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Career Alternatives for Attorneys: Rapper?

Mekka Don.jpgHaving just discussed Janet Jackson (or her breasts), we're going to remain on the subject of music. This installment in our continuing series of open threads on career alternatives for attorneys -- i.e., "things you can do with a law degree other than Biglaw (or contract attorney work)" -- is inspired by lawyer turned rapper Mekka Don.

There are many attorneys out there with musical side projects. When do you decide to take the leap and dive into your music career full-time? According to Mekka Don, the answer is "after one year at Weil." He wrote to us in March:

My name is Emeka Onyejekwe (aka Mekka Don) and in the spring I left my job at a top ten law firm in order to help save Hip Hop. I graduated from NYU in 2006 and worked at the firm for a little less than a year. Many people (probably including you, lol) think I'm crazy, but I believe it was a calling from God. I've begun to memorialize what I am doing through a reality show.

He may be too late. According to Nas, hip hop is dead! But good luck with that.

ABA Journal's July issue has a profile piece on the "legal hustler." Taking the struggling artist career route sounds challenging. To make ends meet, Onyejekwe is "modeling, event planning and sports marketing along with running a small legal practice with his sister."

Does a legal background help much in this career? Once you make it big, those contracts classes may come in handy. It also looks to be useful in the comments on the ABA piece. Someone questioned Mekka Don's use of "Law & Order" for the title of his mixtape, and he responds by citing the "fair use" doctrine.

More on Mekka Don, after the jump.

A day in the life of a rapper sounds a bit better than 12 hours of doc review. Here's the description in his e-mail to us:

A typical day in the life of Mekka Don can involve a Phat Farm photo shoot in the morning, then hitting the movie set in the afternoon where he is playing a lead role in an independent film. Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without laying some tracks in the music studio then popping into one of Mekka Don's parties at night. Add in negotiating a contract or litigating a case for a legal client and Mekka Don earns his additional moniker - "the Legal Hustler".

In the ABA Journal piece, Mekka Don says he doesn't regret law school, and that he loves the law, but that he hasn't been getting a whole lot of support from the legal community.

Q: What sort of reaction are you getting from the legal community?

To my face they say it's cool, but behind my back there are a lot of negative responses. Some black lawyers think this is the worst possible thing I could have done in the black community. But almost every piece of criticism is from someone who's never heard my music.

So one downside to pursuit of your music dreams is fellow lawyers making fun of you... until you make it big! Then they'll all be lining up to represent you.

Street Legal [ABA Journal]

Earlier: Prior Career Alternatives posts (scroll down)

Comments
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1 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:23 AM

Good for him.

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2 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:24 AM

Bad for him

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3 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:28 AM

he's lying .. its the hours that drove him to music

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4 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:32 AM

#1 seconded

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5 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:33 AM

Classic example of when bad ideas happen to good people.

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6 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:33 AM

His name rhymes with tekka don. I wonder if he will rap about sushi.

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7 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:35 AM

Word, I heard he can bust dumb crazy rhymes yo.

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8 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:35 AM

Shiiiieeeeeeeeit dawg bling bling yo what up bitches TTT in the hizz-ouse!

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9 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:39 AM


Kash, could I represent you?

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10 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:39 AM

11:35(2) should be shot.

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11 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:40 AM

in america its all bling bling

but out here its bling bang

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12 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:41 AM

Why do the black lawyers think it is bad for the black legal community? I support Mekka Don's choice!

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13 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:43 AM

dumbass

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14 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:44 AM

not to be a troll but underwear guy from the last contest is "leaving" his firm! maybe they only wear boxers over there....

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15 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:44 AM

11:35(1) and 11:35(2) BOTH need to be shot.

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16 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:46 AM

Affirmative action in action, my friends.

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17 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:50 AM

So, let me get this straight: God told him to save hip hop with a reality show?

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18 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:50 AM

"So one downside to pursuit of your music dreams is fellow lawyers making fun of you... until you make it big! Then they'll all be lining up to represent you."

Umm, you do read the comments sections, right? You might as well cross out music, as all "dreams" will earn you derision, including legal ones.

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19 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:52 AM

Young gentlemen at my preparatory academy were wont to bust dumb crazy rhymes, and the matter scarcely occasioned comment.
Fraternity Lothario

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20 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:55 AM

Rappers are HAWT!

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21 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:08 PM

Rapping about law school is just about the most tool-ish thing I can think of.

22 Posted by t14lawDOTblogspot | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:08 PM

If on-campus interviews don't go well, look for me to try my luck with the country music scene.

Thanks for the idea, Mekka

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23 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:11 PM

less than 1 year in big law? seems like he really believed working there would be like his SA job.

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24 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:13 PM

"So, let me get this straight: God told him to save hip hop with a reality show?"

He sounds like a black Eric Cartman.

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25 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:20 PM

Yes, almost every piece of criticism is from people who think quitting your career to become a meaningless pop star and annoying self-important jackass is a bad thing.

To quote Bugs Bunny, what a maroon.

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26 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:26 PM

Summary of the comments in thus far: I like myself a lot; black folk--not so much.

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27 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:26 PM

Lemme translate this arrogant jackhole for y'all:

"A typical day in the life of Mekka Don"
---I paid my cousin to write this for me on our kitchen table.

"can involve a Phat Farm photo shoot in the morning,"
----where I stand around outside and go, "C'mon man, lemme in! Hey! Mr. Photographer! Let me be a model! Please!" Then I go home at look at the pretty pictures.

"then hitting the movie set in the afternoon where he is playing a lead role in an independent film."
---My cousin (again) doing a stop motion action figure remake of "Shaft" on his home video camera. I'm doing the voice of cop #3.

"Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without laying some tracks in the music studio"
----rapping into a cassette recorder in my bathroom while my sister bangs on the door trying to take a shower

"then popping into one of Mekka Don's parties at night."
--Starring me, my cousin, my barcolounger, Budweiser, and a little entertainer known as Adult Swim, bitches!

"Add in negotiating a contract or litigating a case for a legal client"
----I got my cousin's traffic ticket reduced, yo!

"and Mekka Don earns his additional moniker - "the Legal Hustler"."
---Y'all know that "hustler" is slang for "full of it", right?

This guy is a dork with a superiority complex.

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28 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:28 PM

Yes, #23, but he had been told that he needed to stay as close to a full year as possible to maximize his ability to lateral successfully into the hip-hop world. Those A&R guys see that you only stuck around for 3 months, you will *never* get signed. Three years at Cravath and you walk into any rapper job on the market, easy.

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29 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:29 PM

With that logo, Dick Wolf's gonna sue him into oblivion.

Kinda funny a "high powered attorney" would make such an obvious copyright infringement error. Oh wait, this is an aa lawyer. nevermind.

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30 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:30 PM

23: how is it different?

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31 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:35 PM

Fraternity Lothario pwns Frat Stud!

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32 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:39 PM

Couldn't he lateral into entertainment law if the rap thing doesn't work out?

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33 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:39 PM

No fair use for TM infringement.

And even the (c) fair use argument is weak.

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34 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:43 PM

I'm pretty sure that this guy was at WGM.

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35 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:44 PM

I'm pretty sure that this guy was at WGM.

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36 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:44 PM

The negative comments on this board will be up front and center on the inevitable VH1 Behind the Music episode...

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37 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:44 PM

#27, if you knew anything about the underground hip-hop scene, you'd be humming a very different tune. Any emcee working with 6th sense has talent.

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38 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:46 PM

Comment No. 7 be on point yo. 7 mile. Reppin the streets and the mad beats. One

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39 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:46 PM

Comment No. 7 be on point yo. 7 mile. Reppin the streets and the mad beats. One

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40 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:47 PM

Comment No. 7 be on point yo. 7 mile. Reppin the streets and the mad beats. One

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41 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:50 PM

# 23, should people stay only a full year to have the best lateral opportunities? I heard you should stay at least two. Serious question ...

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42 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:57 PM

Doesn't Ice Cube call himself Don Mecca?

All I'm sayin is wa wa watch my feet, watch my feet

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43 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:02 PM

27, balls on. Could you also translate a hypothetical boast about Mekka having his own clothing line? And maybe how he's also a producer?


This guy's truly too busy posing to work a day job. I love it. Oh well, it's not like some middle class white kid would have done anything better with that NYU law school spot.

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44 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:04 PM

He suffered a controversial loss in the "Iron Mic" contest in high school where he rapped as Eli Porter before he became the Mekka Don.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKKxPtP6XjQ

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45 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:05 PM

Does anyone know if comment 7 was on point, or if 7 mile has been reppin the streets and the mad beats?

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46 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:15 PM

If there's one thing NYU classmates know about Emeka, it's that he's not afraid to self-promote. We were once forwarded a link to a novel he wrote and published in 2004, which you can find at http://www.amazon.com/Grime-Glory-Emeka-Onyejekwe/dp/0975546201/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216660281&sr=1-2

My favorite part in connection with all of this:
"About the Author
Emeka Onyejekwe is a law student at New York University School of Law in the Class of 2006. He graduated Cum Laude from The Ohio State University after three years of study with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. During his undergraduate years, he was a varsity football player, a member of the Homecoming Court, and an Honors student. Currently, he is also a professional model, a musician, and an athlete, and has been bestowed the honor of being called a "Renaissance Man". Emeka is the youngest of his parents’ four children. Inspired by Emeka’s experiences as a college athlete and the accounts of many of his friends, Grime and Glory is the first novel from this young and aspiring author."

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47 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:39 PM

I see a huge problem:

This guy is OFFERING SECURITIES in a small oil deal to RETAIL INVESTORS, on commission.

He is also OFFERING INVESTMENT ADVICE to unsophisticated people like athletes.


Is he LICENSED to do any of that?

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48 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:43 PM

Thisguy is such a loser! And we all know the positive comments on this board are being left by him.

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49 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:45 PM

Ditto #46. Even with the self-promotion, though, Emeka was basically a good guy. I hope the Mekka Don thing works out for him.

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50 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:46 PM

"No fair use for TM infringement."

False.

"And even the (c) fair use argument is weak."

Naive, underinformed.

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51 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:46 PM

"No fair use for TM infringement."

False.

"And even the (c) fair use argument is weak."

Naive, underinformed.

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52 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:47 PM

He's clearly an arrogant prick, but aren't all rappers?

And to be fair, I've seen him perform twice at NYU and he's talented. Too much God stuff for me, but his lyrics about law school and being a lawyer are hilarious.

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53 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:52 PM

self-promotion is probably necesary to succeed at what he's trying to do. more power to him.

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54 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:00 PM

Is Don Mecca the brother of Ugonna Onyekwe (former UPENN basketball star)? Any updates on U?

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55 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:13 PM

"#27, if you knew anything about the underground hip-hop scene, you'd be humming a very different tune. Any emcee working with 6th sense has talent."
---#27 here. Yes, if I knew anything about the underground pop music scene and who is the best articulator of forgettable fluff, you're right, I would know something about whose producer dick he was sucking.

Oh! Snap! Holla!

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56 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:16 PM

"Oh well, it's not like some middle class white kid would have done anything better with that NYU law school spot."

Yes, some middle class kid who actually deserved the spot would be either working in a non-profit for a noble cause or becoming a great lawyer and earning his spot a law firm, not getting his spot due to his color and then wasting it becoming a pop musician.

Loser.

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57 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:17 PM

I think ever poster here is required to use the slang phrases "holla," "phat,", or "yo," seeing as this is about some poseur chart climbing wanna be.

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58 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:18 PM

He'd probably respond to these criticisms with some typical cliche nonsense, like "stop playa hatin'! [sic], because, of couse, we're only jealous. Riiiiiiight.

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59 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:20 PM

Ugly, stupid, talentless. Like every other rapper.
NEXT!

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60 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:40 PM

Glorifying hip-hop and street culture is completely retarded. Yeah, we really want to encourage loser-punk aggressive because they're "cool". Its sort of like glorifyng the mafia.

If the world were fair, everyone who goes around trying to be "cool" and act like a gangster would get beaten up and mugged so they can see how "cool" it all is.

When these same gangsters are broke-ass losers (99.999% of the time), we can all agree that the "street" culture is retarded. But when those very few people manage to make some money glorifying being arrogant aggressive pricks, then suddenly everyone loves killing, stealing, and a general disregard for manners.

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61 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:46 PM

Why is this bad for the black legal community? Easy! There are enough under-educated black men in the world who can only see sports and entertainment as a way up in the world. A good-looking, articulate, well-educated man like Emeka could be doing a whole lot more for his community, by putting those legal and/or political skills to use. Instead, he gives it up in order to become "Mekka Don," to any casual observer the epitome of a modern-day minstrel. He opens himself up (deservedly so!) to mockery by those who would use him as an example of what is wrong with affirmative action, and deprives the black community of his legal talents. Lou Rawls is turning over in his grave today.

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62 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:51 PM

The rappin' lawyer. Why do I see him instead getting a court show soon?

One thing's fo' sho' Judge Joe Brown would kick his ass.

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63 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:51 PM


Mekka, aside from his UPL-equivalent financial crimes, is not a criminal and doesn't glorify violent crime. He's just a diplomat's kid and poser.


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64 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:53 PM

Hmm, why do I suspect he went to Jerry Springer U.? Northwestern's sure got some classy, intelligent graduates. lol.

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65 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:56 PM

this guy should get together with that guy who sent the video to UBS for recruiting. Their lies and insecurities would force them to have an ego battle-to-the-death---
-----THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE! MUHAHA!

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66 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:58 PM


Mekka, aside from his UPL-equivalent financial crimes, is not a criminal and doesn't glorify violent crime. He's just a diplomat's kid and poser.

But #61 has a good point.

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67 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:00 PM

http://www.onyejekwelaw.com/main.html

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68 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:06 PM

can't find confirmation that he actually passed the bar on the NY state bar website - either he didn't pass or i don't know what i'm doing (quite possible)

https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorney/AttorneySearch

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69 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:11 PM


Thanks for the website, 67.
This guy actually calls himself a "Senior Partner" in his firm with his sister, who is also a "Senior Partner." There are no other attorneys. I can see someone calling himself a partner when he owns half the practice, but what's up with calling yourself "senior" when you're not senior to anyone in the whole firm?


Poser, poser, poser. 56 hit it on the head.

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70 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:17 PM

#68, he passed the NY Bar in '06. I fail to understand why this is so troubling to most here. He passed up what most of us consider a dream opportunity to work at a NY BIGLAW. He's got the balls to do what he REALLY wants. Most of us don't. More power to him.

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71 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:21 PM

#68
Why would you insinuate that he didn't pass the bar? Since you were so quick to run a NY attorney search, you could at least checked the NY Bar exam website before making your post!

http://www.nybarexam.org/706_OR.htm

ONYEJEKWE, CHUKWUEMEKA NNAMDI= 1st time passer.

-I'm just sayin'

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72 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:36 PM


Hey, I'm just saying his dad's a Nigerian diplomat and now he's "hustling" oil deals. I assume these oil dealmakers seek him out because of the expertise he gained in brokering deals as a 1st year at Weil . . . no, wait, could it be something else?

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73 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:37 PM

He doesn't have balls. He just doesn't have brains. Or morality. Or integrity. Or self-esteem. Or common sense.

So he's missing much more than his balls.

p.s. that picture on his "firm"'s website is hilarious. He looks 12. I wouldn't let him take me across the street, let alone take my case.

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74 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:38 PM

Only douches like this would be proud to be a hustler.

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75 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:41 PM

lol. check out the picture on his site regarding "personal injury." This guy apparently believes that picking up a box and hurting your back=personal injury lawsuit. In other words, AMBULANCE CHASER!

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76 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:42 PM

Yes, #70, we would all like to be bad musicians/bad actors/wanna be celebrities. Unfortunately, we are just too smart to make fools of ourselves doing it.

NEXT!

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77 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:42 PM

Just one more example of Title IX's brilliance.

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78 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:43 PM

71 - probably because of the typo on his own website. He claims that he was admitted in 07 rather than 06.

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79 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:44 PM

whoops, 77, you meant affirmative action. Get it right.

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80 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:44 PM

you mean he's not a girl?

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81 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:45 PM

Not sure if he's a girl or not, but he's definitely a little bitch. lol.

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82 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:48 PM

78, way to dime yourself out for not being admitted in NY. After I take the NY bar (knock on wood) in July I will get a score in November. If that score is passing I will go get sworn in in January, 2009.

So he passed the '06 bar and got admitted in '07. It's complicated, I know, but some states are just tougher to get admitted in than others.

No go back to your divorce case.

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83 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:50 PM

#37, rappers don't hum. takes too much talent.

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84 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:52 PM

Some white guy goes on the Bachelorette and it's ok. This guy (who happens to be black) gets on this board for trying to start a career in entertianment and he is an AA hire.
Sad.

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85 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:54 PM

82, we all know you're mekka lekka hi mekka heinie ho (or whatever your silly little stage name is) in disguise, don't get your panties in a bunch. I know you think NY is just so great, but bear in mind, your sister (and co-"senior partner", lol) is only a dirty Jersey lawyer.

Go back to YOUR divorce cases.

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86 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:54 PM

I am not going to comment directly because if I say something positive I will be labeled an ego stroker and if I leave a negative comment i will be labeled a hater. The truth is that I see a lot of comments coming from uneducated angles. I will say this I've listened to Mekka Don's music and he's not a gangster rapper. He seems to be making a genuine effort to promote a positive lifestyle directly opposing traditional hip hop artists. Is that the best way for him to use his law degree maybe maybe not. However, if his music does become successful it will have an impact on those young kids being influenced by the blatantly tasteless and damaging music that's out there now.

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87 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:54 PM

yes, 84, it's ALL RACISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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88 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:56 PM

#84, way to make it a racial issue...being on an internationally syndicated tv show is not quite the same thing as having your bud video tape you busting rhymes and posting on youtube. Nice logic, I'm sure you did awesome on the lsat. YOU are racialist.

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89 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:57 PM

86:
"He seems to be making a genuine effort to promote a positive lifestyle directly opposing traditional hip hop artists. Is that the best way for him to use his law degree maybe maybe not. However, if his music does become successful it will have an impact on those young kids being influenced by the blatantly tasteless and damaging music that's out there now."
----Thank you, Mekka lekka Hi Mekka Henie Ho's groupie. His "music" will have no impact, much like none of these "artists" have any impact. he is just another cheap little pop star, trying to get some undeserved fame and accolades for making 3 minutes of forgettable and trite rap/rock/disco, just like millions of others have tried over the last 50 or so years.

Back to coding wit you!

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90 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:58 PM

don't bother arguing with #84, everything is racist, and if you argue, you are a racist. And if you point out that most blacks who get into law school are worse students than everyone else because of aa, you are a racist.

people like #84 won't be satisfied till whites are in slavery. Then all will be "fair."

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91 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:00 PM

who said going on the Batcherlorette was ok? Those guys are just selling themselves like cheap hookers. But this guy is promoting himself as some sort of world beating genius and businessman--going over the top way more than the batcherlorette's himbos. If you can't spot the difference, you're a complete moron.

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92 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:03 PM

this is why I listen to polka. they cut out this posers so only the REAL artists remain.

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93 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:03 PM

HEY MEKKA DON! QUIT POSTING ON HERE! WE KNOW IT'S YOU: #37, #53, .....

Shouldn't you be writing flow or something? By the way, that hat looks stupid on you. It's too big and you look like a midget. Wait.....maybe you are a midget.

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94 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:04 PM

emeka is a very intelligent, entrepreneurial guy who isn't afraid to take chances re: his career. how many of you racist, trust fund babies can say the same?

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95 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:05 PM

#90 needs a hug.

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96 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:05 PM

73 says "He doesn't have balls. He just doesn't have brains. Or morality. Or integrity. Or self-esteem. Or common sense."

Balls - he left NY biglaw ($200K+); Morality - he says he believes in God, do you have contrary evidence?; Integrity - where has he lied? show evidence; Self-esteem - what a laugh. he does this BECAUSE he has self esteem; common sense - why? b/c he doesn't choose your path? Ye, the torch-bearer of common sense?

Lots of hate in here. I would/could never do this, but that's cuz I don't care for rap. But you gotta respect the guy for following his dreams.

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97 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:07 PM

#88

Stop your silly talk. Being a contestant on the Bachelor, posing for Playboy, et al. are *also* silly ways to use your law degree but no one screams legacy. So let's not go there.

#78

I passed the bar, but it took over 6 months for me to be admitted. I know others who passed the bar exam but have taken a year to be admitted. So it is highly likely that it was not a typo (this is LSAT material).

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98 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:08 PM

a mixtape is a promotional album used to create buzz. If Mekka Don was selling "Law&Order" there would be a real legal issue but since he's not there isn't one. Its just like Miller being in a Budweiser commercial . I would be really scared to hire some of these people to be my lawyer.

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99 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:10 PM

otrageous- he took the seat of someone that WANTED to be a lawyer. This is why affirmative action admissions should stop.

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100 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:12 PM


I actually watched some of the youtube videos (yes, Mekka's "movie" is actually a collection of youtube videos).

I'll give 86 this: the guy's not violent, not a gangster at all. His raps are harmless.

But he still deserves his shots here on ATL because of the factors in posts 91, 61 and 69.


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101 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:12 PM

This way he'll probably stand before a judge a lot faster than if he had stayed a lawyer.

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102 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:15 PM

96:

1. As a first year associate, you don't make 200K. Considering he's been concentrating on being a rapper/actor/producer/whatever in his spare time, he didn't bill enough for the bonuses to cross 200K. Case closed. Considering he's black, he probably got $10,00000000 in scholarship cash. Thus little debt, so not too risky to jump ship. Big balls==EPIC FAIL.

2. Integrity: becoming a meaningless pop musician after stealing a spot in a law school class from someone who deserved it. Joining an industry rbuilt on being a dirt bag and bragging about your so-called greatness. Yeah, very stand-up guy. (sarcasm). Integrity=EPIC FAIL.

3. Self-esteem: basic psychology 101. People who are loud mouthed braggarts have low self esteem and exaggerate their claims of greatness and seek publicity-filled, empty careers to quell their inner insecurity. QED. He does this to assuage his tiny penis, not because he is self-assured. A self-assured man wouldn't feel the need to brag like a 12 year old making crap up. See: Donald Trump/Puff Daddy. Self-Esteem=EPIC FAIL.

4. Common sense: odds of making it in pop music/acting: 1 in 100,000,000. Odds of making a success after NYU law/big firm: 1 in 2. Common sense dictates you play the odds. He;s not. he's playing the lottery. Common sense=EPIC FAIL.

5. I love when people use the "hate" term, as if that answers all comers. that kind og thought terminating cliche is laughable, simply because it admits that the speaker has no logical argument for the millions of mounted up reasons why he or his heor is a massive, massive tool. Using the term hate=EPIC FAIL.

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103 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:21 PM

Anytime it comes out that somebody left the law for something they might actually "enjoy" douchebag law students and lawyers get nervous and fidgety because 90% of them are just in it for the money. That's when the haterade comes out.

And if y'all weren't jealous, and you really didn't care, then why are you taking such time to post? If you really didn't care, you would just be like, 'ok, not a good choice, moving on'. Pathetic posts like 102 show that most law-people are trapped in a profession they hate and it bothers them that some are following their passions.

And y'all whining that "somebody lost a spot at NYU" are just stupid. Soembody who wouldn't have gotten a job at a big firm just did. So shut up.

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104 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:21 PM

98: Please, it's called "trademark dilution." If a trademark is used on a non-related product, even if promotional, you can be sued, as you dilute the meaning of the original trademark. And let's not get into the copyright rules.

It's scary you think you know the law. Please be my opponent in all future cases. Thank you. Now, back to your internship, 2L.

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105 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:22 PM

#102 People who post long, anonymous diatribes on ATL should be fired immediately. Black or White.
Tool!

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106 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:23 PM

I'm sorry 105, for having disturbed your contract review.

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107 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:23 PM

#99

First, he didnt pass the bar exam then he find out he passed on the first time.

Now because he is black then he must be an AA admit and the next deserving student wasn't black. Methinks this poster doth assumes too much.

From your logic, I can see that you scored poorly on the LSAT and come from a TTT school. Please take yourself to autoadmit.

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108 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:24 PM


I think that if I started out as a teenager spending 2 hours/day flexing in the mirror, and then just never stopped, I'd be Mekka Don.

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109 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:25 PM

82 - I can't say that I really have the foggiest idea of what it means to dime one's self out, but apparently I did just that - - I am not admitted in NY, and I never intend to be.

Things work differently in IL: I took the exam in August, received my score in October, and was sworn in in November.

I also fail to see the connection between the delay in being sworn in and the relative difficulty of the NY bar exam. But you are real smart (and almost a real lawyer), so I must be missing something.

Good luck on the bar.

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110 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:27 PM

102:

1. "Considering he's black, he probably got $10,00000000 in scholarship cash." Racist and baseless-- your logic is wanting.

2. "Joining an industry built on being a dirt bag and bragging about your so-called greatness." Ignorant and over generalizing-- you're probably listening to Eminem non-Vault 100 firm right now.

3. Your rant about lack of self-esteem is also exhibited in your tremendously judgment post. Hypocritical and self-righteous.

4. Finally, sound logic. Nevertheless, it screams with envy behind one's decision to leave the sure bet job. Grow a pair.

5. Don't speak on logic-- if you think YOUR post was logical then I'm glad people like Emeka "took" spots from people like you at the prestigious law schools.

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111 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:27 PM

102:

1. "Considering he's black, he probably got $10,00000000 in scholarship cash." Racist and baseless-- your logic is wanting.

2. "Joining an industry built on being a dirt bag and bragging about your so-called greatness." Ignorant and over generalizing-- you're probably listening to Eminem non-Vault 100 firm right now.

3. Your rant about lack of self-esteem is also exhibited in your tremendously judgment post. Hypocritical and self-righteous.

4. Finally, sound logic. Nevertheless, it screams with envy behind one's decision to leave the sure bet job. Grow a pair.

5. Don't speak on logic-- if you think YOUR post was logical then I'm glad people like Emeka "took" spots from people like you at the prestigious law schools.

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112 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:28 PM

103: "That's when the haterade comes out."
--And in one sentence, 103 shows he thinks speaking like Stewart Scott is commendable. EPIC FAIL!

"And if y'all weren't jealous, and you really didn't care, then why are you taking such time to post?"
--Maybe because he's a loud mouth braggart tool who needs to be taken down a few pegs? Nah, it must be because we're JEEEAAALOUS! Thank you for analyzing us, Dr. Freud! EPIC FAIL!

"If you really didn't care, you would just be like, 'ok, not a good choice, moving on'. "
----Ah, yes, because you know the appropriate human responses to this situation where an arrogant jackass forces himself upon the public with the demand that we bow to his greatness. LOL! EPIC FAIL!

"Pathetic posts like 102 show that most law-people are trapped in a profession they hate and it bothers them that some are following their passions."-
--Or they show that if you post long enough, Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Heinie Ho will start to cry and start angrily jamming his moronic hands on the keyboard while rapping and acting to his heart's content! EPIC FAIL!

"And y'all whining that "somebody lost a spot at NYU" are just stupid. Soembody who wouldn't have gotten a job at a big firm just did."
---No, some other AA hire just go the job because the firm lost its quota. Thanks, aa, for putting more stupid people where they don't belong! EPIC FAIL!

"So shut up."
---Awwwwww, i think we hurt Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Heinie Ho's feelings, y'all

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113 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:29 PM

#99

First, he didn't pass the bar exam then *we* find out he passed on the first time.

Now because he is black then he must be an AA admit and the next deserving student wasn't black. Methinks this poster doth assumes too much.

From your logic, I can see that you scored poorly on the LSAT and come from a TTT school. Please take yourself to autoadmit.

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114 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:30 PM

NYU? Weil Gotshal? Wow. Avon Barksdale really got his act together.

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115 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:34 PM

111:

1. How many minority scholarships are out there v. how many scholarships for non-minorities? Please. I REST MY CASE.

2. Yes, because meaningless pop music is famous for being so deep and interesting and meaningful and not cheap and meaningless and exploitative. You're right, Tupac is going down with Beethoven. lol.

3. Dude, are you the kind of person that when guys actually brag about how many women they've been with or what they did with a girl, you BELIEVE THEM???lol.

4. That's right, envy. You ask me to show you how he fails in common sense, and I do. Therefore I am envious. Non Sequitor, much?

5. If you think I'd like to have the empty lifestyle of a pop musician or actor, you clearly still live in a world where you think Madonna means everything she says and that 50 Cent really did get shot 500 times and old drugs and was a gang banger. So, in other words, the depths of your delusion are so great it is not worht plumbing them to pull you up even an inch.

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116 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:34 PM

this post is scary. i attend nyu and have never encountered anyone i thought would posit such racist views. it's disheartening to know that at least some of my colleagues harbor such feelings.

at any rate, i applaud emeka for risking it all and following his dreams. for all of you hiding behind screeenames and "guest" tags, you could take a courage lesson or two from this guy.

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117 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:36 PM

115:

I'm thoroughly convinced that you're a MORON. lol!

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118 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:38 PM

113: No one could find his name. then someone did. Since he's obviously a braggart, it makes sense that his so-called "accomplishments" would be called into question. And the search was legitimate, someone corrected it. Get over yourselve, Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Heinie Ho.

And let's see. Blacks riot/protest if there is even a hint of AA going away, thereby admitting they can't hack the admission standards at the same level as everyone else. Ergo, the blacks in law school are suspect for not living up to the required standards of everyone else. So yes, it's safe to assume someone so insecure about their intellectual accomplishments was an AA hire.

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119 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:38 PM

117: right back at you

116: Head of the Diversity Committee. And Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Heinie Ho groupie. lol.

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120 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:40 PM

im a Mekka Don fan as a result of the ABA piece on him. I discovered his XXL feature as well(which I found out was the #1 hip hop publication) I found out his mixtape was available for free download and i downloaded it and was impressed

http://www.zshare.net/download/98451222968fb9/

I also found a lot of positive content and blog entries on his blog space

http://www.mekkadon.blogspot.com

Finally for those hating for no reason check his show

http://www.youtube.com/mekkadonmusic

http://www,myspace.com/mekkadonmusic


Yes I am a fan and I encourage all of you to att least give it a chance

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121 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:41 PM

116: "at any rate, i applaud emeka for risking it all and following his dreams."
--Translation: I am afraid to ever criticize black people ever.

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122 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:42 PM

120: smart people do not have a reason to follow the career of a pop tart.

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123 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:44 PM

Why did we need to know what the hell XXL was, #120? I know you're his manager, but try to be so obvious with the name dropping.

Ooh, you found positive content. You mean we and his cousin filled up the comment section, like you're doing here?

"Finally for those hating for no reason check his show"
--Ah, again with the made-up insult of hating. Sure to be said by someone who is a total tool and has no comeback for the logic of why he is a tool.

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124 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:44 PM

#64, how is this a Northwestern thing? Wow you really hurt Dean Van Zandt's feelings on that one.

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125 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:44 PM

Ugh, this board went from being a really funny way to bust on NYU/Weil/Mekka to being a serious thread where people are pissed about AA and stuff.


I think this board needs a professional negotiator to come in and settle things. And I have just the guy:


EMEKA ONYEJEKWE, Senior Partner
Emeka Onyejekwe is a founding Member of Onyejekwe and Associates, LLP. Upon graduation from law school, Emeka practiced as an associate at Weil, Gotshal,