One of the many great clubs you can join at UBC is the Law Students' Legal Advice Program (LSLAP). Some students may even get to go to court. Kate Addison, a 2L, writes about her experience going to trial with LSLAP.
During Orientation week you will get inundated with potential extracurricular activities. I was told emphatically by more than a handful of upper year students that I absolutely HAD to do LSLAP. Since it seemed to be the thing to do, I looked into what the program with the silly-sounding name was all about. The Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (referred to as “L-SLAP”) gives law students the opportunity to get hands-on experience by providing free legal services to low-income clients who do not qualify for Legal Aid.
Be warned: they are not kidding when they tell you that you’ll be meeting with clients after two lunch-time training sessions and just two weeks of classes. I was really nervous, but you will be surprised just how much you can actually help with only some common sense, three weeks of classes under your belt and Brian’s advice.
During first year, my work with LSLAP involved doing legal research, filling out and filing forms, and writing letters. Sometimes, it was just a matter of telling the clients their options and referring them to someone else. The most rewarding experience for me was doing a full-day criminal assault trial in Provincial Court.
I met with my client at one of the clinics I attended in the fall. As usual, we sat down and I asked him to explain why he was there and what had happened in his own words. He had just been accused of assaulting his girlfriend the week before. After photocopying the documents that had been disclosed by Crown and getting his description of what happened, he left and I didn’t see him again until one week before his trial in March, though we did communicate via phone and email. He had a couple initial appearances to confirm his trial date and such, which I was not required to attend.
I was very nervous about doing a trial, but I was told I would have a supervising lawyer as well as Brian to help me so I took some comfort in that. About a month before the trial, I began meeting with Brian and the supervising lawyer to prepare. It was only then that I actually realized that I’d be doing the preparation and trial on my own, with the supervisor and Brian there to tell me generally how to prepare and to answer any questions. They did not acquaint themselves with the specifics of the case as I had initially thought they would.
I seriously considered passing the file on to another student who wanted the trial experience. I was terrified to plan my own strategy, think up my own questions to ask witnesses and have the fate of my client almost entirely in my own hands, let alone to go to court and have to stand up and talk in front of a judge. I decided to keep the file, and in the end I am so glad I did.
The trial preparation took a lot of time, especially the month before April exams, but it was well worth it. The week before the trial, I spent dozens of hours drafting and re-drafting questions, a opening statement, a closing statement and a speak to sentence (just in case). I prepared witnesses on the phone by getting them to tell me their version of the events over and over, trying to get them to remember what happened 6 months before. I also researched and printed cases that were relevant, including one that I’d learned in Criminal Law class. I have to say it felt pretty good to apply what I’d frantically written about on my December exam to a real life situation to actually help someone.
The single biggest lesson I learned about a trial is that, for all the preparation I did, I couldn’t control what went on in the courtroom. I have always been someone who practices presentations until I’ve got them down and who doesn’t sleep until I feel prepared for exams, so it was definitely a learning experience. In court you have to deal with things as they come. The Crown did not call some of the witnesses they listed, some of the testimony Crown was relying on got excluded as hearsay, and two of the witnesses testified using an interpreter. Worst of all, even after 6 hours of preparing my client for the witness stand and explaining what he had to do, he got nervous and did just the opposite. Instead of slowly telling the judge what had happened on the night of the incident as I asked him questions, he started talking at lightening speed about what happened without breaks, adding in his own commentary on what other people probably thought and arguing that he was not guilty.
When I was standing up at the front of the courtroom facing the judge, the supervising lawyer was watching from the back. It was up to me to run the trial and to adapt to these situations as they happened. I was outside of my comfort zone, but doing a trial through LSLAP was definitely the most rewarding experience during my first year of law school. Sign up for LSLAP, and if you get a chance, do a trial. You will learn a huge amount and—who knows—you might just help someone who needs it in the process.
- Written by Kate Addison
7.14.2011
Law School and Expectations
First off, let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Raylene Smith, and I’ll be working with Samantha to organize your Orientation Week this year. After having an incredible time at Orientation last year, I am dedicated to ensuring that the Class of 2014 has a similar experience. Orientation is a great opportunity to meet new friends, learn about various law school activities, and have some fun before class begins! I would recommend making the most of this week – don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to fellow students and professors. You will be seeing a lot of each other in the upcoming year!
In my first blog I wanted to discuss “law school” and the many, many expectations that come with it. With 1L rapidly approaching, I’m sure that you have all kinds of expectations – I know I did. Most 1Ls, myself included, have high expectations for their academic performance. Indeed, those who embark on the law school journey are smart, hardworking, and used to a strong academic performance. This means that the standards in law school are very high, and it’s important to adjust your expectations accordingly. In law school, getting a grade above 78 – or indeed 76 – is exciting, and an accomplishment. For those of you who are more familiar with grades in the mid-eighties, it’s important to remember that in law school, the standards are different. Personally, I added five percent to all my grades during first semester when evaluating my performance. It helped me keep in perspective how different law school grades are. By second semester, I had adjusted to the law school grading scheme and could set more appropriate goals for myself.
As I’ve mentioned, managing your academic expectations will be challenging. But keeping school in perspective is also very important. Don’t forget about other interests in your life. If you are involved in extracurricular activities – try to keep them up; if you are interested in different clubs and programs at the law school – try them out. This may sound hard to believe, but making time for other interests will truly help your academic performance. I joined several activities (volleyball team, LSLAP, careers committee), and I found them to be great breaks from studying. When I returned to my school work, I would be refreshed, refocused, and ready to learn. Law school activities are also a great way to meet other 1Ls and upper years students.
On that note, it is also important to maintain your social life. This too will take some balancing, but I assure you, it is definitely worth it. Make sure to spend time with both your new friends in law school and the friends you have now. The former will offer compassion and a true understanding of the law school experience; the latter will help you keep life in perspective. Law school can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to take some time away too. Ultimately, all these friendships will be critical in ensuring a happy, healthy 1L experience. Lets be honest – you are much more likely to remember (fondly) your 1L trips to Whistler than your hours of studying!
By now, I’m sure you’ve noticed a common theme: law school is all about balancing. I think this is probably the most useful expectation to have. If you expect to be busy both with academics and otherwise, you will be better prepared to have a full law school experience. You will be ready to tackle your academic workload, while maintaining your hobbies, interests, and friendships. You will be set for an exhilarating and fulfilling year. So get excited 1Ls! You have an unbelievable year before you, and I know you’ll all make the most of it. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to meeting you all during orientation week!
- Posted by Raylene
In my first blog I wanted to discuss “law school” and the many, many expectations that come with it. With 1L rapidly approaching, I’m sure that you have all kinds of expectations – I know I did. Most 1Ls, myself included, have high expectations for their academic performance. Indeed, those who embark on the law school journey are smart, hardworking, and used to a strong academic performance. This means that the standards in law school are very high, and it’s important to adjust your expectations accordingly. In law school, getting a grade above 78 – or indeed 76 – is exciting, and an accomplishment. For those of you who are more familiar with grades in the mid-eighties, it’s important to remember that in law school, the standards are different. Personally, I added five percent to all my grades during first semester when evaluating my performance. It helped me keep in perspective how different law school grades are. By second semester, I had adjusted to the law school grading scheme and could set more appropriate goals for myself.
As I’ve mentioned, managing your academic expectations will be challenging. But keeping school in perspective is also very important. Don’t forget about other interests in your life. If you are involved in extracurricular activities – try to keep them up; if you are interested in different clubs and programs at the law school – try them out. This may sound hard to believe, but making time for other interests will truly help your academic performance. I joined several activities (volleyball team, LSLAP, careers committee), and I found them to be great breaks from studying. When I returned to my school work, I would be refreshed, refocused, and ready to learn. Law school activities are also a great way to meet other 1Ls and upper years students.
On that note, it is also important to maintain your social life. This too will take some balancing, but I assure you, it is definitely worth it. Make sure to spend time with both your new friends in law school and the friends you have now. The former will offer compassion and a true understanding of the law school experience; the latter will help you keep life in perspective. Law school can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to take some time away too. Ultimately, all these friendships will be critical in ensuring a happy, healthy 1L experience. Lets be honest – you are much more likely to remember (fondly) your 1L trips to Whistler than your hours of studying!
By now, I’m sure you’ve noticed a common theme: law school is all about balancing. I think this is probably the most useful expectation to have. If you expect to be busy both with academics and otherwise, you will be better prepared to have a full law school experience. You will be ready to tackle your academic workload, while maintaining your hobbies, interests, and friendships. You will be set for an exhilarating and fulfilling year. So get excited 1Ls! You have an unbelievable year before you, and I know you’ll all make the most of it. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to meeting you all during orientation week!
- Posted by Raylene
7.11.2011
I get by with a little help from my friends...
Goye 2013 at Orientation Week after winning the Small Group cheer competition.
As many of you may know, first year students at UBC Law are grouped into eight different small groups, completely at random. Your small group is the group of approximately twenty-five other people with whom you will take every single one of your classes in first year. Needless to say, you spend a lot of time with them.
One of the most vivid things I remember from the Welcome to Law School session during Orientation Week was then Attorney General Mike de Jong telling us that our small groups would become like our families, that some of our best friends for the rest of our lives would be members of our small groups, and that some people he went to law school with are still married to people they met in their small group in first year law. He was right.
At UBC, every small group is named a person or phrase that is meaningful in the history of the law school. I was part of the small group “Goye”, so named after Georges Goyer, B.A., LL.B., 1967, “a Director of the UBC Legal Aid Clinic who acted for those who could not afford a lawyer and who served the Canadian Bar Association in many capacities,” according to a sheet I was handed during Orientation Week.
My group was full of people with diverse personalities and backgrounds, but it is amazing how quickly you become great friends with your small group. In my small group, we had students who had just finished their undergraduate degrees and mature students with young families. We had students from across the country and many who are born and bred Vancouverites.
The individuals in your small group are the people you take every class with, and so naturally, the people with whom you will study, share CANs, and discuss the concepts learnt in class. They will become your best resource in law school, both in helping each other to learn and in keeping each other sane when exam crunch time arrives. My small group used our Facebook group page to answer each other's questions about readings and assignments and to discuss or complain about exams. We shared notes with each other when someone was sick or missed class. When necessary, we posted funny stories and videos to get each other through studying (or class).
You’ll also get to know them as great people, with whom you will have lots of fun. My small group got together for small group dinners out at Vij’s, for potlucks at someone’s house, and to socialize before law school events like the boat cruise and the Halloween party. We took a number of road trips together to Whistler and to Portland. Another great thing we did was Tuesday morning breakfasts: we created a schedule for each member of the small group to bring breakfast for everyone else on Tuesday mornings, as a way of having something to look forward to after the three day weekend. I had many memorable breakfasts from cupcakes, to scones, to fresh smoothies and hot pancakes. On Saint Patrick's Day, we made Irish Carbomb cupcakes:
One of the most vivid things I remember from the Welcome to Law School session during Orientation Week was then Attorney General Mike de Jong telling us that our small groups would become like our families, that some of our best friends for the rest of our lives would be members of our small groups, and that some people he went to law school with are still married to people they met in their small group in first year law. He was right.
At UBC, every small group is named a person or phrase that is meaningful in the history of the law school. I was part of the small group “Goye”, so named after Georges Goyer, B.A., LL.B., 1967, “a Director of the UBC Legal Aid Clinic who acted for those who could not afford a lawyer and who served the Canadian Bar Association in many capacities,” according to a sheet I was handed during Orientation Week.
My group was full of people with diverse personalities and backgrounds, but it is amazing how quickly you become great friends with your small group. In my small group, we had students who had just finished their undergraduate degrees and mature students with young families. We had students from across the country and many who are born and bred Vancouverites.
The individuals in your small group are the people you take every class with, and so naturally, the people with whom you will study, share CANs, and discuss the concepts learnt in class. They will become your best resource in law school, both in helping each other to learn and in keeping each other sane when exam crunch time arrives. My small group used our Facebook group page to answer each other's questions about readings and assignments and to discuss or complain about exams. We shared notes with each other when someone was sick or missed class. When necessary, we posted funny stories and videos to get each other through studying (or class).
You’ll also get to know them as great people, with whom you will have lots of fun. My small group got together for small group dinners out at Vij’s, for potlucks at someone’s house, and to socialize before law school events like the boat cruise and the Halloween party. We took a number of road trips together to Whistler and to Portland. Another great thing we did was Tuesday morning breakfasts: we created a schedule for each member of the small group to bring breakfast for everyone else on Tuesday mornings, as a way of having something to look forward to after the three day weekend. I had many memorable breakfasts from cupcakes, to scones, to fresh smoothies and hot pancakes. On Saint Patrick's Day, we made Irish Carbomb cupcakes:
Your small group is a great way to meet some great people with whom you will form great friendships and with whom you will likely work for many years to come. And while I encourage you to embrace your small group whole-heartedly, it is also important to remember that there are also great people outside your small group! A great way to do so is to attend one of the icebreakers we will be hosting this summer, long before you realize who is in your small group.
And this is my sneaky way of giving you all an update on what is happening here at UBC Orientation! The icebreakers are currently being organized, and there has been a huge amount of interest. Thankfully, I am happy to announce that my good friend and classmate, Raylene Smith, is now assisting me in planning and organizing Orientation Week. Raylene is currently setting up our icebreaker events, and we both look forward to getting to know you all in the next few months!
Again, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at orientation@law.ubc.ca, or call 604.827.3552!
Student Perspectives: Alex Norris
Name: Alex Norris
Year: 2L
Age: 23
Hometown: Wainwright, AB
What did you do before law school?
I used to enjoy “Law & Order: SVU” for its high comedic value, but since beginning law school all I seem to do is yell at the TV when I watch it. I almost miss those days. Before law school I spent four years in Nova Scotia studying for a BBA at St. Francis Xavier University. There I completed an Honours project exploring the internationalization of small and medium-sized women-owned firms, and it was really an amazing experience. When the East Coast chapter of my life closed I hopped across Canada to work at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where I rode an elevator with Wayne Gretzky and saw the Men’s gold medal game. After that I travelled Australia for the summer and then plunked down in Vancouver to start law school at UBC.
What area of law are you interested in?
I haven’t 100% decided what type of law I’d like to practice, but I’m thinking more and more that a small firm setting might be a better fit for me in the long-term. I hope to find articles in a mid-size to large firm so that I can gain exposure to a variety of practice areas, but ultimately I believe I’ll open my own practice one day.
A fun fact about yourself…
For this question I took the liberty of surveying my family. I’m publishing the results but you have to promise not to lose respect for me, OKAY GUYS?!?
Year: 2L
Age: 23
Hometown: Wainwright, AB
What did you do before law school?
I used to enjoy “Law & Order: SVU” for its high comedic value, but since beginning law school all I seem to do is yell at the TV when I watch it. I almost miss those days. Before law school I spent four years in Nova Scotia studying for a BBA at St. Francis Xavier University. There I completed an Honours project exploring the internationalization of small and medium-sized women-owned firms, and it was really an amazing experience. When the East Coast chapter of my life closed I hopped across Canada to work at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where I rode an elevator with Wayne Gretzky and saw the Men’s gold medal game. After that I travelled Australia for the summer and then plunked down in Vancouver to start law school at UBC.
What area of law are you interested in?
I haven’t 100% decided what type of law I’d like to practice, but I’m thinking more and more that a small firm setting might be a better fit for me in the long-term. I hope to find articles in a mid-size to large firm so that I can gain exposure to a variety of practice areas, but ultimately I believe I’ll open my own practice one day.
A fun fact about yourself…
For this question I took the liberty of surveying my family. I’m publishing the results but you have to promise not to lose respect for me, OKAY GUYS?!?
Brother: “You were born a ginger.”
Sister 1: “You like Justin Bieber. You’re very clumsy and fall down a lot.”
Sister 2: “Your favourite food is McDonalds”
Parents: “Everyone thought you were a boy until you were 4.”
What was your favourite part of Orientation Week?
Apart from showing up late and having to awkwardly find a seat near the front of the room? I think I really just liked the week as a whole. Orientation Week was a great mix of fun, “get to know each other” activities and more serious, “this is what you can expect” information sessions. I remember liking the “Paths Taken Panel” because I got to see firsthand all the wonderful things one can do with a law degree. It was a nice reminder that we all came here for different reasons, we will all go do different things after graduation, but for the next three years we get to share the amazing experience that is UBC Law.
What was the best advice an upper year gave you when school started?
I got lots of conflicting advice during Orientation Week, which actually turned out to be rather helpful in the end. For every person who told me to use a computer to take notes, there was another telling me that hand-written notes worked well too. I heard that CAN-ning in a group worked for some people, while others preferred to CAN on their own. Some people took weekends off and did class prep at night, while others spent their (class-free) Mondays doing that week’s readings. The moral of the story? Do what works for you. Have confidence in your abilities and everything will fall into place. Oh – and DO NOT wait until classes end to begin your CAN.
What was the worst advice an upper year gave you when school started?
Honestly, I took every piece of advice offered to me. Some tips I knew I would find useful, while others I knew probably wouldn’t work well for me, but I appreciated the advice nonetheless.
What was your favourite part of first year?
I think the spontaneous small group get-togethers were my favourite. On Fridays after class we often liked to meet up at a campus bar for nachos, etc and we’d usually invite a prof to join us. My small group was full of really fun and interesting people and it was great to spend time together outside of the classroom environment. Plus, they were the only people who appreciated my legal humor.
What was the most challenging part of first year?
Honestly, I found my final exams to be quite challenging. I had planned to be very diligent with my CANning throughout the term but I ended up spending most of my time on assignments. When April came around I felt like I was really scrambling to get all my studying done and there were some moments of genuine panic. Talking to some of my small group friends definitely helped, though, because I realized we were all in the same boat. Exams are intense but you just have to power through and study efficiently.
What was your favourite social event in first year?
Picking one would be like having to pick a favourite child, so obviously I pick the firstborn. Jokes, I think you’re supposed to say, “I love them all equally.” From the Boat Cruise to the Law Revue to the Trike Race to spilling green beer on myself on St. Patrick’s Day, I had a fantastic year. Our small group mentor had us all over to his house for an Indian feast, there were some amazing costumes at the Halloween party, and the 80’s prom was truly magical. You guys have a lot to look forward to.
What would you do differently in 1L?
I definitely did NOT do all of the assigned readings – not even close. Would I change that strategy? Not necessarily. I don’t even know if it’s physically possible to finish all the readings but I decided early on that I wouldn’t let law school take up 100% of my time. It’s important for me to have time for my friends, for my extra-curriculars, and for myself, and so I certainly had to sacrifice some reading time. I tried to be smart about it, though. Sometimes you can skim through a 40 page case pretty quickly, or you can google a summary of the ICJ Kosovo decision rather than read all 30 pages. Unfortunately, sometimes there aren’t any substitutes for actually doing the readings. So yes, if I could do 1L again I might spend a *tad* more time reading the assigned material.
What extracurriculars would you recommend to 1Ls?
During the first few weeks you’ll be bombarded with opportunities to join tons of amazing extracurriculars. I recommend being cautious with what you sign up for. Think carefully about what your interests are and how you want to spend your limited free time. Some people absolutely love LSLAP, others have a ball playing volleyball, and then there’s me, who likes asking for money. I became involved with the Women’s Caucus and offered to help find sponsors for the annual Women & the Law dinner. The dinner was a success and I got to meet a number of amazing women lawyers because I sought out an opportunity to do something I like for an organization I care about. Think about your interests and find an extracurricular that aligns with them. I will also take this chance to plug the Law yoga club and the CFLS lunchtime lectures – they are excellent for your body and mind, respectively.
What was your favourite class? Favourite professor?
My favourite classes were definitely the ones taught by professors who genuinely cared about their students. Case law and legal concepts can be difficult to understand and I really appreciated any effort to make the material engaging, clear, and memorable. Dennis Pavlich added some great colour commentary to our property cases, Janine Benedet clearly articulated how to break down the elements of a criminal offence, Ben Goold crafted diagrams and handouts for Torts, Christie Ford’s passion for admin law was infectious, and Robin Elliot is just absolutely brilliant.
Any words of wisdom for the incoming 1Ls?
As I alluded to earlier, do what works for YOU! It’s easy to get caught up with what everyone else is doing – “everyone is going to ______ Wine and Cheese,” “everyone is signing up for ______,” everyone is applying for ______ jobs” – but don’t lose sight of what’s important to you. Forge your own path through the dense forest that is law school, and be sure to find some awesome people to take along for the ride.
Sister 1: “You like Justin Bieber. You’re very clumsy and fall down a lot.”
Sister 2: “Your favourite food is McDonalds”
Parents: “Everyone thought you were a boy until you were 4.”
What was your favourite part of Orientation Week?
Apart from showing up late and having to awkwardly find a seat near the front of the room? I think I really just liked the week as a whole. Orientation Week was a great mix of fun, “get to know each other” activities and more serious, “this is what you can expect” information sessions. I remember liking the “Paths Taken Panel” because I got to see firsthand all the wonderful things one can do with a law degree. It was a nice reminder that we all came here for different reasons, we will all go do different things after graduation, but for the next three years we get to share the amazing experience that is UBC Law.
What was the best advice an upper year gave you when school started?
I got lots of conflicting advice during Orientation Week, which actually turned out to be rather helpful in the end. For every person who told me to use a computer to take notes, there was another telling me that hand-written notes worked well too. I heard that CAN-ning in a group worked for some people, while others preferred to CAN on their own. Some people took weekends off and did class prep at night, while others spent their (class-free) Mondays doing that week’s readings. The moral of the story? Do what works for you. Have confidence in your abilities and everything will fall into place. Oh – and DO NOT wait until classes end to begin your CAN.
What was the worst advice an upper year gave you when school started?
Honestly, I took every piece of advice offered to me. Some tips I knew I would find useful, while others I knew probably wouldn’t work well for me, but I appreciated the advice nonetheless.
What was your favourite part of first year?
I think the spontaneous small group get-togethers were my favourite. On Fridays after class we often liked to meet up at a campus bar for nachos, etc and we’d usually invite a prof to join us. My small group was full of really fun and interesting people and it was great to spend time together outside of the classroom environment. Plus, they were the only people who appreciated my legal humor.
What was the most challenging part of first year?
Honestly, I found my final exams to be quite challenging. I had planned to be very diligent with my CANning throughout the term but I ended up spending most of my time on assignments. When April came around I felt like I was really scrambling to get all my studying done and there were some moments of genuine panic. Talking to some of my small group friends definitely helped, though, because I realized we were all in the same boat. Exams are intense but you just have to power through and study efficiently.
What was your favourite social event in first year?
Picking one would be like having to pick a favourite child, so obviously I pick the firstborn. Jokes, I think you’re supposed to say, “I love them all equally.” From the Boat Cruise to the Law Revue to the Trike Race to spilling green beer on myself on St. Patrick’s Day, I had a fantastic year. Our small group mentor had us all over to his house for an Indian feast, there were some amazing costumes at the Halloween party, and the 80’s prom was truly magical. You guys have a lot to look forward to.
What would you do differently in 1L?
I definitely did NOT do all of the assigned readings – not even close. Would I change that strategy? Not necessarily. I don’t even know if it’s physically possible to finish all the readings but I decided early on that I wouldn’t let law school take up 100% of my time. It’s important for me to have time for my friends, for my extra-curriculars, and for myself, and so I certainly had to sacrifice some reading time. I tried to be smart about it, though. Sometimes you can skim through a 40 page case pretty quickly, or you can google a summary of the ICJ Kosovo decision rather than read all 30 pages. Unfortunately, sometimes there aren’t any substitutes for actually doing the readings. So yes, if I could do 1L again I might spend a *tad* more time reading the assigned material.
What extracurriculars would you recommend to 1Ls?
During the first few weeks you’ll be bombarded with opportunities to join tons of amazing extracurriculars. I recommend being cautious with what you sign up for. Think carefully about what your interests are and how you want to spend your limited free time. Some people absolutely love LSLAP, others have a ball playing volleyball, and then there’s me, who likes asking for money. I became involved with the Women’s Caucus and offered to help find sponsors for the annual Women & the Law dinner. The dinner was a success and I got to meet a number of amazing women lawyers because I sought out an opportunity to do something I like for an organization I care about. Think about your interests and find an extracurricular that aligns with them. I will also take this chance to plug the Law yoga club and the CFLS lunchtime lectures – they are excellent for your body and mind, respectively.
What was your favourite class? Favourite professor?
My favourite classes were definitely the ones taught by professors who genuinely cared about their students. Case law and legal concepts can be difficult to understand and I really appreciated any effort to make the material engaging, clear, and memorable. Dennis Pavlich added some great colour commentary to our property cases, Janine Benedet clearly articulated how to break down the elements of a criminal offence, Ben Goold crafted diagrams and handouts for Torts, Christie Ford’s passion for admin law was infectious, and Robin Elliot is just absolutely brilliant.
Any words of wisdom for the incoming 1Ls?
As I alluded to earlier, do what works for YOU! It’s easy to get caught up with what everyone else is doing – “everyone is going to ______ Wine and Cheese,” “everyone is signing up for ______,” everyone is applying for ______ jobs” – but don’t lose sight of what’s important to you. Forge your own path through the dense forest that is law school, and be sure to find some awesome people to take along for the ride.
7.05.2011
Student Perspectives: Sara Hopkins
Hello 1Ls...
Here is the second interview in our Student Perspectives series! Sara Hopkins is our outgoing ombudsperson and incoming VP Academic.
Name: Sara Hopkins
Year: 3
Age: 32
Hometown: Maple Ridge
What did you do before law school?
I was a sprint kayaker for many years, and when I wasn’t training, I studied English at UVic and Atlantic Canadian History at Saint Mary’s in Halifax. When I retired from competition I coached in Fort Langley, studied Education at SFU and taught high school.
What area of law are you interested in?
Criminal, administrative, labour and employment, immigration … it’s so hard to choose.
A fun fact about yourself…
Keep me out of crowds - honestly, it’s for the best.
What was your favourite part of Orientation Week?
Anne Giardini’s welcoming lecture has always stuck with me, but my favorite part of orientation week was meeting the amazing people who are now my colleagues and friends.
What was the best advice an upper year gave you when school started?
Take time to get to know your small group over the first month. You’ll hear this from many people, and it sounds clichéd, but you truly will rely on that group of people. Whether you go to the official social events or not, get to know your small group. You’ll need each other. If you don’t find people in your small group that you can relate to, branch out. Going it alone is unpleasant and difficult.
What was the worst advice an upper year gave you when school started?
Nothing comes to mind, so I must have blocked it out!
What was your favourite part of first year?
I was so impressed by the range of talent and experiences of my friends and colleagues. I did (and still do) value their diverse perspectives on law and life.
What was the most challenging part of first year?
Reading efficiently and prepping for class was easier in the second semester, but the workload was a bit heavy.
What was your favourite social event in first year?
I’m not a terribly social person, but I made an effort to try each event at least once. I’d have to say my favorite events were the low-key, regular ones like the Centre for Feminist Legal Studies’ Tuesday lecture series or the Friday afternoon Faculty Colloquiums - perhaps not traditional social events, but great chances to meet students and faculty members with similar interests.
What would you do differently in 1L?
CAN earlier and be better prepared for class by reading other people’s CANS.
What extracurriculars would you recommend to 1Ls?
I tried everything that I had a slight interest in, but was careful not to overextend myself … much. I enjoy working directly with people and being in court, so LSLAP was great for me. The Legal Education Outreach program has also been an amazing way to connect my legal studies with the community. Serving as a First Year Representative on the Academic Issues Committee was also an incredible opportunity to become familiar with my classmates and faculty.
What was your favourite class? Favourite professor?
That’s a difficult and unfair question. I had fabulous professors in all my first year classes. Robin Elliot was inspiring in Constitution, Janine Benedet provoked great discussion in Crim and Bruce McDougall’s clarity pulled me through Contracts. Dennis Pavlich was generous with both his time and his breadth of knowledge in Property, and Nikos Harris wrapped the intricacies of Tort law into a riveting performance every class.
Any words of wisdom for the incoming 1Ls?
Study hard (CAN earlier that you think you ought to), but take time to get outside.
Here is the second interview in our Student Perspectives series! Sara Hopkins is our outgoing ombudsperson and incoming VP Academic.
Name: Sara Hopkins
Year: 3
Age: 32
Hometown: Maple Ridge
What did you do before law school?
I was a sprint kayaker for many years, and when I wasn’t training, I studied English at UVic and Atlantic Canadian History at Saint Mary’s in Halifax. When I retired from competition I coached in Fort Langley, studied Education at SFU and taught high school.
What area of law are you interested in?
Criminal, administrative, labour and employment, immigration … it’s so hard to choose.
A fun fact about yourself…
Keep me out of crowds - honestly, it’s for the best.
What was your favourite part of Orientation Week?
Anne Giardini’s welcoming lecture has always stuck with me, but my favorite part of orientation week was meeting the amazing people who are now my colleagues and friends.
What was the best advice an upper year gave you when school started?
Take time to get to know your small group over the first month. You’ll hear this from many people, and it sounds clichéd, but you truly will rely on that group of people. Whether you go to the official social events or not, get to know your small group. You’ll need each other. If you don’t find people in your small group that you can relate to, branch out. Going it alone is unpleasant and difficult.
What was the worst advice an upper year gave you when school started?
Nothing comes to mind, so I must have blocked it out!
What was your favourite part of first year?
I was so impressed by the range of talent and experiences of my friends and colleagues. I did (and still do) value their diverse perspectives on law and life.
What was the most challenging part of first year?
Reading efficiently and prepping for class was easier in the second semester, but the workload was a bit heavy.
What was your favourite social event in first year?
I’m not a terribly social person, but I made an effort to try each event at least once. I’d have to say my favorite events were the low-key, regular ones like the Centre for Feminist Legal Studies’ Tuesday lecture series or the Friday afternoon Faculty Colloquiums - perhaps not traditional social events, but great chances to meet students and faculty members with similar interests.
What would you do differently in 1L?
CAN earlier and be better prepared for class by reading other people’s CANS.
What extracurriculars would you recommend to 1Ls?
I tried everything that I had a slight interest in, but was careful not to overextend myself … much. I enjoy working directly with people and being in court, so LSLAP was great for me. The Legal Education Outreach program has also been an amazing way to connect my legal studies with the community. Serving as a First Year Representative on the Academic Issues Committee was also an incredible opportunity to become familiar with my classmates and faculty.
What was your favourite class? Favourite professor?
That’s a difficult and unfair question. I had fabulous professors in all my first year classes. Robin Elliot was inspiring in Constitution, Janine Benedet provoked great discussion in Crim and Bruce McDougall’s clarity pulled me through Contracts. Dennis Pavlich was generous with both his time and his breadth of knowledge in Property, and Nikos Harris wrapped the intricacies of Tort law into a riveting performance every class.
Any words of wisdom for the incoming 1Ls?
Study hard (CAN earlier that you think you ought to), but take time to get outside.
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