Professor of LawAreas of ExpertiseLegal Writing, Appellate Advocacy, Environmental Law, Ethics and Professional ResponsibilityEducationJ.D. University of Iowa College of Law, Order of Coif,Law Review, Senior Note and Comment Editor B.A. Wake Forest University, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa ExperienceDrake Professor since 1997Associate, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, Akron, OH Selected Publications"I’ll Start Walking Your Way, You Start Walking Mine: Sociological Perspectives on Professional Identity Development and Influence of Generational Differences," 61 South Carolina Law Review (forthcoming Spring 2010).Legal Professionalism in The Real World, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, 2009 (co-authored with Lisa Penland) "Geographic Inequity in Medicare Reimbursement: Effect of Geographic Practice Cost Indices on Physician Reimbursement and Patient Access," 5 Rutgers Journal of Law and Public Policy 361, (Spring 2008) An Integrated Approach to Teaching Ethics and Professionalism, 18, No. 2 PROF. LAW 25 (2007). "Fostering a Respect For Our Students, Our Specialty, and the Legal Profession: Introducing Ethics and Professionalism into the Legal Writing Curriculum," 21 Touro Law Review 427 Significant AccomplishmentsPresident-Elect, Legal Writing Institute (an organization of over 2100 members)Member LexisNexis Law School Publishing Advisory Board Editorial Board Member - Legal Communication & Rhetoric: JALWD Recipient - 2010 University of Iowa College of Law Alumni Service award Immediate Past Chair – American Association of Law Schools Section on Teaching Methods ResumeProfessor Melissa Weresh's Curriculum Vitae |
Legal Analysis: Fostering Perspective and Balance"Society often depicts lawyers as overly zealous advocates pursuing the interests of their clients with little or no regard for justice or common ethical considerations. This is a dim and largely inaccurate depiction. In fact, to be a good lawyer, one must critically consider the interests of the opposing party. Good lawyers strive to settle disputes, not litigate them. In such a pursuit, one must fully understand the merits of each party's position. Further, lawyers are governed by extensive ethical considerations which I believe most adhere to. |
