Representatives from dozens of law schools across the country came to Binghamton University Wednesday for “Law Day” to pitch their programs to BU students considering a career in law.
The event, co-sponsored by the Pre-Law Advising Office and Career Development Center, was followed by an hour-long discussion panel featuring deans from Tulane University Law School, New Hampshire School of Law, and the University of Washington.
John Appelbaum, one of the event organizers and a pre-law adviser at BU, said the event was to offer prospective law students the chance to explore their options.
“My goal is for them to get an introduction to different schools that are out there,” Appelbaum said. “To both get information about the schools, which is the primary goal, but also kind of introduce themselves to the reps.”
Holly Horn, assistant director for career development, also helped to organize the event. She said that BU students are often successful in getting accepted into law school after graduation.
“I was just speaking with one [representative] who said Binghamton is one of their largest feeder schools for out of state,” Horn said.
Appelbaum said BU specifically seeks representatives from out-of-state law schools to attend the fair.
“Traditionally we always get New York schools, and I’m very happy to see them,” Appelbaum said. “There’s a very good selection of schools from outside the New York state, you know, everything from D.C. to Boston to California. I’m pleased with the selection of schools and I’m pleased with the people that are coming and asking questions.”
The panel following the law fair focused on the logistics of getting into law school and the differences between law and undergraduate programs.
Horn said that the event was open to any student considering law school, not just seniors.
“A lot of [attendees] tend to be seniors because they’re getting ready,” Horn said. “We’ve also seen a lot of juniors, and I’ve talked to even a couple of freshmen.”
Jason Kaner, a freshmen majoring in political science, who attended the law fair said he was impressed by the variety and quality of the schools represented.
“I’m almost positive I want to go to law school, and this is incredible,” Kaner said. “All the top-tier schools are here.”