In the space of aspiring legal minds, October 20th marked a pivotal moment as PESA hosted a Law Panel Event for their College Internship Cohort. PESA’s Directors of Internships Amanda Flores and Cheyenne Clopton spearheaded the event, weaving together an insightful tapestry of legal wisdom for college interns. With three distinguished guest speakers, including two Loyola Law School students, Nathaniel Flores and Katherine Andreeff, and seasoned attorney Nancy B. Sperber, the event promised a diverse array of perspectives.
The panel commenced with a dynamic 30-minute moderated Q&A session of carefully curated questions aimed at providing invaluable insights for the attendees. Following this, the floor opened for the undergraduates to pose their own queries, creating an interactive and engaging dialogue.
Flores emphasized the significance of hosting events like this stating, “Often, students are confined to the textbook versions of their learning, and that could be really constraining because you're not really listening to real time advice or just real time changes as to what's happening in the system.”
Attorney Nancy B. Sperber shared her enduring commitment to learning. She underscored the ever-changing nature of the legal system, emphasizing that attorneys are in a perpetual state of evolution. Sperber's reflections on California's reformed criminal justice system, coupled with her acknowledgment of its setbacks, offered a sobering yet motivating perspective for those considering a career in law.
Flores emphasizes PESA’s role in elevating confidence and opportunities for aspiring lawyers, “PESA specifically is saying, here is a group of students who have made it. By placing a practicing attorney who also is giving an overview of her career and explaining a bit more about what it takes to last throughout the duration of a career, it elevates their confidence and opportunities for these undergraduates to pursue their dream in law.”
Clopton echoed this sentiment, noting, “It's important for college students to find their place and have a better idea about what a career entails. Ultimately, PESA is helping them be more confident about their decision in going to law school and pursue a career within the law field.”
In the pursuit of fostering a more inclusive legal education environment, Flores and Clopton highlight a crucial aspect during the event: the significance of embracing diverse perspectives. This went beyond merely acknowledging demographic factors, extending to an appreciation for the varied journeys students undertake to reach law school. As Clopton stated, “Aside from demographic factors, it was also important to consider things like ‘Did they go straight through college? Did they take gap years?’”
In conclusion, PESA's Law Panel Event emerged as a beacon of inspiration and insight for aspiring legal professionals. By fostering inclusivity, breaking down barriers to information, and providing real-world perspectives, PESA reaffirmed its commitment to making the dream of law school accessible to all who harbor it, regardless of their background or starting point.
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