From the Law Office to the Oval Office

Can you name all 44 U.S. Presidents?

How about naming all the Presidents  who were lawyers?

For the month of November, the library is featuring selected Presidents who were lawyers before or after serving as our nation’s President. Come check out our library display to see if your favorite President made the list.

Suggested Summer Reading: The Incoming Student

Before all the hustle and bustle starts this August, you might want to catch up on some reading.  Each of these books outline different strategies and techniques that the CSL Library thinks would be beneficial to the new law student preparing for the professional law school environment this fall.

#1 Law School without Fear: Strategies for Success by Helene Shapo and Marshall Shapo, Foundation Press; 2nd edition (2002).

As an excerpt from the back cover states, “this is an indispensable book for law students because two law professors wrote it for a particular law student: their son.”  Helene Shapo and Marshall Shapo, professors at Northwestern University, wrote this book to attempt to “explain in simple terms the most basic things that a law student really needs to know about law school.”

#2 Succeeding in Law School by Herbert N. Ramy, Carolina Academic Press (2006).

Herbert N. Ramy, Professor of Academic Support at Suffolk University Law School, elaborates on the upcoming “rigorous learning environment” that students will face during their first semester in law school.  The book combines hypothetical situations, case law, examples of legal concepts and practical exercises where students can measure their progress.

#3 Bridging the Gap between College and Law School: Strategies for Success by Ruta K. Stropus and Charlotte D. Taylor, Carolina Academic Press (2001).

Making the transition from a college educational setting to a law school professional environment can be difficult for some students.  Stropus and Taylor eloquently explain the “why,” “how,” and “what” of the law.  The “why” of law exemplifies the practice-ready context necessary to understand why law school is taught the way that it is over the years.  The “how” of the law sets forth a step-by-step pragmatic approach that will help you to adapt to the law school community.  Finally, the “what” of law portion of the book provides you with practical problem-solving exercises in a variety of subjects.

“I’ve already read these books!?!” Don’t worry, Anthea des Etages, the Academic Success Counselor, maintains regular office hours, a liberal open-door policy and availability for evening appointments.  Her office is located in Room 355.  Contact her directly for additional summer reading suggestions!

-Liz McCurry-

Days of Summer

Ah, summer. A time for some much-deserved rest and relaxation. Why not rest your feet in the library and relax with a browsing periodical? New this year to our collection are titles sure to please any interest.

For those who enjoy fine cuisine, Gourmet magazine is what you crave. Interestingly enough, Charlotte’s very own The Penguin was featured in this month’s issue with an article entitled “20 Burgers to Eat Before it’s Too Late”, taking a cue from Jane and Michael Stern’s book  500 Things to Eat Before it’s Too Late. If you are one of the poor souls who has not yet had the pleasure of the Penguin’s famous fried pickles or their Southern style burgers, head over to Thomas Avenue immediately. You’ll be glad you did!

If your summer destination sights are set outside of Charlotte, be sure to research hot locales in either one of our travel magazines.  Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel touts 25 travel deals all over the map while Travel and Leisure lists 21 best hotel deals across the globe. Even Money magazine has a list of “10 Great Last-Minute Summer Getaways at Affordable Prices”. Taking the kids along? Parenting has got a lot of great ideas to keep them entertained while traveling. And need to know which sunscreen is best to beat those harsh UV rays? Consumer Reports has got you covered with “Best Sunscreens for your summer”.

When planning your summer vacation, be sure to make the Charlotte School of Law Library your first stop!

-Jamie Sunnycalb-

World Trade Week (May 18-22)

“When the world’s consumers fly in a U.S.-manufactured airplane, eat a steak from America’s heartland, watch a Hollywood movie, or visit the Grand Canyon, they are helping to create and maintain good jobs for Americans.  World Trade Week is an opportunity to reaffirm the benefits of trade and to emphasize America’s commitment to a global marketplace that creates good jobs and lifts up American families. The United States and our trading partners stand to gain when trade is open, transparent, rules-based, and fair, showing respect for labor and environmental standards.” (Presidential Proclamation for World Trade Week 2009)

Every year, New York region’s trade and transportation community comes together to celebrate World Trade Week (May 18-22).  Today’s global economy poses new and unprecedented challenges to business growth and economic expansion, and so during World Trade Week, educational seminars and other informational resources are provided to industry leaders.

Check out CharlotteLaw’s collection on world trade including these titles:

Economic Development Through World Trade: A Developing World Perspective, Edited by Yong-Shik Lee.

The Evolving Global Trade Architecture [Electronic Resource] by Dilip K. Das.

The World Trade Organization: The Multilateral Trade Framework for the 21st Century and U.S. Implementing Legislation, Edited by Terence P. Stewart.

Celebrate Military Spouses Day with the CSL Library!

Today, the Friday before Mother’s Day, we would like to  honor our military spouses.  Not only does the CharlotteLaw community encompass military personnel but also many wives, husbands, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and grandchildren.   We celebrate and honor the backbone of the army – their families! Happy Military Spouses Day from the CSL Library.  Thank you for all you do!

Did you know that Military Spouses Day was created by President Ronald Reagan in 1984?  Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger established the Friday before Mother’s Day as Military Spouses Day that same year.

Want some more information?  Well, here are some of the electronic legal resources offered through the CSL Library Catalog:

GAO – VA National Initiatives and Local Programs that Address Education and Support for Families of Returning Veterans Family members can play an important role in helping and supporting OEF/OIF veterans. For example, family members may notice symptoms the veteran has, such as anxiety or difficulty sleeping, and encourage the veteran to seek care. They may also help the veteran identify health care services and ensure that the veteran receives needed services. Family members may also provide emotional support—such as encouragement and reassurance—to the veteran).

Hearing before the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Committee on Education and Labor – The Family and Medical Leave Act – Extending Coverage to Military Families Left at Home.

Hearing before the Subcommittee on Health of the Committee of Veterans’ Affairs -Mental Health Treatment for Families Supporting Those who Support our Veterans.

Also, you can follow the US Army on Twitter!

Today in National Military Appreciation Month…

Did you know that today in 1945 ( World War II)  US Army troops liberated the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria?

On a side note, today is also National Cartoonists Day.