• September 11th and the Days After
• Responding to Terrorism
• Looking to Leadership
• The Struggle Against Global Terrorism
• A Plan for War and Defense of the Nation
• Terrorism and Democracy
• How Lawyers Aid the Response
• To Sue or not to Sue - Trial Lawyers Set the Tone
• Fund's Special Master Adjunct at Penn Law
• The Sacrifices We Will Make - Civil Liberties
• What Lies Ahead

Making a Lawyer (cont'd)

In many ways, most of what I have learned in law school has come from my peers. Students at Penn are encouraged to debate and challenge each other, both in and out of the classroom. At the same time, most of the students maintain a good-natured sense of humor and appreciation for the intellectual exercise. The school’s small size fosters a unique community where almost everyone knows and looks out for each other. Students share outlines, books, notes and advice freely and with little thought of competition. During on-campus recruiting, where 2Ls traditionally interview with law firms for summer jobs, students openly rooted for and commiserated with each other. We have all been watched over by the registrar, Gloria Watts, who reminds us to set our clocks ahead for daylight savings, and Assistant Dean (Gary) Clinton, who writes us poems prodding us to bring our IDs to school.

During the tragic events of September 11 th , the Law School was where many found solace and strength. All morning and afternoon of that day, students gathered ten deep in front of a TV that had been set up in the “clock” common area. People cried, hugged, and were comforted by each other’s presence. Although classes were cancelled and the school was closed, the building remained open, and many students who had been at home came to the Law School specifically to be among friends.

The Penn Law community has provided a nurturing environment in which I could challenge myself and take intellectual risks. For me, law school was a long process of deconstructing and rebuilding how I understand and analyze the world. As a legal writing instructor I have seen the world again through the eyes of my 1Ls and realize how much I have learned in the last three years. In some ways my ideals have come full circle. I am as committed to justice and social reform as I was when I began law school. However, I now have the tools to harness those passions to use in my career. I am ready to become a lawyer.