Research Project: Union Communication Services
This Fall, I have been collecting material for the weekly newsletter distributed by the Worker Institute's Union Communication Service (UCS). UCS publishes and distributes a weekly Steward Update newsletter, in addition to other books and materials, which aid union stewards to strengthen their leadership and unite their members. While the newsletter has several sections, my responsibilities include finding and writing labor jokes, quotes, videos, quizzes on recent labor news, and sharing useful labor websites.
What have you gotten out of the experience so far? To be quite honest, this might be the most entertaining work I have been able to do. Not only do I have the opportunity to stay up to date with all the recent developments in the realm of the United States labor movement but I also have been able to review the timeline of our country's labor history. On the other end of the spectrum, I've really enjoyed being able to find jokes, videos, and websites that are comical, entertaining, relevant, and actually useful. Work tends to become pretty stressful and I think a little bit of comic relief benefits everybody.
Spring/Fall 2014
Year: ILR '15
Cornell Activities/Groups/Affiliations/Leadership Roles:
- President, Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity (fall 2014)
- ILR Global Service Program in India
- Cornell Pre-Law Journal
- Sales Associate - Cornell Store, Tech Connect
Project: Labor Law Clinic
Describe your research project: I am working as a research assistant in Cornell Law School's Labor Law clinic, assisting current law students with their research for the clients they are assigned. Professor Angela Cornell, Director of the Labor Law Clinic, would alternate me between law students to ensure I was able to gain a first-hand look at various types of labor disputes. My assignments ranged from international to domestic issues. My first project involved analyzing the labor laws of Saudi Arabia and Oman, specifically regarding the treatment of domestic workers, and comparing them to the standards set forth by the International Labor Organization. I researched usury laws in certain states to investigate into potential illegal activities by lending companies, and I was fortunate enough to work with a collective bargaining case and drafted memos for certain employment clauses necessary in bargaining agreements.
What have you gotten out of the experience so far? My experience in the Labor Law Clinic has positively impacted my legal writing and research skills. I have gained a better understanding of how to navigate through various research software, and have also discovered numerous databases available in the ILR Catherwood Library that aided my research for my school work. I learned how to properly write memorandums and Professor Cornell was very helpful in ensuring I followed the proper format.
Why might other students be interested in pursuing this opportunity? I think this opportunity is perfect for students who are interested in attending law school. Not only will this provide them with clarity regarding their feelings toward law, but it will also help them to develop skills that are necessary to succeed in their academic careers.