Program Time and Dates
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Parker Poe's Raleigh Office
Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Parker Poe's Atlanta Office
REGISTER HERE
For 17 years, Parker Poe has hosted a daylong program to help minority students navigate law school, make a successful transition into the practice of law after graduation, and thrive as they pursue the different paths a legal career may take. More than 800 students have attended since the program's inception.
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Our keynote speaker in Raleigh on January 20, 2024, will be Justice Anita Earls.
In January 1988, Justice Earls joined the firm of Ferguson, Stein, Watt, Wallas, Adkins & Gresham in Charlotte, North Carolina. Justice Earls was appointed by President Clinton in 1998 to serve as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. From 2000 to 2003, she directed the Voting Rights Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Returning to North Carolina in 2003, she joined Julius Chambers at the UNC Center for Civil Rights as Director of Advocacy. In 2007 Justice Earls founded the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, a non-profit legal advocacy organization and served as its Executive Director for ten years. She is admitted to practice in North Carolina, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Our keynote speaker in Atlanta on February 10, 2024, will be Ryan K. Buchanan.
Ryan K. Buchanan is the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, where he oversees the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought in the district on behalf of the United States. U.S. Attorney Buchanan leads an office of approximately 250 prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel in its mission to enforce federal criminal law, advocates for the victims of crimes, and represents the United States' interests in federal court. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Mr. Buchanan was in private practice.
Additional Presentations and Breakout Sessions
As in years past, we will have a panel of practicing attorneys discussing topics such as the distinction between a litigation practice and a transactional practice, as well as, highlighting different approaches to having a successful legal career. We will also have a presentation on learning how to brand yourself for success and a panel featuring two incoming Parker Poe summer associates.
In addition, there will be several smaller breakout sessions:
1. Financial Literacy: Understand the pitfalls that await you in the next phase and start planning now.
2. First Generation Lawyers: Thriving as a minority in your legal practice - everything you ever wanted to ask about balancing work, life, and mental health, managing imposter syndrome, promotions to partner and equity partner, and more.
3. Alternative Uses of Your JD: Learn about different paths to legal practice beyond traditional law firm life.
Networking Opportunities
There will be networking breaks throughout the day. During breakfast and lunch, students can also participate in informal discussions with attorneys and other students.
Are You Nervous About Law Firm Interviews?
You can sign up to participate in a mock interview with a Parker Poe attorney to help strengthen your interviewing skills.
Do You Want to Register?
REGISTER HERE or please send an email to thrive@parkerpoe.com by Tuesday, January 16, 2024, to register for the Raleigh Program, and Monday, February 5, 2024, to register for the Atlanta Program. Please type “THRIVE” in the subject line. In the body of your email, please indicate:
- If you would like to participate in a mock interview.
- What law school you currently attend.
- What year you currently are in school.
- Your phone number.
If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact Crystal Jones at 704.371.6165.
Additional Resources
To learn more about Parker Poe's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please click here.
We encourage minority law students to take advantage of other valuable resources as well. For example, the Southeastern Minority Job Fair (SEMJF) is a great way to get in front of approximately 140 employers, including Parker Poe.