Admissions Events Calendar
Prospective Student Events. Our upcoming events for prospective students appear below and are open to applicants, admitted students, and any others who wish to learn more about law school. To register for an event, click on the RSVP link corresponding to the event you plan to attend. Prospective student events are added and updated on an ongoing basis. Check back regularly. Events are subject to change.
Admitted Student Events. Admitted students have access to exclusive events that showcase the opportunities available to Southwestern community members. Events are listed below under "Admitted Student Virtual Events." Links to RSVP for upcoming events, or to access past event recordings, can be found on the "Welcome to Southwestern" CANVAS course page. The "Welcome to Southwestern" CANVAS course page will be made available to admitted students in late November/early December.
Event Recordings. Recordings of past virtual events can be found on our YouTube channel.
Admissions Office Virtual Office Hours. In an effort to be available to prospective students, applicants, and admitted students, Admissions Office staff are available for open-door office hours twice a week per the following schedule:
- Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time
- Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Click here to join our Office Hours via Zoom Video Conference!
One-on-One Meeting. Speak one-on-one with a Southwestern community member via phone, email, or Zoom. In your one-on-one meeting, you can speak with any of the following Southwestern representatives:
- Admissions Officer
- Current Student / Admissions Ambassador
- Faculty Member
Southwestern Prospective Student Events
Southwestern Law School's Admissions Office hosts a number of informative and interactive events for prospective students. Check this section regularly, as new events will be added on an ongoing basis. We also participate in many other events hosted by law school consortia, LSAC, undergraduate schools, and other organizations. See below for individual event listings.
Open House and Admissions Info Session for Prospective Students
Thursday, April 20, 2023 - REMOTE and IN-PERSON options available
The Admissions Office presents a reprise to our March Open House, featuring a new mock law class and an admissions information session. Professor Dov Waisman, beloved by our first-year students, will provide an introduction to the basics of a doctrinal law course: the Socratic Method, the development of legal reasoning skills, the application of cases and statutes to fact patterns, and more. Then, Dean of Admissions Lisa M. Gear will draw upon 20+ years of experience and provide knowledge, insights, and advice in an open Q&A information session. For in-person attendees, tours will be offered before and after the formal program.
RSVP HERE to attend in-person! ~~~ or ~~~ RSVP HERE to attend remotely!
Southwestern Spotlight: Laura Carter, Hybrid Evening Student
Monday, April 17, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. PT via Zoom
In this intimate 45-minute conversation, meet Hybrid Evening Program student Laura Carter. With almost three years down in our 4-year part-time program, Laura has truly embraced the opportunities available to Southwestern Law students. She serves as a Teaching and Research Assistant and as a Dean's Fellow - all of which require excellent academic performance. She holds leadership positions in the Mass Incarceration Awareness Law Society and the group Parents Attending Law School. And she edits for the Southwestern Journal of International Law and assists fellow students as a Peer Mentor. Learn how she manages it all and hear her advice for aspiring law students on Monday, April 17.
Past Events
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Check out our past programs!
An Insider's Perspective: Demystifying the Law School Application Process
Thursday, September 8, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. PT via ZoomInterested in learning what makes up a law school application, what admissions committees see and discuss during a committee meeting, and how you can maximize your law school admission potential? Southwestern’s Dean of Admissions, Lisa Gear, will provide expert guidance on a variety of topics as she draws upon her 20+ years of experience reviewing applications. At this event, you’ll learn how to approach your materials with the insight of an application reader and discover how each application component can either showcase your strengths, or highlight your struggles.
Connecticut Law Fair @ Quinnipiac University School of Law
Friday, September 9th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ESTBoston Law Fair @ Suffolk University School of Law
Saturday, September 10th, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ESTCSU Long Beach @ The Speakers Platform
Thursday, September 15th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PSTEl Pueblo Unido Conference & Law School Fair via ZOOM
Thursday, September 15th, 2022 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PSTWest Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools: San Francisco Law School Fair and Informational Panel
Saturday, September 17, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PTCSU Los Angeles @ John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, North Wing
Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTAn Insider's Perspective: Personal Statement Workshop
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. PT via ZoomYour personal statement is crucial to your law school application but is often intimidating. Think of it as an opportunity to tell your story, highlight your writing skills, and convey what qualities you bring to the law school community.
Admissions Committees read thousands of personal statements. Want to make yours stand out in a unique and positive way? Southwestern's Dean of Admissions, Lisa Gear, will share top do's and don'ts for crafting a personal statement that showcases your strengths and helps differentiate your application.CSU Dominguez Hills @ the LSU Vendor Walkway
Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PSTEast Meets West Coast in Chicago @ Harold Washington Library Center
Friday, September 23rd, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. CTChicago LSAC Law School Forum @ The Palmer House Hilton
Saturday, September 24th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CTVancouver Law School Fair @ River Rock Casino Resort
Monday, September 26th, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. PSTWCC Vancouver @ The Westin Bayshore
Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. PSTMiami LSAC Law School Forum @ The Hyatt Regency Miami
Saturday, October 1st, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ESTWCC San Diego @ Liberty Station Courtyard
Monday, October 3rd, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. PSTUC Merced @ The UC Merced Conference Center
Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTSan Diego State University @ SDSU Campus
Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTCSU Northridge @ University Student Union
Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTMount Saint Mary's Univ. @ Chalon Campus - The Circle
Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PSTCal Lutheran @ The Quad (near the flagpoles)
Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTSt. Mary's College of California @ DeLaSalle Lawn
Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. PSTAn Insider's Perspective: LSAT Workshop
Monday, October 10, 2022 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PT via ZoomThe LSAT is unique among standardized tests, solely assessing skills rather than basic knowledge. You likely have some questions....How do you prepare for an exam like this? How does it affect your chances of getting into a good school? When should you take it? How many times are acceptable? At this “Insider’s Perspective” event, our Associate Dean of Admissions will provide her professional insight and experience.
Providence Law School Fair @ Hotel Providence
Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ESTUConn Law School Fair @ Student Union Room
Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ESTCSU San Marcos @ USU Ballroom
Thursday, October 13th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PSTNew York City LSAC Law School Forum @ New York Hilton Midtown Friday, October 14th, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. EST
Saturday, October 15th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ESTLatinoJustice PRLDEF @ New York Law School
Sunday, October 16th, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ESTPart-Time Evening Program Virtual Open House
Monday, October 17, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PT via ZoomEarning a law degree while juggling work, family responsibilities, and financial commitments may seem daunting. But you can do it – at the right school and with the appropriate support. Join our 'Part-Time Evening Program Virtual Open House' from the comfort of your home, and receive guidance from faculty on how to succeed in law school while striking a sustainable school-work-life balance. We'll discuss the synchronous online course experience, speak on the part-time evening course schedule, discover how evening students can participate in Externships and Clinics and receive valuable information on how to finance your legal education.
Univ. of Texas, Dallas (SWAPLA) @ Visitor Center Atrium
Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CTUniv. of Texas, Austin (SWAPLA) @ Texas Union Ballroom
Thursday, October 20th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CTUniv. of Southern California Grad Fair @ Trousdale Parkway
Thursday, October 20th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTUC Santa Barbara Grad & Law Mixer @ Main Campus Walkway
Thursday, October 20th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTLSAC Digital Law School Forum
Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PSTUniv. of Denver (WAPLA) @ Community Commons
Monday, October 24th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MTUniv. of Utah (WAPLA) @ Center Ballroom, A. Ray Olpin University Union
Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MTBrigham Young University (WAPLA) @ WSC Ballroom
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MTUC Davis Grad/Law School Fair @ The Quad
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTUCLA Pre-Law Society Law Forum @ Ackerman Grand Ballroom
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. PSTUniv. of Arizona (WAPLA) @ South Gym, Campus Recreation
Thursday, October 27th, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. MTUC Irvine Grad Fair @ UC Irvine Campus
Thursday, October 27th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTUniv. of Southern California Law Fair @ Trousdale Parkway
Thursday, October 27th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTArizona State Univ. (WAPLA) @ Memorial Union Arizona & Ventana Ballrooms
Friday, October 28th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MTWCC Los Angeles Pre-Forum Reception @ LA Live
Friday, October 28th, 2022 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. RSVP HERE!Los Angeles LSAC Law School Forum @ The Westin Bonaventure Hotel
Saturday, October 29th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PSTUniv. of Nevada, Las Vegas @ The Student Union
Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PSTUC Riverside @ Rivera Walkway
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PSTUniversity of Nevada, Reno @ Joe Crowley Student Union
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PSTUniversity of Texas, San Antonio @ H-E-B Student Union
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CSTUniversity of Texas, San Marcos @ Jowers Center 102
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CSTTexas A&M Univ., College Station @ Memorial Student Center (MSC)
Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CSTPhi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Expo @ The Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel
Friday, November 4th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ESTHouston LSAC Law School Forum @ JW Marriot Houston Galleria
Saturday, November 5th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CSTUniversity of Oregon @ Erb Memorial Union
Monday, November 7th, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PSTPortland State University @ Smith Ballroom
Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PSTLSAC November Digital Forum and LIVE Zoom Chat
Saturday, November 19, 2022 | 12:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PT; 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. ETLSAC Law School Forums serve as invaluable opportunities for candidates to learn about law school and connect with law school representatives. By attending an LSAC Law School Forum — whether in-person or online — you'll be able to connect directly with law school representatives from across the country, learn about financial aid and the law school admission process, and get answers to any questions you may have. Southwestern Law School's booth at the LSAC forum features informative video clips, links to resources, and plenty of informational brochures and our catalog to add to your virtual swag bag! Also, join Southwestern community members, including our Admissions Dean and staff, during a live Zoom chat during the forum.
An Insider's Perspective: Understanding LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PT via ZoomWhat exactly is LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS)? What does it do for you, and what information does it provide to law schools? Southwestern's Dean of Admissions is ready to walk you through these questions. In this interactive workshop, you'll take a deep dive into the CAS Report and its contents, including LSAT Scores, Transcripts and the LSAC GPA Calculation, LSAT Writing Samples: and Letters of Recommendation.
Debunking the Myths of an Accelerated Law Program - Part 1
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PT via ZoomSay “YES!” to Southwestern’s accelerated two-year J.D. (SCALE) program without sacrificing important opportunities. We do not stack units or cut corners to shorten our 87-unit J.D. program. Instead, we have designed a two-year program capitalizing on customization, hands-on learning, and extracurriculars!
An Insider's Perspective: Evening Program Alumni Panel
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PT via ZoomLearn how our hybrid evening program allows students to fulfill their curricular and co-curricular goals while only coming to campus two nights a week.
Debunking the Myths of an Accelerated Law Program - Part 2
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PT via ZoomThe second in a two-part series, join Upper Division SCALE students and learn about experiential learning, summer opportunities, and plans for after law school.
West Coast Consortium Seattle Law School Fair
Saturday, January 21, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PT
In-Person at Seattle University School of LawMeet representatives from the West Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools and other law schools from around the country.
West Coast Consortium Phoenix Reception
Saturday, January 28, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PT
In-Person at Courtyard Phoenix DowntownMeet representatives from the West Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools and other law schools from around the country.
West Coast Consortium Virtual Law School Panels Presents: Finding Your Fit as a Non-Traditional Student
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PT via ZoomWhat does "non-traditional" really mean? Hear law school admissions officers from the West Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools discuss the application process and law school experience for students who don't come directly from undergraduate school. Recent law school alumni will talk about law school and their current legal practice.
LSAC Digital Forum Live-Video Chat
Friday, February 3, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. PT via ZoomHeld concurrently with the LSAC Digital Forum, meet representatives from the admissions office and current students.
An Insider's Perspective: How to Conduct Legal Research
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 | 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. PT via ZoomJoin Associate Dean and Law Library Director Margaret Hall in an interactive workshop on how to conduct legal research. You will learn not only tips on how to conduct your research but also why it's so critical to your success in law school and beyond!
A Day in the Life: What Part-Time Law School is Really Like
Monday, February 20, 2023 | 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PT via ZoomHave you ever wondered what it’s really like juggling full-time life responsibilities with part-time law school? Can it really be done? Join us for A Day In The Life: What Part-Time Law School Is Really Like on Monday, February 20th, and hear from an incredible group of students who will tell you how to earn your J.D. in our part-time evening program without sacrificing essential aspects of the law school experience.
West Coast Consortium Los Angeles Law Fair
Saturday, February 25, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PT
In-person on the Southwestern Law School CampusChat with representatives from 32 law schools from around the country and attend an informational panel about the application process. Ask questions and hear directly from admissions professionals while mingling with other law school applicants.
East Meets West Coast Law Consortium Los Angeles Reception
Monday, February 27, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. PT
In-person on the Southwestern Law School CampusSouthwestern Law School hosts six admissions deans representing both east coast and west coast law schools. Participate in a panel discussion about the law school experience and the steps you need to take to get in to the school of your choice! Then speak directly with them at an intimate reception in Southwestern's historic Bullocks Wilshire building. We can't wait to meet you!
Succeeding in Law: Guidance from Mentors Who Have Walked in Your Shoes
Saturday, March 4, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT via ZoomA critical part of legal education is learning about the legal profession and the variety of careers you can pursue using your J.D. degree. These lessons are oftentimes even more impactful when they come from accomplished professionals who share backgrounds similar to yours, and who can mentor you as you follow the paths they once walked. At this annual event for prospective students, hear from 12 attorneys in various practice areas, participate in speed networking, and learn about Southwestern's Career Services and Externship opportunities. In the spirit of Southwestern’s 110+ year history of access and diversity, this program highlights the Armenian-American and Iranian-American legal communities in Los Angeles and is open to all who wish to gain insight into a career in law.
An Insider's Perspective: Breaking Down the Law School Application
Thursday, March 9, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PT via ZoomOn March 9, Southwestern’s Associate Dean of Admissions, Lisa Gear, will share some insider tips for making the most of your application materials. She’ll break down the application into its component parts, explain what each part is and the purpose it serves, and how each piece comes together to create a holistic picture of you, the applicant. Additionally, she’ll share details about the review process and what happens at each stage, from before hitting submit, to after you’ve received a decision.
Southwestern Spotlight: J.R. Nessary, SCALE Accelerated J.D. Student
Monday, March 13, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. PT via ZoomSecond-year SCALE student J.R. Nessary has truly embraced all facets of law school. From excelling in her coursework in our accelerated J.D. program to competing in the Negotiation Honors Program to supporting fellow students as a Peer Mentor and Student Bar Association Vice President, she is making the most of her two years on campus. Join her on Zoom at our March 13 Southwestern Spotlight to hear more about these experiences and to also learn about our concentrations in Entertainment & Media Law and Technology Law & Entrepreneurship and how they have helped J.R. land externships with an entertainment law firm and a medical malpractice defense law firm.
East Meets West Coast Law Consortium - Ask Me Anything!
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 | 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. PT via ZoomCome join six law school admissions deans for an open session to address any questions you might have about the admissions process, financial aid, or what to do once you get a decision. Don't miss this opportunity to tap into over 100 years of law admissions experience.
Southwestern Law School Open House for Prospective Law Students
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. PT
In-person on the Southwestern Law School CampusJoin us on campus for a mock law class, student/alumni panel, and the opportunity to chat with Southwestern Law School Admissions representatives. Tours of our academic and residential buildings will take place before and after the formal program.
West Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools presents Making Cents of the Numbers
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PT via ZoomLearn about the financial aspects of attending law school, get industry updates regarding application volumes and trends, and then meet representatives from 16 private West Coast Law Schools.
Southwestern Spotlight: Damon Fournier, Future Education Law Practitioner
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. PT via ZoomDamon Fournier, a third-year law student in Southwestern's Full-Time Day program, is just about to graduate and through his hard work during law school, he has already lined up a post-graduate position in education law. As a former educator, non-profit professional, and father of a school-aged child, this position is right up his alley. He'll be working on topics such as school financing, policy/advocacy, charter school reform, land use/construction, union negotiations, special education law and services, and more. Learn how he landed this position during his Southwestern Spotlight, and also hear about his leadership roles throughout his time at Southwestern!
Admitted Student Events
Admitted Students may visit their "Welcome to Southwestern" Canvas course page to RSVP for events or to view recordings. Check back regularly for new opportunities!