EXCERPTS FROM "IMPOSED WISDOM" - Fall 2016-Spring 2017-Summer 2017 

Excerpts from Journal Responses which were sent in reply to Journals submitted by University of Hawai‘i School of Law students serving academic Externships in various venues in and about Hawai‘i, and elsewhere are included hereinbelow. They are segregated into academic years: Fall-Spring-Summer for each Semester that I served as Director of the Externship Program.  To see if a Journal response that I sent to YOU is included, HIGHLIGHT the link and click on go to https:

All Journal Responses are anonymous and harvested from my book, "Imposed Wisdom." Just for fun, check it out.  You'll get a pretty accurate picture of who I am, what I value and treasure about my years at Richardson and which carry on into the future.  " ... that's Dale."

Below, ten Teasers from the Fall 2016-Spr 2017-Summer 2017 Semesters. To see ALL of the Journal Response excerpts (they are all there), HIGHLIGHT the below link and press "Go to: 

Bankruptcy does, amazingly, reach across the spectrum of our society - if it's a corporate Bankruptcy, most think only of the company being impacted, until one considers the numbers of creditors who are left holding the proverbial bag - and then the employees of the impacted creditors and their families who are similarly impacted  - and it goes on and on. It's heavy stuff.  

I've said it before, I'll say it again. There's nothing like the excitement of the Courtoom. So much going on, externally and internally. And as Extern/Law Clerk you are a member of the Court Staff - you are a Court Officer. You are an insider. Cool.  

There's a whole new language out there. At the same time, remember that when you can use plain language to explain the "legalese," you do a great service for your clients - lay and commercial. You want to be comfortable with the terms so you can explain them - to your grandmother. When you have that level of expertise and confidence, you're there.    

I sense from your Journals a growing maturity and confidence with each passing two weeks' entries.  I am also buoyed by the apparent  focus that this Externship has helped you to find when it comes to career and your future.  I absolutely, and enthusiastically endorse the "service to others"  priority that you are targeting for your career, and the likelihood that it will be centered on the West Side. You are to be a role model for still more young Native Hawaiian Women - you are positioned - now, just keep your foot steady on the gas pedal as you make your way around and through the obstacles and bumps in the road - whether you find yourself in politics or in a Family Practice - when you keep "service to others" in the forefront of your intentions, it empowers you (and those who you serve). THAT'S what it's all about.  

The Courtroom is where it all happens, and hangs out.  There, you're naked.  For the citizen who finds himself in a client capacity on the stand, there's no place to hide, and only so much that can be done in prep for direct Exam - and even less that can be done to prep for Cross Examination, where it all can get exposed.  Truth be told, there should be multiples of the time spent preparing for Direct Exam devoted to being ready for cross-examination, but it usually isn't.  It's harder. When there's a worthy client who gets tripped up on Cross Examination - that's really unfair. When there's an unworthy client who get tripped up on Cross- Examination, BRAVO!

You will find yourself at times shaking your head and saying "Whoa, Brah, look at you - in Washington D.C. and den ..." What a terrific opportunity for you. I know you will take full advantage of the learning, the exposure and the networking.  I can imagine, being a "representative" of the Senator's staff, your every move, action etc. will be a reflection on the Senator, so you'll be on your toes all day, everyday. Nothing wrong with that.  In fact, terrific "training" for maintaining that presence that is so important to project as a professional - in whatever capacity you will find yourself once Law School is done - coming sooner than you think.  Be in respectful awe, but realize very soon that you are capable and just as your Coaches said in Little League, "everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time." You are in the midst of a select group of people.  Note, I said "in the midst, not on the outside looking in.  You are one of them. Take your place and shine. 

Unlike in some countries (Japan, for instance) the "Company Man" is fast disappearing, and job and career changes are frequent, common and mainstream these days.  Thus, these kinds of "conflicts" arise all over the place, especially in a "small" community like Hawaii. 

As I read your Journal the all-too-unrealized depth and critical importance of the decisions that are being made at Immigration Appeals (and which you are helping to evaluate) rise to the forefront of my awareness.  Those of us who are "established" simply cannot truly appreciate the terror/uncertainty experienced by those who face the possibility of being torn away from family.  And, truth be told, I can't say that I know or have any contact with anyone or any family that might be impacted, thus the issue is not one that candidly, I have given much thought. Your Journal boots me out of my comfort zone.  As I think about it, were I in a vulnerable position, 'not sure I could survive the stress.  And, for those who truly are deserving of asylum because of threats "at home," the fragility of everything is multiplied ten-fold, and more. Certainly, there are some who are being "coached to tell the story," in order to be allowed to remain.  I'm not being jaded, but I am going to guess that the number of those in this circumstance are many. The real concern is for those who are truly entitled to the protections of asylum, who's eligibility to stay in our Country depends in large part, upon their ability to provide convincing testimony, all in a compressed period of time, in a wholly intimidating environment (Court!) and in a non-native language. Due to the vagaries of communication, 'might their legitimacy be questioned as a result of imperfect or imprecise testimony? What a heavy burden they bear, with devastating consequences.

Say, these Externships are supposed to be academic exercises - instead, you write (so neat!) like you're at Summer Camp, having a fun time.  Gufoyu.  When it's educational AND fun, that's a "win-win." You are going to know so much about the Courts and how things work and how things "go."  Do a great job.

You are absolutely correct; everyone has a different style. No such thing as a "cookie cutter" presence in the Courtroom. It has to be YOU.  Hoping you will see some really GOOD lawyers ply their craft, and also some not so good - there'll be great learning in seeing both.