Why Law School? Why Ole Miss? Student Leaders Speak
by Deborah Purnell
Jeremy
Retherford makes an excellent argument for attending law school at The
University of Mississippi: A high-quality education plus the chance to
review and critique recent court decisions attract students to the Law
School, says the editor-in -chief of the Mississippi Law Journal.
Arnold Lee, chair of the Moot Court Board, nods in agreement, but adds
that top-notch professors and real courtroom experience add to the attraction.
"Compelling arguments," says Sherlock Grigsby, president of
the 2002-03 Law School Student Body. Grigsby counters that the "crux
of what makes our law school one of the best in the nation" is the
combination of educational opportunities and the Law School's history
of turning out graduates well-prepared to practice law in the real world.
The three student leaders smile in agreement and nod as if their verbal
collaboration has just won them a courtroom victory.
The real winner, says Dean Samuel M. Davis, is The University of Mississippi
School of Law.
"These three outstanding student leaders have made unique and significant
contributions to the Law School. They're among the cream-of-the-crop scholars
who help us maintain a high-quality student body. I look forward to following
them in their future careers."
Coming from different backgrounds, the three young men talk candidly about
what brought them to this juncture in their lives. "I have always
wanted to be a lawyer," says Retherford. "I'm not idealistic
nor do I believe I can tackle the world, but I am a service-oriented individual
who thinks he can make a difference in the legal profession."
With a Bachelor of Business Management degree from the University of North
Alabama in Florence, the Russellville, Ala., native plans to focus on
corporate law. He says the Law School is preparing him well.
"This university offers ample opportunities for students interested
in leadership roles and real-world challenges. Law school is tough, but
at Ole Miss I've made lifelong friends and ... met some of my future colleagues."
As editor of the Journal, Retherford works closely with an executive board
of students responsible for researching, writing, editing, and summarizing
recent court cases, as well as accepting or rejecting scholarly works
by some of the nation's top lawyers, judges, and professors. Established
in 1928, the 300- to 400-page, student-run publication is produced three
times a year and distributed nationwide.
"Because the Journal must be error-free, we spend hours reviewing
material and ruling out articles that do not meet high standards,"
says Retherford. "I must say I really appreciate the caliber of expertise
offered by my classmates. They are tough, hardworking professionals. I
would hate to be at the opposite table against any of them in court."
Excellence is also a hallmark of the student-run Moot Court Board, chaired
by Lee of Mound Bayou, who earned bachelor's and master's degrees from
Delta State University and logged a few years as a public school teacher.
"The moot courts are close to a real courtroom, and as far as we're
concerned this is the real world," Lee says. "We expect our
student lawyers to be prepared in mock trial to address some of the most
important law issues facing Mississippi and the nation."
The board is charged with ensuring that each student fulfills the Law
School's 1-hour courtroom trial requirement. And with practicing attorneys
from across the state serving as competition judges, Lee says the experience
is extremely valuable to future litigators.
"Some of Mississippi's best attorneys volunteer to judge the board's
competitions-appellate and trial arguments. This equates to good advice
and sound criticism from people who are out in the real world making a
difference."
In addition to the competitions, the board also has an editorial division
that reviews all briefs and oral arguments, grading policies, and procedures.
Elected chair by the overall Moot Court Board membership, Lee says that
while the position is sometimes challenging, the goal of providing top-notch
litigation experience for every student is worth it.
"I'm not expecting a pat on the back," Lee says. "But I
do want it to be said that the 2002-03 Moot Court Board performed its
assigned duties well. A job well done is thanks itself." As the first
African-American Moot Court Board chair, Lee says his "being first
should not deter or distract from my ability to do the best job possible."
"I truly believe division-political and social-is one of the most
crippling issues in the United States today," Lee says. "We
need to get away from titles, stereotypes, and labels. ... I think we
need to be less divisive and recognize that a person of any race or political
or religious background can do a job well. It really is that simple."
Grigsby, the first African-American president of the Law School Student
Body, agrees, saying he's certain that he was elected by the entire Law
School student body because of his dedication to the association and determination
to do a good job. The Enterprise native and Yale University political
science graduate says success should be marked by "one's true abilities
and talents-not by one's race."
"I would like for it to be said that I was one of the best student
body presidents not just the first black Law School Student Body president."
Grigsby served as LSSB Speakers Bureau chair in his first year of law
school, then was elected to the top post at the beginning of his second
year. The student-run governing body is responsible for organizing a variety
of social activities, including the annual Barrister's Ball; managing
the Barrister's Bookstore, a not-for-profit operation that provides law
books at affordable prices; and promoting a host of philanthropic activities.
This year the organization worked closely with the Law School's Public
Interest Law Clinic to promote a commitment among students to pro bono
work in their professional careers. They provided forums and special programs
stressing that "law is not about status but about fairness, and should
be available to everyone regardless of race, sex, religion, or lifestyle,"
says Grigsby, adding that he plans a career specializing in child policy
issues.
Why did Grigsby decide to enter the legal profession, and why did he return
to his home state to attend law school? It's one of the "most noble
professions in the world," he says. "What other organization
upholds the integrity of America, is committed to fairness, and is as
diversified as law?
"And Ole Miss is a great public university. Here I've experienced
the practical and instructional side of law. Attending this law school
has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."
Deborah Purnell is a communications specialist in the UM Office of
Media and Public Relations.