Last night was my last Scales of Justice concert (there seem to be a lot of "lasts" going around these days). The Scales of Justice are the law school's best (and only) a cappella group, and I've been a member since like my second week of law school. It's been one of the most fulfilling things I've done in my time here.

I suspect that I might be the only student at Harvard Law School with a bachelor's degree in music. At least I haven't met any others, and most people around here seem to either have degrees in political science, economics, or philosophy. As a musician at heart, I've had to have some way of channelling my musical energies, and the Scales have been just that outlet.

Since my first semester, I've been arranging songs for the group, expressing my musical creativity that way. I always wanted to write an original song for the group, but that never happened (we had another member writing a lot of original songs). I was quite content to violate copyright altogether by creating new versions of such songs as "I Want You Back," "Heartbreak Hotel," "One Week," and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." I even put together a medley of '80s sitcom theme songs. Over the years I think my a cappella arranging skills have improved, and certainly my theory and conducting training in college (I'm the musical director, which means I run the rehearsals) have paid off.

But beyond all the musical stuff, there are really two reasons I've enjoyed the Scales so much, and why I'll miss it so much. First, Scales is as much a social group as a musical group. I've made a lot of really good friends here, and I'm going to miss them. I already miss some of the people who have moved on. When you see someone twice a week for a couple of hours for three years (TS, EG, JB--I'm looking at you!) you get to know them pretty well and become close. I'll miss that. And I'll miss these friends.

Second, Scales was a much-needed stress-relief and study break. Although we sing some songs about silly law-related topics, it's one important time when I don't have to be thinking about law or law school. It's refreshing.

I encourage all law students (continuing and future) to seek out some sort of activity like this that suits your interests and isn't related directly to the law. If you're coming to Harvard, audition for the Scales--a lot of us are graduating and the group will be small next fall if you don't.

I remember at the end of the summer between my first and second years of law school, someone asked me what I was looking forward to the most in my second year. Without much hesitation, I said, "Scales of Justice." And I know that it will probably be the thing I miss the most now that law school is over.