P.A.D. Spotlight Archives
June 27, 2013 - Spotlight on Summer Tips for College Students
By Lauren Mistretta (P.A.D. Intern, UMD-College Park Pre-Law)
For the typical student, summer is a time for relaxation from a hectic year. However, this break can also be an opportunity to develop new skills and habits that set you up for success in the future.
During the summer, remember to keep active mentally and physically. If exercise was not a priority during the school year, then summer is the perfect time to establish new routines and healthy eating habits. Our Wellness Board on Pinterest (Hyperlink:http://pinterest.com/phialphadelta/wellness-for-lawyers/ ) has plenty of tips and ideas for a healthy lifestyle.
To stay sharp, use this time to begin studying for the LSAT; take a course that helps you develop a special skill set, or read the books you put off during the school year. Visit your school’s career website and use it to help boost your resume. Practicing writing drafts of cover letters and bettering your interviewing skills can set you apart from other candidates when looking for internships and jobs in the future.
Create a LinkedIn account. Many students are not taking advantage of the many benefits LinkedIn provides. The earlier you create a profile, the sooner you can start developing connections and creating a profile that helps you stand out. Building connections assists you in linking with contacts that could be useful in your future job search. If you became close to a professor or advisor during the school year, connecting with them on LinkedIn is a great way for them to not only see what you are doing, but for you to learn about them as well. The site provides the opportunity to conduct company research and examine professionals in your desired field. Endorsing a connection’s skills or joining a group discussion are ways to become involved on the site beyond maintaining a profile. Once your new profile is a created, you can join our group page, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International (Hyperlink: http://www.linkedin.com/groupInvitation?groupID=36388&sharedKey=5C89EA29AFAD). While you are working on your profile, also be mindful of your online presence in general. Clean up your social media accounts and ensure that your information on the internet is appropriate.
If you have an internship or job make sure you are capitalizing on the experience. Take the time to talk to the people you are working with, especially if they are in the field you one day want to work in. Ask your co-workers about their path to their current position and listen to any advice they offer. Your supervisor could be a great person to invite on campus for fall semester to speak to your chapter about their work experiences during a professional development meeting.
Whether your future involves law school or if you’re pursuing a career, these tips can help prepare you for the semesters ahead. Not only will you be helping yourself, but making yourself a better brother or sister of Phi Alpha Delta. Spend a meeting sharing your summer experiences with other members or use your experiences for meeting or service ideas in the future.
June 18, 2013 - Spotlight on Michelle Jochner (Story Chapter)
By Genevieve Niemann (Story Chapter Clerk & Alumni Chair)
Michele Jochner does not need a Spotlight because her personality shines so brightly! Upon meeting her, you will first take note of her contagious smile, and next you’ll get to know her warm welcoming character right off the bat! Michele is a proud DePaul University College of Law alumna and has made outstanding substantial contributions to the legal community since.
She recently become a partner at Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck, the largest matrimonial law firm in the nation, and has served for fifteen years as a judicial clerk for not only one, but two Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court, Hon. Mary Ann G. McMorrow and Hon. Charles E. Freeman, and has authored over 100 articles on a large array of legal issues appearing in publications nationwide. In the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin she has published a column “Law From a Different Perspective,” and also appeared in the article “40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch” which highlights 40 up and coming successful attorneys in the Chicago area.
On March 7, 2013 Sister Michele was honored with the prestigious ‘Outstanding Service To The Profession’ award at DePaul! She is an active role model for Depaul P.A.D.s and an absolute pleasure to be around.
As a well-known leader in the Chicago legal community, Michele has made huge contributions to the Chicago through her service work and being a part of the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), where she serves as a member of both the Executive Committee of the CBA’s Alliance for Women and of the Editorial Board of the CBA Record, the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), where she is a past member of the Board of Governors and is currently serving on the Editorial Board of the Illinois Bar Journal, as well as the co-editor of both the Bench & Bar Newsletter and Trial Briefs.
She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) and two panels at her alma mater, DePaul University College of Law: the Dean’s Council and the Advisory Board for the Center for Public Interest Law. She holds several leadership positions within the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and serves on the Leader Council for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
Sister Michele had a very close relationship with the late Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow, the first female in her law school class of 1953, who set an example for the legal community and became Michele’s mentor from an early start.
Michele was very lucky to have such a prominent influence in her life to help guide and shape her as a female attorney. Michele believes she wouldn’t be where she is today without Justice McMorrow’s guidance. “I truly believe in ‘paying it forward,’ and because Justice McMorrow was such a wonderful mentor to me, I would like to carry on her legacy by mentoring wonderful law students,” said Michele.
We are honored to call Michele a P.A.D. alumna because she is a role model and inspiration for not only the student body at DePaul University but to the entire Chicago legal community.
June 12, 2013 - Spotlight on Arden M. Siegendorf
By Lauren Mistretta, P.A.D. Summer 2013 Intern (UMD-College Park, Pre-Law)
On April 13, 2013 Brother Arden M. Siegendorf (Rasco Chapter) passed away and Phi Alpha Delta lost a great and influential brother. Brother Arden held many important positions throughout his lifetime, especially as a national leader in alternative dispute resolution.
Brother Arden was born in Miami Beach, FL in 1938. He attended the University of Miami as both an undergraduate and law student and graduated from the University Of Miami School Of Law in 1963. Upon graduation, Siegendorf served as the Assistant Attorney General in FL until 1971. Following his position as the Assistant Attorney General, Siegendorf was elected County Court Judge and Circuit Court Judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. He served as a judge for ten years. Throughout this time, he occasionally served as a visiting judge on the Florida Supreme Court and Florida Fourth District Court of Appeals. In 1981, Brother Arden retired from the courts and began practicing mediation where he gained national recognition as a leader in alternative dispute resolution. His commitment helped provide an alternative to the court system for individuals involved in legal disputes.
Siegendorf earned many professional honors and accolades throughout his career. A few accolades P.A.D.’s Alumni Association’s President, membership of Omicron Kappa Delta National Honor Society, and he was recipient of the Excellence in Mediation award.
Siegendorf was also a distinguished men’s slow- pitch softball player. He played and coached slow-pitch softball for most of his lifetime and received his 10,000th softball hit in 1997. He was also inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame and in 2011 won the Softball Players’ Association 70s’ Major Crown.
Siegendorf is survived by his wife Rebecca and children. Brother Arden was a great member to Phi Alpha Delta and will be dearly missed by the Fraternity. We appreciate his years of support to the Phi Alpha Delta community.
