Thursday, January 15, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST | CUNY School of Law at 2 Court Square West, Long Island City
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 | 9:00-9:30 AM | First & Second Floor
Join us for bagels, fruit, coffee and tea.
WELCOME | 9:30 AM | Dave Fields Auditorium
Gayla Jacobson (she/her)
Director of Admissions, CUNY School of Law
Introduction
Dr. Joanne Hyppolite (she/her)
Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, CUNY School of Law
Dean’s Welcome Address
Natalie Gomez-Velez (she/her/ella)
Interim Dean, CUNY School of Law
DREAM BIG AND YOUR PATH WILL FOLLOW: MY LEGAL JOURNEY | 9:45 – 10:45 AM | Dave Fields Auditorium
Speakers
Hon. Tracey A. Bing ret. (she/her)
CUNY School of Law ’96
Director First Impressions Youth Legal Collaborative & Adjunct Law Professor
Richard Anthony Celestin, Esq. (he/him)
CUNY School of Law ’06 & CUNY Queens College ’02
LSAC PRESIDENT ADDRESS | 10:50 – 11:00 AM | Dave Fields Auditorium
Introduction
Gayla Jacobson (she/her)
Director of Admissions, CUNY School of Law
Speaker
Sudha Setty (she/her)
President, Law School Admissions Council
CRAFTING YOUR PATH: STRATEGIES FOR LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION SUCCESS | 11:00 – 12:00 PM | Dave Fields Auditorium
Admissions panel with public and private regional representatives. Providing actionable advice and insights for a competitive application. Discuss the implications of increased competition, how to stand out, strategy for applying broadly, and managing waitlists.
Moderator
Adelaide Rodriguez (she/her)
Associate Director of Admissions, CUNY School of Law
CONCURRENT SESSIONS | 12:00 – 12:30 PM
LSAT Strategies from an Expert | Dave Fields Auditorium
Speaker
Carolyn Nelson (she/her)
Pipeline to Justice Instructor, CUNY School of Law
Personal Statement Deep Dive | Pre-law Advisor Workshop | Classroom on second floor
Learn how to guide students in crafting authentic, purposeful personal statements. Admissions professionals share strategies to help pre-law advisors empower first-generation and underrepresented applicants to tell their stories with confidence and clarity.
Speaker
Maya Alperin (she/her)
Associate Director of Data & Operations, CUNY School of Law
LUNCH & LAW SCHOOL FAIR | 12:30-2:00 PM | Community Room & Third Floor Boulevard
Connect with Student Leaders | Community Room
Regional Law School Fair | Third Floor Boulevard
Participating Law Schools:
- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
- Boston University School of Law
- Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
- Fordham Law School
- Howard University School of Law
- New York Law School
- Pace University – Elisabeth Haub School of Law
- Quinnipiac University School of Law
- Roger Williams University School of Law
- Seton Hall Law School
- St. John’s University School of Law
- University at Buffalo School of Law
- Widener University Delaware Law School
AFTERNOON SESSIONS | 2:00 – 4:00 PM | Dave Fields Auditorium
Understanding Financial Aid and How It Can Help You | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Speakers
Jenny Amperiadis (she/her)
Financial Aid Specialist, CUNY School of Law
Guillermo Cruz Andrade (he/him/él)
Financial Aid Coordinator, CUNY School of Law
Student Success and Imposter Syndrome Workshop | 3:00 – 4:00 PM
In Law School, student success is not only about grades but also about how you feel, cope, and grow along your journey. This presentation explores practical, real-world ways to support student wellness by connecting mental health, academic support, and a sense of belonging. Together, we examine how small, intentional changes can create healthier, more supportive environments where students thrive.
Speakers:
Mone’t Schultz (she/her), CUNY School of Law, 2L
Harrison Sherrill (he/him), CUNY School of Law, 3L