George Read's Fall Semester 2010 Recap

Our campus's chapter, the George Read Chapter, is the largest student group on campus, and our members comprise many of the student leaders at Widener Law.  Moreover, we are striving to become nationally recognized among the other 300 chapters as one of the premier chapters due to our commitment to the core values of the fraternity: Integrity, Compassion, Courage, Professionalism, Service, Diversity, and Innovation. 

Integrity

Phi Alpha Delta, George Read Chapter Executive Board.  From left to right:  
Jim Lewis (Vice Justice), Josh Inkell (former Justice and current Alumni 
Liaison), Danielle Strauch (Extended Division Liaison), Dan McDowell
(District XXXIII Justice), Kimberly Renner (Clerk), Dean Linda 
Ammons, Andrew Quietmeyer (Justice).  Not pictured due to class 
schedule:  Alicea Milbourne (Marshall), Jason Greenspon (Treasurer)

Jim Lewis, George Read Chapter's Vice Justice, and George Read member Shloka Joshi, coordinated “Professionalism Week” with several other student organizations in order to bring about numerous events. Phi Alpha Delta's own event, “Financial GPS”, was hosted by Dan McDowell, Phi Alpha Delta's District XXXIII's District Justice, and instructed students how to make appropriate decisions in regards to their own finances so that they can be better members of the bar. Sara Aslaleh, Phi Alpha Delta member, and founder of Widener Law's Food and Drug Law student organization, brought in Professor Roseann Termini, member of the PA Board of Ethics Committee, to speak regarding the importance of ethics in the legal profession. Finally, the Public Interest Law Association (PILA) held a toy drive to benefit needy children for the holiday season. Kelly Allegretti, member in both PAD and PILA, assisted in taking donations.

Lastly, the George Read Chapter assisted the school's administration with running Professionalism Day itself. Andrew Quietmeyer (Justice), Rachelle DeCinque, Nicole Stanzione (former Vice Justice), Jenna Kring, Alicea Milbourne (Marshal), Kimberly Renner (Clerk), Ashley Talley (Academic Chair), Edward Hughes, Darya Natesova (Etiquette Dinner Chair), Daniel Rapoport, Kaitlyn O'Neill, Robert Schweiger, Angie Kandil, Charles Glass, Clint Orem (Professional Development Chair), Ariel Viray, Natalie Missouri, Joseph Greco, Dominic Carrera, Melissa Caltabiano, and Prema Roddam all volunteered to work the event during its 14 hour duration. 

Compassion

(Pete passing out the goodies for the kids' Trick-or-Treat 

bags before we went to the hospital)

 As future lawyers, George Read Chapter members are in a unique and powerful position to reach out to those members of our society that truly need help. The George Read Chapter stepped up and demonstrated that its members are ready to take on that responsibility this past October. Pete Tsoflias, George Read Chapter's Community Service Chairperson, coordinated with A.I. DuPont's Children's Hospital to allow several members to visit with the hospital's patients. Caitlin Lutz, Rachael Kemmey, Natalie Missouri and other members were able to talk, play, and hang out with kids who really needed a chance to just be kids again, instead of worrying about the next round of medical tests, treatments, or surgery.

Furthermore, in conjunction with the Frelinghuysen Chapter of Camden-Rutgers Law, the George Read Chapter rolled up their sleeves and set out into the Philadelphia Community to lend a much needed hand. The two chapters participated in “Philly Cares Day”, one of the largest group community service events in the region, by going to J.F. Reynolds Elementary. Phi Alpha Delta members, including George Read's Aqua Etuk and Dan Ritterbeck, worked tirelessly for hours to bring much needed maintenance and repairs to the inner-city school.

(From left to right) George Read Chapter: Pete Tsoflias, Ashley Talley, Akwa Etuk, Andrew Quietmeyer, Dan Ritterbeck.  Frelinghuysen Chapter:  Lexi Gee, Ellen Roberts, Kio Chapesh, Clint Atkins, Gillian Cooper, Jennifer Kim, Elizabeth Keith-Olsen.  (Not pictured - Kirsten Samantha Rønholt)

Courage

Courage

Courage means different things to many people. Courage to stand up for what's right. Courage to be wrong. Courage to risk failure. Members of the George Read Chapter showed the strength of their courage this semester by participating in AAJ's fall Mock Trial competition. With increasing workloads, stress of school, and life's responsibilities, members took on yet another challenge and competed against other Widener Students in this year's criminal trial problem. 1Ls were invited to participate as well as 2Ls and 3Ls. And despite not having the basic classes of Evidence, CrimLaw, or CrimPro, our chapter's 1Ls signed up and competed in droves!

Our members took home more awards than anyone else:

Upper Classmen Awards

Best overall advocate: James Lewis

Best opening: Traci Cosby

Best closing: Michael McNeil

Best direct: James D. Doyle

Best cross: Brian Legum

Best overall team: James Lewis & Michael McNeil

1L Awards

Best overall advocate: Clint Orem

Best closing: Dominic Carrera

Best cross: Erie Coney, Jr.

Best direct: Scott Frame

Best overall team: Vijaysen Yellareddigari & Roberto Rosales

Of these winners, the following are building up their courage and competing in the national Phi Alpha Delta Mock Trial competition this spring in Arlington, VA:

Josh Inkell (former Phi Alpha Delta Justice and team liaison), Jim Lewis, Michael McNeil, Clint Orem, Vijaysen Yellareddigari, Dominic Carrera, Scott Frame, and Brian Legum

Professionalism

The George Read Chapter has won several awards for our Professional Development events from both Widener Law and from the national Fraternity. Our annual “Etiquette Dinner” is widely popular at Widener Law, and has been implemented by other chapters nationwide. This year, our Professional Development committee, chaired by Clint Orem, delivered two excellent events designed to meet the needs of 1, 2, and 3Ls.

From Left to Right: Damien Tacredi (panelist), Heather Levandoski 

(panelist, George Read Alumnus), William Newman (panelist, George 

Read Alumnus), Kristi Krasowski (panelist), and Andrew 

Quietmeyer (moderator)

“3L + 1” brought seven Alumni to speak to students about the realities of the transition from Law Student to Law Professional: John D. Cirrinicione (class of '07), Heather Levandoski (George Read Chapter Alumna and class of '09), William Newman (George Read Chapter Alumnae and class of '09), Damien Tancredi (class of '09), Kristy Krasowski (class of '08), Evan T. Miller (class of '09), and Justin Alberto (class of '08).

The panel discussion, moderated by Andrew Quietmeyer, discussed a wide array of topics, including the unexpected realities they faced during the first year out of law school; how to approach other members of the firm including non-lawyers; and what mistakes they made in that transition period. The panel discussion lasted 90 minutes, and several Alumni remained for another hour or so just to talk to the students about other topics.

"What I did over my summer vacation" Panelists and George Read 

Chapter's Professional Development committee (from Left to Right): 

Josh Inkel (Panelist and former PAD Justice), Ashley Talley (Panelist 

and PAD Academic Chairperson), David Walker (Panelist and PAD 

member), Matthew Bilker (Panelist),  Robert Schweiger, Danielle 

Strauch (Panelist and PAD Extended Division Liaison Executive 

Board Member),  Aaron Stullman (Panelist), Charles Glass, Chris 

Goldschmidt (Panelist), Kate O'Neil, Clint Orem, AJ Viray, Dan 

Rapoport, and Joe Greco

"What I did over my summer vacation" gave 1Ls and 2Ls amazing advice about exploring the different options of what to do during summer break. Dan Rapoport, Professional Development committee member, got seven amazing 2Ls and 3Ls to lead the discussion:

Chris Goldschmidt: Associate at a personal injury firm.

David Walker: Internship with the World Health Organization.

Ashley Talley: Studying Abroad in Switzerland.

Danielle Strauch: Judicial Clerkship

Matthew Bilker: Prosecutor's Office

Aaron Stullman: Bankruptcy Court Clerkship

Josh Inkell: JAG program

With Clint Orem moderating the panel, students in attendance learned how to look employment or internships, what to say to potential employers, and what exactly a day's work entails. 

Service

Reaching out to those who need the law's protection the most is but one aspect of a lawyer servicing his/her community. Stepping up and being the one to lead the charge of improving the community is a key component of what makes a lawyer a true superhero. The George Read Chapter had several events that serviced the community at large, and demonstrated the power of giving back.

On one sunny, crisp autumn Saturday morning, members of the George Read Chapter, including Ed Hughes, Benjamin Chapple, Staci Pesin, and Carrie Ann Young, as well as the Environmental Law Society participated in the annual “Tree Planting Day” at Natural Lands Trust (NLT) in Media, PA.  NLT is the region’s largest conservation organization, saving thousands of acres of forests, fields, wetlands, and streams each year. Together, each group planted well over 200 young trees!

(from left to right) Andrew Quietmeyer, Carrie Anne Young, Stacy Pecin, Ed 

Hughes, Alicea Milbourne, Benjamin Chapple, and Pete Tsoflias

Moreover, the George Read Chapter came together, and raised well over 300 items of food to donate to Widener's Alternative Dispute Resolution Society's and Food and Drug Law's fall food drive. Members such as Ed Waldron and Sarah Filippi led the charge and rallied fellow members to dig deep and help out. These items, combined with the donations of other Widener Law students, will be donated to Ministry of Caring to feed families in need during the holiday season.

Andrew Quietmeyer turning in all the PAD food donations

Service, in our chapter's opinion, also means service to our school. We know that the success of our school, and in turn the reputation of our degree, can be greatly increased by active student participation in the school's events. At the beginning of the semester, members of the George Read chapter volunteered to be tour guides to the incoming 1L class. Moreover, many George Read members participated in panel discussions during the 1L orientation. A great many of our older members, like Brittany Kale, have donated their time to be official mentors for members of the 1L class. Lastly, Andrew Quietmeyer will be assisting the school's Admissions department with a mock LSAT exam in December for interested law school applicants.

Finally, service also means service to other members of Phi Alpha Delta. Alicea Milbourne, George Read Chapter's Marshal, has done an amazing job of wrangling all the new members and current members of the chapter. She has been instrumental in making sure everyone receives their Phi Alpha Delta initiation materials. Members of the George Read Chapter attended the Mifflin Chapter's and the Frelinghuysen Chapter's Initiation ceremonies. George Read Chapter will also be attending the Frelinghuysen Chapter's holiday party this weekend.

Ashley Talley, George Read's Academic Chairperson, has also served our members by revamping the chapter's coveted Online Outline Bank, and brought in a tremendous amount of new upper-class level outlines for 2L and 3L members. Furthermore, Ashley coordinated with Themis Bar Review to offer members a review session for both Civil Procedure and Evidence. She arranged for breakfast, rooms, and materials for these reviews so that our members can excel in their studies.

Additionally, all of the Chapter's 1Ls undertook their first challenge of their legal career – Midterms. At Widener Law, midterms are given to 1Ls in one class as a teaching tool in order to demonstrate what a law school exam looks like. More importantly, it is a chance for 1Ls to work out any mistakes they might have made on a final early on in the semester, and learn from the experience. Obviously, this is a scary prospect for students who have never witnessed a law school final, and naturally, our 1Ls were nervous. However, the older members of the chapter proactively sought out their 1Ls brothers and sisters, and worked with them so that they could do well on their midterms.

Speaking of finals, this year the George Read chapter will be doing its first “BYOCC” during the finals season.  We will be brewing up fresh coffee in the student lounge for all Phi Alpha Delta members during those late night study sessions. The only caveat is that members need to BYOCC – bring your own coffee cup!

Diversity

One of Phi Alpha Delta's strengths, and indeed one of Widener Law's strengths, is the diversity of our members and student body. The Executive Board comprises of 4 men and 3 women. Our membership has Muslims, Jews, and Christians. We have members from Sudan, Russia, and India. Vegetarians, Gluten Allergies, and religious dietary restrictions all add variety to any menu we serve. No matter what the member's pedigree, the George Read Chapter only cares about two colors: Purple and Gold. The friendships that have been made among members prove that there are no real boundaries to being friends.

And thanks to Ray Pinner, George Read's Social Chair, those friendships were strengthened at our chapter's Thanksgiving Party. Ray not only hosted the chapter at his apartment for the Sunday meal, but he even cooked for us all! We had a wide variety of dishes and delights so no matter what your dietary preference is, there was something to feast on. Our chapter celebrated the holiday of thanks by coming together and being thankful we all have such wonderful friends that will last us our entire lives.

Dominic and Ray in the kitchen

Kim and Ray

Innovation

Innovation can mean a variety of things: New ideas, new members, new events. Whatever the meaning, the George Read Chapter lived up to all of it. This year the chapter saw its largest inductee class ever – well over 60 new members have joined the chapter, which virtually doubled our roster. We even had new members, like Traci Cosby, who had transferred from another law school. Glenn Milgraum of the fraternity's International Tribune, and Justin Roberts, George Read Alumni helped the chapter deliver an amazing Fall Initiation Ceremony. And our sights are already on ensuring the Spring Initiation Ceremony is a huge success. Kimberly Renner, George Read's Clerk and all around go-to-woman, is trying to get honorary membership granted to a member of the Delaware Legal community who has demonstrated incredible service to our great state. This person, if granted Honorary Membership into our fraternity, will take the oath of the fraternity along side those members who have joined the chapter since the last initiation.

Furthermore, the chapter has done new things this year to increase the benefits of membership in Phi Alpha Delta. Jason Greenspon, George Read Treasurer, worked with VistaPrint.com to get an amazing deal on business cards for the chapter. Our members received 250 business cards to use when they network with Alumni, students, and professors.

The procedure in which basic general meetings are conducted has also been changed. Justice Andrew Quietmeyer creates each meeting's agenda to provide information for all members of the chapter. At each meeting, a member of the school's faculty or staff comes in to speak with George Read members about various topics. We have had Dean Ruffin from the Career Development Office, Dr. Howe-Barksdale from the Public Interest Resource Center, and Professor Nichols from Widener Law Clinics to discuss the available options, resources, and activities their respective offices provide for 1L, 2L, and 3L students. Additionally, Andrew Quietmeyer conducted a how-to seminar on Networking at the October meeting. His main focus was how to actually go out and develop contacts, as well as how to use Phi Alpha Delta's network of 300,000 people to increase members' career contacts.

Andrew Quietmeyer, covered in SpongeBob Square Pants temporary 

tattoos and dressed to psyche out his competitors. Taken about 

3 hours before he realized what “Pyrrhic Victory” really means...

(background – AJ Viray)

 Lastly, Phi Alpha Delta linked up with Widener Law's Student Bar Association, to bring about the first annual, “Widener Law v. Johnnie's Dog House” Hot Dog eating contest. This event raised over $650 dollars for the class of 2011 class gift, and had well over 100 students in attendance! Phi Alpha Delta fielded its own team: Andrew Quietmeyer and AJ Viray. Each team had to eat a 13” jumbo hot dog as fast as possible in order to claim victory. Despite competing against 15 other student organization teams, these two came in second place! This event, despite a few administrative hiccups, was a tremendous success, and students are already talking about attending NEXT YEAR!

All in all, our chapter is actually looking forward to finals so that we actually have time to relax! It has been a wonderful semester. But, if you think we're going to slow down in the spring semester, you ain't seen nothing yet:

Our Etiquette Dinner, run by George Read's Darya Natesova, will be held February 2^nd, 2011.

Clint's professional development committee is already working on the Professional Dress Fashion Show will be in early April

Brian Legum, George Read's Alumni Relations Committee Chairperson, will be reaching out to the Widener Alumni who created the George Read Chapter in 1975 and 1976. These members will be invited to be “re-initiated” so to speak at the spring Initiation ceremony on Thursday, January 27^th to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the George Read Chapter.

Danielle Strauch, George Read's Executive in charge of Extended Students, is working with Delaware's Supreme Court to host a Widener Law day at the court house in March.

Brittany Kale, George Read Chapter's Intra-Pad Liaison, along with Ray Pinner will be coordinating with the other Phi Alpha Delta Chapters in the region to have a sports tournament in the spring at Widener Law when the weather finally gets warm again.

Pete Tsoflias is scouring the community to find people and organizations in need of assistance so our chapter can continue its commitment to service to our community throughout the entire semester.

And finally, the George Read Chapter will be all over Widener Law's campus, participating in events, helping other student organizations with programming, and assisting the school in whatever they need to make our investment in law school a tremendous asset in our legal career.

George Read Chapter's bragging table...

Inside information about getting that summer position

George Read Chapter hosts its first, "What I did over my summer vacation" discussion with 2L and 3L panelists.

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"What I did over my summer vacation" Panelists and George Read Chapter's Professional Development committee (from Left to Right): Josh Inkel (Panelist and former PAD Justice), Ashley Talley (Panelist and PAD Academic Chairperson), David Walker (Panelist and PAD member), Matthew Bilker (Panelist),  Robert Schweiger (PAD member), Danielle Strauch (Panelist and PAD Extended Division Liaison Executive Board Member),  Aaron Stullman (Panelist), Charles Glass (PAD member), Chris Goldschmidt (Panelist), Kaitlyn O'Neil (PAD member), Clint Orem (PAD Professional Development Chairperson and Panel Moderator), AJ Viray (PAD member), Dan Rapoport (PAD member), and Joe Greco (PAD member)

Halloween is over, midterms have been graded, and finals are looming.  On top of all that, 1Ls are finally allowed to begin to search for summer positions.  However, where should a 1L start looking?  What positions should they think about applying to?  What options are even available to them?

With these questions in mind, the George Read chapter hosted the first annual, "What I did over my summer vacation" discussion with 2L and 3L panelists.  This discussion was primarily geared to a 1L audience, however, the information was still relevant for upperclassmen.

The professional development committee picked a panel of 7 students who all had different summer experiences:

Chris Goldschmidt: Associate at a personal injury firm.

David Walker: Internship with the World Health Organization.

Ashley Talley: Studying Abroad in Switzerland.

Danielle Strauch: Judicial Clerkship

Matthew Bilker: Prosecutor's Office

Aaron Stullman: Bankruptcy Court Clerkship

Josh Inkell: JAG program

The entire panel gave incredibly important information to the crowd of 30+ students. One of their main points seemed to center around networking. Many of the panelists discussed how important using your network is in order to get your foot in the door for a summer position. Speaking with Alumni, professors, and fellow students about your goals for your legal career can really set up great conversations that lead to getting your resume' in front of the right person.

From Left to Right: Chris Goldschmidt, David Walker, Ashley Talley, Clint Orem, Danielle Strauch, Matthew Bilker, Aaron Stullman, and Josh Inkell

Moreover, the panel discussed the importance of a properly written resume', and a customized, individual cover letter for every position a student applies for. Having many sets of eyes looking over your resume' to help polish it and make your strengths shine may mean the difference between the trash bin and the “call back” pile. Furthermore, your application is initially mixed in with dozens and dozens of other students'. Making your cover letter personal towards that particular firm instead of having one general “form” letter makes you stand out from the crowd.

Finally, the panel discussed the minor little things that always seem to weigh on students' minds as they apply for positions. First, get used to rejection. If you dwell on one “no”, you lose valuable time in searching out another position to apply for. Second, do not be scared to do follow-up calls to those firms/offices you have submitted your resumes to. Ideally, you should wait a few weeks, and keep on being persistent. Lastly, if you have to settle on something that is not ideal for you and your legal career goals, still try to get as much out of your experience as possible. You never know when someone you meet at that position can help you out in the future in getting the dream position you want.

All in all, the discussion among the panelists and the audience was an incredible way to get inside knowledge about the summer position searching process. It was great that these 2Ls and 3Ls took time out of their day to reach out to their 1L brethren, and gave amazing advice.

Posted by:  Andrew Quietmeyer

"3L + 1" brings Alumni and Students together

George Read's "3L + 1" was a tremendous success.

George Read Chapter Professional Development Committee and 3L + 1 Alumni Panelists

 From Left to Right: AJ Viray, Melissa Caltabiano, Joe Greco, John D. Cirrinicione, Kristy Krasowski, William Newman, Andrew Quietmeyer, Justin Alberto, Damien Tancredi, Charles Glass, Evan Miller, Dan Rapoport, Clint Orem, Rob Schweiger, Kate O'Neill, and Danielle Dipillo

 Widener Law does an excellent job of teaching students not only the law, but also how to apply it. Moreover, with events like Professionalism Day, the school teaches students what it means to be a member of the legal field. However, what actually happens when a person goes from being a law student, to a law professional? What are the realities of that transition period? Sadly, no book, canned brief, or upperclassman outline exists that can tell a student what to expect in his/her first year out of law school. That information only comes from actually experiencing it first hand.

And thankfully, Widener Law has Alumni who are eager to tell their stories and share their experiences about the year after 3L.

On Tuesday, November 2^nd in the Barristers' Club, the George Read Chapter's Professional Development Committee, headed by Chairperson Clint Orem, put on its annual “3L + 1”. This panel discussion gives Alumni a chance to speak to students about what really happens once the ink is dry on the diploma. This year, 1L brother Dan Rapoport put together a panel that contained some amazing Alumni: John D. Cirrinicione (class of '07), Heather Levandoski (George Read Chapter Alumna and class of '09), William Newman (George Read Chapter Alumnae and class of '09), Damien Tancredi (class of '09), Kristy Krasowski (class of '08), Evan T. Miller (class of '09), and Justin Alberto (class of '08).

The seven panelists covered a wide array of topics. They discussed that one of the unexpected realities they faced during your first year out of law school was that it is ok to say, “I don't know” to a senior partner. Often times, senior attorneys will give new associates a task that is beyond their skill set. It does not happen as a cruel joke, but to test the associates on how they react to situations where they are “over their head” either in terms of knowledge or workload. “Better to figure out early on if you can react ethically and professionally, or just be a malpractice liability” one panelist said.

From Left to Right:  Kristi Krasowski (panelist), Andrew Quietmeyer (moderator), John D. Cirrinicione (panelist), Justin Alberto (panelist), and Evan Miller (panelist)

Another topic that provided a lot of discussion was how to approach other members of the firm. Widener enjoys more of a teamwork-focused campus culture than other law schools, and the panelists indicated that among the younger associates they work with, that mentality exists among them as well. However, much like with any office setting, always be cognizant of who you are working with, and how they deal with his/her own work. While you don't need to keep checking your back for Brutus' knife, you should be friendly yet guarded with your associates. More importantly, the panelists said, always treat non-lawyers with the same respect you would want for yourself. Often times the secretaries and para-legals know more about how the firm works than the senior partners. Moreover, these are the people who you will rely on to get your work done. Therefore, never miss a chance to say “thank-you” to them, and never take your loss in court out on them. You may have a bad day today, but you're still going to need them tomorrow!

From Left to Right: Damien Tacredi (panelist), Heather Levandoski (panelist, George Read Alumnus), William Newman (panelist, George Read Alumnus), Kristi Krasowski (panelist), and Andrew Quietmeyer (moderator)

Lastly, the panelists were very frank with admitting to their own mistakes they made in the transition period so that the 30+ students in attendance could learn from them. Besides the usual advice of proof-reading, thinking then speaking, etc., the Alumni gave insight to the little things that often get over looked. “Always keep a spare shirt and tie in your office. Coffee spills!” was one panelist's statement. “Never bad mouth a former employer in an interview” said another. Finally, the best advice gleaned from a mistake: “Be confident, no matter what your grades were, or not being on Review, Moot, or whatever. If you're called in for an interview, there is something about you that they like. Walk in and own your skin”.

All in all, these Alumni were fantastic. For 90 minutes, they related their experiences, advice, and candor to those in attendance, and gave those students a major advantage in tackling the transition period from law student to law professional. In fact, the conversations the Alumni and students were having were so engaging, that three Alumni, John D. Cirrinicione, William Newman, and Kristy Krasowski stayed for an extra hour just to talk to the students. It feels good to know that no matter how difficult that elusive first year after graduation may be, there are Widener Alumni out there who will help you out, and be there for support and advice. 

Posted by:  Andrew Quietmeyer

George Read initiates Widener Law's first ever, "Professionalism Week".

From left to right:  Jim McDowell (speaker at "Financial GPS" Professionalism Week Event and current District XXXIII Justice), Jim Lewis (creator of Professionalism Week and Vice Justice), Dean Linda Ammons

One of the cornerstones of Phi Alpha Delta is “professionalism”. As law students, we are already members of the legal profession, and therefore, must act in accordance with the ethics and guidelines prescribed to our field. This belief of establishing professionalism in law students is especially import to Widener University School of Law. The administration requires students to attend “Professionalism Day” every year that they are enrolled in order to graduate. The idea behind this all important day is to enhance different “professional” ideals in order to create awareness of the requirements of young attorneys.

Jim Lewis, Vice Justice for the Read Chapter, and PAD Sister Shloka Joshi took initiative to combine Phi Alpha Delta's core belief and couple it with the school's zeal of instilling it in students, and took the school's “Professionalism Day” and turned it into “Professionalism Week". The school's main event was scheduled for Wednesday, October 27^th. Brother Lewis contacted the Presidents of other student organizations at Widener to see if there was an interest in providing programming for the week. After finding a number of people looking to get involved, he started the planning process.

Jim's vision for the main purpose of the week's events was to enforce the school's messages from Professionalism Day, and expand upon it with additional events focusing on various professional themes. After meeting with other student leaders on campus, the decision was made to focus on three main issues: personal finances, the importance of ethics, and service to the community.

Jim took charge of the event that would kick start the week by inviting Brother Dan McDowell, District Justice for District XXXIII, to come speak on the topic of managing finances as a young professional. Brother Lewis first heard this presentation at the 58th Biennial Convention in Tampa, FL and decided would be the perfect way to start the series of events.

After coordinating with other student groups holding events that week, as well as the Student Bar Association at Widener, the faculty in charge of Professionalism Day, and various members of the administration, Brother Lewis was able to approve the events and fly Brother McDowell from Pittsburgh to Delaware in order to give his presentation dubbed, “Financial GPS”.

Brother McDowell spoke in the Barristers’ Club at Widener to a crowd of students and administration from Widener, the majority of whom are members of the Read Chapter. He focused on turning your financial situation, even with the enormous student loan, credit card, and auto loan debt, into one where you're the one making the decisions – not life's events, banks, and creditors. He took a number of engaging questions at the conclusion of his presentation and everyone present was impressed with the information that he had to offer.

The Food & Drug Law Association, formed this year by George Read Sister Sara Aslaleh, took charge of the ethics event on Tuesday, October 27^th. She invited Widener Law Professor Roseann Termini, member of the PA Board of Ethics Committee, speak about the importance of ethics in the legal profession. She asked audience members to really delve into their own moral and ethical codes of conduct, and ask how they compare to the profession's. An excellent discussion followed about how the professional code of conduct merely sets the lowest bar of ethics, and it is up to individual lawyers to use their own code to do better.

Finally, the Public Interest Law Alliance took control of the community service event on Thursday. PILA sponsored a Donation Pledge and Toy Drive to help make this holiday season a great one for underprivileged foster children in Delaware. George Read Sister Kelly Allegretti and Justice Andrew Quietmeyer, both members of PILA, worked with Nicole Phillips, PILA President, to seek out $25 pledges, unused/unwrapped toys, and gently-used children's books throughout the day on Thursday, October 28^th.

The big event of the week, Professionalism Day itself on Wednesday, October 27^th, had major involvement from the Read Chapter. The chairwoman of the event, Professor Louise Hill, specifically requested the help of the Read Chapter, and Phi Alpha Delta delivered: Andrew Quietmeyer (Justice), Rachelle DeCinque, Nicole Stanzione (former Vice Justice), Jenna Kring, Alicea Milbourne (Marshall), Kimberly Renner (Clerk), Ashley Talley (Academic Chair), Edward Hughes, Darya Natesova (Etiquette Dinner Chair), Daniel Rapoport, Kaitlyn O'Neill, Robert Schweiger, Angie Kandil, Charles Glass, Clint Orem (Professional Development Chair), Ariel Viray, Natalie Missouri, Joseph Greco, Dominic Carrera, Melissa Caltabiano, and Prema Roddam all volunteered to work the event during its 14 hour duration.

There were three sessions throughout the day designed for 2L/3L, 1L, and Extended Division students. At each session, students attended panel discussions focused on the Bar, Public Interest Jobs, Large/Medium Firm Associates, Judicial clerkship, Ethics discussion, and much more. Dean Linda Ammons spoke at all sessions about the importance of developing a professional reputation now, regardless of where students are in their law school journey.

All in all, the Jim Lewis' first “Professionalism Week” at Widener University School of Law was a huge success, with accolades from the school's administration and the Student Bar Association. It would not have been possible without the efforts and support of the administration of the school, the aid of the Student Bar Association, the students who attended the events, the services of Brother Dan McDowell, all the members of the Read Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta, and of course, Jim Lewis' hard work who dedicated his time to take a great event and make it even better.

Phi Alpha Delta, George Read Chapter Executive Board.  From left to right:  Jim Lewis (Vice Justice), Josh Inkell (former Justice and current Alumni Liaison), Danielle Strauch (Extended Division Liaison), Dan McDowell (District XXXIII Justice), Kimberly Renner (Clerk), Dean Linda Ammons, Andrew Quietmeyer (Justice).  Not pictured due to class schedule:  Alicea Milbourne (Marshall), Jason Greenspon (Treasurer)

Posted by:  Andrew Quietmeyer, co-written by Jim Lewis

Phi Alpha Delta, George Read Chapter, cleans up in Fall 2010 Mock Trial Competition!

Every semester on Widener Law's campus, the American Association of Justice holds a mock trial competition for all students.  Even 1Ls can participate and get their feet wet in courtroom experience.

This year, the problem was a criminal prosecution.  The defendant was charged with the attempted murder of her husband.  Her defense was a Battered Woman Defense claim (as close to a formal statute as the make believe jurisdiction of the state of Camelot, where the trial is based, has on file for self-defense).  Each side consisted of two attorneys, and each side was required to get 2 witnesses.

This year, out of the possible 14 awards participants can win, the George Read Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta took home 10!!!  These members will now be offered a spot on the two teams George Read will be sending to the 2011 National Phi Alpha Delta Mock Trial Competition in the D.C./Northern VA area.  This event, drawing from over 300 Law School chapters, will be held on March 4th through the 5th.

And now that these members have tasted victory, they've turned their eyes on winning in March.  Congratulations and good luck!

Upper Class Awards
Best overall advocate: James Lewis
Best opening: Traci Cosby
Best closing: Michael McNeil
Best direct: James D. Doyle
Best cross: Brian Legum
Best overall team: James Lewis & Michael McNeil

1L Awards
Best overall advocate: Clint Orem
Best closing: Dominic Carrera
Best cross: Erie Coney, Jr.
Best overall team: Vijaysen Yellareddigari & Roberto Rosales

Posted by:  Andrew Quietmeyer

Members of the George Read and Frelinghuysen Chapters give back to the Philadelphia Region for Philly Cares Day, October 16th, 2010

Members of the George Read and Frelinghuysen Chapters give back to the Philadelphia Region for Philly Cares Day, October 16th, 2010.

(From left to right) George Read Chapter: Pete Tsoflias, Ashley Talley, Akwa Etuk, Andrew Quietmeyer, Dan Ritterbeck.  Frelinghuysen Chapter:  Lexi Gee, Ellen Roberts, Kio Chapesh, Clint Atkins, Gillian Cooper, Jennifer Kim, Elizabeth Keith-Olsen.  (Not pictured - Kirsten Samantha Rønholt)

brought to you by the letter "C" - for Coffee, Caffeine, and Carbs

Law students are no strangers to sleep.  Or rather, the desire to sleep.  Believe me, when we get the opportunity to sleep - we take it.  But, as many of the world slumbered earlier on Saturday, October 16th, 2010, a few law students fought to open their eyes, and ventured out to Philadelphia.  Members of the George Read Chapter at Widener Law School and the Frelinghuysen Chapter of Rutgers Law at Camden rose up from their beds, piled in their cars, and met up at the J.F. Reynolds Elementary School to eagerly participate in the 17th Annual Philly Cares Day event.

Philly Cares Day is one of the largest community service-based events in the region put on by Greater Philadelphia Cares organization, with over 6000 participants every year.  Their mission is to, "support the creation of vibrant communities by motivating people to volunteer their time, talents, and resources. [They] provide a clear path to service for all, enhancing the impact of non-profit agencies throughout the Greater Philadelphia region."

J.F. Reynolds Elementary

George Read and Frelinghuysen took this opportunity to live up to two of Phi Alpha Delta's most important tenets - Fraternalism and Service.  This was perhaps the first time these two chapters have joined forces and used their collective elbow grease to give back to the community which supports us all.  Moreover, the two chapters, haling from two "rival" schools, decided to get together to show that no matter where your J.D. comes from, we're all in this together!

Arriving at the elementary school, we were met by the site's coordinator, Reynolds Elementary Principal, Cheryl Hackett.  Even though we were still a bit groggy from being up so early (for law students on a day off that is), she was full of energy and had a ton of improvements for us to do around her school.  We set off, each of us paired off to get the job done.

Ashley Talley and Andrew Quietmeyer were in charge of stenciling "DOWN" in the, well, the DOWN staircase.  Up and down 4 flights of steps the two trudged with ladder, paint, stencils, etc.  Finally, a student of J.F. Reynolds, Lianna, took pity on their plight and helped out with the painting.

Andrew Quietmeyer

Ashley Talley and new friend, Lianna

Akwa G. R. Etuk and Pete Tsoflias had the arduous task of writing, free-hand, block letters to form the sign "Bully-Free Zone" in the cafeteria.  Pete got so into his job that when we concluded at the end, he still had one letter left.  He was adamant at finishing his task, and I honestly think he would have sneaked back in to the school during the night just to finish.  Luckily, Ms. Hackett let him finish so no breaking and entering charges had to be filed.

Akwa Etuk

Pete Tsoflias

Dan Ritterbeck and Ellen Roberts were the jack of all trades for the day.  Ellen was shuffling stacks and stacks of books from floor to floor.  As for Dan, well, if you could find him he was always doing something different.  He was entrusted with a walkie-talkie for the day by Ms. Hackett, and he took his job seriously. What his job was exactly is unknown, but we never saw him stop doing it.

Dan Ritterbeck

Ellen Roberts

Gillian Cooper, Jennifer Kim, Elizabeth Keith-Olsen, Kirsten Samantha Rønholt, Lexi Gee, Clint Atkins, and Kio Chapesh were also on paint duty, but this time in the hallways of the school.  J.F. Reynolds elementary calls themselves a "college school".  Everywhere on the walls, there are reminders to the students that college is always a possibility for them.  Encouraging words such as "Role Models", "Respect", "Learning", etc. were tasked to this group to stencil up on the wall.  Lexi, in the spirit of the playoffs donned a NY Yankees jersey for the day in the hopes that it would be ruined with paint.  I don't know if she succeeded, but she and Kio did manage to get more paint on the wall for their stencils than themselves.  Jennifer and Clint, worried about misspelling words, nervously traced each letter, and must have re-read every word five or six times before painting to make sure they nailed the old grammar rule of "I before E".

Clint Atkins and Jennifer Kim

Lexi Gee and Kio Chapesh

Pete, Akwa, and Elizabeth Keith-Olsen

Kirsten Samantha Rønholt

Finally, after tons of paint, tape, and only a few "oops", we concluded for the day.  Ms. Hackett thanked us profusely for our work.  However, it was us that wound up thanking her.  Sometimes it takes being completely out of your element to understand another person's plight.  Here we were, students in Law School about to enter into what is called a highly profitable field, sitting in a school where an army of volunteers is still needed.

Everyone's elementary school looks like this, right?

Politics aside, is there a valid reason as to why any student in America should go to a school that has lead-based paint?  Peeling walls?  Ancient HVAC systems?  In a country such as ours, why should any child ever go to a school that isn't on par with the law schools we go to?  Doesn't a child need to have an excellent education background/experience just to have the opportunity to advance?  Why isn't their school, a fundamental building block of their futures, as "new" and "shiny" as ours?

This is indicative of the condition of thousands of schools across the country.

I leave you with these thoughts, and I hope that you, as a member of the legal profession, take the time to seriously think about why any child in the country should be forced to go to anything other than a modern, clean, and up-to-date school.  It has been on my mind since we drove away from J.F. Reynolds Elementary, and I never want it to leave my mind as I venture into the Bar.

 

Posted by:  Andrew Quietmeyer

Sister Celisse Williams' work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the United Nations Millennium Development Campaign Office.

I was given the great opportunity of externing at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the United Nations Millennium Development Campaign Office. The office is located at the United Nations headquarters in New York, New York. The United Nations Millennium Campaign, entitled End Poverty 2015, began in the year 2000 at the United Nations Millennium Summit where 189 world leaders signed the Millennium Declaration and promised to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in order to end extreme world poverty. The Campaign is very historical because, among other reasons, we are the first generation with the knowledge, resources, technology, and skill to end extreme world poverty. The mission of the Campaign is to take a bottom-up approach in supporting and inspiring citizens from around the world to take action in monitoring and holding their governments accountable in achieving the MDGs.

UN Summit in 2000

There are eight MDGs that set clear targets for improving the lives of the world’s poorest people. The Goals are the following: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women; reducing child mortality; improving maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a global partnership for development. All of the Goals are very much intertwined with one another and thus, success in one Goal represents success in all the Goals.

Heads of state have set the deadline for achieving the eight MDGs by 2015. Although there have been unimaginable accomplishments around the globe in ending extreme world poverty, many of the world’s regions are not on track to achieve several of the MDGs by 2015. With only five years left before the deadline, it is imperative that heads of state, NGOs, and other organizations take bold action immediately. A High Level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly was held in New York this past September, marking it as the largest gathering of heads of state in the past ten years. At this United Nations (U.N.) Summit, heads of state met to discuss, among other things, how to achieve the MDGs in the upcoming five years. This is where my externship came into play.

Millennium Development Goals

My main duty this summer was to create a report describing the current status of each MDG and make recommendations as to what needs to be done in order to achieve the MDGs. I performed internet-based policy research and analyzed key global policy issues related to the MDGs such as the outcome of the G8/G20 Summits, the U.N. Summit on the Economic and Financial Crisis and the U.N. Summits on Millennium Development Goals in 2005 and 2008. I prepared synthesis reports on the implementation status of country commitments that were made at the Summits including, inter alia, the achievements realized by each country and the existing gaps that prevent MDG achievement. I participated and represented the Campaign in various U.N. meetings and I co-coordinated several side events that took place during this past U.N. Summit.

Celisse Williams, pictured far right

The externship required a very broad perspective in addressing the rights and health needs of billions of people who come from every imaginable background. The MDGs, and the work and research that I performed during the externship touched upon many different global aspects including, but not limited to: international trading regarding trade tariffs and barriers; conflict prevention; global governance and treatises; international health; and economic development. I was fortunate to be able to return to the Campaign in New York during the U.N. Summit and see the fruits of my labor culminate in a successful ending. I am extremely grateful for my experiences and I hope that I have left a path for others to follow.

Posted by:  Andrew Quietmeyer, written by Celisse Williams

Trick-or-Treat at A.I. Children's Hospital

Trick-or-Treat at A.I. Children's Hospital

On Tuesday, October 12th, members of the George Read Chapter went to A.I. Children's Hospital in Wilmington, DE.

(from left to right:  Natalie Missouri, AJ Viray, Pete Tsoflias, Caitlin Lutz, Rachael Kemmey, and Andrew Quietmeyer)

One of the important cornerstones of Phi Alpha Delta, and indeed of being a member of the legal profession, is giving back to the community. Many people will volunteer at homeless shelters, hold food drives, or work pro-bono for low income clients. We decided to reach out to one of the most vulnerable groups of people in our society – children suffering from illness.

A.I. Children's Hospital, one of the largest children's hospitals in the Greater-Philadelphia region, allowed a few members of the George Read chapter to come and visit with their patients during the evening-hours playtime. For something fun for us and the kids to do, Pete Tsoflias, the chapter's Community Service Chairperson, created several Trick-or-Treat themed packages for each of the kids. The hospital advised us that many of their patients are on restrictive diets, and therefore we should avoid bringing candy. Pete found awesome painting kits featuring Winnie the Pooh and Cinderella for the kids to play with, along with other Halloween goodies – glow sticks, scary stickers, crazy bands, etc.

(Pete passing out the goodies for the kids' Trick-or-Treat bags before we went to the hospital)

Moreover, due to the unique nature of their patients, the hospital also asked us to be mindful of a few other things. First, we could not take any pictures of the kids. Second, once the child enters the play room at the hospital, he or she gets to decide what they want to do. The hospital's reasoning behind this is to be able to give a child some control over his/her life, despite being surrounded by doctors, nurses, machines, etc.

Once we got to the hospital, and settle into the playroom, a few kids began to trickle in.

Immediately, as soon as they saw a Pirate, Zorro, and a Black Cat, their faces lit up with huge smiles.  Rachel met a little girl named Stephanie who had just gotten her tonsils out. The two of them painted pictures of Cinderella and other princesses. Another patient, Brianna, wheeled herself into the room, and immediately threw down a Wii Mario Kart challenge to everyone. Caitlin and Natalie took up the challenge and were soundly defeated. Finally, it took Pete to eek out a victory so the George Read chapter wouldn't go 0-3 (some debate exists as to whether or not Brianna took pity on us and let Pete win). As other patients began to arrive, the activities we go to do with them grew as well. In fact, Andrew got to play pool with two boys, Jason and Mike, but more importantly, the three of them got to talk about their favorite movie, Star Wars, to their heart's content.

But the real hero of the night was none other than Zorro himself. A little girl with a lopsided pony tail latched onto AJ almost immediately, and never left his side the entire night. The two of them must have played with every toy in the activity center. I think at one point, I saw the two of them playing a game of pool, foosball, and air hockey... all at the same time! We were told by the hospital that we should refrain from asking the kids why they are in the hospital. But, I think it is a safe assumption that no matter why she is there, the several hours she got to have playing with AJ allowed her to be a normal kid, and just have fun without the worries of another blood test, operation, or sleepless night.

(AJ, or should I say Senor Zorro?)

All in all, it was a very enjoyable evening for all of us. We wrapped up a little before 8pm in order to get the kids ready for bedtime. The hospital staff, as well as the parents who were there, thanked us profusely for helping. But, I don't know who had a more enjoyable time – the patients who got a chance to just be a kid again, or the law students who got the same chance to just be a kid again. Giving back to the community we serve as legal professionals is an important ideal to live up to, and one that the George Read Chapter takes very seriously. However, sometimes, there's no reason why you can't have fun while doing it!

(Or even, a little messy!)

Posted by:  Andrew Quietmeyer