Meet Our Board: Genevieve Antono, Co-President

Name and Hometown:

Genevieve Antono
Singapore/Hong Kong

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

I am currently Co-President of the 2014-2015 Board, and I was Vice-President/Recruitment Manager last year.

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

This summer (2014), I worked as a Graduate Recruitment intern at the Hong Kong office of Clifford Chance LLP, a leading international law firm. There, I assisted the Human Resources department with its summer vacation scheme for law students — this was a very unique and exciting position for an undergrad to be in, to have the opportunity to observe interviews and assessments at a "magic circle" firm and see what goes on behind the scenes at HR.

I've also completed an internship with the Office of Public Affairs at the New York State Unified Court System. That experience provided me with wonderful mentors and the invaluable opportunity to observe and conduct informational interviews with New York City judges and their clerks.

And, last summer (2013), I worked at the Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility, an incredible not-for-profit that emphasizes conflict resolution, mediation and restorative (as opposed to punitive) approaches in schools. My time with the Morningside Center was incredibly transformative and my summer with them definitely informed how I view issues of justice and public education.

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

I believe in, as far as possible, doing undergraduate internships and gaining work experience across a range of legal environments: the courts, DA's offices, law firms, public interest organizations, and so on. The main point isn't to bolster your CV or law school application, but to help clarify your own interests.

For example, I initially didn’t think that I would ever be interested in corporate practice, but something definitely "clicked" during my summer at Clifford Chance. There, I got to learn about the firm's main practice areas, as well as meet dedicated, driven lawyers who were genuinely interested in their work. 

My interest in commercial law, then, has gone from a "no" to a "hey, this is actually quite interesting" — I'd never have known this about myself had I not decided to spend this summer at this firm.

So, definitely, do internships to find out what areas of law you might like, what you don't, and if you even want to be a lawyer (or like hanging out with them!) Law school's too expensive of an investment to jump into without some due diligence.

However, my best and most important piece of advice is... Join the Pre-Law Society! Join our List Serv, come to our meetings, attend our events and run for elections. After all, half the fun of being "pre-law" and exploring this career path is doing it with a group of fun, like-minded friends!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I have the magical ability to make entire pints of ice cream disappear. Especially Pineapple Coconut ice cream. Mmmmm...

Meet Our Board: Korey Petgrave, Events Chair

Name, Hometown, Major:

Korey Petgrave
Newark, NJ
Mechanical Engineering

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

As a first year, I was selected to be the Academic Affairs Coordinator.  In this position, I had the responsibilities of coordinating LSAT prep sessions and inviting distinguished speakers to our meetings.  Now, as a sophomore, I am proud to be serving as the Society’s Events Chair where my main responsibilities will be to organize and plan all events we will hold this upcoming academic year.

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

The area of law that interests me most is intellectual property.  Whether you are texting on your new Samsung S5 or searching Google on your Apple MacBook, you are interacting with products protected by patents and copyright laws.  Intellectual Property law offers me the perfect outlet to combine my interest for law and technology into one, and I hope to someday work as an Intellectual Property Attorney.

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

Get involved with the Columbia Pre-Law Society and take advantage of having Columbia Law School across the street.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

My favorite thing for breakfast is a Jamaican dish known as ackee and saltfish with breadfruit (if you’ve never heard of it, look it up; if you have, make me a plate!)

Meet Our Board: Antonia Miller, Academic Affairs Partner

Name, Hometown, Major:

Antonia Miller
Paris, France
Political Science | Human Rights Studies
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Current and Previous Roles on the Pre-Law Society Board:

I started out as a Pre-Professional Partner in the 2013 - 2014 year. The group's eye-opening events and a newfound interest in law following a successful summer internship motivated me to apply for the board in order to take part. This year, I look forward to serving as Academic Affairs Partner and taking on a new role in the Pre-Law Society.

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

As a Political Science major I started out with a particular interest in global issue and international relations. The more I delved into course in Human Rights Studies, I began to realize my interest in law. Last summer I had the opportunity to intern for the General Counsel at the Office of the Manhattan Borough President, where I assisted law students with their work regarding immigrant rights in New York City. Last fall semester I also interned at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School, which was an equally valuable and interesting experience and I learned a lot about the rights cases the Center does research on. This summer I worked at a boutique law firm where I gained tremendous experience drafting legal documents and much experience attending courts, depositions, consultations and more.

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

I would tell other pre-law students not to worry too much about finding a perfect formula for undergrad that will get you into law school. The beauty of this track is that you have the freedom to pursue the courses you want and I think everyone should take advantage of that, especially if it means that you'll do better in your classes. I love Political Science, but I would never have forced myself to take it just because I'm pre-law if I didn't like it. Be you and you'll do well!

What's a fun fact about yourself

 I'm a twin! (And no we don't look alike, and we don't have telepathic powers).

Meet Our Board: Eileen Wong, Pre-Professional Partner

Name, Hometown, Major:

Eileen Wong

Vancouver, Canada 
Political Science | Business Management

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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!