New Environmental Blog

Check out the new blog Environment21 from Prof. Don Smith, Director of the Environmental, Natural Resources Law & Policy Graduate Program (ENRLP). Focusing on current issues concerning the environment, this is a great site to keep up what is happening locally, domestically, and internationally. Prof. Smith provides links to new research being published in many areas of environmental law as well as newspapers, journal articles and relevant legislation. Look for stories about your classmates and their accomplishments, too. You will also get the benefit of Prof. Smith’s views on some of the topics on which he posts. Research-oriented readers will also appreciate the “labels” links at the end of the posts which allow you to easily find other articles posted on that topic.

If you are taking classes in any area concerning the environment: energy, water, air, sustainability, climate change, mining, you will be glad you took the time to check out this great new resource!

Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Justice Sonia Sotomayor was sworn in (see video) on August 8th, 2009, as the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. The New York Post has created an interactive timeline with more information about her life and career to date. For more information about the other Justices on the Roberts Court, see the Oyez website which also features case information, oral arguments and videos about the inner workings of the Court. The Court's term officially begins with oral arguments the first Monday in October.

International Humanitarian Law

The American Society for International Law (ASIL) offers a free electronic resource guide of interest to international law researchers. Topical chapters include EU, commercial arbitration, criminal law, environmaental law, human rights, intellectual property law and treaties / UN material. One of the newer guides is on International Humanitarian Law. It was co-written by our very own FCIL Librarian, Joan Policastri and Sergio Stone at Stanford Law Library.

Free Law Dictionary iPhone App

A free Law Dictionary iPhone App has been released by Nolo Publishing. Aimed at the public, the app is based on their publication, Nolo's Plain English Law Dictionary. This is the second law dictionary with an iPhone app, although the more traditional attorney version, Black's Law Dictionary version costs $50.

Website for Unemployed Lawyers

West has announced a new website called Between Cases to assist attorneys who are currently unemployed or delaying the start of their employment with a law firm due to the economy. The site contains legal job search information, free research resources, legal news updates and information on starting a private practice.

See also the post on free Lexis passwords for pro bono work from June 22, 2009.

Encyclopedia of Public International Law

Attention International Law students ...

The May 2009 update to the Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law Online is now available from the library’s Databases/Indexes list at Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law Online. This is the definitive reference work on public international law, revised edition.

This update provides 124 NEW ARTICLES, bringing the total online article count to almost 850. “Among these new articles you will find content on Anti-Semitism, Self-Determination and Secret Intelligence, all contributed by leading experts in International Law. This online service now includes 50 articles on the Law of Treaties and over 100 entries on the Law of the Sea.”

LexisNexis Passwords for Public Interest Work

LexisNexis has announced a new program called ASPIRE (Associates Serving Public Interests Research) that provides passwords to 2009 law graduates who are volunteering or working in public interest law. This program includes recent graduates who have had their Fall Associate positions deferred as well as those who are doing public interest work while searching for law firm employment.

If you are eligible, complimentary LexisNexis access will be provided throughout your public interest employment period, up until September 2010 maximum. Public interest employment must be for a non-profit or charitable organization. Government employment is excluded from this program. Documentation confirming your eligibility for this program must be included, i.e., a letter from your firm or public interest organization.

Free LexisNexis access will include federal/state cases, codes, regulations, and law reviews. To ensure you don’t receive unanticipated or unwanted charges, other materials will not be visible. Once your registration and documentation are received, we will reactivate your law school ID no later than two business days prior to your start date. If applying after your start date, we will reactivate your law school ID within two business days.