From: CLS Student Affairs Digest Date: September 12, 2022 Subject: The Gavel: Your Weekly Student Affairs Newsletter (LL.M. Edition)
Student affairs news, events & deadlines
September 12, 2022
Student Services
Dean Lester Lobby Breakfast - Tues. Sept. 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in WJW Lobby. Chat with Dean Gillian Lester while grabbing breakfast on your way to class or to study.
SCOTUS Roundup - Weds. Sept. 21, 12:10-1:10 p.m. in JG 104. Please join Gillian Metzger, Katherine Franke, Michael Gerrard, and Fred Smith for a discussion about key Supreme Court decisions from the past term year, with a look ahead at what to expect in October Term 2022. This discussion will be moderated by Vice Dean of Intellectual Life Kathryn Judge and Dean Gillian Lester will offer opening remarks. Lunch will be served on a first come first served basis. Sponsored by the Lawyers, Community and Impact series, the Vice Dean of Intellectual Life, the Office of Student Services, Social Justice Initiatives (SJI), the Office of Judicial Clerkships the American Constitution Society, and the Federalist Society. Event Link
CLS Artist-In-Residence Short Film Series - Thurs. Sept. 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m. - Location TBD. The CLS Artist-In-Residence Short Film Series is a series of film screenings and conversations that expose students, faculty and staff to short films that raise important questions about our culture, public policy and legal system, as well as the role lawyers and legal experts play in helping us respond to society's most pressing challenges. Each screening will consist of 2-3 short films followed by an in-depth conversation facilitated by CLS Artist-In-Residence Bayeté Ross Smith and a member of the CLS faculty. The purpose of this series is to use the storytelling power of film and multimedia to inspire deeper reflections on the role that law, policy, and historical memory play in helping us navigate the various social issues we face, discover innovative solutions and develop new frameworks for mutual understanding. Each screening will leave participants with three distinct takeaways for future use in their professional careers. Future dates for screenings for October and November will be announced soon. Event Link
Mental Health Support:Columbia's Office of Counseling and Psychological Support offers many ways to receive professional support for the psychological and emotional well-being of our students. Law School can be hard but you are not alone. The website provides detail but in short below please find some highlights:
- Main Office: found at Alfred Lerner Hall on the 5th and 8th Floors
- Phone: Call to schedule an appointment during regular business hours. If you are experiencing high levels of distress and are in need of immediate assistance, please call 212-854-2878, available 24/7.
- Urgent Mental Health Concerns: Walk-in session if you are experiencing high levels of distress. Mondays - Thursdays from 5:30 - 8:00 PM (check-in closes at 7:30 PM) at Lerner 502.
- Support Groups: A detailed list is here and check back often as they are often new groups added. Questions? Columbia Health
Registering with Our Office/Access to Courseworks Page: If you are interested in learning about clerkships this year, please register in Symplicity as “Clerkship Search Active.” After signing on to Symplicity, click on the “Clerkships” menu on the far left and then select the “Registration” tab. On the next screen, under “Clerkship Search Active” select the “Yes” radio button and click submit. You do not need to complete the bottom portion of the screen at this time. Registration will provide you with access to OJC's Courseworks page, which contains many helpful resources, including our Alumni Law Clerk Directory and event recordings. The Courseworks materials will be updated over the course of the year in conjunction with programs and as the clerkship process progresses.
Exam Process and Strategies Session - Weds. Sept. 14, 12:10-1:10 p.m. in JG 106. OGP will be hosting an exam process and strategies session in preparation for the IAL exam taking place on September 23rd. No registration necessary and anyone taking the IAL exam is welcome! The session will be recorded.
Annual Program and Reception for International LL.M. Students - Thur. Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the NYC Bar Association. This is a great opportunity for you to be introduced to the legal profession in New York and to receive useful career guidance. In addition, you will have a chance to meet peers from other LL.M. programs and experienced New York practitioners. More details and registration.
LL.M. Family Directory: If you are in New York with family and would like to be part of the LLM Family Directory, please complete this form by September 23rd.
Wellness Coaching @ Columbia Health is available to any currently enrolled Columbia University student at the Morningside campus. Wellness Coaching partners you with a certified Well-being Advocate. Together, you will lay out a vision of what living well means to you and co-create a plan to help you make that vision a sustainable reality. You can meet with your Well-being Advocate as many times as you need to celebrate wins, troubleshoot challenges, and stay on track with your plan. Learn more here.
- Mon. Sept. 12 at 10:00 pm: Add/Drop closes today!
- Mon. Sept. 19 at 12:00 noon: Digital Forms on LawNet are due.
- Tues. Sept. 12 to Sat. Oct. 15: Withdrawal from classes permitted; the notation of W will be recorded on the transcript.
- Fall 2022 Final Exam Schedule Draft: The first draft of the Fall 2022 final exam schedule is now available on the Fall 2022 Exams website under the first accordion: Exam Schedule, Exam Modes, & Exam Location.
Social Justice Initiatives
SJI Monday: The SCOTUS Impact - On the Ground & In Practice - Today, Sept. 12, 12:10-1:10 p.m. in WJW, 1st Floor Feldberg Space. Event Link
Info Sessions on Pro Bono and Human Rights at CLS - various dates this week, 12:10-1:10 p.m. Click here for more information.
Get all the public interest and government career news! Read the full SJI Newsletter.
- Writing Center Workshop: The second Writing Center LL.M./Upper-Year Workshop is now open for registration, info below. The Law School Writing Center hosts a series of workshops for LL.M. and upper-year J.D. students throughout the fall semester. Each workshop will be held in-person, at three separate times, and registration will open on a rolling basis. Writing for Your Audience Practice writing a fact pattern for different audiences, including supervising attorneys, courts, and the general public. Limit 20 people.
- Thursday, September 29 from 2:00-3:00 pm. Register here.
- Monday, October 3 from 5:00-6:00 pm. Register here.
- Tuesday, October 4 from 12:10-1:10 pm. Register here.
Student Resources
Careers & Professional Development Roadmaps - A month-by-month snapshot of many of the key things to know and do during each year as a law student.
Symplicity's Job/Scholarship/Fellowship Postings - CLS students and alumni can search for summer and post-graduate employment, as well as, semester internships/externships. External organizations also share writing competitions, scholarships, and educational opportunities through this site.
Financial & Child Care Financial Wellness Resources - Students experiencing unexpected financial need, including food and housing insecurity, may be eligible for additional assistance. To apply for emergency assistance, complete the funding request form.
Lawyers Assistance Program - A free, confidential service available to law students and their family members in NYC who are struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, depression, anxiety and stress, as well as other addictions and mental health issues.