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I have been planning a post on the election and voting for a couple of days now, but couldn't find the time or the words I wanted to say. Thankfully, a friend of mine (Frank), posted over at his blog (The Soft Lounge), a great "Post of Cleansing" about the election. Everything that Frank says in that entry applies to me as well.

I have never like politics, but I have voted in every major election I've been eligible for. One vote probably doesn't make a difference, but I always feel like it is one right that I have that I should exercise. In both of the presidential elections I voted in previously, my candidate lost.

Continue reading "Voting for transformation?" »

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 04:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Remember that law firm I worked for for a couple of months? Remember how I didn't like it?

Looks like they're in the news: "Don't Post This Cease-and-Desist Letter, Or Else"

Absolutely hilarious. Having worked there, I'm not suprised at the bad press. I certainly did not enjoy my time there, thanks mostly to what I would deem horrible management. Of course, that is only my opinion as a former employee. Reading the comments on the websites that are covering this story is pretty fun. I hope that the story gets more press in the future.

In my opinion, you'd have to be nuts to have that firm represent you. But hey, if you want someone who is, in my opinion, similar to an attack dog - go for it. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Anyway, pass that link along if you think someone is interested in it.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've been holding off posting this entry for a while, mainly because I was still at the job, but now I want to let you all know - I'm moving back to DC.

The reason is simple - the law firm job in Richmond did not work out for me the way I had hoped. In all honesty, it was a mostly miserable experience for me (save for my co-workers), and I couldn't deal with it any more. I could go on and on and tell you about why I felt I had to leave, but I'd probably get sued for defamation or something. So, if you're interested in hearing the details, please feel free to email me or give me a call. Suffice it to say, I wouldn't have wished it on anyone. Even with a detailed explanation, most people don't understand the dynamics of that place. It's tough to explain, and I'm not sure even my fiancé believes it was as bad as I make it sound.

Luckily, my former employer, Georgetown University, has offered me my old position back with some added incentives. Unfortunately, it sort of feels like I'm returning with my tail between my legs, in some respects. When you leave a job, I don't think the intent is to go back if the job you left for doesn't work out. That being said, if there is one place I would go back to, it would have been Georgetown. I just hope things aren't incredibly akward with me returning there - I know I probably upset some people when I left, and I hope that doesn't effect things too much. I really can't afford any more mistakes, so let's hope it works out and isn't akward...

So, I've started the task of moving things back up to Arlington. I only signed a six month lease here in Richmond, which is good, but it still means I have the apartment through July. At least that gives me plenty of time to move, right?

If anything, being back up in Northern Virginia will allow me to help Martha with the wedding planning. Though I'm not sure exactly what still needs to be done, it is getting close. Very close. I hope that after the honeymoon, we'll be able to focus on getting things paid off, saving money, and maybe getting a nice condo in the area.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 02:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

At this point, I'm sure everyone has heard about the huge pet food recall that is taking place, and how it covers a whole bunch of different brands.

I was talking with Martha about this over the weekend, and being an attorney, the first thing that came to my mind when I heard that pets were dying as a result of eating this contaminated food was "wow, I wonder what types of lawsuits will be filed over this?" Obviously, it seemed like someone could file a class action suit over this, but what would they demand? Having the vet bills paid? Almost certainly. How about pain and suffering? Wrongful death (for a pet)? Damage to chattels? You had to know that someone would file a lawsuit over this...

And 'lo and behold: Chicago Woman Sues Over Pet Food Recall. I agree that she probably has the standing to sue, and I think it is interesting what she is asking for: vet bills, compensation for what her kids suffered through, and damages for the company's neglect. I think other people will probably make additional, broader demands. It'll be interesting to follow this case and see what happens.

Another interesting thing is the fact that they believe it was the "wheat gluten" that was contaminated. The interesting thing about that is that wheat gluten is also used in human food - so I'm wondering if this gluten is linked to any products that are also sold to people.

In any case, I'd suggest checking the recall notice, to ensure the food you feed your pet isn't on the list.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

So far, 2007 is off to a very good start (despite the fact that I have yet to see snow in any considerable amount).

For those of you who do not know, I have accepted a position with a firm in Richmond, Virginia. The name of the firm is Dozier Internet Law, and they can be found here: http://www.cybertriallawyer.com. This is a great opportunity for me, as the firm practices only internet law – the exact type of thing I was looking for. After my interviews with them, I was certain that this is the type of law I want to practice. I’m looking forward to getting started next week.

Of course, since I will be taking a job in Richmond, I am also moving to Richmond. This isn’t a bad thing as after spending three years there during law school, I’m mostly familiar with the area. I’ve also got several friends in the area still, and while they don’t have a highest level professional sports team, I think I’ll be good (thank you NHL Center Ice Package!)

The last two weeks have been incredibly hectic for me because of this new development. Not only did I have to put in my notice at Georgetown, but I’ve had to find an apartment in Richmond, pack up my half (plus some of Martha’s) part of the apartment, and change my status with the VA State Bar to Active (from Associate). The most hectic part has been changing status – no matter how many times I’ve sent things marked urgent, they either say they never received them (my dues), or that they will take a few days to get in (MCLEs). There has to be a better way to do both of those things, but alas, it isn’t in place yet. On the other hand, I have the apartment and am mostly packed, so that is the good news.

Martha will be staying in DC. This obviously is going to be difficult for us to do, but it’s what is best for our long-term futures. This job is one of those that she and I both recognize as great opportunities. Plus, it will allow her to work on the wedding stuff. I also plan on spending the weekends up there, time permitting.

Georgetown will be a tough place to leave, given all that they have done for me, and the great people I work with. I know I never would have gone to Qatar if it weren’t for Georgetown. I can’t say enough good things about working at GU, but like I said, this opportunity was one I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my life, and hope this job is everything I know it can be.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

It is good to see that now that the Democrats have control of the House and Senate (albeit by a very slim margin), they are hitting some issues head on. During the first day of the congressional session, Democrats introduced a bill that will mandate net neutrality.

I'm a big fan of net neutrality, personally. It's good to see (finally) that those in charge aren't cowing to the big corporations, and might actually be doing something that is good for Joe American. So, we'll see how far it makes it - but I'm hoping this one sticks.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 09:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

This week I had to take the mandatory Virginia State Bar professionalism course, pursuant to my bar passage in October. At least, I thought I had to take it. Turns out, I only had to take it if I was an active member of the bar, which I am not. Realistically, there is no sense being an "Active" member of the bar when you aren't practicing. I've paid my dues as an "Associate" member, which is good for now. One good thing about having taken the class now - if and when I decide to practice law again in the state of Virginia, I will already have that requirement taken care of.

Anyway, I essentially did not know anyone at the course. There were probably upwards of 300 attorneys there, and it wasn't until after lunch that I ran into a former classmate of mine who works for Venable. She was one of those very active, smart law students - on Law Journal, in various organizations, and clearly one of the top people in my class. I'm not suprised that she has the job she does. I was, however, jealous. Not just of her, either - but of most of the people there. Don't get me wrong, my job at Georgetown is a good job, and I'm paid well. However, I see my classmates making twice what I am - of course that would make me jealous. They can afford a house their first year out of law school. I'm afraid Martha and I won't be able to pursue that option until we are out of Washington, DC. Not to mention, sometimes it feels like I could be doing something that had some real effect on someone, other than not being able to get into University resources. I suppose my new VPN project is a measure of responsibility above what I've had thus far. The problem with the project is that I realistically know absolutely nothing about VPN.

In any case, the course was pretty boring. I felt like it was just a rehashing of the Professional Responsibility course I had at UR. The lunch, however, was very good. It was probably the best part of the day, in fact. Meeting one of the Virginia Supreme Court justices was also a good experience. It's funny, but I look at some of these lawyers, and I can really see them as politicians someday. Just by the way they look. The 1-800-BASTARD attorney commerical was pretty funny too. "Do you say to yourself 'I want a real bastard as an attorney?' Do you want someone who will be a bastard to opposing council?"

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 07:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)