The Southwestern Law Commentator - Issue 05

ISSUE 05

SPRING 2022

05

SPRING 2022

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Dear Southwestern, We are pleased to bring to you Issue 05 of Law Commentator!

We would like to take a moment to thank our faculty advisors Dean Mena, and Professors Kane and Epstein for their continued support throughout our journey with this publication.

The theme of this issue was not predetermined, However, a clear theme arose from our student submissions. One of the special qualities of Law Commentator is that we can showcase an accurate reflection of what is most important to our peers in this moment. As we were reviewing the submissions, and preparing for publication, we learned that what is currently paramount to students is the over-arching theme of self-care.

As we reflect on the unprecedented events we have experienced over the past two years, and the ways in which we all have adapted to daily life challenges, we hope that our colleagues can appreciate the strides that we have all made to adapt to our new normal.

Whether you are immersing yourself into a new skincare routine, learning current events with @iamlegallyhype on TikTok, or disconnecting from the world while traveling on a summer getaway, we hope that this issue encourages you to take a moment to celebrate life and appreciate yourself.

We encourage the Southwestern community to keep health and wellness top of mind this finals season. Wishing everyone the best of luck in testing and a safe, exciting summer break!

Jessica Smith EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, 2021-22

Desiree Ruiz-Alfaro SUPERVISING EDITOR, 2021-22

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Lauren Romero EDITOR, 2021-22

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I'NIAH CLARK

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING AT A CANNABIS LAW-ORIENTED LAW FIRM. WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS EXPERIENCE?

It's been awesome! Cannabis law is filled with collaborative and creative attorneys! Because the field is new, there are very few established practice standards. As a result, most practicing attorneys are working together to create a foundation that will allow the cannabis industry to survive and remain accessible for all. I love problem-solving and get bored with boilerplate forms, so I enjoy the uncertainty, creativity, and community collaboration involved in cannabis law.

Last summer while working at Dale Schafer, I had the unique experience of providing contract support for Weed for Warriors Project, a veterans organization that was preparing to launch their new pre-rolls. Their goal is to ensure that cannabis is available to California veterans in need through S.B. 34, which alleviates the tax burden of cannabis businesses operating donation-based medical marijuana dispensaries. As a U.S. Navy veteran (served nine years), I couldn't dream of a better way to spend my summer. After this experience, I knew cannabis law was my path.

THE LC STAFF HAD THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW THE EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE AND INTELLIGENT 2L STUDENT I'NIAH CLARK. AS A LAW STUDENT, SHE HAS ALREADY MADE SUCH GREAT STRIDES IN HER CAREER. READ THROUGH HER INSIGHTFUL ANSWERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER JOURNEY IN CANNABIS LAW!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, SPECIFICALLY WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT INTERESTS AND FUTURE CAREER GOALS.

My latest project involved researching state cannabis regulations to ensure the client's cannabis-infused product complied with state packaging requirements.

I recently had the rare experience of watching the INCBA Ethics committee discuss a proposed ABA regulation regarding money laundering. The

I'm not sure exactly where I will land, but I plan to work as a transactional cannabis attorney. I'm interested in the business and policy (municipal/ state) aspects of the practice.

proposed regulation directly affects the relationship between cannabis attorneys and their clients, and it was very inspiring watching them advocate for cannabis exceptions.

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IS THERE A CLASS YOU TOOK AT SOUTHWESTERN THAT HELPED YOU PREPARE FOR THE LAW CLERK ROLE?

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Contracts, Business Associations, and The Evolution of Cannabis Law intersession course.

ARE THERE ANY STEPS YOU TAKE OUTSIDE OF YOUR STUDENT ROLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CANNABIS LAW?

1. I've been an active member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association- Cannabis Section (LACBA) and International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) since my 1L year and regularly attend their webinars and training.

Although most of the terms and issues mentioned I don't understand (yet), it's a rewarding experience when the dots do connect.

2. I meet with mentors I've gained through networking and bar association events. Mentors are the greatest asset! You can never have too many people working towards your success.

Further, mentors often open doors you didn't know you needed open.

3. I received a sponsorship to attend this year's Cannabis Law Institute in Washington D.C., hosted by INCBA, June 9-11th. I hope to see other Southwestern students there!

4. I'm working on getting an INCBA student chapter sponsored by INCBA at Southwestern.

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A.B. BURNS-TUCKER

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Criminal Justice, and I got my Masters Degree in Criminology, Law and Society. Now is probably the first time in my life that I’m taking time to realize all of my accomplishments. Although so many people are commenting on my life, for me, it’s always been, “I’ve got to do this, I’ve got to get through this so I can take care of what I need to take care of.” It was all a part of the process. I don’t really think I ever took in the experience or realized how much I was putting myself through to even get through everything, I just knew I had to get to that light at the end of the tunnel.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY A NORMAL DAY IN THE LIFE WOULD BE LIKE?

THE LC STAFF HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW OUR VERY OWN, A.B. IN ADDITION TO BEING A 3L EVENING STUDENT, A.B. IS A LOVING MOTHER TO 4YEAR-OLD SANTANA-NOEL, BUSINESS OWNER, SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR, FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE, PEER MENTOR, EVENING CO-VICE PRESIDENT OF SOUTHWESTERN'S STUDENT BAR ASSOCIATION, AS WELL AS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BLACK LAW STUDENT ASSOCIATION. A.B.’S SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS HAVE AMASSED MORE THAN 18 MILLION VIEWS BECAUSE OF HER ABILITY TO BREAKDOWN COMPLICATED POLITICAL TOPICS FOR EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND. #OKAYSOBOOM, HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS TO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS ALL-AROUND SUPERSTAR BISON.

What is normal? My days are probably different from most people’s days because I have a lot of responsibilities. My day normally starts around 4 a.m. because I have to finish whatever reading I probably didn’t get to the night before. By the time I get out of class, I’m dog tired, eyes blood shot red, I don’t even know my first name. Afterwards, I’ve got to get myself dressed, get Tana dressed, get Tana to school, then get myself to work. Then, it’s a day filled with multitasking - juggling school, work, and on-campus leadership roles. After all that, I

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AND YOUR JOURNEY TO LAW SCHOOL?

have to get home to my baby and get ready for the cycle to begin all over again.

Ambitious, determined and scared. My journey to law school has been crazy. It’s definitely been a roller coaster considering all my responsibilities with

ON TOP OF ALL OF THIS, YOU’RE A VIRAL TIKTOK STAR, WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION WHEN YOUR VIDEOS STARTED GETTING A LOT OF VIEWS?

being a mom and my family. But it’s also been very rewarding because I’ve learned so much about myself. I‘ve also met so many amazing people and have been introduced to so many other facets of life that it makes all of the challenges worth it at the end of the day. This journey has not been a straight path for me, though.

I have a Bachelor Degree in Political Science and

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I first went viral about a year ago after I shared videos about my brother, Brandon. Everybody wanted to know my story, everybody wanted to talk to me, everybody had an opinion.

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Although this time around I was a bit more prepared, every video that goes viral is

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surprising to me. Recently, I sat down and was like “Oh crap, I’m going to do this full-

The informant waited 10 months before he came forward with this information.

Brandon’s co-defendant was convicted of attempted murder on a separate case. The co-defendant admitted on multiple occasions that Brandon was not with him during the shooting. The jury deliberated for about four or five days. Brandon was later convicted and sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. He’s been there the last 15 years.

time.” I don’t have a choice at this point, the people are like, “Hello! Where’s my news!”

I’m humbled and excited because it’s a different journey, it’s a different experience for my life, and I get to use my degrees in a way that I never thought I would use them. I earned my degrees on the strength of needing to figure out how to bring my brother home. I never knew anything other than that.

IF ALL WAS IDEAL, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5-10 YEARS?

In a house on the beach drinking martinis!

When I think about the adversity we all face as law students, I often wonder about the things we deserve to be doing after all this.

When I first started out, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my law degree. I was just focused on helping Brandon. Now that I have a clearer understanding of what I want, I am trying to figure out what I deserve and what will truly make me happy. Ask me after finals, then I might be more ambitious. In five years I hope to be a politician or maybe a legal analyst on TV. I think I would rather influence politics than be an actual politician.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS?

Be myself. I’m the same person you meet on day 1 as day 1000. People will probably say the same thing about me because I don’t have a representative. When I do my interviews, I’m just myself. I think that’s what people love about me, even though it's one of the things I’ve been most insecure about most of my life. People love authenticity. I’m just myself and I tell my story and I share the truth and they keep calling me so apparently they like it!

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR BROTHER BRANDON AND HIS CASE?

I hope that what I’m doing now will bring our legal community closer. I hope we make an effort to understand each other and respect the

My brother was 15 when he and another person were accused of murder. He went to trial twice; the first trial was a hung jury. An informant testified that my brother and his

challenges we all face as law students. More than anything, I hope to convey to my peers that representation matters. You're here because somebody needs your voice who doesn’t have it right now. Use that as motivation to push you

[co-defendant] were involved in a local gang and allegedly conspired to shoot up an apartment together.

through the challenges. Don't focus on the job at the end of the tunnel, focus on those you can

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serve.

PLAN YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY

A weekend getaway can be the perfect motivation to get through finals! The LC Board put together a list of Air BnB's and destinations to help you plan your next road trip to relax and recharge!

Yucca Valley Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours

Looking for a disconnect to reconnect? The cell service may not be the best in Yucca Valley but this desert oasis offers beautiful views of the night sky and a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the real world.

Minimalist Modern Cabin - Amazing Views: CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PROPERTY

Albeit small, this cabin has amazing views. It is located on the hills of Yucca Valley and allows for the curtains to stay open for a marvelous view of the night sky. The cabin is completely solar powered and is located near hiking trails.

Lomitas Bliss | HOT TUB| Yoga Room| 15 min to Park: CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PROPERTY

This lovely rental is only a quick drive away from Joshua Tree National Park.

Not to mention, it comes with plenty of space for yoga, a hot tub and air conditioning. Do we really need anything else?

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PLAN YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY

A weekend getaway can be the perfect motivation to get through finals! The LC Board put together a list of Air BnB's and destinations to help you plan your next road trip to relax and recharge!for a post-finals reward!

Palm Springs Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes

Desert sands are a perfect backdrop to a summer getaway. A laid-back aura creates a calm, relaxing environment that can recharge your batteries after a stressful finals season. These Air BnBs come equipped with beautiful aesthetics and amenities to help you unwind.

Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Home in Palm Springs CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PROPERTY

This cute, trendy space gives off major end-of-series Mad Men vibes and is the perfect modern getaway. The complex includes pools to help you get a break from the desert sun and the glowing reviews say that it's definitely worth the stay!

The Bruno Bernard Estate CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PROPERTY

This rental is perfect for you and your close friends to indulge in some sun, pool and beautiful views. The home is in a quiet neighborhood and offers a spacious backyard and living area.

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PLAN YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY

A weekend getaway can be the perfect motivation to get through finals! The LC Board put together a list of Air BnB's and destinations to help you plan your next road trip to relax and recharge!

Big Bear Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours

Big Bear is most known for its snow-covered mountain sides (for us city folks, it can be the only time we actually see snow). But the lakeside city is also a sight to see during the summer. The scenic drive is perfect for a weekend getaway.

The Lazy Loft: CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PROPERTY

One look at photos of this cabin will convince you that it's the perfect place to escape. The owners of this rental include board games, a Gamecube, and even a scavenger hunt for their guests. The mountains in Running Springs will provide a fresh, serene atmosphere for your summer relaxation.

Rancho Pines I Juniper, Skiing + Lake + Hot Tub: CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PROPERTY

This unique A-Frame cabin offers the perfect blend of vintage and modern. It is located close to mountain biking trails, Big Bear Lake, a golf course, and hiking trails.

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A Collection of Poems

by Anna Pasano The following pages showcase beautiful poems written by 2L student, Anna Pasano.

We hope you enjoy this collection.

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The Loveliest Burden

By Anna Pasano On this journey we blindly embark Pouring feelings into our hearts that sweetly encumber A fever of delight that began from a single simple spark Now we have a love that does not slumber Not needing to be perfect, just needing to be true Sharing our deepest affection and affliction that makes my cheeks the slightest crimson hue Our love seems to be a contradiction But it isn’t in fact, it’s infinitely more grand Something manifest yet brilliantly cryptic A secret language that only we understand We defy the trends of the typical love stylistic Our love basks in such divine illumination You have captured my eternal fascination

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B y

A s s a s s i n A n n a P a s a n o

Your words were my heart’s assassin Quick, quiet, and barely spoken Do not love with too much passion The aging night undoes each fasten Strong ropes now simple ribbons that are broken Your words were my heart’s assassin Pain transcending time, space, and fashion Unable to let go of the last tender token Do not love with too much passion Remember the choruses of compassion Love letters etched and oaken Your words were my heart’s assassin Sprinkled with debris that is ashen The ruins of my soul will forever wait to be woken Do not love with too much passion All you left is a single meager ration My words remain unspoken Your words were my heart’s assassin Do not love with too much passion 11

Stardust

By Anna Pasano We are, in part, ancient cosmic dust.

Atoms, nuclei, and intergalactic rust.

By the silver Solar winds, we collide Time and space, a fleeting fiction we abide.

Supernovas scintillate, escaping our fallacies Racing and roving towards the brink of galaxies.

Staccatoed across the quilt of celestial light That tucks the mystic moon in at night. Awaiting the summer solstice to ignite. Astonished yet undaunted by glistening starlight.

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Your Guide to LA

These free activities in our city can help ease finals stress (or celebrate the end of a successful finals season)!

Outdoor Stairs You can find a variety of different outdoor stairs all over Los Angeles. If you're looking to get your heart pumping, these are sure to help. Some of the outdoor stairs include the Culver City Steps, Hidden Stairways of Silverlake, and the Beachwood Canyon Stairs. Pop in your favorite playlist and blow off steam with these great workouts.

Venice Canals

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Los Angeles of Europe? Take a trip down to Venice Beach to find European-style canals right off of 25th Street. Free parking in the surrounding streets will allow you to roam the community and take a moment to enjoy the beautiful sights in the neighborhood.

After seeing the gondolas pass by, check out the beach right down the street for a serene moment.

Hollywood Sign Hike This fun Hollywood adventure pays a wonderful homage to Southwestern's rich history with the entertainment industry.

The famous Hollywood sign landmark is accessible through various hiking trails.

Click HERE for the link for various trailheads to reach the sign.

The Point at the Bluffs Pacific Palisades is home to some of the most beautiful views in the world. Located at 15478-15598 N Mt Holyoke Ave Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, the Point at the Bluffs is the perfect spot for a sunset study break. Bring up your notes and some snacks to take in the sunset and recenter yourself for success!

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A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS BY: MARVEL ZHIGALIN

The first thing people notice about us is our face. As a teenager, it’s normal to have acne and “bad skin” but as an adult, it’s sort of embarrassing. I always struggled with problem skin and acne well into adulthood. I simply thought, “well, this is my skin, what can I do about it?” It never occurred to me that there are skincare products and ingredients in the market that could actually change the appearance of my skin. I always thought it was just a sales tactic and assumed that skincare products didn’t really work. That is until, the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the shutdown began, I did not bake banana bread or make my own pasta like everyone else. I discovered the wonderful world of skincare from YouTube content creators like Hyram, Dr. Dray and Susan Yara, and a channel called Beauty Within, which reviews certain products and explains the ingredients in a very easy-to-understand format. To say I fell down the rabbit hole is an understatement- I became obsessed! I watched their videos back to back and consumed their content. It was an obsessive way of keeping myself distracted from the reality of what was going on around me.

I began to learn which ingredients helped different skin issues, which ingredients could be mixed together, and which ones could not. I learned about the importance of sunscreen (even in the winter), and which ingredients are better for sensitive skin. Through this process, I found skincare staples that I constantly re-purchase because they have changed my skin, and I would like to share them with you. Please see the next page for my top 5 favorite skincare products!

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My top 5 favorite skincare products:

1.Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist: $28.00. I love this facial mist! It is a fine mist that is so refreshing for the skin. It smells just like freshly cut watermelon and it is infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Hibiscus Flower, which contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). AHA is an extremely gentle chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and smooths the skin by encouraging cell turnover. I usually spray this as the last step in my skincare routine to set all the products and to refresh my skin before applying my makeup. Hyaluronic Acid provides much-needed moisture for the skin because it holds 1,000 times its weight in moisture. This is a staple ingredient for dry, sensitive skin!

2.Tatcha The Water Cream: $69.00. I swear by this moisturizer. If you have oily skin, you need this. Although it is very expensive, I promise you will not regret it. The reason I love it so much is because every time I put it on, it feels like I just splashed water on my face. My skin just drinks it up and it feels so hydrated. This moisturizer carries lactic acid and traditional Japanese ingredients to help refresh the skin. If you're on a budget, the Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream ($14.99) is a great alternative. It does not have all of the skincare benefits The Water Cream does but it still caters to oily skin.

3.The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution: $8.00. LIFE-ALTERING! This product changed my face. It is a strong chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin. If you suffer from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots after acne), this product is a must.

However, this is a very strong product that you cannot leave on more than 10 minutes and the skin must be completely dry upon application. The Ordinary is a very affordable brand that is ingredient-focused, and the concentration actually makes a difference in your skin.

4.Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist: $48.00. I know what you’re thinking, another mist?! But trust me, this is another MUST. Because I have very oily skin, I use a lot of powder to set my makeup. I use this mist as a setting spray once I’m done with my makeup and it is MAGIC! It melts into the skin and also melts the makeup together giving you a seamless look. If you feel it’s pricey, I agree. I usually buy the smaller size ,which is half the price, and it lasts a long time.

It also really refreshes the skin and has less skincare ingredients than the Glow Recipe (which is why it’s better as a setting spray). It also smells great, and the mist disburses very evenly.

5.Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: $32.00. This is another product that gives you instant results. Because it contains BHA (also known as Salicylic Acid) in high concentrations, I only use this during a breakout. It tends to dry out my face, so I use it with a very hydrating and emollient moisturizer (I would not be able to use this with The Water Cream because it is not emollient enough). This product gets deep into the pores to allow for the dirt and residue to be cleaned out and thus, helps to get rid of active breakouts. I even purchased this product for my boyfriend to use for his back acne, and it is extremely effective for that as well!

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We want your thoughts!

Have an idea for an opinion article?

A recipe?

A poem?

Career advice?

Academic Advice?

Legal Opinions?

We want your voice heard!

Why submit?

Your voice is valuable, and your creativity should be appreciated!

Send us your ideas at lawcommentator@swlaw.edu

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LAW COMMENTATOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JESSICA SMITH

SUPERVISING EDITOR DESIREE RUIZ-ALFARO

EDITOR LAUREN ROMERO

CONTACT US: lawcommentator@ swlaw.edu

To learn more, visit our CANVAS page.

THE OFFICIAL SOUTHWESTERN STUDENT PUBLICATION

ISSUE 05 // SPRING 2022