Willamette Common Law

Stumbling towards Success

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:23:02 GMT

In this episode, we talk about using every challenging moment in law school as data, and how stumbling in the first semester is completely normal.

Reading Cases: Arguments about Arguments

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:58:35 GMT

Welcome back!

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Ten Insider Tips for the Classroom

Sun, 24 May 2026 02:47:34 GMT

In this episode, we talk about law school culture and, specifically, about the classroom norms that are seldom discussed or made explicit in syllabi or prep books. Learn them now, and feel like an insider on day 1 of your fall semester.

Welcome to Discovery Phase!

Sun, 17 May 2026 20:51:00 GMT

Welcome to a new miniseries on the podcast: Discovery Phase. In this short set of mini-episodes geared especially for our Early Start cohort, we will unearth a handful of terms and concepts to prime you for success this summer.

This first mini-episode introduces the idea of monitoring both WHAT you learn in law school (types of knowledge), and what you are expected to DO with that knowledge (types of thinking, or cognitive processes).

Visual aid for the "staircase" model.

Contact form.

The One with First Generation Law Students

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:38:11 GMT

In this episode, I talk with a panel of first generation law students about what surprised them about law school, what challenges they faced upon arrival, and what tools have helped them succeed.

The one about Student Affairs

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 02:41:39 GMT

In this monster episode, I talk to Dean Lexie Zirschky, Associate Dean for Student Affairs about almost everything: licensure, problem-solving, pets on campus, accommodations, student government, commuting, keeping up with email and so much more!

The One with Dean Dobbins

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 23:12:34 GMT

Welcome interim Dean Dobbins to the podcast. In this episode, we talk about the new school year and we learn a little more about how an aspiring astronomer became interim dean of the law school.

The One About Lawyering

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 18:26:39 GMT

In this episode, we chat with Professors Sheri Buske, Stephanie Davidson, Jillian Schroeder-Fenlon, Miriam Werner, and me. We all teach Lawyering. We talk about getting feedback, finding meaning beyond grades, and the importance of engaging openly and fully in class.

The One About Contracts

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:07:37 GMT

In this episode, we catch up with Professors Karen Sandrik and Curtis Bridgeman. Both teach contracts. We talk about getting called on, reading for class, community, and keeping a margin for yourself.

The One About Civil Procedure

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 21:07:13 GMT

In this episode, we meet Dean Dobbins and Professor Simowitz who teach Civil Procedure. We talk practical learning, opportunities to talk about dating shows, and I let them nerd out about jurisdiction just a little.

Ep 2 The One About Torts

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:47:09 GMT

In this episode, we meet Professors Yvonne Tamayo and David Friedman who teach Torts here at Willamette. We'll talk time management, law school as a full-time job, and learn just what exactly is a tort.

The One with Dean Gallini

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:29:44 GMT

We kick off our Willamette Common Law Matters of First Impression series with this episode. Professor Gamble and Dean Gallini talk leadership, law school, and living in Salem.