National Jurist - February 2008 - (Page 43) asbestos and related diseases,” she said. “When you talk to a pathologist or medical doctor, you need to know what they are saying and what [findings] they’re relying on.” Olinger said people skills and communication skills are essential to a career in litigation. She enjoys connecting with the jury and getting them to see her side of the story. “You’ve got to know how to interact with people and read people’s expressions,” she said. “It helps you negotiate with lawyers and helps you in front of a jury.” Professional associations such as the AAJ play a key part in Olinger’s career. A 2005 graduate of St. Louis University School of Law, Olinger participated in moot court and took trial advocacy cours- es to prepare for a career in litigation. She also sat on the board of the Women’s Law Student Association and the Midwest Regional Board of the Black Law Students’ Association, and served as a timer during the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. And her involvement in those organizations hasn’t just been a great addition to Olinger’s resume — it has also made her a better trial lawyer. By observing real and mock trials, “you learn how to look at and talk to a jury, and how to interact with a judge,” she explained. Olinger said she used a lot of the techniques she learned at mock trials during her first pro bono trial. Professional associations also offer camaraderie and networking opportunities, she said. Students who want to become litigators should decide what area of litigation interests them, because the field encompasses many subjects, she said. “Observe trials,” she said. “Go to the courthouse, meet with the judges and talk to the judicial clerks. They will let you sit in on trials, maybe even negotiations.” To Olinger, the excitement is in the courtroom. “You get to be in front of a judge or jury and really build your cases…taking everything that you’ve piecemealed together and [presenting it.],” she said. For more information on careers, visit us at www.NJPLonline.com PHOTO BY JERRY NAUNHEIM JR. HumanRights and Humanitarian Law A LEGAL APPROACH TO HUMAN RIGHTS Academy on Specialized Summer Program May 27–June 13, 2008, Washington, D.C. www.wcl.american.edu/hracademy In its 10th edition, choose from 17 courses. Earn ABA credit, a Certificate of Attendance or diploma. Be a part of this unique program that brings together 33 professors to teach participants from over 30 countries. 2008 Faculty Include: Manfred Nowak, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Martin Scheinin, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Terrorism Jordan Paust, Professor, University of Houston Law Center Rebecca Cook, Faculty Chair, International Human Rights, University of Toronto Robert K. Goldman, Professor, American University, Washington College of Law Elizabeth Andersen, Executive Director, American Society of International Law (ASIL) Juan Méndez, President, International Center for Transitional Justice Gudmundur Alfredsson, UN Sub-Commission on Promotion and Protection of Human Rights Claudio Grossman, Dean, American University, Washington College of Law Douglass Cassel, Director, Center for Civil and Human Rights, Notre Dame Law School Contact Us: Claudia Martin or Diego Rodríguez-Pinzón, Co-Directors ■ American University Washington College of Law E-mail: hracademy@wcl.american.edu ■ Phone: 202-274-4070 Netherlands Human Rights Institute, Utrecht University EO/AA University and Employer February 2008 THE NATIONAL JURIST 43 http://www.NJPLonline.com http://www.wcl.american.edu/hracademy http://www.wcl.american.edu/hracademy
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