My 2017 Winter Break

Final exams this year definitely felt quit different than final exams as a 1L. I had only two closed-book, traditional final exams. The other classes I took had take-home writing assignments instead of exam. This meant that the traditional, “sit in the library trying to absorb an entire subject in 8 days” style of studying was partially replaced by endless hours spent fine-tuning large writing projects. I do find the traditional way of studying somewhat uncomfortable, so I was happy to mix it up. But finals season nonetheless can take its toll, so I was naturally glad to be done with them.

For my winter break, I was able to spend some time relaxing in the snow, thanks to heavy storms in the San Bernardino mountains. I took my daughter sledding for the first time and made some snowmen (which was particularly exciting for her because her favorite movie is Frozen), so it was very fun.

After a few days of this, though, it was back to work. My work in the Juvenile Innocence & Fair Sentencing Clinic was reaching a critical point as one of my clients had a January court appearance. My clinic partner and I spent many days preparing a lengthy memorandum in defense of our client. We compiled declarations, expert reports, and other exhibits. We also spent a few days preparing our in-court presentation, which included open and closing statements, two expert witnesses and a lay witness. Our court date was on January 18, and it went extremely well. Our hard work seems to have paid off and the judge will have his ultimate decision on the issue in a few days after writing this.