University of Virginia School of Law

Non-Sequiturs

Non-Sequiturs: 02.18.16

* When Virginia Law Weekly and the Virginia Law Review played their annual football game in 1970, then-Professor Antonin Scalia served as the referee. At the end of one play -- that ended in a momentum-changing interception -- Scalia overturned the result with a critical "too many men on the field" call. If anyone knew the importance of a recount, it was Justice Scalia. [More Us (UVA Law Library)] * More fallout on the propriety of Justice Scalia's trip to Cibolo Creek Ranch as a guest of John Poindexter -- who had business before the Court last year. Was that ethical? Well, always remember that in the sober world of judicial ethics, the Sigma Nu kegger. [National Law Journal] * Speaking of Justice Scalia, with a political fight set to embroil the Court, perhaps Chief Justice Roberts should take a lesson from Chief Justice Hughes. [Maryland Appellate Blog] * Former Scalia clerks describe their experiences working for the late justice. First up, conservative Justice Joan L. Larsen of the Michigan Supreme Court. [New York Times] * And Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown partner Tara Kole on the unique challenges and rewards of serving as Scalia's "liberal clerk." [Washington Post] * Looking to the next Supreme Court appointment, these charts really drive home President Obama's commitment to opening the federal judiciary to lawyers, judges, and professors traditionally locked out of the "old boys' club." [Wonkblog / Washington Post] * Did a lawyer just commit suicide by police? Over a $16,000 debt? That's all? [Jane Genova]

By Joe Patrice
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 06.02.15

* McDermott Will & Emery poached six partners from K&L Gates as part of its Dallas office "re-launch." Their poor paralegals: Right now, the lawyers are working in temporary offices, and don't have access to land lines. [WSJ Law Blog] * Dean Paul Mahoney of UVA Law announced he'll be stepping down from his position on June 30, 2016, after eight years of dedicated service to the school. Law students, please lower your collars to a half-pop in light of this news. [UVA Today] * Dewey think these defendants are full of themselves? The former leaders of this failed firm had insane and enviable compensation packages, but that doesn't mean their multimillion-dollar guarantees weren't justified -- or even deserved. [Am Law Daily] * Experts speculate that the Justice Department's case against FIFA could strengthen its global power, but of course, that will hinge on whether Loretta Lynch can get RICO charges to stick for conduct that took place overseas. [DealBook / New York Times] * After months of going back and forth on their urge to merge, Hiscock & Barclay completed its combination with Damon Morey. The new 275-lawyer firm will be known as Barclay Damon, and could possibly become a member of the Am Law 200. [Syracuse.com] * Legal marijuana business need lawyers and bankers, but those willing to advise them are few and far between. If you want to join the green rush and learn how to help these people comply with the law, come to our marijuana law reception later this month. [Forbes]

By Staci Zaretsky
Basketball

Non-Sequiturs: 04.30.14

* Donald Sterling may be banned from the NBA, but the recording that placed him on the outside looking in was captured illegally per California law. [The Legal Blitz] * If the NBA owners agree — as expected — to force Sterling to sell the Clippers, it could cost his heirs over $100 million. Let’s feel sorry that megamillionaires might be slightly less megamillionaires. [Slate] * The inimitable Charles P. Pierce with more on the horrifically botched execution in Oklahoma last night. Overlooked in the horror was the constitutional crisis that preceded it — where the very authority of the state supreme court was called into question. [Esquire] * After getting his client acquitted of molesting a child while drunk, a lawyer managed to get arrested for DWI, hours after the verdict. Amazing. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] * The conservative argument for copyright reform. Seriously, at this point there’s no political philosophy in favor of lengthy copyright terms, so why can’t we change this? Oh, right. Media companies have tons and tons of money. [R Street] * UVA Law funds the first jobs of a bunch of its grads. David Lat weighs in. [C-Ville] * This story could just as easily be entitled “I’m a young Biglaw associate who lives in Williamsburg.” [McSweeneys]

By Joe Patrice
Non-Sequiturs

Non-Sequiturs: 04.15.14

* The annual Peeps In Law contest is open! Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 21. [ABA Journal] * A comprehensive look at the law school reputation rank component of the U.S. News rankings. Maybe Professor Illig can take heart that lawyers and judges still like Oregon better than U.S. News. [Tipping the Scales] * Airline tells passenger to, um, screw herself. There’s no lawsuit yet, but that’s inevitable. [New York Magazine] * Here are lawyers in wigs in cat selfies. The Internet is amazing. [Legal Cheek] * New Jersey has finally issued a memo calling for more training for its judges in response to the veritable Debtor’s Prison they’ve fostered. [Bergen Dispatch] * An engaged couple won the UVA Moot Court competition. Nothing says romance like researching for fake arguments. [UVA Law] * Remember the Jennifer Gaubert story? She was the lawyer and former radio host who accused a cab driver of sexual harassment… and then the authorities watched the cabbie’s video and decided she was totally lying. Well, now that video is available. Watch it below…. [YouTube]

By Joe Patrice