Meet Our Board: Eileen Wong, Pre-Professional Partner

Name, Hometown, Major:

Eileen Wong

Vancouver, Canada 
Political Science | Business Management

L

Current and Previous Roles on the Pre-Law Society Board:

This year, I am the Partner of the Pre-Professional Committee on the Pre-Law Society Board. Last year, I was a General Body Member. I am so excited about this upcoming year, and we have a lot of great events and panels planned!

What are some of your "career highlights" and/or professional goals?

I only started to become interested in law the summer before my freshman year at Columbia. I decided to try it out, and I interned at a law firm specializing in real estate and fraud litigation, and also a Canadian immigration law firm. This summer, I interned with the Children’s Defense Fund in their Juvenile Justice and Education Justice sectors, and I also interned with a Judge in the Queens Criminal Courts. I also worked abroad this summer in a teaching fellowship in Hong Kong and Shanghai. I am unsure what field of law I will want to specialize in, but there’s tons of time to figure it out! Feel free to reach out to me if you’d like to know more or if you have any questions! 

Do you have any advice for other Pre-Law students at Columbia?

Go out and experience different fields of law first-hand!

What's a fun fact about you?

My favorite animals are cats, turtles, and giraffes! Talk with me about animals any day!  

Meet Our Board: Ben Eversole, Academic Affairs Partner

Name, Hometown, Major:

Ben Eversole

Castro Valley, CA

Political Science | Business Management

Current and Previous Roles on the Pre-Law Society Board:

In my first year on the board of the Columbia Pre-Law Society, I am serving as a partner on the Academic Affairs committee.  I work to connect students to law professors, alumni, and LSAT prep companies. 

What are some of your "career highlights" and/or professional goals?

In the summer of 2012, I worked on Jennifer Ong’s campaign for state assembly in California, then studied German in Berlin for one month.  My experience with law includes working in the offices of James J. Phillips on trust and probate law.  This past summer I worked in the local offices of Congressman Eric Swalwell (D- Calif.).  After law school, I hope to work in government and advocate progressive policies. 

Do you have any advice for other Pre-Law students at Columbia?

Get involved early!  I wish I had attended more Pre-Law events in my first two years at Columbia.  Even if you are not sure whether you want to attend law school, the events are interesting and could help you determine whether law school is right for you.  I strongly recommend taking President Bollinger’s Free Press and Speech class to get a feel for a law school course, an understanding of the First Amendment, and a chance to get to know the University’s president!

What's a fun fact about you?

As a Boy Scout growing up, I led a twelve day backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in the New Mexico mountains.  While there, we got to build and shoot our own .30-06 ammunition.

Meet Our Board: Daniel Omachonu, Events Partner

Name, Hometown, Major:
Daniel Omachonu
Miami, FL
Political Science

Current and Previous Roles on the Pre-Law Society Board:

I was a General Body member in the 2012-2013 academic year. I remember attending events like the Judge panel and the LSAT information session. I quickly realized the value and potential influence of this group and I wanted to be a part of it. This year, I applied to the board for the position of Events Partner. I hope to help develop inspiring events that help people understand and grow to love the field of law. 

What are some of your "career highlights" and/or professional goals?

As an elementary school student, I remember struggling to decide what I would write on a wooden chest for a future goals assignment. On one side, I wrote first black president of the United States. There goes that. On the other side, I wrote criminal defense attorney. I have had interest in both law and politics since I was in the fourth grade. I acted out my interest in politics in my involvement in student government. One of my highlights in this realm came when I acted as the student body president of my high school during my senior year. I learned important lessons of leadership through that experience. Last summer, I had the pleasure of shadow-interning a Judge in the 11th Circuit in Miami, FL as well as interning in the Office of the Mayor of Miami-Dade County. This summer, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work as an intern at Gershburg Law P.C. As a small law firm started by one young attorney named Daniel Gershburg, the firm and this experience reflects one of my professional goals which is to one day start my own law firm in the New York City or Washington D.C. area.

Do you have any advice for other Pre-Law students at Columbia?

For students who know that they are pre-law at Columbia, I would say to learn as much information as you can on your own time pertaining tolaw. Columbia does not offer an official pre-law major but there are so many courses that take you through a slew of court cases as well as other legal material. I would also recommend seeking out mentors who are in law school or who are practicing attorneys because they can relate to you as they are farther along the path you wish to take. Lastly, I would say the obvious, which is to come to any and all events promoted by the Pre-Law society at Columbia University.

What's a fun fact about you?

I am from Miami but the Miami Heat are my second favorite basketball team. The Lakers are first.

Meet Our Board: Megan Kincaid, Secretary | Academic Affairs Chair

Name, Hometown, Major:

Megan Kincaid

Los Angeles, CA
Political Science

Current and Previous Roles on the Pre-Law Society Board:

I joined the Pre-Law General Body in the spring of my Freshman year. After getting to know fellow classmates involved in the Pre-Law Society, I decided that I would apply for positions on the Board in the spring of 2014. I am now the Secretary. My responsibilities range from organizing meeting minutes and making materials accessible to other members to sending out Listserv emails to the general body to keep them in the loop. I am also the Academic Affairs Chair and look forward to providing academic related services to the members of the Pre-Law Society. I hope to engage a large number of law minded students in building a Pre-Law community on the Columbia campus!

What are some of your “career highlights” and/or professional goals?

As a rising sophomore, I have yet to declare my major but plan on being a Political Science major. This summer I will be working at Columbia University with the Summer Sessions Office, creating a safe and fun community for students enrolled in the session. I hope to TA a Constitutional Law course as part of my responsibilities with the program. During high school, I shadowed a Los Angeles Public Defender over summer breaks. It was incredibly rewarding to be immersed in a courtroom experience and help the PD with file organization and research. I was fortunate enough to attend some private sessions with clients and family members. In the future, I hope to intern in a corporate law setting to get experience in another area of the law.

Do you have any advice for other Pre-Law students at Columbia?

Always feel free to contact upperclassmen with your same major or career goals for advice. We love to give support to incoming students and hope that our advice helps in some way. I’d also say that joining networks for Pre-Law students is really important since we aren’t necessarily taking the same classes.

What’s a fun fact about you?
The first time I visited the Columbia campus, all I did was peep inside John Jay, which would turn out to be my freshman dorm. I didn't even realize it until a déjà-vu moment on move-in day!

Meet Our Board: Christopher Proctor, Pre-Professional Chair

Name, Hometown, Major:
Christopher Proctor
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Political Science | Psychology

Current and Previous Roles on the Pre-Law Society Board:

I started out as a General Body member in the 2011-2012 academic year. All the meetings I have attended since then were led by enthusiastic Board members who were very welcoming. A large reason I am now pursuing a career in Law is because of meetings held by the Pre-Law Society. This year, I look forward to serving as the Pre-Professional Chair. I will be reaching out to various law firms and legal institutions on behalf of the Columbia Pre-Law Society.  I am excited to work with both professionals outside of our university as well as fellow undergraduate students.

What are some of your "career highlights" and/or professional goals?

As a Political Science major, I have pursued both government related and legal positions. Last summer I worked with a successful City Council Campaign, where I got to see the various aspects of campaigning and city politics. This summer, I will be working with the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. I am excited to work with dedicated lawyers and paralegals that represent one of the most respected public sector organizations in the country. I also plan to work with the New York State Attorney General’s Office this coming fall.

Do you have any advice for other pre-law students at Columbia?
I would really advise students to get involved with the Pre-Law Society. I can personally attest to being lost when it came to choosing a major and a career path when I started college. The Pre-Law Society offers an opportunity to get a feel for the field of law, as well as help all incoming students form meaningful friendships with Board members and fellow General Body members.

What's a fun fact about you?
Being from Florida, I never saw snow until my first year at Columbia!

Introducing "Meet Our Board!"

Get to know the Columbia Pre-Law Society Board with our summer series "Meet Our Board," a platform for leaders in CU's Pre-Law community to share their insights on life, law, and everything in between. Each post will feature a brief interview with a Pre-Law Society Board member and will contain useful advice about navigating Columbia on a Pre-Law track. Stay tuned!  

4/25 Board Bonding Dinner

Thanks to a generous gift from Blueprint LSAT Prep, we had an incredible dinner tonight. Thank you!

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que MmmMmm...

Angela and Jane

Genevieve and Megan

Jaclyn and Sahng-Ah

Ryan, Ben and Antonia

Eileen and Megan

Kate and Jaclyn

Ben :)

Board Member Bios

Check out our 2014-2015 board member bios at 

http://columbiaprelaw.blogspot.com/p/board.html!

Hello From Your New Co-Presidents!

Dear Pre-law Society,

We hope everyone has been enjoying their weekend.

We are very honored to be elected as your co-presidents for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year and would like to begin by thanking Ryan Bae for all of his work during his tenure. We are grateful for his kind words and will work hard to not only maintain current programs, but to also improve upon them by catering to your needs.

On that note, as a heads up, we'd like to inform you of a couple changes that we hope will improve your experience as a member of the Pre-law Society:

(1) More General Body Meetings

First, we will be having more general-body meetings that will allow you to interact and network with each other, ask more questions, and listen to "mini-lectures" by special guests, law students, or fellow pre-law members. The first of these events will be on September 16, 2014.

(2) Opportunities for General Member Participation

Second, we are revamping our board structure to allow a select handful of motivated members to assist in the planning process for our various events, allowing you the special opportunity for an inside look at our board meetings and procedures as well as direct communication with our guest speakers and networks. So, keep an eye out for that starting next semester!

3) New Blog and Updated Facebook Page

We have also recently created a new Blog (columbiaprelaw.blogspot.com) and updated our facebook page (www.facebook.com/columbiaprelaw). So, in addition to being on our ListServ, you'll be able to keep track of our activities and upcoming events through these platforms.

As we mentioned, the reason for especially these first two changes and a few others is because the Pre-law Society is here for you. We want to hear what events you want to attend, what questions you want answered, and whom you want to meet. And we will do our very best to accommodate. So, please feel free to e-mail either one of us with any questions, concerns, or comments you have and we will be sure to get back to you.

Best of luck as we approach Finals!

Best Regards,

Your Co-Presidents

Gennie and Sahng-Ah

---

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:

Genevieve Antono '16 (ga2368 [at] columbia.edu) and Sahng-Ah Yoo '15 (sy2484 [at] columbia.edu)

Snapshot: 4/18 Supreme Court Visit

Photo Credit: Sahng-Ah Yoo

A quick picture taken in front of the Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street today. Thanks to everyone who came out! It was such an informative tour, giving us the opportunity to sit in on a current much-publicized jury trial and an in-depth tour of the building and jury process.

Supreme Court Visit

Beyond My Ken/Wikipedia Commons

When? 9.15-12.15, Friday April 18th.

Join the Columbia Pre-Law Society as we visit the Supreme Court (Civil Branch) in New York County, to get a first hand look at the New York State court system.

The tour will begin inside 60 Centre Street, under the beautifully restored and much-reproduced mural, “Law Through the Ages,” which adorns the court’s historic rotunda. As the tour proceeds, participants will enjoy an informative lecture on the structure of the New York State court system, learn about the jury process and its place in our democracy, get an overview of careers in the courts and observe a real trial.

If you would like to join Pre-law Society's trip to visit the Supreme Court, please contact Sahng-Ah Yoo through Facebook or sy2484@columbia.edu by Thursday 3 PM.

Congratulations!

Dear future lawyers, 

Thanks for applying to be on Pre-Law Society 2014-2015 Board. We received very strong applications, and I am proud to announce the new board below. During the past two years I have served as the President of Columbia Pre-Law Society, I had the opportunity to work with some awesome people. I am confident that the new board will bring even greater programming next year, and am happy to pass over the Presidency to Gennie and Sahng-Ah as Co-Presidents. 

As usual, remember that you can always make a pre-law advising appointment with CSA. 

All the best, 

Ryan Bae

President

2012-2014 Board

--------------------------------

2014-2015 Board:

Co-Presidents: Genevieve Antono '16 and Sahng-Ah Yoo '15 

Vice-President/Social Director: Kate Lee '15 

Treasurer: Alice Cho '15

Secretary/Academic Affairs Chair: Megan Kincaid '17

Academic Affairs Partner: Antonia Miller '16

Academic Affairs Partner: Benjamin Eversole '15

Public Relations Chair: Lilia Cherchari '15

Public Relations Partner: Angela Batuure '17

Events Chair: Korey Petgrave '17

Events Partner: Daniel Omachonu '16

Pre-Professional Chair: Christopher Proctor '15

Pre-Professional Partner: Eileen Wong '17

Board Advisors:

Alumni Advisor: Jaclyn Willner '14

Senior Advisor: Ryan Bae '15
Senior Advisor: Jane Wang '15

Interviews start in 20 minutes...

We're really excited to meet all of you! :)

Invitations to Interview -- Sent!

Image/pharmaqbd.com

We spent the weekend thoroughly reviewing an incredibly strong and impressive set of applications for positions on the 2014-15 Board. Congratulations to all those who've been shortlisted -- we look forward to seeing you at the interviews on Tuesday, 4/15!

Introduction

Welcome to the 2010-2013 Blog Archive of the Columbia University Pre-Law Society!

The blog posts that you'll see on this page were formerly hosted at http://columbiaprelaw.weebly.com/; we were loath to delete these records of our predecessors' hard work and achievements when we revamped that site, so we transferred their blog posts here.

For a record of our more recent activities, please visit http://columbiaprelaw.blogspot.com/.

Thank you for your interest and continued support.

Best Regards,

The 2013-2014 Board
Columbia University Pre-Law Society

Snapshot: 4/8 "Demystifying Judgeship" Panel

Tonight's event was a massive success — thank you to all the judges, law clerks and students who came!

Snapshot: 4/7 Law School Admissions Workshop

Quick photo from just before the event started - Thanks for coming despite the heavy rain, everyone! 

Law School Admissions Workshop with Blueprint Prep

The Columbia Pre-Law Society and Undergraduate Law Review, in conjunction with Blueprint Prep, will be hosting a free Law School Admissions Workshop on Monday, April 7th!

Learn how to:

• Craft the perfect personal statement
• Secure the best letters of recommendation
• Tackle the beast that is the LSAT!

When? 8-9pm on Monday, April 7th, 2014
Where? Hamilton 603

Open to all students. All attendees who sign in will be offered a $200 discount off a Blueprint live course.

Elections for Open Positions: 2014-2015 Pre-Law Board

Apply to join the 2014-2015 Pre-Law Board here. 

Applications are due at 11.59pm on Friday, April 11th, 2014.

The Columbia Pre-Law Society is currently accepting applications for the following positions on the 2014-2015 board:

• Secretary
• Graphic Designer/Webmaster
• Public Relations Committee - Chair
• Public Relations Committee - Members
• Pre-Professional Affairs Committee - Chair
• Pre-Professional Affairs Committee - Members
• Academic Affairs Committee - Chair
• Academic Affairs Committee - Members
• Events Committee - Chair
• Events Committee - Members

The application form is available at this link, and all submissions are due by 11.59pm on Friday, April 11th, 2014.

We also strongly encourage all prospective applicants to attend the “Demystifying Judgeship” event from 7-8pm on Tuesday, April 8th at Lerner 401, to learn more about our work and meet the current (2013-2014) board members. We will also be giving out more information about elections after the panel.

Poster Design: Lilia Cherchari

We hope to see you at “Demystifying Judgeship,” and look forward to receiving your applications next week!

2013-2014 Archive: Pre-Law Internship Panel

Poster Design: Lilia Cherchari

2013-2014 Archive: Snapshot: 3/3 "Suits" Premiere!

Photo Credit: Ryan Bae

Uhmmmm... Yes.

2013-2014 Archive: Suits Season Premiere

Meet the cast and crew of the TV Show "Suits", at the season premiere on campus!

Where? Lerner Roone Auditorium
When? 3 March 2014

Activation tables: 7pm
Doors open 8:30pm
Premiere: 9pm

There will be a variety promotional events available, including lots of free gifts and promos. You will need to RSVP at http://suitsoncampus.com/ in order to receive a ticket to the event.

2013-2014 Archive: Movie Night

Poster Design: Lilia Cherchari

2013 Archive: CLS Class Audit

Columbia Law School Auditing - Constitutional Law

Constitutional Law
Professor David Pozen

This is a basic course in constitutional law. The course locates the Constitution in the life of the United States. It explores the theory of the Constitution and its antecedents; judicial review, its justification and development, and its legal and political significance; the nature of our federal system; the growth of national power and of limitations on state authority and the abiding significance of the states; the separation of powers and varieties of checks and balances in the U.S. government; and then, for about half of the course, the theory and content of individual rights under the Constitution, the development of the principal rights during 200 years by constitutional amendment and judicial interpretation, and the jurisprudence of the Judiciary in its role as the guardian of rights under the Constitution and under civil rights acts.

Deadline to confirm attendance: Wednesday, November 13

Location: TBA to attendees
Time: 1:20pm-2:40pm

2013 Archive: "Legally Speaking"

Legally Speaking - Panel of Columbia Alums Practicing Law

Click Here to Visit Website.

Students interested in the law are invited to a panel discussion, Q&A session, and reception with Columbia alumni who have gone to Law School and are practicing careers in the field.

Register for this Event

Panelists:
John Balestriere, CC'93, Yale Law '98, Partner, Balestriere, Fariello, & Abrams LLP - litigation (class actions, civil fraud, criminal defense, false claims/whistleblower suits, general counsel, legalmalpractice and legal ethics, regulatory defense)

Stephen Kunen, CC'06, Emory Law '11 Intellectual Property and Combat Sports Attorney

Kathryn E. Schneider, CC'88, Law '91, VP & Associate General Counsel, Corporate Affairs, ACE Group, a multinational insurance organization

David W. Whealan, EN '94, Rutgers Law – Newark,  Senior Patent Counsel, Google

Sponsored by: Center for Career Education, Columbia College Alumni Affairs and Development, Engineering Development and Alumni Relations, Office of Preprofessional Advising, Student and Alumni Programs.

Register for this Event

Contact:
For further information regarding this event, please contact Cindy Cogdill by sending email to cfc5@columbia.edu or by calling 212-854-5155.

Location: 401 Lerner Hall
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

2013 Archive: Discussion with CLS Dean

Dinner Discussion with Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin, Dean of Student Affairs at Columbia Law School

Refreshments will be provided. Event will be capped at 20 students so please arrive early! 

Location: Hamilton 315
Time: 8:00pm-9:00pm

2013-2014 Archive: Discusion with Dean Greenberg-Kobrin, Columbia Law School

Poster Design: Lilia Cherchari

2013-2014 Archive: Columbia Law School Auditing Program

With the generous assistance of the professors at Columbia Law School, Columbia Pre-Law Society is able to offer the following two classes for you to sit in and audit for a day. Please email us by the respective deadlines to audit any of the following two classes at Columbia Law School. 

Civil Procedure

Professor Olatunde Johnson

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Time: 1:20-2:40

This course examines the principal elements of the civil litigation process. The subjects studied include elements of a fair procedural system; phases of a lawsuit with an emphasis on pleadings, discovery, and pretrial adjudication; scope of courts’ jurisdiction over individuals and claims; the effects of prior adjudication; complex litigation; and alternatives to formal adjudication. Special attention is given to the ways in which procedural rules implement various values, policies, and conceptions of justice.

Deadline to confirm attendance: Friday, November 8, 2013

Constitutional Law 

Professor David Pozen

Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Time: 1:20-2:40

This is a basic course in constitutional law. The course locates the Constitution in the life of the United States. It explores the theory of the Constitution and its antecedents; judicial review, its justification and development, and its legal and political significance; the nature of our federal system; the growth of national power and of limitations on state authority and the abiding significance of the states; the separation of powers and varieties of checks and balances in the U.S. government; and then, for about half of the course, the theory and content of individual rights under the Constitution, the development of the principal rights during 200 years by constitutional amendment and judicial interpretation, and the jurisprudence of the Judiciary in its role as the guardian of rights under the Constitution and under civil rights acts.

Deadline to confirm attendance: Wednesday, November 13, 2013

2013-2014 Archive: LSAT Workshops with Blueprint and Stratus

Poster Design: Lilia Cherchari

2013-2014 Archive: Announcement of 2013-2014 Board

The Columbia Pre-Law Society is pleased to announce the members of its 2013-2104 Board:

Executive Board

• President: Ryan Bae '15
• Vice-President: Genevieve Antono '17
• Vice-President: Jane Wang '15
• Secretary: Kate Lee '15
• Treasurer: Alice Cho '15

Senior Advisors

• Treasury: Christine Byun '14
• Pre-Professional: Jaclyn Willner '14
• Public Relations: Naomi Senbet '14
• Academic Affairs: Valerie Ortiz '14

Public Relations Committee

• Coordinator: Lilia Cherchari '15
• Coordinator: Angela Batuure '17

Pre-Professional Affairs Committee

• Coordinator: Sahng-Ah Yoo '15
• Coordinator: Antonia Miller '16

Academic Affairs Committee

• Coordinator: Rebekka Troychanskiy '16
• Coordinator: Korey Petgrave '17

Events Committee

• Coordinator: Emma Thompson '15

2013 Archive: General Body Meeting

General Body Meeting & Board Election Info Session

Come meet the 2013 Executive Board members of Columbia Pre-Law Society and find out about upcoming events. Information about the upcoming board election and application materials will also be shared. 

Location: Lerner 477
Time: 6pm-6:30pm

2013-2014 Archive: Snapshot: 10/9 General Body Meeting

Thanks for coming out to the General Body meeting - we had a full house!

2013-2014 Archive: General Body Meeting & Board Election Info Session

Come meet the 2013 Executive Board members of Columbia Pre-Law Society and find out about upcoming events. 

Information about the upcoming board election and application materials will also be shared.

2013-2014 Archive: Previous Posts

For our archive of Columbia Pre-Law Society events from between 2010 and 2013, please visit: 

http://columbiaprelaw-archives.blogspot.com/

2013 Archive: Activities Day Fair

Activities Day Fair

Come find us at the Activities Fair to meet some of the board, ask any questions you might have about who we are as a club and what we do, and sign up for our listserv!

Keep posted for future events, including our kick off meeting, law school auditing, diverse law panels, and LSAT prep!

Location: Low Plaza
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm

2013 Archive: Job Shadow Day

Davis & Gilbert LLP is a strategically focused, full-service law firm of more than 110 lawyers. Founded over a century ago, the firm represents a wide array of clients - ranging from small, independent start-ups to some of the world’s largest public companies - throughout the United States and internationally. Davis & Gilbert is widely regarded as the #1 law firm for the marketing communications industry and also has specialty practices focusing on middle market M&A, intellectual property, litigation, labor & employment, office & retail leasing and private client services.

Location: Meet at Columbia Gates
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm

2013 Archive: Lecture with Professor Tonya Putnam

Professor Putnam will discuss her upcoming book: Courts Without Borders: The Politics and Law of U.S. Extraterritoriality! She is currently teaching undergraduate International Law course.  

Tonya Putnam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and a Member of the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies at Columbia University.  Putnam investigates issues at the intersection of international relations and international law.  Her primary research interests involve extraterritoriality, transnational regulatory disputes, and exploring how international legal processes shape and are shaped by international politics.  Other areas of interest include human rights, post-conflict transitional justice, international weapons prohibition regimes, and security in the post-Soviet region.

Pizza and desserts will be provided.

Location: Lerner 502
Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

*Co-hosted with Columbia Political Science Students Association*

2013 Archive: Job Shadow Day

Dechert LLP is one of the top law firms in America. Originally based in Philadelphia, it is renowned for its white collar crime practice.

Location: Meet at Columbia Gates
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm

2013 Archive: Panel with Columbia and HLS Graduate

J. Y. Ping (Columbia, BA, 2007), (Harvard Law School, JD, 2010), founder of 7Sage will discuss his experience going from CC to HLS, advice for anyone considering a similar path.  Please find his bio here: http://7sage.com/about-us/

Location: Lerner 503
Time: 5:30-6:30pm