Reflections on Labor Day

by Cynthia Chandler
Interim Associate Dean of Law Career Development and Alumni Relations and Adjunct Professor

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was established in 1894 as a national day of tribute and rest to celebrate the contribution of workers to all of our communities.

As you enjoy your long weekend, I encourage you to reflect on the broader significance of the day and to consider ways in which law and society is evolving to impact working people.

Check out this useful wrap up of labor law cases from the 2014-15 U. S. Supreme Court term.

Also, Labor Day does not speak to the existence of slavery, or stolen labor, and its continued impact on our economy and society. Consider this blog post on the historic legacy of slavery on the generation of wealth in our country and globally. Moreover, the use of slave labor continues legally in the United States, albeit limitedly, as slave labor was legalized with adoption of the 13th Amendment “as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted…” Consider this recent blog post identifying seven top US companies that continue to make significant profit through the use of free or radically underpaid, imprisoned labor.

Finally, all of us at LCD want to acknowledge how hard our students and graduates work every day, balancing work, school, family and community demands. We thank you for your contributions to our community, culture, politic and society.

CAREER ROAD TRIP: Practicing Across State Lines

by Michelle Queirolo 
Grad Fellow 
Law Career Services

Is your career path leading you to another state? Or are you interested in practicing in another state? Lawyers often feel rooted to the state in which they are licensed to practice, but practicing law in another state may be more attainable than you thought. Many states offer long-term and short-term opportunities to practice in their state without having to take their bar exam. Long-term options include admission by motion, reciprocity agreements, and some federal practice opportunities. Short-term options include pro hac vice representation, in-house counsel, and limited practice opportunities.

Controversy Abounds at the US Supreme Court

By Cynthia Chandler
Public Interest Career Counselor and Adjunct Professor

Over the last week, the US Supreme Court rolled out significant rulings that promise to shape our legal and political landscape. To enhance your own professional development, consider publishing your own analysis and commentary on the rulings. If you came to law school to work on controversies like these, make an appointment at LCS to figure out how. Here are brief summaries of the rulings; you can access copies of the decisions at www.supremecourt.gov. And to keep informed of Constitutional trends, check out the American Constitutional Society's "What's Next?" Conference Call Series: information at http://www.acslaw.org/WhatsNextSeries2014