The ninety-minute ceremony fea­tured University symbols interspersed with emblems of the University’s Lu­theran heritage. The student liturgical drama troupe Soul Purpose performed Soarings, a dramatic skit written specif­ically for the event. The skit described students’ hopes and aspirations for the new president and the University. The VU Chamber Concert Band, Luce Con­cert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Cho­rale, University Singers and the Kan­torei of the Chapel of the Resurrection all performed during the ceremony.

In honor of the inauguration, members of the student body, staff and faculty gave gifts to President Heckler. VU’s Deans and Faculty, attired in the academic robes, were processed to their seats as part of the ceremony. Deans Conison, Adams, Cichowski, Lind, and Persyn entered the ceremony with the other school’s Deans while other faculty members, including Professors Trujillo and Telman, sat with other pro­fessors. Colleges and universities across the country sent Delegates to share in the festivities. Professor Bodensteiner served as the Delegate from the Uni­versity of Notre Dame. The ceremony’s culminating point was President Emeri­tus, Alan Harre, presenting his succes­sor the Presidential Medallion, thereby installing President Heckler into office.

In his acceptance speech, Presi­dent Heckler called on everyone to do more to ensure the University’s success, citing the Bible’s 12th Chapter of Luke which says, “To those whom much has been given, more is required.” He ac­knowledged that students will conquer the challenges in the world and make a positive difference in the community. He also challenged students to “focus [their] best thinking and [their] broadest vision on the profound challenges that face [them].”

President Heckler called upon the faculty to “nurture in them the knowl­edge, skills, experience and moral foun­dation to navigate the turbulent times ahead.” He also encouraged alumni and university friends to help “…bring the finest faculty to this University, offer scholarships that will bring the kinds of students who have the potential to lead and serve the world….”

Following the ceremony, a recep­tion was held at the Christopher Center. The event featured four levels of food and entertainment. The first floor had casual food such as chicken tenders and pizza and a performance with an acoustic guitar group. The second floor had a variety of desserts and provided guests with a pianist playing classical music. The third floor had an Oktober­fest theme, which included bratwursts, pretzels and root beer. A polka band provided the entertainment. The fourth floor had shrimp cocktail and lobster rolls among its offerings.

Christy is a 2L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu

The Sports Law Clinic recently completed its database, containing more than 20 years of cases, arbitration decisions and current rules governing various sports. The database encom­passes over 500 cases and arbitration decisions going back to 1986. In ad­dition to searchable versions of these proceedings, the database also contains searchable versions of national and in­ternational rules governing numerous sports. This one-of-a-kind sports law case library is available at valpo.edu/law/sportsclinic and is accessible to all interested parties, including athletes, coaches, athletic officials, attorneys, media, scholars and fans.

Clinic director Michael Straubel, associate professor at Valpo Law, com­piles the material. “We believe this da­tabase will serve as a valuable resource for many,” Straubel said. “It was one of the original goals of the Sports Law Clinic and, along with all we’ve accom­plished in case work, we’re pleased to reach this goal. I’ve heard from many athletes, lawyers and others who will utilize this service.”

The Sports Law Clinic database is the only clearinghouse for such infor­mation in an online, searchable format available to both professionals and the public. Individuals interested in sub­mitting information on cases, decisions, sports law and other relevant matters for the database are strongly encouraged to contact the Sports Law Clinic via e-mail to www.sportslawclinic@valpolaw.net.

Edward is a 2L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu

“It began two years ago with a per­ception shift within the SBA” cites SBA Vice President, Paul Kulwinski. “We real­ized, beginning with the leadership of Se­bastian Smelko, that we were spending too much on alcohol. The SBA took a literal ap­proach to its name.”

Records revealing the amount of money spent on alcohol in past years are difficult to find, yet, according to Director of Student Relations, Joe Ba­ruffi, preliminary research reveals that over one-third of SBA dollars went to­wards the tap at alcohol centered events, or where alcohol was served.

“In addition,” cites Kulwinski, “while new groups were forming on campus, we were handing out SBA money to groups to pay for current groups and their drinking habits.”

That in­ternal shift to create a fis­cally prudent SBA, begin­ning under Smelko, con­tinued into the transition to new leadership under Laura Wishhart in 2008. But while changes were being made internally, external perceptions would accelerate the creation of the Valpo Law Alcohol Policy.

“Last year over twelve Valpo law students were cited with DUI’s that I know about,” said Baruffi. “Beyond that, a few divorces as a result of al­cohol abuse as well. Historically, the President of Valparaiso University has said no to using student activity fees for booze, but Dean Conison has stood up for the law students year after year, em­phasizing we are responsible adults.”

As it turns out, Valpo Law is one of the few law schools in the country that allows student fees to be used to purchase alcohol. In an effort to stave off prohibition, and to continue their ef­forts to promote a responsible, healthy atmosphere both fiscally and physically, the SBA came forward to the adminis­tration with the Alcohol Policy.

The policy states that the main purpose of an event can no longer be drinking. Furthermore, “[it] limits the use of SBA dollars to wine and beer purchases” says Kulwinski. At events where SBA money is used to sponsor any part of the activity, no hard liquor is allowed to be served at all regardless if there is a cash bar. For example, if your organization holds an event at a bar, no attendees may purchase hard liquor from the bar, even with their own funds. “However,” says Kulwinski, “if you communicate with SBA early enough before your event, there remains the possibility

The new policy places responsibil­ity upon the event’s sponsoring group, requiring 1 sober person for every planned 50 attendees. In addition, the event planners must provide alcohol alternatives, further de-emphasizing the use of alcohol as the center of attention. Event planners are also encouraged to advertise the purpose of the event, and if alcohol is to be served, advertise it in neutral terms, such as “refreshments will be available.”

The latest addition to the policy is that no more than the stated amount, $85, that may be spent per keg, yet with prior approval from the SBA that is sub­ject to change as well.

Reaction from student group Pres­idents appears to be in support. “The only time we might order alcohol is if we have a little bit of wine with dinner” said Nick Poteres of the Hellenic Law Association. “It really doesn’t affect us.”

“I do not feel that serving alcohol will break or make any event” men­tioned Bridgitt Anderson, President of the Black Law Student Association. “I also think that the new policy serves as a way for the school to push organiza­tions to fundraise.”

Meanwhile, Mike Duffy of Jus Vi­tae aired a concern, “I wonder to what degree the “van renting policy” of hav­ing students drive tanked students home presents potential liability to the school. When the van is rented, is the school or student liable, and if the school is, whose tuition dollar is used to pay out the judgment?”

Liability appears to be a lingering concern for some student group presi­dents who question the need to advertise and offer sober drivers to those students and their friends who attend and make the personal decision to imbibe. And that question of liability is one that all are hoping is not answered by the Porter County Courts.

“The use of student activity fees is everyone’s,” said Baruffi. “Perhaps in the future we will need to vote as stu­dents, as to what exactly it can be used for. But for now, I’m seeing a culture change amongst students, where we are developing a sense of professional use of alcohol at professional events.”

Nathan Vis is a 2L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu

According to a Reuters article, a South Sudanese official is looking for a new job after creating a law that caused a substantial amount of women to be arrested for disturbing the peace. The women’s crime: wearing tight pants.

The President issued a statement firing Juba County Commissioner Al­bert Pitia Redentore from his position. Redentore recently banned tight pants because he found them a sign of gang behavior which threatened the country’s traditional values. The Commission­er’s actions did not sit well with other government officials. Gender Minis­ter Mary Kiden found the law uncon­stitutional and likened the law to the strict clothing restrictions imposed on women in North Sudan. This particu­lar law struck a chord in this particular region because Northern and Southern Sudan engaged in war for decades, par­tially due to the south’s resistance of the north’s Islamic Sharia law.

And now for the opinion of the Commers Court… The South Sudanese government did the right thing by pre­venting women from being arrested for wearing tight pants given its history of rebelling against an extremist Islamic government.

It is not just foreign governments who are regulating how a person can wear his or her clothing either. Accord­ing to a Palm Beach Post article, Rivera Beach, Florida has imposed a penalty for individuals wearing baggy pants. While most city decisions are typically voted on by city council members and made into ordinaces, this decision was enacted through a public election. The ordinance passed with 72% of the vote, and most of those who voted for the measure were elderly members of the community.

Under the law, a person would face legal action if they display skin or underwear. The first offense carries a $150 fine or community service while a second offense has a $300 fine or community service. Habitual offenders could face up to 60 days in jail.

Rivera Beach joins other cities and the Atlanta School District in es­tablishing baggy pants rules. Other schools are also addressing the issue by adopting uniforms or implementing dress codes. One cited reason for the emergence of dress codes and uniforms is to control gang behavior and pre­vent clothing from being a distraction. Proponents of dress codes state that it is easier for parents to buy clothes and get children ready for school. Teachers have stated that dress codes make stu­dents work harder. Opponents of uni­forms and dress codes point to the loss of students’ freedom of expression and the financial cost of having to buy extra clothes just to comply with the cloth­ing requirements. The ACLU and other organizations are representing students and their parents in these matters across the country.

According to a MSN.com re­port, courts are settling disputes about a student’s choice of school clothing. Schools, as established in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, have a right to enact dress codes if clothing would cause a substantial distraction to students. This, and the growth of gangs, has led schools to enact dress codes or require uniforms. Even though dress codes are established to protect students and promote learn­ing, they can go too far. The MSN article stated that a Fresno, California student was suspended for promoting specific races, cultures, and identities by wearing a t-shirt with the American flag. School officials admitted the rule was badly applied in the situation.

And now for the opinion of the Commers Court… Judging fashion is subjective - what I may find distasteful, you may think is the next cool trend. That being said, however, everyone should follow common sense on what a person can and cannot wear to school including the courts in dress code cases even if that sometimes means less ap­parel is banned.

Christy is a 2L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu

This year, organizations request­ed a grand total of $105,000 in funds. When the budget was finalized, the to­tal amount of money distributed to the twenty-six student organizations totaled $48,000.

Decisions about distribution this year were based upon various factors. First, each organization was given an opportunity to present its proposed bud­get to the committee. With a greater level of specificity at the proposal level came a greater likelihood that the group would receive more of the requested funds. At this point, the committee was able to ask the organization representa­tives questions about the proposal. The final determinations were mainly based upon what the organization did and spent in the previous year. As an over­arching policy, the committee did not award funds for proposed events with an open bar. However, events proposed with beer and wine available, were al­lowed to receive funding.

How does all of this compare to other ABA schools? Of a random sam­pling of 50 other law schools around the nation, Valpo Law distributes the third highest amount. The next highest dis­bursing school after Valpo handed out $25,000 to its organizations. In com­parison, Harvard Law School does not distribute any money whatsoever to its student organizations. Instead, groups at HLS must rely upon fundraising and other means of support.

Other schools commonly dole out organization funds at a flat rate. These schools only give out between $200 and $300 per group per semester. Addition­ally, most other ABA schools do not allow for any student funds to be dis­tributed if the intended use is a party or anything involving alcohol.

So what would happen if our SBA handed out the entire $105,000 requested of it? If every group got exactly what they asked for, the stu­dent population could say goodbye to Barristers Ball, the Halloween Party, Cardozo Cup, all Law Week activities, Boat Cruise, the Welcome Back Picnic, the 1L dinner, massages during finals, and Mental Health Day. Additionally, the 3L Steering Committee would not receive any funds. This means no 100 Day Party, no Commencement Speaker, no Caps & Gowns, no Black & White Ball. The SBA and Steering Commit­tee would be left without an operating budget of any kind.

The SBA of Valpo Law gives its student constituents more while receiv­ing less funds from the school. Can you think of another law school that pro­vides its students with a 60 inch plasma HDTV in the student lounge? Be grate­ful for what is given to us and don’t bite the hand that feeds.

Alecia is a 3L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigot­ry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these ac­counts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be ac­quired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.

-Mark Twain

WHY STUDY ABROAD?

Studying abroad provides stu­dents the opportunity to develop global awareness; enhance academic learning; experience personal growth; advance a career; understand other cultures; im­prove communication skills; and live and work effectively in another culture. In a recent policy statement, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the largest international education or­ganization with over 11,000 members worldwide, asserts that “to be an edu­cated citizen today is to be able to see the world through others’ eyes and to understand the international dimensions of the problems we confront as a nation: skills that are enhanced by international experience.”

The NAFSA statement continues: “The end of the cold war did not mean an end to international, civil, and ethnic conflict. Defense of U.S. interests and effective management of global unrest in the next century will require more, not less, ability on the part of Americans to understand the world in terms other than their own. Globalization is oblit­erating the distinction between foreign and domestic concerns. Most domestic problems in today’s world are also in­ternational. The opening of global mar­kets, the explosion of trade, the global­izing effects of Internet technology, and the need for U.S. business to compete in countries around the world—all require more global content in U.S. education, as well as more Americans with spe­cific foreign language and country ex­pertise. If American students are to be able to function effectively in the world into which they will graduate, it must become the routine, not the exception, for them to study abroad in high quality programs.”

VALPARAISO OPPORTUNITIES

Valparaiso Law students can en­hance their global perspective on the law by spending a summer semester in either the Cambridge Program or the International Human Rights Program in Chile and Argentina. In addition, stu­dents have the opportunity to pursue an externship overseas or spend a semester abroad as an exchange student.

The Cambridge Program begins with Legal London, a course taught by Professor Ed Gaffney. He provides a basic introduction to the process of lawmaking in parliamentary govern­ment and the adjudication of civil and criminal cases in England, both at the trial and appellate levels. The course includes guest lectures and visits to important legal and government insti­tutions. After exploring the legal and cultural offerings of London for a week, students then spend four weeks in Cam­bridge. During the summer 2009 term, Professor Clare Nuechterlein will teach Shakespeare and the Law, and Professor Zachary Calo will teach Comparative Theological Jurisprudence.

The International Human Rights Program in Chile and Argentina ex­amines legal, historical, and cultural approaches to human rights, focusing on Chile and Argentina. Both nations have recently emerged from periods of significant human rights abuse, and both continue to grapple with the need to protect human rights while address­ing significant social issues. In summer 2009, Professor Penny Andrews will of­fer Human Rights and Latin American Legal Institutions, introducing students to human rights history and current is­sues in Latin America. Augmented with lectures by distinguished professors, judges, and human rights advocates from Chile and Argentina, the course provides an introduction to compara­tive constitutionalism; the transition to democracy and reconciliation; rights of indigenous peoples; and the judicial systems of each country. In addition, Professor Bernard Trujillo will teach Immigration and Human Rights.

Students can also study or work in legal positions in other countries. Dur­ing the summer 2008 term, students enrolled in for-credit externships with Bridges Across Borders Southeast Asia, in Cambodia; Potter, Shelly & Co. in Huntingdon, UK; Irish Refugee Ser­vice, in Cork, Ireland; and as a judicial clerk in Melbourne, Australia.

Valparaiso Law has developed exchange agreements with three law schools in South America (Universidad de Los Andes, in Santiago, Chile, and Universidad Austral and Universidad Catolica Argentina, in Buenos Aires, Ar­gentina), permitting Valparaiso students to enroll in law courses for a semester and receive credit toward graduation. (All courses are taught in Spanish.) In addition, students may pursue an ex­ternship as part of their studies abroad, adding an important practical aspect to their education.

IN THE PIPELINE

In the future, Valparaiso hopes to broker similar exchange agreements with Tubingen University in Tubingen, Germany and La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.

For more information about any of these opportunities, please see Professors Ad­ams or Andrews.

Q: How did you secure your pro bono opportunity?

A: I received a contact at MALS from a family friend who is an attorney in the Mem­phis Metro Area. I phoned the contact and explained that I was interested in assisting with pro bono cases during the summer and asked if she was aware of any opportuni­ties. She provided me with a name of an attorney at MALS, and then I made contact with the attorney. The MALS attor­ney explained the type of cases MALS handled and asked if I would be interested in volun­teering my time.

Q: What specific proj­ects did you assist with at MALS?

A: My main responsi­bilities were to interview cli­ents and draft documents such as Last Will and Testaments, Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Agent Forms, Trusts and Quali­fied Income Trusts. Depending on the client’s need, my supervising attorney would direct me to draft one, all or a combination of those documents. Most of the client interviews were done over the phone, but depending on how well the client communicated, I also made house visits with my supervising at­torney. Sometimes, when sitting in my client’s presence, it was easier to under­stand what they needed MALS to do to ensure that their estate would be taken care of properly. I also worked with collection agencies to protect the rights of the clients under the Fair Debt Col­lection Act.

Q: What did you learn legally and personally through your experi­ence at MALS?

A: When I first started, I felt con­fident I had what I needed to do the job well, but embraced the opportunity to have a “hands on” experience. In the beginning, there was something miss­ing between my education and the real world. However, with each client ex­perience, the connection between my education and its application became stronger. It became clear to me that I could use my legal skills to help others. On a personal level, I will never forget my first client meeting. Our elderly clients made it to our downtown office and sat in the conference room while my supervising attorney and I tried to explain to them the complexities of their estate and offer advice on how we might construct their estate documents. The clients were relying on me to have answers to their questions. I was staring into the eyes of the elders of our com­munity and they were looking to me to help them. I could provide that help with my knowledge and guidance of my supervising attorney. It was amazing to be able to take away some of the pres­sure and uneasiness of unfinished busi­ness from our elderly clients.

Q: Are you glad that you volun­teered your time?

A: Yes, I had an incredible ex­perience! From day one, the learning never stopped. My supervising attorney really took me under her wing and al­lowed me to work with her through all the aspects of her job. Being able to try my hand at so many different tasks was very rewarding.

Q: Do you have any advice for other law stu­dents regarding perform­ing pro bono work?

A: My advice is to commit as much time as you can to pro bono work. I found that committing more time to my pro bono efforts allowed me to re­ally understand my clients’ situations and allowed me to be thorough with their legal issues. I was able to invest more in each client’s problem and that added investment was incredibly rewarding. When perform­ing pro bono work, it is clear that you are helping your client with their legal issue out of sheer passion for justice and its role in the law.

Valparaiso Univer­sity School of Law requires each student to complete a minimum of 20 hours of pro bono service under the supervision of a licensed attorney prior to graduation. This requirement intro­duces law students to the professional obligation of attorneys, the benefits of public service and the needs of the un­derrepresented in society.

For further information regard­ing pro bono opportunities and the law schools pro bono requirement, please contact Kim Kass at Kim.Kass@valpo.edu.

The list includes the following:

12 Angry Men (1957)

Henry Fonda is a lone juror who holds out in a death penalty case.

Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

James Stewart is defense attor­ney and George C. Scott is prosecutor in the case where an Army lieutenant is accused of murdering a bartender who allegedly raped his coquettish wife.

Inherit the Wind (1960)

Spencer Tracy and Fredric Marsh play Clarence Darrow and William Jen­nings Bryan in the historic 1925 Scopes “monkey trial.”

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Billy Wilder directs Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester, Tyrone Power and Marlene Dietrich in this film adapted from mystery writer Agatha Christie.

Breaker Morant (1980)

This is a story of three fellow countrymen who fight for the British Empire in the colonial Boer War in South Africa and are tried and convicted of war crimes.

Philadelphia (1993)

Tom Hanks, a gay attorney with an Ivy-league education, claims his big-time law firm fired him after dis­covering he contracted AIDS. Denzel Washington is the only personal injury lawyer who will take his case.

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Julia Roberts plays the real-life paralegal and single morn whose dogged investigation into a suspicious real estate case turns up a pattern of ille­gal dumping of highly toxic hexavalent chromium and one of the heftiest class action suits in U.S. history.

The Verdict (1982)

Paul Newman is a washed-up, al­coholic lawyer who gets handed a medi­cal-malpractice case and sees it as one last chance to get his career right.

Presumed Innocent (1993)

Harrison Ford is a top-notch pros­ecutor who finds himself accused of murdering a colleague with whom he’s had an affair in this Scott Turrow adap­tation.

A Man for All Seasons (1966)

Lines from this film are often quoted in U.S. court opinions, such as “I know what’s legal, not what’s right. And I’ll stick to what’s legal.” Sir Thomas More is caught in the political struggle involving Henry VIII’s deci­sion to defy the Roman Catholic Church and divorce his wife in order to marry Anne Boleyn.

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep both won Oscars in this domestic rela­tion’s litigation that turns nasty.

The Paper Chase (1973)

A drama about a first-year law student seeking approval of Harvard’s sternest professor. The plot thickens as he becomes involved with the profes­sor’s daughter.

Reversal of Fortune (1990)

Jeremy Irons, who portrays Claus von Bulow, is tried and convicted of the attempted murder of his wife, Sunny von Bulow, in 1982. He then hires Alan Derschowitz whose account of the case is the basis of this movie.

Civil Action (1998)

Small-firm Boston plaintiffs lawyers up against two conglomer­ates whose tannery, they’ve decided, is responsible for the leukemia-related deaths of eight children. There are un­derlying moral consequences found in this thriller.

In the Name of the Father (1993)

Pete Postlethwaite and Daniel Day-Lewis play Giuseppe and Gerry Conlon, a real-life father and son falsely accused of participating in two separate IRA bombing sprees outside London. Emma Thompson is able to defend and prove their innocence.

One of my personal favorites is Miracle on 34th Street (1947) in black and white, of course.

Whether you agree with their top picks or think Legally Blonde or anoth­er of your favorites should have been included on this list, you can watch these DVDs for the right price – free. Take a break, watch a movie, have some popcorn and enjoy.

Gail Hartzell is the Acquisi­tions and Serials Librarian and can be reached at Gail.Hartzell@valpo.edu

1) If you could teach any class you wanted in Law School, what would it be?

A seminar on Law and Language. See, e.g., Roger W. Shuy, Language Crimes: The Use and Abuse of Language Evi¬dence in the Courtroom (Blackwell 1993).

2) What’s your favorite color?

Blue

3) Which actor played the best James Bond?

Sean Connery. By far.

4) If you had to be a professional Pi¬rate or Ninja, which would you be?

Ninja – it’s closer to the martial art that I’ve practiced and taught.

5) Assuming both were in their prime, who do you think would win in a box¬ing match: Abraham Lincoln or Ted¬dy Roosevelt?

Could we get a Democrat, please?

6) Because it’s that time of year, what was the best/coolest/most original Halloween costume you ever wore?

Vampire.

7) You get to play a round of golf with any Supreme Court Justice, past or present, who do you pick?
John Marshall.

You’re granted 1 wish, what do you choose?

The classic — 3 more wishes.

9) Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Trek.

10) Hypothetically, could God micro¬wave a burrito so hot that he, himself, could not eat it?

God cooks? Do you have any authority for that, counsel?

You can enroll to take this two-credit class during your third year or even halfway through your second year of law school. The range of cases students handle go from divorces, adoptions and visitation disputes to debt collection defenses, foreclosures and tort cases.

The clinic is the main source of free legal aid in the Valparaiso area. Cases come from different sources, but mostly referrals from former clients and the Porter County courts. The clinic also refers clients to other legal aid offices whenever there is a conflict of interests and counseling cannot be provided, or during the summer when the clinic is in recess. Clients are not required to pay any fees for the legal services provided, but they may have to pay court fees, depending on their income. The clinic also represents students, faculty and staff of Valparaiso University, as a courtesy to the school.

The clinic usually has ten students each semester and they work in groups of five. They meet twice a week as a class and go over their cases. Each student handles around five cases at a time and they work the cases on their own. They are certified by the court to do everything a lawyer is licensed to do, the only difference being that they work under the supervision of a faculty member.

Most cases handled by students deal with family law, divorces being the most common practice. Custody disputes however are not usually taken because they demand too much time, usually more than a semester. Professor Marcia Gienapp, who is in charge of the clinic, explains that her main goal is for students to work a case from the beginning to the end, so they can learn from the entire process. Custody cases would not allow students to do that and therefore are not usually accepted.

Tort cases are rare given that most private firms will represent clients for a contingency fee or insurance compa­nies will provide their clients with legal representation. Tort cases the clinic has taken involved people who have been in a car accident without insurance. For example, the clinic had a case some time ago involving NIPSCO. A woman came into the clinic seeking legal representation after she had an accident with her car. She crashed into an electric post, property of NIPSCO, and the company sued her for damages. She did not have insurance at the time, and the clinic provided her with legal advice and representation.

Clients need to go through an application process for their case to be accepted. Not every case will be taken and that is at the discretion of students working at the clinic. When people come to the clinic, they are screened by the secretaries and make an appointment to be interviewed. Interviews are usually conducted by two students. One of them is in charge of asking questions, to get a sense of the case, and the other observes, takes notes and asks additional questions when necessary. Professor Gienapp is not present in the room, but interviews are taped and she can watch them from a different room as they happen. She will step into the room, if she feels it is necessary, or will talk to the students after the interview to help them im­prove their skills. After the interview, students will get together to watch the video, review the client’s application, discuss whether or not to take the case and how to proceed.

Students also have the op­portunity to appear before the court. Professor Gienapp makes sure to go over everything the students might en­counter during their court appearances and uses role-play tactics to make sure they are prepared. She must be present in each court appearance but she sits in the back making sure the students conduct the process on their own. The judge and the attorney for the opposing party are aware of the fact that these are Valpo Law students; they feel like part of the teaching process and help them through it.

Lisa Marie Maksymczak is a third year law student working at the clinic this semester. She says “the clinic is a unique opportunity for students to gain experience while learning the practice of law in a supporting environment.” She is handling six cases at the mo­ment, among which there is a paternity case, and a dividing of property and a consumer law case, which is her main field of interest.

Lisa Marie worked for Indiana legal services in Indianapolis last sum­mer. This opportunity came to her after she took Professor White’s class on Consumer Law. “Professor White got me in touch with the legal aid office in Indianapolis and even though it started as an externship, they offered me a job for the summer once the externship was over. It was all because of Profes­sor White’s help,” she says.

She recommends you take certain classes if you are thinking about partic­ipating in the civil clinic. They are not required but they are certainly helpful: Family Law, UCC, Pretrial, Advanced Legal Writing and of course, Professor White’s Consumer Law class.

Lisa Marie encourages every student to participate in the clinic. Ac­cording to her experience, “It is one of the best opportunities Valpo Law has to offer.” Do not miss your chance to get involved!

Maru is a 1L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu