What brings a fella like Michael J. Foglio from Ashtabula, Ohio, to Paducah, Ky.? The American Justice School of Law. What keeps him here? Paducah’s charm and people. Here’s how Foglio mixes a little party time in with his jurisprudence.Michael Foglio, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! What is up, my downtown Italian friend?
I’m just happy to be here. Happy to meet more people. I’m a people enthusiast, so the more I meet, the more fun I have. Paducah has some great characters. It’s an eclectic bunch.
No doubt! Now, you are full-blooded Italian, si? Molte bene!
I’m a full-blooded, second-generation Italian American and proud. I grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio, right on Lake Erie. Ashtabula has a large Italian American population in its harbor region — almost like a Little Italy. Everything is centered on the church, family and food. We spoke Italian at home. I'm far from fluent, but I can get by.
OK, let’s just get right down to it. What is up with all this American Justice School of Law hullabaloo?
It’s a bump in the road for all parties involved. The students and faculty have been working very hard. Unfortunately, we hit a roadblock with the current administration. We’re all hoping and praying for our careers’ sake that it comes to a swift and fair resolution. I believe it will.
What’s the roadblock?
There are lots of issues involved. The overlying problem, in my opinion, is administrative mismanagement that is hindering the integrity of the institution. If the negligence and impropriety continues, students and professors will be subjected to further harm.
I also fear it can potentially delay accreditation by the American Bar Association. At present, we have 200-some students plus professors who are void of any information about how we’re going to secure accreditation. I’m ready to graduate in May. I’ve worked hard to earn my degree.
And you may not graduate?
I’ll graduate. When and from what law school is the question. From what I understand, the state has licensed our school to confer the degree of Juris Doctor — but it’s solely an academic degree. We could all teach, but if we wanted practice law, we have to graduate from an American Bar Association-accredited school or petition the states to sit for their bar exam. California is the exception.
So it means sticking with this program or starting all over again at a different school.
Ouch. Would you do that?I'll do what it takes to graduate as quickly as possible. I'm ready to practice, and God knows I have student loans to pay off.
Well, think how much easier it would be the second time around! You’d never have to study!
I’ve equated law school to a root canal before. Nobody likes law school! And certainly not twice!
How did you even hear about the law school?
I graduated with a political science degree and a minor in public relations from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Penn., in 2005, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.
I received a pamphlet on the American Justice School of Law from Paducah, which I couldn’t even pronounce. I thought, well, this is a long shot. But I applied, got accepted and fell in love with Paducah. Law school brought me here, but what keeps me here are the people. I love the southern hospitality. The stop and say hello mentality — I love that here.
And you live downtown?
I live right above Di Fratelli, with my stunning roommate, Judy Payne. We love walking out of our apartment and smelling whatever culinary masterpiece they're cooking up that day.
But I’m on a law student’s budget, so I do a lot of cooking, myself. I go to Kirchhoff’s for bread and to the Farmer’s Market for produce. It’s so cool to get everything I need and then just walk up the stairs with my bags. Paducah is a small town, with a big city attitude (at least downtown).
And I hear you’re a regular at Etcetera Coffeehouse.
Yes, Etcetera is my daily refuge. I go there sometimes twice or three times a day. It’s a place to study, to relax and to get my caffeine boost so that I can carry on coherent conversations!
Tell us about your internship with the McCracken County Attorney’s office.
I'm working with some great attorneys and a great staff of dedicated professionals. Criminal law excites me and I'm anxious to get my hands dirty. Dan Boaz and his team have been more than accommodating as I learn the ropes.
And I volunteer with the office of victim’s advocacy as a victim's assistant in domestic violence cases. The legal system is so intimidating, and often the victims are still very frightened — not just of the abuser, but of going to the courtroom in general. I try to offer as much support as possible.
It’s a tough situation, isn’t it?
I can't give domestic violence victims a quick fix or make their experience go away. However, I can help facilitate their legal right to affect justice. It's not a cure-all, but I feel it's important.
OK, so law school, internship, volunteering — how is it that you have time to flirt with so many women on Facebook? I mean, all those smoochy photos! And let’s have a look at what we found on your wall, shall we?i love you!
i miss yoooooou. call me. later :)
Hey! I miss you tons! Can't wait to see you...sometime...in the future...?
mike i love your profile pic!! who is that hot girl that is kissing you?
bring ur scarf....and nothing else.
Mike, did you bring ur scarf? And who is that hot girl kissing you?Hah! Those are old college friends and new law school friends. To be honest, I don’t have much time for a love life. I love social settings, the bar scene, the Market House Theatre, the Carson Center, the Yeiser and Maiden Alley. The Twenty Thirty Group is great. I enjoy being with groups of friends. The bigger the group, the more fun.
I really love my busy lifestyle. It keeps me out of trouble.
Well, Michael Foglio, what’s the fun of having a law degree if you don’t get in a little trouble yourself? Flirt on, Mike Foglio!
