NAPABA Law Foundation Inaugural Gala Dinner
Slept through crim but made it to the senate meeting at 12:30. Had to actually buy lunch at Lenfest Cafe, there was no pizza out sadly. The meeting was rather heated as we were debating a resolution in response to the Solomon Amendment. Had a discussion later in the day with a student on my position (I'm very anti-JAG/ROTC so long as they discriminate against homosexuals) and I'll see where things go from there. Went to reg state and con law like a semi-good student and got an email during con law from Paul Weiss directed to APALSA saying they had two extra tickets to a Gala that Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was supposed to attend. Of course I jumped at the opportunity, though I felt a little weird, not being Asian and all. Still, figured it would be a good cultural experience. I got waitlisted for the tickets but a spot cleared for me later in the afternoon. I guessed it would be black tie optional and I was right. I just threw on a black suit and hit the subway, sooo not in the mood to weat a tux again yet. Turns out even student tickets to the gala started at $160. Thank goodness Paul Weiss picked up the tab. Pretty nice location. The Essex House just South of Central Park by Columbus Circle. The event started with drinks (of course) but I didn't have any connections there so I kind of wandered and tried to blend in as the lone young white guy. I found one other Columbia student and after 45 minutes and we hung out for the rest of the evening. I think I was the youngest one there though. We went in to dinner at 7:30. The first course was salmon over japanese rice salad, followed by fillet mignon (a little gamey for my taste) in a cabernet sauce with asparagus and wild mushroom fricasee and some sort of gratin dauphinois. Dessert was a chocolate ginger blackout cake. It was covered in a gelato-like substance and topped with gold leaf. Also fruit on the side. Very tasty. There were lots of speeches, including Chief Judge Schroeder of the 9th Circuit. Wouldn't mind clerking for her this summer...Seeing if I can pull some strings along those lines. Never hurts to meet people at these big social events. Met some nice people with PAul Weis' litigation department too. Not a bad evening.
