Richmond Law SBA
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The Richmond Law SBA has traditionally declined to take a side on the sticky political issue of Israeli-Iranian relations, but it’s worth noting some of the interesting blogging being done by Richmond Law student Matt Dahl’s national security blog.
I’m not sure I can imagine a more hostile environment for an Israeli official than an Iranian court, but that is exactly where Iranian leaders want to bring some Israeli officials. Iran has requested help from Interpol to bring in 15 Israelis including: the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Mossad Chief, Chief of the Israeli Defense Forces, and the Attorney General. Iran wants these officials brought in for war crimes it says were committed in Gaza. Since it is highly unlikely that Interpol will assist in this mission, Iran is also planning to try the officials in absentia.
If Richmond Law student blogging continues to take off, maybe a good project for the next SBA secretary would be a weekly roundup of Richmond Law blogging (hint, hint, Secretary Amaro)…
UR Downtown and Richmond Law programs in the RTD
RTD has an article on the opening of UR Downtown:
UR Downtown will offer three programs that involve UR law students and undergraduates as well as graduate students from Virginia Commonwealth University.
The Richmond Families Initiative will study ways to enhance programs run by local agencies to support families.
The Harry L. Carrico Center for Pro Bono Service will provide legal services to low-income victims of domestic violence seeking protective orders or those seeking no-fault divorces.
The Family Law Clinic will be a collaboration of UR law students and VCU graduate students in social work and psychology.
UR’s law school and its Bonner Center for Civic Engagement developed UR Downtown to allow for practical education that also assists underserved citizens.
Candidate Statements: Ceci Yohannes for 2L Class Rep
My name is Ceci Yohannes and I want to be your class representative. I am currently the class representative for section 3, and I would love the opportunity to be involved again. As class representative, I have already gained the fundamental experience in being involved in the SBA. I know the importance of having good communication and listening skills. Whether it’s via email, the telephone, or in person, I am constantly communicating with my fellow classmates. I am a very approachable person, and I will always respect the opinion of others. I am always willing to listen to any ideas/comments/concerns that my classmates may have, no matter how bizarre, all comments are welcome. I am also not timid about stating my opinion, which section 3 can probably agree with, so you can be sure that I will voice your views to the SBA.
For those who don’t know me, I will tell you a little about myself. I am originally from Northern Virginia. I attended high school in Fairfax County. I attended Virginia Tech, and I graduated in 2007. I was an English major with a focus in pre-law studies. While I was an undergrad I volunteered as an intern at the Superior Courts in Washington D.C. As an intern at the courts I observed many court hearings, and I learned a lot about court procedures. After I graduated from Tech I decided to take a year off and get more work experience. I worked as a Deputy Clerk at Loudoun County General District Court.
Coming to UR has been a great experience for me. I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people, and I would like to contribute to everyone’s experience here. I am running for class representative because I have the experience, and because I think I would successfully fulfill all my duties. Most importantly, I want to be class representative because I want to be involved in giving us the best law school experience.
Candidate Statement: Matt Powers for 2L Class Rep
My name is Matthew Powers and I’m running to be your SBA representative for the 2L class. The reason I am running is to get involved and to improve the future of our law school. Furthermore, I feel our class needs a strong voice to fight for our needs. I can be that voice.
After graduating from the University of North Carolina, I worked in, and eventually led the legal group at a pharmaceutical company. This experience afforded me the opportunity to strengthen my interpersonal communication skills through working with other departments and honed my advocacy skills through negotiations with prospective clients and vendors. My interactions during these negotiations facilitated deals and resolutions while establishing future opportunities, both of which were high priorities for the company.
I will use my prior experiences to actively further the interests of our class and ensure our voices are heard. So when voting next week for the 2L representative, please remember that a vote for Matthew Powers is a vote for our future. Thank you for your time and support.
Candidate Statement: Jennifer Isham for 2L class rep
Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer Isham and I am running for 2L Class Representative. It has been my pleasure this past semester to serve as Section 1’s representative. As section one’s rep, I attended SBA meetings and made myself available to hear any complaints raging from personal issues to scheduling problems. I took suggestions for improvements to the DU, heard complaints about the products in the vending machines, and leant several students a shoulder to cry on. I was responsible for taking class polls for professors who wanted to change class times and schedule makeup classes. Additionally, although it was outside my job description, I provided the class with cupcakes and candy on Halloween.
The most significant thing I accomplished this past semester was to inform and work with Dean Williams regarding a scheduling conflict that would have rendered many summer-entry section 1 students unable to take IP law. The schedule was changed and summer-entry students were able to register for IP.
In addition to bringing students’ concerns to the SBA and rescheduling classes, I had the opportunity to make suggestions for improving the DU. The SBA made significant improvements to the DU this year (new carpeting and new game tables) but I have many more ideas that I want to see come to fruition. I envision the DU as a living area. Right now, the DU is somewhat like a dorm lounge but does not seem to be a place where students truly feel relaxed; I would like to see more comfortable seating, better coffee, and a bigger TV. The DU has a lot of potential and if I am elected, I will push to see that potential realized.
In short, I very much enjoyed serving as Section 1’s representative and would love to continue to serve as the liaison between the class and the SBA. If elected 2L Class Representative, I will continue to provide the same enthusiasm and hard work that I demonstrated this past year. If you have any questions about my platform or candidacy, please feel free to email me or stop by and say hi (I’m almost always at a table in the library). Thank you for your time and consideration!
Candidate statement: Dave Van Acker for 3L class rep
My name is David Van Acker and I am running for 3L Class Representative. Prior to attending law school, I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2003 and worked in education for several years, specifically with special needs children. Each special needs child required a detailed Individualized Education Program constructed by a team of professionals. Each part of the IEP team represented a different interest and the IEP meetings were a time of compromise and debate regarding the best educational strategy for that particular child. I think this experience is particularly analogous to serving as a 3L Class Representative because of the necessity of working with varying factions with the ultimate focus to best serve the class of 2010.
I believe that my strengths are a willingness to listen to differing opinions an ability to work with others, both traits that will serve me well as 3L Class Representative. So please vote for me, David Van Acker, in the upcoming election.
Candidate statement: Erica Giovanni for SBA President
SBA President candidate Erica Giovanni says:
My name is Erica Giovanni, and I’m running for SBA President. While some of you may already know me, I would like to explain my qualifications and ideas for the future for those of you who don’t. Please visit my Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5170491 9590&ref=mf or contact me directly at erica.giovanni@richmond.edu if you would like to look over my background and platform. I check my email regularly, and I would love to hear from you.
If elected, I intend to be your voice in the school and community. The positions explained in my platform are by no means exhaustive. In fact, many of you have emailed me with great ideas or concerns that I’d love to address with your help (such as the current parking situation with the construction). Therefore, while I explicitly ran on issues such as strengthening school ties to lawyers willing to offer us jobs in the future, providing ample money and office space to student organizations, and transparency, this is an ongoing process, which I hope you will participate it. Thank you for your time, and I hope you take a moment to look over my platform if you haven’t already done so.
Candidate statement: Dave Vyborny for Treasurer
Treasurer candidate Dave Vyborny says:
The job of the treasurer calls for someone who is able to work with the Executive Committee, and most importantly someone who is experienced and qualified. I graduated with a degree in Business Administration and for the 5 years before I came to law school I performed these duties on a regular basis.
- I worked in operations management for a billion dollar a year company where I was responsible for the accurate financial records of my department and I regularly submitted budget reports to the Vice President of Operations;
- I co-owned a marketing company where I was responsible for obtaining financial capital and allocating revenues throughout the business;
- And, I worked in investment banking for a Vice President of Wealth Management in Greenwich, CT where I was responsible for compiling client portfolios and reporting them to my boss who relied on my accuracy.
I hope you’ll agree I am fit for this job. I know this job. I have the experience working on an executive team; I have the experience of using reliable and thorough accounting practices; and, I have the experience of being entrusted with the finances of companies and private parties alike. When you log onto Blackboard to vote on Tuesday remember: I have the experience necessary to be your SBA Treasurer. Vote Dave Vyborny.
Candidate statement: Jennifer Isham for Secretary
Secretary candidate Jennifer Isham says:
Hi everyone! I’m Jennifer Isham and I am running for SBA Secretary. To those of you that saw my speech at the candidate forum and noticed my epic migraine (and subsequent quick departure), I apologize. For those of you who missed my speech, I’d like to use this statement to rehash a few points that I made at the forum and a few more that I would have made if time had permitted:
The SBA president is, by virtue of his or her position, the most visible member of the SBA. My hope is that the school gets to know each member of the executive board as well as the president. Transparency doesn’t happen overnight; it requires great communication and availability. I spend a lot of time at school, I work hard and you can usually find me at a table in the library or at my carrel (208 on the first floor). Feel free to stop by and say hi or leave a message on my whiteboard. (If you’re looking for a blonde, though, don’t be fooled! I now have brown hair!)
A few of the candidates for the other SBA positions mentioned the state of the economy. While the current economic situation does effect the law school, the SBA Secretary isn’t in a position to mitigate that effect. However, I wish to reiterate my willingness to act as a team player and support whichever policies the new executive board creates in response to this economic crisis. I have also avoided wasting resources in pursuance of this position; if you elect me, I hope it will be because you find me the best candidate for the position.
Sorry, guys. You won’t see flashy fliers or creative slogans from me (the sad truth is that the name Isham doesn’t really rhyme with anything relevant to elections), but you will see my hard work, ability to be a team player, and excellent communication skills if you elect me as your SBA Secretary this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Candidate statement: Travis Campbell for SBA President
President candidate Travis Campbell says:
My name is Travis Campbell and I am running for SBA President. I am originally from San Francisco, CA and went to college at Arizona State University, where I earned my B.S. in Economics through the W.P. Carey School of Business. During the summer of 2004, I interned in Washington, D.C. and attended summer school at Georgetown University. At ASU, I was the President of my Fraternity and a member of the Business Honors College. Before law school, I spent a year working in finance for Silicon Valley Bank, where I structured financing deals for mid-size technology companies in the southwest region.
I am running for SBA President because I want the SBA to be more active in the lives of students. The SBA can do more than just appropriate funds to student groups and organize parties. Although, I will make sure all student groups are appropriately funded and of course the Halloween party will still be open bar, as SBA President I want the SBA to have a greater impact on students’ lives.
If you read my experience, you will notice that I am not involved in every organization or club on campus. I don’t get involved with organizations because I can add them to my resume. I get involved when I have the energy and desire to make an impact. If I am elected President, I will have the time and energy to work for the student body to achieve the goals I lay out below.
This past year, I served as 2L class representative to the SBA. In this position, I worked closely with the current executive board to develop and implement this year’s budget. I attended budget meetings and gained an overall understanding of the way student groups receive funding. I believe it is essential the SBA President have a true understanding of this process because it is ultimately his or her role to oversee all budgeting matters.
Goals:
1. UR student-alumni email contact program
2. Put course evaluations online.
3. UR Law babysitting distribution list.
4. lunch cart to the law school
