Pierce County’s Post

Feeling Flooded with Responsibilities In law school, the workload varies from week to week. Some weeks can be particularly challenging, making you feel like you’re running around in circles, while others offer a lighter load that allows you to catch your breath. On top of schoolwork, you may also be involved in clubs, internships, family responsibilities, or other commitments, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. During those difficult weeks filled with heavy material, it’s easy to feel a sense of chaos and a lack of control. I believe this struggle is something everyone experiences at one point or another, and each person finds their own way to cope. Here are some strategies that help me remember that tough times are temporary: 1. Remind myself why I wanted to go to law school in the first place. 2. Journal daily, noting three positive things that happened and two stressors I faced. 3. Take a shower to refresh my mind. 4. Reach out to loved ones and friends for support. 5. Take a nap or go to bed earlier to recharge. 6. Stay hydrated and fuel my body properly. 7. Exercise to relieve stress. While these strategies work for me, they may not resonate with everyone. I encourage each person to discover what helps them feel better. Ultimately, offering support and encouragement to fellow law students is essential, as we all aspire to join the community of licensed attorneys. Taking care of your mental health today will benefit you tomorrow. -------- Hi, my name is Gabriele Bagdonas! I am a former Division I athlete and the first in my family to be born in the U.S. I am pursuing my dream of becoming a sports, entertainment, and media attorney. I am currently doing the 100 day LinkedIn challenge where I post once a day, for 100 days. Cheers to 14/100.

Following the 2024 Legislative Session, hundreds more bills have been signed into law. Topics range from juvenile justice and mental health to apprenticeships and innovation. Read more: https://bit.ly/3K6vGAc #MGA24 #MDLaws

As the only general statewide bar association in Illinois, the ISBA has been working to address the shortage of attorneys in rural areas of Illinois. The ISBA is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025-26 Rural Practice Fellowship Program, which is designed to connect rural and small town law firms looking to hire law clerks and associates with law students and attorneys interested in practicing law in rural communities of Illinois. Program Benefits for Rural Firms: 🔹 Assistance in identifying and hiring quality, pre-screened summer clerks and associates. 🔹 Access to high-quality training and support to help integrate a fellow into your business. 🔹 MCLE credit in connection with the program. 🔹 Opportunity to share your expertise with a fellows. Program Benefits for Attorneys Considering Rural Practice: 🔹 Assistance identifying quality job placements in rural communities. 🔹 Stipend to augment your salary, as follows: 🔹 Stipend of $10,000 for associates, to be paid $5,000 at the beginning of the fellowship and $5,000 after completion of the one-year program 🔹 Connections to the rural community. 🔹 Continuing support throughout the program. Attorneys admitted to practice will receive MCLE credit. Application deadline: Feb. 7 Learn more and apply today: isba.org/ruralpractice

Many of you guessed it 😁 ... the answer to our last round of trivia is... Apple! Apple is a clear leader in our dataset given their strong fair chance hiring policies, community partnerships to support incarcerated individuals in learning new skills, technology initiatives to advance justice, and grantmaking to support reentry services. Head over to our blog to learn more and to read about the other leaders in our dataset when it comes to fair chance hiring, Union Pacific Corporation and JPMorgan. Whether you are an investor, shareholder, or employee, we hope these insights shed light on best practices that companies can utilize to reduce mass incarceration, provide a fair chance for all job seekers, and tap into a diverse, often overlooked, pool of talent. https://lnkd.in/eUuGF8pY #SecondChanceMonth #SecondChanceHiring #FairChanceHiring #FairChanceMonth #Apple

🚨 URGENT: The Future of Education and Equity is at Stake 🚨 Recently, Congress introduced H.R. 938, a bill to abolish the Department of Education and shift funding to states for elementary and secondary education. This legislation underscores the critical need for us to come together as advocates for equitable education and opportunity. Now more than ever, we must strengthen pipelines for underrepresented students to access higher education and the legal profession. At Brothers in Law Inc., we are answering this call—and we need YOU to join us. Who We Are: Brothers in Law, Inc. (BIL) is a national organization committed to diversifying the legal profession by creating an ecosystem where all students—especially underrepresented students—can access equitable education and career opportunities. Through friendship, mentorship, professional development, community service, and scholarship, we are shaping the legal profession's future, one student at a time. What We Do: 🌟 Golf Clinics: Free monthly sessions building networks and confidence.  📖 Law Talks: Inspiring middle and high school students with career pathways.  📚 Elementary Engagement: Reading programs in schools and daycares.  🏛️ Field Trips: Visits to the White House, courthouses, and more.  💼 Professional Development: Workshops on career readiness and college prep. Why It Matters: Our mission is more than diversifying the legal profession—it’s about empowering social engineers who embody equity, empathy, and justice. Together, we aim to:  ✔️ Create a pipeline of opportunity starting in childhood.  ✔️ Build bridges between underserved communities and the legal profession.  ✔️ Advance principles of brotherly love, anti-racism, anti-sexism, and LGBTQIA+ allyship in every legal space. How You Can Help: If you are a law student, pre-law student, or legal professional, we invite you to become a national member of BIL and help us make this vision a reality. Let’s ensure that the next generation of lawyers, judges, and policymakers reflect the communities they serve. Join Us Today ➡️ https://lnkd.in/exyjGmKS Together, we can diversify the profession, defend equitable education, and build a brighter future for all. 🌎💡 #EquityInEducation #DiversifyTheLaw #BrothersInLawInc #LegalProfession #SocialImpact #HR938 #CallToAction

https://lnkd.in/gi4UfT73 My invited speakers reminded us of the importance of social justice work.

Well... I thought I was just scheduling the test at a testing center, but nope! I ended up completing the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam in pajamas! Applications for the Counseling Compact are anticipated to be ready by late 2024, so why not get ahead of the game and have this step done? If you're wondering what this is all about... "The Counseling Compact is an interstate compact, or a contract among states, allowing professional counselors licensed and residing in a compact member state to practice in other compact member states without need for multiple licenses." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eggkq85W This effort will remove barriers to access to mental health treatment that currently exist. While we will not have to get licenses in each state, we will have to complete jurisprudence exams in any state that requires one that we wish to practice in. By practice in, I mean, we currently have to be licensed in every state that a client is physically located in at the time of session. Y'all, there are so many intracacies to the mental health field. There are so many rules, regulations... There are so many legalities that the burden is almost too heavy to bear at times. We go through great lengths to earn LPC's, LCSW's, or LMFT's (and I know many other practices that require licenses). I know for LPC's, we must obtain a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, complete a 4000 hour internship/residency under supervision, pass a difficult test, and gather all the records of our efforts to prove to a licensing board that we deserve those letters after our names. Then we have to do 20 hours of CEU's every two years to maintain that licensure status. The next time you see someone who is licensed in something, give them a high five! I'm sure they went to great lengths to get where they are. ❤

This past week, I finished my internship with the Abilene Municipal Court. As part of my academic course requirements, I needed to complete 120 hours of internship experience. My time at the Municipal Court not only fulfilled this requirement but also provided me with invaluable practical insights into court operations and juvenile justice practices. It was a fulfilling experience that has further fueled my interest in pursuing a career in law and justice. During my internship with the Abilene Municipal Court, I had a diverse range of responsibilities and accomplishments: 1. Court Proceedings Observation: I observed pre-trial and trial proceedings, gaining firsthand experience in the judicial process. 2. Teen Court Observation: I attended Teen Court proceedings, learning about alternative juvenile justice practices. 3. Legal Research Memorandum: I conducted legal research and produced a memorandum on the proper charging instrument for youth diversion proceedings that will go on to be viewed by stakeholders. 4. Brochure and Cost Analysis Report: I created a brochure and detailed cost analysis report focusing on the pros and cons of municipal court records, court reporters, and the potential use of AI instead of traditional court reporters. These materials went on to later be presented to the city council and other stakeholders. 5. Youth Diversion Plan: I revised and drafted a comprehensive Youth Diversion Plan for the municipal court to implement, aimed at improving outcomes for juvenile offenders. 6. Service Providers List: I compiled a list of service providers specifically for juveniles enrolled in the diversion plan, ensuring they receive appropriate support. 7. Youth Diversion Information Letter: I developed an informative letter for juveniles qualifying for diversion, providing them with essential details about the program. Overall, my internship with the Abilene Municipal Court was a rewarding experience that allowed me to engage deeply with court operations, contribute to research and policy development, and participate in initiatives focused on juvenile justice and community welfare.

🔍 Spotlight on Evvie’s Research! 🔍 We’re excited to share a comprehensive brief on recent abortion legislation in Florida, prepared by our talented legal intern, Evvie Kaczkowski. This in-depth analysis covers key aspects of the legislation and its implications. ⚖️ Evvie’s paper provides a thorough examination of the legal framework, recent changes, and potential impacts, reflecting their dedication and expertise in the field. Great work, Evvie! 🌟 #LegalInternship #ResearchHighlight #AbortionLegislation #LPSShowcase

🎓 My LinkedIn Wrapped 2024: A Year of Growth, Advocacy, and Connection! 🎉 Here are some of the highlights that shaped my journey this year as a law student: 📚 Key Milestones: ⚖️ Mini-Pupillages: This year, I was privileged to participate in three mini-pupillages, gaining invaluable exposure to different areas of law: - April: Shadowed personal injury barristers at Byrom Street Chambers. - June: Observed experienced family law barristers at Deans Court Chambers in Manchester Civil Justice Centre. - December: Gained insights into criminal and family law with Cobden House Chambers. ⚖️ Moots and Mock Trials: - Participated in 3 moots/mock trials, sharpening my advocacy skills in contract, criminal, and human rights law. 🖋️ Blogging for Human Rights: Authored 2 blogs on pressing human rights issues for the Durham Justice Society: - Explored the homelessness crisis in the UK. - Discussed the implications of the Rwanda Scheme. 🌍 International Internship: Spent July as a pro bono advocate during an international internship in Saint Lucia with Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia. - Provided free legal advice in family law and personal injury law. 📚 Tutoring with Impact: Completed 88 lessons as a maths and LNAT tutor with MyTutor.co.uk. - Supported students in achieving their target grades—a rewarding experience! 📱 Building Communities: As the Social Media Executive for the Durham African-Caribbean Society, I created 70 posts to foster a sense of belonging and celebrate our vibrant community. 🙏 Gratitude & Looking Forward: I’m deeply thankful for the mentors, peers, and organizations that have guided and supported me throughout this journey. ✨ 2025 Vision: Excited for What’s Ahead! In 2025, I’m looking forward to: - Graduating with a strong foundation in law and applying my academic knowledge in practical, impactful ways. - Securing pupillage opportunities to further develop my skills and pursue my passion for advocacy. - Continuing my journey to qualifying by beginning the Bar Training Course - Building deeper connections with professionals and peers who inspire me to grow and succeed. Here’s to 2025 being a year of fulfillment and new beginnings! 🌟 #LinkedInWrapped #LawStudentLife #Advocacy #Gratitude #ProfessionalGrowth