Diversity Day 2019: Beyond the Books - The Student Experience
Diversity is at the heart of the Southwestern community. It's not something we simply speak about - It's something you can see, feel, and experience on our campus every day.
We invite you to join us to discover how the diversity of our student body, programs, and curriculum make Southwestern Law School an extraordinary place to learn. Through a combination of a mock law class, discussions with our students and faculty, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in our community, you will see that although we are one of the most racially diverse law schools in California, diversity goes far beyond race and ethnicity on our campus. We educate our students to serve the needs of the clients they will encounter working in one of the world’s most multicultural cities, Los Angeles, and we do so through a broad set of J.D. programs that open doors for traditional and non-traditional students alike. Stay through the end of the program for a lunch catered by Maggiano's Little Italy and a raffle opportunity!
Please RSVP for our annual celebration of diversity at Diversity Day – Beyond the Books: The Student Experience
10:00 a.m. Check-In and Refreshments
10:30 a.m. Welcome by Dean Susan Westerberg Prager
10:45 a.m. Mock Law Class: "The Trial of Jesus" by Professor Ira Shafiroff
The trial of Jesus is the most important trial in history. While religious writings provide us a wealth of information, many questions about these legal proceedings remain. Have you ever considered what irregularities took place during Jesus' trial? Or why Jesus was convicted of blasphemy? How did history play a role in Jesus' execution? Professor Ira Shafiroff will apply the law to the facts, engaging in the foundational activity of legal education, and walk you through this historical trial. The presentation assumes no prior familiarity with Judaism, Jewish law, or Christianity.
11:30 a.m. SCALE 2-Year J.D. Overview by Associate Dean for SCALE, Harriet M. Rolnick
11:50 a.m. Break
12:00 p.m. The Legal Profession Needs Our Stories: An Account from Rosio Flores, ‘18
Have you ever asked yourself whether law school is the right fit for you? Have you ever questioned whether you have what it takes to succeed as a law student, much less a lawyer? Do you have a desire to advocate for others, but aren’t sure if you can really help? Hear from Southwestern alumna Rosio Flores, class of 2018, as she discusses how she went from questioning her ability to succeed in law school to being recognized as one of the National Jurist's Top 20 Law Students of 2018.
12:20 p.m. The Power of a Law Student – Representing the Voiceless moderated by Associate Dean for Student Affairs Robert Mena
Lawyers matter, but did you know law students do too? Can you imagine yourself as a law student advocating for an inmate at their parole hearing? What about as a law student assisting migrants seeking asylum at the U.S./Mexico border? Law students engage in real legal work all the time and the work they do matters to the clients they serve. Hear from students participating in Southwestern’s Youth Offender Parole Hearing Clinic, Removal Defense Program, and Public Service Program as they discuss their experiences assisting real clients through the most important challenges of their lives. Learn about the real people and real stories that make law school meaningful.
1:10 p.m. Lunch with Faculty, Deans, Alumni, and Student Organization Leaders; Raffle Drawing
Student leaders from various student organizations will be in attendance to speak with you and introduce you to the Southwestern family. Learn not only about their academic successes, but also about how their campus involvement has helped shape their paths toward careers in law. Also meet other Southwestern community members over a lunch catered by Maggiano's Little Italy.
Southwestern is providing all attendees with a raffle ticket for a book scholarship. A book scholarship covers the full cost of books required during the first year of an admitted student’s program at Southwestern Law School (estimated value is $1,200 for Traditional Day program). To redeem the book scholarship prize, raffle winners must apply to Southwestern by April 1, 2019, and be admitted following the normal review process. If admitted to Southwestern, the winner will be given official confirmation of the book scholarship.
Blueprint LSAT Preparation is providing all attendees a $400 discount on a future Blueprint course. They will also raffle off two gift certificates, each for a two-hour tutoring session.
Raffle participants must be present at the time of drawing in order to win.
1:45 p.m. Campus Tours (optional)
Tour Southwestern's historic Bullocks Wilshire Building, housing the Julian Dixon Courtroom, the Fitness Center, study areas, and award-winning Law Library. You may also tour The Residences at 7th, our LEED-certified, on-campus student apartment complex.