We are pleased to announce that the following 6 classes will be available for you to audit at Columbia Law School during the last week in February. The details are listed below. Please contact our Law School Auditing Coordinator, Simone Henry at snh2117@columbia.edu if you are interested in sitting in on one of these 6 classes at Columbia Law School. A limited number of students may attend each class and the students will be selected on a first come first serve basis. Please be sure to check your schedule and make sure that you can commit to arriving 10 minutes early for the class you wish to observe so that we can get seated and be sure not to disrupt the professor or students. Please note that any student who commits to attending a class and does not show up will not be eligible to attend future Pre-Law Society events.
Thank you so much for your interest!
"Law & Political Process" with Professor Nathaniel Persily:
Date & Time: Monday, February 27th from 9:10am-10:30am
Location: Jerome Green (Law) 105
Map: http://www.columbia.edu/about_columbia/map/greene.html
Pre-Law Representative: Caroline Lisankie Contact Information: cel2132@columbia.edu
"Criminal Law" with Professor Gerald Lynch:
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 28th from 4:40pm-6:10pm
Location: Jerome Green (Law) 101
Map: http://www.columbia.edu/about_columbia/map/greene.html
Pre-Law Representative: Simone Henry
Contact Information: snh2117@columbia.edu, (516)353-7886
"Copyright Law" with Professor Jane Ginsburg:
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 29th from 10:40am-12:00pm
Location: Jerome Green (Law) 101
Map: http://www.columbia.edu/about_columbia/map/greene.html
Pre-Law Representative: Simone Henry
Contact Information: snh2117@columbia.edu, (516)353-7886
"Corporations" with Professor Robert Jackson:
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 29th from 1:20pm-2:40pm
Location: Jerome Green (Law) 106
Map: http://www.columbia.edu/about_columbia/map/greene.html
Pre-Law Representative: Simone Henry
Contact Information: snh2117@columbia.edu, (516)353-7886
"International Finance: Law, Money and Banking in the Global Economy" with Professor Tamara Lothian
Date & Time: Thursday, March 1st from 4:20pm-6:10pm
Location: William and June Warren Hall (Law) L107- basement level
Map: http://www.columbia.edu/about_columbia/map/wj_warren.html
Pre-Law Representative: Simone Henry
Contact Information: snh2117@columbia.edu, (516)353-7886
"International Environmental Law" with Professor Evan Van Hook:
Date & Time: Thursday, March 1st from 6:20pm-8:10pm
Location: William and June Warren Hall (Law) 103
Map: http://www.columbia.edu/about_columbia/map/wj_warren.html
Pre-Law Representative: TBA
Contact Information:
Friday, February 17, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
2012 Archive: Events Liaison Application
Just a reminder that today at 5 pm is the application deadline for anyone interested in becoming an Events Liaison. If you are thinking about applying for an Executive Board position in the future, this is an excellent way to get experience that will help you stand out.
Find the application here.
Find the application here.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
2012 Archive: General Body Meeting
What? First General Body of the Semester
Where? Lerner 569
When? Tuesday February 7th, 2012 at 8 pm
Come to the Columbia Pre-Law Society's first General Body Meeting of the semester! Learn how you can get involved and about all our upcoming events and opportunities, including panels, job shadow days, and law school auditing. Also, we will be having a special presentation on internships available for the pre-law minded student.
We will be providing free hot chocolate!
Find the event on Facebook here.
Where? Lerner 569
When? Tuesday February 7th, 2012 at 8 pm
Come to the Columbia Pre-Law Society's first General Body Meeting of the semester! Learn how you can get involved and about all our upcoming events and opportunities, including panels, job shadow days, and law school auditing. Also, we will be having a special presentation on internships available for the pre-law minded student.
We will be providing free hot chocolate!
Find the event on Facebook here.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
2011 Archive: Newly Elected 2012 Board Members
The Columbia Pre-Law Society is pleased to announce the 2012 Pre-Law Society Executive Board:
President: Caroline Lisankie
Vice President: Natasha Bhatia
Treasurer: Christine Byun
Secretary: Sarah Perez
Events Coordinator: Ryan Bae
PR Coordinator: Aliza Hassine
JSD Coordinator: Joshua Fattal
LSA Coordinator: Simone Henry
Pre-Professional Coordinator: Andrew Glicklich
For more information check us out on Facebook.
President: Caroline Lisankie
Vice President: Natasha Bhatia
Treasurer: Christine Byun
Secretary: Sarah Perez
Events Coordinator: Ryan Bae
PR Coordinator: Aliza Hassine
JSD Coordinator: Joshua Fattal
LSA Coordinator: Simone Henry
Pre-Professional Coordinator: Andrew Glicklich
For more information check us out on Facebook.
Monday, November 28, 2011
2011 Archive: Board Elections
As you may know, the Pre-Law Society Board runs on a calendar year, meaning that we will be determining the new board over the course of the next few weeks. The application for board positions is attached and while you can apply for as many as you would like, you are strongly encouraged to apply for no more than two positions. Interviews will take place on the evenings of Sunday, Dec. 4 and potentially Dec. 11, depending on the number of applicants. We will contact you with details after you submit the applications. If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to email me.
Please email your applications to ayl2119@columbia.edu by 5 PM on December 3, 2010. Do not email your application to the Pre-Law Society board address.
Please email your applications to ayl2119@columbia.edu by 5 PM on December 3, 2010. Do not email your application to the Pre-Law Society board address.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
2011 Blog Archive: Panel Discussion
Panelists:
Assistant District Attorney Erin LaFarge of the New York County District Attorney's Office. She works in Trial Bureau 80 and is a 2007 Columbia Law School graduate. working there 5 years. Does all kinds of cases.
Seann Riley: Deputy Director of Bronx Defenders- small case load. different from most PD offices practices holistic advocacy. Immigration court, family court etc.
Sharon Brodt: Supervisor in the Appeals Bureau of the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. She has worked in the Office of the QDA since 1993. In addition to he rappellate work, Ms. Brodt was the second seat on two homicide trials, including the multiple homicide in the Wendy’s in Flushing, New York, in which the jury voted to impose the death penalty on the defendant.
Miriam Goodman: Women’s specialist at Midtown Community Court (MCC). Miriam oversees and facilitates the Women’s Independence Safety and Empowerment (WISE) program, a comprehensive psycho-educational and therapeutic program for women arrested for prostitution. Miriam is also a therapist at the Safe Horizon’s Counseling Center, where she provides trauma-focused therapy for crime victims. She received her BA in Sociology from Dickinson College and her MSW from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University. Not an attorney; a social worker. Oversees the whole entire clinic.
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
Did you always want to work in the Public Sector? Tell us about your experiences
Erin LaFarge: The only thing she wanted to do was public service. Working in South Africa and all her coworkers had a law degree. While in Law school, interned at district attorney’s office and it sparked her interest in the field. She only does felonies right now. There are many cases that are unique, never a dull moment in her job. Ex of a case: 4 people with a gun in a car. Interestingly, social media is large platform that divulges information about convicted individuals.
Seann Riley: Went to law school knowing he wanted to be a public defender, was interested in poverty law. “Liberty is one of the greatest goods...people that can’t afford fancy lawyers should still have the resources everyone else does.” Believes that working on behalf of the poor is the highest good in the law. What people are in jail for in NY deal with crimes of poverty and quality of life crimes. Most of the crimes are not huge violent crimes...we are packing our jails with people that commit quality of life crimes. For him, being a public defender is about changing the system and changing the ways people see courts of power.
Sharon Brodt: Thinks both sides are the highest level of service. Not a publicly appreciated job...pay isn’t that well. With that said, appeals working grants one great satisfaction. Lawyers work in courts (working right away with 70 case caseloads). Within a year was in the NY State court of appeals. Your lawyering skills are used to the utmost very quickly. Worked on the latest NY death penalty case- extremely exhausting but very interesting. Case finally struck down NY’s death penalty law.
Miriam Goodman: Midtown Community court mission: to deal with quality of life crimes [low level offenses], offers punishment dealing with community service while also giving support. Top charge that you see is shoplifting, borough-wide control over prostitution cases. People get mandates that actually address their needs [shoplifting with substance abuse etc.]. The broad range of people that commit crimes [homeless people, rich people, tourist that accidentally got arrested for shoplifting]. Staff looks at people as reacting to their environment, doesn’t label people. Has heard many stories about abuse which were very shocking. Also dealt with inspirational stories, one being about a 18-time convicted prostitute who ended up leaving her pimp, getting a high school degree and going to college
-- -- -- -- -- --
Can you talk about eyewitness identification cases?
Seann Riley: NJ is the biggest reformer of eyewitness identification cases. ID cases aren’t like what television shows depict. Everything is covered except for faces. He’s working on an ID case right now where the eyewitness off by 8 inches [height] and 40 lbs [weight] but the court still thinks the case is viable.
-- -- -- -- -- --
What’s next in your career plans?
Erin LaFarge: I have no desire to leave the DA’s office. When people leave it’s often for the private sector to make more money in order to pay off debts.. etc.
Seann Riley: Many people go on to academia and teach at law schools. The job is mentally and physically taxing so after about 10 years many people go on to become federal defenders because it’s slower paced and more 9-5.
Sharon Brodt: There are those who leave for financial reasons and sometimes there are other public sector jobs (serving the public in a different way) ie. working in government offices for politicians
Miriam Goodman: Some people go on to become judges.
-- -- -- -- -- --
What about ID cases dealing with minorities? Is there anything being done to reduce racial profiling?
Seann Riley: Nothing. the poor are over-policed. it’s not that the poor do more crimes but they are watched more... Young, black, and hispanic men are stopped far more often for marijuana crimes than white individuals.
Sharon Brodt: has seen defendants of every stripe/color in Queens. You also have to be careful of using the term ‘racial profiling’ if one states that they were robbed by a white/black man and police look for people of this description, then this isn’t racial profiling. But if no crime is reported and certain groups are stopped, then this is racial profiling. Usually people victimize people in their own neighborhood and not others. If you want to police crime, you have to look at where the crime actually is.
-- -- -- -- -- --
Have you dealt with stereotypes in your job? How do you deal with that?
Erin LaFarge: Law & Order is filmed outside her building so she is submerged within the stereotype. Has to explain to clients why everything isn’t forensically overanalyzed. It’s hard to explain to jury’s why these extra measures are’t being taken, especially because they were so expensive.
Seann Riley: The stereotype that often comes up is when clients ask him when he will be a “paid lawyer”. There’s a stereotype that public defenders aren’t “good lawyers”.
Miriam Goodman: In my field you don’t have the respect right away. “social worker” brings up this frumpy, bleeding liberal image but many of them do great work. No matter what walk of life, one always needs a supportive law staff. If you’re doing the job well it should impact you.
Assistant District Attorney Erin LaFarge of the New York County District Attorney's Office. She works in Trial Bureau 80 and is a 2007 Columbia Law School graduate. working there 5 years. Does all kinds of cases.
Seann Riley: Deputy Director of Bronx Defenders- small case load. different from most PD offices practices holistic advocacy. Immigration court, family court etc.
Sharon Brodt: Supervisor in the Appeals Bureau of the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. She has worked in the Office of the QDA since 1993. In addition to he rappellate work, Ms. Brodt was the second seat on two homicide trials, including the multiple homicide in the Wendy’s in Flushing, New York, in which the jury voted to impose the death penalty on the defendant.
Miriam Goodman: Women’s specialist at Midtown Community Court (MCC). Miriam oversees and facilitates the Women’s Independence Safety and Empowerment (WISE) program, a comprehensive psycho-educational and therapeutic program for women arrested for prostitution. Miriam is also a therapist at the Safe Horizon’s Counseling Center, where she provides trauma-focused therapy for crime victims. She received her BA in Sociology from Dickinson College and her MSW from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University. Not an attorney; a social worker. Oversees the whole entire clinic.
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
Did you always want to work in the Public Sector? Tell us about your experiences
Erin LaFarge: The only thing she wanted to do was public service. Working in South Africa and all her coworkers had a law degree. While in Law school, interned at district attorney’s office and it sparked her interest in the field. She only does felonies right now. There are many cases that are unique, never a dull moment in her job. Ex of a case: 4 people with a gun in a car. Interestingly, social media is large platform that divulges information about convicted individuals.
Seann Riley: Went to law school knowing he wanted to be a public defender, was interested in poverty law. “Liberty is one of the greatest goods...people that can’t afford fancy lawyers should still have the resources everyone else does.” Believes that working on behalf of the poor is the highest good in the law. What people are in jail for in NY deal with crimes of poverty and quality of life crimes. Most of the crimes are not huge violent crimes...we are packing our jails with people that commit quality of life crimes. For him, being a public defender is about changing the system and changing the ways people see courts of power.
Sharon Brodt: Thinks both sides are the highest level of service. Not a publicly appreciated job...pay isn’t that well. With that said, appeals working grants one great satisfaction. Lawyers work in courts (working right away with 70 case caseloads). Within a year was in the NY State court of appeals. Your lawyering skills are used to the utmost very quickly. Worked on the latest NY death penalty case- extremely exhausting but very interesting. Case finally struck down NY’s death penalty law.
Miriam Goodman: Midtown Community court mission: to deal with quality of life crimes [low level offenses], offers punishment dealing with community service while also giving support. Top charge that you see is shoplifting, borough-wide control over prostitution cases. People get mandates that actually address their needs [shoplifting with substance abuse etc.]. The broad range of people that commit crimes [homeless people, rich people, tourist that accidentally got arrested for shoplifting]. Staff looks at people as reacting to their environment, doesn’t label people. Has heard many stories about abuse which were very shocking. Also dealt with inspirational stories, one being about a 18-time convicted prostitute who ended up leaving her pimp, getting a high school degree and going to college
-- -- -- -- -- --
Can you talk about eyewitness identification cases?
Seann Riley: NJ is the biggest reformer of eyewitness identification cases. ID cases aren’t like what television shows depict. Everything is covered except for faces. He’s working on an ID case right now where the eyewitness off by 8 inches [height] and 40 lbs [weight] but the court still thinks the case is viable.
-- -- -- -- -- --
What’s next in your career plans?
Erin LaFarge: I have no desire to leave the DA’s office. When people leave it’s often for the private sector to make more money in order to pay off debts.. etc.
Seann Riley: Many people go on to academia and teach at law schools. The job is mentally and physically taxing so after about 10 years many people go on to become federal defenders because it’s slower paced and more 9-5.
Sharon Brodt: There are those who leave for financial reasons and sometimes there are other public sector jobs (serving the public in a different way) ie. working in government offices for politicians
Miriam Goodman: Some people go on to become judges.
-- -- -- -- -- --
What about ID cases dealing with minorities? Is there anything being done to reduce racial profiling?
Seann Riley: Nothing. the poor are over-policed. it’s not that the poor do more crimes but they are watched more... Young, black, and hispanic men are stopped far more often for marijuana crimes than white individuals.
Sharon Brodt: has seen defendants of every stripe/color in Queens. You also have to be careful of using the term ‘racial profiling’ if one states that they were robbed by a white/black man and police look for people of this description, then this isn’t racial profiling. But if no crime is reported and certain groups are stopped, then this is racial profiling. Usually people victimize people in their own neighborhood and not others. If you want to police crime, you have to look at where the crime actually is.
-- -- -- -- -- --
Have you dealt with stereotypes in your job? How do you deal with that?
Erin LaFarge: Law & Order is filmed outside her building so she is submerged within the stereotype. Has to explain to clients why everything isn’t forensically overanalyzed. It’s hard to explain to jury’s why these extra measures are’t being taken, especially because they were so expensive.
Seann Riley: The stereotype that often comes up is when clients ask him when he will be a “paid lawyer”. There’s a stereotype that public defenders aren’t “good lawyers”.
Miriam Goodman: In my field you don’t have the respect right away. “social worker” brings up this frumpy, bleeding liberal image but many of them do great work. No matter what walk of life, one always needs a supportive law staff. If you’re doing the job well it should impact you.
Friday, November 11, 2011
2011 Archive: Panel Discussion
When? Tuesday, November 15th, 8 pm
Where? Lerner 569
"Law isn't like what you see on TV." You've heard it a million times, but people do deal with crimes involving drugs, prostitution, and murder every day. Come hear these people speak about their experiences as well as network with representatives from one of the biggest internship providers for college students, the public sector. Our event will include a Public Defender from Bronx Defenders, a clerk from the Midtown Community Court, and an Assistant DA.
For more information, contact us and check us out on Facebook.
Where? Lerner 569
"Law isn't like what you see on TV." You've heard it a million times, but people do deal with crimes involving drugs, prostitution, and murder every day. Come hear these people speak about their experiences as well as network with representatives from one of the biggest internship providers for college students, the public sector. Our event will include a Public Defender from Bronx Defenders, a clerk from the Midtown Community Court, and an Assistant DA.
For more information, contact us and check us out on Facebook.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
2011 Archive: Job Shadow Day
We are pleased to announce that we will be having Job Shadow Day this year with Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP (http://www.stroock.com/sitecontent.cfm?contentID=2), an acclaimed national law firm with headquarters in NYC, on November 11, 2011 from 2-4 p.m. at their offices downtown. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with attorneys, meet the recruiter and learn more about life at a law firm. Everyone is open to apply.To apply, please email your resume and a brief paragraph stating why you would like to attend Job Shadow Day to prelaw@columbia.eduby 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 4. We will then notify shortly after if you have been chosen to attend.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
2011 Blog Archive: Panel Discussion
Christelle Dorcil from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Sagar Patel from Seward & Kissel
Courtney Browne from Skadden
Katie Fernandez from Mayer Brown
When did you realize you were interested in the law?
CB: I didn’t want to go into law. Instead, I went to business school at Vanderbilt, worked for 3 years as a financial analyst. I thought about getting a Ph.D. in economics but found myself more interested in law.
KF: I liked to argue. I graduated from CC in 2006, doing Political Science, which inspired me.
SP: I didn’t think about it until my last year of college. I had an internship at a legal publishing place. I really didn’t like the publishing aspect, but the law aspect interested me a lot. I tried different internships, got a job as a paralegal, and then decided to go to law school.
CD: It was always in the back of my head. I studied PR but when it was time to make post-grad decisions I decide to go to law school because a JD could open up new career doors. I really enjoyed the legal side of business transactions, especially finance. As far as rewarding experience, there’s a lot to be said for pro-bono work and the great resources that are put towards a good cause. I have done immigration work for Haitians in NYC, which meant a lot to me.
What is the most gratifying part[s] of your career?
CB: The whole process, the life of a deal, the cycle of a deal. The opportunities to do pro-bono work. You can do the big firm work but also something beneficial on top of just your day job.
KF: When you’re actually helping people every day in public interest, you feel great. Also the pro-bono aspects of corporate law are really rewarding. The feeling of working with the smartest people in the field, the intellectual gratification, make going to work a great experience. It’s definitely different from those in non-corporate jobs but great nonetheless.
SP: The intellectual stimulation – people have many diverse interests. In this profession, even in the corporate world, they encourage the merging of corporate and pro-bono work. (The money is also good too!)
How did you spend your summers/ how would you reccommend undergraduates spend their summers?
CB: There’s no real key or anything specifically law related you should do. Just make sure you’re doing something that’s work your time. You should be pretty productive. I worked in different banking environments in the summer. In law school I spent my first and second summers working in different firms. In the first summer at I was at a smaller based firm and the second summer Skadden.
KF: What you do doesn’t have to be law related, but do something that is interesting and worthwhile. Set yourself apart from other candidates. Since I wasn’t sure about my career path, I worked for an attorney to get a good idea of how the law worked.
SP: Don’t focus on trying to do legal work. Instead, look for things that are interesting to you. A good way to know that law school is right for you is by exploring different fields through internships That said it doesn’t hurt to do legal work to introduce yourself to the field because it’s very different from the way it [law work] is publicized on TV.
CD: I worked all of my summers on campus in various higher admin positions and community service work separately. While at law school I worked at a smaller firm.
What about taking a year or two off?
CB: I took three years off. I really enjoyed going. Take a couple of years off to critically think about your decisions!
KF: I didn’t take a year off but other people I knew did, and they were much more “mentally ready for it”
SP: Took two years off which helped me realize what working as a lawyer was like. However, I don’t think a legal job is the only way to go. Explore your own interests and follow your heart for a few years instead of going straight to law school/focusing on law school straight away.
CD: I went straight through but saw that people who did take time off. Those people were better at articulating why they decided to do law/what field of law they were interested in.
How is law school different?
CB: The assignments were different. You must be disciplined in a different way.
FK: Finals were 100% of your grade. Most classes are taught by the Socratic Method. It’s a completely different academic experience. There’s really not much liberty in the classes you’re taking.
Sp: Undergraduate is a fun exploration. In law school, they give you your courses. The Socratic Method is everywhere, and everyone is hitting the books at the library. Everyone is actually working. Pressure is there because everything is based on one exam.
CD: Everyone is taking the same classes, applying for the same jobs. You feel like you have to do things because everyone else is doing them. So you have to find the balance of what is thrown at you. You just need to keep perspective.
Given the current state of the economy- what about jobs?
CB: It’s definitely harder to get a job. The market changes things but a lot of the bigger firms are pretty creative with their hiring, and there are other opportunities.
KF: Companies are watching what they are spending. Parties are coming together more than usual. That being said things are being differently and different parts of law are busier than ever. Because the market has changed, the better law school you get into, the better changes you have at getting those jobs. Take the LSAT extremely seriously!!!
SP: Being able to get a job in the law is much harder than before. That’s definitely something to consider. The work you do depends on the practice you do. The state of the economy might change the type of clients you have and what kind of law you practice.
CD: Deals are cut faster, clients are looking at your work product and that you are providing value. The changes that are occurring deal with the type of work.
How many hours did you work a week/ What about dual degree programs?
CB: Work hours vary depending on practice. As far as dual degree programs, they’re not a requirement but they are nice.
CD: In terms of two degrees, be prepared to ask questions about which degree you are leaning towards.
What about your next step will do public interest or... ?
CB: I’m thinking about it but it’s hard to leave the corporate sector when you have worked in it for so long.
KF: It’s hard to leave a job that I really enjoy and get paid well..but I don’t think I’ll stay in it forever.
SP: The work is relatively satisfying. Many people consider leaving, but many attorneys get used to the lifestyle and it’s hard to leave.
CD: If a public interest opportunity came up I would do it. However public interest law takes a different toll on you.
Are you HAPPY?
CB: I’m happy but you need to decide if it is right for you, obviously
KF: On average, I’m very happy going to work and doing the work I do.
SP: Same as CB and KF. I work at a smaller law firm, so my hours are more reasonable.
CD: I’m overall very happy with my work and what I’m doing and the direction of my career.
Sagar Patel from Seward & Kissel
Courtney Browne from Skadden
Katie Fernandez from Mayer Brown
When did you realize you were interested in the law?
CB: I didn’t want to go into law. Instead, I went to business school at Vanderbilt, worked for 3 years as a financial analyst. I thought about getting a Ph.D. in economics but found myself more interested in law.
KF: I liked to argue. I graduated from CC in 2006, doing Political Science, which inspired me.
SP: I didn’t think about it until my last year of college. I had an internship at a legal publishing place. I really didn’t like the publishing aspect, but the law aspect interested me a lot. I tried different internships, got a job as a paralegal, and then decided to go to law school.
CD: It was always in the back of my head. I studied PR but when it was time to make post-grad decisions I decide to go to law school because a JD could open up new career doors. I really enjoyed the legal side of business transactions, especially finance. As far as rewarding experience, there’s a lot to be said for pro-bono work and the great resources that are put towards a good cause. I have done immigration work for Haitians in NYC, which meant a lot to me.
What is the most gratifying part[s] of your career?
CB: The whole process, the life of a deal, the cycle of a deal. The opportunities to do pro-bono work. You can do the big firm work but also something beneficial on top of just your day job.
KF: When you’re actually helping people every day in public interest, you feel great. Also the pro-bono aspects of corporate law are really rewarding. The feeling of working with the smartest people in the field, the intellectual gratification, make going to work a great experience. It’s definitely different from those in non-corporate jobs but great nonetheless.
SP: The intellectual stimulation – people have many diverse interests. In this profession, even in the corporate world, they encourage the merging of corporate and pro-bono work. (The money is also good too!)
How did you spend your summers/ how would you reccommend undergraduates spend their summers?
CB: There’s no real key or anything specifically law related you should do. Just make sure you’re doing something that’s work your time. You should be pretty productive. I worked in different banking environments in the summer. In law school I spent my first and second summers working in different firms. In the first summer at I was at a smaller based firm and the second summer Skadden.
KF: What you do doesn’t have to be law related, but do something that is interesting and worthwhile. Set yourself apart from other candidates. Since I wasn’t sure about my career path, I worked for an attorney to get a good idea of how the law worked.
SP: Don’t focus on trying to do legal work. Instead, look for things that are interesting to you. A good way to know that law school is right for you is by exploring different fields through internships That said it doesn’t hurt to do legal work to introduce yourself to the field because it’s very different from the way it [law work] is publicized on TV.
CD: I worked all of my summers on campus in various higher admin positions and community service work separately. While at law school I worked at a smaller firm.
What about taking a year or two off?
CB: I took three years off. I really enjoyed going. Take a couple of years off to critically think about your decisions!
KF: I didn’t take a year off but other people I knew did, and they were much more “mentally ready for it”
SP: Took two years off which helped me realize what working as a lawyer was like. However, I don’t think a legal job is the only way to go. Explore your own interests and follow your heart for a few years instead of going straight to law school/focusing on law school straight away.
CD: I went straight through but saw that people who did take time off. Those people were better at articulating why they decided to do law/what field of law they were interested in.
How is law school different?
CB: The assignments were different. You must be disciplined in a different way.
FK: Finals were 100% of your grade. Most classes are taught by the Socratic Method. It’s a completely different academic experience. There’s really not much liberty in the classes you’re taking.
Sp: Undergraduate is a fun exploration. In law school, they give you your courses. The Socratic Method is everywhere, and everyone is hitting the books at the library. Everyone is actually working. Pressure is there because everything is based on one exam.
CD: Everyone is taking the same classes, applying for the same jobs. You feel like you have to do things because everyone else is doing them. So you have to find the balance of what is thrown at you. You just need to keep perspective.
Given the current state of the economy- what about jobs?
CB: It’s definitely harder to get a job. The market changes things but a lot of the bigger firms are pretty creative with their hiring, and there are other opportunities.
KF: Companies are watching what they are spending. Parties are coming together more than usual. That being said things are being differently and different parts of law are busier than ever. Because the market has changed, the better law school you get into, the better changes you have at getting those jobs. Take the LSAT extremely seriously!!!
SP: Being able to get a job in the law is much harder than before. That’s definitely something to consider. The work you do depends on the practice you do. The state of the economy might change the type of clients you have and what kind of law you practice.
CD: Deals are cut faster, clients are looking at your work product and that you are providing value. The changes that are occurring deal with the type of work.
How many hours did you work a week/ What about dual degree programs?
CB: Work hours vary depending on practice. As far as dual degree programs, they’re not a requirement but they are nice.
CD: In terms of two degrees, be prepared to ask questions about which degree you are leaning towards.
What about your next step will do public interest or... ?
CB: I’m thinking about it but it’s hard to leave the corporate sector when you have worked in it for so long.
KF: It’s hard to leave a job that I really enjoy and get paid well..but I don’t think I’ll stay in it forever.
SP: The work is relatively satisfying. Many people consider leaving, but many attorneys get used to the lifestyle and it’s hard to leave.
CD: If a public interest opportunity came up I would do it. However public interest law takes a different toll on you.
Are you HAPPY?
CB: I’m happy but you need to decide if it is right for you, obviously
KF: On average, I’m very happy going to work and doing the work I do.
SP: Same as CB and KF. I work at a smaller law firm, so my hours are more reasonable.
CD: I’m overall very happy with my work and what I’m doing and the direction of my career.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
2011 Archive: Panel Discussion with Associates
Come to hear 2nd and 3rd year associates discuss the transition from Law School to four prestigious corporate law firms. These associates will offer their perspectives on entering the professional field after school and offer advice for undergraduate pre-law students.
The panelists are as follows:
Christelle Dorcil from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Sagar Patel from Seward & Kissel
Courtney Browne from Skadden
Katie Fernandez from Mayer Brown
There will also be free Nussbaum bagels!
Check out the Facebook event and our page for more information.
The panelists are as follows:
Christelle Dorcil from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Sagar Patel from Seward & Kissel
Courtney Browne from Skadden
Katie Fernandez from Mayer Brown
There will also be free Nussbaum bagels!
Check out the Facebook event and our page for more information.
Friday, October 7, 2011
2011 Archive: Job Shadow Day
We are partnering with Barclays Capital for Job Shadow Day this year. Students will get the opportunity to speak with current Legal Analysts, meet the Legal Recruiter, and learn more about their Summer Analyst program. The event will take place on Friday, November 18 from 12-2 p.m. Students should be undergraduate juniors (graduating May 2013) with a GPA of 3.2 or higher and interested in pursuing a legal internship this upcoming summer and a law degree in the future. Students interested in participating must apply online on the Barclays Capital website for the Barclays NY Legal Summer Analyst program and submit their resume to barclaysjsd.prelaw@gmail.com by Monday, November 7.
As usual, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me or the board at prelaw@columbia.edu. And like our Facebook page!
Also, stay tuned for our next Corporate Law Pane: Transitioning from Law School to the Firm!
As usual, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me or the board at prelaw@columbia.edu. And like our Facebook page!
Also, stay tuned for our next Corporate Law Pane: Transitioning from Law School to the Firm!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
2011 Blog Archive: Overview of the Pre-Law Society
The Columbia Pre-Law Society, as the student counterpart to The Office of Preprofessional Advising at Columbia University, provides prospective law students with a forum to discuss, interact and debate with our nation's laws and processes. We organize events and programs in order to facilitate networking both within our membership and with legal professionals. Our events are meant to provide pre-law students with the necessary resources to either foster interest in the law or motivate further exploration of existing legal interests. Students can attend the events they desire to attend and have no obligation to attend a certain number of events to become a part of the Society.
One integral aspect of our programming are our panels featuring attorneys, law school students, and professors. Last semester, we had a Corporate Law panel featuring two partners from prestigious law firms Kirkland and Ellis, and Schulte Roth and Zabel. In addition, we had a panel of Columbia law school students that ranged from 1L to 3L who spoke about their experiences in applying to law school and thoughts on law school. Prior to that, we had an International Law panel, a Intellectual Property Law panel, and an informal discussion session with a professor at Columbia Law School regarding ethics in law. Panels planned for this upcoming semester include a first and second year associates panel, a Law in Other Fields Panel, and a Public Service Law panel.
In addition to the aforementioned events, the Pre-Law Society runs two programs further designed to help students explore their interest in law. The first program, Law School Auditing, is open to everyone and allows students to sit in on a class at Columbia Law School. Previous classes offered have included Constitutional Law, Criminal law, Property Law, and IP Law. If students are interested in a particular field of law, please contact the Pre-Law Society and we will try to arrange to have a class in that field.
The second program, Job Shadow Day, allows students to visit a top law firm in the city, such as Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft, and meet and network with attorneys and recruiters. This program is generally geared towards upperclassmen, although first-years are also welcome to apply. Further information will be sent out once details are finalized for those of you interested in participating this fall.
This semester there is an opportunity to join the board as an Events Liaison, an entry level board position designed to help you learn how to function on a board and within Columbia's extracurricular activities. Some of the tasks that Events Liaisons are expected to carry out are fliering, contacting speakers, and brainstorming for new events. It will be a chance to not only be a larger part of Pre-Law Society but also to interact with the legal professionals and law students in the New City area. In order to be an Events Liaison, you must be able to attend board meetings every Sunday at 8 pm. Check our home page for the application.
Last, but not least, like our Facebook page. There is a Columbia Pre-Law Society Facebook group that will soon go into disuse, so do not join that one. To get updates on events, panels, and our two programs, like the page!
Thanks for all those who came out, and we can't wait to see you at our future events!
One integral aspect of our programming are our panels featuring attorneys, law school students, and professors. Last semester, we had a Corporate Law panel featuring two partners from prestigious law firms Kirkland and Ellis, and Schulte Roth and Zabel. In addition, we had a panel of Columbia law school students that ranged from 1L to 3L who spoke about their experiences in applying to law school and thoughts on law school. Prior to that, we had an International Law panel, a Intellectual Property Law panel, and an informal discussion session with a professor at Columbia Law School regarding ethics in law. Panels planned for this upcoming semester include a first and second year associates panel, a Law in Other Fields Panel, and a Public Service Law panel.
In addition to the aforementioned events, the Pre-Law Society runs two programs further designed to help students explore their interest in law. The first program, Law School Auditing, is open to everyone and allows students to sit in on a class at Columbia Law School. Previous classes offered have included Constitutional Law, Criminal law, Property Law, and IP Law. If students are interested in a particular field of law, please contact the Pre-Law Society and we will try to arrange to have a class in that field.
The second program, Job Shadow Day, allows students to visit a top law firm in the city, such as Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft, and meet and network with attorneys and recruiters. This program is generally geared towards upperclassmen, although first-years are also welcome to apply. Further information will be sent out once details are finalized for those of you interested in participating this fall.
This semester there is an opportunity to join the board as an Events Liaison, an entry level board position designed to help you learn how to function on a board and within Columbia's extracurricular activities. Some of the tasks that Events Liaisons are expected to carry out are fliering, contacting speakers, and brainstorming for new events. It will be a chance to not only be a larger part of Pre-Law Society but also to interact with the legal professionals and law students in the New City area. In order to be an Events Liaison, you must be able to attend board meetings every Sunday at 8 pm. Check our home page for the application.
Last, but not least, like our Facebook page. There is a Columbia Pre-Law Society Facebook group that will soon go into disuse, so do not join that one. To get updates on events, panels, and our two programs, like the page!
Thanks for all those who came out, and we can't wait to see you at our future events!
2011 Archive: Events Liaison
For everyone interested in becoming an Events Liaison, the application is below. It is due before 5 pm on September 21st, 2011.
Remember: To be able to be an Events Liaison, you must be able to attend board meetings on Sundays at 8:00 pm. http://weebly-file/4/8/2/0/4820904/events_committee_application__fall_2011.doc
Remember: To be able to be an Events Liaison, you must be able to attend board meetings on Sundays at 8:00 pm. http://weebly-file/4/8/2/0/4820904/events_committee_application__fall_2011.doc
Thursday, September 8, 2011
2011 Archive: General Body Meeting
Columbia Pre-Law Society will be holding its first general body meeting on Tuesday, September 13th at 8:00 pm in Lerner 569.
Start your year off and get involved with Columbia Pre-Law Society! Meet your executive board, learn how you can become an events liaison, and find ways to stay updated with our events. Send any questions/concerns to prelaw@columbia.edu and check us out on Facebook. We can't wait to see you there!
Start your year off and get involved with Columbia Pre-Law Society! Meet your executive board, learn how you can become an events liaison, and find ways to stay updated with our events. Send any questions/concerns to prelaw@columbia.edu and check us out on Facebook. We can't wait to see you there!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
2011 Blog Archive: Introduction
Hey guys!
As part of our effort to become more accessible to Columbia and Barnard, we've decided to create a Blog detailing the information from each of our events. If you can't make it to a panel or a meeting, I'll post a summary of the event here.
If you have an suggestions, definitely leave a comment or email me!
Natasha Bhatia
PR Coordinator
As part of our effort to become more accessible to Columbia and Barnard, we've decided to create a Blog detailing the information from each of our events. If you can't make it to a panel or a meeting, I'll post a summary of the event here.
If you have an suggestions, definitely leave a comment or email me!
Natasha Bhatia
PR Coordinator
Monday, May 23, 2011
2011 Archive: Welcome, Class of 2015!
Hey Pre-Lawers!
If this is your first time on our site, welcome to the Pre-Law Society website! We post information about our events, applications for positions, and general information on this website. Also, if you're not already on our mailing list, use the Contact form and you will soon be receiving emails about job opportunities, events, and our programs such as Law School Auditing and Job Shadow Day! We also have a Facebook page and you can click the icon on the right to stay updated!
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, always feel free to email the board at prelaw@columbia.edu. If you would like to contact a board member specifically, our emails are listed on the "Executive Board" page.
Class of 2015, you can browse our website to find out more about us. We will be at the NSOP and Activities Fairs so be on the lookout for us!
Happy summer and we look forward to another great semester!
Best,
Alisa Lu
President, Columbia Pre-Law Society
If this is your first time on our site, welcome to the Pre-Law Society website! We post information about our events, applications for positions, and general information on this website. Also, if you're not already on our mailing list, use the Contact form and you will soon be receiving emails about job opportunities, events, and our programs such as Law School Auditing and Job Shadow Day! We also have a Facebook page and you can click the icon on the right to stay updated!
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, always feel free to email the board at prelaw@columbia.edu. If you would like to contact a board member specifically, our emails are listed on the "Executive Board" page.
Class of 2015, you can browse our website to find out more about us. We will be at the NSOP and Activities Fairs so be on the lookout for us!
Happy summer and we look forward to another great semester!
Best,
Alisa Lu
President, Columbia Pre-Law Society
Thursday, April 7, 2011
2011 Archive: LSAT Prep Event
If you are a freshman, sophomore, or junior worried about the LSATs and Law School Application, we have an event on April 12 at 9 pm in Hamilton 304 just for you! Ivylink, a small but very reputable company, will be presenting their guide to law school applications and the LSATs. We had a lot of offers from test prep companies, but we chose IvyLinks for its quality information. Come out for some free dessert and great information!
Check it out on facebook!
Questions? Contact us!
Check it out on facebook!
Questions? Contact us!
Monday, April 4, 2011
2011 Archive: Study Break
Have ideas for events next semester? Really like an event this semester? Want free food?
The Pre-law Society will be having its last event of the semester - a Study Break next Wednesday at 9 p.m. in Lerner 568. Come for the free food, to give suggestions and feedback, and to take a break from studying!
When: Wed., April 27 at 9 p.m.
Where: Lerner 568Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=150063868393239
The Pre-law Society will be having its last event of the semester - a Study Break next Wednesday at 9 p.m. in Lerner 568. Come for the free food, to give suggestions and feedback, and to take a break from studying!
When: Wed., April 27 at 9 p.m.
Where: Lerner 568Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=150063868393239
Friday, April 1, 2011
2011 Archive: Job Shadow Day
Juniors and Seniors,
Pre-Law society is hosting a Job Shadow Day with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP on Wednesday April 13th from 1:00 PM to 3:15 PM. The day's activities will include:
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch with Recruiting Dept. and overview of firm
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Tour of Building
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM - Meeting with partner
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM - Meeting with mid-level associate
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM - Coffee with junior associate in our cafeteria
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM - Wrap up with Recruitment Dept
If you are interested, please send your resume and a brief (250 words or less) paragraph about why you want to participate in Job Shadow Day with Cadwalader specifically to prelaw@columbia.edu by 11:59 PM on Saturday April 2nd. If you have any questions or concerns, email us or use the contact form at http://columbiaprelaw.weebly.com/contact.html.
Pre-Law society is hosting a Job Shadow Day with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP on Wednesday April 13th from 1:00 PM to 3:15 PM. The day's activities will include:
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch with Recruiting Dept. and overview of firm
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Tour of Building
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM - Meeting with partner
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM - Meeting with mid-level associate
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM - Coffee with junior associate in our cafeteria
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM - Wrap up with Recruitment Dept
If you are interested, please send your resume and a brief (250 words or less) paragraph about why you want to participate in Job Shadow Day with Cadwalader specifically to prelaw@columbia.edu by 11:59 PM on Saturday April 2nd. If you have any questions or concerns, email us or use the contact form at http://columbiaprelaw.weebly.com/contact.html.
Monday, March 21, 2011
2011 Archive: Corporate Law Panel
Columbia Pre-Law Society will be having a Corporate Law Panel:
March 30th at 7:00 pm in Hamilton 517
Come to meet two high-level partners from prestigious New York City firms, Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP. Both of these highly reputable women are Columbia Law School alums, and this is your chance to hear about their experiences in a moderated panel, ask questions, and explore a popular concentration within the legal field. There will also be free pizza and sodas!
Send questions for the panelists to prelaw@columbia.edu
Check out the attorneys' bios:
Binta Niambi Brown - A Barnard College and Columbia Law alum as well as a member of the Board of Trustees at Barnard.
http://www.kirkland.com/sitecontent.cfm?contentID=220&itemID=9081
Phyllis A. Schwartz - A Columbia Law alum
http://www.srz.com/Phyllis_A_Schwartz/
Check us out on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194664733907025
March 30th at 7:00 pm in Hamilton 517
Come to meet two high-level partners from prestigious New York City firms, Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP. Both of these highly reputable women are Columbia Law School alums, and this is your chance to hear about their experiences in a moderated panel, ask questions, and explore a popular concentration within the legal field. There will also be free pizza and sodas!
Send questions for the panelists to prelaw@columbia.edu
Check out the attorneys' bios:
Binta Niambi Brown - A Barnard College and Columbia Law alum as well as a member of the Board of Trustees at Barnard.
http://www.kirkland.com/sitecontent.cfm?contentID=220&itemID=9081
Phyllis A. Schwartz - A Columbia Law alum
http://www.srz.com/Phyllis_A_Schwartz/
Check us out on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194664733907025
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
2011 Archive: Columbia Law School Panel
Columbia Pre-Law Society will be having a Columbia Law School Student Panel on Wednesday March 2nd at 9 pm in Lerner 568.
Get advice from students at one of the top law schools in the nation. Columbia Law students will discuss their undergraduate experiences, preparation for law school, the transition from undergraduate education into the legal field, and much more in a moderated panel, followed by a Q&A session. Not only will there be FREE PIZZA, but also important advice for your future from students who have experienced it all.
Have questions you want to be asked? Send them to prelaw@columbia.edu for inclusion in the panel!
Check out the Facebook event as well!
Get advice from students at one of the top law schools in the nation. Columbia Law students will discuss their undergraduate experiences, preparation for law school, the transition from undergraduate education into the legal field, and much more in a moderated panel, followed by a Q&A session. Not only will there be FREE PIZZA, but also important advice for your future from students who have experienced it all.
Have questions you want to be asked? Send them to prelaw@columbia.edu for inclusion in the panel!
Check out the Facebook event as well!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
2011 Archive: Applications for the Events Committee
Hey everyone,
We are now accepting applications for the Events Committee. For those of you who don't know, the Events Committee plans one-time events (such as panels), helps us publicize events, and provides us with feedback. For example, we are currently planning a Corporate Law panel in March and another panel in April. If you are interested, please fill out the short, attached application and send it to prelaw@columbia.edu by no later than 11:59 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 26. If you have any questions about the time commitment, responsibilities, etc. please feel free to contact me.
2011 Spring Events Committee Application
Sincerely,
Alisa Lu
President, Columbia Pre-Law Society
We are now accepting applications for the Events Committee. For those of you who don't know, the Events Committee plans one-time events (such as panels), helps us publicize events, and provides us with feedback. For example, we are currently planning a Corporate Law panel in March and another panel in April. If you are interested, please fill out the short, attached application and send it to prelaw@columbia.edu by no later than 11:59 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 26. If you have any questions about the time commitment, responsibilities, etc. please feel free to contact me.
2011 Spring Events Committee Application
Sincerely,
Alisa Lu
President, Columbia Pre-Law Society
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