Happy Holidays!

The library will be closed December 22  through January 1 and will re-open on January 2. 

The law library staff wishes everyone a safe, restful and restorative holiday break!

The Library is Changing

Starting with this school year, the library will be using more electronic resources and phasing out duplicate materials in print.   Electronic access has so many advantages (easy to search, can access any time) that keeping a print duplicate is becoming our VHS tape.

What does this really mean?

1. We will be removing materials from the library shelves.  Anything that would need updates (i.e. pocket parts) is a liability when we end an update subscription.  You might see library staff filling up big carts and taking the books away.  Don't worry, we'll try not to disturb your studying.
2. If you need to find something the library catalog is your best tool.   Westlaw is not our only resource.   If we removed a print option you should be able to find the electronic version through CLICnet.    Ask a Reference Librarian for help if you need it.
3. Some key materials, although they are available in electronic format, are still available in the library.  We want you to learn how to use digests, reporters, and other reference materials in more than one format.  At least for now, you may still end up in a job with an organization that can't afford the same comprehensive access to online legal materials.   Unfortunately not everything is online, and legal materials are rarely free.
4. The library will still be a great place to study, meet with friends and get help with assignments.

Keep an eye on the library web site for information about using our electronic resources and contact us if you need assistance.

Law School Exams

Exams are looming on the horizon. No need to panic--the law library has your back! Here are some ways we can help:

Looking at essay exams that your professors have given in the past is a great way to get prepared for the day it is just you and your Blue book (or Exam Soft)! Taking a professor’s prior exam is a great way to time yourself to be sure you don’t run short of time during the upcoming exam. Taking the time to be sure you have answered the questions completely is also a good way to review for an exam.  You can find exams online on the Hamline Law Library web site.  The law library also has print copies of exams from 1978 – 2001 in the Reference Section of the library; KF 292.H35 A24. Ask a librarian if you need help locating them.

There are plenty of books that will give you tips and pointers on how to excel at exam taking. Find them by going to the law library home page and entering the key words “law school exams.” You may limit your search to books found in the Hamline Law Library.

Don’t forget that law students can reserve study rooms—a great way to get your study group together for those review sessions! Check at the Circulation desk for sign-up sheet and eligibility requirements. Food and drink are allowed in the study rooms—if you bring in food, we ask that you be considerate of the people using the study room after you. If there is a spill, let someone on the library staff know so we can have it cleaned up. Thanks!

During the exam period, the law library provides you with extended study hours. This semester we will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 2 a.m., December 2 - 16 for your studying convenience.

Good luck with your studies. If you have any questions, feel free to ask a librarian!

Check Out New Books

Come to the law library to check out these new books that have been added to the collection.

Cases and materials on trade secret law / by Elizabeth A. Rowe, Sharon K. Sandeen.              KF3197 .R69 2012 

From Amazon: "The general organization of the casebook follows a logical analytical approach to understanding trade secret law, with the chapters progressing from proving the essential elements of a trade secret claim to defensive tactics and remedies, managing trade secrets, and criminal actions. It also addresses employment, management, and international issues."

The end of the pipeline : a journey of recognition for African Americans entering the legal profession / Dorothy H. Evensen                                                                                                KF299.A35 E94 2012  

From Amazon: "

This book had its beginnings in a simple question: How have some African-American attorneys, recently admitted to the bar, successfully navigated what research suggests is a very precarious pipeline to the legal profession? The response to this question entailed a journey that spanned some three years, over fifty informants, and a dozen or so researchers and scholars who study the intersections of education, race, and efforts to achieve social equity. The resulting work generalizes from the stories collected and constructs a substantive theory of success built around a phenomenon called ''working recognition.'' This concept describes both the recognition experienced in various forms by our study's participants and the recognition they transformed into strategic activities aimed at overcoming academic, economic, and social obstacles encountered in their personal pipelines. We found that it was through such activity that they ultimately attained recognition as lawyers and entered the profession of law. As a way of situating the study within scholarship in higher and legal education, the book further presents essays from noted scholars who respond to the study's thematic findings comparing and contrasting them to related research and practices. Finally, we consider the policy implications that derive from our extant project, particularly policies that relate to future pipeline interventions."

 

 The science of persuasion : a litigator's guide to juror decision-making                        KF8972 .B73 2011   

 

From Amazon: "

This is your guide to the way jurors make decisions, and how you can use that knowledge to convince them that your story of a case is the correct version. The author--who holds a Ph.D in psychology, for which he researched persuasion and juror decision-making--walks you though every stage of the trial and offers information on what jurors are thinking when, and how to influence them in the most effective ways."

 

Film and multimedia and  law.                                                                                                                 KF4298 .A15 H69 2012

 

From West: "This work provides a detailed legal guide for lawyers and non-lawyers encompassing legal issues surrounding filmmaking. It covers copyright, trademark, and all other intellectual property issues that may be encountered, such as legal issues surrounding scriptwriting, idea submission, defamation, right to privacy/publicity, and fair use in copyright. It explains the complex legal principles and illustrates them with compelling legal decisions that are illustrative and entertaining to read. Over 1,000 case citations are included. It also discusses the practical limitations imposed by intellectual property."

 

 

Weekend 1Ls can WIN!

...a $5 Starbucks card for answering the following two-part question from yesterday's lecture:

The secondary source you would consult if you were looking for an article about a "cutting edge" legal issue is.........? What is one way you could find such an article..........?

Send your answer by email to bkallusky01@hamline.edu by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 1. Include your name!

Did You Know...Legal Encyclopedias.....

are a great place to start your research? They can give you broad information about a legal topic you are researching and point you to leading cases in that area of law.

OK. This is a test. The first weekday 1L who emails me after 3 p.m. on Monday September 24 but before 9 a.m. September 25 with the correct answer to the question, "When using an encyclopedia, what part of the set do you consult first?" will win a $5 Starbucks gift card. Email your answer to bkallusky01@hamline.edu  along with your name, LRW section letter and name of your Professor. Good luck!

Check Out These New Books in the Library

Check out these books that have been recently added to the law library's collection. 

Cases and materials on trade secret law by Elizabeth A. Rowe, and Hamline Law School Professor Sharon K. Sandeen.                                                                KF3197 .R69 2012

From Amazon:

This, the first casebook in the United States devoted exclusively to trade secret law, is challenging yet user-friendly to students in order to facilitate their reading and understanding of the material. This casebook is designed to be used by law students (and business students) with no prior background in intellectual property law. The authors have made conscious and thoughtful decisions about the way in which the information throughout the casebook is presented and organized. The general organization of the casebook follows a logical analytical approach to understanding trade secret law, with the chapters progressing from proving the essential elements of a trade secret claim to defensive tactics and remedies, managing trade secrets, and criminal actions. It also addresses employment, management, and international issues.

 

The art & science of trial advocacy by  L. Timothy Perrin     KF8915 .P474 2011

From Amazon: 
The Art and Science of Trial Advocacy, Second Edition guides the reader through the trial process, suggesting techniques and strategies for each stage of the trial process - pretrial, trial, and post-trial motions; jury selection; opening statements; direct and cross-examination; and closing arguments. Included are illustrative transcripts explaining how to use the various techniques in an actual case, detailed guidance on the effective use of expert witnesses, and practical direction on the incorporation of exhibits and demonstrative evidence into case presentations. The book discusses basic principles of effective communication and persuasion, including the importance of the advocate's credibility and examples of how to develop case presentations that maximize the persuasive impact on judges and juries. The appendix includes the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Additionally, the new Second Edition:
• Recognizes how the rapid development of technology and its use in the courtroom has changed the way trials are conducted and the way lawyers present evidence and argue to the jury.
• Discusses the use of technology in the courtroom.
• Includes materials describing the technology now available to trial lawyers as they prepare and present evidence; and
• Provides "Tech Tips" on how technology might be used to enhance advocacy at various points of the trial.
Also included with the Second Edition are on-line resources to assist the aspiring

Comprehensive law practice : law as a healing profession by Susan Swaim Daicoff.                                                                                       KF9084 .D35 2011 

From Amazon: 

Since about 1990, disciplines have emerged in every substantive area of the law to transform law into a positive force in the lives of those it touches. These disciplines converge in the ''comprehensive law movement.'' Comprehensive Law Practice overviews the entire movement and provides training materials for lawyers, judges, mediators, and law students who want to be at the forefront of practicing law in these new forms.

Check Out the New Books in the Law Library

 Check out the following new books in the law library.  All can be found on the shelves of the New Books area on the main floor of the library.

Ipad apps in one hour for lawyers / Tom Mighell.        KF 320.A9 M478 2012  

The lawyer's essential guide to writing : proven tools and techniques / Marie Buckley.                              KF  250  .B83  2011  

The paperless law office : a practical guide to digitally powering your firm / Benjamin F. Yale.                 KF  318  .Y35 2012

Also be sure to check out our law related popular title DVDs that can be checked out, as well as our popular legal fiction collection if you have time before classes begin.

Secrets to Success in Law School: The Law Library Staff

Making friends with the Law Librarian of your choice is one of the smartest things a 1L can do. Law Librarians are smart, helpful, and can save your butt when you are trying to write a memo that's due in two hours. Law Student Ally has a blog post that will explain all the details...

Check out these new books in the library

Come and check out the following new books that can be found on the New Books shelves on the main floor of the library.

 The art & science of trial advocacy / L. Timothy Perrin, H. Mitchell Caldwell, Carol A. Chase. KF8915 .P474 2011
      From the publisher: “ … guides the reader through the trial process, suggesting techniques and strategies for each stage of the trial process - pretrial, trial, and post-trial motions; jury selection; opening statements; direct and cross-examination; and closing arguments. Included are illustrative transcripts explaining how to use the various techniques in an actual case, detailed guidance on the effective use of expert witnesses, and practical direction on the incorporation of exhibits and demonstrative evidence into case presentations. The book discusses basic principles of effective communication and persuasion, including the importance of the advocate's credibility and examples of how to develop case presentations that maximize the persuasive impact on judges and juries. The appendix includes the Federal Rules of Evidence. "

 Cloud computing for lawyers / Nicole Black ; foreword by Richard Susskind KF242.A1 B575 2012
       From the publisher: “ As more businesses move their IT systems into the cloud, lawyers need to ask if cloud computing is right for their firm. Cloud Computing for Lawyers features a discussion of cloud computing fundamentals, an overview of legal cloud computing products, and step-by-step instructions for implementing cloud computing in your practice--including practical tips for securing your data. This book will help you: • Understand the current state of cloud computing technology • Weigh the risks and benefits of cloud computing • Evaluate legal cloud computing applications like law practice management, billing, time tracking, e-mail, and e-discovery software • Consider the ethical considerations of storing client data in the cloud • Maintain security and privacy for your online data”

Lawtalk : the unknown stories behind familiar legal expressions / James E. Clapp KF156 .L39 2011     
     From the publisher: "Law-related words and phrases abound in our everyday language, often without our being aware of their origins or their particular legal significance: boilerplate, jailbait, pound of flesh, rainmaker, the third degree. This insightful and entertaining book reveals the unknown stories behind familiar legal expressions that come from sources as diverse as Shakespeare, vaudeville, and Dr. Seuss. Separate entries for each expression follow no prescribed formula but instead focus on the most interesting, enlightening, and surprising aspects of the words and their evolution. Popular myths and misunderstandings are explored and exploded, and the entries are augmented with historical images and humorous sidebars. Lively and unexpected, Lawtalk will draw a diverse array of readers with its abundance of linguistic, legal, historical, and cultural information." What's law got to do with it? : what judges do, why they do it, and what's at stake / edited by Charles Gardner Geyh. KF8775.A75 W48 2011 From Amazon: “In What's Law Got to Do With It?, the nation's top legal scholars and political scientists examine to what extent the law actually shapes how judges behave and make decisions, and what it means for society at large.”

What's law got to do with it? : what judges do, why they do it, and what's at stake / edited by Charles Gardner Geyh. KF8775.A75 W48 2011
      From Amazon: “In What's Law Got to Do With It?, the nation's top legal scholars and political scientists examine to what extent the law actually shapes how judges behave and make decisions, and what it means for society at large.”

New job or internship?

As you start that new summer or permanent job, your law school Lexis and Westlaw passwords might not always be available, but we are!

Remember, you're welcome to take your research questions to Hamline law librarians by phone, e-mail, IM, or in-person visit. Students who will return in the fall can access many subscription resources off campus through the Hamline Law Library website; when prompted for proxy access, simply log in with the username and password that you use for your Hamline e-mail account. Our alumni in the Twin Cities area can stop by to access many subscription resources onsite (through guest passwords available at the circulation counter) or to take advantage of our free public-access Westlaw stations.

Also, don't hesitate to refer back to the practical Minnesota-oriented materials that law librarians have prepared to help you bridge the gap between law school and law practice. Topics include the following:

•Administrative Law
•Advanced Databases
•Case Law
•Cost Effective Research
•Court Dockets and Document Resources
•Court Rules
•Current Awareness
•Legislative History
•Minnesota Research
•Treatises
•When to Use Print/ When to Go Online

Last but not least, don't forget our guides to law practice materials and practice forms.

Good luck with your research and your new job!

The State of Paperless

Add value to your law practice.  Your 21st Century law office can be paperless.  How?  The Paperless Law Office, now in our library collection, is a practical guide.  You can succeed by converting the mountails of paper into digitally transmitted documents. For your successful legal future, check out this title.   

Summer Reading

Summer’s just around the corner with time for working and relaxing. If you’re looking for things to do to relax then we have just the lists courtesy of Attorney at Work.
Interested in fiction reads? See Times list of the 100 greatest novels written since 1923 (the beginning of Time's publication) and the responses written about this list.
What makes your list?

National Stress Awareness Day

Just in time for final exams...Did you know that today is National Stress Awareness Day? What do you do to manage the stress of being a law student?

Suffolk University Law School has a list of Quick Relaxation Techniques. Check it out!

Celebrate with the Library this Week!

The Law Library staff invites all students and faculty to visit the library this week in celebration of National Library Week. Stop in to say hi to the librarians--no pressure to ask a question (although if you do, we will do our best to help you find the answer!). Check out the table by the comfortable seating area for random treats. Enjoy!