Discussion Groups

From Jeff Hirsch: Among the several labor and employment topics at next year’s SEALS meeting, we are organizing a discussion panel on graduate students and research assistants recent classification as employees under the NLRA. Please let Jeff Hirsch (jmhirsch@email.unc.edu) know if you’re interested in being a discussant, which involves a 5-7 minute presentation and participation in roundtable discussion: Graduate Students as Employees In its recent Columbia University decision, the NLRB once again concluded that graduate students and research assistants may be considered employees under the NLRA, opening the door to unionization among graduate students as private universities and colleges around the nation. This discussion panel will consider the possible implications of this decision, including how graduate student organizing may work

A discussion group on veterans clinics will be held during the 2015 SEALS annual conference. The sessions is scheduled for Saturday, August 1 from 3:00-6:00 pm. Topics include starting a veterans clinic, best practices in serving veterans and dealing with the Veterans Benefits Administration. For more details, see the program flyer.

The Southeastern Association of Law Schools (SEALS) annual conference will include a discussion group entitled “Innocence.”  The discussion group is currently scheduled to occur on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 from 3:15-6:15pm.  The discussion group topic is described as follows: Innocence is an issue that pervades various areas of research and influences numerous topics of discussion within the criminal justice system.  What does innocence mean, particularly in a system that differentiates between innocence and acquittal at sentencing.  What is the impact of innocence during plea bargaining?  How should we respond to growing numbers of exonerations?  What forces lead to the incarceration of innocents?  Has an innocent person been put to death and, if so, what does this mean for capital punishment? 

Prof. Jane Grise is interested in forming the following discussion group.  If you are interested, please contact her directly at jane.grise@uky.edu I am interested in forming a panel or discussion group relating to effective ways of incorporating critical reading techniques into law school classes. Research over the past 25 years clearly demonstrates that high performing law students actually read differently than lower performing students.  I am currently involved in research on this subject as it appears that critical reading skills may impact a wide variety of other important law school skills such as writing and exam performance.  I am currently conducting a research study at the UK College of Law relating to the relationship between critical reading instruction and writing

Due to some last minute changes in the schedule, we are seeking some additional discussants for the  Emerging Issues in Reproductive Rights Discussion Group.  Our session is currently scheduled for August 6th from 1 pm – 2:45 pm.  If you would like to participate in an interesting and engaging discussion, please contact Seema Mohapatra at smohapatra@barry.edu with a brief description of what you would like to discuss.  The session will cover the topics described below. Emerging Issues in Reproductive Rights   Description: Reproductive technologies continue to evolve and develop at a breakneck pace.  This evolution in the treatment of infertility, in conception, pregnancy, and what it means to reproductive rights has created a web of questions that spreads beyond the