Friday, January 17, 2025 | 9:30 – 3:30 PM EST
at CUNY School of Law
Join us for a dynamic day of learning, connection, and inspiration as we explore the journey from pre-law aspirations to public interest advocacy.
Whether you’re a current student mapping out your law school path or an advisor guiding the next generation of legal advocates, our conference offers insider perspectives, practical strategies, and authentic conversations about building a meaningful legal career. At CUNY Law, we believe the legal profession should reflect the communities it serves—and we’re here to help you take your next step toward your dream of being a lawyer.
Program
CHECK-IN & BREAKFAST | 9:30 AM
WELCOME ADDRESS | 10:00 AM
Dean’s Welcome
ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS: WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO THRIVE IN LAW SCHOOL | 10:10 AM
Students share what they wish they knew before applying in an open discussion about the application journey as well as the academic, social, and professional aspects of law school.
Moderator:
Jacqueline Totso (she/her), Assistant Director of Career Planning, CUNY Law
Panelists:
Shahed Chowdhury (he/him), 3L Day Student
Miles Evans (he/him), 3L Day Student
CONCURRENT SESSIONS | 11:10 AM
Advising CUNY Students | Pre-law Advisor Workshop
What’s different and what’s the same about advising CUNY undergraduates.
Moderator:
Bibi Amin (she/her), Assistant Director of Outreach and Systems Operation, CUNY School of Law
Panelists:
Katherine Espiritu (she/her), Director of JD Admissions, Fordham University School of Law
Melissa Stoll (she/her), Associate Director of Admissions at St. John’s University School of Law
Carolyn Nelson (she/her), Pipeline to Justice Instructor, CUNY School of Law
Crafting Your Path: Strategies for Law School Admission Success
Admissions panel with public and private regional representatives providing actionable advice and insights for a competitive application.
Moderator:
Adelaide Rodriguez (she/her), Associate Director of Admissions, CUNY School of Law
Panelists:
Joan Metzler (she/her), Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Quinnipiac University School of Law
Jeanne Estilo Widerka (she/her), Associate Dean of Admissions and Admissions Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, Cardozo School of Law
LSAT STRATEGIES FROM AN EXPERT | 12:15 PM
Hear from experts from Pipeline to Justice, CUNY Law’s signature access initiative focused on providing a comprehensive on-ramp from a second look at the LSAT through the full admissions process.
Facilitator:
Carolyn Nelson (she/her), Pipeline to Justice Instructor, CUNY School of Law
LUNCH & LAW SCHOOL FAIR | 1:00 PM
Join us for a networking lunch and law school fair reception to meet members of the CUNY Law community and regional schools.
Columbia Law School
Fordham University School of Law
Quinnipiac University School of Law
St. John’s University School of Law
Roger Williams University School of Law
Seton Hall Law
Howard University School of Law
New York Law School
Cardozo Law School
CONCURRENT SESSIONS | 2:15 PM
Mock Class
with Professor Jared M. Trujillo (he/him), Associate Professor of Law
Sneak Peek into the Admissions Committee | Pre-law Advisor Workshop
Go behind the scenes of CUNY Law’s Admissions Committee for insights on their holistic approach and file review process
Moderator:
Maya Alperin (she/her), Assistant Director for Data and Enrollment Analytics, CUNY School of Law
Panelists:
Kate Vieira (she/her), Director of Admissions, Roger Williams University
Scott Cutrone (he/him), Executive Director of Admissions, Columbia Law School
FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS FOR FUTURE LAWYERS: TOOLS FOR SUCCESS | 3:00 PM
A Q&A with CUNY Law Financial Aid team covering loans, scholarships, and financial planning for law school.
Moderator:
Gayla Jacobson (she/her), Executive Director of Admissions, Enrollment, and Dual Degree Programs
Panelists:
Jenny Amperiadis (she/her), Financial Aid Specialist, CUNY School of Law
Peter Eraca (he/him), Assistant Dean for JD & Graduate Admissions, Seton Hall Law