Law Focus
Law Focus brings together resources local to Beyond Barnard (advising, introductions to the law school application process, etc.) with guest speakers and information sessions from a range of law firms, public interest law associations, and more. Law Focus increases exposure of students to law school and the legal profession more generally, while providing Employer Partners with the opportunity to connect with Barnard's exceptional student body.
In addition to traditional information sessions and workshops, Law Focus events share practical information with students about the ins and outs of pursuing legal work, as well as about trends and hot-button issues in the industry. Students benefit from direct contact with attorneys, alumnae, and human resources/people & talent professionals, while also connecting with each other and building a sense of cohort. Law Focus concludes with a reception for student and employer participants in the program.
Questions about Law Focus can be directed to BeyondBarnard@barnard.edu.
Law Focus Programming
Pre-Law Overview (Wednesday, Sept. 14; 5:00-6:00 pm EST)
Recording of this session can be found here
What does “pre-law” mean, anyway? This event will be led by one of our Beyond Barnard pre-law advisors who will give you a crash course on the ABCs of the JD! Topics include academic preparation, extracurricular activities, the LSAT, letters of recommendation, application timing, and much more!
Personal Statement Workshop (Thursday, Sept. 22; 1:00-2:00pm EST)
The personal statement for graduate programs and fellowships can be a tricky genre to master, but it's important to understand the expectations for these documents before delving into writing a first draft. During this discussion, Beyond Barnard’s fellowship advisor, Dana I. Muñiz Pacheco, will share how to structure strong statements for different kinds of programs, best practices to get you started writing, and how to avoid some of the pitfalls common among applicants.
Join Yale Law School for a private in-person informational session for Columbia University and Barnard College students and alumni featuring Miriam Ingber, Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Yale Law School. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Yale Law School, our unique admissions process, and our supportive community. There will also be lots of time for your questions!
Students can sign up for introductory conversations with Barnard alumna Farah Rahman to learn more about her career path after Barnard and her current work.
Students can sign up for introductory conversations with Barnard alumna Madhuri Pavamani to learn more about her career path after Barnard and her current work.
Smith Shapourian Mignano PC (Tuesday, Oct. 11; 5:30-6:30pm EST)
This will be a virtual event
Join Neda, one of the founders of the firm, who will be sharing insight on what it means to work at a boutique law firm and how to increase female and minority representation at the partner level.
Smith Shapourian Mignano PC is a modern, women- and minority-owned boutique law firm that provides BigLaw quality services at affordable rates. We represent technology companies, venture capital funds, and industry-adjacent service providers on a variety of corporate matters. Additionally, we assist our clients in managing relationships with their former companies, employees, partners, investors, service providers, or customers. We are a completely virtual law firm and rely on innovative legal technology to provide a high-touch service at competitive rates.
Harvard Law School Information Session (Thursday, Oct. 13; 4:00-5:15pm EST)
Join an exclusive information session with Pamela Toscano, an admissions officer from Harvard Law School. Pamela will visit Barnard's campus to answer your inquiries about Harvard Law School! Come prepared with your questions and learn about everything that Harvard Law School has to offer.
Columbia Law School Admissions: One-on-One Interviews (Wednesday, Oct. 19; 1:00-5:00pm EST)
Connect with the Columbia Law School Admissions Office for a one-on-one meeting with an Admissions Officer. This opportunity is offered exclusively to students and alumni of Columbia University's undergraduate institutions. Registration is required for this event via the link included in the event description.
Georgetown University Law Center Information Session (Monday, Oct. 24; 5:00-6:00pm EST)
Are you interested in attending Georgetown University Law Center? Matthew Taurchini from the GULC Office of Admissions will be hosting a virtual information session for the Barnard community. Be sure to bring your Georgetown-related questions to this exclusive session.
Mintz (Tuesday, Oct. 25; 5:30-6:30pm EST)
This will be a virtual event
Join Emily Ndiokho, a Barnard alumna and Project Analyst at Mintz, who will share insight about working at a corporate law firm and provide advice for those considering taking time between graduating Barnard and attending law school.
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. is a general practice, full service Am Law 100 law firm employing approximately 550+ attorneys serving clients worldwide. We are headquartered at One Financial Center in Boston’s Financial District and have additional US offices in Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, as well as an office in London and a strong international practice.