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
Law Focus: Barnard & Columbia Cornell, George Wash., Texas & UCLA Law Info Session (Wednesday, October 11th; 5:00-6:00pm EST)
If Cornell Law School, The George Washington University Law School, UCLA Law, or the University of Texas law schools are on your dream law school list, then this event is for you! Admissions representatives from these schools will be coming to campus to tell you everything you need to know about gaining admission to these schools without having to leave campus! This is an excellent event for anyone considering applying to law school during this admissions cycle, anyone planning to apply in the future, or anyone who is just curious about the law school admissions process.
Law Focus Series: Mentor in Residence - Melanie Weniger '10 (Friday, October 13; 2:00pm-4:00pm EST)
This will be a virtual event
The Mentor-in-Residence program provides an opportunity to learn about an industry and ask questions to an industry-expert. After you register here, you will be directed to the site to schedule a 30-min appt. The meetings will be virtual on zoom and may include up to three other students simultaneously. Space is limited. Scheduling is on a first come, first serve basis. Email lmaltz@barnard.edu with questions. Melanie Weniger is the Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programs at the New York City Commission on Gender Equity (CGE). She leads CGE’s work on policy and legislation, as well as on programs, initiatives, and research related to CGE’s three focus areas: Economic Mobility and Opportunity, Health and Reproductive Justice, and Safety. Melanie has served in both city and state government, most recently at the New York State Office of Attorney General, and with large international NGOs such as UN Women. Her work has covered issues such as reproductive justice, pay equity, gender-based violence, civil rights, and consumer fraud. She holds a BA in French and Francophone Studies from Barnard College and a MPA from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service.
Law Focus Series: Mentor in Residence - Renee Garcia '03 (Friday, October 20; 10:00am-12:00pm EST)
This will be a virtual event
The Mentor-in-Residence program provides an opportunity to learn about an industry and ask questions to an industry-expert. After you register here, you will be directed to the site to schedule a 30-min appt. The meetings will be virtual on zoom and may include up to three other students simultaneously. Space is limited. Scheduling is on a first come, first serve basis. Email lmaltz@barnard.edu with questions. Renee Garcia is an award-winning litigator and advocate committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For over a decade she excelled in litigation, strategic planning, risk management and legal analysis - all while keeping social justice at the forefront of her work. In her current role as Chair of the Litigation Group for the City of Philadelphia, she leads 130 people to create programs that improve the city. She is at the forefront of the law department’s active role in improving the city for its citizens. Renee’s passion for her work, especially as it relates to increasing diversity and inclusion efforts within the law field and the community, led her to chair the PNC Legal Pro Bono Committee and independently provide pro bono legal services through the Senior Law Center, Support Center for Child Advocates, and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, amongst others. She also served as former Director on the Board of Community Legal Services/Philadelphia Legal Assistance, and currently serves on the Boards of the Planned Parenthood of Southwest Pennsylvania, the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania and arts non-profit Intercultural Journeys. Renee is also a Fellow, Pathfinder, and a Mentor with the Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity, and recently joined the Forum for Executive Women. Because of her tireless efforts, Renee earned accolades as the 2020 AL DÍA Top In-House Lawyer Award; the 2017 PNC Market All-Star Award; the 2017 Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever Award; and the 2015 Rising Star Corporate Counsel Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal. Renee received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2008 and her B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University in 2003.
Law Focus: Proskauer Business Services and Non-Legal Roles (Tuesday, October 23; 5:30-6:30pm EST)
Join Rachel Kleiner, Director of Legal Recruiting at Proskauer Rose LLP who will share insight about working at a corporate law firm especially in Business Services and Non-Legal Roles. Proskauer is an exciting place to be right now. With over 800 lawyers in 12 offices around the globe, we are the law firm that clients turn to when a matter is complex, innovative and game-changing in the world of sports, health care, life sciences, media & entertainment, technology, asset management and hospitality. Since 1875 we have been trusted by our clients because of the combination of our best-in-class practices and the strength of our industry knowledge.
Law Focus: Harvard Law School Information Session (Thursday, October 26; 5:00pm- 6:30pm EST)
Sulzberger Parlor - Barnard Hall
Are you interested in attending Harvard Law School and want to gain the inside scoop on HLS? Join us for an exclusive information session with Courtney McMann, an admissions officer from Harvard Law School. Courtney 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. This event is open to students of all years, as well as alums.
Law Focus: Career Conversations with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (Friday, November 17; 12:00pm-1:30pm EST)
Employer On-site
Are you curious about a career in Law? Want to learn more about working at a Law Firm? Join Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and panel of 4 Barnard Alumnae consisting of Paul, Weiss Lawyers and Business Professionals who will chat about their careers post-college over an informal lunch.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a firm of more than 1000 lawyers, with diverse backgrounds, ideas and interests, who collaborate with clients to help them conquer their most critical legal challenges and business goals.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP have long been a leader in promoting diversity within our firm and the legal profession, and have been acknowledged by distinguished organizations for our efforts.
All class years are welcome.
When: November 17th, 2023; 12:00-1:30 pm
Where: 1285 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY. 10019
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.
Yale Law School Columbia University & Barnard College Informational Session (Thursday, Sept. 22; 6:00-7:30 pm EST)
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!
Mentor-in-Residence: Farah Rahaman, ‘09, NJ Office of the Public Defender, Juvenile Public Defender (Friday, Oct. 7; 2:30-4:00 pm EST)
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.
Mentor-In-Residence: Madhuri Pavamani, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Sustainability & ESG - Advisory Practice Director (Friday, Oct. 7; 2:30-4:00 pm EST)
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.