Classroom Do's and Don'ts

Posted by: L

Well, we are officially into the second week of classes! What better way off to start off your semesters with a "Classroom Don't" straight from the halls of Your University.

Ok, ladies this one is for you:

Don't show up to class wearing a backless halter dress and no brassier and four inch heels.

(Dramatic pause for a moment to let all you Readers take that in. Yes, said "outfit" was witnessed by L.)

Don't nix any and all boobie support, because yes, when you go to put your bag on your shoulders your dress will creep out of place and we very well be beamed with Nipplegate 2.0.

(Need I remind you that grading is anonymous? You are not helping your GPA by dressing like a floozie.)

Yes, the temperatures are creeping back up to beach weather for the weekend. BUT, you need to remember that you are in a professional setting and anything revealing or hoochie-esque should be saved for the weekend and your own time. You're here to get a J.D. (not your M.R.S.) and it is more likely than not that you will eventually be working with your peers or encounter your peers later on in your career-- you don't want to be known as "that girl."

Don't feel like you need to rule out all sundresses, though (she types as she sits wearing her J.Crew Jessie dress, with a coral Jackie cardigan by her side, you know, incase there's a chill in the classroom).

Do keep your selections modest and cover up your thighs and cleavage. (Trendy can be modest.)

Have any of you seen first week classic dressing Don'ts?

Share in the comments!

Thirsty Thursday

Country Time

Country Fest is this Saturday!!! So bottoms up all you country lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 Ounce Absolut Citron Vodka
• 1 Ounce Vodka
  
• 1/2 Ounce of Raspberry Schnapps
• 1 Splash of Sprite
  
• 2 Lemon Wedges

Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice. Combine vodkas, lemon juice, and raspberry schnapps in the cocktail shaker. Shake. Strain into a shot glass. Splash sprite.

Enjoy.

Recipe from drinksmixer.com.

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: B

For the past two months I have been planning on purchasing some pants for work. Yes, you read correctly, I have been planning this for two months. I have been quite the busy B running around, taking weekend trips, celebrating special occasions, to find extra time to go pants shopping has been near impossible.

Today I managed to have an hour of free time. After debating for 15 minutes about whether or not I should spend that free hour pants shopping instead of relaxing, I decided to drive myself to New York & Company to get 1 pair of pants. As I pulled into the parking lot the dread of pants shopping vanished.

New York & Company is currently having their semi-annual pant and jean event. Buy one pair of pants, get the second one free!

What. A pleasant surprise.

If you don't need pants for work, don't fret you can still take advantage of this sale. You can get two jeans or mix and match any pair of pants and jeans.

Here is a great situation to indulge.

Water Cooler

Posted by: L

I've had this photo saved on my phone for a while (ok, since March!) and am finally getting around to sharing.

I snapped this gem inside our Company's break room refrigerator.

Yes, that is a gallon of milk with date, time, and fill-marks indicating the precise milk status at the last use.

What's worse is that I actually had the pleasure or witnessing the labeling going down. A story for another day, folks.

Thirsty Thursday

Sweet & Sinful

Law school starts in less than 2 weeks. Translation: experience as much fun as possible. Sweet & Sinful will help turn those good nights into classics.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 Ounces of Stoli Razberi Vodka
• 3/4 Ounce of DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps
• 1/2 Ounce of Cranberry-Raspberry Juice
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Grenadine Syrup
  

While you are chilling a cocktail glass, combine the Stoli Razberi Vodka, DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps, and cranberry juice in a pint glass. Pour the ice out of the cocktail glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Lace with grenadine.

If you are feeling creative, rim the cocktail glass in colored sugar.

Enjoy.

Recipe from drinksmixer.com.

In the News

Posted by: L

I heard about this yesterday morning on the radio and wanted to share: A housekeeper brought suit against her employer after she was fired for taking longer than eight weeks of maternity leave. I know this blog receives a vast amount of women readers (guys we love you, too!), so I think it is a relevant topic. Please feel free to weigh in on your opinions and thoughts in the comments. A link to the article is provided, too.

The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled, 4-3, that women are entitled to eight weeks of unpaid maternity leave under the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act without fear of losing their jobs; however, a longer leave can put their jobs at risk.

From the Boston Globe, "The ruling is limited to women whose maternity leave falls under state law, typically those who work at smaller companies but with at least six employees. People who work for employers with 50 or more employees are covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave and job protection. The ruling does not affect the federal protections."

So, what do you think? The case had a number of issues including malpractice and recovery based on the contract the employee had with her employer, but the outcome still clarifies the MA Act.

Eight weeks-- is it a fair amount of time? What do you ladies without children think, too? Guys, we'd love to hear from you, too!

The ruling is definitely something to consider when looking into applying to different sized law firms, too.

Water Cooler

Posted by: L

I thought this little ditty might cheer up some of you post-Grads currently job searching. You know, in between trying to compose cover letters, whining to your friends on g-chat about how you hate being unemployed, and aggressively searching the internet for YouTube videos and browsing the GoodBook.

From the best of Craigslist, I'm re-posting The Top 10 Law Firm Interview Questions here for your enjoyment (all while hoping there is no copyright violation or some related shit that I have yet to learn about).

Enjoy!

---

One of the worst experiences in law school has been the ritual of submitting applications for summer employment and then going through a series of 20-minute screening interviews that would put a marine drill sergeant to shame when it comes to humiliating and dehumanizing you. Here are my top-ten (least) favorite questions, and how I actually answered them as opposed to how I would have liked to answer them.

1. Why are you interested in this firm?

What I said: Your firm handled (insert name of case I read on their website) which I found to be exciting because it was just like another case I was reading in this class I got an A in. I've also asked some (read: none) upper class-men about your office and they said it's a great work environment.

What I thought: I looked through your attorney roster and saw that you hire people who do not appear to have any honors and come from bad law schools. That made me think that I have a chance to work here.

2. Why did you go to law school?

What I said: I went to law school because I want to be able to make a difference. Legal work allows me to be competitive and to work for justice, both of which are important things in my life.

What I thought: That's a good question, and I ask myself it daily. I'd have to say the answer is, stupidity.

3. Do you think your grades are an accurate reflection of the kind of work you will do as an attorney?

What I said: Law school has been a challenge, and I think my grades reflect that. More important than my grades, which by the way have steadily improved over my academic career, is my dedication to the work I do. My performance during my summer jobs is the best indicator of how I will work, and you will find that my previous employers were all pleased with me (or at least forgot who I am and so will not remember the fuck ups).

What I thought: My grades are absolutely a good reflection of how I will work. I will put in the minimum amount of effort needed to not get fired, and I will approach my job with contempt and disinterest.

4. What would you say is your greatest weakness?

What I said: My greatest weakness is that I get too personally involved with my work. For instance, when I am working on trial prep, and then the case settles favorably, I feel as though it should have gone to trial anyway, despite knowing that the settlement is what's best for our firm and our client.

What I thought: Pussy. If there are any females in your office, you can be certain I will work twice as hard to get into their pants as I will to make my billables. And yes, since you require us to bill 1,900 hours, that means I will be sexually harassing my co-workers 3,800 hours a year.

5. Tell us about a recent mistake that you have made.

What I said: I accidentally misfiled a case at work that was set to go to trial the next week. As soon as I realized this, I alerted my supervisor and disaster was averted.

What I thought: An even bigger mistake I've made has been wasting 20 minutes of my life in this interview instead of taking a dump, that would have been much more satisfying and productive.

6. What do you do for fun?

What I said: I enjoy jogging, skydiving, and traveling to exotic countries.

What I thought: When I really want to have fun, I grab my "Big Butt Sluts # 24" DVD, a bottle of Bourbon, and a bottle of lube. By the end of the night, both bottles are empty, and my room smells like jizz and puke.

7. Tell us about your style of leadership.

What I said: I lead by taking the initiative and working proactively with my peers to come up with solutions.

What I thought: I lead by playing "The Eye of the Tiger" on a boombox while pounding my fist on the table and shouting insults. (It works, I've done it)

8. If you don't get hired by this firm, what will you do?

What I said: I will analyze what I could have done better during the interview and take that knowledge with me into my next interview with [rival firm name].

What I thought: I will breath a sigh of relief that I won't be working for an asshole like you. Or I will stalk you and slit your throat. I haven't decided yet.

9. Do you have any questions for us?

What I said: Will I have a key so that I can come in and work on the weekends?

What I thought: Will I have a key so that I can come in and have sex with my girl friend on my desk on the weekends?

10. We value creativity among our associates. With that in mind, what kind of plant would you be, and why?

What I said: I would be a tree, because they are tall, strong, and live a long life.

What I thought: I would be a tree, so that I could fall on you and kill you


Absolutley hilarious! And, pretty spot on. I would add an Orbitz^TM like smile, of course at the end. Reeling them in. Hook, line, and sinker.

Classroom Do's and Don'ts: MPRE Edition

Posted by: L

The MPRE is over! At least, for now. Scores will be available in (5) weeks, so I will be ignoring anything related to it until then.

Some overall thoughts of which really surprised me:

• The number of individuals that failed to realize that if your room number was "201" that you would be on the second floor of the building, not the first.
• The frequency at which this occurred.
• How many individuals, still, waited in the wrong line and went into the wrong classroom.
• How many individuals waited until the instructions were completed (2) times and still couldn't follow them.
• No matter how prepared you are, it's still a crapshoot in terms of your score. How do they calculate that requisite "85" for MA, anyways?

On the plus side, I still have +/- (5) times to take it again, just in case. Phew.

So, after this experience, some Classroom Do's and Don'ts:

Do:

• Complete Barbri practice exams (duh.). There were a few similar questions on the real exam as the practice ones. After completing those, I knew for certain I was getting the right answer. (Now just hope this helps enough for the 85!)
• Read the official instructions, on what is and isn't allowed in the testing room, because yes, you will have to remove your hat, your celli will be confiscated, and you will have to spit out your gum.
• Scope out the building if you're unsure of what your Admission Ticket means by "Room 100" or "Room 200". Helpful hint: The first number will likely be the floor of the building you are on. Find your nearest staircase and get marching up it.

Don't:

• Be "that" guy/girl. Or I (or someone like me) will talk about you loudly to my neighbor.

Good luck to everyone that took it this Friday!

Did anyone have similar thoughts or experiences? What did you think??

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

I received a few e-mails after the post on Ann Taylor LOFT's sale-- the code I provided was for online shopping only.

So, as you requested: click here for a coupon for 30% off your in-store purchases, valid from now until Sunday, August 8, 2010.

Happy Shopping!

Thirsty Thursday

South African Smoothie

One word to describe this drink: Delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Ounces of Amarula Cream Liqueur
• 1 Small Banana
  
• Chocolate Ice Cream
  

Combine all ingredients into a blender. Blend on high power till smooth. Pour into a glass. Garnish with a cherry and chocolate shavings.

Enjoy.

Recipe from drinksmixer.com.

In the News

Posted by: L

The internetz are all a-buzz with Proposition 8 being overturned in California -- a major victory for all Gay Rights Activists.

Read about it here:

• Huffington Post
• LA Times
• NY Times

Here's to Equal Protection!

Hot Mess

Posted by: L

How about a mid-afternoon P O P Q U I Z, Readers?

L's MPRE Barbri book is wet (and/or has dried wet spots) for which of the following reason(s)?

A: Because she drooled on it while passing out on it in the library.

B. Because she hosed herself off while trying to sunbathe/study multi-task and put her book on her wet bathing suit.

C. Because she just put it in some condensation left over on the kitchen table from a frosty Diet Mountain Dew.

D. All of the above.

Well, if you answered D, you are correct! ((Audience cheers.))

Studying for this exam is as about as exciting as being in a vegetative state, but for those of you non-lawyers or non-law school peers, it's an exam you need to pass before you can sit for the Bar Exam. Yipee. And, in usual L - Fashion, I am a considerable Hot Mess!

I'm seriously thinking of marketing these materials to insomniacs. Give the makers of Ambien a run for their money!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

This one is time sensitive and items are selling out quick-- there is a Lilly Pulitzer boutique on Rue La La right now!

I managed to scoop up this "Cedar" Printed Tank:

{Navy, Green, and Pink? Yes, please!}

Hurry, though and bring out your inner WASP!

There's still cute mugs, stationery sets, sunglasses and tops left!

Need an invite code? Sign up here!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

Stock up on some classic and trendy pieces that can take you from work to play at Ann Taylor LOFT!

From now until August 8, get 30% off every purchase and FREE SHIPPING for every order over $100 when you use the offer code FRIENDS.

Why does L love the Loft for Counsel Confidential's readers?

Regardless of what profession you are in, you can find dressy and casual pieces to mix and match that will easily incorporate into your professional wardrobe. It is a perfect place for every girl, from a teacher to a corporate attorney (when not in court!), to at least try. They offer a wide range of sizes (regular and petites!), and their affordable prices allow you to indulge in q u a n t i t y without emptying your wallet!

Now is the perfect time to start stocking up on the new fall colors, like these below:

{Twisted Neck Exposed Back Zip - Moss Green - $49.50}

{Belted Twill Jacket - Frosted Taupe - $69.50}

{Tab Sleeve Ruffle Top - Frosted Taupe - $44.50}

{Pima Cotton Twisted Trim Sweater - Deep Tropical Rose - $39.50}

{all images via AnnTaylorLOFT.com}

Don't forget to launch your order through Ebates and receive an additional 3% back! Don't have Ebates? Sign up here!

Loves It, Hates It

Posted by: L

Weekend Wear

Loves it!

Ok, Readers.

This has been on my mind for a while now (ok, months!). My inner high school girl with a lust for all things Abercrombie and Fitch is excited, but my hips/ass/thighs are hesitant.

Does anyone else remember rocking the army green A&F cargos with the pull strings? Maybe worn with DocMartens and a logoed A&F long sleeved shirt or sweater. Anyone? Well... they've gone and gotten themselves a brand-spankin-new adult look now. Introducing:

Cargo pants with skinny legs.

I'm sure you have all by now seen the J Brand Houlihans (if you haven't you're living under a rock and I extend no sympathy for you!). Especially when they've been seen on celebrities from as early as February, such as:

{Rihanna - Image via denimology.com}

{Khloe Kardashian - Image via denimblog.com}

{Gwen Stefani and Cheryl Cole - Images via fabsugar.co.uk}

I love when the cargo pants are dressed up with heels (minus Gwen who is on Mommy-Duty), and I especially love the leopard print that Rihanna and Khloe's stylists chose. (And, lets face it, I think anything that Cheryl Cole does is genius. Love her.)

With Labor Day here before we know it and as the temperatures will start to drop, it will be time to tuck away the skirts and sundresses and reach for pants (bleh). How would the cargo pants be whilst studying for hours in the library?

Oh, look here, I have some extra page flags tucked right here in my side pocket! Extra highlighter? Ya! You bet! Oh, just kidding, it's extra lip gloss! heh heh

They sold out real quick when they first came out early this year, and now the price has gone up just a bit ($228-$230).

So far, I love it! My only reservations are the pockets on the widest part of a girl's hips. So a changing room session is definitely in order. Of course with all skinny pants and jeans there should never, ever be bagging/sagging in the butt, thighs, or knees. (So be careful with the spandex count in the pair you choose if you purchase another brand! Too much spandex = extra sagging).

Bloomies, via the link above, has four colors so far, too:

• Black (Hate!)
• Sharkskin
• Vintage Navy
• Olive (Love!)

While Nordstrom has three colors:

• Vintage Navy
• Vintage Taupe
• Vintage Olive

So, Readers, what do you think? Do you love the look or do you hate it?

Would you spend $230+ for a pair of J Brand Houlihans? Is it just too much for a pair of pants that are weekend-only? Would you look for a less expensive pair? Or are you going to forgo the cargo look?