In which we complain about HelLRW Forum

[klussy]

is it grounds for a complaint when your professor makes critical comments of your brief that directly contradict the TA's comments? not just one contradiction, but throughout every submission, numerous times? eg the TA says this is a really good argument and the professor says you shouldn't be making this argument.

The only comments from the professor that I get back are extremely vague, like she's trying to find something wrong where there is nothing wrong. There's no way she uses a rubric like the other professor. She spends each class trying to convince herself she's our age when she's like 70. Strongly tendentious and emotional- she's the type who cannot hide her favoritism.

[wiseowl]

is it grounds for a complaint when your professor makes critical comments of your brief that directly contradict the TA's comments? not just one contradiction, but throughout every submission, numerous times? eg the TA says this is a really good argument and the professor says you shouldn't be making this argument.

The only comments from the professor that I get back are extremely vague, like she's trying to find something wrong where there is nothing wrong. There's no way she uses a rubric like the other professor. She spends each class trying to convince herself she's our age when she's like 70. Strongly tendentious and emotional- she's the type who cannot hide her favoritism.

I had a very similar experience. Not much you can do about it, and another huge reason the class should be pass/fail.

[gwuorbust]

honestly, I wish I could just take a C in this class and never have to go back or write another word

[beach_terror]

I still enjoy writing. I'd rather write briefs/memos than go to class and take a final that combines a shitton of material in a very impractical evaluation style. I'm weird though, so just ignore me.

[gwuorbust]

I still enjoy writing. I'd rather write briefs/memos than go to class and take a final that combines a shitton of material in a very impractical evaluation style. I'm weird though, so just ignore me.

I enjoy writing too. I don't enjoy working my ass off and then getting a 76. fuck.this.shit.

[beach_terror]

I still enjoy writing. I'd rather write briefs/memos than go to class and take a final that combines a shitton of material in a very impractical evaluation style. I'm weird though, so just ignore me.

I enjoy writing too. I don't enjoy working my ass off and then getting a 76. fuck.this.shit.

DO BETTAR

[gwuorbust]

I still enjoy writing. I'd rather write briefs/memos than go to class and take a final that combines a shitton of material in a very impractical evaluation style. I'm weird though, so just ignore me.

I enjoy writing too. I don't enjoy working my ass off and then getting a 76. fuck.this.shit.

DO BETTAR

I'm literally just hoping to avoid a C- at this point lol

and to think that less than 8 months ago I was a bright eyed 0L thinking about getting top 10%. . .

[klussy]

As I was writing my brief, the TA specifically told me to save my best argument for later in the paper (he may have even said save it for last). The other TA, who ended up marking up my final paper, said to always put your strongest argument first. I have never heard that before, not from my LRW professor or otherwise. In grade school, it was always put the strongest argument at the end to finish off with.

[JazzOne]

As I was writing my brief, the TA specifically told me to save my best argument for later in the paper (he may have even said save it for last). The other TA, who ended up marking up my final paper, said to always put your strongest argument first. I have never heard that before, not from my LRW professor or otherwise. In grade school, it was always put the strongest argument at the end to finish off with.

I am definitely filing a complaint. My TA says one thing; the grading TA says another; the "professor" also has her style. How am I supposed to know what the hell I am doing?

Best argument goes at the beginning. It's not a novel that gets better toward the end. It's a persuasive document and part of an adversarial process, so you fire your most damaging salvo first. However, do whatever your professor says even if it's wrong.

[twert]

As I was writing my brief, the TA specifically told me to save my best argument for later in the paper (he may have even said save it for last). The other TA, who ended up marking up my final paper, said to always put your strongest argument first. I have never heard that before, not from my LRW professor or otherwise. In grade school, it was always put the strongest argument at the end to finish off with.

your final paper was graded by a TA? Is that legit?

[traehekat]

Final draft due in ~14 hours. I think I have made some pretty solid, substantial changes thus far. Just have to trim everything down now and then polish it. Then bluebook it... ugh.

[Gatriel]

--ImageRemoved--

Dear Professor,

I have a question about X, Y & Z.

Sincerely, Gatriel

----

Dear Gatriel,

Because this is a graded assignment I am unable to assist you at all. Good luck and have fun!

Sincerely, Professor

----















--ImageRemoved--

[Gatriel]

--ImageRemoved--

Dear Professor,

I have a question about X, Y & Z.

Sincerely, Gatriel

----

Dear Gatriel,

Because this is a graded assignment I am unable to assist you at all. Good luck and have fun!

Sincerely, Professor

----















--ImageRemoved--

This is my exact sentiment right now . . . again.

[Gatriel]

And this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiZunG9joG4

[kalvano]

I teeter between




(wait for it)









and

[Gatriel]

I'm ecstatic someone else posts in this thread. Apparently everyone loves LRW now.

[Stanford4Me]

Working on the first draft of my brief. I was supposed to finish it over the weekend but I got sick. Didn't realize how difficult it is to organize my argument. *It's just pass/fail, it's just pass/fail*

[Gatriel]

t. *It's just pass/fail, it's just pass/fail*

Seriously? I hate you.

[kalvano]

I'm ecstatic someone else posts in this thread. Apparently everyone loves LRW now.

I've gone from not minding to loathing. And I've gone from grudging respect for my teacher to an ill feeling at thought of being cooped up in a room with her. She's gone round the psycho bend and hopped on the crazy train.

[Gatriel]

I'm ecstatic someone else posts in this thread. Apparently everyone loves LRW now.

I've gone from not minding to loathing.

This. It wouldn't be so bad at all if it was taught like a normal writing class: if you have questions the professor or TAs will answer them for you.

LRW is seriously the absolute, unequivocal worst class I have ever had in my entire academic career. EVER.

[kalvano]

My problem is the lack of instruction. Last semester, when I sat down to write my open memo, I felt I knew vaguely how to write a memo. This semester, be it the structure of the class, the ice storms that canceled classes, whatever....I feel completely unprepared for writing a brief.

[traehekat]

Appellate brief due Friday. Still going through the cases as of right now, and I probably have a bit more research to do. Man, this is going to be a horrible brief. Good thing it is an ungraded rough draft. Just have to get something cranked out and then I can be "free" for spring break...

[keg411]

Final trial brief done along with 80% of my grade. I'm not going to lie, getting sick for that week really hurt me in LAWR this semester, though I think I still pulled it together in the end (of course, it all depends how my classmates did). On one hand, I'm jealous of everyone here who still only has rough drafts due... on the other hand, I'm glad I don't have this hanging over me during Spring Break.

After break, all we have left is oral argument.

[BarbellDreams]

Appellate brief sucks, due Monday and I am close to just throwing in the towel and turning in what I have. I literally have NO idea how to bluebook anything except for the really really basic stuff and pray that whatever job I end up with after graduation has interns or paralegals that will do it for me.

[bilboteabaggins]

My problem is the lack of instruction. Last semester, when I sat down to write my open memo, I felt I knew vaguely how to write a memo. This semester, be it the structure of the class, the ice storms that canceled classes, whatever....I feel completely unprepared for writing a brief.

This is exactly how I feel.