The Lamparello Law, Education, and Advocacy blog is a resource designed to make the law more accessible, understandable, and empowering. We share insights, updates, and practical guidance on legal topics that impact individuals, families, and communities, breaking down complex issues into clear, actionable information.
Whether you are seeking clarity on your rights, staying informed on legal developments, or exploring issues that shape access to justice, our goal is to provide thoughtful content that informs, supports, and advocates for you every step of the way.
Most lawyers think they’re good negotiators because they argue for a living. They’re not. Argument is about winning a point. Negotiation is about shaping a decision. The best negotiators don’t overpower the other side—they design the environm…
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Most writing advice is either vague (“find your voice”) or obvious (“be clear”). Neither helps when the stakes are real—when you’re writing for judges, editors, gatekeepers, or readers who are actively looking for reasons to stop reading.…
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Public employers rarely punish speech outright anymore. They do something more subtle—and more effective. They invoke professionalism. Across public institutions, and especially universities, adverse actions are increasingly justified by claims abo…
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Speech is punished because it is disfavored. Universities then invent other reasons to conceal the suppression of free expression—presenting themselves as benevolent actors even when their conduct, in constitutional terms, constitutes a textbook vi…
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Garcetti v. Ceballos sought to clarify the limits of the First Amendment in the public workplace. In doing so, it revealed the boundary of a rule the Supreme Court itself declined to cross. That boundary is the university. Under Garcetti, when a publ…
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Recently, several of my undergraduate students who are attending law school next semester expressed anxiety and uncertainty about the first year. Certainly, these feelings are normal and shared by many incoming first-year law students. But this need…
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The preliminary statement, or introduction, is among the most critical parts of a brief. Indeed, the preliminary statement affords you the opportunity to concisely and persuasively explain why you should win, and thus make an excellent first impressi…
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Starting your legal career can be an uncertain and stressful time. Below are some tips that can help new lawyers successfully transition from law school to the legal profession. 1. Ask for help. If you need help, ask. Of course, do not spend your day…
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Most attorneys understand that you must know the record and the law when preparing for an oral argument before an appellate court. You must craft a concise, organized, and compelling argument and be able to distinguish unfavorable law and reconcile u…
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Great writing is not simply about following conventional rules. It is about knowing when—and how—to use unconventional writing techniques that enable creativity and enhance persuasion. Below are a few unconventional writing tips that can improve…
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