Supported by a gift from the Class of May 2017, the networking event in Cemala Commons allowed Elon Law students to learn more about the types of careers enjoyed by law school alumni.
More than a dozen Elon Law alumni returned to their alma mater in late September for a networking event that afforded current students an opportunity to share their resumes and learn more about life in the legal profession.
Ten employers were represented at the fair in the law school’s Cemala Commons, where handshakes were plentiful and the networking strategic, notably for students preparing to graduate in December.
Designed for easy conversations between practicing attorneys and students seeking their first legal positions, the inaugural Alumni Employer Fair on Sept. 28, 2017, was supported by a class gift from those Elon Law alumni who graduated in May 2017.
“Bringing this many employers into the building gives students an opportunity network and be considered for summer internships and post-graduate jobs,” said Melissa Duncan ‘06 L’09, director of the Office of Career & Student Development. “And being supported by a gift shows an investment in students who follow the Class of May 2017. It also shows the importance the class placed on alumni involvement in student success.”
Duncan said a similar program is now being scheduled for the spring.
Alumni taking part in the fair likewise praised students for their preparation. “The students here were very engaged,” said Janean Bryant Dunn L’15, an attorney in Winston-Salem, N.C., practicing employment law with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “A lot of them asked good questions, and they had their resumes ready.”
Kelly Robinson L’09, an associate with MacCord Mason PLLC, said participation in the employment fair was a great way for alumni to contribute to the continued success of the law school. It meant a lot to her when she was here to meet with attorneys, Robinson said, so giving back is important.
“A lot of students ask, ‘How can I get my foot in the door?’ Meeting attorneys at events like this is critical. I know as a 3L you’re bombarded right now and it’s hard to work things into your schedule, but you’ll be glad you did.”
Participating Employers & Alumni:
Brock & Scott, PLLC
Gregory Cowan L’09, Andrew Hogan L’10, Melissa Westmoreland L’12, Andrea Davis L’12
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Caolan Ronan L’16
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog, LLP
Matthew Covington L’09
Deal Law Group
Porsha Washington L’14
Dugan & Leger, PLLC
Nicholas Leger L’15
Dummit Fradin
Megan Spidell L’12 and Bree Ward L’15
Duncan Law, PLLC
Damon Duncan ’06 L’09
Law Offices of Fred T. Hamlet
Nicole Patino L’15
MacCord Mason PLLC
Kelly Robinson L’09
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Erin Rega L’12 and Janean Dunn L’15