Fatema Ghasletwala

Experiential Learning

As a 3L, I spent the year in the Federal Judicial Clerkship Honors Program working in the Chambers of Judge C. Darnell Jones II in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Because of the pandemic, my entire Chambers experience was virtual. Nevertheless, to be a law school clerk to a federal judge was the most incredible opportunity. I delved into legal research, drafted opinions, and observed advocacy in action. Not only have I become a better writer because of the feedback I’ve received, but I’ve also become a better reader of written legal advocacy.

Moreover, although I was really looking forward to being in the federal courthouse, it is perhaps a blessing in disguise that I had to navigate a fully virtual workplace (which may very well be the way of the future).

Faculty Impact

It’s tough to name just a few professors who have shaped my time at Temple Law because every professor I’ve had the privilege to learn from has taught me so much more than doctrine. I know my law school experience wouldn’t have been as great as it was without the collective encouragement of all the faculty.

Dean Bretschneider is a steadfast advocate for her students. Her kindness, constant availability to meet with students, and willingness to help are the reasons why I felt immediately welcome in the Temple Law community. She recognizes that her students have lives and obligations outside of school and works every day to make sure the student experience is one that accommodates every aspect of a student’s life. From academic concerns to religious observations and personal victories, I know that she is there for me not only as a sounding board, but also as a source of support and encouragement.

Professor Lipson is extremely passionate about business law and it is both intimidating and rewarding to be a student in his classes. He performs at the highest caliber and expects the same of his students. The sheer terror of being cold called in his 1L Contracts class forced me to learn the material so well that I ended up participating voluntarily enough to avoid being cold called at all. In the process, I discovered my own interest in the material, setting my course for the next 3 years. I can say with certainty that Professor Lipson’s Lawyering for Entrepreneurship class has taught me the most practical skills of any class I’ve taken at Temple Law. From working with real deal documents to understanding how a lawyer creates value in transactional matters, I have grown to love business law myself and feel prepared to hit the ground running in practice. And, as a Teaching Assistant for the class, I found myself learning more the second time around. After two classes together, TAing, and a guided research paper, I will forever be grateful for Professor Lipson’s guidance and lessons in excellence.

Professor deGuzman’s Mindful Lawyering class has fundamentally changed my perspective on what it means to be an effective law practitioner. The concern she has for her students’ well-being is unmatched. I’m so appreciative of this unique experience and will carry her lessons with me always.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Professors Bartow, Morrow, Murray, and Spiro. These faculty members are simply excellent teachers whose classes I actually looked forward to every week. They provided me with invaluable feedback and generously shared their wisdom on life beyond law school. I am thankful for their kindness and support.

Temple Law Lessons

If I could offer just one piece of advice to my 1L self, it would be simply this: don’t underestimate yourself. I was consumed by imposter syndrome as a 1L, and I’m sure many of my classmates were too. For a profession that exists very much in the gray areas, it can be disorienting when a professor says there’s multiple right answers and not any one answer is the best one. The imposter syndrome still creeps in every now and then, but I’m leaving Temple Law with the confidence that even if I don’t know all the answers or even the best answer, I have the skills needed to figure it out. This is a testament to the exceptional quality of legal education Temple Law provides.

Balancing Life and Law School

I love to crochet. Crochet was a big stress reliever for me while I studied for the LSAT and has been a wonderful hobby to turn back to when I’m feeling extra-stressed. It allows me to relax while still feeling productive; I get to create something tangible and useful! The repetitive nature of crochet is also very meditative and is a great way to practice mindfulness as well.

On a daily basis, and especially as a 1L, making time to cook a meal every night was a nice way to unwind from the day. I love to experiment with new recipes, so this also felt like a dedicated time to be creative while doing something useful and healthy for myself.
Likewise, I made sure I was making time to get in some physical activity. Whether it was a walk to the art museum or a half hour on the rowing machine, staying physically active helped me feel more focused while studying.