From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Fri May 4 19:26:16 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 14:26:16 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] ABA Standards Review Committee to Offer Two Alternate Approaches to LSAT Requirement, ABA Journal, April 30 2012 In-Reply-To: <41370810CEBD1C4DA64C9361CE162341C8D25D8D8E@EDUPTCEXMB01.ed.gov> References: <41370810CEBD1C4DA64C9361CE162341C8D25D8D8E@EDUPTCEXMB01.ed.gov> Message-ID: Link: http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/aba_committee_to_offer_two_approaches_to_lsat_requirement/?utm_source=maestro&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly_email Text: ABA Standards Review Committee to Offer Two Alternate Approaches to LSAT Requirement Posted April 30, 2012 By Mark Hansen An ABA committee has tentatively agreed on two alternative approaches to the current requirement in the Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools that all law school applicants must take a valid and reliable admissions test. The first approach would keep a pared-down version of the current requirement in the standards. The second would eliminate the requirement altogether. Neither vote, taken during a Friday meeting of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar's Standards Review Committee, was binding. But the two votes taken together reflect a deep division among committee members over whether such a requirement is necessary, an issue over which the committee has gone back and forth several times already. The existing standard (PDF), known as the LSAT requirement, says that a law school must require each first-year applicant to take a valid and reliable admissions test to assist the school and the applicant in assessing the applicant's capability of successfully completing the school's education program. But the committee, which is working on a comprehensive overhaul of the standards, voted for second time last year to omit that requirement from its current draft. Not because there's anything wrong with the test itself, which has proven to be a reliable predictor of a first-year student's performance, but because the standard doesn't require schools to give any particular weight to a student's test score in its admissions decisions. Those who want to do away with the requirement note that the ABA has already granted variances to several schools that have allowed them to admit a limited number of students who haven't taken the LSAT. They also point out that no other accrediting agency requires schools to make students take an admissions test. "It ought to be up to the schools to decide who they want to admit, and based on what factors," says committee member David Yellen, dean of Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Yellen also says it doesn't make sense to keep a requirement in the standards that is slowly being "chiseled away" through variances. But those who want to keep the requirement say the test scores offer useful consumer information. They also say that grades are a very unreliable indicator of a law student's success. "I think this is absolutely fundamental to the quality of a legal education in America," says committee member James Hanks Jr., a partner with the Venable firm in Baltimore. On Friday, the committee, which has acquired several new members since its last vote on the matter, took up the issue yet again, first voting to approve a pared-down version of the current standard, then voting to forward to the section's governing council an alternative proposal that would do away with the LSAT requirement. The committee, which met Friday and Saturday in St. Louis, had initially planned to discuss its proposed changes to five of the standards' seven chapters. But it hadn't even gotten through the first two chapters when the meeting was adjourned. Committee chair Jeffrey Lewis, dean emeritus and professor at St. Louis University School of Law, said afterward he wasn't troubled by the slow pace of the committee's deliberations. "The goal is to do it right," not to speed through it, he said, "and that's exactly what we're doing." From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 4 20:34:42 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 16:34:42 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Federal Attorney postings Message-ID: <41CBD81AC4274127B9676BE359397DDC@mycomputer> Trial Attorney, GS-13/14/15 U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section Washington, D.C. 12-CRM-AFMLS-058 All applications must be received May 18th, 2012. U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program Region 16 Riverside, California (1) Trial Attorney GS-905-12/13/14/15 Announcement No. S12-00 Open: 05/07/12 Close: 05/29/12. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Idaho Vacancy Announcement Number 12-ID-AUSA-02 The deadline to apply is May 18, 2012. From cathrynisfinally at verizon.net Sat May 5 19:50:52 2012 From: cathrynisfinally at verizon.net (Cathryn) Date: Sat, 05 May 2012 15:50:52 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Federal Attorney postings In-Reply-To: <41CBD81AC4274127B9676BE359397DDC@mycomputer> References: <41CBD81AC4274127B9676BE359397DDC@mycomputer> Message-ID: <000501cd2af8$610a66a0$231f33e0$@verizon.net> The searches I tried today for these vacancies include: Announcement No. S12-00 Results: zero "trial attorney" in California Results were 3 vacancies in the Dept of Labor NTE 54 weeks No listings for the Department of Justice "U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program" in California Results: zero listings I don't know how to use the vacancy listings you are sending out on this list serve. Any assistance you may be able to provide is appreciated. Cathryn Bonnette -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ross Doerr Sent: Friday, May 04, 2012 4:35 PM To: 'Blind Law Mailing List' Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Federal Attorney postings Trial Attorney, GS-13/14/15 U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section Washington, D.C. 12-CRM-AFMLS-058 All applications must be received May 18th, 2012. U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program Region 16 Riverside, California (1) Trial Attorney GS-905-12/13/14/15 Announcement No. S12-00 Open: 05/07/12 Close: 05/29/12. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Idaho Vacancy Announcement Number 12-ID-AUSA-02 The deadline to apply is May 18, 2012. _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/cathrynisfinally%40ver izon.net From david.albrektson at navy.mil Mon May 7 11:58:43 2012 From: david.albrektson at navy.mil (Albrektson, David M CIV 70, FFSC) Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 07:58:43 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] concerned for a friend Message-ID: <5EFC5491446D0143A271EC56A98D79C6507968@naeanrfkez34v.nadsusea.nads.navy.mil> The folowing post has no disability-related issues although I wonder if there may be some issues re: age-discrimination - not sure if it's OK to post to this list. My apology if this post is outside the list's scope. I'm just interested in getting some feedback, ideas, etc. A friend of mine, 61 y/o, was told recently by her employer that 'your skill-set no longer matches our needs' and she was let go from her job. She's worked as a bookkeeper for this small company for almost 10 years. Strangely, the employer is paying her some kind of a severance pay, although rather than lump-summing it, they're giving her a weekly check. My friend has no idea what the amount of her severance will be...severance was never discussed, never spelled-out, and she has been unable to obtain clarification from the employer despite her requests for same. My friend says she cannot apply for unemployment compensation at this time because she is still receiving money from her former employer. She is dubious she will find another job here in Rhode Island - lousy economy and she says 'Who's going to employ a 61 year-old woman?'. She is worried that if she does not apply for unemployment benefits within a certain time period, she may miss-out on the government's offer for 'extended benefits'. She's also concerned that while she was formerly identified as 'fully vested' in the company's retirement plan, her current status has been changed to '80% vested'. I've advised her to consult an attorney and she is considering so doing but has not moved on this matter as yet. Dav eA -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: smime.p7s Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature Size: 5688 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rumpole at roadrunner.com Mon May 7 20:07:07 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 16:07:07 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Trustee posting, Riverside CA. Message-ID: <67C21ED8834A4F438394298C6D92C0A8@mycomputer> Okay, for those of you who hit snags trying to find federal listings in the California area - go to: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/jobs/trialattvacrivrs12-00.htm ...and see if that link helps you get to the listings. IF it doesn't help you out, I'v e posted the job below, but I'm genuinely stumped on what causes the snag otherwise. *** U.S. TRUSTEE PROGRAM REGION 16 RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (1) TRIAL ATTORNEY GS-905-12/13/14/15 ANNOUNCEMENT NO.RS12-00 OPEN: 05/07/12 CLOSE: 05/29/12 About the Office: The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) is a component of the Department of Justice and has the legal authority to appear in every bankruptcy case filed in the United States, from chapter 7 liquidations to major chapter 11 business reorganizations. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The successful candidate will assist in supervising the administration of cases and trustees in cases filed under chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. The successful candidate will be required to review cases for bankruptcy fraud and abuse (both civil and criminal); oversee business reorganization filings, draft motions, pleadings, and briefs; and will be primarily responsible for the preparation, presentation and litigation of cases arising under the Bankruptcy Code, including provisions of the Bankruptcy Abuse Protection and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. In connection with the representation of the United States Trustee, the successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of litigation, including factual investigation, legal research, preparation of pleadings and other documents, and trial of cases in the Bankruptcy Courts and the United States District Courts. The successful candidate also must perform substantial non litigation duties related to the supervision of trustees and the administration of cases. Qualifications Required: Interested parties must possess a Juris Doctorate degree and be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction). Candidates applying at the GS-12 level must have at least 1 year or more post JD experience. Candidates applying at the GS-13 level must have at least 1 year and 6 months or more post JD experience. Candidates applying at the GS-14 level must have at least 2 years and 6 months or more post JD experience. Candidates applying at the GS-15 level must have 4 years or more post JD experience. Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications above it is preferred that candidates possess post JD experience in at least one or more of the following legal specialties: bankruptcy, litigation, appellate, commercial or business transactions. Travel: Occasional overnight travel is required. Salary Information: Candidates are being solicited at the GS-12/15 level, ranging in pay from GS-12 ($76,644 - $99,636), GS-13 ($91,141 - $118,481), GS-14 ($107,701 - $140,008) and GS-15 ($126,687 - $155,000). Promotion potential to GS-15. Location: Riverside, California Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized. Application Process and Deadline Date: To apply, please submit a resume, a brief description of experience that satisfies the qualifications. Resumes must include full name, mailing address, phone number, social security number, country of citizenship and veterans' preference. [Note: the OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment is now obsolete.] In addition, all applicants must submit law school transcripts and current or former federal employees must submit the most current performance appraisal and the latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. Resumes can be delivered by mail or overnight delivery or applications can be submitted electronically by email. Emailed applications must be sent to Annette.Soule at usdoj.gov with the job announcement number in the subject line; and must be received by midnight of the closing date of the announcement. Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than midnight May 29, 2012 and received within 5 calendar days and delivered to U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the U.S. Trustee, 725 South Figueroa, Suite 2600, Los Angeles, CA 90017-5413, Attn: Annette Soule, Administrative Officer. Ref: RS12-00. Overnight packages must be received by close of business, e.g. 4:15 p.m. (PST) on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Applications received in government postage paid envelopes, or by fax will not be considered. Applications will not be returned. Candidates will not be solicited for further experience or education background data or for proof of veterans' preference if data provided is found to be inadequate or incomplete. Internet Sites: This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the Internet at: http://www.justice.gov/oarm/attvacancies.html. Department Policies: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorney's Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans= preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of non-service-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue May 8 22:31:54 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 18:31:54 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney posting for Texas Message-ID: <31D73077DF874B5BBF480DE63262145E@mycomputer> This job and others are found at the following web site, save it in your favorites listing! http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas Announcement Number 12-SDTX-09 (Houston Asset Forfeiture) The position is open until filled. The initial cutoff date for receipt of applications is May 14, 2012. From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Tue May 8 23:36:11 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 18:36:11 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: ACLU Legal Fellowship job description to distribute? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The attached fellowship announcement requires membership in the Washington State Bar or willingness to take it. From: Lisa Nix [mailto:lnix at aclu-wa.org] Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2012 4:29 PM To: Nightingale, Noel Subject: ACLU Legal Fellowship job description to distribute? Hi Noel, I'm helping to spread the good word out about a job opening we have here, the "Floyd and Delores Jones Legal Fellowship," and see that you're listed as the co-chair of the Washington Attorneys with Disabilities Association. I'm wondering if you or someone in the group could distribute the attached job description to your members. I'm not finding a website, but if there's somewhere to post it, that would be great too. Is that possible? As indicated on the description, interested parties should submit their materials through our jobs at aclu-wa.org email. Please let me know if you have any questions, or if there's someone else I should check in with. Thank you! Lisa Lisa Nix Special Assistant to the Executive Director 901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 630 Seattle WA 98164 lnix at aclu-wa.org (206) 624.2184, Ext. 212 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Legal - Jones Fellowship.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 227154 bytes Desc: Legal - Jones Fellowship.pdf URL: From Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov Wed May 9 18:04:52 2012 From: Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov (Othman, Ronza (CMS/OEOCR)) Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 14:04:52 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: CMS Job Opportunity (Schedule A) (CMCS-IT) Message-ID: Please see attached and below. *** CMS Job Opportunity*** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), located in Baltimore, Maryland, is seeking applicants for the position identified below. CMS is seeking to hire a veteran or non-veteran individual who is Schedule A eligible, meaning that they possess a “severe” disability. For more information on the Schedule A hiring authority, please visit http://www.opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp. I am requesting your assistance to provide me with resumes of Schedule A applicants with the identified skills. More information on the specific job duties and the function of the center are below and attached. The CMS hiring managers in the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) are looking to fill an Information Technology (IT) position. The required skills and abilities for this position are identified below. DUTIES: In this position, you will perform a wide variety of duties related to the design, development and implementation of new and modernized Information Technology (IT) systems. Specifically, you will: ▪ Plan, coordinate, and perform systems design and development of a major IT functional area, which may include providing direction to lower-level staff and/or contract personnel. ▪ Analyze the validation of IT needs and requirements, including data, access needs and security, to design and develop appropriate systems designs, access methods and information security controls. ▪ Develop and make presentations on project status and technical issues. ▪ Identify and analyze advancements in application development concepts, techniques and tools. ▪ Develop proposals to translate management objectives/directives into advanced IT application systems. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: In order to qualify for this position, applicants must possess one year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service that has equipped you with the specific knowledge, skill or ability to successfully perform in this position and is IT-related experience. Specialized experience includes: performing cost\benefit analyses of funding requests (such as the Advance Planning Documents – APDs) for the development and implementation of Medicaid Information Technology (IT) Systems such as the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), the multi-OPDIV Integrated Eligibility Determination systems; and systems-related initiatives such as Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA), Health Information Technology, or other similar healthcare systems. Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled. 1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. 3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Please send any resumes of Schedule A applicants and the supporting certification documentation to Michele Lenkiewicz at Michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov. Be sure to include “CMCS-IT” in the subject line. The hiring managers are interested in selecting candidates, as soon as possible. Resumes must be received by COB Thursday, May 10, 2012. Resumes will also be retained in a resume bank for possible future job openings. Thank you in advance for your assistance in reaching potential applicants and I look forward to continuing an ongoing relationship with you to support CMS’ efforts to hire, recruit and retain individuals with disabilities. "OEOCR the model of quality EEO and Civil Rights Services" Michele Lenkiewicz Disability Employment Program Manager Affirmative Employment Group Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (OEOCR) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7111 Security Boulevard, Rm. B2-11-32 Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Phone: 410-786-5117 Fax: 410-786-4341 Email: michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov Confidentiality: The information contained in this electronic mail message and any attachments is intended only for the official use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain legally privileged, confidential information or work product. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or forwarding of this email message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me by email reply and delete the original message from your system. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CMCS.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 21722 bytes Desc: CMCS.pdf URL: From Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov Wed May 9 18:16:40 2012 From: Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov (Othman, Ronza (CMS/OEOCR)) Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 14:16:40 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: CMS Job Opportunity (Schedule A) (CMCS-Admin) Message-ID: Please see below and attached. *** CMS Job Opportunity*** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), located in Baltimore, Maryland, is seeking applicants for the position identified below. CMS is seeking to hire a veteran or non-veteran individual who is Schedule A eligible, meaning that they possess a “severe” disability. For more information on the Schedule A hiring authority, please visit http://www.opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp. I am requesting your assistance to provide me with resumes of Schedule A applicants with the identified skills. More information on the specific job duties and the function of the center are below and attached. The CMS hiring managers in the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) are looking to fill an Administrative type position. This position is located in the Washington, DC Office of the Center Director and serves to provide analysis and technical assistance to the Director, CMCS on administrative management issues. The incumbent is responsible for providing a wide variety of analytical services related to development, implementation and oversight in supporting CMCS responsibilities in administering the Medicaid and CHIP programs. Provides assistance to CMCS management and senior staff on the full range of management, organizational analysis, and administrative related issues. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ▪ Serves as an analyst responsible for the evaluation and analysis on managerial and program support issues to the Director and other CMCS senior leadership team. ▪ Provides administrative and management support to the Director and the leadership team. The incumbent is responsible for assisting in the development of strategic solutions to administrative and organizational analysis issues/problems. ▪ Works with the Director in a variety of special assignments involving all aspects of the administrative and operational management of the Office of the Center Director (OCD). Evaluates the effectiveness of existing administrative policies and reviews new CMS administrative policies and initiatives for potential impact on CMCS. Reports oral or written findings, actions, or recommendations for the Director's attention. ▪ Plans, coordinates, and performs special program assignments and projects on behalf of the Director. These assignments often involve issues of a sensitive or critical nature and require negotiations with the executive personnel of organizations inside and outside CMS and the Federal government. ▪ Follows up and monitors projects assigned by the Director, assuring that the objectives of assignments are clearly understood and deadlines met. Keeps Director informed of project status and any unusual circumstances encountered. ▪ Evaluates the effectiveness of existing administrative policies and reviews new CMS administrative policies and initiatives for potential impact on CMCS. Reports oral or written findings, actions, or recommendations for the Director's attention. ▪ Reviews workflow patterns and, as necessary, makes recommendations to the Director for improvement of existing procedures utilized in OCD and the offices of the group directors within CMCS. Follows through whenever necessary on assigned action items and seeks to obtain a unified effort on the preparation of policy issues and concerns. Ensures timely clearance of all materials sent out for review. ▪ Provides data support on new and existing projects and maintains liaison with other divisions of CMCS, CMS, and external components. ▪ Responds to inquiries from senior Federal and State officials and officials from private sector and determines the urgency of the inquiry and may arrange for immediate response via conference calls, etc. ▪ Determines needs for meetings involving the Director and staff, decides which staff members need to attend and indicates what information should be prepared or available for meetings. Assures that the Director is informed and briefs the Director of the nature and purpose of the meeting. Arranges for attendance of technical staff from the components to serve as resource. ▪ Prepares briefings and reports for the use of the Director for his\her participation in executive meetings. Responsible for general office operations management for the CMCS, DC office. Please send any resumes of Schedule A applicants and the supporting certification documentation to Michele Lenkiewicz at Michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov. Be sure to include “CMCS-Admin” in the subject line. The hiring managers are interested in selecting candidates, as soon as possible. Resumes must be received by noon Friday May 11, 2012. Resumes will also be retained in a resume bank for possible future job openings. Thank you in advance for your assistance in reaching potential applicants and I look forward to continuing an ongoing relationship with you to support CMS’ efforts to hire, recruit and retain individuals with disabilities. "OEOCR the model of quality EEO and Civil Rights Services" Michele Lenkiewicz Disability Employment Program Manager Affirmative Employment Group Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (OEOCR) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7111 Security Boulevard, Rm. B2-11-32 Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Phone: 410-786-5117 Fax: 410-786-4341 Email: michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov Confidentiality: The information contained in this electronic mail message and any attachments is intended only for the official use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain legally privileged, confidential information or work product. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or forwarding of this email message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me by email reply and delete the original message from your system. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.png Type: image/png Size: 164 bytes Desc: image002.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CMCS.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 21722 bytes Desc: CMCS.pdf URL: From lberger at sfmslaw.com Wed May 9 21:36:02 2012 From: lberger at sfmslaw.com (Lawrence Berger) Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 17:36:02 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] concerned for a friend In-Reply-To: <5EFC5491446D0143A271EC56A98D79C6507968@naeanrfkez34v.nadsusea.nads.navy.mil> References: <5EFC5491446D0143A271EC56A98D79C6507968@naeanrfkez34v.nadsusea.nads.navy.mil> Message-ID: <9223c8bea6a4f5eb60edcfdab9238b2d@mail.gmail.com> I'm replying late, so I apologize if I'm just going over old ground, but: in many states, you can collect unemployment at the same time you are receiving severance pay. This does vary state-by-state, but the state unemployment compensation agency may be able to help. Larry Berger Shepherd, Finkelman, Miller & Shah, LLP mailto:lberger at sfmslaw.com (610) 891-9880 phone -----Original Message----- From: Albrektson, David M CIV 70, FFSC [mailto:david.albrektson at navy.mil] Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 7:59 AM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] concerned for a friend The folowing post has no disability-related issues although I wonder if there may be some issues re: age-discrimination - not sure if it's OK to post to this list. My apology if this post is outside the list's scope. I'm just interested in getting some feedback, ideas, etc. A friend of mine, 61 y/o, was told recently by her employer that 'your skill-set no longer matches our needs' and she was let go from her job. She's worked as a bookkeeper for this small company for almost 10 years. Strangely, the employer is paying her some kind of a severance pay, although rather than lump-summing it, they're giving her a weekly check. My friend has no idea what the amount of her severance will be...severance was never discussed, never spelled-out, and she has been unable to obtain clarification from the employer despite her requests for same. My friend says she cannot apply for unemployment compensation at this time because she is still receiving money from her former employer. She is dubious she will find another job here in Rhode Island - lousy economy and she says 'Who's going to employ a 61 year-old woman?'. She is worried that if she does not apply for unemployment benefits within a certain time period, she may miss-out on the government's offer for 'extended benefits'. She's also concerned that while she was formerly identified as 'fully vested' in the company's retirement plan, her current status has been changed to '80% vested'. I've advised her to consult an attorney and she is considering so doing but has not moved on this matter as yet. Dav eA From Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov Thu May 10 21:30:01 2012 From: Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov (Othman, Ronza (CMS/OEOCR)) Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 17:30:01 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: CMS Job Opportunity (Schedule A) (CMCS-HIS) Message-ID: Please see below and attached. *** CMS Job Opportunity*** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), located in Baltimore, Maryland, is seeking applicants for the positions identified below. CMS is seeking to hire a veteran or non-veteran individual who is Schedule A eligible, meaning that they possess a “severe” disability. For more information on the Schedule A hiring authority, please visit http://www.opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp. I am requesting your assistance to provide me with resumes of Schedule A applicants with the identified skills. More information on the specific job duties and the function of the center are below and attached. The CMS hiring managers in the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) are looking to fill several Health Insurance Specialist positions at the GS-9 to GS-13 levels, ideally, with a background in general healthcare policy and implementation with a focus on Medicaid. Desired Experience: · Experience researching, interpreting, applying, developing and/or implementing program quality improvement laws, regulations, policies, and/or operations related to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or similar health insurance programs that provide coverage to low income, disabled, children and adults · Experience using quantitative and qualitative analytical concepts, methodologies, and techniques related to the development and assessment of quality improvement strategies · Experience working collaboratively in a team structure · Experience serving as a liaison to internal and external partners and customers Please send any resumes of Schedule A applicants and the supporting certification documentation to Michele Lenkiewicz at Michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov. Be sure to include “CMCS-HIS” in the subject line. The hiring managers are interested in selecting candidates, as soon as possible. Resumes must be received by 5:00 pm Monday, May 14, 2012. Resumes will also be retained in a resume bank for possible future job openings. Thank you in advance for your assistance in reaching potential applicants and I look forward to continuing an ongoing relationship with you to support CMS’ efforts to hire, recruit and retain individuals with disabilities. "OEOCR the model of quality EEO and Civil Rights Services" Michele Lenkiewicz Disability Employment Program Manager Affirmative Employment Group Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (OEOCR) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7111 Security Boulevard, Rm. B2-11-32 Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Phone: 410-786-5117 Fax: 410-786-4341 Email: michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov Confidentiality: The information contained in this electronic mail message and any attachments is intended only for the official use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain legally privileged, confidential information or work product. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or forwarding of this email message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me by email reply and delete the original message from your system. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CMCS.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 21722 bytes Desc: CMCS.pdf URL: From gerard.sadlier at gmail.com Sun May 13 21:08:28 2012 From: gerard.sadlier at gmail.com (Gerard Sadlier) Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 22:08:28 +0100 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? Message-ID: Hi all, What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? What do you use when reviewing legal documents. Thanks Ger From tim at timeldermusic.com Mon May 14 18:25:23 2012 From: tim at timeldermusic.com (Tim Elder) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 14:25:23 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> I rotate among several schemes that I've customized in the schemes manager. -----Original Message----- From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2012 5:08 PM To: Farber, Randy Cc: blindlaw Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? Hi all, What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? What do you use when reviewing legal documents. Thanks Ger From gerard.sadlier at gmail.com Mon May 14 18:48:13 2012 From: gerard.sadlier at gmail.com (Gerard Sadlier) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:48:13 +0100 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? In-Reply-To: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> References: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> Message-ID: tim, could you give me a little more detail about the settings you use? Thanks Ger On 5/14/12, Tim Elder wrote: > I rotate among several schemes that I've customized in the schemes manager. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] > Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2012 5:08 PM > To: Farber, Randy > Cc: blindlaw > Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting > Info When Reading Documents? > > Hi all, > > What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes > in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? > What do you use when reviewing legal documents. > Thanks > Ger > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gerard.sadlier%40gmail.com > From emrene at earthlink.net Mon May 14 19:30:58 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 12:30:58 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft Message-ID: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> Hi all, I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the practice of Law. When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of using text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future. For me, anyway. My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them to cheat. My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest. Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that many or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now. My quick overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from them on accessibility or ADA awareness. Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or with Apple's VoiceOver? I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from an older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an iBook, right now, with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS alone. Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10. It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation. PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but wasn't registered here from that address. Thanks in advance for your comments. Elizabeth Rene From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Mon May 14 22:20:40 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 17:20:40 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: Starbucks Diversity Mentorship Program, 2012-13 In-Reply-To: <229E2086DA265847A4DCC8263ED9C9D00772584FAF@seams615.starbucks.net> References: <229E2086DA265847A4DCC8263ED9C9D00759843E75@seams615.starbucks.net> <229E2086DA265847A4DCC8263ED9C9D00772584FAF@seams615.starbucks.net> Message-ID: From: David Byers [mailto:dbyers at starbucks.com] Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 3:10 PM To: Aaron Kiviat (SCS); Alison Bettles (WWL); Andrew Prazuch (KCBA); Aric Bomsztyk (SCS); Aryna Andersen (SBAW); chachdw at wsba.org; David Ko (KABA); Elizabeth Fry (NIBA); Emilia Castillo (FLOW); Janet Kim Lin (ABAW); Jeanne Marie Clavere (WWL); Jeff Liang (ABAW); Jennifer Davis (LBAW); Julie Gardner (KCBA); Kaustuv Das (SABAW); Martin Le (VABAW); MELAW; Millie Kennedy (NIBA); Nicole Gaines (LMBA); Nightingale, Noel; Rachel Black (MAMAS); Rommel de las Alas (FLOW); Sinjin Dinh (VABAW); Stuart Pixley (WADA); Zana Bugaighis (QLaw) Cc: Katina Thornock Subject: RE: Starbucks Diversity Mentorship Program, 2012-13 Thanks for the applications we have received to date. Just a reminder that all applications are due by this Friday, May 18. From: David Byers Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 9:23 AM To: Aaron Kiviat (SCS); Alison Bettles (WWL); Andrew Prazuch (KCBA); Aric Bomsztyk (SCS); Aryna Andersen (SBAW); chachdw at wsba.org; David Ko (KABA); Elizabeth Fry (NIBA); Emilia Castillo (FLOW); Janet Kim Lin (ABAW); Jeanne Marie Clavere (WWL); Jeff Liang (ABAW); Jennifer Davis (LBAW); Julie Gardner (KCBA); Kaustuv Das (SABAW); Martin Le (VABAW); MELAW; Millie Kennedy (NIBA); Nicole Gaines (LMBA); Noel Nightingale (WADA); Rachel Black (MAMAS); Rommel de las Alas (FLOW); Sinjin Dinh (VABAW); Stuart Pixley (WADA); Zana Bugaighis (QLaw) Cc: Katina Thornock; David Byers Subject: Starbucks Diversity Mentorship Program, 2012-13 I'm reaching out to you as leaders of Washington's minority bar associations (and other interested parties) to announce the second year of the Starbucks Law & Corporate Affairs Department's diversity mentorship program. We are wrapping up a successful pilot year, and are very pleased to be able to continue the program with a new group of mentees. We would welcome applicants from all of your organizations, and invite you to circulate the attached overview to your membership. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or my committee co-chair, Katina Thornock. Thanks! -David. David M. Byers director, corporate counsel, licensing & franchising Starbucks Corporation 2401 Utah Avenue South, S-LA4 Seattle, Washington 98124 206-318-6996 (direct) 206-903-4040 (fax) dbyers at starbucks.com From rumpole at roadrunner.com Mon May 14 23:21:26 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:21:26 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney posting Texas Message-ID: Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas Announcement Number 12-SDTX-10 (HOUSTON - CRIMINAL) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- About the Office: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, with approximately 190 Assistant United States Attorneys, is among the largest in the country. The office prosecutes federal crimes and represents the interests of the United States in civil cases. The Southern District of Texas stretches from the Houston area southwest to the Mexican border. The United States Attorney’s Office operates staffed offices in Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria. Who May Apply: Due to the Attorney General's hiring freeze, only current permanent employees of a U.S. Attorney's Office and EOUSA may be considered and selected. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas seeks one or more (1 or more) experienced attorneys to serve in various sections of the Criminal Division of its Houston, Texas office. The incumbent(s) will investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws, primarily involving immigration, drug, and firearms offenses. Qualifications: Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, and must be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any state or territory of the United States or of the District of Columbia. Active bar membership (any jurisdiction) is required. Additionally, applicants must have at least five (5) years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney. Preferred Qualifications: Hiring preferences include first-chair federal criminal trial experience, strong academics, outstanding organizational skills, superior legal writing and research ability, and a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. Travel: Occasional travel may be required. Salary Information: Pay for Assistant United States Attorneys is administratively determined, based in part on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The 2012 range of basic pay is $44,581 to $131,534, plus locality pay. Location: Position(s) are located in Houston, Texas. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized. How to apply: Submit required application materials (described below) via E-mail to: attorneys.usatxs at usdoj.gov. PDF format is preferred. Tony R. Roberts Executive Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney’s Office P.O. Box 61129 Houston, Texas 77208-1129 No telephone calls or faxes, please. What to send: Required materials include: (1) a cover letter; (2) a resume; and (3) a writing sample of not more than 10 pages. Incomplete applications will not be considered. When to apply:The announcement is open until filled. The initial cutoff date for receipt of applications is May 21, 2012. Internet Sites: This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/attvacancies.html. Department Policies: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which they are appointed. See 28 U.S.C. § 545 for district-specific information. All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a time-limited (temporary) basis. Temporary appointments may, or may not, be extended or made permanent without further competition. The United States Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. From rothmanjd at gmail.com Tue May 15 11:37:49 2012 From: rothmanjd at gmail.com (R Othman) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 07:37:49 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] NABL Seminar via Conference Call - 5/21/12 3PM EDT, 12PM PDT Message-ID: Blind Justice: Litigation Skills Introducing "Blind Justice," a lawyering topics and skills seminar series, hosted by the National Association of Blind Lawyers. The inaugural seminar on practicing law as blind attorneys will take place on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and 12:00 PM Pacific Time via teleconference. This session will be complementary. Featured speakers include Scott LaBarre, Law Offices of Scott C. LaBarre, and Anthony Thomas, Office of the Cook County Public Defender. The presenters will discuss strategies and experiences litigating in the court room as blind attorneys and working with blind witnesses and jurors. To register, please send an email to Ronza Othman at rothmanjd at gmail.com. Once you have registered, you will receive the conference call-in information and seminar materials. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ronza Othman at 708-829-0523 or rothmanjd at gmail.com. Regards, The NABL Board From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Tue May 15 15:32:00 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:32:00 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] General Attorney, Dept of Veterans Affairs, GS-905-11, Expires May 23, 2012 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: "The Office of Regional Counsel is seeking a general attorney at the GS-11 grade level to work with the most difficult and complex cases in selected subject areas. Promotion potential of this position is GS-14. " http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/316333800 Job Title:General Attorney Department:Department Of Veterans Affairs Agency:Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Job Announcement Number:VS-12-661341-AP SALARY RANGE: $61,255.00 to $79,628.00 / Per Year OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, May 09, 2012 to Wednesday, May 23, 2012 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0905-11 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Excepted Service Permanent PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 14 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) - Seattle, WA United StatesView Map WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens JOB SUMMARY: This position is excepted from the competitive service. The Office of Regional Counsel is seeking a general attorney at the GS-11 grade level to work with the most difficult and complex cases in selected subject areas. Promotion potential of this position is GS-14. KEY REQUIREMENTS · U.S. Citizenship Required · Good standing membership of the WA State Bar ________________________________ DUTIES: Back to top The incumbent serves as the legal advisor to various VA facilities within the geographic jurisdiction of Region 20, with primary responsibility for Washington facilities including the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, the Seattle VA Regional Office, the Spokane VA Medical Center, the Walla Walla VA Medical Center and the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Such advice covers an extremely broad range of legal matters and is given in the form of written opinions or oral consultations concerning issues relating to release of information, medical care cost recovery, real property and loan guaranty, tort claims against VA, police procedures at VA facilities, bioethics, government procurements, contract negotiations and dispute resolution, personnel matters, gifts and donations to VA, escheat, bankruptcy, and leases. Investigates and negotiates resolution of tort claims involving medical malpractice, personal injury and property loss. Represents VA in cases before the Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Federal Labor Relations Board. Represents the agency in state courts in guardianship matters. This position requires a detailed knowledge of both federal and state law. ________________________________ QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Back to top BAR MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS: Be a member in good standing of the bar of a State or Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Where the duties of the position call for appearance in court, the applicant must be a member in good standing of the bar, or be eligible for admission to the bar, of the State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia which they will serve. CITIZENSHIP: Be citizen of, or owe allegiance to, the United States. Position Sensitivity - This position has a position-sensitivity level of Public Trust-Moderate Risk. Selections made under this announcement are conditioned upon favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) per VA Handbook 0710. An investigation will be conducted after the effective date of the selection. An individual currently holding the appropriate clearance does not require additional investigation. If this position requires a higher level background investigation than what you currently hold, you will be required to complete a new background investigation. EDUCATION: Possess a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree from a law school or be awarded such before appointment. NOTE: The education requirements are not applicable to those employees serving in Attorney positions in the VA as of September 1, 1968. Requirements of GS 11 One year of experience within the following: a. Practice of law. b. Other legal experience of a responsible nature in any or a combination of the following: As a law clerk; in legal research; in analysis of statutes; or in examination, investigation, or adjustment of claims arising under law, contract, or governmental order. c. In the military, naval, or other Federal service in the disposition of legal problems, as a reviewing officer, as a member of courts or boards, or investigation activities. AND/OR Graduation in the upper one-third of his/her law class or one of the six alternate options of the Superior Law Student Program: (1) Work or achievement of significance on his/her school's Official Law Review; (2) Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif; (3) Winning a moot court competition or membership on the moot court team which represents the law school in competition with other law schools; (4) Full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program as opposed to one-shot, intermittent or casual participation; (5) Significant summer law-office clerk experience; or (6) Other equivalent evidence of superior achievement. Candidates applying under this option will be required to furnish certification from the registrar of ranking and other attainments in law school; or HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics required of incumbents of this position. When describing your knowledge, skills, and abilities, please be sure to give examples and explain how often you used these skills, the complexity of the knowledge you possess, the level of the people you interacted with, the sensitivity of the issues you handled, etc. A panel considers the total background of applicants including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development activities to determine the degree to which they possess each rating factor. The rating factors for this position are: a. Ability to evaluate pertinent facts and evidence in the analysis of legal issues. b. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and precedents. c. Knowledge of legal research techniques. d. Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines. e. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. f. Legal practice experience, with particular focus on the following areas: 1. Federal and/or private sector labor law 2. Medical malpractice and/or health law; and 3. Federal administrative law. ________________________________ BENEFITS: Back to top You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.opm.gov/insure/new_employ/index.asp Dental and Vision benefits are available to eligible Federal and Postal employees, retirees, and their eligible family members on an enrollee-pay-all basis. More info: Federal employees are entitled to at least 13 days of vacation leave as well as 13 days of sick leave each year. Depending on years of service, employees can earn up to 26 days of vacation leave each year. In addition, Federal employees get 10 days paid holiday each year. More info: http://www.opm.gov/oca/index.htm Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info: New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.opm.gov/retire/pre/fers/index.asp With the Thrift Savings Plan, you can self-direct your retirement savings program through multiple investment options. This Plan is very similar to a 401(k) plan. More info: http://www.tsp.gov/ You can use Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under their FEHB plans. More Info: Alternative work schedule options are available. More info: http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.htm If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run. There are many other benefit programs that make the Federal Government a model employer and a top ranking career choice. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc OTHER INFORMATION: 1. If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position. ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. 2. If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee or former Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" and/or a copy of the SF-50 that reflects career or career-conditional tenure, or you will not be considered under the merit promotion process. Also, you should submit your most recent performance appraisal. 3. If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. 4. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. 5. You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; certain Vietnam era and disabled veterans; returned volunteers from the Peace Corps or Vista, etc. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking, if any, on your application and follow all other instructions for applying shown in this announcement. ________________________________ HOW TO APPLY: Back to top To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Résumé 2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section below) The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID 661341. Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144. If you cannot apply online: 1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire , 2. Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/opm1203fx.pdf, and 3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS · Resume · Transcripts · OF 306 http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf Submitting Documents If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents. To verify uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scan. You can verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the Details tab of your Application Manager account https://applicationmanager.gov/ for this vacancy announcement. Your documents will display under the Details tab in the Document area. Faxed documents will take 2-3 business days to process. To fax documents, you MUST use the special cover page. Print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager. Or, you may click this link http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf to print a copy of the cover page. When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below. Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number 661341 · Provide your Social Security Number and full name in the spaces provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application. · You may submit multiple documents for the same vacancy announcement using one cover page. · Fax your cover page and documents to 1-478-757-3144. Faxed documents submitted with missing information will not be processed. The following will prevent your documents from being processed: Not using the special cover page mentioned above. · Missing, incomplete, or invalid Vacancy Identification Number · Missing or incomplete Social Security Number or name Note: If you have documents in your Application Manager account from a previous vacancy announcement they can be opened, copied and saved then reused as an upload file for this vacancy. Uploading your documents will speed the processing of your application for this announcement. Your resume, or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process, fax, mail or by hand-deliver. Please be sure to include all of the following information in your resume: Job Information: -Vacancy Identification Number, title, grade and location for which you are applying. Personal Information: - Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers (with area code). - Country of Citizenship. - If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of employment in grade. Education: - High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or GED. - Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code. - Major field(s) of study. - Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter hours. Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide copies of job descriptions): - Job title. - Duties and accomplishments. - Number of hours per week. - Employer's name and address. - Supervisor's name and phone number. - Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year). - Salary. - Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted. Other Qualifications: - Job-related training courses (title and year). - Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.) - Job-related certificates and licenses. - Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments. (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.) Do not send copies of documents unless specifically requested. AGENCY CONTACT INFO: HR Help Desk Phone: (503)273-5236 Fax: (478)757-3144 Email: PORTLANDJOBS at VA.GOV Agency Information: Regional Counsel 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 Fax: (478)757-3144 WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. Instructions for answering the questions in the Occupational Questionnaire: If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Application method, please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission. Social Security Number Vacancy Identification Number The Vacancy Identification Number is: 661341 1. Title of Job General Attorney 2. Biographic Data 3. E-Mail Address 4. Work Information 5. Employment Availability 6. Citizenship Are you a citizen of the United States? 7. Background Information If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 8. Other Information 9. Languages If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 10. Lowest Grade 11 11. Miscellaneous Information If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 12. Special Knowledge If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 13. Test Location 14. Veteran Preference Claim 15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service 16. Availability Date 17. Service Computation Date 18. Other Date Information 19. Job Preference If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 20. Occupational Specialties 001 General Attorney 21. Geographic Availability Select/enter at least one geographic location in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code for this position is: 531960033 Seattle, WA 22. Transition Assistance Plan 23. Job Related Experience 24. Personal Background Information If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 25. Occupational/Assessment Questions: 1. I am a member in good standing of the bar of a State or Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Where the duties of the position call for appearance in court, the applicant must be a member in good standing of the bar, or be eligible for admission to the bar, of the State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia which they will serve. A. Yes B. No 2. I am a citizen of, or owe allegiance to, the United States. A. Yes B. No 3. I possess a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree from a law school or be awarded such before appointment. NOTE: The education requirements are not applicable to those employees serving in Attorney positions in the VA as of September 1, 1968. A. Yes B. No 4. EXPERIENCE: The following options describe exerience required to meet eligibility of GS 11. Please indicate which option best describes your professional experience: a. Practice of law. b. Other legal experience of a responsible nature in any or a combination of the following: As a law clerk; in legal research; in analysis of statutes; or in examination, investigation, or adjustment of claims arising under law, contract, or governmental order. c. In the military, naval, or other Federal service in the disposition of legal problems, as a reviewing officer, as a member of courts or boards, or investigation activities. GS-11: a. One year of experience as described above, or b. Graduation in the upper one-third of his/her law class or one of the six alternate options of the Superior Law Student Program: (1) Work or achievement of significance on his/her school's Official Law Review; (2) Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif; (3) Winning a moot court competition or membership on the moot court team which represents the law school in competition with other law schools; (4) Full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program as opposed to one-shot, intermittent or casual participation; (5) Significant summer law-office clerk experience; or (6) Other equivalent evidence of superior achievement. Candidates applying under this option will be required to furnish certification from the registrar of ranking and other attainments in law school; or A. I posess the experience as outlined for the GS-11: a B. I posess the experience as outlined for the GS-11: b C. I do not posess the described experience From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Tue May 15 20:26:47 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 20:26:47 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employment. As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. With Respect, Robert D. Dittman Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Dittman Resume 5 15 2012.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 26030 bytes Desc: Dittman Resume 5 15 2012.docx URL: From mikefry79 at gmail.com Tue May 15 21:49:49 2012 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Mike Fry) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 14:49:49 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <916104D2-9E80-4567-AEC9-5CD8DBDC63D0@gmail.com> Impressive. How did you get the search and rescue ribbons? Have you been visually impaired your whole life? Is there a chance you could be a jag? I didn't know people legally blind could do that. Your resume is awesome. Apply to all those gov jobs. Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2012, at 1:26 PM, "Dittman, Robert" wrote: > Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, > > I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. > > I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. > > I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. > > I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. > > I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employmentith severe. > E. > > As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. > > Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. > > With Respect, > > Robert D. Dittman > > Robert Dittman > Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, > Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law > EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 > "True Justice is blind." > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Tue May 15 22:21:21 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 22:21:21 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <916104D2-9E80-4567-AEC9-5CD8DBDC63D0@gmail.com> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> <916104D2-9E80-4567-AEC9-5CD8DBDC63D0@gmail.com> Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F699C@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Mr. Fry, Thank you for the positive feedback. When I worked in search and rescue with the Civil Air Patrol, and later as a watch stander for the Coast Guard, I worked in communications as a telecommunications specialist. When a find or save is made, everyone who is actively on that mission is put in for the award. So, although I was working the radios, I was recognized for my efforts just as much as the people on the ground/boat. Although I did go on ground team missions with the Civil Air Patrol, it was my communications/radio skills that were most important. Concerning if I ever can become a JAG, title 10 U.S.C has a provision that states that any physical defect may be waived by the secretary concerned if he/she determines that defect will not interfere with the duties I may be assigned. There are currently at least two blind people retained and currently on active duty. I argue that the statute is silent as to how the person acquired the physical defect therefore a person such as myself who is otherwise qualified but has the same physical condition should be allowed to accept a commission in a field in which the physical defect will not affect their performance. In short, as a lawyer, I can and will function as well as my sighted peers and should be allowed to do so in uniform based on my past experience in said uniform. True there may need to be some accommodation's, but I am sure that those are made for the two currently on active duty blind members so what is the difference? The military will argue that those it retains while disabled have "earned that right." Well, I argue to not allow a person with the same physical condition to apply for a position they can and will do without considering that they can do that position and that they have the same physical condition that the military has already determined finds some people fit for service sets up an equal protection argument against the United States. In short there are two ways they can go. First the condition of blindness does not mean the person is unfit as they have retained two members currently on active duty. Thus based on my past uniformed experience including graduating from basic training, instructor school, and other Coast Guard experience, I should be able to serve as a uniformed military member as a lawyer. OR: Secondly, blindness is not a condission that is fit for service and the military only retained the two members as atonement for their going to war and coming back broken. I can't make those arguments because if I personally do I will not be viewed as a person making rational arguments, but will most likely be viewed as a person bitter about not getting in the military. Kind of like, if I can't get in, they shouldn't either. But this is precisely the point that should be raised. If blind people are going to be retained and if Blindness is a condission the military is willing to wave based upon other considerations of that specific member, then they must do so in my case. Not to do so is treating a person with preexisting condition differently than a service connected condition, and title 10 U.S.C does not make any distinction between the two. I have years of military training, and I will have a skill once I pass the bar that the military needs. So, I should be considered based on this past experience and the skills I will bring as a military lawyer. I will need huge legal guns as I personally do not have the money to begin such a case. I only ask the simple question. I have devoted seven-teen years of my life to train, learn, position myself for military service. How much do I have to do to "earn that right?" As it happens when I went through Reserve Enlisted Basic training, the first thing my Company Commander told the recruits was "Service in your country's uniform is not a right, it is a privilege." I only ask that I be able to take advantage of that privilege and lend my time, talents and legal education in service to our country. If nothing else, I will always be an attorney advocating for those who need a voice for their interests. Thank you for reading, and I'll let you know what the Senator's office sent me. Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Fry Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 4:50 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Impressive. How did you get the search and rescue ribbons? Have you been visually impaired your whole life? Is there a chance you could be a jag? I didn't know people legally blind could do that. Your resume is awesome. Apply to all those gov jobs. Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2012, at 1:26 PM, "Dittman, Robert" wrote: > Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, > > I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. > > I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. > > I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. > > I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. > > I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employmentith severe. > E. > > As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. > > Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. > > With Respect, > > Robert D. Dittman > > Robert Dittman > Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, > December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law > EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 > "True Justice is blind." > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmai > l.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue May 15 22:51:14 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 18:51:14 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <06863E2DA860421584398CEFC3BE04ED@mycomputer> Hello Robert: My advice is to pass alon to you what was published in the New York Times last week. "Povertunity": A job with no pay that has excellent promotional potential. Beware the repeated "volunteer opportunity" -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dittman, Robert Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 4:27 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employment. As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. With Respect, Robert D. Dittman Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." From rfarber at jw.com Wed May 16 00:32:40 2012 From: rfarber at jw.com (Farber, Randy) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 19:32:40 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <3E86A9F3DC676742B192213CC4E9D4A207CCFE1F3F@PDC-MAIL02.jwllp.com> Robert - Two suggestions. 1. Delete your GPA and average at St. Mary's. It isn't stellar enough to get you any interviews, but it could cost you some. 2. Consider condensing your resume to one page, by changing your heading "Experience" to "Legal Experience". Randy -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dittman, Robert Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 3:27 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employment. As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. With Respect, Robert D. Dittman Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." From rothmanjd at gmail.com Wed May 16 11:12:45 2012 From: rothmanjd at gmail.com (R Othman) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 07:12:45 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Job Opportunity: CMS-Baltimore - Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist Message-ID: <94D3AE62A215424483BBBA9186E30902@ownerqnd3hxb0k> Schedule A eligibles may also apply according to the vacancy announcement. EEO Specialist Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Duty Locations: Few vacancy(s) - Woodlawn,Maryland Salary: $89,033.00 to $115,742.00 / Per Year Series and Grade: GS-0260-13 Open Period: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 to Friday, May 18, 2012 Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time Who May Be Considered: Veterans/Family members with qualifying military service only From rthomas at emplmntattorney.com Wed May 16 11:14:08 2012 From: rthomas at emplmntattorney.com (Russ Thomas) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 04:14:08 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <001f01cd3355$034eb920$09ec2b60$@com> Working through your Senator's office is a good idea. Even if you can't get into JAG, the Senator's office might be able to help you get into another government agency like the Justice Department. Getting your first job is critical. Once you have had a job and have performed well at it, when you look for another job and face the inevitable question of "how did you do this task or that task", then your answer is that "when I worked at xxx, this is how I did it." Best wishes; enlist the help of anyone who can help you open that door to your first job in the profession. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dittman, Robert Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:27 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employment. As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. With Respect, Robert D. Dittman Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." From tim at timeldermusic.com Wed May 16 13:32:55 2012 From: tim at timeldermusic.com (Tim Elder) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 09:32:55 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? In-Reply-To: References: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> Message-ID: <00ba01cd3368$66d7da90$34878fb0$@timeldermusic.com> I set JAWS to read formatting such as bolding, underlining and capitalization in distinct voices. I occasionally turn verbosity on for several other formatting changes when proofing a document. It also helps to have JAWS read certain punctuation marks and ignore others unless navigating by character. There's a lot there. The help documentation is useful. Regards, Tim -----Original Message----- From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 2:48 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? tim, could you give me a little more detail about the settings you use? Thanks Ger On 5/14/12, Tim Elder wrote: > I rotate among several schemes that I've customized in the schemes manager. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] > Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2012 5:08 PM > To: Farber, Randy > Cc: blindlaw > Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting > Info When Reading Documents? > > Hi all, > > What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes > in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? > What do you use when reviewing legal documents. > Thanks > Ger > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gerard.sadlier%40gmail .com > From gerard.sadlier at gmail.com Wed May 16 17:19:55 2012 From: gerard.sadlier at gmail.com (Gerard Sadlier) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 18:19:55 +0100 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? In-Reply-To: <00ba01cd3368$66d7da90$34878fb0$@timeldermusic.com> References: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> <00ba01cd3368$66d7da90$34878fb0$@timeldermusic.com> Message-ID: tim, that's helpful thanks! Ger On 5/16/12, Tim Elder wrote: > I set JAWS to read formatting such as bolding, underlining and > capitalization in distinct voices. I occasionally turn verbosity on for > several other formatting changes when proofing a document. It also helps > to > have JAWS read certain punctuation marks and ignore others unless > navigating > by character. There's a lot there. The help documentation is useful. > > Regards, > > Tim > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] > Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 2:48 PM > To: Blind Law Mailing List > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up > Formatting > Info When Reading Documents? > > tim, > could you give me a little more detail about the settings you use? > Thanks > Ger > > On 5/14/12, Tim Elder wrote: >> I rotate among several schemes that I've customized in the schemes > manager. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] >> Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2012 5:08 PM >> To: Farber, Randy >> Cc: blindlaw >> Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting >> Info When Reading Documents? >> >> Hi all, >> >> What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes >> in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? >> What do you use when reviewing legal documents. >> Thanks >> Ger >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gerard.sadlier%40gmail > .com >> > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gerard.sadlier%40gmail.com > From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Wed May 16 17:21:35 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 17:21:35 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Update from Senator on my application to serve as a JAG. Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6D92@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Hello all, As many of you are aware, I am taking all steps that I know to apply for a medical waver to serve as a military JAG officer as authorized by title 10, U.S.C sec 12201 paragraph C. Senator Cornyn's office forwarded me a response from the adjutant General for the Texas military forces which covers the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard which stated "There is a difference between the regulations covering persons who are disabled before joining, and those who become disabled while in the military."" They then gave an example that a person with DM2 cannot join but if they develop the condition while on active duty they may stay. When I was teaching leadership at the Coast Guard academy, we would teach that there are three reasons why something does not get done. They are: Ability, I am willing, but unable to do what you ask. Clarity, I am willing, but it is unclear what you are asking, so I do not know if I am able. Willingness, I am unwilling to do what you ask. Regulations are governed by the laws. Title 10 makes no distinction between service connected physical defects and those who are present at the time the person enters uniformed service. Therefore the regulation can be waved sighting that the requirement to differentiate between the two and deny the waver is not supported by federal statute. When it comes down to it, the military has accepted that blindness in certain situations does not make a person unfit for military service. Therefore I argue that they can and should wave my request to join, or discharge the two members and do not keep any blind people on active duty as the condition clearly in their eyes makes a person unfit. They should not have it both ways. So my question is it Ability, Clarity, Or unwillingness that is the road block. The Department of Defense has also been asked for their comment and it will be forwarded to me and I will update. I also wonder if the request went high enough in the chain of command. The waver authority rests with the "Secretary concerned." And the request was vetted through the recruiting command. This means that the person who has statutory authority to grant the waver perhaps has never seen it or is made aware of it, and this is a problem as they alone have the authority to grant the request. I understand that the request can always be turned down, but in this case I am not getting the full extent of title 10 as the secretary concerned most likely has not had the chance to grant such a waiver. They do not have to accept me, but they must let me apply to the secretary which they continue to deny me that application of title 10 U.S.C. Thoughts? Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." From rumpole at roadrunner.com Wed May 16 22:05:23 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 18:05:23 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney for Penn. office Message-ID: Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania Applications must be postmarked by May 25, 2012. From mikefry79 at gmail.com Wed May 16 22:43:30 2012 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Mike Fry) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 15:43:30 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Update from Senator on my application to serve as a JAG. In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6D92@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6D92@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <3BE2C510-1A5E-4EB9-9AC8-06BACC4F95B0@gmail.com> Your arguments are well thought out and reasoned. If you take a step back to look at the bigger picture however it may appear that your request is unreasonable. Your asking to allow a disabled person to become active duty military. What would be the ramifications of establishing that kind of precedent? It seems like a real up hill fight. Are you sure it's worth it? I think it is disgusting that some of the most rewarding and easiest professions - like military, cop, firefighter, nurse, etc - are closed off to disabled people. You have an excellent point - the military is saying that a person who became disabled in service is somehow better than a person with a pre-existing disability even though objectively the ability level of both people is the same. That's not fair. Theres so much unfair about being disabled. Not to be a downer but some times I think disabled people are the last truly unfortunate souls left in the rich world. I hope you win. The military shouldn't get away with this unfair practice. Regrettably the only reasonable equitable outcome is that all the disabled vets should be discharged from active duty. Applying inequitable subjective standards with tax payer money is not right. Sent from my iPad On May 16, 2012, at 10:21 AM, "Dittman, Robert" wrote: > Hello all, > > As many of you are aware, I am taking all steps that I know to apply for a medical waver to serve as a military JAG officer as authorized by title 10, U.S.C sec 12201 paragraph C. > > Senator Cornyn's office forwarded me a response from the adjutant General for the Texas military forces which covers the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard which stated "There is a difference between the regulations covering persons who are disabled before joining, and those who become disabled while in the military."" They then gave an example that a person with DM2 cannot join but if they develop the condition while on active duty they may stay. > > When I was teaching leadership at the Coast Guard academy, we would teach that there are three reasons why something does not get done. They are: > Ability, I am willing, but unable to do what you ask. > Clarity, I am willing, but it is unclear what you are asking, so I do not know if I am able. > Willingness, I am unwilling to do what you ask. > > Regulations are governed by the laws. Title 10 makes no distinction between service connected physical defects and those who are present at the time the person enters uniformed service. Therefore the regulation can be waved sighting that the requirement to differentiate between the two and deny the waver is not supported by federal statute. When it comes down to it, the military has accepted that blindness in certain situations does not make a person unfit for military service. Therefore I argue that they can and should wave my request to join, or discharge the two members and do not keep any blind people on active duty as the condition clearly in their eyes makes a person unfit. They should not have it both ways. > So my question is it Ability, Clarity, Or unwillingness that is the road block. > > The Department of Defense has also been asked for their comment and it will be forwarded to me and I will update. I also wonder if the request went high enough in the chain of command. The waver authority rests with the "Secretary concerned." And the request was vetted through the recruiting command. This means that the person who has statutory authority to grant the waver perhaps has never seen it or is made aware of it, and this is a problem as they alone have the authority to grant the request. I understand that the request can always be turned down, but in this case I am not getting the full extent of title 10 as the secretary concerned most likely has not had the chance to grant such a waiver. They do not have to accept me, but they must let me apply to the secretary which they continue to deny me that application of title 10 U.S.C. > > Thoughts? > > > > Robert Dittman > Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, > Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law > EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 > "True Justice is blind." > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Wed May 16 23:04:28 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 23:04:28 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Update from Senator on my application to serve as a JAG. In-Reply-To: <3BE2C510-1A5E-4EB9-9AC8-06BACC4F95B0@gmail.com> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6D92@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> <3BE2C510-1A5E-4EB9-9AC8-06BACC4F95B0@gmail.com> Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6FC3@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Mr. Fry, Yes the argument is simply that according to the statute I should be able to apply for a medical waver if I am "otherwise qualified" which I will meet all qualifications for a JAG because I am a graduating 3L, will have a JD, and yes this is contingent upon my passage of the bar. Although if I were sighted I could apply and may have been accepted. Second the "secretary concerned determines that my physical defect will not interfere with the duties I may be assigned." Well, as a JAG Officer, I am at least where the Army, Air Force, and Navy are concerned a "limited duty Officer" confined to the legal profession, and as far as the Coast Guard although I would be a Line Officer I would not be required to go outside the legal field. The problem is that at no time have I been able to make an application to the secretary concerned so thus no waver has been applied for. In this case my application has not been taken so I am denied the full application of title 10 U.S.C. thus sets up the problem. Yes the hard truth is that if we are going to keep disabled people in the military then we must accept persons with the same condition or the equitable thing is to discharge all non-worldwide deployable persons from the military which would honestly cripple the armed forces. One of the major differences between myself and almost any other person I can think of is that unlike most people, I have taken and completed a significant amount of the same military training as the regular and reserve forces. I have taken and completed a basic training course, taken professional Officer development, worked in a position that required national travel and certified military members in leadership training (It is my name as one of the instructors), and yet throughout all this I am still unfit for military service? Attached please find my response letter but the big thing is that I need a lawyer. I am also unable to pay for the lawyer so if I can't find one I may end up representing myself or will go public and seek donations to a legal fund. If anyone has ideas to tweak the letter as I want to maintain a respectful yet firm tone. I want to gain support not lose it due to the emotional connection. I love our country, and have devoted my life in her service. But to continue watching others serve when I have the same training, many of the same experiences and the same blindness and yet be treated as a second class does not sit well. This is not what our country and indeed our uniformed services pledge their lives, fortunes, and the sacred honor to support and defend. Robert Dittman ,Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Fry Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 5:43 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Update from Senator on my application to serve as a JAG. Your arguments are well thought out and reasoned. If you take a step back to look at the bigger picture however it may appear that your request is unreasonable. Your asking to allow a disabled person to become active duty military. What would be the ramifications of establishing that kind of precedent? It seems like a real up hill fight. Are you sure it's worth it? I think it is disgusting that some of the most rewarding and easiest professions - like military, cop, firefighter, nurse, etc - are closed off to disabled people. You have an excellent point - the military is saying that a person who became disabled in service is somehow better than a person with a pre-existing disability even though objectively the ability level of both people is the same. That's not fair. Theres so much unfair about being disabled. Not to be a downer but some times I think disabled people are the last truly unfortunate souls left in the rich world. I hope you win. The military should n't get away with this unfair practice. Regrettably the only reasonable equitable outcome is that all the disabled vets should be discharged from active duty. Applying inequitable subjective standards with tax payer money is not right. Sent from my iPad On May 16, 2012, at 10:21 AM, "Dittman, Robert" wrote: > Hello all, > > As many of you are aware, I am taking all steps that I know to apply for a medical waver to serve as a military JAG officer as authorized by title 10, U.S.C sec 12201 paragraph C. > > Senator Cornyn's office forwarded me a response from the adjutant General for the Texas military forces which covers the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard which stated "There is a difference between the regulations covering persons who are disabled before joining, and those who become disabled while in the military."" They then gave an example that a person with DM2 cannot join but if they develop the condition while on active duty they may stay. > > When I was teaching leadership at the Coast Guard academy, we would teach that there are three reasons why something does not get done. They are: > Ability, I am willing, but unable to do what you ask. > Clarity, I am willing, but it is unclear what you are asking, so I do not know if I am able. > Willingness, I am unwilling to do what you ask. > > Regulations are governed by the laws. Title 10 makes no distinction between service connected physical defects and those who are present at the time the person enters uniformed service. Therefore the regulation can be waved sighting that the requirement to differentiate between the two and deny the waver is not supported by federal statute. When it comes down to it, the military has accepted that blindness in certain situations does not make a person unfit for military service. Therefore I argue that they can and should wave my request to join, or discharge the two members and do not keep any blind people on active duty as the condition clearly in their eyes makes a person unfit. They should not have it both ways. > So my question is it Ability, Clarity, Or unwillingness that is the road block. > > The Department of Defense has also been asked for their comment and it will be forwarded to me and I will update. I also wonder if the request went high enough in the chain of command. The waver authority rests with the "Secretary concerned." And the request was vetted through the recruiting command. This means that the person who has statutory authority to grant the waver perhaps has never seen it or is made aware of it, and this is a problem as they alone have the authority to grant the request. I understand that the request can always be turned down, but in this case I am not getting the full extent of title 10 as the secretary concerned most likely has not had the chance to grant such a waiver. They do not have to accept me, but they must let me apply to the secretary which they continue to deny me that application of title 10 U.S.C. > > Thoughts? > > > > Robert Dittman > Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, > St. Mary's University school of law > EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 > "True Justice is blind." > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmai > l.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Robert Dittman Letter to Senator Cornyn May 16 2012.doc Type: application/msword Size: 28160 bytes Desc: Robert Dittman Letter to Senator Cornyn May 16 2012.doc URL: From emrene at earthlink.net Thu May 17 02:24:15 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 19:24:15 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Employment Ideas Message-ID: Mr. Dittman, I applaud your efforts to serve in the Coast Guard as a JAG officer. But I'm a little amused at the speech, "Service in your country's uniform isn't a right, it's a privilege." I thought it was a duty. And I wonder whether those who have donned the uniform and fought in Afghanistan or Iraq or Vietnam, Korea, or the Philippines felt privileged under fire. I'll bet that, like you, they were impelled, if not actively compelled, to answer a call to patriotic duty. I don't approve of war, but I do think that since we blind assert rights to reasonable workplace accommodations because with them we can do the job as well as everyone else, then we should just as fervently embrace and volunteer for national service. There are probably jobs in the military that blind people could do far better than sighted personnel. I volunteered for the Coast Guard JAG during my last year in law school (1977-1978) when there were already six women serving there around the country. My male faculty advisor had been a JAG officer, and a female mentor my mother's age had served in the Coast Guard with her husband in World War II. They backed me completely. So did the female JAG officer at CG headquarters near my law school. The local recruiters wouldn't take my application, or even let me inside their building, so I wrote to headquarters in Washington. Throughout that whole year, I corresponded with admirals, who quite graciously, though sometimes humorously, considered my joining the JAG. I'm not sure they took me seriously, but the tone of their letters was cordial all the same, considering they needn't have answered me at all. They concluded that, though I'd probably be an asset to the JAG as an attorney, I'd doubtless cause a problem when I volunteered for a sea command once my tour was up! In school, I took courses in Admiralty, International Law and Military Justice with other studies that I hoped would make me a well-rounded trial lawyer. When my lawyer mentors in the 1970's Eighth Circuit convinced me that a lawsuit to fight for Coast Guard admission would fail in a court unsympathetic to blind litigants with goals far humbler than mine, I looked for a city and jobs where I could use my sea-worthy skills. Seattle was one of 14 cities where I might have been based, and it offered a friendlier and cheaper seaport home for young lawyers at large than other places. My first job, landed just after the bar review, was a clerkship in a maritime law firm. I didn't pass the bar exam that first time, and I had to scramble for jobs until I did. But I found them, and I landed the job I wanted when I passed. I credit that good job to my preparation for the Coast Guard and to my first Seattle maritime clerkship. Without these, I'd never have found my feet in a city where I knew no one. Good luck to you! And think of firms and agencies specializing in your skill set. Elizabeth Rene From schorschj at comcast.net Thu May 17 06:31:52 2012 From: schorschj at comcast.net (Jon Schorsch) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 23:31:52 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft In-Reply-To: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> References: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> Message-ID: <002101cd33f6$c00d7050$402850f0$@comcast.net> Dear Elizabeth, I have just finished my first year of law school at Seattle University. While everyone had to use exam soft for their finals, I was exempt from having to use it. I did not ask for the exemption, the school was worried about compatibility issues with JAWS, and simply did not have me try to use it. So, I assume it is not compatible, but I really have no idea if it is compatible with JAWS or not. Jon Schorsch From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 12:31 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft Hi all, I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the practice of Law. When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of using text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future. For me, anyway. My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them to cheat. My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest. Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that many or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now. My quick overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from them on accessibility or ADA awareness. Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or with Apple's VoiceOver? I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from an older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an iBook, right now, with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS alone. Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10. It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation. PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but wasn't registered here from that address. Thanks in advance for your comments. Elizabeth Rene _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/schorschj%40comcast.ne t From wujing19861209 at hotmail.com Thu May 17 08:48:25 2012 From: wujing19861209 at hotmail.com (=?utf-8?Q?Jing_Crystal_Wu_=E5=90=B4=E6=99=B6?=) Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 16:48:25 +0800 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft References: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> <002101cd33f6$c00d7050$402850f0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: Dear John, I wonder how did you prepared for the SAT text? I'd like to hear more about this exam since I am a foreign student; and therefore, it becomes much harder for me and many other students. Look forward to your reply. Regards, Crystal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jon Schorsch" To: "'Blind Law Mailing List'" Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:31 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft > Dear Elizabeth, > > I have just finished my first year of law school at Seattle University. > While everyone had to use exam soft for their finals, I was exempt from > having to use it. I did not ask for the exemption, the school was worried > about compatibility issues with JAWS, and simply did not have me try to > use > it. So, I assume it is not compatible, but I really have no idea if it is > compatible with JAWS or not. > > Jon Schorsch > > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene > Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 12:31 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft > > Hi all, > > I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the > practice of Law. When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of > using > text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future. For me, > anyway. > > My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with > ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their > essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them > to > cheat. My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and > responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest. > > Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that > many > or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now. My quick > overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from > them on accessibility or ADA awareness. > > Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or > with > Apple's VoiceOver? > > I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from > an > older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review > applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an > iBook, right now, with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS > alone. Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10. > > It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA > grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation. > > PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but > wasn't registered here from that address. > > Thanks in advance for your comments. > > Elizabeth Rene > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/schorschj%40comcast.ne > t > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/wujing19861209%40hotmail.com > From emrene at earthlink.net Thu May 17 19:13:09 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 12:13:09 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Update from Senator Message-ID: <34459D8D6F884ADFB27B356C1E2DA4CF@elizabethrene> Mr. Dittman, which Secretary would you like to address? The Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Transportation? As I recall, the Coast Guard, at least when I tried to get in, was part of the Department of Transportation, rather than the Defense Department. I think that therein lay the key to my possible admission. Maybe it could be the key to yours. The Coast Guard had less stringent visual acuity standards than the regular Armed Forces. JAG officers entered the Coast Guard under a separate commission than those entering to serve on a cutter. I, for example, didn't have to learn how to swim or meet the physical requirements demanded for sea duty. Once my commission as a JAG officer was up, though, I would be eligible to apply for a line officer's commission. I liked the idea of the Coast Guard because its primary mission was to protect and police the U.S. coasts and conduct rescue missions rather than go to battle with foreign powers overseas. I didn't have to prove my fitness for combat or risk being deployed to a conflict I, as a civillian citizen, opposed. But I could serve my country with the skills I did have in a military branch with a fine reputation. And since six women were already serving, I saw no problem with being Number Seven. So my questions are these. Is the Coast Guard still a quasi-military branch outside the Department of Defense? Does Title 10 U.S.C. still apply? Would you even need to prove your fitness under a traditional military standard? And what are your true goals for national service? Do you want to practice military law and serve the needs of fellow-enlistees as an attorney within the Coast Guard, maybe moving on to civillian life after your four-to-six year stint, or do you want to fight for a place as a career line officer anywhere within the Armed Forces on the theory that officers blinded in active duty are already there? Maybe you could slide under the gate through the first rubric, and succeed where I failed. The technologies available to you didn't exist for me, and your leadership training and prior service (not to mention your gender) would put you way ahead of me with those admirals. Or could you even litigate within the Coast Guard JAG as a civillian lawyer? Sometimes civilians do work for the military. Or what about the Department of Homeland Security? Or do they now run the Coast Guard? Here's my point. Maybe there's a way to do what you really want in a branch less likely to discriminate against you without having to go to war with the army you want to join. Then, once in, you could fight for that sea command later! Elizabeth From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Thu May 17 16:36:18 2012 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 10:36:18 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft References: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene><002101cd33f6$c00d7050$402850f0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: <59B94C87AC9A4E71994F8469E3AFF2DF@victory2> Hello Jing Crystall: I'm Olusegun, not John. The type of exam you referred to in your post is not relevant for this list. Please contact me privately at: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com I'll try to help you as best I can. Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Fri May 18 16:37:26 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 16:37:26 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Update from Senator In-Reply-To: <34459D8D6F884ADFB27B356C1E2DA4CF@elizabethrene> References: <34459D8D6F884ADFB27B356C1E2DA4CF@elizabethrene> Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E9086BE@EXCH2.stmarytx.edu> Ms. Rene, First, I find your interest refreshing, thank you. My comments are placed within your email to address them one by one. Mr. Dittman, which Secretary would you like to address? Comment: The Coast Guard is now as of 2003 under the Department of Homeland Security. Also the Department of defense as they currently are the service that has two currently blind members on active duty, I am asking for reserve or National Guard less stringent requirements than active duty. So, if I got in the Coast Guard that would be the service that makes the most sense as I have been in its uniform over the past ten years and have completed much of its training. Being that the Army has the blind Captain, that would make the second most sense as they already have a blind person in so the standard has been set there. The National guard would be the best Army fit as it is the least stringent of any of the Army components. Also, being that I have completed many training opportunities within the coast Guard I feel that is my strongest shot. So my questions are these. Is the Coast Guard still a quasi-military branch outside the Department of Defense? Does Title 10 U.S.C. still apply? Would you even need to prove your fitness under a traditional military standard? Comment: The Coast Guard has always been a military branch since its founding in 1790. That being said it has been the most forward looking as it is the only branch that does not close women from any position open to men, and the first to relax and do away with Don't ask, Don't tell. In fact, as part of my duties for the Commandant, I looked at the Coast Guard supporting an organization for gay service members to insure their full inclusion and equal treatment, I am not gay myself but believe strongly in equal treatment. It did authorize me to serve while blind on a ship, and authorized me to complete a military basic training course. So I do wonder if they had the ability to grant my request, would they. Perhaps this is a case where they need only be told you can take him if you want him. And what are your true goals for national service? Do you want to practice military law and serve the needs of fellow-enlistees as an attorney within the Coast Guard, maybe moving on to civilian life after your four-to-six year stint, or do you want to fight for a place as a career line officer anywhere within the Armed Forces on the theory that officers blinded in active duty are already there? Comment: Both I want the chance to make that choice but I would be willing to get in, and be reduced after four years. In short I will give them as much time as they will let me as evidenced by my serving as a volunteer for the past seventeen years moving up in responsibility and complexity. If they will let me get in as a military attorney, there is no requirement that I get out of the legal profession. Perhaps I would be the JAG two star someday who knows. But I do recognize that my skills would first and foremost be that of an attorney. Granted Attorneys could command ashore units but I would always need to put the needs of my service first and always work to support its mission never detracting from it. Maybe you could slide under the gate through the first rubric, and succeed where I failed. The technologies available to you didn't exist for me, and your leadership training and prior service (not to mention your gender) would put you way ahead of me with those admirals. Or could you even litigate within the Coast Guard JAG as a civilian lawyer? Sometimes civilians do work for the military. Or what about the Department of Homeland Security? Or do they now run the Coast Guard? Comment" As stated before the DHS is now the Department the Coast Guard is under, and I am looking into serving as a civilian attorney. That being said there is a difference between civilian employees and uniformed members. I wish I could explain more, but it is just not the same and having been one I wasn't truly happy. I would always hunger for more thus why I am trying so hard. As an example, the Auxiliary is not fully supported as a full uniformed branch within the Coast Guard as it does not currently have any employment protection. I worked to change this but was told "you volunteers don't need such protections as you assume the risk." Do what??? You're going to call upon us to help yet not protect us when we do? Something wrong with that picture. As a reservist or National Guard member I would be able to lend the full weight of my talents in service to my country without the fear of losing employment as it would be my primary employment. Thanks for your help and I will continue to respectfully yet firmly argue that this can work. Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:13 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Re Update from Senator Mr. Dittman, which Secretary would you like to address? The Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Transportation? As I recall, the Coast Guard, at least when I tried to get in, was part of the Department of Transportation, rather than the Defense Department. I think that therein lay the key to my possible admission. Maybe it could be the key to yours. The Coast Guard had less stringent visual acuity standards than the regular Armed Forces. JAG officers entered the Coast Guard under a separate commission than those entering to serve on a cutter. I, for example, didn't have to learn how to swim or meet the physical requirements demanded for sea duty. Once my commission as a JAG officer was up, though, I would be eligible to apply for a line officer's commission. I liked the idea of the Coast Guard because its primary mission was to protect and police the U.S. coasts and conduct rescue missions rather than go to battle with foreign powers overseas. I didn't have to prove my fitness for combat or risk being deployed to a conflict I, as a civillian citizen, opposed. But I could serve my country with the skills I did have in a military branch with a fine reputation. And since six women were already serving, I saw no problem with being Number Seven. So my questions are these. Is the Coast Guard still a quasi-military branch outside the Department of Defense? Does Title 10 U.S.C. still apply? Would you even need to prove your fitness under a traditional military standard? And what are your true goals for national service? Do you want to practice military law and serve the needs of fellow-enlistees as an attorney within the Coast Guard, maybe moving on to civillian life after your four-to-six year stint, or do you want to fight for a place as a career line officer anywhere within the Armed Forces on the theory that officers blinded in active duty are already there? Maybe you could slide under the gate through the first rubric, and succeed where I failed. The technologies available to you didn't exist for me, and your leadership training and prior service (not to mention your gender) would put you way ahead of me with those admirals. Or could you even litigate within the Coast Guard JAG as a civillian lawyer? Sometimes civilians do work for the military. Or what about the Department of Homeland Security? Or do they now run the Coast Guard? Here's my point. Maybe there's a way to do what you really want in a branch less likely to discriminate against you without having to go to war with the army you want to join. Then, once in, you could fight for that sea command later! Elizabeth _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 18 16:59:07 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 12:59:07 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] US atty posting Idaho Message-ID: <35752D614B014D09A4D2D96B4565270C@mycomputer> ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE District of Idaho Vacancy Announcement Number 12-ID-AUSA-02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- About the Office: With a state population of 1.5 million, 33.7 million acres of federally-owned land, and more miles of river than any other state, the District of Idaho presents outstanding opportunities for recreation and cultural experience. It also has very interesting federal litigation. One district covers the entire state. The U.S. Attorney's Office is large enough to enjoy a wide variety of case assignments, but small enough to be friendly. Six civil attorneys, eighteen criminal attorneys, and twenty-six support staff are spread among three offices: the main office, in Boise, and the two branch offices in Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello. This vacancy is located in the main office in Boise, Idaho. Boise is located in the Treasure Valley, in which 40% of Idaho's population resides. Winters are relatively mild, though plenty of snow falls in the nearby mountains. Median home prices are low, schools are excellent, and outstanding opportunities for recreation exist. AUSAs regularly run on the greenbelt, swim, and mountain bike over their lunch hours. Who May Apply: United States Citizens. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The District has an opening for an Assistant United States Attorney AUSA) in the Civil Division. This attorney will handle a wide variety of civil cases including defensive environmental cases (NEPA, NFMA, etc.), defensive torts (from slip and fall cases to medical malpractice), Bivens claims, bankruptcy matters, any appeals that arise, and the occasional Central Violations Bureau (CVB) calendar. This attorney may handle affirmative civil cases as well. Qualifications: Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least three years post-J.D. experience. Preferred Qualifications: Ideally, an applicant will have three to six years of experience as a civil litigator. Applicants should be flexible and willing to learn new areas of the law, strategic when it comes to engaging in defensive litigation, forthright and diplomatic in dealing with client agencies and the court, and committed to representing the United States. Applicants must demonstrate superior written and oral communication skills. They must be able to define and articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases and areas of law. They must be able to manage a caseload composed of very different kinds of cases with correspondingly different demands and deadlines. Applicants must be self-starters and good managers of their time. They must be willing and able to do their own legal research and writing and be substantially self-sufficient in managing cases and deadlines, preparing day-to-day correspondence and filings, and using computer programs and systems (CM/ECF, word processing, Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, USA5, E2Travel, etc.). Finally, applicants must have a demonstrated ability to work well with others, from support to supervisors. The ideal candidate will have some subject matter expertise in one or more of the areas identified (NEPA, NFMA, defensive torts, Bivens claims, or bankruptcy matters) and be willing to learn – and to continue learning throughout their career – new areas of law. Travel: Occasional travel may be required, both within and outside the District of Idaho. Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorneys' pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $44,581 to $131,534 plus locality pay where authorized (locality pay in Boise, Idaho is currently 14.16%). Location: Boise, Idaho. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized. Application Process and Deadline Date: Interested persons should send an original, signed cover letter; detailed resume; writing sample (ideally, the sample will be edited solely by applicant, be at least 7 pages in length, and contain substantive legal analysis); and current performance evaluation/rating no later than Friday, June 1, 2012. Please note, this is a re-posting of this Vacancy Announcement. If you have previously applied, it is not necessary to reapply. Becky Early Supervisory Legal Assistant United States Attorney's Office 800 Park Blvd, Suite 600 Boise, ID 83712 No telephone calls please. Fax and e-mail applications will not be accepted. Internet Sites: District of Idaho's website: http://www.justice.gov/usao/id/jobs.html#ausa This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html Department Policies: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed. See 28 U.S.C. § 545 for district-specific information. All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a time-limited (temporary) basis. Temporary appointments may, or may not, be extended or made permanent without further competition. The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys’ Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Fri May 18 17:55:49 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 12:55:49 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: Opening: DOJ Experienced Attorney - U.S. Attorney's Office - Idaho In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: From: Parker, Richard L. (JMD) [mailto:Richard.L.Parker2 at usdoj.gov] Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 9:48 AM To: 'president at abaw.org'; 'jeff at jefflianglaw.com'; 'edelossantos at trueblueinc.com'; 'samiolaw at aol.com'; 'abigail.daquiz at gmail.com'; 'president at q-law.org'; 'asachs at q-law.org'; 'hbrajcich at lawschool.gonzaga.edu'; 'president at lmba.net'; 'nicole at gaineslawoffice.com'; 'boksulee at yahoo.com'; 'dko at kellerrohrback.com'; 'DavisJK at LanePowell.com'; 'fe.f.lopez at gmail.com'; 'teebah.alsaleh at edifecs.com'; 'bneshghi at gmail.com'; 'damon at damonshadid.com'; 'shaker at ryanlaw.com'; 'miriamayoub at gmail.com'; 'mboulos at trueblueinc.com'; 'milliek at nwjustice.org'; 'efry at sisna.com'; 'pete at araquin.com'; 'lking at byrneskeller.com'; 'amber.penn-roco at klgates.com'; 'lawcareers at seattleu.edu'; 'slara at seattleu.edu'; Swaminathan, Aravind (USAWAW); 'sabawashington at gmail.com'; 'RSarathy at perkinscoie.com'; 'cpld at uw.edu'; 'holly728 at uw.edu'; 'gatespsl at uw.edu'; 'mestorms at uw.edu'; 'nalc at uw.edu'; 'leeperthuynguyen at yahoo.com'; 'dinhS at foster.com'; 'jmishkin at integritylawgroup.net'; 'binh.nguyen at becu.org'; 'jessica.nguyen at avalara.com'; 'michelleqpham at gmail.com'; 'kphu at campicheblue.com'; 'Alice.truong at nordstrom.com'; 'jliutruong at amslaw.net'; 'stuarpix at microsoft.com'; 'Amy.Allbright at americanbar.org'; 'William.Phelan at americanbar.org'; 'chachdw at wsba.org'; 'roberttaylor11 at comcast.net'; 'maureenm1 at atg.wa.gov'; 'slavicbar at gmail.com'; 'KMDas at perkinscoie.com'; Nightingale, Noel; 'cardozo at jewishinseattle.org'; 'asb at bmatlaw.com'; 'aaron at glblaw.com'; 'zanabugaighis at DWT.com'; 'dclarks at co.pierce.wa.us'; 'alison.bettles at nordstrom.com'; 'jeannec at wsba.org'; 'law-careers at uidaho.edu'; 'pafergus at asu.edu'; 'Kelly Simon'; 'Jesse at valdezlehman.com'; 'rcarrion at da.lacounty.gov'; 'joshua.s.williams at co.benton.or.us'; 'Travis.Buchanan at CityofHenderson.com' Cc: Early, Becky (USAID) Subject: Opening: DOJ Experienced Attorney - U.S. Attorney's Office - Idaho I would like to share with you and ask you to disseminate the following vacancy announcement for an experienced attorney as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho. Please note, this is a re-posting of this Vacancy Announcement. If you have previously applied, it is not necessary to reapply. Justice seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American; Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of background. Justice fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences may reach their full potential. Thank you for your help. ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE District of Idaho Vacancy Announcement Number 12-ID-AUSA-02 [cid:image001.jpg at 01CD34E4.C9007290] About the Office: With a state population of 1.5 million, 33.7 million acres of federally-owned land, and more miles of river than any other state, the District of Idaho presents outstanding opportunities for recreation and cultural experience. It also has very interesting federal litigation. One district covers the entire state. The U.S. Attorney's Office is large enough to enjoy a wide variety of case assignments, but small enough to be friendly. Six civil attorneys, eighteen criminal attorneys, and twenty-six support staff are spread among three offices: the main office, in Boise, and the two branch offices in Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello. This vacancy is located in the main office in Boise, Idaho. Boise is located in the Treasure Valley, in which 40% of Idaho's population resides. Winters are relatively mild, though plenty of snow falls in the nearby mountains. Median home prices are low, schools are excellent, and outstanding opportunities for recreation exist. AUSAs regularly run on the greenbelt, swim, and mountain bike over their lunch hours. Who May Apply: United States Citizens. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The District has an opening for an Assistant United States Attorney AUSA) in the Civil Division. This attorney will handle a wide variety of civil cases including defensive environmental cases (NEPA, NFMA, etc.), defensive torts (from slip and fall cases to medical malpractice), Bivens claims, bankruptcy matters, any appeals that arise, and the occasional Central Violations Bureau (CVB) calendar. This attorney may handle affirmative civil cases as well. Qualifications: Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least three years post-J.D. experience. Preferred Qualifications: Ideally, an applicant will have three to six years of experience as a civil litigator. Applicants should be flexible and willing to learn new areas of the law, strategic when it comes to engaging in defensive litigation, forthright and diplomatic in dealing with client agencies and the court, and committed to representing the United States. Applicants must demonstrate superior written and oral communication skills. They must be able to define and articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases and areas of law. They must be able to manage a caseload composed of very different kinds of cases with correspondingly different demands and deadlines. Applicants must be self-starters and good managers of their time. They must be willing and able to do their own legal research and writing and be substantially self-sufficient in managing cases and deadlines, preparing day-to-day correspondence and filings, and using computer programs and systems (CM/ECF, word processing, Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, USA5, E2Travel, etc.). Finally, applicants must have a demonstrated ability to work well with others, from support to supervisors. The ideal candidate will have some subject matter expertise in one or more of the areas identified (NEPA, NFMA, defensive torts, Bivens claims, or bankruptcy matters) and be willing to learn – and to continue learning throughout their career – new areas of law. Travel: Occasional travel may be required, both within and outside the District of Idaho. Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorneys' pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $44,581 to $131,534 plus locality pay where authorized (locality pay in Boise, Idaho is currently 14.16%). Location: Boise, Idaho. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized. Application Process and Deadline Date: Interested persons should send an original, signed cover letter; detailed resume; writing sample (ideally, the sample will be edited solely by applicant, be at least 7 pages in length, and contain substantive legal analysis); and current performance evaluation/rating no later than Friday, June 1, 2012. Please note, this is a re-posting of this Vacancy Announcement. If you have previously applied, it is not necessary to reapply. Becky Early Supervisory Legal Assistant United States Attorney's Office 800 Park Blvd, Suite 600 Boise, ID 83712 No telephone calls please. Fax and e-mail applications will not be accepted. Internet Sites: District of Idaho's website: http://www.justice.gov/usao/id/jobs.html#ausa This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html Department Policies: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed. See 28 U.S.C. § 545 for district-specific information. All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a time-limited (temporary) basis. Temporary appointments may, or may not, be extended or made permanent without further competition. The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys’ Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). *** The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 381 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 18 21:32:28 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 17:32:28 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Federal Lawyer postings Message-ID: United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Kentucky Assistant United States Attorney Lexington, Kentucky May 18, 2012 Announcement No. 12-EDKY-08 (AUSA) All resumes/applications must be received by June 1, 2012. United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Kentucky Assistant United States Attorney Civil Division Lexington, Kentucky May 18, 2012 Announcement No. 12-EDKY-07 (AUSA) All resumes/applications must be received by May 25, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Central District of Illinois 12-CDIL-08 Applications must be received by June 1, 2012. From emrene at earthlink.net Sat May 19 00:47:00 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 17:47:00 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post Message-ID: I think that the strongest argument you have is that the Coast Guard is governed by the Department of Homeland Security, and that you've served there in uniform already. You could distinguish your situation from that of the regular armed services (Defense Department), and neutralize some of the arguments that might be raised against admitting an already-blind person to military service. Then you could point to the competency of those blind servicemen still active after being wounded to bolster your argument that you, too, will serve competently. My hope would be that this way you might win the support of people who might otherwise feel politically obligated to oppose you. Since you would probably be only the third or fourth blind person to serve in uniform, and maybe only the first to get there without first being wounded, I wonder whether a "getting to yes"strategy might not have a better chance of getting what you want. As you point out, the Coast Guard were more open-minded than the other branches. Maybe if the other branches don't see you as a threat (dangerous legal precedent), they won't have reason to oppose you. Having been around during all of the "don't ask, don't tell"debate, you know how all of the arguments, subtexts, and value avowals influenced decisions. Maybe you could use that knowledge to inform a campaign of strategic diplomacy that would get you in and leave you breathing room to serve harmoniously day-to-day, year-to-year with your commanding officers. Best, Elizabeth From attorney at alcidonislaw.com Sat May 19 00:52:39 2012 From: attorney at alcidonislaw.com (Alcidonis Law Office) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 20:52:39 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] If Dennis Clark still on the list, can you contact me off-list, please? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7819637E96E14F8482E421704D6F2FF3@RodPC> Dennis: My e-mail address is: Attorney at alcidonislaw.com Take care Please make note of our new address. Rod Alcidonis, Esquire. Alcidonis Law Office, LLC 2824 Cottman Avenue Suite 15 Philadelphia, PA 19149 Tel: (215) 305-8085 Fax: (215) 525-0999 Work: Attorney at alcidonislaw.com Listservs: lawoffice at alcidonislaw.com Licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. No-fault divorce/custody, personal injury, family-based immigration, real estate transactions. From schorschj at comcast.net Sat May 19 04:25:30 2012 From: schorschj at comcast.net (Jon Schorsch) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 21:25:30 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft In-Reply-To: References: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> <002101cd33f6$c00d7050$402850f0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: <002a01cd3577$6e60a420$4b21ec60$@comcast.net> Dear Crystal, I apologize for my delayed response. I took the LSAT prep course through the Steven Kline Company. They are located near the University of Washington. In addition to the regular class meetings, they worked with me one-on-one with a couple of tutors. I believe I had the option of taking the LSAT either verbally, where they had the proctors read the test and I had to give my answer verbally, or in Braille. I chose the verbal route because when I took the test, I had only been blind three years, and my braille was not adequate to take an entrance exam. I ended up taking the test twice and performed substantially better the second time. I was referred to the Steven Kline Company by several friends who had taken a class through them. They were incredible to me and I now think of them as good friends. So if you decide to go through with this endeavor, I recommend you start early. I also recommend you take the prep course through this company. If you have any more questions, you can contact me off list at: schorschj at comcast.net Best of luck, Jon Schorsch -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jing Crystal Wu ?? Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 1:48 AM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft Dear John, I wonder how did you prepared for the SAT text? I'd like to hear more about this exam since I am a foreign student; and therefore, it becomes much harder for me and many other students. Look forward to your reply. Regards, Crystal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jon Schorsch" To: "'Blind Law Mailing List'" Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:31 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft > Dear Elizabeth, > > I have just finished my first year of law school at Seattle University. > While everyone had to use exam soft for their finals, I was exempt from > having to use it. I did not ask for the exemption, the school was worried > about compatibility issues with JAWS, and simply did not have me try to > use > it. So, I assume it is not compatible, but I really have no idea if it is > compatible with JAWS or not. > > Jon Schorsch > > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene > Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 12:31 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft > > Hi all, > > I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the > practice of Law. When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of > using > text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future. For me, > anyway. > > My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with > ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their > essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them > to > cheat. My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and > responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest. > > Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that > many > or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now. My quick > overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from > them on accessibility or ADA awareness. > > Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or > with > Apple's VoiceOver? > > I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from > an > older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review > applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an > iBook, right now, with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS > alone. Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10. > > It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA > grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation. > > PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but > wasn't registered here from that address. > > Thanks in advance for your comments. > > Elizabeth Rene > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/schorschj%40comcast.ne > t > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/wujing19861209%40hotma il.com > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/schorschj%40comcast.ne t From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Sat May 19 04:41:42 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 04:41:42 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E9098D7@EXCH2.stmarytx.edu> Elizabeth , First I am completely happy that you were the trail blazer which I am now following. All good points and I agree that the Coast Guard may be my best shot. The fact is that I don't want and have never wanted to "fight" my way in but rather find a way to earn the respect and trust of enough people to have them assist me to get in. This can work, I have always known it and have always taken steps to show it can work. The question is if the Coast Guard, or any branch knew they could accept me, would they or are they unwilling. If willing but unsure then I hope to convince Senator Cornyn to help convince them that this is a positive. If unwilling then I will need the help of the American public and blind community which I hope to earn the trust of to help show that like the don't ask, don't tell restriction no longer makes sense. We simply do not do battle like we used to and not every person in uniform has to be on the battle field. I would join the non-military uniformed services of the United States Public Health Service if they had a JAG Corps which they do not, or the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration which are both "uniformed services" and have the same benefits well, not really the NOAA as they don't have USERA protections but then again, they don't need them as NOAA is their primary employment... But again both of these uniformed services do not have a JAG corps so moot point there. Anyway, I am open to any help any person is willing to help me make this work. There was a person "Charley Brown" who offered his help when I was a 1l. I could sure use their help now. Again I want them to want me and work hard for them to do so. I would rather get to "Yes" than to force the issue. Thanks for reading and I'll keep going for as long as it takes. I started this when I was seventeen and I'm now thirty-four so I can wait a little longer. With Respect, Robert Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 7:47 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post I think that the strongest argument you have is that the Coast Guard is governed by the Department of Homeland Security, and that you've served there in uniform already. You could distinguish your situation from that of the regular armed services (Defense Department), and neutralize some of the arguments that might be raised against admitting an already-blind person to military service. Then you could point to the competency of those blind servicemen still active after being wounded to bolster your argument that you, too, will serve competently. My hope would be that this way you might win the support of people who might otherwise feel politically obligated to oppose you. Since you would probably be only the third or fourth blind person to serve in uniform, and maybe only the first to get there without first being wounded, I wonder whether a "getting to yes"strategy might not have a better chance of getting what you want. As you point out, the Coast Guard were more open-minded than the other branches. Maybe if the other branches don't see you as a threat (dangerous legal precedent), they won't have reason to oppose you. Having been around during all of the "don't ask, don't tell"debate, you know how all of the arguments, subtexts, and value avowals influenced decisions. Maybe you could use that knowledge to inform a campaign of strategic diplomacy that would get you in and leave you breathing room to serve harmoniously day-to-day, year-to-year with your commanding officers. Best, Elizabeth _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From emrene at earthlink.net Sun May 20 07:04:36 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 00:04:36 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post Message-ID: Aye Aye, Robert. I hope you get in. Please keep writing, and let us know how we can help. Elizabeth From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Fri May 4 19:26:16 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 14:26:16 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] ABA Standards Review Committee to Offer Two Alternate Approaches to LSAT Requirement, ABA Journal, April 30 2012 In-Reply-To: <41370810CEBD1C4DA64C9361CE162341C8D25D8D8E@EDUPTCEXMB01.ed.gov> References: <41370810CEBD1C4DA64C9361CE162341C8D25D8D8E@EDUPTCEXMB01.ed.gov> Message-ID: Link: http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/aba_committee_to_offer_two_approaches_to_lsat_requirement/?utm_source=maestro&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly_email Text: ABA Standards Review Committee to Offer Two Alternate Approaches to LSAT Requirement Posted April 30, 2012 By Mark Hansen An ABA committee has tentatively agreed on two alternative approaches to the current requirement in the Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools that all law school applicants must take a valid and reliable admissions test. The first approach would keep a pared-down version of the current requirement in the standards. The second would eliminate the requirement altogether. Neither vote, taken during a Friday meeting of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar's Standards Review Committee, was binding. But the two votes taken together reflect a deep division among committee members over whether such a requirement is necessary, an issue over which the committee has gone back and forth several times already. The existing standard (PDF), known as the LSAT requirement, says that a law school must require each first-year applicant to take a valid and reliable admissions test to assist the school and the applicant in assessing the applicant's capability of successfully completing the school's education program. But the committee, which is working on a comprehensive overhaul of the standards, voted for second time last year to omit that requirement from its current draft. Not because there's anything wrong with the test itself, which has proven to be a reliable predictor of a first-year student's performance, but because the standard doesn't require schools to give any particular weight to a student's test score in its admissions decisions. Those who want to do away with the requirement note that the ABA has already granted variances to several schools that have allowed them to admit a limited number of students who haven't taken the LSAT. They also point out that no other accrediting agency requires schools to make students take an admissions test. "It ought to be up to the schools to decide who they want to admit, and based on what factors," says committee member David Yellen, dean of Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Yellen also says it doesn't make sense to keep a requirement in the standards that is slowly being "chiseled away" through variances. But those who want to keep the requirement say the test scores offer useful consumer information. They also say that grades are a very unreliable indicator of a law student's success. "I think this is absolutely fundamental to the quality of a legal education in America," says committee member James Hanks Jr., a partner with the Venable firm in Baltimore. On Friday, the committee, which has acquired several new members since its last vote on the matter, took up the issue yet again, first voting to approve a pared-down version of the current standard, then voting to forward to the section's governing council an alternative proposal that would do away with the LSAT requirement. The committee, which met Friday and Saturday in St. Louis, had initially planned to discuss its proposed changes to five of the standards' seven chapters. But it hadn't even gotten through the first two chapters when the meeting was adjourned. Committee chair Jeffrey Lewis, dean emeritus and professor at St. Louis University School of Law, said afterward he wasn't troubled by the slow pace of the committee's deliberations. "The goal is to do it right," not to speed through it, he said, "and that's exactly what we're doing." From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 4 20:34:42 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 16:34:42 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Federal Attorney postings Message-ID: <41CBD81AC4274127B9676BE359397DDC@mycomputer> Trial Attorney, GS-13/14/15 U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section Washington, D.C. 12-CRM-AFMLS-058 All applications must be received May 18th, 2012. U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program Region 16 Riverside, California (1) Trial Attorney GS-905-12/13/14/15 Announcement No. S12-00 Open: 05/07/12 Close: 05/29/12. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Idaho Vacancy Announcement Number 12-ID-AUSA-02 The deadline to apply is May 18, 2012. From cathrynisfinally at verizon.net Sat May 5 19:50:52 2012 From: cathrynisfinally at verizon.net (Cathryn) Date: Sat, 05 May 2012 15:50:52 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Federal Attorney postings In-Reply-To: <41CBD81AC4274127B9676BE359397DDC@mycomputer> References: <41CBD81AC4274127B9676BE359397DDC@mycomputer> Message-ID: <000501cd2af8$610a66a0$231f33e0$@verizon.net> The searches I tried today for these vacancies include: Announcement No. S12-00 Results: zero "trial attorney" in California Results were 3 vacancies in the Dept of Labor NTE 54 weeks No listings for the Department of Justice "U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program" in California Results: zero listings I don't know how to use the vacancy listings you are sending out on this list serve. Any assistance you may be able to provide is appreciated. Cathryn Bonnette -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ross Doerr Sent: Friday, May 04, 2012 4:35 PM To: 'Blind Law Mailing List' Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Federal Attorney postings Trial Attorney, GS-13/14/15 U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section Washington, D.C. 12-CRM-AFMLS-058 All applications must be received May 18th, 2012. U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program Region 16 Riverside, California (1) Trial Attorney GS-905-12/13/14/15 Announcement No. S12-00 Open: 05/07/12 Close: 05/29/12. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Idaho Vacancy Announcement Number 12-ID-AUSA-02 The deadline to apply is May 18, 2012. _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/cathrynisfinally%40ver izon.net From david.albrektson at navy.mil Mon May 7 11:58:43 2012 From: david.albrektson at navy.mil (Albrektson, David M CIV 70, FFSC) Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 07:58:43 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] concerned for a friend Message-ID: <5EFC5491446D0143A271EC56A98D79C6507968@naeanrfkez34v.nadsusea.nads.navy.mil> The folowing post has no disability-related issues although I wonder if there may be some issues re: age-discrimination - not sure if it's OK to post to this list. My apology if this post is outside the list's scope. I'm just interested in getting some feedback, ideas, etc. A friend of mine, 61 y/o, was told recently by her employer that 'your skill-set no longer matches our needs' and she was let go from her job. She's worked as a bookkeeper for this small company for almost 10 years. Strangely, the employer is paying her some kind of a severance pay, although rather than lump-summing it, they're giving her a weekly check. My friend has no idea what the amount of her severance will be...severance was never discussed, never spelled-out, and she has been unable to obtain clarification from the employer despite her requests for same. My friend says she cannot apply for unemployment compensation at this time because she is still receiving money from her former employer. She is dubious she will find another job here in Rhode Island - lousy economy and she says 'Who's going to employ a 61 year-old woman?'. She is worried that if she does not apply for unemployment benefits within a certain time period, she may miss-out on the government's offer for 'extended benefits'. She's also concerned that while she was formerly identified as 'fully vested' in the company's retirement plan, her current status has been changed to '80% vested'. I've advised her to consult an attorney and she is considering so doing but has not moved on this matter as yet. Dav eA -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: smime.p7s Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature Size: 5688 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rumpole at roadrunner.com Mon May 7 20:07:07 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 16:07:07 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Trustee posting, Riverside CA. Message-ID: <67C21ED8834A4F438394298C6D92C0A8@mycomputer> Okay, for those of you who hit snags trying to find federal listings in the California area - go to: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/jobs/trialattvacrivrs12-00.htm ...and see if that link helps you get to the listings. IF it doesn't help you out, I'v e posted the job below, but I'm genuinely stumped on what causes the snag otherwise. *** U.S. TRUSTEE PROGRAM REGION 16 RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (1) TRIAL ATTORNEY GS-905-12/13/14/15 ANNOUNCEMENT NO.RS12-00 OPEN: 05/07/12 CLOSE: 05/29/12 About the Office: The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) is a component of the Department of Justice and has the legal authority to appear in every bankruptcy case filed in the United States, from chapter 7 liquidations to major chapter 11 business reorganizations. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The successful candidate will assist in supervising the administration of cases and trustees in cases filed under chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. The successful candidate will be required to review cases for bankruptcy fraud and abuse (both civil and criminal); oversee business reorganization filings, draft motions, pleadings, and briefs; and will be primarily responsible for the preparation, presentation and litigation of cases arising under the Bankruptcy Code, including provisions of the Bankruptcy Abuse Protection and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. In connection with the representation of the United States Trustee, the successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of litigation, including factual investigation, legal research, preparation of pleadings and other documents, and trial of cases in the Bankruptcy Courts and the United States District Courts. The successful candidate also must perform substantial non litigation duties related to the supervision of trustees and the administration of cases. Qualifications Required: Interested parties must possess a Juris Doctorate degree and be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction). Candidates applying at the GS-12 level must have at least 1 year or more post JD experience. Candidates applying at the GS-13 level must have at least 1 year and 6 months or more post JD experience. Candidates applying at the GS-14 level must have at least 2 years and 6 months or more post JD experience. Candidates applying at the GS-15 level must have 4 years or more post JD experience. Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications above it is preferred that candidates possess post JD experience in at least one or more of the following legal specialties: bankruptcy, litigation, appellate, commercial or business transactions. Travel: Occasional overnight travel is required. Salary Information: Candidates are being solicited at the GS-12/15 level, ranging in pay from GS-12 ($76,644 - $99,636), GS-13 ($91,141 - $118,481), GS-14 ($107,701 - $140,008) and GS-15 ($126,687 - $155,000). Promotion potential to GS-15. Location: Riverside, California Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized. Application Process and Deadline Date: To apply, please submit a resume, a brief description of experience that satisfies the qualifications. Resumes must include full name, mailing address, phone number, social security number, country of citizenship and veterans' preference. [Note: the OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment is now obsolete.] In addition, all applicants must submit law school transcripts and current or former federal employees must submit the most current performance appraisal and the latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. Resumes can be delivered by mail or overnight delivery or applications can be submitted electronically by email. Emailed applications must be sent to Annette.Soule at usdoj.gov with the job announcement number in the subject line; and must be received by midnight of the closing date of the announcement. Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than midnight May 29, 2012 and received within 5 calendar days and delivered to U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the U.S. Trustee, 725 South Figueroa, Suite 2600, Los Angeles, CA 90017-5413, Attn: Annette Soule, Administrative Officer. Ref: RS12-00. Overnight packages must be received by close of business, e.g. 4:15 p.m. (PST) on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Applications received in government postage paid envelopes, or by fax will not be considered. Applications will not be returned. Candidates will not be solicited for further experience or education background data or for proof of veterans' preference if data provided is found to be inadequate or incomplete. Internet Sites: This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the Internet at: http://www.justice.gov/oarm/attvacancies.html. Department Policies: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorney's Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans= preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of non-service-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue May 8 22:31:54 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 18:31:54 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney posting for Texas Message-ID: <31D73077DF874B5BBF480DE63262145E@mycomputer> This job and others are found at the following web site, save it in your favorites listing! http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas Announcement Number 12-SDTX-09 (Houston Asset Forfeiture) The position is open until filled. The initial cutoff date for receipt of applications is May 14, 2012. From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Tue May 8 23:36:11 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 18:36:11 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: ACLU Legal Fellowship job description to distribute? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The attached fellowship announcement requires membership in the Washington State Bar or willingness to take it. From: Lisa Nix [mailto:lnix at aclu-wa.org] Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2012 4:29 PM To: Nightingale, Noel Subject: ACLU Legal Fellowship job description to distribute? Hi Noel, I'm helping to spread the good word out about a job opening we have here, the "Floyd and Delores Jones Legal Fellowship," and see that you're listed as the co-chair of the Washington Attorneys with Disabilities Association. I'm wondering if you or someone in the group could distribute the attached job description to your members. I'm not finding a website, but if there's somewhere to post it, that would be great too. Is that possible? As indicated on the description, interested parties should submit their materials through our jobs at aclu-wa.org email. Please let me know if you have any questions, or if there's someone else I should check in with. Thank you! Lisa Lisa Nix Special Assistant to the Executive Director 901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 630 Seattle WA 98164 lnix at aclu-wa.org (206) 624.2184, Ext. 212 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Legal - Jones Fellowship.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 227154 bytes Desc: Legal - Jones Fellowship.pdf URL: From Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov Wed May 9 18:04:52 2012 From: Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov (Othman, Ronza (CMS/OEOCR)) Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 14:04:52 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: CMS Job Opportunity (Schedule A) (CMCS-IT) Message-ID: Please see attached and below. *** CMS Job Opportunity*** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), located in Baltimore, Maryland, is seeking applicants for the position identified below. CMS is seeking to hire a veteran or non-veteran individual who is Schedule A eligible, meaning that they possess a “severe” disability. For more information on the Schedule A hiring authority, please visit http://www.opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp. I am requesting your assistance to provide me with resumes of Schedule A applicants with the identified skills. More information on the specific job duties and the function of the center are below and attached. The CMS hiring managers in the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) are looking to fill an Information Technology (IT) position. The required skills and abilities for this position are identified below. DUTIES: In this position, you will perform a wide variety of duties related to the design, development and implementation of new and modernized Information Technology (IT) systems. Specifically, you will: ▪ Plan, coordinate, and perform systems design and development of a major IT functional area, which may include providing direction to lower-level staff and/or contract personnel. ▪ Analyze the validation of IT needs and requirements, including data, access needs and security, to design and develop appropriate systems designs, access methods and information security controls. ▪ Develop and make presentations on project status and technical issues. ▪ Identify and analyze advancements in application development concepts, techniques and tools. ▪ Develop proposals to translate management objectives/directives into advanced IT application systems. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: In order to qualify for this position, applicants must possess one year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service that has equipped you with the specific knowledge, skill or ability to successfully perform in this position and is IT-related experience. Specialized experience includes: performing cost\benefit analyses of funding requests (such as the Advance Planning Documents – APDs) for the development and implementation of Medicaid Information Technology (IT) Systems such as the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), the multi-OPDIV Integrated Eligibility Determination systems; and systems-related initiatives such as Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA), Health Information Technology, or other similar healthcare systems. Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled. 1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. 3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Please send any resumes of Schedule A applicants and the supporting certification documentation to Michele Lenkiewicz at Michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov. Be sure to include “CMCS-IT” in the subject line. The hiring managers are interested in selecting candidates, as soon as possible. Resumes must be received by COB Thursday, May 10, 2012. Resumes will also be retained in a resume bank for possible future job openings. Thank you in advance for your assistance in reaching potential applicants and I look forward to continuing an ongoing relationship with you to support CMS’ efforts to hire, recruit and retain individuals with disabilities. "OEOCR the model of quality EEO and Civil Rights Services" Michele Lenkiewicz Disability Employment Program Manager Affirmative Employment Group Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (OEOCR) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7111 Security Boulevard, Rm. B2-11-32 Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Phone: 410-786-5117 Fax: 410-786-4341 Email: michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov Confidentiality: The information contained in this electronic mail message and any attachments is intended only for the official use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain legally privileged, confidential information or work product. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or forwarding of this email message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me by email reply and delete the original message from your system. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CMCS.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 21722 bytes Desc: CMCS.pdf URL: From Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov Wed May 9 18:16:40 2012 From: Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov (Othman, Ronza (CMS/OEOCR)) Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 14:16:40 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: CMS Job Opportunity (Schedule A) (CMCS-Admin) Message-ID: Please see below and attached. *** CMS Job Opportunity*** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), located in Baltimore, Maryland, is seeking applicants for the position identified below. CMS is seeking to hire a veteran or non-veteran individual who is Schedule A eligible, meaning that they possess a “severe” disability. For more information on the Schedule A hiring authority, please visit http://www.opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp. I am requesting your assistance to provide me with resumes of Schedule A applicants with the identified skills. More information on the specific job duties and the function of the center are below and attached. The CMS hiring managers in the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) are looking to fill an Administrative type position. This position is located in the Washington, DC Office of the Center Director and serves to provide analysis and technical assistance to the Director, CMCS on administrative management issues. The incumbent is responsible for providing a wide variety of analytical services related to development, implementation and oversight in supporting CMCS responsibilities in administering the Medicaid and CHIP programs. Provides assistance to CMCS management and senior staff on the full range of management, organizational analysis, and administrative related issues. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ▪ Serves as an analyst responsible for the evaluation and analysis on managerial and program support issues to the Director and other CMCS senior leadership team. ▪ Provides administrative and management support to the Director and the leadership team. The incumbent is responsible for assisting in the development of strategic solutions to administrative and organizational analysis issues/problems. ▪ Works with the Director in a variety of special assignments involving all aspects of the administrative and operational management of the Office of the Center Director (OCD). Evaluates the effectiveness of existing administrative policies and reviews new CMS administrative policies and initiatives for potential impact on CMCS. Reports oral or written findings, actions, or recommendations for the Director's attention. ▪ Plans, coordinates, and performs special program assignments and projects on behalf of the Director. These assignments often involve issues of a sensitive or critical nature and require negotiations with the executive personnel of organizations inside and outside CMS and the Federal government. ▪ Follows up and monitors projects assigned by the Director, assuring that the objectives of assignments are clearly understood and deadlines met. Keeps Director informed of project status and any unusual circumstances encountered. ▪ Evaluates the effectiveness of existing administrative policies and reviews new CMS administrative policies and initiatives for potential impact on CMCS. Reports oral or written findings, actions, or recommendations for the Director's attention. ▪ Reviews workflow patterns and, as necessary, makes recommendations to the Director for improvement of existing procedures utilized in OCD and the offices of the group directors within CMCS. Follows through whenever necessary on assigned action items and seeks to obtain a unified effort on the preparation of policy issues and concerns. Ensures timely clearance of all materials sent out for review. ▪ Provides data support on new and existing projects and maintains liaison with other divisions of CMCS, CMS, and external components. ▪ Responds to inquiries from senior Federal and State officials and officials from private sector and determines the urgency of the inquiry and may arrange for immediate response via conference calls, etc. ▪ Determines needs for meetings involving the Director and staff, decides which staff members need to attend and indicates what information should be prepared or available for meetings. Assures that the Director is informed and briefs the Director of the nature and purpose of the meeting. Arranges for attendance of technical staff from the components to serve as resource. ▪ Prepares briefings and reports for the use of the Director for his\her participation in executive meetings. Responsible for general office operations management for the CMCS, DC office. Please send any resumes of Schedule A applicants and the supporting certification documentation to Michele Lenkiewicz at Michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov. Be sure to include “CMCS-Admin” in the subject line. The hiring managers are interested in selecting candidates, as soon as possible. Resumes must be received by noon Friday May 11, 2012. Resumes will also be retained in a resume bank for possible future job openings. Thank you in advance for your assistance in reaching potential applicants and I look forward to continuing an ongoing relationship with you to support CMS’ efforts to hire, recruit and retain individuals with disabilities. "OEOCR the model of quality EEO and Civil Rights Services" Michele Lenkiewicz Disability Employment Program Manager Affirmative Employment Group Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (OEOCR) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7111 Security Boulevard, Rm. B2-11-32 Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Phone: 410-786-5117 Fax: 410-786-4341 Email: michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov Confidentiality: The information contained in this electronic mail message and any attachments is intended only for the official use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain legally privileged, confidential information or work product. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or forwarding of this email message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me by email reply and delete the original message from your system. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.png Type: image/png Size: 164 bytes Desc: image002.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CMCS.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 21722 bytes Desc: CMCS.pdf URL: From lberger at sfmslaw.com Wed May 9 21:36:02 2012 From: lberger at sfmslaw.com (Lawrence Berger) Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 17:36:02 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] concerned for a friend In-Reply-To: <5EFC5491446D0143A271EC56A98D79C6507968@naeanrfkez34v.nadsusea.nads.navy.mil> References: <5EFC5491446D0143A271EC56A98D79C6507968@naeanrfkez34v.nadsusea.nads.navy.mil> Message-ID: <9223c8bea6a4f5eb60edcfdab9238b2d@mail.gmail.com> I'm replying late, so I apologize if I'm just going over old ground, but: in many states, you can collect unemployment at the same time you are receiving severance pay. This does vary state-by-state, but the state unemployment compensation agency may be able to help. Larry Berger Shepherd, Finkelman, Miller & Shah, LLP mailto:lberger at sfmslaw.com (610) 891-9880 phone -----Original Message----- From: Albrektson, David M CIV 70, FFSC [mailto:david.albrektson at navy.mil] Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 7:59 AM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] concerned for a friend The folowing post has no disability-related issues although I wonder if there may be some issues re: age-discrimination - not sure if it's OK to post to this list. My apology if this post is outside the list's scope. I'm just interested in getting some feedback, ideas, etc. A friend of mine, 61 y/o, was told recently by her employer that 'your skill-set no longer matches our needs' and she was let go from her job. She's worked as a bookkeeper for this small company for almost 10 years. Strangely, the employer is paying her some kind of a severance pay, although rather than lump-summing it, they're giving her a weekly check. My friend has no idea what the amount of her severance will be...severance was never discussed, never spelled-out, and she has been unable to obtain clarification from the employer despite her requests for same. My friend says she cannot apply for unemployment compensation at this time because she is still receiving money from her former employer. She is dubious she will find another job here in Rhode Island - lousy economy and she says 'Who's going to employ a 61 year-old woman?'. She is worried that if she does not apply for unemployment benefits within a certain time period, she may miss-out on the government's offer for 'extended benefits'. She's also concerned that while she was formerly identified as 'fully vested' in the company's retirement plan, her current status has been changed to '80% vested'. I've advised her to consult an attorney and she is considering so doing but has not moved on this matter as yet. Dav eA From Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov Thu May 10 21:30:01 2012 From: Ronza.Othman at cms.hhs.gov (Othman, Ronza (CMS/OEOCR)) Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 17:30:01 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: CMS Job Opportunity (Schedule A) (CMCS-HIS) Message-ID: Please see below and attached. *** CMS Job Opportunity*** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), located in Baltimore, Maryland, is seeking applicants for the positions identified below. CMS is seeking to hire a veteran or non-veteran individual who is Schedule A eligible, meaning that they possess a “severe” disability. For more information on the Schedule A hiring authority, please visit http://www.opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp. I am requesting your assistance to provide me with resumes of Schedule A applicants with the identified skills. More information on the specific job duties and the function of the center are below and attached. The CMS hiring managers in the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) are looking to fill several Health Insurance Specialist positions at the GS-9 to GS-13 levels, ideally, with a background in general healthcare policy and implementation with a focus on Medicaid. Desired Experience: · Experience researching, interpreting, applying, developing and/or implementing program quality improvement laws, regulations, policies, and/or operations related to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or similar health insurance programs that provide coverage to low income, disabled, children and adults · Experience using quantitative and qualitative analytical concepts, methodologies, and techniques related to the development and assessment of quality improvement strategies · Experience working collaboratively in a team structure · Experience serving as a liaison to internal and external partners and customers Please send any resumes of Schedule A applicants and the supporting certification documentation to Michele Lenkiewicz at Michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov. Be sure to include “CMCS-HIS” in the subject line. The hiring managers are interested in selecting candidates, as soon as possible. Resumes must be received by 5:00 pm Monday, May 14, 2012. Resumes will also be retained in a resume bank for possible future job openings. Thank you in advance for your assistance in reaching potential applicants and I look forward to continuing an ongoing relationship with you to support CMS’ efforts to hire, recruit and retain individuals with disabilities. "OEOCR the model of quality EEO and Civil Rights Services" Michele Lenkiewicz Disability Employment Program Manager Affirmative Employment Group Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (OEOCR) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7111 Security Boulevard, Rm. B2-11-32 Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Phone: 410-786-5117 Fax: 410-786-4341 Email: michele.lenkiewicz at cms.hhs.gov Confidentiality: The information contained in this electronic mail message and any attachments is intended only for the official use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain legally privileged, confidential information or work product. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or forwarding of this email message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me by email reply and delete the original message from your system. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CMCS.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 21722 bytes Desc: CMCS.pdf URL: From gerard.sadlier at gmail.com Sun May 13 21:08:28 2012 From: gerard.sadlier at gmail.com (Gerard Sadlier) Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 22:08:28 +0100 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? Message-ID: Hi all, What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? What do you use when reviewing legal documents. Thanks Ger From tim at timeldermusic.com Mon May 14 18:25:23 2012 From: tim at timeldermusic.com (Tim Elder) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 14:25:23 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> I rotate among several schemes that I've customized in the schemes manager. -----Original Message----- From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2012 5:08 PM To: Farber, Randy Cc: blindlaw Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? Hi all, What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? What do you use when reviewing legal documents. Thanks Ger From gerard.sadlier at gmail.com Mon May 14 18:48:13 2012 From: gerard.sadlier at gmail.com (Gerard Sadlier) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:48:13 +0100 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? In-Reply-To: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> References: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> Message-ID: tim, could you give me a little more detail about the settings you use? Thanks Ger On 5/14/12, Tim Elder wrote: > I rotate among several schemes that I've customized in the schemes manager. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] > Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2012 5:08 PM > To: Farber, Randy > Cc: blindlaw > Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting > Info When Reading Documents? > > Hi all, > > What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes > in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? > What do you use when reviewing legal documents. > Thanks > Ger > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gerard.sadlier%40gmail.com > From emrene at earthlink.net Mon May 14 19:30:58 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 12:30:58 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft Message-ID: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> Hi all, I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the practice of Law. When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of using text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future. For me, anyway. My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them to cheat. My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest. Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that many or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now. My quick overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from them on accessibility or ADA awareness. Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or with Apple's VoiceOver? I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from an older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an iBook, right now, with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS alone. Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10. It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation. PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but wasn't registered here from that address. Thanks in advance for your comments. Elizabeth Rene From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Mon May 14 22:20:40 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 17:20:40 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: Starbucks Diversity Mentorship Program, 2012-13 In-Reply-To: <229E2086DA265847A4DCC8263ED9C9D00772584FAF@seams615.starbucks.net> References: <229E2086DA265847A4DCC8263ED9C9D00759843E75@seams615.starbucks.net> <229E2086DA265847A4DCC8263ED9C9D00772584FAF@seams615.starbucks.net> Message-ID: From: David Byers [mailto:dbyers at starbucks.com] Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 3:10 PM To: Aaron Kiviat (SCS); Alison Bettles (WWL); Andrew Prazuch (KCBA); Aric Bomsztyk (SCS); Aryna Andersen (SBAW); chachdw at wsba.org; David Ko (KABA); Elizabeth Fry (NIBA); Emilia Castillo (FLOW); Janet Kim Lin (ABAW); Jeanne Marie Clavere (WWL); Jeff Liang (ABAW); Jennifer Davis (LBAW); Julie Gardner (KCBA); Kaustuv Das (SABAW); Martin Le (VABAW); MELAW; Millie Kennedy (NIBA); Nicole Gaines (LMBA); Nightingale, Noel; Rachel Black (MAMAS); Rommel de las Alas (FLOW); Sinjin Dinh (VABAW); Stuart Pixley (WADA); Zana Bugaighis (QLaw) Cc: Katina Thornock Subject: RE: Starbucks Diversity Mentorship Program, 2012-13 Thanks for the applications we have received to date. Just a reminder that all applications are due by this Friday, May 18. From: David Byers Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 9:23 AM To: Aaron Kiviat (SCS); Alison Bettles (WWL); Andrew Prazuch (KCBA); Aric Bomsztyk (SCS); Aryna Andersen (SBAW); chachdw at wsba.org; David Ko (KABA); Elizabeth Fry (NIBA); Emilia Castillo (FLOW); Janet Kim Lin (ABAW); Jeanne Marie Clavere (WWL); Jeff Liang (ABAW); Jennifer Davis (LBAW); Julie Gardner (KCBA); Kaustuv Das (SABAW); Martin Le (VABAW); MELAW; Millie Kennedy (NIBA); Nicole Gaines (LMBA); Noel Nightingale (WADA); Rachel Black (MAMAS); Rommel de las Alas (FLOW); Sinjin Dinh (VABAW); Stuart Pixley (WADA); Zana Bugaighis (QLaw) Cc: Katina Thornock; David Byers Subject: Starbucks Diversity Mentorship Program, 2012-13 I'm reaching out to you as leaders of Washington's minority bar associations (and other interested parties) to announce the second year of the Starbucks Law & Corporate Affairs Department's diversity mentorship program. We are wrapping up a successful pilot year, and are very pleased to be able to continue the program with a new group of mentees. We would welcome applicants from all of your organizations, and invite you to circulate the attached overview to your membership. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or my committee co-chair, Katina Thornock. Thanks! -David. David M. Byers director, corporate counsel, licensing & franchising Starbucks Corporation 2401 Utah Avenue South, S-LA4 Seattle, Washington 98124 206-318-6996 (direct) 206-903-4040 (fax) dbyers at starbucks.com From rumpole at roadrunner.com Mon May 14 23:21:26 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:21:26 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney posting Texas Message-ID: Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas Announcement Number 12-SDTX-10 (HOUSTON - CRIMINAL) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- About the Office: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, with approximately 190 Assistant United States Attorneys, is among the largest in the country. The office prosecutes federal crimes and represents the interests of the United States in civil cases. The Southern District of Texas stretches from the Houston area southwest to the Mexican border. The United States Attorney’s Office operates staffed offices in Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria. Who May Apply: Due to the Attorney General's hiring freeze, only current permanent employees of a U.S. Attorney's Office and EOUSA may be considered and selected. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas seeks one or more (1 or more) experienced attorneys to serve in various sections of the Criminal Division of its Houston, Texas office. The incumbent(s) will investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws, primarily involving immigration, drug, and firearms offenses. Qualifications: Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, and must be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any state or territory of the United States or of the District of Columbia. Active bar membership (any jurisdiction) is required. Additionally, applicants must have at least five (5) years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney. Preferred Qualifications: Hiring preferences include first-chair federal criminal trial experience, strong academics, outstanding organizational skills, superior legal writing and research ability, and a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. Travel: Occasional travel may be required. Salary Information: Pay for Assistant United States Attorneys is administratively determined, based in part on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The 2012 range of basic pay is $44,581 to $131,534, plus locality pay. Location: Position(s) are located in Houston, Texas. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized. How to apply: Submit required application materials (described below) via E-mail to: attorneys.usatxs at usdoj.gov. PDF format is preferred. Tony R. Roberts Executive Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney’s Office P.O. Box 61129 Houston, Texas 77208-1129 No telephone calls or faxes, please. What to send: Required materials include: (1) a cover letter; (2) a resume; and (3) a writing sample of not more than 10 pages. Incomplete applications will not be considered. When to apply:The announcement is open until filled. The initial cutoff date for receipt of applications is May 21, 2012. Internet Sites: This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/attvacancies.html. Department Policies: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which they are appointed. See 28 U.S.C. § 545 for district-specific information. All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a time-limited (temporary) basis. Temporary appointments may, or may not, be extended or made permanent without further competition. The United States Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. From rothmanjd at gmail.com Tue May 15 11:37:49 2012 From: rothmanjd at gmail.com (R Othman) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 07:37:49 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] NABL Seminar via Conference Call - 5/21/12 3PM EDT, 12PM PDT Message-ID: Blind Justice: Litigation Skills Introducing "Blind Justice," a lawyering topics and skills seminar series, hosted by the National Association of Blind Lawyers. The inaugural seminar on practicing law as blind attorneys will take place on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and 12:00 PM Pacific Time via teleconference. This session will be complementary. Featured speakers include Scott LaBarre, Law Offices of Scott C. LaBarre, and Anthony Thomas, Office of the Cook County Public Defender. The presenters will discuss strategies and experiences litigating in the court room as blind attorneys and working with blind witnesses and jurors. To register, please send an email to Ronza Othman at rothmanjd at gmail.com. Once you have registered, you will receive the conference call-in information and seminar materials. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ronza Othman at 708-829-0523 or rothmanjd at gmail.com. Regards, The NABL Board From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Tue May 15 15:32:00 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:32:00 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] General Attorney, Dept of Veterans Affairs, GS-905-11, Expires May 23, 2012 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: "The Office of Regional Counsel is seeking a general attorney at the GS-11 grade level to work with the most difficult and complex cases in selected subject areas. Promotion potential of this position is GS-14. " http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/316333800 Job Title:General Attorney Department:Department Of Veterans Affairs Agency:Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Job Announcement Number:VS-12-661341-AP SALARY RANGE: $61,255.00 to $79,628.00 / Per Year OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, May 09, 2012 to Wednesday, May 23, 2012 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0905-11 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Excepted Service Permanent PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 14 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) - Seattle, WA United StatesView Map WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens JOB SUMMARY: This position is excepted from the competitive service. The Office of Regional Counsel is seeking a general attorney at the GS-11 grade level to work with the most difficult and complex cases in selected subject areas. Promotion potential of this position is GS-14. KEY REQUIREMENTS · U.S. Citizenship Required · Good standing membership of the WA State Bar ________________________________ DUTIES: Back to top The incumbent serves as the legal advisor to various VA facilities within the geographic jurisdiction of Region 20, with primary responsibility for Washington facilities including the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, the Seattle VA Regional Office, the Spokane VA Medical Center, the Walla Walla VA Medical Center and the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Such advice covers an extremely broad range of legal matters and is given in the form of written opinions or oral consultations concerning issues relating to release of information, medical care cost recovery, real property and loan guaranty, tort claims against VA, police procedures at VA facilities, bioethics, government procurements, contract negotiations and dispute resolution, personnel matters, gifts and donations to VA, escheat, bankruptcy, and leases. Investigates and negotiates resolution of tort claims involving medical malpractice, personal injury and property loss. Represents VA in cases before the Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Federal Labor Relations Board. Represents the agency in state courts in guardianship matters. This position requires a detailed knowledge of both federal and state law. ________________________________ QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Back to top BAR MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS: Be a member in good standing of the bar of a State or Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Where the duties of the position call for appearance in court, the applicant must be a member in good standing of the bar, or be eligible for admission to the bar, of the State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia which they will serve. CITIZENSHIP: Be citizen of, or owe allegiance to, the United States. Position Sensitivity - This position has a position-sensitivity level of Public Trust-Moderate Risk. Selections made under this announcement are conditioned upon favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) per VA Handbook 0710. An investigation will be conducted after the effective date of the selection. An individual currently holding the appropriate clearance does not require additional investigation. If this position requires a higher level background investigation than what you currently hold, you will be required to complete a new background investigation. EDUCATION: Possess a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree from a law school or be awarded such before appointment. NOTE: The education requirements are not applicable to those employees serving in Attorney positions in the VA as of September 1, 1968. Requirements of GS 11 One year of experience within the following: a. Practice of law. b. Other legal experience of a responsible nature in any or a combination of the following: As a law clerk; in legal research; in analysis of statutes; or in examination, investigation, or adjustment of claims arising under law, contract, or governmental order. c. In the military, naval, or other Federal service in the disposition of legal problems, as a reviewing officer, as a member of courts or boards, or investigation activities. AND/OR Graduation in the upper one-third of his/her law class or one of the six alternate options of the Superior Law Student Program: (1) Work or achievement of significance on his/her school's Official Law Review; (2) Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif; (3) Winning a moot court competition or membership on the moot court team which represents the law school in competition with other law schools; (4) Full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program as opposed to one-shot, intermittent or casual participation; (5) Significant summer law-office clerk experience; or (6) Other equivalent evidence of superior achievement. Candidates applying under this option will be required to furnish certification from the registrar of ranking and other attainments in law school; or HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics required of incumbents of this position. When describing your knowledge, skills, and abilities, please be sure to give examples and explain how often you used these skills, the complexity of the knowledge you possess, the level of the people you interacted with, the sensitivity of the issues you handled, etc. A panel considers the total background of applicants including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development activities to determine the degree to which they possess each rating factor. The rating factors for this position are: a. Ability to evaluate pertinent facts and evidence in the analysis of legal issues. b. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and precedents. c. Knowledge of legal research techniques. d. Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines. e. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. f. Legal practice experience, with particular focus on the following areas: 1. Federal and/or private sector labor law 2. Medical malpractice and/or health law; and 3. Federal administrative law. ________________________________ BENEFITS: Back to top You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.opm.gov/insure/new_employ/index.asp Dental and Vision benefits are available to eligible Federal and Postal employees, retirees, and their eligible family members on an enrollee-pay-all basis. More info: Federal employees are entitled to at least 13 days of vacation leave as well as 13 days of sick leave each year. Depending on years of service, employees can earn up to 26 days of vacation leave each year. In addition, Federal employees get 10 days paid holiday each year. More info: http://www.opm.gov/oca/index.htm Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info: New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.opm.gov/retire/pre/fers/index.asp With the Thrift Savings Plan, you can self-direct your retirement savings program through multiple investment options. This Plan is very similar to a 401(k) plan. More info: http://www.tsp.gov/ You can use Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under their FEHB plans. More Info: Alternative work schedule options are available. More info: http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.htm If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run. There are many other benefit programs that make the Federal Government a model employer and a top ranking career choice. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc OTHER INFORMATION: 1. If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position. ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. 2. If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee or former Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" and/or a copy of the SF-50 that reflects career or career-conditional tenure, or you will not be considered under the merit promotion process. Also, you should submit your most recent performance appraisal. 3. If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. 4. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. 5. You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; certain Vietnam era and disabled veterans; returned volunteers from the Peace Corps or Vista, etc. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking, if any, on your application and follow all other instructions for applying shown in this announcement. ________________________________ HOW TO APPLY: Back to top To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Résumé 2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section below) The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID 661341. Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144. If you cannot apply online: 1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire , 2. Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/opm1203fx.pdf, and 3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS · Resume · Transcripts · OF 306 http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf Submitting Documents If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents. To verify uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scan. You can verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the Details tab of your Application Manager account https://applicationmanager.gov/ for this vacancy announcement. Your documents will display under the Details tab in the Document area. Faxed documents will take 2-3 business days to process. To fax documents, you MUST use the special cover page. Print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager. Or, you may click this link http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf to print a copy of the cover page. When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below. Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number 661341 · Provide your Social Security Number and full name in the spaces provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application. · You may submit multiple documents for the same vacancy announcement using one cover page. · Fax your cover page and documents to 1-478-757-3144. Faxed documents submitted with missing information will not be processed. The following will prevent your documents from being processed: Not using the special cover page mentioned above. · Missing, incomplete, or invalid Vacancy Identification Number · Missing or incomplete Social Security Number or name Note: If you have documents in your Application Manager account from a previous vacancy announcement they can be opened, copied and saved then reused as an upload file for this vacancy. Uploading your documents will speed the processing of your application for this announcement. Your resume, or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process, fax, mail or by hand-deliver. Please be sure to include all of the following information in your resume: Job Information: -Vacancy Identification Number, title, grade and location for which you are applying. Personal Information: - Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers (with area code). - Country of Citizenship. - If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of employment in grade. Education: - High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or GED. - Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code. - Major field(s) of study. - Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter hours. Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide copies of job descriptions): - Job title. - Duties and accomplishments. - Number of hours per week. - Employer's name and address. - Supervisor's name and phone number. - Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year). - Salary. - Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted. Other Qualifications: - Job-related training courses (title and year). - Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.) - Job-related certificates and licenses. - Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments. (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.) Do not send copies of documents unless specifically requested. AGENCY CONTACT INFO: HR Help Desk Phone: (503)273-5236 Fax: (478)757-3144 Email: PORTLANDJOBS at VA.GOV Agency Information: Regional Counsel 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 Fax: (478)757-3144 WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. Instructions for answering the questions in the Occupational Questionnaire: If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Application method, please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission. Social Security Number Vacancy Identification Number The Vacancy Identification Number is: 661341 1. Title of Job General Attorney 2. Biographic Data 3. E-Mail Address 4. Work Information 5. Employment Availability 6. Citizenship Are you a citizen of the United States? 7. Background Information If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 8. Other Information 9. Languages If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 10. Lowest Grade 11 11. Miscellaneous Information If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 12. Special Knowledge If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 13. Test Location 14. Veteran Preference Claim 15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service 16. Availability Date 17. Service Computation Date 18. Other Date Information 19. Job Preference If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 20. Occupational Specialties 001 General Attorney 21. Geographic Availability Select/enter at least one geographic location in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code for this position is: 531960033 Seattle, WA 22. Transition Assistance Plan 23. Job Related Experience 24. Personal Background Information If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank. 25. Occupational/Assessment Questions: 1. I am a member in good standing of the bar of a State or Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Where the duties of the position call for appearance in court, the applicant must be a member in good standing of the bar, or be eligible for admission to the bar, of the State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia which they will serve. A. Yes B. No 2. I am a citizen of, or owe allegiance to, the United States. A. Yes B. No 3. I possess a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree from a law school or be awarded such before appointment. NOTE: The education requirements are not applicable to those employees serving in Attorney positions in the VA as of September 1, 1968. A. Yes B. No 4. EXPERIENCE: The following options describe exerience required to meet eligibility of GS 11. Please indicate which option best describes your professional experience: a. Practice of law. b. Other legal experience of a responsible nature in any or a combination of the following: As a law clerk; in legal research; in analysis of statutes; or in examination, investigation, or adjustment of claims arising under law, contract, or governmental order. c. In the military, naval, or other Federal service in the disposition of legal problems, as a reviewing officer, as a member of courts or boards, or investigation activities. GS-11: a. One year of experience as described above, or b. Graduation in the upper one-third of his/her law class or one of the six alternate options of the Superior Law Student Program: (1) Work or achievement of significance on his/her school's Official Law Review; (2) Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif; (3) Winning a moot court competition or membership on the moot court team which represents the law school in competition with other law schools; (4) Full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program as opposed to one-shot, intermittent or casual participation; (5) Significant summer law-office clerk experience; or (6) Other equivalent evidence of superior achievement. Candidates applying under this option will be required to furnish certification from the registrar of ranking and other attainments in law school; or A. I posess the experience as outlined for the GS-11: a B. I posess the experience as outlined for the GS-11: b C. I do not posess the described experience From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Tue May 15 20:26:47 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 20:26:47 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employment. As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. With Respect, Robert D. Dittman Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Dittman Resume 5 15 2012.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 26030 bytes Desc: Dittman Resume 5 15 2012.docx URL: From mikefry79 at gmail.com Tue May 15 21:49:49 2012 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Mike Fry) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 14:49:49 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <916104D2-9E80-4567-AEC9-5CD8DBDC63D0@gmail.com> Impressive. How did you get the search and rescue ribbons? Have you been visually impaired your whole life? Is there a chance you could be a jag? I didn't know people legally blind could do that. Your resume is awesome. Apply to all those gov jobs. Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2012, at 1:26 PM, "Dittman, Robert" wrote: > Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, > > I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. > > I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. > > I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. > > I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. > > I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employmentith severe. > E. > > As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. > > Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. > > With Respect, > > Robert D. Dittman > > Robert Dittman > Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, > Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law > EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 > "True Justice is blind." > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Tue May 15 22:21:21 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 22:21:21 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <916104D2-9E80-4567-AEC9-5CD8DBDC63D0@gmail.com> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> <916104D2-9E80-4567-AEC9-5CD8DBDC63D0@gmail.com> Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F699C@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Mr. Fry, Thank you for the positive feedback. When I worked in search and rescue with the Civil Air Patrol, and later as a watch stander for the Coast Guard, I worked in communications as a telecommunications specialist. When a find or save is made, everyone who is actively on that mission is put in for the award. So, although I was working the radios, I was recognized for my efforts just as much as the people on the ground/boat. Although I did go on ground team missions with the Civil Air Patrol, it was my communications/radio skills that were most important. Concerning if I ever can become a JAG, title 10 U.S.C has a provision that states that any physical defect may be waived by the secretary concerned if he/she determines that defect will not interfere with the duties I may be assigned. There are currently at least two blind people retained and currently on active duty. I argue that the statute is silent as to how the person acquired the physical defect therefore a person such as myself who is otherwise qualified but has the same physical condition should be allowed to accept a commission in a field in which the physical defect will not affect their performance. In short, as a lawyer, I can and will function as well as my sighted peers and should be allowed to do so in uniform based on my past experience in said uniform. True there may need to be some accommodation's, but I am sure that those are made for the two currently on active duty blind members so what is the difference? The military will argue that those it retains while disabled have "earned that right." Well, I argue to not allow a person with the same physical condition to apply for a position they can and will do without considering that they can do that position and that they have the same physical condition that the military has already determined finds some people fit for service sets up an equal protection argument against the United States. In short there are two ways they can go. First the condition of blindness does not mean the person is unfit as they have retained two members currently on active duty. Thus based on my past uniformed experience including graduating from basic training, instructor school, and other Coast Guard experience, I should be able to serve as a uniformed military member as a lawyer. OR: Secondly, blindness is not a condission that is fit for service and the military only retained the two members as atonement for their going to war and coming back broken. I can't make those arguments because if I personally do I will not be viewed as a person making rational arguments, but will most likely be viewed as a person bitter about not getting in the military. Kind of like, if I can't get in, they shouldn't either. But this is precisely the point that should be raised. If blind people are going to be retained and if Blindness is a condission the military is willing to wave based upon other considerations of that specific member, then they must do so in my case. Not to do so is treating a person with preexisting condition differently than a service connected condition, and title 10 U.S.C does not make any distinction between the two. I have years of military training, and I will have a skill once I pass the bar that the military needs. So, I should be considered based on this past experience and the skills I will bring as a military lawyer. I will need huge legal guns as I personally do not have the money to begin such a case. I only ask the simple question. I have devoted seven-teen years of my life to train, learn, position myself for military service. How much do I have to do to "earn that right?" As it happens when I went through Reserve Enlisted Basic training, the first thing my Company Commander told the recruits was "Service in your country's uniform is not a right, it is a privilege." I only ask that I be able to take advantage of that privilege and lend my time, talents and legal education in service to our country. If nothing else, I will always be an attorney advocating for those who need a voice for their interests. Thank you for reading, and I'll let you know what the Senator's office sent me. Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Fry Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 4:50 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Impressive. How did you get the search and rescue ribbons? Have you been visually impaired your whole life? Is there a chance you could be a jag? I didn't know people legally blind could do that. Your resume is awesome. Apply to all those gov jobs. Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2012, at 1:26 PM, "Dittman, Robert" wrote: > Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, > > I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. > > I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. > > I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. > > I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. > > I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employmentith severe. > E. > > As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. > > Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. > > With Respect, > > Robert D. Dittman > > Robert Dittman > Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, > December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law > EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 > "True Justice is blind." > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmai > l.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue May 15 22:51:14 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 18:51:14 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <06863E2DA860421584398CEFC3BE04ED@mycomputer> Hello Robert: My advice is to pass alon to you what was published in the New York Times last week. "Povertunity": A job with no pay that has excellent promotional potential. Beware the repeated "volunteer opportunity" -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dittman, Robert Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 4:27 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employment. As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. With Respect, Robert D. Dittman Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." From rfarber at jw.com Wed May 16 00:32:40 2012 From: rfarber at jw.com (Farber, Randy) Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 19:32:40 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <3E86A9F3DC676742B192213CC4E9D4A207CCFE1F3F@PDC-MAIL02.jwllp.com> Robert - Two suggestions. 1. Delete your GPA and average at St. Mary's. It isn't stellar enough to get you any interviews, but it could cost you some. 2. Consider condensing your resume to one page, by changing your heading "Experience" to "Legal Experience". Randy -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dittman, Robert Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 3:27 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employment. As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. With Respect, Robert D. Dittman Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." From rothmanjd at gmail.com Wed May 16 11:12:45 2012 From: rothmanjd at gmail.com (R Othman) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 07:12:45 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Job Opportunity: CMS-Baltimore - Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist Message-ID: <94D3AE62A215424483BBBA9186E30902@ownerqnd3hxb0k> Schedule A eligibles may also apply according to the vacancy announcement. EEO Specialist Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Duty Locations: Few vacancy(s) - Woodlawn,Maryland Salary: $89,033.00 to $115,742.00 / Per Year Series and Grade: GS-0260-13 Open Period: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 to Friday, May 18, 2012 Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time Who May Be Considered: Veterans/Family members with qualifying military service only From rthomas at emplmntattorney.com Wed May 16 11:14:08 2012 From: rthomas at emplmntattorney.com (Russ Thomas) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 04:14:08 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F67EA@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <001f01cd3355$034eb920$09ec2b60$@com> Working through your Senator's office is a good idea. Even if you can't get into JAG, the Senator's office might be able to help you get into another government agency like the Justice Department. Getting your first job is critical. Once you have had a job and have performed well at it, when you look for another job and face the inevitable question of "how did you do this task or that task", then your answer is that "when I worked at xxx, this is how I did it." Best wishes; enlist the help of anyone who can help you open that door to your first job in the profession. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dittman, Robert Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:27 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Employment ideas Good evening Brothers and Sisters at the bar, I wonder if you might take a moment and pass along any feedback as to my attached resume, as well as any ideas on how to get my foot in the door leading to employment as a newly minted Attorney. I am due to graduate December 2012, and will sit for the Texas bar exam February 2013, but thought now is the time to start shaking hands and introducing myself in hopes to find my place in the legal community. I am hoping to work in the federal, state, or local government but I am just as willing to work in the private sector. I have gained some experience through our civil legal clinic, but I am just as willing to work in criminal law. In short I will put my talents and legal education to whatever end will give me a chance. I look forward to any guidance or assistance you can provide. I spoke with my school's employment placement office, however you having the full understanding of the challenges of our situation may perhaps have a better understanding on how to gain interviews and other related steps to secure employment. As many of you may also know I am working to become a JAG officer in the U.S. military, and have requested the assistance of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, TX and I have received correspondence related to this. I have not had it delivered here as of yet as it was sent to my old office address. I'll let you know what it says. If favorable, then wonderful. If unfavorable, I wonder if I can again ask for your collected assistance on any further action that may be open to me. Again, I thank you very much for your time and attention. With Respect, Robert D. Dittman Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, December 2012, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." From tim at timeldermusic.com Wed May 16 13:32:55 2012 From: tim at timeldermusic.com (Tim Elder) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 09:32:55 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? In-Reply-To: References: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> Message-ID: <00ba01cd3368$66d7da90$34878fb0$@timeldermusic.com> I set JAWS to read formatting such as bolding, underlining and capitalization in distinct voices. I occasionally turn verbosity on for several other formatting changes when proofing a document. It also helps to have JAWS read certain punctuation marks and ignore others unless navigating by character. There's a lot there. The help documentation is useful. Regards, Tim -----Original Message----- From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 2:48 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? tim, could you give me a little more detail about the settings you use? Thanks Ger On 5/14/12, Tim Elder wrote: > I rotate among several schemes that I've customized in the schemes manager. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] > Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2012 5:08 PM > To: Farber, Randy > Cc: blindlaw > Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting > Info When Reading Documents? > > Hi all, > > What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes > in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? > What do you use when reviewing legal documents. > Thanks > Ger > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gerard.sadlier%40gmail .com > From gerard.sadlier at gmail.com Wed May 16 17:19:55 2012 From: gerard.sadlier at gmail.com (Gerard Sadlier) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 18:19:55 +0100 Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting Info When Reading Documents? In-Reply-To: <00ba01cd3368$66d7da90$34878fb0$@timeldermusic.com> References: <006b01cd31fe$edb02290$c91067b0$@timeldermusic.com> <00ba01cd3368$66d7da90$34878fb0$@timeldermusic.com> Message-ID: tim, that's helpful thanks! Ger On 5/16/12, Tim Elder wrote: > I set JAWS to read formatting such as bolding, underlining and > capitalization in distinct voices. I occasionally turn verbosity on for > several other formatting changes when proofing a document. It also helps > to > have JAWS read certain punctuation marks and ignore others unless > navigating > by character. There's a lot there. The help documentation is useful. > > Regards, > > Tim > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] > Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 2:48 PM > To: Blind Law Mailing List > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up > Formatting > Info When Reading Documents? > > tim, > could you give me a little more detail about the settings you use? > Thanks > Ger > > On 5/14/12, Tim Elder wrote: >> I rotate among several schemes that I've customized in the schemes > manager. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Gerard Sadlier [mailto:gerard.sadlier at gmail.com] >> Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2012 5:08 PM >> To: Farber, Randy >> Cc: blindlaw >> Subject: [blindlaw] Best Settings to Use With Jaws to Pick Up Formatting >> Info When Reading Documents? >> >> Hi all, >> >> What are the best settings in peoples experiences, to pick up changes >> in documents e.g. in format, font, colour etc.? >> What do you use when reviewing legal documents. >> Thanks >> Ger >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gerard.sadlier%40gmail > .com >> > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gerard.sadlier%40gmail.com > From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Wed May 16 17:21:35 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 17:21:35 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Update from Senator on my application to serve as a JAG. Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6D92@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Hello all, As many of you are aware, I am taking all steps that I know to apply for a medical waver to serve as a military JAG officer as authorized by title 10, U.S.C sec 12201 paragraph C. Senator Cornyn's office forwarded me a response from the adjutant General for the Texas military forces which covers the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard which stated "There is a difference between the regulations covering persons who are disabled before joining, and those who become disabled while in the military."" They then gave an example that a person with DM2 cannot join but if they develop the condition while on active duty they may stay. When I was teaching leadership at the Coast Guard academy, we would teach that there are three reasons why something does not get done. They are: Ability, I am willing, but unable to do what you ask. Clarity, I am willing, but it is unclear what you are asking, so I do not know if I am able. Willingness, I am unwilling to do what you ask. Regulations are governed by the laws. Title 10 makes no distinction between service connected physical defects and those who are present at the time the person enters uniformed service. Therefore the regulation can be waved sighting that the requirement to differentiate between the two and deny the waver is not supported by federal statute. When it comes down to it, the military has accepted that blindness in certain situations does not make a person unfit for military service. Therefore I argue that they can and should wave my request to join, or discharge the two members and do not keep any blind people on active duty as the condition clearly in their eyes makes a person unfit. They should not have it both ways. So my question is it Ability, Clarity, Or unwillingness that is the road block. The Department of Defense has also been asked for their comment and it will be forwarded to me and I will update. I also wonder if the request went high enough in the chain of command. The waver authority rests with the "Secretary concerned." And the request was vetted through the recruiting command. This means that the person who has statutory authority to grant the waver perhaps has never seen it or is made aware of it, and this is a problem as they alone have the authority to grant the request. I understand that the request can always be turned down, but in this case I am not getting the full extent of title 10 as the secretary concerned most likely has not had the chance to grant such a waiver. They do not have to accept me, but they must let me apply to the secretary which they continue to deny me that application of title 10 U.S.C. Thoughts? Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." From rumpole at roadrunner.com Wed May 16 22:05:23 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 18:05:23 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney for Penn. office Message-ID: Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania Applications must be postmarked by May 25, 2012. From mikefry79 at gmail.com Wed May 16 22:43:30 2012 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Mike Fry) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 15:43:30 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Update from Senator on my application to serve as a JAG. In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6D92@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6D92@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <3BE2C510-1A5E-4EB9-9AC8-06BACC4F95B0@gmail.com> Your arguments are well thought out and reasoned. If you take a step back to look at the bigger picture however it may appear that your request is unreasonable. Your asking to allow a disabled person to become active duty military. What would be the ramifications of establishing that kind of precedent? It seems like a real up hill fight. Are you sure it's worth it? I think it is disgusting that some of the most rewarding and easiest professions - like military, cop, firefighter, nurse, etc - are closed off to disabled people. You have an excellent point - the military is saying that a person who became disabled in service is somehow better than a person with a pre-existing disability even though objectively the ability level of both people is the same. That's not fair. Theres so much unfair about being disabled. Not to be a downer but some times I think disabled people are the last truly unfortunate souls left in the rich world. I hope you win. The military shouldn't get away with this unfair practice. Regrettably the only reasonable equitable outcome is that all the disabled vets should be discharged from active duty. Applying inequitable subjective standards with tax payer money is not right. Sent from my iPad On May 16, 2012, at 10:21 AM, "Dittman, Robert" wrote: > Hello all, > > As many of you are aware, I am taking all steps that I know to apply for a medical waver to serve as a military JAG officer as authorized by title 10, U.S.C sec 12201 paragraph C. > > Senator Cornyn's office forwarded me a response from the adjutant General for the Texas military forces which covers the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard which stated "There is a difference between the regulations covering persons who are disabled before joining, and those who become disabled while in the military."" They then gave an example that a person with DM2 cannot join but if they develop the condition while on active duty they may stay. > > When I was teaching leadership at the Coast Guard academy, we would teach that there are three reasons why something does not get done. They are: > Ability, I am willing, but unable to do what you ask. > Clarity, I am willing, but it is unclear what you are asking, so I do not know if I am able. > Willingness, I am unwilling to do what you ask. > > Regulations are governed by the laws. Title 10 makes no distinction between service connected physical defects and those who are present at the time the person enters uniformed service. Therefore the regulation can be waved sighting that the requirement to differentiate between the two and deny the waver is not supported by federal statute. When it comes down to it, the military has accepted that blindness in certain situations does not make a person unfit for military service. Therefore I argue that they can and should wave my request to join, or discharge the two members and do not keep any blind people on active duty as the condition clearly in their eyes makes a person unfit. They should not have it both ways. > So my question is it Ability, Clarity, Or unwillingness that is the road block. > > The Department of Defense has also been asked for their comment and it will be forwarded to me and I will update. I also wonder if the request went high enough in the chain of command. The waver authority rests with the "Secretary concerned." And the request was vetted through the recruiting command. This means that the person who has statutory authority to grant the waver perhaps has never seen it or is made aware of it, and this is a problem as they alone have the authority to grant the request. I understand that the request can always be turned down, but in this case I am not getting the full extent of title 10 as the secretary concerned most likely has not had the chance to grant such a waiver. They do not have to accept me, but they must let me apply to the secretary which they continue to deny me that application of title 10 U.S.C. > > Thoughts? > > > > Robert Dittman > Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, > Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law > EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 > "True Justice is blind." > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Wed May 16 23:04:28 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 23:04:28 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Update from Senator on my application to serve as a JAG. In-Reply-To: <3BE2C510-1A5E-4EB9-9AC8-06BACC4F95B0@gmail.com> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6D92@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> <3BE2C510-1A5E-4EB9-9AC8-06BACC4F95B0@gmail.com> Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E8F6FC3@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Mr. Fry, Yes the argument is simply that according to the statute I should be able to apply for a medical waver if I am "otherwise qualified" which I will meet all qualifications for a JAG because I am a graduating 3L, will have a JD, and yes this is contingent upon my passage of the bar. Although if I were sighted I could apply and may have been accepted. Second the "secretary concerned determines that my physical defect will not interfere with the duties I may be assigned." Well, as a JAG Officer, I am at least where the Army, Air Force, and Navy are concerned a "limited duty Officer" confined to the legal profession, and as far as the Coast Guard although I would be a Line Officer I would not be required to go outside the legal field. The problem is that at no time have I been able to make an application to the secretary concerned so thus no waver has been applied for. In this case my application has not been taken so I am denied the full application of title 10 U.S.C. thus sets up the problem. Yes the hard truth is that if we are going to keep disabled people in the military then we must accept persons with the same condition or the equitable thing is to discharge all non-worldwide deployable persons from the military which would honestly cripple the armed forces. One of the major differences between myself and almost any other person I can think of is that unlike most people, I have taken and completed a significant amount of the same military training as the regular and reserve forces. I have taken and completed a basic training course, taken professional Officer development, worked in a position that required national travel and certified military members in leadership training (It is my name as one of the instructors), and yet throughout all this I am still unfit for military service? Attached please find my response letter but the big thing is that I need a lawyer. I am also unable to pay for the lawyer so if I can't find one I may end up representing myself or will go public and seek donations to a legal fund. If anyone has ideas to tweak the letter as I want to maintain a respectful yet firm tone. I want to gain support not lose it due to the emotional connection. I love our country, and have devoted my life in her service. But to continue watching others serve when I have the same training, many of the same experiences and the same blindness and yet be treated as a second class does not sit well. This is not what our country and indeed our uniformed services pledge their lives, fortunes, and the sacred honor to support and defend. Robert Dittman ,Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Fry Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 5:43 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Update from Senator on my application to serve as a JAG. Your arguments are well thought out and reasoned. If you take a step back to look at the bigger picture however it may appear that your request is unreasonable. Your asking to allow a disabled person to become active duty military. What would be the ramifications of establishing that kind of precedent? It seems like a real up hill fight. Are you sure it's worth it? I think it is disgusting that some of the most rewarding and easiest professions - like military, cop, firefighter, nurse, etc - are closed off to disabled people. You have an excellent point - the military is saying that a person who became disabled in service is somehow better than a person with a pre-existing disability even though objectively the ability level of both people is the same. That's not fair. Theres so much unfair about being disabled. Not to be a downer but some times I think disabled people are the last truly unfortunate souls left in the rich world. I hope you win. The military should n't get away with this unfair practice. Regrettably the only reasonable equitable outcome is that all the disabled vets should be discharged from active duty. Applying inequitable subjective standards with tax payer money is not right. Sent from my iPad On May 16, 2012, at 10:21 AM, "Dittman, Robert" wrote: > Hello all, > > As many of you are aware, I am taking all steps that I know to apply for a medical waver to serve as a military JAG officer as authorized by title 10, U.S.C sec 12201 paragraph C. > > Senator Cornyn's office forwarded me a response from the adjutant General for the Texas military forces which covers the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard which stated "There is a difference between the regulations covering persons who are disabled before joining, and those who become disabled while in the military."" They then gave an example that a person with DM2 cannot join but if they develop the condition while on active duty they may stay. > > When I was teaching leadership at the Coast Guard academy, we would teach that there are three reasons why something does not get done. They are: > Ability, I am willing, but unable to do what you ask. > Clarity, I am willing, but it is unclear what you are asking, so I do not know if I am able. > Willingness, I am unwilling to do what you ask. > > Regulations are governed by the laws. Title 10 makes no distinction between service connected physical defects and those who are present at the time the person enters uniformed service. Therefore the regulation can be waved sighting that the requirement to differentiate between the two and deny the waver is not supported by federal statute. When it comes down to it, the military has accepted that blindness in certain situations does not make a person unfit for military service. Therefore I argue that they can and should wave my request to join, or discharge the two members and do not keep any blind people on active duty as the condition clearly in their eyes makes a person unfit. They should not have it both ways. > So my question is it Ability, Clarity, Or unwillingness that is the road block. > > The Department of Defense has also been asked for their comment and it will be forwarded to me and I will update. I also wonder if the request went high enough in the chain of command. The waver authority rests with the "Secretary concerned." And the request was vetted through the recruiting command. This means that the person who has statutory authority to grant the waver perhaps has never seen it or is made aware of it, and this is a problem as they alone have the authority to grant the request. I understand that the request can always be turned down, but in this case I am not getting the full extent of title 10 as the secretary concerned most likely has not had the chance to grant such a waiver. They do not have to accept me, but they must let me apply to the secretary which they continue to deny me that application of title 10 U.S.C. > > Thoughts? > > > > Robert Dittman > Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, > St. Mary's University school of law > EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 > "True Justice is blind." > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmai > l.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Robert Dittman Letter to Senator Cornyn May 16 2012.doc Type: application/msword Size: 28160 bytes Desc: Robert Dittman Letter to Senator Cornyn May 16 2012.doc URL: From emrene at earthlink.net Thu May 17 02:24:15 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 19:24:15 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Employment Ideas Message-ID: Mr. Dittman, I applaud your efforts to serve in the Coast Guard as a JAG officer. But I'm a little amused at the speech, "Service in your country's uniform isn't a right, it's a privilege." I thought it was a duty. And I wonder whether those who have donned the uniform and fought in Afghanistan or Iraq or Vietnam, Korea, or the Philippines felt privileged under fire. I'll bet that, like you, they were impelled, if not actively compelled, to answer a call to patriotic duty. I don't approve of war, but I do think that since we blind assert rights to reasonable workplace accommodations because with them we can do the job as well as everyone else, then we should just as fervently embrace and volunteer for national service. There are probably jobs in the military that blind people could do far better than sighted personnel. I volunteered for the Coast Guard JAG during my last year in law school (1977-1978) when there were already six women serving there around the country. My male faculty advisor had been a JAG officer, and a female mentor my mother's age had served in the Coast Guard with her husband in World War II. They backed me completely. So did the female JAG officer at CG headquarters near my law school. The local recruiters wouldn't take my application, or even let me inside their building, so I wrote to headquarters in Washington. Throughout that whole year, I corresponded with admirals, who quite graciously, though sometimes humorously, considered my joining the JAG. I'm not sure they took me seriously, but the tone of their letters was cordial all the same, considering they needn't have answered me at all. They concluded that, though I'd probably be an asset to the JAG as an attorney, I'd doubtless cause a problem when I volunteered for a sea command once my tour was up! In school, I took courses in Admiralty, International Law and Military Justice with other studies that I hoped would make me a well-rounded trial lawyer. When my lawyer mentors in the 1970's Eighth Circuit convinced me that a lawsuit to fight for Coast Guard admission would fail in a court unsympathetic to blind litigants with goals far humbler than mine, I looked for a city and jobs where I could use my sea-worthy skills. Seattle was one of 14 cities where I might have been based, and it offered a friendlier and cheaper seaport home for young lawyers at large than other places. My first job, landed just after the bar review, was a clerkship in a maritime law firm. I didn't pass the bar exam that first time, and I had to scramble for jobs until I did. But I found them, and I landed the job I wanted when I passed. I credit that good job to my preparation for the Coast Guard and to my first Seattle maritime clerkship. Without these, I'd never have found my feet in a city where I knew no one. Good luck to you! And think of firms and agencies specializing in your skill set. Elizabeth Rene From schorschj at comcast.net Thu May 17 06:31:52 2012 From: schorschj at comcast.net (Jon Schorsch) Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 23:31:52 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft In-Reply-To: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> References: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> Message-ID: <002101cd33f6$c00d7050$402850f0$@comcast.net> Dear Elizabeth, I have just finished my first year of law school at Seattle University. While everyone had to use exam soft for their finals, I was exempt from having to use it. I did not ask for the exemption, the school was worried about compatibility issues with JAWS, and simply did not have me try to use it. So, I assume it is not compatible, but I really have no idea if it is compatible with JAWS or not. Jon Schorsch From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 12:31 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft Hi all, I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the practice of Law. When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of using text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future. For me, anyway. My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them to cheat. My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest. Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that many or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now. My quick overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from them on accessibility or ADA awareness. Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or with Apple's VoiceOver? I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from an older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an iBook, right now, with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS alone. Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10. It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation. PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but wasn't registered here from that address. Thanks in advance for your comments. Elizabeth Rene _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/schorschj%40comcast.ne t From wujing19861209 at hotmail.com Thu May 17 08:48:25 2012 From: wujing19861209 at hotmail.com (=?utf-8?Q?Jing_Crystal_Wu_=E5=90=B4=E6=99=B6?=) Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 16:48:25 +0800 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft References: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> <002101cd33f6$c00d7050$402850f0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: Dear John, I wonder how did you prepared for the SAT text? I'd like to hear more about this exam since I am a foreign student; and therefore, it becomes much harder for me and many other students. Look forward to your reply. Regards, Crystal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jon Schorsch" To: "'Blind Law Mailing List'" Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:31 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft > Dear Elizabeth, > > I have just finished my first year of law school at Seattle University. > While everyone had to use exam soft for their finals, I was exempt from > having to use it. I did not ask for the exemption, the school was worried > about compatibility issues with JAWS, and simply did not have me try to > use > it. So, I assume it is not compatible, but I really have no idea if it is > compatible with JAWS or not. > > Jon Schorsch > > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene > Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 12:31 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft > > Hi all, > > I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the > practice of Law. When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of > using > text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future. For me, > anyway. > > My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with > ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their > essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them > to > cheat. My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and > responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest. > > Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that > many > or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now. My quick > overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from > them on accessibility or ADA awareness. > > Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or > with > Apple's VoiceOver? > > I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from > an > older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review > applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an > iBook, right now, with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS > alone. Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10. > > It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA > grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation. > > PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but > wasn't registered here from that address. > > Thanks in advance for your comments. > > Elizabeth Rene > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/schorschj%40comcast.ne > t > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/wujing19861209%40hotmail.com > From emrene at earthlink.net Thu May 17 19:13:09 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 12:13:09 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Update from Senator Message-ID: <34459D8D6F884ADFB27B356C1E2DA4CF@elizabethrene> Mr. Dittman, which Secretary would you like to address? The Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Transportation? As I recall, the Coast Guard, at least when I tried to get in, was part of the Department of Transportation, rather than the Defense Department. I think that therein lay the key to my possible admission. Maybe it could be the key to yours. The Coast Guard had less stringent visual acuity standards than the regular Armed Forces. JAG officers entered the Coast Guard under a separate commission than those entering to serve on a cutter. I, for example, didn't have to learn how to swim or meet the physical requirements demanded for sea duty. Once my commission as a JAG officer was up, though, I would be eligible to apply for a line officer's commission. I liked the idea of the Coast Guard because its primary mission was to protect and police the U.S. coasts and conduct rescue missions rather than go to battle with foreign powers overseas. I didn't have to prove my fitness for combat or risk being deployed to a conflict I, as a civillian citizen, opposed. But I could serve my country with the skills I did have in a military branch with a fine reputation. And since six women were already serving, I saw no problem with being Number Seven. So my questions are these. Is the Coast Guard still a quasi-military branch outside the Department of Defense? Does Title 10 U.S.C. still apply? Would you even need to prove your fitness under a traditional military standard? And what are your true goals for national service? Do you want to practice military law and serve the needs of fellow-enlistees as an attorney within the Coast Guard, maybe moving on to civillian life after your four-to-six year stint, or do you want to fight for a place as a career line officer anywhere within the Armed Forces on the theory that officers blinded in active duty are already there? Maybe you could slide under the gate through the first rubric, and succeed where I failed. The technologies available to you didn't exist for me, and your leadership training and prior service (not to mention your gender) would put you way ahead of me with those admirals. Or could you even litigate within the Coast Guard JAG as a civillian lawyer? Sometimes civilians do work for the military. Or what about the Department of Homeland Security? Or do they now run the Coast Guard? Here's my point. Maybe there's a way to do what you really want in a branch less likely to discriminate against you without having to go to war with the army you want to join. Then, once in, you could fight for that sea command later! Elizabeth From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Thu May 17 16:36:18 2012 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 10:36:18 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft References: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene><002101cd33f6$c00d7050$402850f0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: <59B94C87AC9A4E71994F8469E3AFF2DF@victory2> Hello Jing Crystall: I'm Olusegun, not John. The type of exam you referred to in your post is not relevant for this list. Please contact me privately at: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com I'll try to help you as best I can. Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Fri May 18 16:37:26 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 16:37:26 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Update from Senator In-Reply-To: <34459D8D6F884ADFB27B356C1E2DA4CF@elizabethrene> References: <34459D8D6F884ADFB27B356C1E2DA4CF@elizabethrene> Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E9086BE@EXCH2.stmarytx.edu> Ms. Rene, First, I find your interest refreshing, thank you. My comments are placed within your email to address them one by one. Mr. Dittman, which Secretary would you like to address? Comment: The Coast Guard is now as of 2003 under the Department of Homeland Security. Also the Department of defense as they currently are the service that has two currently blind members on active duty, I am asking for reserve or National Guard less stringent requirements than active duty. So, if I got in the Coast Guard that would be the service that makes the most sense as I have been in its uniform over the past ten years and have completed much of its training. Being that the Army has the blind Captain, that would make the second most sense as they already have a blind person in so the standard has been set there. The National guard would be the best Army fit as it is the least stringent of any of the Army components. Also, being that I have completed many training opportunities within the coast Guard I feel that is my strongest shot. So my questions are these. Is the Coast Guard still a quasi-military branch outside the Department of Defense? Does Title 10 U.S.C. still apply? Would you even need to prove your fitness under a traditional military standard? Comment: The Coast Guard has always been a military branch since its founding in 1790. That being said it has been the most forward looking as it is the only branch that does not close women from any position open to men, and the first to relax and do away with Don't ask, Don't tell. In fact, as part of my duties for the Commandant, I looked at the Coast Guard supporting an organization for gay service members to insure their full inclusion and equal treatment, I am not gay myself but believe strongly in equal treatment. It did authorize me to serve while blind on a ship, and authorized me to complete a military basic training course. So I do wonder if they had the ability to grant my request, would they. Perhaps this is a case where they need only be told you can take him if you want him. And what are your true goals for national service? Do you want to practice military law and serve the needs of fellow-enlistees as an attorney within the Coast Guard, maybe moving on to civilian life after your four-to-six year stint, or do you want to fight for a place as a career line officer anywhere within the Armed Forces on the theory that officers blinded in active duty are already there? Comment: Both I want the chance to make that choice but I would be willing to get in, and be reduced after four years. In short I will give them as much time as they will let me as evidenced by my serving as a volunteer for the past seventeen years moving up in responsibility and complexity. If they will let me get in as a military attorney, there is no requirement that I get out of the legal profession. Perhaps I would be the JAG two star someday who knows. But I do recognize that my skills would first and foremost be that of an attorney. Granted Attorneys could command ashore units but I would always need to put the needs of my service first and always work to support its mission never detracting from it. Maybe you could slide under the gate through the first rubric, and succeed where I failed. The technologies available to you didn't exist for me, and your leadership training and prior service (not to mention your gender) would put you way ahead of me with those admirals. Or could you even litigate within the Coast Guard JAG as a civilian lawyer? Sometimes civilians do work for the military. Or what about the Department of Homeland Security? Or do they now run the Coast Guard? Comment" As stated before the DHS is now the Department the Coast Guard is under, and I am looking into serving as a civilian attorney. That being said there is a difference between civilian employees and uniformed members. I wish I could explain more, but it is just not the same and having been one I wasn't truly happy. I would always hunger for more thus why I am trying so hard. As an example, the Auxiliary is not fully supported as a full uniformed branch within the Coast Guard as it does not currently have any employment protection. I worked to change this but was told "you volunteers don't need such protections as you assume the risk." Do what??? You're going to call upon us to help yet not protect us when we do? Something wrong with that picture. As a reservist or National Guard member I would be able to lend the full weight of my talents in service to my country without the fear of losing employment as it would be my primary employment. Thanks for your help and I will continue to respectfully yet firmly argue that this can work. Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:13 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Re Update from Senator Mr. Dittman, which Secretary would you like to address? The Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Transportation? As I recall, the Coast Guard, at least when I tried to get in, was part of the Department of Transportation, rather than the Defense Department. I think that therein lay the key to my possible admission. Maybe it could be the key to yours. The Coast Guard had less stringent visual acuity standards than the regular Armed Forces. JAG officers entered the Coast Guard under a separate commission than those entering to serve on a cutter. I, for example, didn't have to learn how to swim or meet the physical requirements demanded for sea duty. Once my commission as a JAG officer was up, though, I would be eligible to apply for a line officer's commission. I liked the idea of the Coast Guard because its primary mission was to protect and police the U.S. coasts and conduct rescue missions rather than go to battle with foreign powers overseas. I didn't have to prove my fitness for combat or risk being deployed to a conflict I, as a civillian citizen, opposed. But I could serve my country with the skills I did have in a military branch with a fine reputation. And since six women were already serving, I saw no problem with being Number Seven. So my questions are these. Is the Coast Guard still a quasi-military branch outside the Department of Defense? Does Title 10 U.S.C. still apply? Would you even need to prove your fitness under a traditional military standard? And what are your true goals for national service? Do you want to practice military law and serve the needs of fellow-enlistees as an attorney within the Coast Guard, maybe moving on to civillian life after your four-to-six year stint, or do you want to fight for a place as a career line officer anywhere within the Armed Forces on the theory that officers blinded in active duty are already there? Maybe you could slide under the gate through the first rubric, and succeed where I failed. The technologies available to you didn't exist for me, and your leadership training and prior service (not to mention your gender) would put you way ahead of me with those admirals. Or could you even litigate within the Coast Guard JAG as a civillian lawyer? Sometimes civilians do work for the military. Or what about the Department of Homeland Security? Or do they now run the Coast Guard? Here's my point. Maybe there's a way to do what you really want in a branch less likely to discriminate against you without having to go to war with the army you want to join. Then, once in, you could fight for that sea command later! Elizabeth _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 18 16:59:07 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 12:59:07 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] US atty posting Idaho Message-ID: <35752D614B014D09A4D2D96B4565270C@mycomputer> ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE District of Idaho Vacancy Announcement Number 12-ID-AUSA-02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- About the Office: With a state population of 1.5 million, 33.7 million acres of federally-owned land, and more miles of river than any other state, the District of Idaho presents outstanding opportunities for recreation and cultural experience. It also has very interesting federal litigation. One district covers the entire state. The U.S. Attorney's Office is large enough to enjoy a wide variety of case assignments, but small enough to be friendly. Six civil attorneys, eighteen criminal attorneys, and twenty-six support staff are spread among three offices: the main office, in Boise, and the two branch offices in Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello. This vacancy is located in the main office in Boise, Idaho. Boise is located in the Treasure Valley, in which 40% of Idaho's population resides. Winters are relatively mild, though plenty of snow falls in the nearby mountains. Median home prices are low, schools are excellent, and outstanding opportunities for recreation exist. AUSAs regularly run on the greenbelt, swim, and mountain bike over their lunch hours. Who May Apply: United States Citizens. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The District has an opening for an Assistant United States Attorney AUSA) in the Civil Division. This attorney will handle a wide variety of civil cases including defensive environmental cases (NEPA, NFMA, etc.), defensive torts (from slip and fall cases to medical malpractice), Bivens claims, bankruptcy matters, any appeals that arise, and the occasional Central Violations Bureau (CVB) calendar. This attorney may handle affirmative civil cases as well. Qualifications: Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least three years post-J.D. experience. Preferred Qualifications: Ideally, an applicant will have three to six years of experience as a civil litigator. Applicants should be flexible and willing to learn new areas of the law, strategic when it comes to engaging in defensive litigation, forthright and diplomatic in dealing with client agencies and the court, and committed to representing the United States. Applicants must demonstrate superior written and oral communication skills. They must be able to define and articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases and areas of law. They must be able to manage a caseload composed of very different kinds of cases with correspondingly different demands and deadlines. Applicants must be self-starters and good managers of their time. They must be willing and able to do their own legal research and writing and be substantially self-sufficient in managing cases and deadlines, preparing day-to-day correspondence and filings, and using computer programs and systems (CM/ECF, word processing, Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, USA5, E2Travel, etc.). Finally, applicants must have a demonstrated ability to work well with others, from support to supervisors. The ideal candidate will have some subject matter expertise in one or more of the areas identified (NEPA, NFMA, defensive torts, Bivens claims, or bankruptcy matters) and be willing to learn – and to continue learning throughout their career – new areas of law. Travel: Occasional travel may be required, both within and outside the District of Idaho. Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorneys' pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $44,581 to $131,534 plus locality pay where authorized (locality pay in Boise, Idaho is currently 14.16%). Location: Boise, Idaho. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized. Application Process and Deadline Date: Interested persons should send an original, signed cover letter; detailed resume; writing sample (ideally, the sample will be edited solely by applicant, be at least 7 pages in length, and contain substantive legal analysis); and current performance evaluation/rating no later than Friday, June 1, 2012. Please note, this is a re-posting of this Vacancy Announcement. If you have previously applied, it is not necessary to reapply. Becky Early Supervisory Legal Assistant United States Attorney's Office 800 Park Blvd, Suite 600 Boise, ID 83712 No telephone calls please. Fax and e-mail applications will not be accepted. Internet Sites: District of Idaho's website: http://www.justice.gov/usao/id/jobs.html#ausa This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html Department Policies: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed. See 28 U.S.C. § 545 for district-specific information. All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a time-limited (temporary) basis. Temporary appointments may, or may not, be extended or made permanent without further competition. The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys’ Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Fri May 18 17:55:49 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 12:55:49 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: Opening: DOJ Experienced Attorney - U.S. Attorney's Office - Idaho In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: From: Parker, Richard L. (JMD) [mailto:Richard.L.Parker2 at usdoj.gov] Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 9:48 AM To: 'president at abaw.org'; 'jeff at jefflianglaw.com'; 'edelossantos at trueblueinc.com'; 'samiolaw at aol.com'; 'abigail.daquiz at gmail.com'; 'president at q-law.org'; 'asachs at q-law.org'; 'hbrajcich at lawschool.gonzaga.edu'; 'president at lmba.net'; 'nicole at gaineslawoffice.com'; 'boksulee at yahoo.com'; 'dko at kellerrohrback.com'; 'DavisJK at LanePowell.com'; 'fe.f.lopez at gmail.com'; 'teebah.alsaleh at edifecs.com'; 'bneshghi at gmail.com'; 'damon at damonshadid.com'; 'shaker at ryanlaw.com'; 'miriamayoub at gmail.com'; 'mboulos at trueblueinc.com'; 'milliek at nwjustice.org'; 'efry at sisna.com'; 'pete at araquin.com'; 'lking at byrneskeller.com'; 'amber.penn-roco at klgates.com'; 'lawcareers at seattleu.edu'; 'slara at seattleu.edu'; Swaminathan, Aravind (USAWAW); 'sabawashington at gmail.com'; 'RSarathy at perkinscoie.com'; 'cpld at uw.edu'; 'holly728 at uw.edu'; 'gatespsl at uw.edu'; 'mestorms at uw.edu'; 'nalc at uw.edu'; 'leeperthuynguyen at yahoo.com'; 'dinhS at foster.com'; 'jmishkin at integritylawgroup.net'; 'binh.nguyen at becu.org'; 'jessica.nguyen at avalara.com'; 'michelleqpham at gmail.com'; 'kphu at campicheblue.com'; 'Alice.truong at nordstrom.com'; 'jliutruong at amslaw.net'; 'stuarpix at microsoft.com'; 'Amy.Allbright at americanbar.org'; 'William.Phelan at americanbar.org'; 'chachdw at wsba.org'; 'roberttaylor11 at comcast.net'; 'maureenm1 at atg.wa.gov'; 'slavicbar at gmail.com'; 'KMDas at perkinscoie.com'; Nightingale, Noel; 'cardozo at jewishinseattle.org'; 'asb at bmatlaw.com'; 'aaron at glblaw.com'; 'zanabugaighis at DWT.com'; 'dclarks at co.pierce.wa.us'; 'alison.bettles at nordstrom.com'; 'jeannec at wsba.org'; 'law-careers at uidaho.edu'; 'pafergus at asu.edu'; 'Kelly Simon'; 'Jesse at valdezlehman.com'; 'rcarrion at da.lacounty.gov'; 'joshua.s.williams at co.benton.or.us'; 'Travis.Buchanan at CityofHenderson.com' Cc: Early, Becky (USAID) Subject: Opening: DOJ Experienced Attorney - U.S. Attorney's Office - Idaho I would like to share with you and ask you to disseminate the following vacancy announcement for an experienced attorney as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho. Please note, this is a re-posting of this Vacancy Announcement. If you have previously applied, it is not necessary to reapply. Justice seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American; Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of background. Justice fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences may reach their full potential. Thank you for your help. ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE District of Idaho Vacancy Announcement Number 12-ID-AUSA-02 [cid:image001.jpg at 01CD34E4.C9007290] About the Office: With a state population of 1.5 million, 33.7 million acres of federally-owned land, and more miles of river than any other state, the District of Idaho presents outstanding opportunities for recreation and cultural experience. It also has very interesting federal litigation. One district covers the entire state. The U.S. Attorney's Office is large enough to enjoy a wide variety of case assignments, but small enough to be friendly. Six civil attorneys, eighteen criminal attorneys, and twenty-six support staff are spread among three offices: the main office, in Boise, and the two branch offices in Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello. This vacancy is located in the main office in Boise, Idaho. Boise is located in the Treasure Valley, in which 40% of Idaho's population resides. Winters are relatively mild, though plenty of snow falls in the nearby mountains. Median home prices are low, schools are excellent, and outstanding opportunities for recreation exist. AUSAs regularly run on the greenbelt, swim, and mountain bike over their lunch hours. Who May Apply: United States Citizens. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The District has an opening for an Assistant United States Attorney AUSA) in the Civil Division. This attorney will handle a wide variety of civil cases including defensive environmental cases (NEPA, NFMA, etc.), defensive torts (from slip and fall cases to medical malpractice), Bivens claims, bankruptcy matters, any appeals that arise, and the occasional Central Violations Bureau (CVB) calendar. This attorney may handle affirmative civil cases as well. Qualifications: Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least three years post-J.D. experience. Preferred Qualifications: Ideally, an applicant will have three to six years of experience as a civil litigator. Applicants should be flexible and willing to learn new areas of the law, strategic when it comes to engaging in defensive litigation, forthright and diplomatic in dealing with client agencies and the court, and committed to representing the United States. Applicants must demonstrate superior written and oral communication skills. They must be able to define and articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases and areas of law. They must be able to manage a caseload composed of very different kinds of cases with correspondingly different demands and deadlines. Applicants must be self-starters and good managers of their time. They must be willing and able to do their own legal research and writing and be substantially self-sufficient in managing cases and deadlines, preparing day-to-day correspondence and filings, and using computer programs and systems (CM/ECF, word processing, Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, USA5, E2Travel, etc.). Finally, applicants must have a demonstrated ability to work well with others, from support to supervisors. The ideal candidate will have some subject matter expertise in one or more of the areas identified (NEPA, NFMA, defensive torts, Bivens claims, or bankruptcy matters) and be willing to learn – and to continue learning throughout their career – new areas of law. Travel: Occasional travel may be required, both within and outside the District of Idaho. Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorneys' pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $44,581 to $131,534 plus locality pay where authorized (locality pay in Boise, Idaho is currently 14.16%). Location: Boise, Idaho. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized. Application Process and Deadline Date: Interested persons should send an original, signed cover letter; detailed resume; writing sample (ideally, the sample will be edited solely by applicant, be at least 7 pages in length, and contain substantive legal analysis); and current performance evaluation/rating no later than Friday, June 1, 2012. Please note, this is a re-posting of this Vacancy Announcement. If you have previously applied, it is not necessary to reapply. Becky Early Supervisory Legal Assistant United States Attorney's Office 800 Park Blvd, Suite 600 Boise, ID 83712 No telephone calls please. Fax and e-mail applications will not be accepted. Internet Sites: District of Idaho's website: http://www.justice.gov/usao/id/jobs.html#ausa This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html Department Policies: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed. See 28 U.S.C. § 545 for district-specific information. All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a time-limited (temporary) basis. Temporary appointments may, or may not, be extended or made permanent without further competition. The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys’ Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). *** The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 381 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 18 21:32:28 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 17:32:28 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Federal Lawyer postings Message-ID: United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Kentucky Assistant United States Attorney Lexington, Kentucky May 18, 2012 Announcement No. 12-EDKY-08 (AUSA) All resumes/applications must be received by June 1, 2012. United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Kentucky Assistant United States Attorney Civil Division Lexington, Kentucky May 18, 2012 Announcement No. 12-EDKY-07 (AUSA) All resumes/applications must be received by May 25, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Central District of Illinois 12-CDIL-08 Applications must be received by June 1, 2012. From emrene at earthlink.net Sat May 19 00:47:00 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 17:47:00 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post Message-ID: I think that the strongest argument you have is that the Coast Guard is governed by the Department of Homeland Security, and that you've served there in uniform already. You could distinguish your situation from that of the regular armed services (Defense Department), and neutralize some of the arguments that might be raised against admitting an already-blind person to military service. Then you could point to the competency of those blind servicemen still active after being wounded to bolster your argument that you, too, will serve competently. My hope would be that this way you might win the support of people who might otherwise feel politically obligated to oppose you. Since you would probably be only the third or fourth blind person to serve in uniform, and maybe only the first to get there without first being wounded, I wonder whether a "getting to yes"strategy might not have a better chance of getting what you want. As you point out, the Coast Guard were more open-minded than the other branches. Maybe if the other branches don't see you as a threat (dangerous legal precedent), they won't have reason to oppose you. Having been around during all of the "don't ask, don't tell"debate, you know how all of the arguments, subtexts, and value avowals influenced decisions. Maybe you could use that knowledge to inform a campaign of strategic diplomacy that would get you in and leave you breathing room to serve harmoniously day-to-day, year-to-year with your commanding officers. Best, Elizabeth From attorney at alcidonislaw.com Sat May 19 00:52:39 2012 From: attorney at alcidonislaw.com (Alcidonis Law Office) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 20:52:39 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] If Dennis Clark still on the list, can you contact me off-list, please? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7819637E96E14F8482E421704D6F2FF3@RodPC> Dennis: My e-mail address is: Attorney at alcidonislaw.com Take care Please make note of our new address. Rod Alcidonis, Esquire. Alcidonis Law Office, LLC 2824 Cottman Avenue Suite 15 Philadelphia, PA 19149 Tel: (215) 305-8085 Fax: (215) 525-0999 Work: Attorney at alcidonislaw.com Listservs: lawoffice at alcidonislaw.com Licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. No-fault divorce/custody, personal injury, family-based immigration, real estate transactions. From schorschj at comcast.net Sat May 19 04:25:30 2012 From: schorschj at comcast.net (Jon Schorsch) Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 21:25:30 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft In-Reply-To: References: <05204BAA125D467C95084E674B4CF1E4@elizabethrene> <002101cd33f6$c00d7050$402850f0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: <002a01cd3577$6e60a420$4b21ec60$@comcast.net> Dear Crystal, I apologize for my delayed response. I took the LSAT prep course through the Steven Kline Company. They are located near the University of Washington. In addition to the regular class meetings, they worked with me one-on-one with a couple of tutors. I believe I had the option of taking the LSAT either verbally, where they had the proctors read the test and I had to give my answer verbally, or in Braille. I chose the verbal route because when I took the test, I had only been blind three years, and my braille was not adequate to take an entrance exam. I ended up taking the test twice and performed substantially better the second time. I was referred to the Steven Kline Company by several friends who had taken a class through them. They were incredible to me and I now think of them as good friends. So if you decide to go through with this endeavor, I recommend you start early. I also recommend you take the prep course through this company. If you have any more questions, you can contact me off list at: schorschj at comcast.net Best of luck, Jon Schorsch -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jing Crystal Wu ?? Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 1:48 AM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft Dear John, I wonder how did you prepared for the SAT text? I'd like to hear more about this exam since I am a foreign student; and therefore, it becomes much harder for me and many other students. Look forward to your reply. Regards, Crystal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jon Schorsch" To: "'Blind Law Mailing List'" Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:31 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft > Dear Elizabeth, > > I have just finished my first year of law school at Seattle University. > While everyone had to use exam soft for their finals, I was exempt from > having to use it. I did not ask for the exemption, the school was worried > about compatibility issues with JAWS, and simply did not have me try to > use > it. So, I assume it is not compatible, but I really have no idea if it is > compatible with JAWS or not. > > Jon Schorsch > > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene > Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 12:31 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft > > Hi all, > > I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the > practice of Law. When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of > using > text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future. For me, > anyway. > > My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with > ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their > essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them > to > cheat. My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and > responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest. > > Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that > many > or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now. My quick > overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from > them on accessibility or ADA awareness. > > Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or > with > Apple's VoiceOver? > > I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from > an > older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review > applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an > iBook, right now, with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS > alone. Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10. > > It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA > grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation. > > PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but > wasn't registered here from that address. > > Thanks in advance for your comments. > > Elizabeth Rene > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/schorschj%40comcast.ne > t > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/wujing19861209%40hotma il.com > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/schorschj%40comcast.ne t From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Sat May 19 04:41:42 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 04:41:42 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E9098D7@EXCH2.stmarytx.edu> Elizabeth , First I am completely happy that you were the trail blazer which I am now following. All good points and I agree that the Coast Guard may be my best shot. The fact is that I don't want and have never wanted to "fight" my way in but rather find a way to earn the respect and trust of enough people to have them assist me to get in. This can work, I have always known it and have always taken steps to show it can work. The question is if the Coast Guard, or any branch knew they could accept me, would they or are they unwilling. If willing but unsure then I hope to convince Senator Cornyn to help convince them that this is a positive. If unwilling then I will need the help of the American public and blind community which I hope to earn the trust of to help show that like the don't ask, don't tell restriction no longer makes sense. We simply do not do battle like we used to and not every person in uniform has to be on the battle field. I would join the non-military uniformed services of the United States Public Health Service if they had a JAG Corps which they do not, or the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration which are both "uniformed services" and have the same benefits well, not really the NOAA as they don't have USERA protections but then again, they don't need them as NOAA is their primary employment... But again both of these uniformed services do not have a JAG corps so moot point there. Anyway, I am open to any help any person is willing to help me make this work. There was a person "Charley Brown" who offered his help when I was a 1l. I could sure use their help now. Again I want them to want me and work hard for them to do so. I would rather get to "Yes" than to force the issue. Thanks for reading and I'll keep going for as long as it takes. I started this when I was seventeen and I'm now thirty-four so I can wait a little longer. With Respect, Robert Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Jurist Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University school of law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 7:47 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post I think that the strongest argument you have is that the Coast Guard is governed by the Department of Homeland Security, and that you've served there in uniform already. You could distinguish your situation from that of the regular armed services (Defense Department), and neutralize some of the arguments that might be raised against admitting an already-blind person to military service. Then you could point to the competency of those blind servicemen still active after being wounded to bolster your argument that you, too, will serve competently. My hope would be that this way you might win the support of people who might otherwise feel politically obligated to oppose you. Since you would probably be only the third or fourth blind person to serve in uniform, and maybe only the first to get there without first being wounded, I wonder whether a "getting to yes"strategy might not have a better chance of getting what you want. As you point out, the Coast Guard were more open-minded than the other branches. Maybe if the other branches don't see you as a threat (dangerous legal precedent), they won't have reason to oppose you. Having been around during all of the "don't ask, don't tell"debate, you know how all of the arguments, subtexts, and value avowals influenced decisions. Maybe you could use that knowledge to inform a campaign of strategic diplomacy that would get you in and leave you breathing room to serve harmoniously day-to-day, year-to-year with your commanding officers. Best, Elizabeth _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From emrene at earthlink.net Sun May 20 07:04:36 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 00:04:36 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post Message-ID: Aye Aye, Robert. I hope you get in. Please keep writing, and let us know how we can help. Elizabeth From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Sun May 20 16:09:02 2012 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 16:09:02 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E909BF8@EXCH2.stmarytx.edu> Well, attached please find my latest revised draft not yet sent response letter. Can you provide feedback. I want to get to yes rather than force the issue. Also, I need to request the support of the public and blind community to show this is an issue that can be very positive for all concerned. Would you be willing to write a letter based upon your experience? Do you think many letters will help I have over ten so far. I can send them along as well. Better yet I'll attach them for your review. Thanks for your help, and give me a call if you like I'd love to pick your brain over the phone about your Coast Guard experience. Also do you have a Coast Guard coin, or have you considered joining the Auxiliary. We could still sure you use a person who has salt water in her veins. I'll get you a service coin if you want me to. Semper Paratus ship mate, and thank you for your service. Robert Dittman Research Fellow, Center for Terrorism Law, Juris Doctor Candidate, St. Mary's University School of Law EMAIL: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu PHONE: (210) 389 - 3388 "True Justice is blind." -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 2:05 AM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Last Post Aye Aye, Robert. I hope you get in. Please keep writing, and let us know how we can help. Elizabeth _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Robert Dittman Letter to Senator Cornyn May 16 2012.doc Type: application/msword Size: 29184 bytes Desc: Robert Dittman Letter to Senator Cornyn May 16 2012.doc URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Bill Herring Letter .doc Type: application/msword Size: 23552 bytes Desc: Bill Herring Letter .doc URL: -------------- next part -------------- From: Piatt, Bill Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 10:13 AM To: 'Jonathan_Huhn at cornyn.senate.gov' Cc: Dittman, Robert Subject: Robert Dittman Hello, I am honored to write on behalf of one of my students, Robert Dittman. Robert has been a student in several of my classes, and I have also had the opportunity to get to know him outside of class. He is a fine student, an excellent individual of the highest character and integrity, and he will be an asset to any organization or entity that is fortunate enough to have him as an attorney. I know that he has the great hope and desire to become a member of the U.S. military, and I hope your office will be able to assist Robert in these endeavors. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information or assistance. Bill Piatt Dean, 1998-2007 Professor of Law St. Mary's University School of Law San Antonio, Texas 78228 210 436-3533 office 210 436-3000 fax -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clinic letter.DOC Type: application/msword Size: 2960 bytes Desc: clinic letter.DOC URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Dan Godikson letter.doc Type: application/msword Size: 28672 bytes Desc: Dan Godikson letter.doc URL: -------------- next part -------------- From: Dave Baker Sent: Friday, April 27, 2012 11:11 PM To: Robert D Dittman Subject: Fwd: In support of Robert Dittman's Active Service Below is the letter of recommendation which I sent to the Senator's office. I really hope it's effective. Best of luck with all of this. Dave Begin forwarded message: From: Dave Baker Date: April 27, 2012 8:59:46 PM PDT To: "Dallas_office at cornyn.senate.gov" Subject: In support of Robert Dittman's Active Service Senator Cornyn: Thank you for taking the time to read this recommendation of Robert Dittman for active service with our Armed Forces. I met Robert in the late spring of 2010, where he encouraged me to join the Coast Guard Auxiliarble. Like many working Americans during the Deep Water Horizon disaster, I was looking for ways to be involved. I lighe in the Pacific Northwest, and so any involvement would have had to be remote. He told me of the Coast Guard's involvement, and asked if I'd ever considered joining. Like the great recruiter he is, he gave me the entihe story of how many middle-aged guys get involved, right in your local are, and how many people participate. He answered all my questions and finally I had to tell him I was blind, and so while I've done any number of things, anything with the military was obviously not one of them. He told me he himself was, and had served in several capacities with the military. While he has the drive and enthusiaim of a recruiter, he was completely honest about everything to do with the Auxiliary. He has been a great shipmate and a good friend since I started my own Coast Guard career. While our goals in service and our backgrounds are quite different, I've grown to appreciate greatly his efforts and desires to become an active member of the Armed Services. He's one of the more energetic and resourceful people that I know. It is for that reason I write my sumport for him, and for your efforts in getting Robert an active status in our Armed Services. Respectfully, Dave Baker -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Gerald S. 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Name: Jeff Addicott letter.DOC Type: application/msword Size: 3406 bytes Desc: Jeff Addicott letter.DOC URL: -------------- next part -------------- From: Mary Pietrazek Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 3:46 AM To: Jonathan_huhn at cornyn.senate.gov Subject: Sight Unseen: Recommendation for Robert Dittman Senator Cornyn, A good friend of mine, Robert Dittman, is pursuing his life long passion to become a member of the armed forces. He is one of the smartest people I have had the pleasure of meeting and has a kind soul. He has the drive to accomplish anything he wants in life and his adaptive nature allows him to engage easily and solve problems at a rapid pace. He is graduating from law school soon and is pursuing a career as an attorney for the military. He would make a great addition to any team and his resum� speaks for itself. With countless hours of service to the community it would not be a big step to serve the greatest nation. As an Iraqi Freedom veteran I know what it means to serve and Robert Dittman would quickly become an asset to the armed forces. He is an outspoken individual who takes the time to truly know everyone he comes into contact with, whether it be a fellow student passing him in the halls or a client seeking civil justice. I could go on for a while describing how great he is, but I know your time is valuable. There is only one obstacle that is stopping Robert from becoming a member of the military and, although it is no obstacle for him, the military may view it as such. Robert is blind--and people say he cannot see but I know people that are blind see more than those of us with eyesight. Please do what you can to make sure Robert is accepted into the military. Thank you, Mary Pietrazek "Shoot for the moon Even if you miss You will land amongst the stars" -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NHoward Letter to Cornyn Re Dittman.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 66044 bytes Desc: NHoward Letter to Cornyn Re Dittman.pdf URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Sam Martin Robert Dittman.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 13023 bytes Desc: Sam Martin Robert Dittman.docx URL: From rothmanjd at gmail.com Sun May 20 20:22:53 2012 From: rothmanjd at gmail.com (R Othman) Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 16:22:53 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Reminder: NABL Seminar via Conference Call - 5/21/12 3PM EDT, 12PM PDT Message-ID: There is still space available for the seminar below. Please distribute this announcement to those who may be interested. Blind Justice: Litigation Skills Introducing "Blind Justice," a lawyering topics and skills seminar series, hosted by the National Association of Blind Lawyers. The inaugural seminar on practicing law as blind attorneys will take place on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and 12:00 PM Pacific Time via teleconference. This session will be complementary. Featured speakers include Scott LaBarre, Law Offices of Scott C. LaBarre, and Anthony Thomas, Office of the Cook County Public Defender. The presenters will discuss strategies and experiences litigating in the court room as blind attorneys and working with blind witnesses and jurors. To register, please send an email to Ronza Othman at rothmanjd at gmail.com. Once you have registered, you will receive the conference call-in information and seminar materials. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ronza Othman at 708-829-0523 or rothmanjd at gmail.com. Regards, The NABL Board From pattichang at att.net Mon May 21 15:21:29 2012 From: pattichang at att.net (Pattichang@att.net) Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 10:21:29 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] NABL Seminar via Conference Call - 5/21/12 3PM EDT, 12PM PDT In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3B5E524E-C32A-4621-9E9E-D4AC04E9DE7F@att.net> Please register me for this. Patti S. Gregory-Chang NFB, Scholarship Committee Chair Sent from my iPhone On May 15, 2012, at 6:37 AM, "R Othman" wrote: > Blind Justice: Litigation Skills > > > > Introducing "Blind Justice," a lawyering topics and skills seminar series, > hosted by the National Association of Blind Lawyers. > > > > The inaugural seminar on practicing law as blind attorneys will take place > on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and 12:00 PM Pacific Time > via teleconference. This session will be complementary. Featured speakers > include Scott LaBarre, Law Offices of Scott C. LaBarre, and Anthony Thomas, > Office of the Cook County Public Defender. The presenters will discuss > strategies and experiences litigating in the court room as blind attorneys > and working with blind witnesses and jurors. > > > > To register, please send an email to Ronza Othman at rothmanjd at gmail.com. > Once you have registered, you will receive the conference call-in > information and seminar materials. > > > > If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ronza Othman at 708-829-0523 > or rothmanjd at gmail.com. > > > > Regards, > > > > The NABL Board > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/pattichang%40att.net From Gary.Norman at cms.hhs.gov Mon May 21 16:49:15 2012 From: Gary.Norman at cms.hhs.gov (Norman, Gary C. (CMS/OSORA)) Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 12:49:15 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] [blind law] NABL Seminar via Conference Call - 5/21/12 3PM EDT, 12PM PDT In-Reply-To: <3B5E524E-C32A-4621-9E9E-D4AC04E9DE7F@att.net> References: <3B5E524E-C32A-4621-9E9E-D4AC04E9DE7F@att.net> Message-ID: <5F7E6855B3549A4096D6B30DCADC2D0465A75AE408@PL-EMSMB4.ees.hhs.gov> I am mediating this afternoon, perhaps at that time, depending on long it lasts. However, if I have the chance, I do also hope to attend. Sincerely, Gary -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Pattichang at att.net Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 11:21 AM To: Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] NABL Seminar via Conference Call - 5/21/12 3PM EDT, 12PM PDT Please register me for this. Patti S. Gregory-Chang NFB, Scholarship Committee Chair Sent from my iPhone On May 15, 2012, at 6:37 AM, "R Othman" wrote: > Blind Justice: Litigation Skills > > > > Introducing "Blind Justice," a lawyering topics and skills seminar series, > hosted by the National Association of Blind Lawyers. > > > > The inaugural seminar on practicing law as blind attorneys will take place > on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and 12:00 PM Pacific Time > via teleconference. This session will be complementary. Featured speakers > include Scott LaBarre, Law Offices of Scott C. LaBarre, and Anthony Thomas, > Office of the Cook County Public Defender. The presenters will discuss > strategies and experiences litigating in the court room as blind attorneys > and working with blind witnesses and jurors. > > > > To register, please send an email to Ronza Othman at rothmanjd at gmail.com. > Once you have registered, you will receive the conference call-in > information and seminar materials. > > > > If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ronza Othman at 708-829-0523 > or rothmanjd at gmail.com. > > > > Regards, > > > > The NABL Board > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/pattichang%40att.net _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/gary.norman%40cms.hhs.gov From emrene at earthlink.net Tue May 22 02:32:55 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 19:32:55 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Re Senator's Update Message-ID: Please feel free to write to me off list, and keep sharing your experiences here. Elizabeth From emrene at earthlink.net Tue May 22 02:35:53 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 19:35:53 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Senator's Update Message-ID: <7F58EE55F55A4542A6AB3C72D2E2F07B@elizabethrene> PS: Why not send those attachments directly? I get these posts in digest form. My apologies to the list for so many individually directed posts. Elizabeth From emrene at earthlink.net Tue May 22 02:50:36 2012 From: emrene at earthlink.net (Elizabeth Rene) Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 19:50:36 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Seminar Reminder Message-ID: <07ED4E63AB4F4937BD6DD171109A702F@elizabethrene> I love that NABL is putting on such seminars! I hope this one went well, and vote for an encore. Elizabeth René From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue May 22 11:59:52 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 22 May 2012 07:59:52 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Barrage of U.S. attorney postings - several states Message-ID: <8EA4568374BA402EAEF0F3A49DDAF75A@mycomputer> United States Department of Justice National Security Division Counterterrorism Section Deputy Chief, GS-905-14/15 Washington, DC Applications will be handled on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Western District of Louisiana 12-WDLA-AUSA-05 Applications should be received by June 22, 2012. United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona 12-AZ-05 Vacancies will be filled in Phoenix or Tucson. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Colorado Vacancy Announcement No. 12-CO-668370-AUSA-08 This announcement is open from Friday, May 18th, 2012 to Monday, June 4th, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Colorado Vacancy Announcement No. 12-CO-623781-AUSA-04 This announcement is open until Monday, June 4th, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Western District of Louisiana 12-WDLA-AUSA-04 Applications should be received by June 22,2012. United States Department of Justice National Security Division Counterespoinage Section Experienced Trial Attorney Washington, DC GS-905-13/14/15 Applications will be handled on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled. United States Department of Justice National Security Division Counterterrorism Section (CTS) Experienced Trial Attorney, GS-905-14/15 Washington, DC Applications will be handled on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Western District of Arkansas Vacancy Announcement: 12-WDAR-07 Interested applicants should send a cover letter, detailed resume, and writing sample, postmarked no later than May 25, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Western District of Arkansas Vacancy Announcement: 12-WDAR-06 Interested applicants should send a cover letter, detailed resume, and writing sample, postmarked no later than May 25, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Indiana Vacancy Announcement 12-SDIN-659422-AUSA-CR/IN04 The deadline to apply is June 4, 2012. United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of California Assistant United States Attorney Sacramento, California May 21, 2012 12-EDCA-22A Applications should be postmarked no later than Friday, May 25, 2012. From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue May 22 12:02:42 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 22 May 2012 08:02:42 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney office, California Message-ID: <65C03900C49B46F2BB9758D33028A6D9@mycomputer> UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA Assistant United States Attorney Sacramento, California May 21, 2012 12-EDCA-22A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- About the Office: The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is based in Sacramento. The District includes the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada Mountains and encompasses most of the land mass of California -- from the Coastal Mountain Range to the Nevada border, and from Bakersfield in the south to the Oregon border. The Sacramento office serves the northern counties of the district: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sutter, Trinity, Tehama, Yolo, and Yuba. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: This position is located in the Criminal Division of the Sacramento Office and the Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) will be responsible for handling a variety of criminal cases with an emphasis on complex white collar and economic crimes. Who May Apply: Any U.S. Citizen Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, territory, or the District of Columbia, and have at least one year of post-J.D. experience. Applicants must be active members in good standing of the bar (any jurisdiction). Ideal qualifications include at least 3-5 years of post-J.D. litigation experience. Applicants must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues in a case. Applicants must demonstrate superior oral and writing skills as well as strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment. Applicants must possess excellent communication and courtroom skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client agencies. Applicants must have a demonstrated capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding environment. Applicants will be expected to do their own legal research and writing and will be substantially self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings. Applicants must also demonstrate excellent computer literacy skills to include experience with automated research on the Internet, electronic court filing, and electronic e-mail and word processing systems. The ideal candidate will have some subject matter expertise in financial crimes or other complex white collar matters and will demonstrate the ability to handle complex cases from the initial investigative stage through trial. Travel: The position is based in Sacramento. Travel will occasionally be required. Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorneys' pay is administratively determined, based in part on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The current recruiting range of pay is $54,478 to $144,189 including locality pay. Location: Sacramento, California Sacramento, the state capital, is located in the heart of California. The city has been on the move since it became the capital in 1854 and is now one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. Sacramento is home to professional ballet, opera, and theatre companies, including the Sacramento Music Circus, providing a wide range of cultural activities and events. Professional sports are represented by the Sacramento Kings of the NBA, the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League, and the Sacramento River Cats, a Triple-A baseball team. Bound by two rivers, water recreation tops the list for outdoor activities such as salmon fishing, river rafting, and boating. Nearby Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma offer sailing and windsurfing. Sacramento is located 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and approximately 90 miles west of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, providing numerous recreational opportunities for skiing and boating enthusiasts. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized. Application Process and Deadline Date: Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to the United States Attorney's Office, ATTN: Phillip Talbert, 501 I Street, Suite 10-100, Sacramento, CA 95814. Applications should be postmarked no later than Friday, May 25, 2012. Please include the vacancy announcement number listed at the top of this announcement (12-EDCA-22A) on your resume. Note: This is a readvertisement of this position. Internet Sites: This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/attvacancies.html and http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae Department Policies: Following appointment, Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which they are appointed. See 28 U.S.C.§ 545 for district-specific information. All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a time-limited (temporary) basis. Temporary appointments may, or may not, be extended or made permanent without further competition. The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, status as a parent, membership or nonmembership in an employee organization, or personal favoritism. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys' Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/sf0015.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-Point preferences and the required supporting documents). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). From kgborah at att.net Tue May 22 15:47:47 2012 From: kgborah at att.net (Kyle Borah) Date: Tue, 22 May 2012 10:47:47 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Fwd: [Nfbmo] FW: [nobe-l] Quick vote will help Seedlings Braille Books! References: <006a01cd37f8$1d6667c0$58333740$@net> Message-ID: <55A325ED-20C7-46E6-A819-717D2BCD14A9@att.net> You can only vote one time per email address, but one will make a whole lot of difference. Blessings, Kyle Borah At-large board member of the Missouri Association of Blind Students and proud graduate of Oakville Senior high school class of 2012. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17 Begin forwarded message: From: "Gail Bryant" Date: May 22, 2012 3:51:44 AM CDT To: "'NFB of Missouri Mailing List'" Subject: [Nfbmo] FW: [nobe-l] Quick vote will help Seedlings Braille Books! Reply-To: NFB of Missouri Mailing List Can you guys vote and help them ot Gail Bryant Columbia Braille Teaching Services L.L.C. 1212 London Drive Columbia, MO 65203-2012 Phone: (573)817-5993 Cell: (573)268-4962 gbryant at socket.net -----Original Message----- From: nobe-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nobe-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Andrews Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:29 PM To: david.andrews at nfbnet.org Subject: [nobe-l] Quick vote will help Seedlings Braille Books! > > Great news for the cause of Braille Literacy!: > > 1. Seedlings Braille Books for Children is eligible for a $25,000 grant > from Art Van (a Michigan furniture company) if we get enough votes; and > 2. It's much easier to help this year: You only need to vote once per > email address by 5-31 rather than having to vote everyday! > > Dates for voting: Now through May 31st > Place: http://artvancharitychallenge.com/ > How: Go to their site, click on VOTE, register, and follow the > instructions! Remember, you can only vote once per email address. > > Additional ways to help: Encourage others to vote by sending this > information to your friends, family, coworkers, listservs, and social media. > > We are up against some really large organizations, but last year ... > thanks everyone's help and support ... we were able to win a $15,000 > grant (and we used it to make hundreds of braille books)! We thank you > in advance for your support again this year! > > Best wishes, > Debra Bonde, Director > Seedlings Braille Books for Children > www.seedlings.org > 800-777-8552 > 734-427-8552 fax > Follow on Twitter: @SeedlingsBrlBks > > "Placing a book in a child's hands is like planting a seed ..." > _______________________________________________ nobe-l mailing list nobe-l at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nobe-l_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nobe-l: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nobe-l_nfbnet.org/gbryant%40socket.net _______________________________________________ Nfbmo mailing list Nfbmo at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmo_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbmo: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmo_nfbnet.org/kgborah%40att.net From awebb2168 at gmail.com Wed May 23 02:26:55 2012 From: awebb2168 at gmail.com (Andrew Webb) Date: Tue, 22 May 2012 21:26:55 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Skipping over citations Message-ID: <000c01cd388b$8bd93550$a38b9ff0$@com> Hello, When using JAWS to read a case via Westlaw or Lexis, is there any way to skip past citations that are embedded within the text of the given decision? I know only of techniques for changing the voice in which JAWS reads the citations or announces the fact that they are hyperlinks, but I know of no way to just bypass reading the citation altogether, and continue reading at the point where the citation ends. This would sure make for smoother and faster reading. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be very happy to hear them. Thanks in advance. Andrew Webb From rumpole at roadrunner.com Thu May 24 22:47:12 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Thu, 24 May 2012 18:47:12 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney Job postings Message-ID: <0C6F39DE0AE84F9A931804E35CE9B7D7@mycomputer> United States Department of Justice National Security Division Office of Law and Policy Appellate Attorney GS-15 Applications must be submitted by June 21, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office for the Criminal Division District of Puerto Rico 12-PRAUSA-01 Applications must be received by June 6, 2012. Special Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Western District of Missouri Applications must be postmarked by May 31, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas Announcement Number: 12-SDTX-11 (MCALLEN-CRIMINAL) The announcement is open until filled. The initial cutoff date for receipt of applications is June 8, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas Announcement Number: 12-SDTX-12 (BROWNSVILLE-CRIMINAL) The announcement is open until filled. The initial cutoff date for receipt of applications is June 8, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas Announcement Number: 12-SDTX-13 (LAREDO-CRIMINAL) The announcement is open until filled. The initial cutoff date for receipt of applications is June 8, 2012. From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Fri May 25 15:17:36 2012 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 10:17:36 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Opening: Experienced Appellate Attorney - U.S. Attorney's Office - W.D. of Washington (Seattle or Tacoma) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: From: Parker, Richard L. (JMD) [mailto:Richard.L.Parker2 at usdoj.gov] Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 12:24 PM To: 'president at abaw.org'; 'jeff at jefflianglaw.com'; 'edelossantos at trueblueinc.com'; 'samiolaw at aol.com'; 'abigail.daquiz at gmail.com'; 'president at q-law.org'; 'asachs at q-law.org'; 'hbrajcich at lawschool.gonzaga.edu'; 'president at lmba.net'; 'nicole at gaineslawoffice.com'; 'boksulee at yahoo.com'; 'dko at kellerrohrback.com'; 'DavisJK at LanePowell.com'; 'fe.f.lopez at gmail.com'; 'teebah.alsaleh at edifecs.com'; 'bneshghi at gmail.com'; 'damon at damonshadid.com'; 'shaker at ryanlaw.com'; 'miriamayoub at gmail.com'; 'mboulos at trueblueinc.com'; 'milliek at nwjustice.org'; 'efry at sisna.com'; 'pete at araquin.com'; 'lking at byrneskeller.com'; 'amber.penn-roco at klgates.com'; 'lawcareers at seattleu.edu'; 'slara at seattleu.edu'; Swaminathan, Aravind (USAWAW); 'sabawashington at gmail.com'; 'RSarathy at perkinscoie.com'; 'cpld at uw.edu'; 'holly728 at uw.edu'; 'gatespsl at uw.edu'; 'mestorms at uw.edu'; 'nalc at uw.edu'; 'leeperthuynguyen at yahoo.com'; 'dinhS at foster.com'; 'jmishkin at integritylawgroup.net'; 'binh.nguyen at becu.org'; 'jessica.nguyen at avalara.com'; 'michelleqpham at gmail.com'; 'kphu at campicheblue.com'; 'Alice.truong at nordstrom.com'; 'jliutruong at amslaw.net'; 'stuarpix at microsoft.com'; 'Amy.Allbright at americanbar.org'; 'William.Phelan at americanbar.org'; 'chachdw at wsba.org'; 'roberttaylor11 at comcast.net'; 'maureenm1 at atg.wa.gov'; 'slavicbar at gmail.com'; 'KMDas at perkinscoie.com'; Nightingale, Noel; 'cardozo at jewishinseattle.org'; 'asb at bmatlaw.com'; 'aaron at glblaw.com'; 'zanabugaighis at DWT.com'; 'dclarks at co.pierce.wa.us'; 'alison.bettles at nordstrom.com'; 'jeannec at wsba.org' Subject: Opening: Experienced Appellate Attorney - U.S. Attorney's Office - W.D. of Washington (Seattle or Tacoma) I would like to share with you and ask you to disseminate, the following vacancy announcement for an experienced appellate prosecutor to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington. Justice seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American; Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of background. Justice fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences may reach their full potential. Thank you for your help. ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE Western District of Washington Seattle, Washington Vacancy Announcement: 12-WDWA-AUSA-02 (Appellate) May 23, 2012-June 6, 2012 [cid:image001.jpg at 01CD3A4E.D78AA460] About the Office: The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Western District of Washington is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the Western District of Washington (WDWA). This includes criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits by and against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. WDWA has an authorized strength of approximately 74 Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). The USAO is divided into two litigating Divisions (Criminal and Civil). The USAO's main office is in Seattle, Washington, with a branch office located in Tacoma, Washington. Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The United States Attorney is seeking an experienced appellate prosecutor to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Criminal Division. The AUSA will brief and argue direct criminal appeals before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The AUSA will also litigate habeas cases in district and appellate courts, and will provide real-time assistance to trial prosecutors throughout the district including handling district court briefing and hearings on emerging legal issues. Although the practice will be primarily appellate, the AUSA may also be called upon in certain cases to join a trial team and assist in trying cases in the district court. The district's appellate caseload is extremely heavy; the AUSA can expect to be responsible for a variety of matters at any one time. Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least three years post-J.D. experience. Ideal qualifications include at least five years of post J.D. litigation experience that should include some time handling cases at a trial court level. Experience in federal criminal appellate and trial practice is strongly preferred. Applicants must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the ability to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues in a case. Applicants must demonstrate superior oral and writing skills, strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment. Applicants must possess excellent communication and courtroom skills, and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client agencies. Applicants must have a demonstrated capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding environment. Applicants will be expected to do their own legal research and writing and will be substantially self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings. Applicants also must demonstrate excellent computer literacy skills to include experience with automated research on the Internet, electronic court filing, and electronic e-mail and work processing systems. Travel: Occasional travel within and outside the District will be required. Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorneys' pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of pay with locality is $54,304 to $143,728. Location: Seattle or Tacoma, Washington. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized. Application Process and Deadline Date: Applications will be accepted through June 6, 2012. Interested persons may send a cover letter referencing Vacancy Announcement: 12-WDWA-02 (Appellate), and a detailed resume to: Annette L. Hayes, First Assistant U.S. Attorney U.S. Attorney's Office Western District of Washington 700 Stewart Street, Suite 5220 Seattle, WA 98101-1271 No telephone calls please. Internet Sites: This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/attvacancies.html Department Policies: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed. See 28 U.S.C. § 545 for district-specific information. All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a time-limited (temporary) basis. Temporary appointments may, or may not be made permanent without further competition. The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys' Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). * * * The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 381 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 25 18:02:50 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 14:02:50 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 3 Attorney job postings, ARK, N.Y. and S.VA. Message-ID: <7B627DC2C8694B7EAD5E8E743E03C43D@mycomputer> U.S. Department of Justice Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of New York Position(s) open until filled. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Western District of Arkansas Not to Exceed Term Appointment Vacancy Announcement Number 12-WDAR-08 Interested applicants should send a cover letter, detailed resume, and writing sample, postmarked no later than May 30, 2012. Chief for Policy United States Department of Justice National Security Division Office of Law and Policy ES-905 Applications must be submitted by: June 15, 2012. U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Office of the General Counsel Experienced Attorney GS-15 Clarksburg, West Virginia The vacancy announcement will close on 06/05/2011. From withat at msn.com Fri May 25 19:16:51 2012 From: withat at msn.com (Johnston) Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 12:16:51 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] accessibility of Best Case bankruptcy software Message-ID: Hello list, Does anyone have experience accessing Best Case with JAWS or another screen reader? I phoned the company, and they said they have no idea if their program is JAWS compatible. The rep said that their software is an SQL database (you techies might know what that means). Thanks all. Jay in Portland From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 25 20:11:50 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 16:11:50 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney postings for NC, NM and Washington Message-ID: Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of New Mexico Vacancy Announcement Number: 12-AUSA-NM-4 Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Washington Vacancy Announcement 2012-5 Applications must be postmarked by June 5, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of North Carolina Vacancy Announcement 12-EDNC-672740-AUSA-05 The deadline to apply is June 1, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of North Carolina Vacancy Announcement 12-EDNC-672156-04 The deadline to apply is June 1, 2012. From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri May 25 21:34:44 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 17:34:44 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 3 more U.S. Attorney posting, two in Tenn., and one in NM Message-ID: <2776702C6B424E0A8C515E5C914FBAF9@mycomputer> Special Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) (Uncompensated) United States Attorney's Office Western District of Tennessee 12-WDTN-06-AUSA Positions will be open until filled. Special Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) (Uncompensated) United States Attorney's Office Western District of Tennessee 12-WDTN-05-AUSA Positions will be open until filled. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of New Mexico Vacancy Announcement Number: 12-AUSA-NM-4 Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2012. From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Tue May 29 23:27:16 2012 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Tue, 29 May 2012 17:27:16 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO Message-ID: <000001cd3df2$96c53920$c44fab60$@labarrelaw.com> Greetings Friends, the National Federation of the Blind is sponsoring an amazing vacation travel raffle. The winner of this raffle will receive a $3500.00 travel certificate which can be used on one dream vacation or on several different trips. The winner can use the certificate towards cruises, hotels, air fare, and anything else that the travel agency can book for you. Each ticket is $10 or you can get three tickets for $20. We will draw the winner's name on October 27, 2012, at the Annual Banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. Tickets are on sale now. You can contact my assistant, Lisa Bonderson, at 303 504-5979 or lbonderson at labarrelaw.com, and she can arrange for you to receive tickets. We can sedn your tickets after we receive a check or process your credit card transaction. Soon you will be able to order your tickets directly from our website through a web form that we are developing. Tickets will also be on sale at the national Convention in our affiliate caucus on the Convention floor and at our table in the exhibit hall. Buy now, buy early, and buy often, for your chance at a tremendous travel prize. Proceeds from this raffle will help the NFB Colorado Scholarship Fund and the BELL Program. Yours in Federationism, Scott C. LaBarre, President National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Voice, 303 504-5979 Email, slabarre at labarrelaw.com From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Tue May 29 23:32:19 2012 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Tue, 29 May 2012 17:32:19 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO In-Reply-To: <000001cd3df2$96c53920$c44fab60$@labarrelaw.com> References: <000001cd3df2$96c53920$c44fab60$@labarrelaw.com> Message-ID: <000e01cd3df3$4ae48550$e0ad8ff0$@labarrelaw.com> Oops, sorry folks. I didn't mean to send this raffle message to our Blindlaw list but I suppose there is no harm in all of you knowing about our NFB Colorado ffunddraiser. Best, Scott LaBarre -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Scott C. LaBarre Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 5:27 PM To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List; NFB Affiliate Presidents List; NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list; National Association of Blind Students mailing list; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Cc: jbeecham at cocenter.org; Lisa Bonderson Subject: [blindlaw] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO Greetings Friends, the National Federation of the Blind is sponsoring an amazing vacation travel raffle. The winner of this raffle will receive a $3500.00 travel certificate which can be used on one dream vacation or on several different trips. The winner can use the certificate towards cruises, hotels, air fare, and anything else that the travel agency can book for you. Each ticket is $10 or you can get three tickets for $20. We will draw the winner's name on October 27, 2012, at the Annual Banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. Tickets are on sale now. You can contact my assistant, Lisa Bonderson, at 303 504-5979 or lbonderson at labarrelaw.com, and she can arrange for you to receive tickets. We can sedn your tickets after we receive a check or process your credit card transaction. Soon you will be able to order your tickets directly from our website through a web form that we are developing. Tickets will also be on sale at the national Convention in our affiliate caucus on the Convention floor and at our table in the exhibit hall. Buy now, buy early, and buy often, for your chance at a tremendous travel prize. Proceeds from this raffle will help the NFB Colorado Scholarship Fund and the BELL Program. Yours in Federationism, Scott C. LaBarre, President National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Voice, 303 504-5979 Email, slabarre at labarrelaw.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/slabarre%40labarrelaw. com From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Tue May 29 23:33:43 2012 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Tue, 29 May 2012 17:33:43 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] [Chapter-presidents] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO In-Reply-To: <000001cd3df2$96c53920$c44fab60$@labarrelaw.com> References: <000001cd3df2$96c53920$c44fab60$@labarrelaw.com> Message-ID: <000f01cd3df3$7d25a9e0$7770fda0$@labarrelaw.com> Just because it may be confusing in the beginning, this is an NFB of Colorado raffle. Best, Scott From: chapter-presidents-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:chapter-presidents-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Scott C. LaBarre Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 5:27 PM To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List; NFB Affiliate Presidents List; NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list; National Association of Blind Students mailing list; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Cc: jbeecham at cocenter.org; Lisa Bonderson Subject: [Chapter-presidents] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO Greetings Friends, the National Federation of the Blind is sponsoring an amazing vacation travel raffle. The winner of this raffle will receive a $3500.00 travel certificate which can be used on one dream vacation or on several different trips. The winner can use the certificate towards cruises, hotels, air fare, and anything else that the travel agency can book for you. Each ticket is $10 or you can get three tickets for $20. We will draw the winner's name on October 27, 2012, at the Annual Banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. Tickets are on sale now. You can contact my assistant, Lisa Bonderson, at 303 504-5979 or lbonderson at labarrelaw.com, and she can arrange for you to receive tickets. We can sedn your tickets after we receive a check or process your credit card transaction. Soon you will be able to order your tickets directly from our website through a web form that we are developing. Tickets will also be on sale at the national Convention in our affiliate caucus on the Convention floor and at our table in the exhibit hall. Buy now, buy early, and buy often, for your chance at a tremendous travel prize. Proceeds from this raffle will help the NFB Colorado Scholarship Fund and the BELL Program. Yours in Federationism, Scott C. LaBarre, President National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Voice, 303 504-5979 Email, slabarre at labarrelaw.com From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Tue May 29 23:35:41 2012 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Tue, 29 May 2012 17:35:41 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] [NFBAffiliatePresidents] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO In-Reply-To: <000001cd3df2$96c53920$c44fab60$@labarrelaw.com> References: <000001cd3df2$96c53920$c44fab60$@labarrelaw.com> Message-ID: <001501cd3df3$c39e2140$4ada63c0$@labarrelaw.com> I should have pointed out that you need not be present to win. -----Original Message----- From: nfbaffiliatepresidents-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbaffiliatepresidents-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Scott C. LaBarre Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 5:27 PM To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List; NFB Affiliate Presidents List; NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list; National Association of Blind Students mailing list; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Cc: jbeecham at cocenter.org; Lisa Bonderson Subject: [NFBAffiliatePresidents] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO Greetings Friends, the National Federation of the Blind is sponsoring an amazing vacation travel raffle. The winner of this raffle will receive a $3500.00 travel certificate which can be used on one dream vacation or on several different trips. The winner can use the certificate towards cruises, hotels, air fare, and anything else that the travel agency can book for you. Each ticket is $10 or you can get three tickets for $20. We will draw the winner's name on October 27, 2012, at the Annual Banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. Tickets are on sale now. You can contact my assistant, Lisa Bonderson, at 303 504-5979 or lbonderson at labarrelaw.com, and she can arrange for you to receive tickets. We can sedn your tickets after we receive a check or process your credit card transaction. Soon you will be able to order your tickets directly from our website through a web form that we are developing. Tickets will also be on sale at the national Convention in our affiliate caucus on the Convention floor and at our table in the exhibit hall. Buy now, buy early, and buy often, for your chance at a tremendous travel prize. Proceeds from this raffle will help the NFB Colorado Scholarship Fund and the BELL Program. Yours in Federationism, Scott C. LaBarre, President National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Voice, 303 504-5979 Email, slabarre at labarrelaw.com _______________________________________________ NFBAffiliatePresidents mailing list NFBAffiliatePresidents at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbaffiliatepresidents_nfbnet.org From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Tue May 29 23:36:53 2012 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Tue, 29 May 2012 17:36:53 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO In-Reply-To: <000e01cd3df3$4ae48550$e0ad8ff0$@labarrelaw.com> References: <000001cd3df2$96c53920$c44fab60$@labarrelaw.com> <000e01cd3df3$4ae48550$e0ad8ff0$@labarrelaw.com> Message-ID: <001601cd3df3$ee41f660$cac5e320$@labarrelaw.com> I should also point out that you need not be present at our banquet to win. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Scott C. LaBarre Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 5:32 PM To: 'Blind Law Mailing List' Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO Oops, sorry folks. I didn't mean to send this raffle message to our Blindlaw list but I suppose there is no harm in all of you knowing about our NFB Colorado ffunddraiser. Best, Scott LaBarre -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Scott C. LaBarre Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 5:27 PM To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List; NFB Affiliate Presidents List; NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list; National Association of Blind Students mailing list; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Cc: jbeecham at cocenter.org; Lisa Bonderson Subject: [blindlaw] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO Greetings Friends, the National Federation of the Blind is sponsoring an amazing vacation travel raffle. The winner of this raffle will receive a $3500.00 travel certificate which can be used on one dream vacation or on several different trips. The winner can use the certificate towards cruises, hotels, air fare, and anything else that the travel agency can book for you. Each ticket is $10 or you can get three tickets for $20. We will draw the winner's name on October 27, 2012, at the Annual Banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. Tickets are on sale now. You can contact my assistant, Lisa Bonderson, at 303 504-5979 or lbonderson at labarrelaw.com, and she can arrange for you to receive tickets. We can sedn your tickets after we receive a check or process your credit card transaction. Soon you will be able to order your tickets directly from our website through a web form that we are developing. Tickets will also be on sale at the national Convention in our affiliate caucus on the Convention floor and at our table in the exhibit hall. Buy now, buy early, and buy often, for your chance at a tremendous travel prize. Proceeds from this raffle will help the NFB Colorado Scholarship Fund and the BELL Program. Yours in Federationism, Scott C. LaBarre, President National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Voice, 303 504-5979 Email, slabarre at labarrelaw.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/slabarre%40labarrelaw. com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/slabarre%40labarrelaw. com From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Tue May 29 23:43:06 2012 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Tue, 29 May 2012 17:43:06 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO Message-ID: <001901cd3df4$cd0a6ee0$671f4ca0$@labarrelaw.com> I should have pointed out winner need not be present at our banquet to win. Thanks, Scott From: Scott C. LaBarre [mailto:slabarre at labarrelaw.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 5:27 PM To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List; NFB Affiliate Presidents List; NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list; National Association of Blind Students mailing list; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Cc: Lisa Bonderson; jbeecham at cocenter.org Subject: ANNOUNCING AMAZING VACATION TRAVEL RAFFLE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO Greetings Friends, the National Federation of the Blind is sponsoring an amazing vacation travel raffle. The winner of this raffle will receive a $3500.00 travel certificate which can be used on one dream vacation or on several different trips. The winner can use the certificate towards cruises, hotels, air fare, and anything else that the travel agency can book for you. Each ticket is $10 or you can get three tickets for $20. We will draw the winner's name on October 27, 2012, at the Annual Banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. Tickets are on sale now. You can contact my assistant, Lisa Bonderson, at 303 504-5979 or lbonderson at labarrelaw.com, and she can arrange for you to receive tickets. We can sedn your tickets after we receive a check or process your credit card transaction. Soon you will be able to order your tickets directly from our website through a web form that we are developing. Tickets will also be on sale at the national Convention in our affiliate caucus on the Convention floor and at our table in the exhibit hall. Buy now, buy early, and buy often, for your chance at a tremendous travel prize. Proceeds from this raffle will help the NFB Colorado Scholarship Fund and the BELL Program. Yours in Federationism, Scott C. LaBarre, President National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Voice, 303 504-5979 Email, slabarre at labarrelaw.com From paul.sullivan416 at gmail.com Wed May 30 16:50:18 2012 From: paul.sullivan416 at gmail.com (Paul Sullivan) Date: Wed, 30 May 2012 12:50:18 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] The Memphis Area Message-ID: Hello all, My girlfriend has a job interview in Memphis, TN, so I was curious whether anyone on this list is from this area, or knows anything about it. I'm particularly curious to know if it is a blind-friendly region, and one where I could practice law without the ability to drive. I don't really know anything about the area, so if anyone has anything to share with me I'd greatly appreciate it. All the best, Paul Sullivan From rumpole at roadrunner.com Wed May 30 22:39:29 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Wed, 30 May 2012 18:39:29 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Two postings U.S. Atty Message-ID: Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Ohio Vacancy Announcement # 12-SDOH-672045-AUSA The deadline to apply is June 19, 2012. Uncompensated Special Assistant United States Attorney Position United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut Vacancy Announcement No: 12-CT-03 This position is open until filled. From rumpole at roadrunner.com Thu May 31 23:55:07 2012 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Thu, 31 May 2012 19:55:07 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. Attorney postings, WDC, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Alabama and Texas Message-ID: <747E4D3393734ECD8FFBE5320DA936AC@mycomputer> U.S. Department of Justice Professional Responsibility Advisory Office Experienced Attorney / GS-14/15 Vacancy Announcement Number: PRAO-ATY-12-001 All applications must be submitted no later than August 23, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Massachusetts Vacancy Announcement Number: 12-MA-AUSA-03 Deadline date for is announcement is June 8, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Massachusetts Vacancy Announcement Number: 12-MA-AUSA-02 Deadline date for is announcement is June 8, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office District of Nebraska Vacancy Announcement Number: 12-AUSA-NE-01 Applications must be received by close of buiness on Friday, June 15, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Alabama Announcement No: 12-MDAL-16 Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. CST on June 13, 2012. Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office Western District of Texas Vacancy Announcement # 12-WDTX-672906-AUSA-08 The deadline to apply is June 11, 2012.