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  • Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that “the only way to have a friend is to be a friend.” This simple, yet powerful guiding principle has shaped my life. As I have realized countless times throughout my own experiences, when we become a friend to someone in need, we change the world. Becoming a lawyer has also changed my life. And as I look back, I see that Emerson’s wise words – “the only way to have a friend is to be a friend”- have also shaped my legal career in a profound way. Being a lawyer is a life choice. It cannot be turned on and off, as you might in some other profession or occupation. It is an enduring commitment, a “twenty-four/seven” privilege. The privilege of practicing law brings us to the front lines of the most critical issues of the day. It allows us to assist others at...

    Justice Burke’s Recent Remarks on Professionalism

    Posted on March 5, 2013 | No Comments
    Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that “the only way to have a friend is to be a friend.” This simple, yet powerful guiding principle has shaped my life. As I have realized countless times throughout my own experiences, when we become a friend to someone in need, we change the world. Becoming a lawyer has also changed my life. And as I look back, I see that Emerson’s wise words – “the only way to have a friend is to be a friend”- have also shaped my legal career in a profound way. Being a lawyer is a life choice. It cannot be turned on and off, as you might in some other profession or occupation. It is an enduring commitment, a “twenty-four/seven” privilege. The privilege of practicing law brings us to the front lines of the most critical issues of the day. It allows us to assist others at...

  • I’ve been thinking about social media lately — how it impacts our professionalism as lawyers. With so much information readily available about us on the internet, it’s important to remain aware of how our actions, even our smallest comments, can reflect on us. I turned to John Marshall student Michael Korus for his thoughts on the subject. Justice Frossard (Ret.):  What should students know about how their use of social media can impact their professional identity? Michael Korus: Most people know how to act during an interview and how to conduct themselves professionally with an employer, but we easily forget this when we are in the audience of our friends. Be aware of the reputation you have among your peers.  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social networking sites put everyone under a microscope. As future attorneys, we need to remember that your peers are watching you. This is perhaps especially...

    How Social Media Can Impact Your Professional Identity

    Posted on February 26, 2013 | No Comments
    I’ve been thinking about social media lately — how it impacts our professionalism as lawyers. With so much information readily available about us on the internet, it’s important to remain aware of how our actions, even our smallest comments, can reflect on us. I turned to John Marshall student Michael Korus for his thoughts on the subject. Justice Frossard (Ret.):  What should students know about how their use of social media can impact their professional identity? Michael Korus: Most people know how to act during an interview and how to conduct themselves professionally with an employer, but we easily forget this when we are in the audience of our friends. Be aware of the reputation you have among your peers.  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social networking sites put everyone under a microscope. As future attorneys, we need to remember that your peers are watching you. This is perhaps especially...

  • A Conversation with Brian Ashfar, Second-Year Law Student Frossard: What is the biggest difference between your experience as a 1L and a 2L? Brian Ashfar: The biggest difference between the 1L and 2L years has been my approach to school. Finishing the first year is challenging primarily because students really do not know what to expect. With a heavy course load, it is easy to get overwhelmed. As a 2L, you understand how to appropriately balance your studies. Knowing what to study and how to study it can make all the difference in the world come exam time. Frossard: What activities or organizations do you belong to at JMLS? Ashfar: I am currently the treasurer of the Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA). I enjoy being part of an organization that is focused on the John Marshall community and bringing attention to critical issues in the legal field. We actually...

    The Second-Year Experience: Hitting Your Stride in Law School

    Posted on January 22, 2013 | No Comments
    A Conversation with Brian Ashfar, Second-Year Law Student Frossard: What is the biggest difference between your experience as a 1L and a 2L? Brian Ashfar: The biggest difference between the 1L and 2L years has been my approach to school. Finishing the first year is challenging primarily because students really do not know what to expect. With a heavy course load, it is easy to get overwhelmed. As a 2L, you understand how to appropriately balance your studies. Knowing what to study and how to study it can make all the difference in the world come exam time. Frossard: What activities or organizations do you belong to at JMLS? Ashfar: I am currently the treasurer of the Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA). I enjoy being part of an organization that is focused on the John Marshall community and bringing attention to critical issues in the legal field. We actually...