all the way out here on the West Coast.  Everyone hopes to expand the chapter’s presence in the area to serve as a network for both alumni and current BU Law students. 

S.F. YAC chairs Lisa Thompson-Bereda (JD ’05), Jessie Arlauckas (JD ’06) and Daniel Balmat (JD ’03) were happy to have such a great turnout from alumni representing classes ranging from 2000 to 2006.  The class of 2006 garnered the most attendees and several expressed an interest in planning more such events for the foggy summer to come.  Conversation and good company continued well after the happy hour and into the evening.

Alumni in the Bay Area who would like to make sure they receive information on future events or who would like to otherwise get involved in the YAC should contact BULawSFYAC@gmail.com.

Lisa Thompson-Bereda, Esq. (JD '05), is an associate at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth and is currently living in Santa Barbara.  Her practice focuses on venture capital financings and advising public and private companies.

Back to Top

Clerking after Working

by Adrienne Smith (JD ’05)

As many of you know, clerking for a judge at a state or federal court is a great opportunity that many students pursue during their 3L years in law school.  What you may not realize is that the opportunity is still available to you years after graduating.  

I am currently working as a law clerk at the Massachusetts Appeals Court.  What makes my clerkship unique is that I began it after spending two years as a litigation associate in a law firm in Boston.  I enjoy clerking and recommend the experience for anyone who, like me, wanted to start practicing law right after graduation but always thought clerking would be a great opportunity.  A clerkship can also provide excellent exposure to different areas of law practice if you still are unclear as to what type of practice you wish to pursue.

In a typical day, I spend most of my time researching and writing about many different areas of law.  I work on both criminal and civil cases, and the civil issues range from family law to contract disputes.  My work is interesting and it’s nice not having to worry about billable hours.  I’ve especially enjoyed having the chance to develop a close working relationship with one judge.

There is a potential downside to clerking after you have been working for a few years.  You run the risk of interrupting your career path at a time when you have just moved past the initial phases and would start assuming more responsibility and handling more complex assignments.  This issue is less of a concern, however, if you are considering switching practice areas or transitioning out of law firm practice.  In this case, a clerkship can help you explore other options because it provides you with additional free time and exposure to many types of law.

If you are considering applying for a clerkship, a good first step is to contact the Career Development Office.  They put me on the right track and guided me through the process.  Choosing which judges to apply to might seem overwhelming at first because there are so many options.  Through some networking and research (your former law school professors are a great resource!) you will end up with a pretty clear idea of which specific judges or courts you wish to target.

As far as timing is concerned, I had my applications in the mail by Labor Day weekend, which was one year before the clerkship began.  If you are seriously interested in a federal clerkship, I highly recommend having your applications done even sooner.  Unlike law students, who may not apply for federal clerkships until the beginning of September, graduates can apply at any time and therefore, depending on the judge, have their applications considered before the rush.

Good luck to everyone considering a clerkship!

Adrienne Smith (JD ’05) is currently clerking for the Honorable Janis Berry of the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

Back to Top

Boston YAC Social and 3L Send-Off

by Courtney Schou (JD ’07)

On Monday, May 12th, the Boston Chapter of the Young Alumni Council welcomed the 2008 graduating class to the Young Alumni Council with open arms, drink tickets, and meat on a stick.  The Boston YAC held a social event for the newcomers at Revolution Rock Bar & Lounge at 200 High Street in Boston.  The event began with an hour long networking event for alumni and continued into the next hour as the first stop on a tour of bars for the 2008 graduating class during their Pub Crawl night. 

The spacious lounge at Revolution Rock provided ample room for mingling near the bar, cozying up with old friends on cow-patterned cushioned benches, and showing off Soulja Boy moves on the dance floor.  When the graduating class began to roll into Revolution Rock, the veteran young alumni excitedly congratulated the new alums.  The lounge echoed with voices of new and old swapping work and class war stories, catching up on law school gossip, and expressing their astonishment at Professor Ryckman’s retirement.  Did we ever think it would happen? 

New and old alums from organizations such as the Review of Banking and Financial Law Journal, American Journal of Law and Medicine, and Legal Follies reconnected.  Former writing program teaching assistants shot the breeze with their former students.  Laughter and chatter continued past the 9 o’clock hour, and soon the new alums moved on to their next escapade at stop two of the Pub Crawl: Jose McIntyre’s.  Veteran young alumni lingered on the cushioned benches and reminisced about their Senior Weeks at BU Law, looking forward to future events with the enthusiastic Class of 2008. 

Photos from the event can be found here , on the YAC website.

Courtney Schou (JD ’07) is an associate at Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP in Boston, MA.  Her practice focuses on litigation and employment disputes.

Back to Top

Warm Weather Brings Out Chicago Alums

by Sid Bale (JD '05)

Chicago winters are traditionally miserable. While citizens don’t exactly hibernate, enjoyment of the Windy City (curiously not named such because of the weather) is quite muted.  After a customary long and dismal winter, Chicagoans take to the bike paths, streets, and water, and most notably, to the local watering holes.  The Chicago chapter of Boston University School of Law Young Alumni Council did likewise on June 5th, with a happy hour at the Loop speakeasy Jimmy Figs.  Organized by Sally Gasper (JD ’07), the Chicago chapter’s second organized event was well attended.  The BU Law faithful took over a prime location in an elevated portion of the main bar overlooking a sea of young professionals imbibing after work.  After a couple rounds, alumni from different class years integrated and conversation quickly turned to reminiscing about good times in the law tower, favorite Chicago restaurants, summer neighborhood street festivals (which are all the rage in Chicago), and Barack Obama. The mood was lighthearted and even Maura Kelly, Director of the Career Development Office, had time to pop in and chat up the young alumni.  Alums from several recent classes were in attendance, and the Chicago chapter of the Young Alumni Council welcomed two new transplants to the Chicago area, Brad Micsky (JD ’05) and Girish Kashyap (JD ’05).  There was even a current BU Law student in the mix, Dave Messerschmitt (JD ’09).

With an infusion of active and enthusiastic young alumni in recent years working in all areas of both private and public practice, the Chicago chapter of the Young Alumni Council is poised for growth.  With each passing year, more and more BU Law graduates seem to be choosing Chicago as their home, and the depth and character of our base is growing fast throughout the Midwest.  Those who attended the happy hour on June 5th are invigorating a large base of alumni here in Chicago.  This correspondent is excited for the group’s future. 

Sid Bale (JD ’05), is an associate with Perkins Coie LLP.   BU Law alumni in the Chicago area who want to stay informed of YAC events should email BULawChicagoYAC@gmail.com.

Excited yet? If you would like to get involved and meet new people, make new contacts and help the YAC grow, please e-mail Erin Elwood at erine@bu.edu.  New chapters are in the process of forming and we'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!

To make sure you're receiving all of our emails, please Update Your Address online at www.bu.edu/law/alumni/keepintouch/.

Back to Top