UPCOMING EVENTS

 
Greetings,
 
Students in the BA in Law program at Arizona Law -- a degree built in deep partnership with the UA School of Government and Public Policy -- have quickly become an integral part of our community. They add to our diversity, our reach, our strength, and our impact! 

This week, read about the great work -- on campus and beyond -- of BA in Law students Natalynn Masters and Matthew Rein.
 
As we approach the end of the year, remember that giving to the college supports all of our innovative Arizona Law programs  ( give now to count your gift in 2018 ).

Until the footnotes,

Marc

From Old Main to Capitol Hill, UA Student Government Leaders Put BA in Law Major to Work

ASUA student body president, Natalynn Masters and 
executive  vice president,  Matthew Rein.  Photo by Alejandra Cardenas Cuestas.


The top two University of Arizona student government offices are both held by BA in Law majors, and they say the degree is shaping how they govern and their future careers.
 
As president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA)  Natalynn Masters sets the student government budget, negotiates agreements between ASUA and campus departments, and coordinates with the ASUA policy director and the UA Title IX director to educate students about Title IX policies.
 
"The law courses I have taken have taught me how to better analyze documents," says Masters, a law and sociology double major who has always envisioned a career path connected to law. "A lot of my position involves policy work. My law major has allowed me to understand the legal history and reasoning behind the policies we have at UA."
 
ASUA executive vice president Matthew Rein is a double major in law and political science who interned in Washington, DC, this summer in the office of Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema.
 
"I can confidently say my law classes have helped prepare me to navigate difficult decisions in student government and beyond," says Rein, who oversaw more than $100,000 of ASUA appropriations to 80 student clubs in the fall semester.
 
Rein says his interest in law and passion for environmentalism drove him to explore the BA in Law program and that pursuing the major solidified his desire to attend law school.
 
"I always had a general interest in law school, but the law major confirmed that's what I really wanted to do," says Rein. He says that because the BA in Law teaches core first-year law subjects, he feels he will have a head start when he enrolls in law school.

Students in the BA in Law program are instructed by University of Arizona Law faculty in key foundational areas of the law such as property, contracts, torts, constitutional law, and criminal and civil procedure. They also take core courses taught by our partner, the School of Government and Public Policy in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Elective courses and specialized internships allow students to focus on areas of potential interest and enhance their career prospects.
 
"I like that the BA in Law provides undergraduate students with the ability to explore the law without having to wait until law school," Masters says. "I have loved every minute of it."
 
Professor Rob Williams
In addition to sharing the major, Masters and Rein also have the same favorite course: The American Common Law System I (torts and contracts) with Regents' Professor
Rob Williams.
 
"It's not easy to teach complicated legal concepts to undergrads, but he breaks down information in easy, digestible ways and truly makes the class enjoyable," says Rein of Williams. "Special shout-out to (current Arizona Law LLM student) Derek Kauanoe, who is an awesome TA for that class."
 
Masters adds, "Professor Williams is very engaging and makes sure we understand how the cases we cover affect us. His class is also entertaining and full of some great laughs."
 
Overall, both student leaders agree that what they're learning in the BA in Law program will travel with them far beyond campus.
 
"I love learning about cases that have dramatically shaped society and the power of the law," says Masters. "These cases are often not talked about, but have changed how we live our lives. It is very empowering to see the changes that can be made using the legal system."
 
"The classes I've taken have genuinely been so meaningful and rewarding," says Rein. "Not only have my research, writing, and critical thinking skills improved, but the major has ultimately helped prepare me for the rest of my life beyond my time in college."
 
About the BA in Law
 
Offered as a collaboration between the James E. Rogers College of Law and the School of Government and Public Policy, the BA in Law is the only degree of its kind in the country. The degree offers rigorous training for high-performing undergraduates with an interest in law and equips them for law school or employment in an increasing number of jobs that require legal training.



Around the College
Prosecuting the President Book Launch, January 10
 

You are invited to attend a conversation between Dean Emerita  Toni Massaro and Professor
Andrew Coan  discussing Coan's new book, 
 
Prosecuting the President:  How Special Prosecutors Hold Presidents Accountable and Protect the Rule of Law.

When: Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 6-7 p.m.

Where: University of Arizona Institute of the Environment, Haury Room (S107), 1064 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721
 

In Prosecuting the President, Andrew Coan offers a highly engaging look at the long, mostly forgotten history of special prosecutors in American politics. 

For more than a century, special prosecutors have struck fear into the hearts of Presidents, who have the power to fire them at any time. Coan asks, how could this be? And how could the nation entrust such a high responsibility to such subordinate officials? 

With vivid storytelling and historical examples, Coan demonstrates that special prosecutors can do much to protect the rule of law under the right circumstances.
 
Please note that this event will take place at the Institute to the Environment (ENR2), not at the College of Law. The conversation will run from 6 to 7 p.m. and will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.
 
For questions about this event, contact Bernadette Wilkinson at 520-626-1629.


ABA Journal Includes Dysart's Appellate Advocacy Blog in Best Legal Blogs of 2018
 
The Appellate Advocacy Blog, edited by University of Arizona Law Assistant Director of Legal Writing and Professor Tessa Dysart, was listed  in the ABA Journal's Best Legal Blogs of 2018 .
 
"University of Arizona legal writing professor Tessa Dysart and a band of academic contributors blog about how to tackle drafting appellate briefs; the latest and greatest reference resources; and things as fundamental as the paragraph as a unit of persuasion," writes the ABA Journal.
 
The Appellate Advocacy Blog was one of 10 new blogs added to the list and is the only new blog that covers advocacy-oriented topics.
 
"A team of judges that includes journalists, law professors, and lawyers, has been ranking legal blogs for the ABA Journal since 2012, making it the most trusted source for legal blog rankings. We here at the Appellate Advocacy Blog are humbled and honored to be included on this list," wrote Dysart on the blog.
 
Arizona Law's legal writing program, ranked in the top 25 by U.S. News, offers a diverse array of courses while keeping class sizes intimate-15 students or less-to provide individualized attention and comprehensive feedback.
 


Arizona Law Alumni Recognized at AWLA Holiday Luncheon 
 
At the Arizona Women Lawyer's Association (AWLA) Southern Arizona Chapter holiday luncheon held last week, members presented alumna Lynne Wood Dusenberry ('74) with the  Alice Truman Award. The award is given annually to
"the woman who best demonstrates outstanding leadership in her career and community."  Congratulations, Lynne!

The event also recognized alumna  Suzanne Diaz ('07), who stepped down after serving as president of the Southern Arizona Chapter. Alumna Esther Brilliant ('11) became the new president, and Lauren Talkington ('15) is now president-elect. 


Participate in Year-end Giving

Arizona Law students tell their individual stories and thank donors  at the annual Scholarship Luncheon.

As the end of the year approaches, please consider making a gift to the Law College Association of the University of Arizona in support of our students and innovative programs.
 
Gifts can be accepted online at any time by visiting: law.arizona.edu/give  

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your gift is counted in 2018:

Checks
All checks should be made payable to the Law College Association and mailed to The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, 1201 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85721. Checks will be processed and receipted according to the postmark date on the envelope. To receive tax credit in 2018, your check must be postmarked before December 31, 2018.

Credit Card Donations
Per IRS regulations, credit card gifts will be receipted on the date the charge posts to the credit card account. This means to receive 2018 tax credit, the charges must be made before December 31, 2018.

Stock transactions
Stock transactions will be processed and receipted on the date the stocks are transferred into our account. To receive 2018 credit, stocks must be transferred by the end of the day Friday, December 28, 2018. If you are planning a stock transfer please call 520-621-8430 so that we can prepare for your gift.

The Development Office will be closed for the holiday from December 22 through January 2. If you need assistance making your gift, please call while someone is still in the office to help you.

Thank you for your year-end gift to Arizona Law!



Just For Fun -- Send Us Your Photos
 
Calling all alums!  We'd like to hear from you over the holiday break. To help ring in the new year, we're looking for photos of Arizona Law alumni celebrating accomplishments from 2018 -- and celebrating your connection to the UA and your fellow Wildcats.

Are you getting together will fellow Arizona Law alumni over the holidays? Is UA gear part of your holiday tradition? Are you doing something extra adventurous to celebrate the new year? And what about photos celebrating those big 2018 accomplishments and memorable moments?

If you need inspiration, here are Arizona Law faculty and staff members enjoying the season together last week. Recognize anyone?



We'll share as many of your images as we can in our January 9 edition. Send your photos via email to Emily McGovern by Friday, January 4.

In the News

Native News Online, includes Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program

Judicature, co-authored by professor Christopher Robertson

UBNow, the University of Buffalo follows the University of Arizona Law's lead

Lawfare, summary by professor Andrew Keane Woods

SFGate, listing includes University of Arizona Law MLS program



We have learned from our BA in Law students -- and we have celebrated the creation of an entirely new category of legal professional. Natalynn Masters and Matthew Rein embody the deep vision for this new degree.

And now, this week, the University of Buffalo is the first to follow in our footsteps ( read more). Victor E. Bull follows Wilmer and Wilma Wildcat. Which university -- and which mascot -- will be next?

Arizona Law, again, is an innovator and a leader.

Warmly,

Marc

 

 

 
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