Prospective JD Students

Succeeding in Law: Guidance from Mentors Who Have Walked in Your Shoes

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.

RSVP now!

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!

Start date and time
Display date and time as
February 29, 2020 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (check-in begins 9:30 a.m.)
Location
Southwestern Law School Campus | 3050 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90010
End date and time

Diversity Day 2020

 

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.

RSVP Online!

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!

Start date and time
Display date and time as
January 25, 2020 | 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (check-in begins 10:00 a.m.)
Location
Southwestern Law School Campus
End date and time

Southwestern Law Day

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.

RSVP Online!

Start date and time
Display date and time as
November 9, 2019 | 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (check-in begins 2:00 p.m.)
Location
Southwestern Law School Campus
End date and time

Understanding the Law School Admissions Process


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.

RSVP online!

 

Start date and time
Display date and time as
September 7, 2019 | 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (check-in begins 3:30 p.m.)
Location
Southwestern Law School Campus
End date and time

Succeeding in Law: Guidance from Mentors Who've Walked in Your Shoes

 

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 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.

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. RSVP now!

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 and active law students 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 students from Southwestern Law School's Armenian Law Student Association and Persian Law Student Association.

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!

Start date and time
Display date and time as
February 23, 2019 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (check-in begins 9:30 a.m.)
Location
Southwestern Law School Campus | 3050 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Short Description

 

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 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.

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. RSVP now!

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

End date and time

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.

RSVP online for Diversity Day 2019!

Start date and time
Display date and time as
February 2, 2019 | 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (check-in begins 10 a.m.)
Location
Southwestern Law School Campus | 3050 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Short Description

 

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.

RSVP online for Diversity Day 2019!

End date and time

Mock Admissions Committee Presentation - SAVE THE DATE

What do law schools look for in an applicant? How are different components of an application assessed? What does “holistic review” mean anyway? We cover these questions and more at our Mock Admissions Committee Workshop presented by Lisa Gear, Assistant Dean for Admissions at Southwestern Law School. During the workshop, Dean Gear will examine how an admissions committee reviews and evaluates an applicant’s letters of recommendation, personal statement, addenda, LSAT score(s), and GPA. At this interactive workshop, you get to see what it's like on the committee!
 
Understanding how law school is unlike any other academic environment is critical to success as a law student. Therefore, preceding the Mock Admissions Committee Workshop, a panel of Southwestern alums explores this topic – the law school experience – with a focus on achieving success inside the classroom and learning opportunities outside the classroom. Law School 360: A Complete View of the Law Student Experience is your chance to ask everything you wanted to know about law school and how it prepares students for the legal profession.
 
 
Event Schedule:
 
5:00 p.m. – Check-in at the historic Bullocks Wilshire Building. Includes a brief meet and mingle session with faculty and admissions staff.
 
5:30 p.m. – Law School 360: The Law Student Experience,  Alumni Panel
 
Law school is unlike any other academic environment. It demands the best of out of students every day and it offers unique opportunities for professional growth inside and outside the classroom. At this panel, Southwestern alums explore this dynamic, discuss the rigors and rewards of the law school experience, and share insights on achieving success in the classroom. Additionally, the panelists will discuss how honors programs, clinics, and student organizations build important lawyering and advocacy skills fundamental to legal practice.
 
6:15 p.m. – Mock Admissions Committee Workshop with Assistant Dean for Admissions, Lisa Gear.
This interactive mock admissions committee meeting will demonstrate the intricacies of how a law school application is reviewed. Southwestern's dean for admissions will provide an in-depth perspective on how to put together the best possible law school application. The presentation will highlight tips for writing your personal statement and provide advice on how to solicit strong and compelling letters of recommendation. 
 
*Parking is free and application fee waivers are available for all attendees.
Start date and time
Display date and time as
December 5, 2018, from 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Location
Southwestern Law School - Bullocks Wilshire Building
End date and time