The University of St. Thomas
Perspectives from Law Admissions and Current Students, Alumni, Faculty and Staff

January, 2012

Charting the Course for your Career Success

By: Life at UST Law

Published on: Friday, January 27th, 2012

Artika Tyner, Esq., Director of Diversity & Clinical Law Faculty, Guest Blogger

Artika Tyner and Val Jensen

Artika Tyner and Val Jensen

The UST Law community had the honor of welcoming Val Jensen, Executive Director of Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, to our campus for a workshop on career development. Ms. Jensen shared practical advice and insights on how to be successful in your law career- not only today but for a lifetime. She began by sharing stories about her vocational journey. She learned very early in her career the importance of making connections and building strong relationships. Additionally, she expressed the importance of being open to a wide range of career opportunities. Jensen has availed herself to many rich & rewarding career opportunities ranging from serving as an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney to leading diversity efforts within her role as Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs at William Mitchell College of Law.

 

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UST Law Student Government

By: Kate Snowdon, Assistant Director of Admissions for Recruitment

Published on: Thursday, January 26th, 2012

The Student Government at UST Law has had a busy year!  Each Wednesday morning the elected officers meet in the Board of Governors Room to discuss student life at UST.  They are the governing body over the student organizations for the law school.

Student Government 2011-2012

Student Government 2011-2012

Students from each of the 1L, 2L and 3L classes have a number of representatives on student government so all student concerns and voices can be heard.  Committees within the student government act as advisors and help the faculty and staff on issues concerning Career and Professional Development, Curriculum, Finance, Mentor Externship, Mission and Sports/Recreation.

They plan a number of fun all school activities throughout the year including peer mentor events, Town Halls, the Holiday Party and Alumni panel lunches.

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Career and Professional Development at UST Law

By: Kate Snowdon, Assistant Director of Admissions for Recruitment

Published on: Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

UST students attending an event

UST students attending an event

You may be wondering about the career resources available at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.  The primary resource that pops in my mind is the Office of Career and Professional Development (CPD), which is located in the Student Services Suite.  The CPD staff helps prepare our students for their job searches, interviews, networking events and other recruitment opportunities.  Besides taking personal appointments daily to review resumes, cover letters and offer career guidance, our CPD office plans educational sessions for our students.

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Minneapolis/St. Paul: One of America’s Favorite Cities!

By: Kate Snowdon, Assistant Director of Admissions for Recruitment

Published on: Thursday, January 19th, 2012

The Twin Cities was ranked by Travel and Leisure.com in the 2011 survey for America’s Favorite Cities.  Minneapolis/St. Paul received a ranking of #1 for Cleanliness, #2 for Intelligence, #3 in Public parks and outdoor access & safety.  We are also ranked #4 in Theater/Performance art. Downtown view

Minneapolis/St. Paul made it in the top 10 in other fun categories in the survey including Athletic/Active, Friendly, Live music/concerts and bands & for summers.  While our winters did rank #34 on the list, I think that may change after our mild 2012 winter goes down in the record books! 

One of the many great things about the University of St. Thomas School of Law is that our students can take advantage of many the wonderful qualities this survey ranked – right outside of our building! 

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Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

By: Life at UST Law

Published on: Monday, January 9th, 2012

Artika Tyner, Esq., Director of Diversity & Clinical Law Faculty, Guest Blogger

Jeanine Johnson and Professor Scott Taylor

Jeanine Johnson ('06) and Professor Scott Taylor

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the University of St. Thomas School of Law Office for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Committee welcomed two esteemed guest speakers, Jeanine Johnson (2006) and Professor Scott Taylor. Jeanine Johnson is an associate with Meyer & Njus, P.A. Johnson practices in a range of areas from family law to bankruptcy. Additionally, she is actively involved in diversity efforts within the Minnesota State Bar Association, Minnesota American Indian Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association. Professor Scott Taylor teaches Native American Law and Federal Income Taxation at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Taylor has developed a national reputation as an authority on taxation in Indian Country. He currently serves as one of five Commissioners on the Navajo Tax Commission, which administers, on behalf of the Navajo Nation, the largest and most successful tribal tax system in the United States. (more…)

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University of St. Thomas School of Law welcomed to full membership in the American Association of Law Schools

By: Life at UST Law

Published on: Friday, January 6th, 2012

At the first Session of the 2012 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, January 5 the House of Representatives of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS) voted to recommend that the University of St Thomas School of Law be admitted to AALS membership. Dean and Ryan Chair in Law Thomas M. Mengler, Associate Dean Rob Vischer and a small group of faculty were on hand to be welcomed into membership.

“We are delighted to become members of the Association of American Law Schools, which has been dedicated throughout its history to the improvement of legal education and promotion of outstanding teaching, scholarship, and service at American law schools,” Dean Mengler commented.  He added that this recognition is further proof that the School of Law continues to make progress towards the goal of being a nationally recognized law school with a distinctive mission.

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No Jacket Required in January!

By: Kate Snowdon, Assistant Director of Admissions for Recruitment

Published on: Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Today Minneapolis almost broke a record that has been in existence since 1865, when the high was 47 degrees.  The weather has been just remarkable for a Minnesota winter.  Today, January 5, 2012, temperatures reached close to 45 degrees!!  This afternoon we were outside taking pictures of all the melting snow that will soon be gone.  

The Minneapolis skyline captured in a puddle in the front parking lot

The Minneapolis skyline captured in a puddle in the front parking lot

The almost melted snowman in front of the law school

The almost melted snowman in front of the law school

Last year at this time we had over 40 inches of snow, but this year has been a fraction of that total!  Many times in  January I wear long underwear, boots, a hat, scarf, mittens and a heavy jacket when venturing outside.  Today I stepped out and only had to wear a light pair of gloves – no Jacket Required!!  We heard it was warmer in Minneapolis yesterday than in Jacksonville, FL. 

I hope you are having beautiful weather from wherever you are reading this.

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