Beat the Heat

In temperature, my summer has been at both extremes. My house has no air conditioning, and therefore is extremely hot, whereas the church seems to set their air conditioning on 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

My roommate and I experimented and found the following cooling techniques effective:

1. Soak a shirt. You eventually get used to being wet, especially after you realize that your body temperature drops to normal after you put it on.

2. Use a Frogg Togg! It's a towel that you get wet on one side, and it cools you down on the other without getting you wet. I know it sounds fake, but it works and is amazing. There were several nights where I actually slept with this towel, and it really helped.

3. Speaking of sleeping, having cold packs in bed (the kind that don't precipitate) also helped a lot. Especially when you put them on your back or feet. 

Keep Chilly! 

(except at church--then bring a jacket)

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

LA Immigration Court

The second internship I had this summer was at the LA Immigration Court. My aunt and uncle, who live in the LA area, graciously let me stay with them to help cut living costs.

I really enjoyed working in the immigration field, mostly because it is always changing and there always new problems presented that haven't been addressed before. Each case can be substantially different, which makes the work more interesting. While I haven't decided yet what I want to do with my degree, I certainly enjoyed my learning experience in LA.

Things I would recommend doing during your internship (if possible):
- Take a trip to the Mexican/ US border. We were able to go down and see the inner workings of the point of entry by Tijuana. I learned a lot, especially with the new systems they've put in to help them detect smugglers (basically they are safe drive through car x-rays). I also learned about a "frequent flier" plan they have where people pay to be in the program and agree to have a background check at any time and then they can go through an "express" line at the border.
- Observe court! I know I mentioned this in an earlier post, but I really felt like I learned a lot through my court observations. I was able to see a wide variety of attorneys and how they practiced immigration law. Also, if you have the chance to speak with the judge afterwards, DO IT! It was great to ask the judges all the questions I had about what I saw and learn more about immigration law.

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

Notary Public

A year ago, I became a notary public in the State of Utah. (For those who don't know, a notary public is a legally authorized individual who can administer oaths and witness and authenticate documents. ) I decided to become a notary because at the time I was working for an attorney and we always had clients who needed things notarized, but had to go find a notary to do so.

The process is surprisingly simple, and it has been very useful to me in the past year.
To become a notary public in Utah, all you have to do is pass an online test (open book and not timed, how nice is that?), buy a bond (like malpractice insurance), and buy the stamp! The total cost is about $150, but you are certified for four years.


I've really tried to use my notary certification as a public service, and I have learned a lot about what documents my services are needed for. Here is a brief list:
1. Legal Bar applications
2. Divorce decrees
3. Affidavits (sworn statements from witnesses, kind of like a written testimony of what they would say in court)
4. Wills, Deeds, and Trusts
5. Power of Attorney
6. Long distance agreements

One important thing to remember about notaries: they can't notarize their own documents.

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

Utah Fourth District Court

This summer I was lucky enough to have two internships. The first was at the Utah Fourth District Court.

One perk about interning at the Fourth District Court: it's local (in Provo). I biked to work about half of the days, and it only took me 15 minutes.

Things I would recommend doing during your internship (if possible):
- Observe Drug Court and Mental Health Court. These are new programs that focus on rehabilitation and are unique from any other court hearing. I would highly recommend observing them to see how both justice and mercy are given through the court system.
- Tour the jail. If you haven't ever toured the jail before, I would highly recommend it. It's an eye opening experience.
- Help out with a jury trial. It was great for me to see the jury selection process and the different feel that a jury trial has as opposed to a bench trial.

I was sad to leave, mostly because of my great coworkers and the experience I had there. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested (following the proper application procedure, of course).

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

1L Reflections

I really hope when people say the first year is the hardest, that they are right. Because that means the worst is over!

While I would agree that my first year was very hard and challenging, I feel that overall, I left with great friends and a good experience. 
My recommendations for incoming first year students:

• Decide what is important to you: Is it grades? (If so, move a small personal cot, your toothbrush, and a change of clothes into your carrel, because you probably won't leave the law school. Ever.) Is it sanity? (If so, plan on not getting A's in all of your classes. However, you will have time to go to ward activities and have personal time to yourself to exercise, watch a TV show, etc. You also might have time to sleep.)
• Have a study buddy (or two, or three). I personally struggled focusing in a study group that was larger than 4-5 people, so I would limit it. (Although you can be friends with lots more people, just don't study with them).
• For effective studying at your carrel, bring ear plugs and snacks.
• Be friends with 2Ls and 3Ls. It's nice to know someone who's already survived their 1st year and can give you advice and support.
• Join a club! (or two, or three). But no more than that. You won't have that much time outside of studying, although you should consider joining all the clubs who do lunches.
• If you don't mind used books, get them from Amazon. It possibly save you hundreds of dollars. I even bought a used book that was in a three ring binder. (Which turned out to be super useful because then I could just take out the pages I had to read, instead of hauling the whole book home.)
• Get a good externship. This usually requires taking the optional Career Services classes, but it is totally worth it. The Lecture Series was my favorite class. 
• Know that some things you just have to live through. Even though I received a lot of advice as a 1L, which would have benefitted me if I actually acted on it, some things you just have to experience before you understand. 

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

On a Personal Note

I'm engaged.

    FAQ's:

1. How did you meet? Our church single's ward.
2. When are you getting married? August 10, 2013
3. Where are you getting married? This place: 
   
   
   
   This is the Bountiful Utah Temple. It's the temple I grew up visiting the most, therefore, one of my favorites. For more information on temples, visit this site: https://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples/what-happens-in-temples?lang=eng
   
   
   Happily,
   Rebekah

Scotland/Ireland

Last October, the minimum age for missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to volunteer was lowered from 21 to 19 for the women, and 19 to 18 for the men.  This was a big change, and turned out to be perfect timing for my younger sister, who was just about to turn 19.  She faithfully wrote me every week of my mission, and I must say they were the most entertaining letters I ever received.  When the announcement was made, she felt a desire to serve.  She was called to serve in the Scotland/ Ireland mission, and entered the MTC today.  I am so proud of her.

This is a picture of her on her weekly "day off" where she can do some sightseeing:

Here's to my oldest friend and sister,

Rebekah