A 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 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.

In the spirit of Southwestern’s 100+ 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.

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Southwestern offers a special thanks to the Armenian Bar Association and Iranian-American Bar Association who serve as co-sponsors for this annual event.

9:30 a.m.      Check-In and Refreshments

10:00 a.m.      Welcome Remarks

10:20 a.m.      Speakers Panel

Hear from a panel of 15 experienced attorneys as they discuss their careers and education and provide advice on navigating the path to becoming a lawyer. The panel will include attorneys from the Armenian Bar Association and the Iranian-American Bar Association, as well as Southwestern alumni.

11:30 a.m.      Break

11:45 a.m.     Speed Networking

Engage in a 45-minute speed networking opportunity and meet panelists from the earlier program session. Make connections with them and other special guests including judges, additional attorneys, and Southwestern Law School staff from the Admissions, Career Services, and Externship Offices.

12:30 p.m.      Lunch

Continue the important conversations you began during speed networking over a catered lunch. Learn from attorneys and law students whose experiences may mirror your own, and take away lessons to use as you pursue your own legal career.

1:15 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.

RSVP Online for Succeeding in Law!

What does diversity mean at Southwestern Law School? We invite you to discover the answer at Diversity Day 2020, our annual celebration of Southwestern’s diverse culture, curriculum, and range of opportunities for students.

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Event Schedule

10:30 a.m.: Welcome from Dean Susan Westerberg Prager

10:45 a.m.: The Impact of Presidential Pardons on the Military Justice System

Join us for a conversation with Professor Rachel E. VanLandingham, Southwestern faculty member, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, and former judge advocate, as she discusses President Trump’s recent pardons for service members. As featured in the New York Times, Professor VanLandingham will provide insight as to whether the laws of war are history.

11:30 a.m.: Earn a J.D. on Your Terms with Southwestern's Flexible Curriculum

Dean Harriet M. Rolnick provides an overview of our 2-year accelerated J.D. program, SCALE. See how SCALE exposes students to multiple practice areas, core legal doctrine, and essential lawyering skills in an intensive but collegial setting.

This portion of the event will also cover our part-time programs, including the part- time day and our reimagined part-time evening program that incorporates distance learning technologies to make your degree even more accessible.

12:15 p.m.: Setting Yourself Up for Success with Jasen Talise, '18

You know what you want to do, but how do you get there? What steps do you need to take while in law school to land your ideal job? These same questions were asked by Southwestern alumnus Jasen Talise, class of 2018. Join us for an intimate conversation with Jasen as he describes how as an evening student he found his passion in Entertainment Law.

12:40 p.m.: Lunch with Southwestern Community Members and Campus Tours

At the conclusion of the program, join Southwestern faculty, alumni, staff, and students for lunch and conversation. Campus tours will be provided, including tours of The Residences at 7th, our on-campus student apartment community.

All attendees will receive an application fee waiver and complimentary parking in our campus lot. Business casual dress recommended.

RSVP Now for Diversity Day 2020!

RSVP at www.swlaw.edu/SWLawDay

Learn about Southwestern's four cornerstones to law school success: learning, mentorship, support, and involvement.

2:30 p.m. Welcome by Dean Susan Westerberg Prager

Hear from Dean Prager and learn the hallmarks of a Southwestern Law School education.

2:45 p.m. Students Driving Change, Achieving Justice: A Look into Southwestern's Youth Offender Parole Clinic

Join Professor Beth Caldwell and two students from Southwestern's Youth Offender Parole Clinic as they discuss their recent court victory for one of the clinic's clients. Through zealous advocacy and belief in their cause, the clinical students convinced the court to withdraw their client's unjust plea, that he entered into when he was just a minor. In addition, they were able to secure his early release from prison. Through their story, see how you can have an impact before you have even graduated from law school.

3:30 p.m. Earn a J.D. on Your Terms with Southwestern's Flexible Curriculum

Want to learn at a faster pace? Need your education to accommodate your family responsibilities or work schedule? Southwestern has a program for that! Learn about our 2-year accelerated J.D. program, our part-time day program, and our reimagined part-time evening program that incorporates distance learning to make your degree even more accessible. See how Southwestern makes concentrations and experiential learning opportunities available to all students, regardless of the program they choose.

4:15 p.m. The Art of Negotiation

You have been negotiating your entire life, but have you been maximizing the results? Negotiating is an art, and in this interactive session, Professor Cristina Knolton, Co-Director of Southwestern's Negotiation Honors Program, will coach you through negotiating a deal with the skill of a lawyer. Take away 5 pro-tips to help you successfully negotiate with others and come to a beneficial agreement.

5:30 p.m. Reception and Opportunity Raffle

Mingle with Southwestern faculty, staff, deans, students, and alumni. Join in the raffle for an opportunity to win a book scholarship and other prizes.

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Baffled by the LSAT? Unsure how to approach your personal statement? Want to know what you’re really getting yourself into? RSVP for Understanding the Law School Admissions Process.

Join us for Southwestern’s next prospective student event to have your questions addressed! Participants will review sample applications and then have the opportunity to learn LSAT tips and tricks from a Blueprint LSAT Prep instructor or participate in a mock law class led by a Southwestern faculty member. Those who attend the event will receive a $400 discount on a Blueprint course.

Schedule of Events

Session 1: 

Mock Admissions Committee. Read through an application from the reviewer’s perspective. An admissions committee member will break down the application requirements while you critically assess the quality of each component. Decide whether or not you would admit the applicant!

Session 2 - Breakout Sessions - Choose one of the below options:

Taking on the LSAT. A Blueprint LSAT Preparation instructor will discuss the importance of the LSAT and what to expect on the exam. Tackle real LSAT questions and receive guidance on how to maximize your score.

OR

Mock Law School Class. A Southwestern faculty member will guide you through a simulated law school class. Engage in the Socratic Method as you learn rules of law, discuss policy, and apply legal reasoning to hypothetical scenarios. 

Reception:

Mingle with faculty and students and take tours of the law school campus and on-campus residences.

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