GW Law and the GW Law Career Center hosted a 1L Diversity Fair, sponsored by the D.C. Diversity Consortium, in the Marvin Center on November 1.
The D.C. Diversity Consortium is a partnership between four, D.C.-area law schools, including GW Law. Many first-year law student attended the 2nd Annual Diversity Fair, which gave them the opportunity to learn more about a variety of diversity-related programs and fellowships for their 1L summer. This is directly in line with the D.C. Diversity Consortium's goal of empowering diverse law students in their legal careers.
"It's really important for law students to feel empowered with respect to their legal careers. This is at the heart of the D.C. Diversity Consortium's purpose," said Jaya Saxena, an Assistant Director in the Career Center. "One way the 1L Diversity Fair serves to do this is by exposing first-year law students to a variety of diversity-related opportunities before they begin applying to positions after December 1 pursuant to guidelines set forth by the National Association for Law Placement. At this event, they can learn about the application process and speak directly with employers, which can help build their confidence and assist them in crafting stronger applications."
The event began with a brief welcome by Roger A. Fairfax, Jr., Jeffrey and Martha Kohn Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Research Professor of Law, followed by a panel discussion and networking reception.
"It was amazing going to a networking event dedicated solely to diversity," said Casey Matsumoto, 1L. "I thought the panel at the beginning of the evening was incredibly helpful in hearing why employers value diversity, and their suggestions for framing and utilizing our diversity so that our applications stand out in a positive way. After talking to some of the employers at the event, I'm heartened to see the dedication and enthusiasm the legal community has in striving to increase diversity."
There were a total of 221 1Ls in attendance and 31 participating employers, 14 of whom contributed sponsorship funds.