recent alumni success stories

15
Recent Alumni Successes [verbatim] READ FULL TESTIMONIALS: PGS 3-6 ASHLEY A. WEYENBERG, ESQ. JD 2010 Tax Senior, National Tax Department, Individual Global Tax Planning Group, Ernst & Young LLP - Washington, D.C. Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI Undergrad: Kalamazoo College >> KEESHA N. WARMSBY, ESQ., JD 2010 Associate, Bricker & Eckler, LLP - Columbus, OH Hometown: Atlanta, GA Undergrad: Kennesaw State University >> RICHARD I. HUTSON, ESQ., JD 2005 Weinstock, Friedman, & Friedman, P.A. - Baltimore, MD Hometown: Queens, NY Undgergrad: Cornell University >> J. COREY ASAY, ESQ., JD 2009 Associate Attorney Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP - Cincinnati, Ohio Hometown: Evansville, IN Undergrad: Wabash University >> “I cannot stress enough the importance of my experience at ONU Law School and how it has properly prepared me for the practice of law.” - Richard I. Hutson, Esq., JD 2005

Upload: chad-vondenhuevel

Post on 12-Mar-2016

220 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

DESCRIPTION

Recent Alumni Success Stories

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Recent Alumni Success Stories

Recent Alumni Successes[verbatim]

READ FULL TESTIMONIALS: PGS 3-6

ASHLEY A. WEYENBERG, ESQ. JD 2010 Tax Senior, National Tax Department, Individual Global Tax Planning Group,Ernst & Young LLP - Washington, D.C.Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI Undergrad: Kalamazoo College >>

KEESHA N. WARMSBY, ESQ., JD 2010Associate, Bricker & Eckler, LLP - Columbus, OHHometown: Atlanta, GAUndergrad: Kennesaw State University

>>

RICHARD I. HUTSON, ESQ., JD 2005Weinstock, Friedman, & Friedman, P.A. - Baltimore, MDHometown: Queens, NYUndgergrad: Cornell University

>>

J. COREY ASAY, ESQ., JD 2009Associate AttorneyDinsmore & Shohl, LLP -Cincinnati, OhioHometown: Evansville, INUndergrad: Wabash University >>

“I cannot stress enough the importance of my experience at ONU Law School and how it has properly prepared me for the practice of law.” - Richard I. Hutson, Esq., JD 2005

Page 2: Recent Alumni Success Stories

PG 2 Just the FactsPG 3 Alumni Testimonials, Richard Hutson, Esq.PG 4 Alumni Testimonials, Ashley Weyenberg, Esq.PG 5 Alumni Testimonials, Keesha Warmsby, Esq.PG 6 Alumni Testimonials, Corey Asay, Esq. PG 7 Law LibraryPG 8 Financial Aid & ScholarshipsPG 9 ConcentrationsPG 10 Clinical ProgramsPG 11 Life at ONU LawPG 12 Law Housing, On and Off CampusPG 13 AdmissionsPG 14 Visiting Campus

WWW.LAW.ONU.EDU

“I had a career for a few years before law school, but since coming to ONU, I have felt empowered in a way that I never really did before. I know now that success is in my grasp, and I attribute that in large part to the support and concern of the faculty and the administration at ONU.”

READ MORE at law.onu.edu/blog

DREW PUGSLEY, 2LJefferson, Ohio

[ Ver

batim

]

Table of Contents

Page 3: Recent Alumni Success Stories

PG 2

12:1student-to-faculty ratio, oneof the lowest of all U.S. lawschools

2/3RDSof ONU Law students comefrom outside the state ofOhio

48on-campus deluxe apartment-style housing accommodationsfor law students

2NDhighest in Ohio for Barrequired job placement forthe class of 2011*

39is the average number ofstudents in a first year course

1948was the year ONU Law was fully accredited by the American Bar Association

1885was the founding year of ONU Law. 127 years of preparing students for the legal profession

$25,500is the average scholarshipawarded to the 2012 incomingclass

5,129alumni residing and practicing in all 50 U.S. states and abroad

17%of the incoming class of 2012identified themselves asminority

1STschool in the country to offera bar prep course foracademic credit

>50%of ONU Law faculty hold a Ph.D. or LL.M. degree in addi-tion to their Juris Doctor

*Feb. 2012 statistics based on National Association for Law Placement (NALP) criteria

CLICK HEREhttp://law.onu.edu/admissions_tools/quick_facts

Just the Facts

Page 4: Recent Alumni Success Stories

RICHARD I. HUTSON, ESQ., JD 2005Weinstock, Friedman, & Friedman, P.A. - Baltimore, MDHometown: Queens, NYUndgergrad: Cornell University

elcome to ONU Law! The “small school” environment of ONU Law School, together with the personal atten- tion and the wealth of knowledge and experience of ONU law professors have allowed me to harness the skills that I use every day in my practice.

Prior to attending ONU Law, I graduated from Cornell University with my undergraduate degree and earned my master’s degree from Buffalo State College. I thought that my background had properly prepared me for law school. However, the rigorous courses and the knowledge of the professors, combined with the one-on-one attention that you receive at ONU, made law school one of the toughest challenges that I had ever faced in my quest to become an attorney. There was nowhere to hide. The professors challenged me with each question and with each case. With each passing day, I found myself engaging in some of the most mind blowing thought processes in order to ma-neuver my way through class. At the end of the day, thanks to my preparation at ONU, I have found that there is no case too complex, no theory too complicated, and no legal challenge too large to overcome. I always feel prepared.

Practicing law for 7 years in the Washington DC Metro Area I have had the opportunity to be involved in some of the most challenging types of cases, one of which was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. I have litigated cases against some of the best attorneys in the DC area. It takes years of practice to master the art of preparing a case for trial. You need a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the law to begin the mastery of this process. Often times, I find that even the attorneys who belong to the most prestigious Washington DC law firms have difficulty because they are not used to the rigors of trial preparation and lack some of the foundations that I gained at ONU. I use that to my advantage to gain the ‘extra edge’ that I need to do the best job on behalf of my client. The solid foundation that I gained after enduring the rigors of ONU Law is the reason why I am able to gain that edge in my everyday practice.

Further, the connections that I have formed with my professors are just as important to me as the knowledge that I have gained. In fact, I still keep in contact with my former law school professors, some of whom I speak to on a daily basis. There are times where I would like to get a second opinion of a particular issue or case of first impression, where I am able to call one of my former professors just to get their opinion. I do not know of any other school where that would be the case.

I cannot stress enough the importance of my experience at ONU Law School and how it has properly prepared me for the practice of law. I hope that you too have that experience and join me as an ONU Law School Alum. Good luck to you in your decision and in your future endeavors, wherever they may lead you.

Sincerely,

Richard I. Hutson, Esq.

W

Page 5: Recent Alumni Success Stories

invite you to consider the following question: “Do you just want to become a lawyer, or do you aspire to become a well-rounded practitioner who discovers legal passion, actually learns the art and practice of law, and enters the legal world capable of making a meaningful difference?” Any law school can give you a law degree and help you pass the bar. Ohio Nothern Law really invests in each student—personally, intellectually, and professionally. After graduating from ONU, you will possess the ability to concretely identify your goals, have access to the resourc-es to implement your plan, and move forward into the world with the ability to achieve your own personal success.

Looking back to 2007 and my first day as an ONU law student in the summer starter program, I can recall the nervous excitement kicking in my stomach. It was a beautiful, warm day in late May when I joined 23 other eager minds in Civil Procedure class with Professor Hill. What a welcomed challenge! I knew that day, that completing a law program of this caliber would forever change me, positively.

After completing my three years at the Pettit College of Law, my initial assumption was officially confirmed. I was no longer the same young woman from 2007. I was better. I was stronger. After passing the bar exam, successfully obtaining a Tax LL.M. and certificate in Estate Planning from Georgetown University Law Center and becoming a senior tax associate in the national tax department of Ernst & Young in Washington, D.C., I am certain that my experiences at ONU provided me with the core skills and legal problem solving capabilities required to be in the place I am today.

Many imperative differences exist between ONU and other law schools that facilitate learning, growth and suc-cess. The most important for me include the following: (1) the small size of the law community, which results in more personal attention from professors; (2) the breadth and depth of course offerings, while still providing many options to specialize; (3) the impressively accomplished law faculty personally teaching each and every class; (4)

I

ASHLEY A. WEYENBERG, ESQ. JD 2010 Tax Senior, National Tax Department, Individual Global Tax Planning Group,Ernst & Young LLP - Washington, D.C.Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI Undergrad: Kalamazoo College

the supplemental learning options, including Teaching Assistant sessions, availability of academic support staff, law review journal and moot court and (5) the welcoming and supportive spirit of faculty and staff towards alumni.

Although it is impossible to give you a full understanding of the ONU value, I hope you have a taste of the amazing opportunities that await you at ONU law. I look forward to welcoming you into the diverse network of alumni and hearing about your ONU journey!

All the best,

Ashley A. Weyenberg, LL.M., Esq.

Page 6: Recent Alumni Success Stories

t is my sincerest pleasure to welcome you to the Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law. By choosing to attend ONU you are selecting an institution that will equip you with the tools to succeed in today’s competitive legal market.

People are often shocked when they learn that I willingly left a city like Atlanta, Georgia to study law in Ada, Ohio; however, I could not imagine a more perfect environment to immerse myself in the study of law. Law school is difficult - you will find that is a constant at any school. While law school was not the easiest experience of my life, it was one of the most rewarding.

I was apprehensive about attending law school in a small town. That all changed when I called the admissions office and spoke with the Director of Admissions. During our conversation something inside me clicked - this school was unlike any other law school. Not only was the Director of Admissions warm and welcoming, but she also took the time to learn about my background and offer suggestions for programs offered by the law school that would benefit me. In other words, I learned that ONU was inter-ested in offering an education that met the needs and developed the skills of each individual student.

Upon visiting Ada, I was impressed by the law school. Nestled in the middle of Lima, Ohio and Kenton, Ohio, Ada is a quaint and charming college town that provides a perfect studying environment. During my visit, I met with students, faculty, and admin-istrators who I found to be both genuine and honest. Through our candid conversations, I learned that although law school was tough and demanding, if I selected ONU I would be prepared for a profession, which is, in its very nature, tough and demanding.

In school, I enjoyed wonderful experiences: from serving as President of the Black Law Student Association, to a member of the Jessup International Moot Court Team, to Chief Justice of the Moot Court Program. Prior to law school, I was unsure of how I wanted to apply my law degree so I used my time in school to try many different experiences. I gained invaluable experience clerking for a judge through a judicial externship, two private law firms, and the Ohio Secretary of State. In every instance, ONU was instrumental in secur-ing my position. Whether it was through the school’s judicial externship program, a résumé collection from career services, or networking with a professor; I have ONU to thank for working so hard on my behalf.

I

KEESHA N. WARMSBY, ESQ., JD 2010Associate, Bricker & Eckler, LLP - Columbus, OHHometown: Atlanta, GAUndergrad: Kennesaw State University

In addition to the distinguished faculty, ONU boasts an incredible network of alumni that are always willing to lend a hand. I have had the honor and privilege of meeting many different alumni and I’m always impressed at the way in which ONU alumni are willing to go out of their way to meet with current students to answer questions, give advice or make a connection.

By attending ONU you will be joining an esteemed group of Alumni. It is my hope that you will find your ONU experience to be as enriching as I did.

Sincerely,

Keesha N. Warmsby, Esq.READ MORE TESTIMONIALS

http://law.onu.edu/admissions/prospective_students/recent_alumni_stories

Page 7: Recent Alumni Success Stories

oday’s economy has made the decision to go to law school an important one, to be undertaken only after personal contemplation about your current situation. And even after deciding to go to law school and being accepted (which is, in itself, a great accom-plishment for which you should be proud), there is still a long road ahead if you want to become a lawyer.

As a practical matter, one of the most important things I have learned since graduation is that my experience at ONU did not exist in a bubble. Not only did it really change the way I think about the world and the way I approach problems, but I gained knowledge and skills I use every day in practice. For example, your first year research and writing class will be one of the most important classes you take in your three years of law school because, as a lawyer, you spend so much time writing. You write letters, briefs, motions, and e-mails on a daily basis, and being an effective writer is something that is vitally important to being a successful attorney.

Even though it may be difficult, your time at ONU will allow you access to a group of people that genuinely want you to succeed. Those are the professors who you will interact with every day. They are, without a doubt, ONU’s most valuable resource. Nothing is as irreplace-able or more likely to have a lasting effect on you than the professors who will be teaching you every day. They love their jobs as teachers and you will leave ONU having learned important lessons useful in your practice of law.

I will warn you that these professors will all have high expectations for you. Trust me, you will never forget the day either you or a class-mate come unprepared for a class with certain not-to-be-named-here professors (I will let you figure that out on your own). That is a mistake you will only make once. But the great thing about these professors is that their doors are always open to discuss issues you are struggling to understand. And because ONU professors make themselves so accessible, you will naturally develop friendships with them, many that will last long after graduation.

On the other hand, if you need to step out of the classroom and want to get some real-world practical experience, ONU can set you up with the prosecutor’s or public defender’s office, the civil clinic in Lima, Ohio, a judicial externship, or just about any other practical experience you can think of. In a clinical program you will get to see first-hand what it is like to be a lawyer, and for many of you, it will be your first time getting practical experience. These practical experiences are where all the lessons you learned in the classroom come together and you see how the law is intertwined, and not simply a number of discrete topics.

T

J. COREY ASAY, ESQ., JD 2009Associate AttorneyDinsmore & Shohl, LLP -Cincinnati, OhioHometown: Evansville, INUndergrad: Wabash University

In my opinion, this is one of the best experiences you can take advantage of at ONU and one that may set you apart from your counterparts at other schools. In my case, my judicial externship with U.S. District Judge Gregory L. Frost made me realize I wanted to clerk for a judge after graduation. I was then fortunate to have the opportunity to clerk for two judges after graduation, thanks to my preparation from ONU. In turn, the skills I learned working for judges help me every day in private practice as a labor and employment attorney.

I hope my short reflection on my law school experience gives you a better idea about what it is like to be a law student and everything ONU has to offer. Thank you for considering ONU and I hope to have you join our extensive group of alumni.

Warm Regards,

J. Corey Asay, Esq

Page 8: Recent Alumni Success Stories

Taggart Law Library, South Wing

Page 9: Recent Alumni Success Stories

Financial AidONU Law continues to provide a premier legal education at a marginal cost. We remain the lowest private law school tuition of Ohio’s nine law colleges. As a private institution, all students pay the same tu-ition rates despite permanent state of residence. To offset the cost of tuition, ONU Law offers competitive scholarships and grants to quali-fied candidates. For the last two years, ONU Law has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships and grants to students in all three class years.

COST OF LIVINGThe cost of living may factor into your overall decision on where to attend law school. The cost of living in Ada, Ohio is well below both the state and national averages. The average cost for law students renting a two-bedroom apartment in Ada is near $550.00/month.

Scholarships & GrantsSCHOLARSHIPSONU Law awards merit-based scholarships to highly qualified stu-dents each year. These awards recognize exceptional students who possess outstanding academic credentials, diverse backgrounds, and leadership abilities that indicate the applicant’s potential to ex-cel in all aspects of the law school experience. To be considered for an ONU Law scholarship, you must submit the application for admission and all documents required within.

FINANCIAL NEED GRANTSONU Law awards a limited number of need-based grants to studentswhose Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) indicates sig-nificant need for assistance. Applicants must submit a FAFSA at the earliest possible date after Jan. 1, 2013.

CONTINUING SCHOLARSHIPSStudents who exceed their predictors their first year and do exception-ally well have the opportunity for an increase in their award offer for their second and third years. Students entering without an award of-fer their first year who do exceptionally well also have the opportunity to receive scholarships for their second and third years.

TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPSONU Law reserves funding to be awarded to students wanting to transfer to ONU Law after their first year of law school. Awards are based on a full review of the students’ application and academic his-tory.

TUITION AND OTHER EXPENSES 2012-13Ohio resident and non-resident tuition: $33,684Estimated expense for textbooks: $2,500

PG 3

Page 10: Recent Alumni Success Stories

Bankruptcy and Commerical LawCivil LitigationCorporate LawCriminal LawInternational LawPublic Law and PolicyReal Property LawSmall Firm General PracticeTaxation

Bankruptcy ClinicCriminal Law ClinicCorporate Transactions ClinicEnvironmental Law ClinicGovernmental Law ClinicJudicial ExternshipsMunicipal Government ClinicNon-Profit Litigation ClinicONU Public Interest Legal ClinicProsecution ClinicPublic Defender Clinic

Our clinical placement programs pair you with a practitioner, judge, pros-ecutor, or public defender to mentor you throughout your entire experience. You will be challenged to participate in cli-ent meetings, trials, settlements, and pleadings.

WWW.LAW.ONU.EDU >> ADMISSIONS

THROUGH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, WE TEACH OUR STUDENTS NOT ONLY TO THINK LIKE LAWYERS, BUT ALSO TO ACT AND REACT LIKE THEM.

9 Concentrations 11 Clinical Placements

OUR MISSION:PRACTICE-READY LAWYERS

PG 5

http://law.onu.edu/academics/clinical-programsCLICK HERE

Page 11: Recent Alumni Success Stories

PG 6

BANKRUPTCY CLINIC: Students in the Bankruptcy Clinic will be assigned to either a bankruptcy practitioner or a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Trustee. They will engage in drafting petitions and pleadings, researching, and making court appearances in Federal Bankruptcy Court.

CRIMINAL LAW CLINIC: Students will be assigned to either a local municipal prosecutor or public defender and will represent either the state of Ohio or qualified defendants in criminal misdemeanors. This clinic in-volves court appearances under the supervision of a licensed practicing prosecutor or public defender. Stu-dents also may work for the Federal Public Defender’s Office or a U.S. Attorney.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLINIC: Students will be assigned to a nonprofit environmental organization. They will engage in research, drafting of pleadings, and other legal and lobbying activities undertaken by the organization un-der the supervision of a licensed practicing attorney.

GOVERNMENTAL CLINIC: Students may work for a variety of governmental agencies and will engage in research and other legal drafting as required by the organization in question. The student will be under the supervision of a practicing governmental attorney.

JUDICIAL EXTERNSHIPS:Students will be assigned to either a state or federal judge and will engage in research and legal drafting as well as observation of court proceedings in the court in question.

CORPORATE TRANSACTIONAL CLINIC: The Transactional Clinic is an in-house clinic staffed by a faculty member. Students will engage in the representation of churches and other nonprofit organizations in matters such as incorpora-tions, mergers and consolidations, tax-exempt filings with the IRS, real estate matters, and other risk management issues.

ONU LEGAL CLINIC: The ONU Legal Clinic is an in-house clinic staffed by a fac-ulty member. Students will represent lower income clients in a variety of civil matters, including divorce, child custody, social security and disability benefits applications, wills, and consumer fraud issues.

LITIGATION CLINIC: The representation of clients in civil litigation matters such as family law, landlord/tenant and other general civil litigation matters at a local legal aid organization under the supervision of practicing attorneys af-filiated with the legal aid organization. Prerequisites: Successful completion of 58 hours of law college credit and an intern certificate from the Supreme Court of Ohio. Prerequisite or co-requisite: LAW 1248 (Civil Practice: an Introduction).

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT CLINIC: Students work with Municipal Government Solicitors or City Law Directors on civil litigation and criminal litigation issues arising within the context of a municipal government. Prerequisite or co-requi-site: LAW 1400 (Municipal Corporations).

NON-PROFIT LITIGATION CLINIC: Under the supervision of practicing attorneys or administrators, students will provide assistance to non-profit agencies on legal issues confronting them. Prerequisites: Successful completion of 58 hours of law college credit and an intern certificate from the Supreme Court of Ohio. Prerequisite or co-requisite: LAW 1248 (Civil Practice: an Introduction).

PUBLIC DEFENDER CLINIC: Placement in a public defender office involves the representation of criminal defendants under the supervision of a licensed prac-ticing attorney. Prerequisite LAW 1296 (Criminal Practice: An Introduction) or LAW 1297 (Criminal Practice: Advanced).

Clinical Descriptions

Page 12: Recent Alumni Success Stories

Ada, Ohio provides a quaint, small-town atmosphere that complements the friendly environment found on campus. Ada offers few distractions – perfect for the rigorous study of law. When law students take a break from the rigors of their legal studies, the village offers affordable entertainment. The Ada Theatre shows first-run movies in a classic setting with $4 admission. Students satisfy their hunger at a variety of local restaurants offering menu options from Chinese to Mexican and several local pizza joints. The Inn at Ohio Northern University offers deluxe accommodations for visiting family and friends, dining options, and a pub. For a change of atmosphere, students can travel to nearby cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Ft. Wayne, Louisville, and Toledo.

Life at ONU Law

PG 9

Page 13: Recent Alumni Success Stories

RECOGNIZED FOR OUR OUTSTANDING 48 DELUXE ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT-STYLE HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS IN 2012 BY THE NATIONAL JURIST

ON-CAMPUS HOUSINGOhio Northern University and the Village of Ada offer many housing options for Law students. More than 48 deluxe on-campus apartments are available for law and graduate stu-dents looking for the convenience of campus living.

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSINGThe Village of Ada provides inexpensive off-campus housing and a cost of living well below the national average. Monthly rental fees can range from $350-$600 depending on your preferences. Most rental locations are within walking dis-tance to the College of Law, restaurants, and other shops along Main Street in Ada.

Housing, On & Off-Campus

For photos and floor plans of on-campus housing or information about off-campus living, go to law.onu.edu >> Admissions >> Housing.

LEARN MORE

PG 10

VIEW A VIDEO OF OUR ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AT:http://www.youtube.com/user/TheONUCollegeofLaw

Page 14: Recent Alumni Success Stories

ADMISSIONSNO APPLICATION FEEDeadline: Aug. 15, 2013

TIMELINE:Dec. 1, 2012:Jan. 1, 2013:

Feb. 1, 2013:

June 11, 2013: Aug. 15, 2013:

Admittance decisions sent on rolling basisFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)available – Please completeInvitations to interview for the SummerStarter Program sent on rolling basisJune LSAT administration – we accept June scoresDeadline to apply

PG 11

Page 15: Recent Alumni Success Stories

SCHEDULE A VISITAND SEE WHY YOUR PEERS CHOOSE ONU LAW• Speak with an Admissions Counselor• Tour the law college• Attend a first year class• Lunch or coffee with current students*• Meet with Financial Aid*• Meet with Career Services* *Based upon availability

TAKE A VIRTUALTOUR OF ONU LAW

To schedule a visit, go to www.law.onu.edu >> Admissionsand submit the online form. Call toll free: 1-877-452-9668E-mail: [email protected]

PG 12WWW.LAW.ONU.EDU

CLICK HERE:http://experience.onu.edu/law/