May 14, 2014

Christine Bushnell

2L, day division
San Antonio, TX
Texas State University – San Marcos

Business Law, Health Law, Animal Law

Before law school: 

Before law school, I worked for an IBM distributor configuring Power Servers running AIX, Linux, Suse, and RedHat software. Think Watson on Jeopardy. I loved the job and my coworkers, but decided it was finally time for law school. Three LSAT scores later, Lewis & Clark called my bluff. Some are shocked when I admit taking the LSAT 3 times. If sharing my journey helps anyone who feels out of place or ill-prepared for law school, then it is completely worth it. 

Most important activity:

The Academic Enhancement Program (AEP) is the best thing anyone can do before starting law school. The program allows students to get their toes wet before jumping into the deep end of law school. J.B. Kim is a great listener, shoulder to cry on, and gives excellent advice. I met most of my law school “besties” in AEP. 

Favorite class so far:

I have two favorite classes. The first is Contracts with Professor Bushaw. I love the material and Professor Bushaw is fantastic. For weeks leading up to learning about the UCC she talked about passing around the, “big bottle of Excedrin.” As it turns out the, “big bottle of Excedrin,” is a huge jar of candy! Everything is better with candy.

Civil Procedure with Professor Stumpf is my second favorite class. The material is challenging and confusing, but Professor Stumpf keeps the class engaged. Her hypos are really funny. 

Why law school?

An adjunct professor, who happened to be a district attorney, taught a Penology class when I was in undergrad. I cannot remember if she told me after class or as feedback on an exam, but I remember she said I would make a great lawyer. I scoffed at the idea, but have gone back to her words throughout the years. After 10 years of working in the business world, I finally decided it was now or never. 

Why Lewis & Clark?

I answer this question differently than what family and friends would say. I wanted to live in Portland, Lewis & Clark is an amazing school, and my fiancée could transfer with his company. Friends will say that after visiting in March during preview weekend, I would not shut up about Lewis & Clark. Apparently, I drove people a little crazy blabbing on about Portland and about Lewis & Clark

Advice for students making their final law school choices:

Go to the school that makes you feel comfortable. You will be spending most of your time on campus, so you need to be somewhere that fits your personality.

The hardest thing about adjusting to law school?

The hardest thing about adjusting to law school was trying to absorb 50+ pages of material a night. You get better as times goes on, but those first few months were rough.

Top 10 Restaurants (Gluten Free friendly):

1) Le Bistro Montage* - Southeast

2) Pancake House - Southwest

3) Jade Tea House* (Thai) – Sellwood

4) Down to Earth Café* – Multnomah Village

5) Grilled Cheese Grill Food truck – Multiple Locations

6) Petunia’s Bakery* – Downtown

7) Back to Eden Bakery* – Northeast

8) Rudy’s Gourmet Pizza* – Southeast

9) Fresh Thyme Soup Company – Beaverton

10) Tin Shed Garden Café – Northeast

*Vegan friendly

**Chipotle - multiple locations - Yes, I know it is a chain. My Tex-Mex addiction is strong and so far, I have not found a local Tex-Mex option.