We’ll see you on October 5, 2025!
Made Possible By:
The goal of this free, one-day, virtual conference is to provide first-generation and other 1L students who are new to the law with the tools, insights, and connections needed to navigate the law firm hiring process successfully. Break into Practice: 1L Career Summit is designed to bridge the gap between law school and the legal profession by demystifying law firm recruitment and equipping students with the knowledge to make informed career decisions.
Through expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and one-on-one attorney feedback sessions, we hope this conference will serve as a launchpad for 1L students seeking to land firm opportunities, build their professional brand, and position themselves for success in the legal field.
Enter the legal market with confidence!
Opening Session & Remarks
9:30am - 10:00 a.m. ET
Sydney Montgomery, Esq.
Founder & Executive Director of Barrier Breakers®
Kick off the Break into Practice: 1L Career Summit with an empowering welcome from Sydney Montgomery, Founder of Barrier Breakers. This session will set the stage for the day, outlining what to expect, how to make the most of the conference, and why early career preparation is key to long-term success in the legal profession.
As a first-generation professional and advocate for accessibility in the legal field, Sydney will share insights on navigating the 1L job search, building confidence in your career journey, and using this conference as a stepping stone to securing law firm opportunities.
Start your day feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take action as you launch into your legal career!
Understanding Law Firm Tiers: Big Law, Midsize, and Small Firms
10:15am - 11:00 a.m. ET
Learn the key differences between firm sizes, work expectations, salary structures, and career trajectories.
Liscah Isaboke, Esq.
Founder and Managing Attorney Isaboke Law Firm, PLLC
Amanda Reed, Esq.
Partner and Managing Attorney Reed & Thompson PLLC
Ta’Chelle Jones, Esq.
Associate
Norton Rose Fulbright
Choosing and Understanding Practice Areas
11:15am - 12:00 p.m. ET
Gain insights into different legal specialties and how to align your interests with long-term career goals.
Larry Gibson, Esq.
Associate at Jackson Walker LLP
Edward Vergara, Esq.
Partner at Seward & Kissel
Sean Lewis, Esq.
Associate at Haynes Boone
Finding Mentors & Leadership Opportunities in Law School
12:15 pm - 1:00 p.m. EST
Learn how to identify valuable mentors and leverage student organizations to strengthen your career prospects.
Khalil Bryant, Esq.
Associate at Haynes Boone
Jordan Rosenfeld, Esq.
Partner at Saul Ewing
Ziwen Zhu, Esq.
Partner at Troutman Pepper
Law Firm & Resource Fair
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EST
Connect with law firms, learn about their hiring processes, start building relationships with attorneys and resources to help you thrive in law school.
Evaluating Firm Culture: Finding the Right Fit for You
2:30 pm - 3:15 p.m. ET
Learn what to look for in a firm’s culture, work-life balance, and values to ensure a fulfilling legal career.
Matthew Gerber, Esq.
Counsel
Saul Ewing
Munis Safajou, Esq.
Associate
Norton Rose Fulbright
Dorianna Phillips, Esq.
Director of Attorney Recruiting
Fisher Phillips
How to Make Yourself Competitive for On-Campus Interviewing
3:30 pm - 4:15 p.m. ET
Understand what firms look for in 1L candidates, how to optimize your early experiences, and key OCI preparation strategies.
Steven Nadel, Esq.
Partner at Seward & Kissel
Lauren Jackson, MPA, Esq.
Dean of Career Services at Howard University
Ian Block, Esq.
Partner at Neal, Gerber, Eisenberg
Building Your Personal Brand as a Law School Student
4:30 pm - 5:15 p.m. ET
Discover how to establish a strong professional presence from day one, from networking to LinkedIn strategies.
Jani Tillery, Esq.
Chief Attorney at Maryland Legal Aid
Janet Wyse, Esq.
Associate at Haynes Boone
One-on-One Attorney Feedback (20-Minute Sessions)
5:15 - 7:30 p.m. EST
Sign up for individualized feedback on either resumes, cover letters, or interview techniques from a practicing attorney. Advance Registration Required and spots are limited. Register early to secure a session.
Mastering Legal Resumes Workshop
5:15 pm - 6:00 p.m. ET
This interactive, hands-on session is designed to give 1L students practical guidance and personalized feedback on legal resumes. Learn what law firms look for in a 1L resume, how to effectively showcase your experiences, and common mistakes to avoid.
Jeanine Botwe-Brown, Esq.
Founder & CEO of Seating
Danielle K. Little, Esq.
Partner at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani
Ace Your Law Firm Interviews Workshop
6:45 pm - 7:30 p.m. ET
This interactive, hands-on session is designed to give 1L students practical guidance and insights into the law firm hiring process. Learn best practices for answering common questions, and receive tips on body language, professionalism, and confidence in interviews.
Clyde Tinnen, Esq.
Partner at Foley & Lardner LLP
Sarah Syed, Esq.
Associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Kennedy Gerard, Esq.
Attorney at Butler Snow LLP
Our free conference includes:
✔ Expert advice from attorneys, recruiters, and law firm partners
✔ A Law Firm & Resource Fair with the chance to meet one-on-one with law firms in a variety of fields
✔The opportunity to get your questions answered live
✔ Virtual networking spaces to meet with other attendees and panelists
✔ And more!
Have questions or want to get involved in our 2025 conference? Send an email to conference@barrier-breakers.org!
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Learn how your contribution can help 1L students achieve their legal dreams!
If you have questions about sponsorships, reach out to conference@barrier-breakers.org.
Thank you to our valuable sponsors for making this free event possible!
