Good morning, and happy Monday! Welcome back to a brand-new semester. We hope you’re settling back into the rhythm of classes, readings, and the occasional (or frequent) coffee break. Whether you’re diving headfirst into work or still easing your way into the groove, we’ve got just the thing to brighten your week.
Mark your calendars: Welcome Back Snacks and Trivia is this Thursday, January 23rd! Join us from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in Room 204 for an hour of fun, snacks, and camaraderie. Put your trivia skills to the test and compete for some awesome prizes—bragging rights included! It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends, make new ones, and set a positive tone for the semester ahead. Did we mention that there will be snacks? We can’t wait to see you there!
We are also excited to announce a deliciously fun Bake-Off Fundraiser co-hosted by OutLaw and PILS! Show off your baking skills and indulge in sweet treats while supporting a great cause. Baked goods can be submitted to one of five categories to be judged by our panel of LGBTQ+ (and allied) staff! Thanks to the sponsorship of Choate LLP, OutLaw will provide bakers with a limited selection of ingredients at their request! The Bake Off Competition will take place on Thursday, February 6th from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the Charles River Room (5th Floor). Make sure to register in advance through our Google Form: tinyurl.com/outlawbakeoff.
All proceeds from the Bake Sale the following day (Friday, February 7th) will be donated to GLES. GLSEN Massachusetts is a grassroots initiative, working locally in our community to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. There are 43 Chapters around the country doing this important work. Find out more about GLSEN here! Faculty and staff are eligible to compete in the Bake Off, although judges cannot compete in any categories that they are judging. Come for the cupcakes, stay for the cause!
Lastly, don't forget to sign up for OutLaw's Office Visit with Goodwin on Sunday, January 28th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm! There will be a group of students leaving from the BU Law Tower, but you are welcome to meet us at the Goodwin Boston Office if you have other transportation plans. This is a fantastic opportunity for 1Ls to tour the Boston office, meet attorneys, and learn about their work. We highly encourage any first-years to attend to grow their networking skills and do some one-on-one networking.
Spring Break 2025 Pro Bono Border Trip
The Immigration Law and Policy Society, Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, and Career Development Office are excited to partner with Al Otro Lado to organize a Spring Break Pro Bono Service Trip to Tijuana, Mexico! During the trip, students will conduct Know Your Rights presentations, assist with legal screenings, and provide critical support to migrants at the border. This opportunity is open to all students, find more information on the border trip and apply here. The application deadline is January 26th, 2025 by 11:59 pm.
We can’t wait to see you at these events and throughout the semester. Keep an eye on these emails for updates on events, resources, and opportunities. Let’s make this semester a great one together! Feel free to reach out anytime with any questions, concerns, or baking recipes.
Calling All 3Ls
The UCLA Law Williams Institute is seeking a recent law school graduate (0-2 years of experience) to engage in cutting-edge and high-quality research and analysis related to sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. The Daniel. H. Renberg Law Fellow will further the Williams Institute’s mission over the course of two years by conducting multi-disciplinary research on discrimination facing LGBTQ people, LGBTQ health, LGBTQ families, and criminal justice, among other topics. The Fellow will provide research and writing support to senior scholars at the Institute and will contribute to self-published reports, academic articles, public comments, amicus briefs, and other Institute work. The position will be based in Los Angeles, California, and will have a hybrid schedule (part-time in office, part-time remote). Find out more here!
Are You Receiving Enough Emotional and Mental Support?
Check out this spreadsheet for a list of queer / trans / poly / kink / SW - friendly therapists in the greater Boston area. You can also get in contact with BU Behavioral Medicine for more mental health resources. Did you know? They have a number of support groups, including an LGBTQ+ support group. Check them out here! For more information on the bar exam mental health character and fitness questions in other states, check out the ABA guidelines here. Remember, mental health support makes you a better advocate for your clients, as well as yourself.
Did you know? OutLaw has a sub-chapter for POC students, which recognizes the importance of intersecting identities and provides additional support. For further information, join the LGBTQ+ POC GroupMe here!
Reminder: Law students get free membership to the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association! Check them out further here!
We will be visiting Goodwin's office. This will include a tour of the office, the chance to talk informally and in a small group with Goodwin attorneys, and light bites!
Join us for a deliciously fun Bake-Off co-hosted by OutLaw and PILS! Show off your baking skills and indulge in sweet treats while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from the Bake Sale the following day will be donated to GLSEN Massachusetts—a grassroots initiative that works locally in our community to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Come for the cupcakes, stay for the cause! Make sure to also register through our Google Form so we can coordinate ingredient distribution: tinyurl.com/outlawbakeoff
Sweet treats for a sweet cause! 🍰 Come support our Bake Sale featuring the delicious creations from OutLaw’s Bake-Off. All proceeds benefit a local LGBTQ+ community organization. Treat yourself and make a difference!
Curious about running for a board position? Join us for Office Hours! We will walk you through the election process and share the responsibilities of each board position. While attendance isn’t required to run, it’s strongly encouraged—this is your chance to get all the info you need to demonstrate interest, make an informed decision, and get involved!
We will be visiting Cooley's office. This will include a tour of the office and the chance to talk informally and in a small group with Cooley attorneys. Dinner will also be provided!
Join us for OutLaw’s General Body Meeting, where we’ll be electing the new board for the upcoming year and voting on an update to our Constitution! This is a great opportunity to get involved, meet fellow members, and help shape the future of our organization. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the leadership team and make a difference!