Good Luck With Finals!

The Clash of the Economic Titans

On 11/10 beginning at noon in room 102 the Gordon & Silver Lecture Series presents the Honorable Ronald Cass, Dr. R. Keith Schwer, and our very own Professor Rapoport. The crux of the discussion will deal with the current economic crisis. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Chilis.

You're Hired!

Attention 2L's & 3L part-timers. The Trump Organization seeks a highly qualified law student for either a full time or part time internship position. The candidate will work out of the company’s offices in Las Vegas and will report directly to the Assistant General Counsel in New York. Daily assignments will include legal research and writing, administration and organization of matters and interfacing with both in house and outside legal counsel. Ability to work independently and interest in real estate development are a must. Visit simplicity for more info.

Deja Enron All Over Again

Read Professor Rapoport's insightful op-eds piece in the Jurist here.

RIP Lefty

Gaming legend, book-maker, and all around ego-maniac; Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal has died. Mr. Rosenthal passed away in his home in Florida last Monday on account of natural causes. He will leave a quasi-legacy, State v. Rosenthal (1977) is a landmark case in gaming law. However most will remember "Lefty" or "Ace" (as he liked to be referred as) from the movie Casino where Robert DeNiro played a trumped up version of him. I was in contact with Frank through his website www.frank777.com and was in the process of writing a paper for my gaming law class that involved his fight with the Nevada Gaming Commission. Anyone have any suggestions for a new topic? Read all about Lefty in the RJ.

Greed

With most topics of conversation revolving around budget cuts, bailouts, and foreclosures, many are asking if anything will save us. A few thoughts about greed from economist Milton Friedman and from the Movie Wall Street, my favorite 80's greed monger Gordon Gekko.

Swinging Is Not Just For Kids

The Gordon Silver Lecture Series event featuring Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid was a great success. A few of you have asked what I was referring to when I mentioned that my favorite episode of Clark County Television features Commissioner Reid denying a business license for a swingers club called Sextasy. Read all about it here.

Some thoughts on the fall recruiting season

(Posted by Nancy Rapoport)

For those of you who are 2Ls (or 3Ls, or 4Ls), the fall recruiting season has its highs and lows (as I vaguely remember from my own experiences, mostly lows), and I just wanted to pass along a few thoughts:

1. Most people, at most law schools, don't get their first jobs through OCI. OCI interviews screen for a very small group of people: those in a certain percentage of the class who are good at taking law school exams. Even for this small group of people, getting an interview doesn't meet getting the job--or even being successful at the job if hired. If you're not getting interviews through OCI, don't overstress. Regroup. Think of other ways to make connections with lawyers. Look for Boyd alumni who participated in the same activities that you did. Network like mad. (RELS is a great way to network.)

2. Don't link your self-esteem to your interviewing success (or lack thereof). Law school wreaks havoc on self-esteem anyway, so don't add to the problem by basing your sense of self-worth on whether you get many interviews with big firms. (The secret to success isn't getting the job that's right for someone else. The secret to success is finding the job that's right for you.) And, for many people, large law firm life isn't for them. Large law firms interview during fall OCI. Therefore, the secret for your success may well lie outside OCI.

3. Don't assume that, if you do get lots of interviews during OCI, you're somehow "better than" your peers. I still remember those people who were obnoxious during the Fall 1983 interview season. I didn't like them then, and I wouldn't go out of my way for them now. Considering how many of us have ended in good careers, with lots of opportunities for referrals to colleagues, the way that a person behaved in law school can have decades worth of career ramifications.

4. The factors that have the most effect on workplace success include the ability to communicate well, the ability to analyze well, hard work, the ability to integrate disparate ideas into a coherent plan, and the ability to use emotional intelligence to work well with a variety of people. What doesn't matter as much? Class rank; where one attended college or law school; or how many interviews one chalked up.

In short: treat your colleagues with the same care with which you'd want them to treat you. Years later, they'll still remember whether you were helpful, kind, and fair. Law school is stressful enough without adding destructive behavior to it.

The Gordon Silver Lecture Series Presents: Rory Reid

Do not miss close friend of the RELS, Rory Reid, addressing the Law School on Tuesday, September 30. Socializing will begin around 12:00 and Rory will begin his address a little after 12:30, 1L's will have plenty of time to make it after their 12:25 class. RELS members who attend the event are welcome to a free meal at Chipotle following Rory's remarks.
Rory was raised in Las Vegas and received his Juris Doctorate in 1988 from BYU. At 30 he became the senior vice president and general counsel of the Lady Luck Casino. After his tenure as corporate counsel, he became a shareholder at Lionel Sawyer & Collins. He served as the chairperson for the Nevada Democratic Committee and is currently serving as Clark County Commission Chairperson. Las Vegas Life magazine recently named Rory “Best Upcoming Politician in Southern Nevada.” A poll of 601 voters was recently conducted to determine who would likely be the next Governor. Rory was the clear favorite, beating likely candidates Jim Gibbons and Barbara Buckley by a fair margin. Currently the only contender that would give Rory a run for his money is the current Mayor of Las Vegas and RELS member Oscar Goodman. RELS members may recall that the first time Oscar publicly declared his desire for a possible 2010 gubernatorial run was to the RELS last spring. Do not miss this event.

On 9/30 all RELS members who attend the Gordon Silver Lecture Series featuring Rory Reid will eat at Chipotle for free. Be sure to get your name on the list and after the event visit Chipotle for a free meal. Offer is only valid on 9/30 at the Chipotle location across the street from the school. If you still need to pay your RELS dues ($10 for students, $20 for all others) do not despair, you can do it on Tuesday.

UNLV v. UNR

We hope you can all make it out to the UNLV v. UNR game this Saturday. The tailgate party is sponsored by PAD & SELA and will begin at 3:00. Students get one free ticket and a second on for $12. Food & drink is free if you are a PAD member and only $5 if you are not. The game kicks off at 7:00. Don't forget to wear your rebel red. See you when you get there. www.UNLVTickets.com

Obama Visits Sin City

Barack Obama visited our fair city last week and many students were able to attend. Follow the link to see Nathan Ring bash Soccer Moms, Communication majors, and Senior Citizens. The Wise Words of Nate Ring.

Mi Ruca's

The Hispanic National Bar Association, a 38,000-member nonprofit group, just named La Voz student organization of the year. The RELS congratulate La Voz for their tireless work and dedication. Hasta la Victoria! www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/19/hispanic-law-students-help-others/"

The Night Students Have Not Been Forgotten

By popular demand, the RELS will have a membership drive for the night students on 9/23 from 6-6:15 in room 102. This is right before Professor Rapoport's contracts class and in the same room. We hope all interested night students will be there.

A Night At The Opera

Contracts made easy, compliments of the Marx Brothers.

Don't miss Gordon & Silver on Wednesday, September 17th from 12-1. Gerald M. Gordon and Jeffrey A. Silver, Founding Partners of Gordon & Silver will speak about their unique career paths which led to the establishment of one of Nevada's oldest and largest law firms. Helping to shape the legal landscape in Nevada for more than 40 years, the law office of Gordon Silver has been trusted by civic leaders, major financial institutions, hotel/casinos, and business enterprises to provide expert legal counsel, help overcome challenges and realize their goals. As one of Nevada’s oldest and largest law firms, Gordon Silver has continued to develop and grow much like the state itself. The firm’s roots run deep and its reputation is well known. Today, Gordon Silver is an accomplished and impressive full-service law firm that takes great pride in its ability to attract and retain top attorneys. Gordon Silver holds Martindale-Hubbell’s highest “A-V” rating for ethical standards and legal ability – a significant accomplishment demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence. Gordon Silver attorneys are consistently recognized for their expertise and ability with a string of accolades that includes ongoing listings among Mountain State Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA.

Join Our Gang

The wait is over, the 08-09 season of the RELS will officially commence on 9/11 at 12:10 in room 110. Our membership drive meeting will offically kick off what will be the most ambitious RELS year ever. Yes, food will be served. No, it will not be provided by Sodexho. Door prizes will be given away, fortunes will be won and lost, secrets of the universe will unravel before your eyes, Heaven and Earth will collide, but would you expect anything less from the RELS?

The RELS Meet With Kim Sinatra

A small group of RELS met with General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Wynn Resorts, Kim Sinatra. Ms. Sinatra had previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (formerly Park Place Entertainment, Inc.). She has also served as General Counsel for The Griffin Group, Inc., Merv Griffin's investment management company, and as a partner in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Ms. Sinatra started her career as a real estate attorney and gave excellent advice regarding career paths. She also shared some interesting experiences that she has had as an attorney including doing deals with Donald Trump and helping her clients purchase and sell companies such as Gucci. Ms. Sinatra was extremely generous with her time and the RELS are fourtunate to have her as their newest friend. Look for a closer relationship between the RELS and Wynn Resorts in the near future.

Welcome to the OC (i)

Whats up with the cheap suits everywhere? It must be OCI, that wonderful time of the year when law students explain to potential employers what their greatest weakness is. Good luck to all of you who are participating. The correct answer is, either I work too hard, or I care too much. The wrong answer is, chocolate, Gucci, or The Back Street Boys.

Forgive Us Our Press Passes

On 9/11 at 7 pm, the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution welcomes living legend Daniel Schorr to Ham Hall on the campus of UNLV. Mr. Schorr has covered nearly every major news event since World War II. In 1957 he scored an exclusive interview with Nikita Khrushchev. During the Watergate hearings, Daniel Schorr's name appeared on the infamous Nixon's enemies list. Schorr provoked intense controversy in 1976 when he received and made public the contents of the secret Pike Committee report on illegal CIA and FBI activities. Called to testify before Congress, he refused to identify his source on First Amendment grounds, risking imprisonment. In 1979 Schorr was one of the first journalists to be hired by Ted Turner for a little known news network called CNN. Who better to offer perspective on the attacks of 9/11 than Daniel Schorr. The Saltman Center has asked the RELS help with some of the logistics for the event. We would be most grateful for any member who could help out.

Meet Your Peer Partner

We hope all of the RELS can make it to Sunset Park this Friday from 6:30-9:00 to welcome the incoming class of 2011. The RELS plan to break the cycle of disdain that many of us encountered by many of the upper class during our first year. As we all know the first year is extremely stressful; lets help make this transition easier for the new students by making them feel welcome. We are also planning a pool party for Saturday afternoon. The traitor from Nashville, Mark Bell will be there to give his final farewell. Everyone is invited, you may bring your family, friends, partner, dog and your grandma if you wish. Location and time will follow shortly.

Mark Bell is Vandy Bound

Friend, colleague, RELS co-founder and first president, Mark Bell, has decided to transfer to Vanderbilt. During his time at Boyd, Mark excelled academically winning multiple CALI awards and finishing his first year in the top 5% of the class. Mark has the respect of all who know him. Boyd is truely losing one of its most promising students. We wish Mark, Jenna, Jocelyn and Jaren all of the best. Holla and Godspeed my friend.

Special Invitation To RELS Members

Senator Harry Reid has invited a small group of RELS to attend the National Clean Energy Summit, Aug 18-19, here at UNLV. Special Remarks by: President William Jefferson Clinton; Governor Jon Huntsman of Utah; Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Senator Harry Reid; John Podesta; Dr. David Ashley; Robert Rubin; T. Boone Pickens
The "National Clean Energy Summit" occurs at a pivotal time when the economy and the environment strongly signal that current energy policies are not sustainable. This summit will develop a new energy policy agenda that accelerates the development of renewable energy, energy-efficiency technologies, and robust clean energy markets in Nevada, the nation, and the world. The cost is $25 for RELS members ($150 if not a member of the RELS) if you would like to attend or would like more info contact steve.parke@students.law.unlv.edu

Vanderbilt, the Harvard of the South?

Nashville may quite possibly be the worst city in the U.S. Contributions to humanity include Hanna Montana, Hee Haw, and those insulated cup holders used to keep your Pabst cold while watching NASCAR. I hope this post does not miss its Mark. Vanderbilt does have a nice Bell tower but that is the only good thing I have to say about it. Anyone would be crazy to visit there, let alone live there. Without a doubt Vanderbilt is the most overrated law school accredited by the ABA and anyone who would transfer there from Boyd must be insane.

Dr. Garet Gordon

RELS member and all around great guy Dr. Garet Gordon has decided to return to New York to work in his field of echocardiography. Dr. Gordon buys into the philosophy that retirement is for quitters. He sends his best to all of his friends and colleagues here at Boyd. Dr. Gordon hopes to return for the spring semester and wishes everyone good luck in the fall. We will truely miss Dr. Gordon's long winded stories and in class arguments with Brian. We love you Dr. Gordon and hope you will not be a stranger. Keep in mind that if you do not return in the spring, we will consider you the first RELS alum and hit you up every month for a donation.

Return of the Judge Halverson

And just when I thought the best thing on TV was America's Next Top Model. Read what Professor Stemple had to say to the ABA Journal regarding the media coverage of the Honerable Judge Halverson. www.abajournal.com/magazine/youre_not_the_boss_of_me
Cartoon appears courtsey of the Review Journal.

Assemblywoman Allen Vindicated

Charges were dropped against Assemblywoman Francis Allen who was charged with stabbing her husband in the arm with a steak knife. Apparently the cute newly-weds of two months got into a squable, she stabbed him, locked herself in the bathroom and refused to drive him to the hospital. However, the husband recanted his story and instead said that he had stabbed himself, apparently he was not aware that assault with a deadly weapon would not be conducive for his wife during an election year. Allen claims that she is now thinking about divorcing him. He sounds like a keeper to me. I love the mug shot. www.http://www.lvrj.com/news/25610564.html

Jeffrey Albregts

Congratulations to R.E.L.S. friend, Jeffrey Albregts who was recently hired by Santoro, Driggs, Walch as a partner. Jeff is an experienced litigator with over 250 trials before the bench and numerous jury trials. Jeff has handled a variety of civil matters, starting his career with the MGM fire litigation, as well as construction and commercial real estate-related matters, premises liability issues, domestic and international gaming debt collection matters, and healthcare litigation matters. Martindale Hubbell has designated Mr. Albregts as an AV-rated lawyer, which is its highest rating. Jeff will be part of the R.E.L.S. Peer Series this fall. www.santorodriggs.com

Take Aim At Becoming A Mentor

As we all know, the transition from Joe/Jill Shmoe to law school student can be a difficult bridge to cross. You however, have the opportunity to make this transition easier for an incoming 1L. If it was not for my mentor B-Rad, I would not know that sodas are free (with Rebel ID and qualifying food purchase) at Chipotle. If you are interested in changing the life of a 1L or just looking for a power trip, contact kareema.turner@students.law.unlv.edu. There are bonus points for the first person to correctly identify the gentlemen in the pic.

Mayor Goodman speaks to the RELS

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Mayor Oscar Goodman spoke to the RELS about his career and political path (past, present, and future).

Bankruptcy

Michael Scott from The Office declares bankruptcy. If only it was that easy; my community service class would be much shorter. Cross your fingers that Prof. Rapoport is teaching Bankruptcy in the spring.

The Rankings Are Out

Congratulations to all those who finished in the top 30%. Hopefully all of your hardwork will one day convert into dollar signs and not 1000's of billable hours, high blood pressure, an ulcer, and an early death. Of course RELS members dominated the top 30%. Only one person was missing and we wont mention who that was.

Probity Group To Address The RELS

This spring the RELS will be hosting Robert Zarnegin and Bill Boyajian of the Probity Group. The Probity group has undertaken the task of builidng the World Jewelry Center which when completed will be second only to the Stratosphere as the tallest building in Las Vegas.
The World Jewelry Center, with approximately one million square feet of mixed-use space, will be one of the largest jewelry hubs in the world. Located in downtown Las Vegas, in the new master-planned community of Union Park, the Center will combine the corporate offices of domestic and international gem and jewelry companies in an iconic, state-of-the-art trade tower. The tower will be adjacent to a spectacular free standing gallery of retail jewelry stores with broad market appeal. The mixed-use project will also feature exhibition space and exclusive, ultra-luxury residential condominiums. Designed to house manufacturers, dealers, wholesalers, and retailers, the World Jewelry Center is poised to revolutionize the global jewelry industry and become a progressive business focal point for international trade and commerce.

Groundbreaking of Union Park

Members of the RELS were invited to the groundbreaking of Union Park. U.P. is a 61 acre mixed use development located in the heart of Las Vegas and when completed will be one of the city's most signifigant developments. The project will include the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, and the World Jewelery Center. For more info visit www.unionparkvegas.com.

Members of the RELS who attended had a great time. Mayor Goodman's wife stole the show when she decided to tell the truth about her husband. Oscar claimed she had too much to drink.

Anybody else want to become a Public Defender?