Future attorneys learn about profession by taking a step toward the l egal arena •Pre·law club prepares member s t o face law school challenge Barristers, an organization for students who are planning to go to law school when they graduate, helps these students prepare for law school in a number of ways. "It's a network of people all wanting to go to law school," Sheree Baird said. "There are no GPA requirements or recommendations needed to get into the club, and club dues are only $5. " Membership in Barristers provides many unique opportunities. The group takes field trips to look at law schools in Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi. Students sat in on classes and toured the campuses of the University of Mississippi, Vanderb ilt, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and the University of Memphis. Some schools held special weekends for the students to attend a question-and-answer session with students at the prospective law schools, which provided a unique way for them to get an inside feel of the campus. Members often discussed the merits of each law school upon their return, Baird said. Barristers also sponsored speakers, sometimes from the Harding faculty and, at other times, from among judges or attorneys in the community. Dr. Andy Olree, a first-year assistant professor ofpolitical science and co-sponsor of Barristers with Dr. Tom Howard, spoke on several occasions this year. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School , Olree discussed preparation for law school and related his job experience. Barristers also helped its members by holding study sessions for the LSAT, the qualifying test required for acceptance into law school. These study sessions helped the students review their knowledge and prepared them to take the LSAT. Barristers also held mute court this year, which does not allow evidence to be presented. Instead, students argue a legal point in front of a panel of judges, either for it to be upheld or overturned. The legal point they argue has already been decided by a lower court, and they act as if they were arguing for a federal appellate court. "This gives students the chance to present a legal argument," Olree said. - Alyne Hoover Barristers. First Row: Sheree Baird, Missy Mc.Junkins, Julie DeWoody, Niki Moore. Second Row: Marsha Burkett, Brenna Cravy, Tim Brown, Bryan Runions, Tammy Veazey. ThirdRow: Jeffrey Baker, Brian Finrow, Pat Ortman, Jacob Eby. Photo by Candice Fenske. History professor Jan Fortner reads to Phi Alpha Theta members the agenda to be followed at their Halloween eve 's meeting. The group held its regular meetings at Dr. andMrs. Paul Haynie 's home. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Barristers --------------------o:O~r-ga-n~i-za-t~io_n_s-..,'. 193 - - - - - - - - - - ------------------- - - - -
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