Just The Beginning - A Pipeline Organization

🌟 Yesterday marked the third and final day of our Seattle iLead Law & Leadership Conference 🌟 We were thrilled to welcome 65 vibrant students eager to learn and grow.

We started the morning with an engaging panel, "From the Weekend to TikTok, A Primer on the Coolest Areas of Law," moderated by Caesar Kalinowski. The panelists, including Xiang Li, Peter Anderson, and Alli Condra, explored the intersections of media, music, and food and beverage law. Following this, a panel of legal professionals shared invaluable advice in "Top 5 Things I Wish I Knew About Law School When I Was in HS," moderated by Hiroko Pereza. 📣

Lunch featured a dynamic panel on working “In-House,” moderated by Yusuf Zakir and featuring representatives from top companies. The discussion offered a deep dive into the world of corporate law, giving scholars a glimpse into the diverse career paths available within the legal profession. 🙋‍♂️

The afternoon was spent at the U.S. District Court, where scholars were treated to an informative presentation by the U.S. Marshals and FBI, moderated by Judge John Chun. They also had the unique opportunity to witness a live court proceeding and participate in a Mock Detention Hearing, led by Judge Kate Vaughan and a stellar team of legal professionals. 🧑‍⚖️

The day concluded with a Courthouse Panel, moderated by Judge Tana Lin, where scholars heard from a diverse group of court staff, including a court reporter, an interpreter, and attorneys from both the prosecution and defense. The day wrapped up with closing remarks by Missy Jeje and Judge Richard A. Jones, leaving our scholars inspired and ready to take on the world of law. What an incredible day of learning and growth!⚖️

A huge shoutout to the incredible Seattle legal communinity - law students, attorneys, and judges alike - who wholeheartedly shared their knowledge and expertise with our eager scholars! Your energy and wisdom left everyone feeling empowered and inspired. We cannot wait to come back! 😁

None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you!

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Miller Nash LLP
Pacifica Law Group
Perkins Coie LLP
Skellenger Bender, P.S.
Starbucks

🌟 Day Two of the Seattle iLead Law and Leadership Conference was another impactful day filled with learning and inspiration!

Tuesday, we kicked off the day at the University of Washington School of Law, where scholars engaged in a thought-provoking mock law school class, "What is the Constitution?" led by Professor Jeremiah Chin. Next, Judge Lori K. Smith of the Washington Court of Appeals Division I delivered an inspiring keynote address during lunch, sharing her journey and insights into the judicial system. 🧑‍⚖️

Scholars then participated in a fun and educational Constitutional Cranium session with Professor Terry Price, diving deep into constitutional law concepts. The day continued with a session on Legal Career Pathways, presented by Jana Matthews, Director of the Gates Public Service Program, providing invaluable guidance on navigating various legal careers. ⚖️

We wrapped up the day with a campus tour and group photo, led by Professor Terry Price, capturing the enthusiasm and camaraderie of our scholars. A huge thank you to University of Washington School of Law for hosting us and making day two so memorable! ✨

🌟 Exciting Times in Seattle! 🌟

We're thrilled to kick off the Seattle iLead Law and Leadership Conference, marking our first-ever program in this vibrant city! Our journey began yesterday with a warm welcome from Missy Jeje, JTB Program Manager, and Dean Anthony E. Varona from Seattle University School of Law. We broke the ice with a fun "Too Many Facts" session, setting the stage for an inspiring day ahead. 🏛️

Our scholars delved into the "Road Map to Law School" with insights from Kristin DiBiase and Marya Gould, followed by an empowering keynote address from Judge Anita Crawford-Willis of Seattle Municipal Court. 🧑‍⚖️

Professor Steven Bender then led a thought-provoking mock law school class on the challenge of using law for equal justice. The day continued with an engaging alumni and current student panel featuring Theana Lynn Aromin, Ricardo Franco, Sean D**g, Larry Jefferson, and Fabiola Jimenez. ✍️

We wrapped up with a deep dive into legal career pathways, guided by Professors Dierdre Bowen, Michael Russo, and Zaida Rivera; and Directors Kelli Rodriguez and Lily Su. A huge thank you to Seattle University School of Law for hosting us and making our Seattle debut so memorable! ✨

🌟 We're just one week away 🌟 Join us for an exciting evening of networking and celebration at the Just The Beginning - A Pipeline Organization's Associate Board Fundraiser!

Connect with young professionals, advocates, and community leaders who are passionate about advancing diversity in the legal profession. Enjoy a fun night learning about JTB's impactful programs and engaging with like-minded individuals. 🤝

Your participation helps support JTB’s mission of providing educational and career opportunities to underrepresented youth, ensuring the next generation of legal professionals reflects the diverse society it serves. ⚖️

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference while enjoying a memorable night with friends and colleagues! 🎉

📅 Date: August 15th
📍 Location: Emporium, Fulton Market
🎟️ Purchase tickets at jtb.org/abfundraiser

🌟 Wrapping Up the Chicago Middle School Law Camp! 📚✨

Last week, our middle school scholars had an extraordinary 3 days at the Chicago MSLC! Here’s a recap of the past few days filled with learning, exploration, and growth.

On Wednesday, the scholars kicked off the day with an engaging session on "What is Law!" presented by Sean Suber from Winston & Strawn LLP. Afterward, they walked to Sidley for lunch and received a warm welcome from Sidley volunteers. The day continued with a dynamic "Shark Tank: Intellectual Property" session led by Kiara Ortiz and Valérie Cambronne of LegallyBlack, followed by app development and presentation exercises with ABA volunteers. ✍️

Thursday began with breakfast and a fun Kahoot game on legal lingo, hosted by Missy Jeje at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Judge Sunil Harjani then led an insightful session on the "Journey to the Judiciary." The scholars delved into various legal topics with Veronica Couzo from McDonald’s and participated in a mock law school class on case analysis led by Christina Alabi. Financial literacy was the focus of an informative session with Jamil Henderson and Jeremiah N. Williams from Northwestern Mutual. The day concluded with a lively "Jeopardy: The Road to Law School" game facilitated by Marissa Nugent, Alyssa Rudsinski, and Shruti Nayi. 🧑‍⚖️

Friday, the final day, began with another round of breakfast and Kahoot on legal lingo led by Missy Jeje. Shannon Harmon from Abbott presented "The Art of Negotiation," and the scholars engaged in negotiation exercises with JTB volunteers. They then visited Locke Lord for lunch, where they were welcomed by Carlos Marin. The scholars learned about "The Pathway to Law" and networked with Locke Lord volunteers. the week concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony and group picture with JTB staff, parents, and scholars. ⚖️

A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers, generous hosts, and enthusiastic scholars for making this week an unforgettable journey into the world of law! 🌟✨

📢 Calling all volunteers! 📢 Join JTB and UIC Law's Rising Attorneys Inclusive Summer Experience (R.A.I.S.E.) for our Ready. Set. Law. program on September 20, 2024!

We need enthusiastic, prepared, and engaging volunteers to help guide undergraduate students through the law school experience. This is your chance to make a difference and inspire the next generation of diverse lawyers and leaders!

🔹 Volunteer Opportunities Include:

📚 Law School Admissions Process (9:00 - 9:55am CT)
🎓 Journey to Law School - A Law Student Panel (10:00 - 10:55am CT)
⚖️ Topics in Law (11:00 - 12:00pm CT)
👩‍⚖️ Keynote Address by a Federal Judge (12:00 - 1:30pm CT)
📖 Mock Law School Class (1:30 - 3:00pm CT)
📰 Law in the Headlines (3:00 - 4:00pm CT)

All sessions will be held at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. To register or for more information, contact Cristina Figueroa at [email protected]. Let’s work together to inspire and support future legal professionals! 💼⚖️

🌟 Wrapping Up the Chicago Summer Legal Institute! 📚✨

The final day of our Chicago Summer Legal Institute was a whirlwind of activities and celebrations. The day kicked off at DePaul University College of Law with SLI scholars presenting their oral arguments, showcasing their hard work and newly honed skills. Following these impressive presentations, everyone gathered for a celebration lunch to reflect on their achievements and enjoy some well-deserved camaraderie. We also had the pleasure of celebrating both of our outstanding team leaders' birthdays. Thank you both for being such an invaluable asset throughout the entire week. 🎉

The scholars then traveled to Jones Day where the day culminated in a vibrant networking reception where volunteer attorneys and law students connected with our scholars, offering advice, encouragement, and valuable insights into the legal profession. 🤝

The closing ceremony featured heartfelt speeches by students, presentation of awards, the distribution of certificates by our Program Director, Cristina Figueroa, and closing remarks by Program Manager, Missy Jeje. This marked a fitting end to a transformative week, celebrating the scholars' dedication and hard work. 😁

We had an incredibly enriching week designed to prepare scholars for their journey through high school, college, and hopefully, law school! We welcomed 49 enthusiastic students who explored various legal topics, visited a federal courthouse, participated in oral argument presentations, and engaged in discussions on employment discrimination, environmental justice, public interest law, etc. The week was filled with interactive panels, thought-provoking sessions, and so much more! ⚖️

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated scholars, generous volunteers, and the supportive DePaul University College of Law for making this an unforgettable experience! 🌟✨

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🌟 Day Highlights at the Summer Legal Institute in Chicago! 📚

Wednesday began at Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse with a session on legal career pathways presented by Heather Mulry and Kathryn Chapman, U.S. Pretrial Services Officers, and Laminta Poe, U.S. Probation Officer. Following this, Judge Sara Ellis shared her journey to the judiciary, offering a personal glimpse into her career path. 🧑‍⚖️

Corey Rubinstein, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, presented "Life of a Trial Lawyer," providing a real-world perspective on the courtroom experience. Gabriel A. Fuentes, a U.S. Magistrate Judge, then shared his journey to the judiciary, adding another dimension to the scholars' understanding of legal careers. 🏛️

After traveling back to DePaul University College of Law for lunch, scholars explored topics in environmental justice and climate change with John Petoskey from Earthjustice. They continued with a session on public interest law presented by Sabreena El-Amin and Arthur C Suratt III from the Public Interest Law Initiative. ✍️

The day concluded with a "Journey to Law School" panel moderated by our incredible Team Leader and birthday girl, Marissa Nugent and featuring law students Jazmine Taylor, Myha Riley, Leah Hall, and Timothy Roberts providing valuable insights into the life of a law school student. ⚖️

Thursday kicked off with a bus trip to Abbott Laboratories in Lake Bluff, IL., where scholars were welcomed by Erica Battagli and Ravi Kiran Mamidanna. An engaging attorney panel discussion followed, featuring Anamarie Cashman, Kevin Dam, and Kenneth Kirkwood, who shared their diverse experiences and expertise. This was complemented by a roundtable discussion with Abbott attorneys, allowing scholars to network and ask questions in a more informal setting. 🙋‍♂️

The day concluded with a mock oral argument competition, where scholars showcased their skills in two exciting rounds. This hands-on experience provided a practical application of their learning and a chance to demonstrate their advocacy abilities. 🤝

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🎉 This week, JTB's Summer Legal Institute is taking over Chicago! 🌟

Monday, we began at DePaul University College of Law with a warm welcome from our Program Manager, Missy Jeje and JTB Staff. Scholars engaged in understanding "Christopher Taylor v. Jackson School District" through lively oral argument case skits. This was followed by a mock law school class on "Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.," led by Dino Po***ck, Attorney at Law. ⚖️

After lunch, scholars applied the rules of "Mahanoy" to their own cases with guidance from our incredible Team Leaders, Jazmine Taylor and Marissa Nugent. The day continued with a session on Employment Discrimination by Jasmine Fannell from HSBC and concluded with a Professional Etiquette workshop led by Veronica Couzo from McDonald’s. 🤝

Today started with another engaging mock law school class on "Hazelwood School District Et Al. v. Kulmeier Et Al.," presented by Emily Dowling from Jones Day. Scholars applied the rules of "Hazelwood" to their cases with help from Jazmine Taylor and Marissa Nugent. After a break, they explored Financial Literacy with Mervyn Kopinsky and discussed various legal topics, including "Anti Trust and Competition Law" with Vania Wit from United Airlines and "Ethics and Compliance" with Marla Harris from Constellation. ✍️

These first two days have laid a strong foundation for an exciting week ahead. Stay tuned for more updates! 💼✨

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🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Lawyers! 🌟

Applications are now open for Ready. Set. Law. ⚖️ This transformative program is a partnership between JTB and UIC Law's Rising Attorney Inclusive Summer Experience (R.A.I.S.E.). Designed to prepare undergraduate students for the law student experience, this program is your gateway to exploring the skills and pathways essential for a successful legal career.

Here’s what Ready. Set. Law. has in store for you:

📚 Admissions Presentation: Gain insights into the law school admissions process and learn how to build a compelling application.
🏫 Participation in a 1L Course: Experience a first-year law school course and understand the academic expectations of law school.
👩‍⚖️ Panel with Law Student Leaders: Engage in a conversation with current law students and learn from their experiences and tips for success.
⚖️ Meet with a Federal Judge: An exclusive opportunity to meet and interact with a federal judge, gaining valuable perspectives on the judiciary and legal profession.
✨ And much more, including networking opportunities, skill-building sessions, and exposure to various legal career paths.

This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to excel in law school and beyond. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to jumpstart your legal journey!

✅ Apply today at jtbapo.tfaforms.net/5074496

🌟 Wrapping Up the Washington D.C. Summer Legal Institute! 📚

The final day was packed with transformative experiences for our scholars. The day began with an oral argument presentation led by JD Howlette Volunteers, providing the students with a chance to showcase their skills and receive valuable feedback. This was followed by a celebration luncheon at Howard University School of Law, where everyone gathered to reflect on the week's accomplishments and share their experiences. 🏛️

After lunch, the scholars traveled to Holland & Knight for a networking reception. This event offered a unique opportunity for the students to connect with legal professionals, gain insights into various career paths, and build lasting relationships with their peers and mentors. The reception was filled with engaging conversations, professional advice, and an overall sense of camaraderie as the scholars celebrated their journey and looked forward to their futures in the legal field. 🤝

We had an incredibly enriching week designed to prepare scholars for their journey through high school, college, and hopefully, law school! We welcomed 63 enthusiastic students who toured top law firms, explored various legal topics, participated in oral argument presentations, and engaged in business and intellectual property law exercises. The week was filled with interactive panels, thought-provoking sessions, and so much more! ⚖️

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated scholars, generous volunteers, and the supportive Howard University School of Law for making this an unforgettable experience! 🌟✨

None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you!

Gilbert LLP
Holland & Knight LLP
JD Howlette Law
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Wilmer Hale

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🌟 Day Highlights at the Summer Legal Institute in Washington DC! 📚

These past two days have been packed with enriching experiences for our scholars in DC! On Wednesday, they delved into business law with Wilmer Hale Volunteers and participated in a Shark Tank business law breakout session at Howard University School of Law. The day continued with a visit to Crowell & Moring LLP, where they engaged in an intellectual property presentation and a Shark Tank IP law breakout session, culminating in an app presentation and evaluation. The day concluded with discussions on corporate law led by Freddie Mac Volunteers. 🏛️

Today featured a fireside chat with Chris Ford, Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, and Celyra Myers, Associate at Davis Wright Tremaine, followed by oral argument practice with Gilbert LLP Volunteers. Scholars also explored financial literacy with Chuck West from Graystone Consulting and Tiffany Massay from Morgan Stanley. The day wrapped up with a "Journey to Law School" panel featuring Kierra Booker, Jasmine Owens, Warrington Sebree, and Stayce Evans, and final preparations for oral arguments with Jymir Starks and Joshua Fleming. ✍️

These two days were filled with invaluable insights and hands-on experiences, from business law simulations to intellectual property presentations and corporate law discussions. Scholars honed their professional etiquette and negotiation skills, explored financial literacy, and prepared for their futures with inspiring panels and practical training. 🤝

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🌟 Kicking Off the Washington D.C. Summer Legal Institute! 📚✨

The first two days have been an incredible start for our scholars in DC! We began at Howard University School of Law with a warm welcome from our JTB Program Manager, Missy Jeje and Law School Dean, Roger Fairfax. Scholars jumped right into understanding the intricacies of "Christopher Taylor v. Jackson School District" through engaging oral argument case skits. Following this, they participated in a mock law school class focused on the landmark case "Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.," led by Ifenanya Agwu, Associate at Gilbert LLP. ⚖️

After lunch, scholars applied the rules of "Mahanoy" to their own cases, guided by Jymir Starks and Joshua Fleming, our incredible Team Leaders. The day continued with a session on legal writing by Erin Carroll, Professor of Law at Georgetown School of Law, and concluded with a professional development workshop with Melissa Brooks, Program Head & Associate Professor at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. ✍️

Today, our Scholars went on a trip to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. While there, they participated in a civil discourse exercise led by Judge Zia Faruqui. Returning to Georgetown School of Law for lunch, they then delved into another mock law school class on "Hazelwood School District Et Al. v. Kulmeier Et Al.," again led by Ifenanya Agwu. Scholars applied the rules of "Hazelwood" to their cases, guided by Jymir Starks and Joshua Fleming, and wrapped up with preparation for their upcoming oral arguments. 🏛️

These first two days have set a strong foundation for what promises to be an enlightening and empowering week. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this transformative journey! 💼✨

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🌟 You're Invited! 🌟

Join us for Just The Beginning - A Pipeline Organization's annual Light the Spark Celebration✨ on Thursday, October 10th at United Airlines. This special event offers an opportunity to learn more about JTB's impactful work in promoting diversity within the legal profession, mingle with JTB staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters, and enjoy an evening of fun while supporting our mission. Let's celebrate over 30 years of igniting passion in the next generation of diverse lawyers and leaders. Your presence will help us continue our efforts to create a more inclusive legal community!⚖️

For more info, visit jtb.org/celebration

Happy 4th of July from JTB🎆 Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and festive holiday!

🌟 Join us for an exciting evening of networking and celebration at the Just The Beginning - A Pipeline Organization's Associate Board Fundraiser! 🌟

Connect with young professionals, advocates, and community leaders who are passionate about advancing diversity in the legal profession. Enjoy a fun night learning about JTB's impactful programs and engaging with like-minded individuals. 🤝

Your participation helps support JTB’s mission of providing educational and career opportunities to underrepresented youth, ensuring the next generation of legal professionals reflects the diverse society it serves. ⚖️

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference while enjoying a memorable night with friends and colleagues! 🎉

📅 Date: August 15th
📍 Location: Emporium, Fulton Market
🎟️ Purchase tickets at jtb.org/abfundraiser

🚨 Don't miss out! 🚨 Nominations are still open for our prestigious 5 Under 40 Award! 🎉

Do you know an outstanding attorney under the age of 40 who has shown unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field? We want to hear about them! 🌟

Whether through professional work or volunteer efforts, these changemakers deserve to be celebrated. Nominate them today for a chance to be honored at our Light the Spark Celebration on October 10th in Chicago, IL. ✨

✅ Self-nominations and multiple nominations are encouraged.
📅 All nominations are due by July 15th.

Let's shine a light on those who are making a difference! 🔥 Nominate someone today at https://bit.ly/45kaBw8!

🌟 Wrapping Up the Los Angeles Summer Legal Institute! 📚

The final two days were filled with transformative experiences for our scholars. We began with an inspiring visit to the Japanese American National Museum, where scholars immersed themselves in the rich history and cultural significance of the Japanese American community. This was followed by a meaningful lunch discussion at Chado Tea Room, led by Wendy Shiba, where our scholars engaged in thoughtful conversations about current legal issues and career paths in law. ⚖️

Following these enriching experiences, scholars participated in a crucial session on the legal challenges faced by the unhoused, facilitated by Hilary Potashner. They then honed their mediation skills under the guidance of Professor Sara Campos and took part in a stimulating mediation competition alongside dedicated volunteers. The program also featured a compelling documentary film presentation that provided further insights into the complexities of the legal field. ✍️

The week concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony, featuring Judge Kimberley Baker Guillemet, where we celebrated the scholars' dedication and achievements throughout the institute. 🎉

We had an incredibly enriching week designed to prepare scholars for their journey through high school, college, and hopefully, law school! We welcomed 41 enthusiastic students who toured top law firms, participated in mediation training, explored the ethics of lawyering and civic engagement, and engaged in dynamic discussions on various legal topics. The week was filled with interactive panels, thought-provoking sessions, and so much more! 🏛️

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated scholars, generous volunteers, and the supportive Loyola Law School for making this an unforgettable experience! 🌟✨

None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you!

Bird Marella
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP
Susman Godfrey LLP
Suzanne McRae
The Morrison & Foerster Foundation

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🌟 Wrapping Up the San Diego Summer Legal Institute! 📚

Over the final two days, our scholars delved into crucial topics and hands-on experiences. A highlight was the visit to Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP, where scholars participated in a professional etiquette session with Susan Henderson and Carolina Bravo Karimi. They toured the firm and engaged in a meet & greet, gaining invaluable insights into the day-to-day workings of a prestigious law firm. ⚖️

Back at USD, scholars tackled the "Negotiation Final: A School Dilemma," showcasing their negotiation skills. The program continued with a visit to the Federal Courthouse for an inspiring "Journey to the Bench" judicial panel presentation moderated by Judge Jinsook Ohta, featuring Judge James Simmons Jr., Judge Valerie Torres, and Judge Roderick Ward Shelton. The panelists shared their unique paths to the bench, offering personal anecdotes, professional advice, and insights into the judiciary. 🧑‍⚖️

The week concluded with a vibrant networking reception at the Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room, offering scholars the opportunity to connect with legal professionals and reflect on their experiences. 🤝

We had an incredibly enriching week designed to prepare scholars for their journey through high school, college, and hopefully, law school! We welcomed 54 enthusiastic students who toured top law firms, participated in mediation training, explored the ethics of lawyering and civic engagement, and engaged in dynamic discussions on various legal topics. The week was filled with interactive panels, thought-provoking sessions, and so much more! 🏛️

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated scholars, generous volunteers, and the supportive University of San Diego School of Law for making this an unforgettable experience! 🌟✨

None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you!

Cooley LLP
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Eisner Amper
Glaser Weil Fink Howard Jordan & Shapiro LLP
Jones Day
The Dixon Firm APC
Western Alliance Bank
Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP

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🌟 Day Highlights at the Summer Legal Institute in San Diego! 📚

Wednesday, our scholars embarked on a fascinating visit to Qualcomm! They attended an insightful Qualcomm Attorney Panel moderated by Michael Chavez and featuring panelists: Bob Giles, SVP and Chief IP Counsel, Danielle Olivotto, Senior Director and Legal Counsel, Frank Qi, Senior Director and Legal Counsel, and Samantha Keil, Senior Legal Counsel.

The panel offered invaluable perspectives on the legal field and various career paths. Following the panel, scholars enjoyed a tour of the Qualcomm facilities.

The afternoon sessions included "Personal Skill Development to Negotiate More Effectively," presented by Professor Lisa Maxwell and Professor Joe Villasenor, offering practical negotiation skills. This was followed by a session on "Topics in Law: Consumer Rights Law" with Joe Villasenor.

The day concluded with an engaging "Mock Law School Class" presented by Mary Jo Wiggins, Professor of Law at USD, providing a glimpse into the academic rigor and intellectual excitement of law school.

📸 Tag us in your photos and share your experiences!