As a 1L, I have become very familiar with the Bluebook. The Bluebook is a law school student’s best and worst friend. It’s quick to help you out when you have a citation question, but it will also confuse the heck out of you if you don’t know how to use it properly (sometimes even if you DO use it properly).
Each October around Halloween, the first year law students participate in the Bluebook Relays. Lawrence law firm Barber Emerson sponsors the Relays, and as part of your first year Lawyering class, you are required to participate. There are 2 prizes up for grabs – the cash prize to the ultimate winners (and citation masters) and the spirit award, which is given to the Lawyering class with the most spirit.
I really enjoyed the whole process of the 21st Annual Bluebook Relays. Since it is so close to Halloween, all of the participants get dressed up in costume. It takes place in the informal commons in the basement of Green Hall, and it is a great way to bond with your fellow law students. It gives each class the opportunity to work as a team toward a common goal.
This year, my Lawyering class, Team Keller, tied for first place in spirit with Team Westerbeke. We will get our team name, Keller’s Yellers, engraved on a shiny trophy adorned with a cheerleader and proudly displayed in the informal commons trophy case. The cash prize and bragging rights at this year’s Bluebook Relays went to Team Buller. Though their scores, costumes, and cash prize will likely be forgotten, their citation wizardry will live on for years to come.
Laura Hill, 1L