Admissions Events Calendar

Past Events

1. Check out our past programs!

    

      An Insider's Perspective: Personal Statement Workshop
      Friday, September 17, 2021   |  12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  PT

   At this stage in the application process, you're probably wondering how you can make your journey to law school stand out among the crowd. Admissions Committees read hundreds and thousands of personal statements - so what makes yours unique? Southwestern's Dean of Admissions will delve into the details of crafting a personal statement that places your unique qualities and strengths at the center of your application.

    

      Southwestern Spotlight: Jeff Martin, 3L Full-Time Day Student
      Monday, September 20, 2021   |  5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.  PT

   Third-year law student Jeff Martin exemplifies what it means to be driven. Though he does carry the heavy work-load of being a law student, he also engages in community organizing with the Coeurage Neighborhood Outreach Foundation; legal observing with the National Lawyers Guild; and building Southwestern's campus culture through positions on the Student Bar Association, Homelessness Prevention Law Project, Public Interest Law Committee,  and the National Lawyers Guild student chapter. He also "just" participates in the Peer Mentor Program and OUTLaw. These activities underscore Jeff's commitment to justice, which he continues to pursue in his path to becoming a public defender. His externships with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Federal Defender, and the LA Alternate Public Defender's Office demonstrate that he is well on his way to achieving his goals. At this Southwestern Spotlight, you can chat with Jeff about his experiences, decision to attend Southwestern, and advice for aspiring lawyers.

    

      An Insider's Perspective: LSAT Workshop 
      Thursday, September 30th, 2021   |  4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  PT

   The LSAT is unique among standardized tests, solely assessing skills rather than raw knowledge. How do you prepare for an exam like this? How does it affect your law school admission prospects? When do you take it, and how many times are acceptable? At this "Insider's Perspective" event, our Dean of Admissions will provide her professional insight and experience. She'll also be joined by a Southwestern student who will share anecdotes, advice, and affirmations to help you feel confident about this exam. 

    

      Southwestern Spotlight: Matt Stein, '04, Litigation Attorney
      Monday, October 4th, 2021   |  5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.  PT

   Southwestern alumnus Matt Stein is a natural leader - from being the Student Bar Association President to founding his law firm, Matt is a prime example of Southwestern's trailblazing spirit. Named a Southern California Super Lawyer three years in a row (2020-2022), he works as a probate litigation attorney at his firm, Law & Stein LLP, where he is both a partner and founder. His work currently centers around wills and trusts, breaches of fiduciary obligations, trustee wrongdoing, and elder abuse, emphasizing strategic planning and positioning to help his clients avoid legal entanglements at sensitive times. Matt's previous litigation defense work helped protect manufacturers, landowners, and business owners against various personal injury and premises and product liability matters. In the courtroom, he has successfully tried many multi-million dollar lawsuits. If you'd like to learn more about this outstanding career trajectory or have dreams of zealously advocating for clients in a courtroom, please join us for this Southwestern Spotlight! 

    

      An Insider's Perspective: Demystifying the Law School Application Process
     Thursday, October 14th, 2021   |   4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PT via Zoom

   Join us for an evening reprisal of our popular event modeled after an actual law school application review! Interested in learning what makes up a law school application, what admissions committees see and discuss during a committee meeting, and how you can maximize your law school admission potential? Southwestern's Dean of Admissions, Lisa Gear,  will provide expert guidance on various topics as she draws upon her 20+ years of experience reviewing applications. You'll learn how to approach your materials with the insight of an application reader, and through interactive discourse, you'll discover how each application component can either showcase your strengths or highlight your struggles. 

    

      Southwestern Spotlight: Fabiola Martinez, 3L, Social Justice Advocate
      Monday, October 18th, 2021   |  5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. PT

   Fabiola Martinez is a first-generation law student at Southwestern Law School. She is a third-year student in the Traditional Day program and has dedicated most of her time to public interest-related courses and activities in law school. A member of the Negotiation Honors Program, the Public Interest Law Society, and the Mass Incarceration Awareness Law Society, she holds leadership positions in Southwestern's Homelessness Prevention Law Project and the campus chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. She also finds time to serve as a Peer Mentor for first-year law students! Although her resume is long, she stays active not for the accolades but rather to help bridge the justice gap and provide much-needed representation for underserved communities throughout Los Angeles. Her work experience so far has centered on advocating for workers and laborers, helping them fight workplace discrimination, and receiving just wages. Come to her Southwestern Spotlight to learn more about what drives her – and pick up some time management tips along the way!

    

      SCALE Program AMA (Ask Me Anything!) Event
      Wednesday, October 20th, 2021   |  4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. PT

   Curious about the possibility of completing law school in two years through Southwestern's SCALE J.D. Program? Or perhaps you've wondered how accelerated law students incorporate externships, honors programs, and clinics. Set yourself up for law school success by joining our Dean of the SCALE program, Harriet Rolnick, and current SCALE student Ambassadors to get your questions answered and discuss how obtaining a law degree in 2 years is not only possible – but an accessible and innovative experience. At this event, you'll receive an overview of the program and learn ways to cultivate your application to have a competitive edge for SCALE. And don't forget to bring all the questions YOU have! We'll provide the answers! 

    

      Part-Time Evening Program Virtual Open House
      Monday, October 25th, 2021   |  5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PT

   Don't miss our encore presentation of our Part-Time Evening Program Virtual Open House! Get a first-hand look at how Southwestern's flexible programs, tailored support systems, and experiential learning opportunities help you succeed in law school and become the best lawyer you can be. At the event, you will learn about the synchronous and asynchronous online course experiences, view a sample part-time evening course schedule, discover how evening students can participate in Externships and Clinics, and receive valuable information on how to finance your legal education.

    

      Southwestern Law Day 2021
      Saturday, November 6th, 2021   |  10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT

   At this annual event for prospective law students, learn about the hallmarks of a Southwestern education. A mock law class will introduce you to our three-track legal research and writing approach, which teaches foundational skills by focusing on practice-ready training in either a moot court, mock trial, or negotiations setting. A student and alumni panel will showcase our four J.D. program options and demonstrate how – whatever your schedule – Southwestern strives to make externships and experiential opportunities available to you. See the complete event program below.

   Southwestern Law Day 2021 - Event Program

   10:00 a.m.:  Dean Darby Dickerson speaks on Southwestern's 110-year legacy

   10:20 a.m.:  Professor Cristina Knolton teaches a mock research and writing class

   11:05 a.m.:  Students and Alumni discuss "The Value Proposition of Experiential Learning."

   • Michael Morse, '13 - Assistant U.S. Attorney, Central District of California
   • Kanani Datan, '18 - Director of Business and Legal Affairs, Los Angeles Media Fund and Beyond Athlete Management
   • Laura Hartman, 4L Evening Student
   • Chelsea Zaragoza, 3L Full-Time Day Student
   • Laura Lascoe, 2L Accelerated 2-Year Student (SCALE program)

    

      Southwestern Spotlight: Lauren Brock, '18, Sports Law Attorney
      Monday, November 15th, 2021   |  5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. PT

   A graduate of Southwestern's accelerated J.D. program, SCALE, Lauren was uniquely prepared to enter the fast-paced world of sports law after graduation. She currently handles business and legal affairs for the Los Angeles Clippers. Throughout her daily practice, she draws upon her past law school externships with Lionsgate and Wasserman Team Sports and her experience in Southwestern's Entertainment and the Arts Legal Clinic. Although she finished law school in just two years, Lauren was able to complete these practical learning opportunities in addition to serving as a Supervising Dean's Fellow, working as a SCALE Ambassador, and TA-ing for both Torts and Civil Procedure. She confesses that law school was a huge challenge but that she loved *almost* every minute of it. Join her at her Southwestern Spotlight to hear more about her trajectory to her dream career and how an accelerated J.D. program can make it all happen!

    

       An Insider's Perspective: Understanding LSAC's Credential Assembly Service Report
     Monday, November 22nd, 2021   |  4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PT

   Join Southwestern's Dean of Admissions for a deep-dive into LSAC's Credential Assembly Service. She'll show you what goes into the CAS Report and what admissions committee members see when reviewing it. In this interactive session, you'll get an inside look at different parts of the report and have the opportunity to ask questions about the how and why behind this confusing part of the law school application process.

    

      Southwestern Spotlight: Tasher Willet, Second-year Accelerated J.D. Student
      Monday, November 29th, 2021   |  5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. PT

   You may have heard that law schools seek out individuals with broad experiences and unique personal histories and that these diverse perspectives enhance day-to-day classroom learning. This is 100% true - and Tasher Willet exemplifies these qualities. Raised on a rural homestead in Maine without modern conveniences and moving on to professional auto racing where she engineered cars, Tasher's background isn't what you would expect from someone looking forward to being a first-year associate at a major law firm. Her current externship with the firm has her focusing on patent prosecution, and her involvement with Southwestern's Intellectual Property Law Society and Students for Technology Law and Entrepreneurship helped her further develop her professional reputation during her two short years in our SCALE Accelerated J.D. program. Learn more about her path to law school at her Southwestern Spotlight, and learn how your background - whatever it may be - can equip you to succeed in law school.

    

      SCALE 2-Year J.D. Program Virtual Open House
      Thursday, December 9th, 2021   |  4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PT

   Get the inside scoop on Southwestern's two-year accelerated J.D. program at our upcoming SCALE Virtual Open House! Join SCALE's Dean, Harriet M. Rolnick, and current second-year SCALE students for an in-depth overview of how our SCALE students can become practice-ready attorneys in only two years. At the event, you will learn about SCALE's flexible curriculum, guaranteed externship, and how our students manage it all. We hope to see you there!

    

    Scholars and Advocates: A Legacy of Legal Excellence
      Saturday, January 29th, 2022   |  10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT

   Mark your calendar! This annual event for prospective students focuses on the ways Southwestern advances equity and inclusion in the law, whether by featuring our expansive curriculum, designed to invoke thoughtful discussion; our students, whose personal experiences shape the culture of our campus; or our alumni and their impactful work in the community. This year's program combines a presentation on copyright law and racial injustice with a panel of change-making students creating room for new perspectives and silenced voices.

   Keynote Address: Copyright Culture and Black Music: A Legacy of Unequal Protection with Professor Kevin Greene

   • African American music artists have been routinely deprived of legal protection for their creative works under the copyright regime. This perspective has only been faintly hinted at in legal scholarship for many years, leaving Black artists as the "invisible" men and women of copyright jurisprudence. The issue of copyright deprivation and Black artists is highly significant, given the enormous cultural contribution of Black music to American society, the importance of the music to Black culture, and the tremendous economic benefits at stake. In this discussion, Professor Greene will dissect the history of Black artists' unequal compensation and recognition for their cultural contributions.

   Student Panel: A Call to Action - The True Definition of Student Leadership in Law School, with student organization and affinity group leaders, co-moderated by Dean Nydia Dueñez, '10, and Dean Robert Mena

   • Join our Student Bar Association and our Student Organizations to discuss what it means to be a student leader. Hear from and about the real deal – unembellished and candid talk.

    

   East Meets West Coast Law Consortium Spring Virtual Event Series: After You Hit Submit
   Wednesday, February 2, 2022   |  1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.  PT  

   As part of the East Mess West Coast Law Consortium's Spring Event Series, this installment will focus on the considerations you should be making after you submit your law school applications. Once it's in, you will begin to hear from law schools and start the process of deciding which law school to attend. Join six admissions deans as they discuss what's next and how to handle acceptances, waitlist options, denials, scholarship offers, and more. Things are about to get real - so get some advice on making your best decisions. 

    

   Law School Admission Council February Digital Forum and LIVE Zoom Chat
   Saturday, February 5, 2022   |  11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  PT; 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET

   Each year, LSAC Law School Forums serve as invaluable opportunities for candidates to learn about law school and connect with law school representatives. By attending an LSAC Law School Forum — whether in-person or online — you'll be able to connect directly with law school representatives from across the country, learn about financial aid and the law school admission process, and get answers to any questions you may have. Southwestern Law School's booth at the LSAC forum features informative video clips, links to resources, and plenty of informational brochures and our catalog to add to your virtual swag bag! Also, join Southwestern community members, including our Admissions Dean and staff, during a live Zoom chat starting one hour before the forum.

    

      An Insider's Perspective: How to Conduct Legal Research
      Tuesday, February 8th, 2022   |  4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PT

   Join Southwestern Law School's Associate Dean and Director of the Law Library, Professor Margaret Hall, for a virtual mock law class covering the foundational skills needed to conduct legal research effectively. Professor Hall will lead you through how to approach a research question, how to marshal the resources available to you, and how to distill large volumes of information into meaningful, useful material. Then, experiment with a hypothetical problem to help concretize theoretical concepts.

    

      Part-Time Evening Program Virtual Open
      Thursday, February 10th, 2022   |  5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PT

   Earning a law degree while juggling work, family responsibilities, and financial commitments may sound daunting. But you can do it – at the right school and with the appropriate support! From the comfort of your home, join our Part-Time Evening Program Virtual Open House and receive guidance from faculty on how to succeed in law school while striking a sustainable school-work-life balance. You'll learn all about our half online, half in-person program, how evening students participate in Externships and Clinics, as well as receive valuable information on how to finance your legal education.

    

      Succeeding in Law: Guidance from Mentors Who Have Walked in Your Shoes
      Saturday, February 26th, 2022   |  10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT

   A critical part of legal education is learning about the legal profession and various career paths. And the lessons are sometimes more impactful coming from accomplished mentors who share backgrounds similar to those of the the students. In the spirit of Southwestern’s 110+ year history of access and inclusion, this program targets the Armenian-American and Iranian-American communities – and beyond! All are welcome at this annual event that combines informational sessions with networking and meaningful conversation. Join us to learn about 12+ career paths and hear from influential attorneys, academics, judges, and Southwestern alumni. 

    

      Southwestern Spotlight: Arman Avagyan, Third-Year Full-Time Law Student
      Monday, February 28th, 2022   |  5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. PT

   Arman Avagyan is a shining example of how to set goals and reach them with flying colors. After a middle school mock trial experience showed him the beauty of researching, studying, and practicing law, Arman made it a goal to become an attorney. He steadily worked his way through his education and is now on the cusp of graduating from Southwestern's full-time Traditional Day program. He has been an active member of the Armenian Law Student Association, holding a leadership position last year, and is currently the Managing Editor of Southwestern's Journal of International Law. He is a Teaching Assistant, an Admissions Ambassador, and former extern at the LA District Attorney's Office. In addition to finishing out his classroom education, he is also clerking at a medical malpractice defense firm. Join his Spotlight on February 28th to learn more about how dedication and vision can help you reach your own legal practice goals! 

    

      An Insider's Perspective: Personal Statements and Letters of Recommendation
      Monday, March 7th, 2022   |  4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PT

   Writing your personal statement for a law school application can be daunting. Where do you begin? What should you say? Southwestern’s Associate Dean for Admissions, Lisa Gear, wants to help you answer these questions! On Monday, March 7, join her interactive workshop on personal statements. She’ll provide you with expert advice, guidance on what to do and what to avoid, and insight into how personal statements are used in the admissions process. BONUS! Dean Gear will also go over her tips for letters of recommendation and field inquiries about the law school application process.

    

   East Meets West Coast Law Consortium: Why Law? Why Now?
   Tuesday, March 1, 2022   |  1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  PT  

   Law students today are in a remarkable position to pivot toward exciting, growth-focused areas of the law - and be a voice in consequential social change - both in new areas of the legal field that are taking center stage and in some long-established areas that are once again in the spotlight. Please join us for this event where we've gathered a group of law professors and other experts from some of the hottest areas of the legal field for a candid conversation about why these areas are so important and the many opportunities available within them.

    

   West Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools: Finding Your Fit
   Monday, March 14, 2022   |  5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  PT  

   Join representatives from 16 WCC law schools for an engaging workshop focused on helping you find your best fit for law school! Our two panels include: Understanding Your Financial Aid Award (federal financial aid and scholarship overview) and Finding Your Fit (current law students share advice and tips on choosing the law school that is the best fit for you). Stick around for the law fair to personally meet with the law school representatives and have your questions answered!

    

      An Insider's Perspective: Law School and the LGBTQ+ Experience
      Saturday, March 19th, 2022   |  12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. PT

   Law is a tool of empowerment – one that gives a voice to the unheard and enhances the visibility of marginalized communities. Law school is a place of growth – a location for learning and development, where passionate individuals learn how to use law as a tool for change. Join Southwestern alumni, members of our OutLaw student organization, and allies for a frank and far-reaching discussion of what it means to attend law school as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Learn how Southwestern Law School’s programs and environment foster belonging for all students, and how in turn, LGBTQ+ students and allies drive progress in Los Angeles’s LGBTQ+ landscape. Following the panel, participate in a Q&A to hear more about the role you can fill as an LGBTQ+ lawyer or ally, and how your unique identity and experience can shape your own practice of law.

    

      An Insider's Perspective: How to Wait on the Waiting List
      Monday, May 9, 2021   |  4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  PT

   At this stage in the admissions cycle, many applicants are weighing what to do come fall semester. Maybe you have some admission offers in hand, but maybe you're also waitlisted at one or more of your top-choice schools. How do you make decisions in the face of incomplete information? And how do you navigate the waiting list process to maximize your potential for being admitted to your desired programs? At this event, Southwestern's Dean of Admissions will answer your waiting list questions and will provide some insight into the process from the Admissions Office perspective.

    

      Debunking Myths of a Part-Time Law Program
      Tuesday, May 10, 2022   |  5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.  PT via Zoom

   Southwestern’s flexible part-time evening J.D. program allows you to continue working, meet responsibilities at home, and pursue extracurricular interests while earning your law degree. Students often wonder, “what aspects of the law school experience are compromised to achieve this level of flexibility?” At Southwestern, the answer is NONE! Join us virtually to hear from an incredible group of students who will show you how to earn your J.D. in our part-time evening program without sacrificing essential aspects of the law school experience.

    

   West Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools presents "First Generation Students & The Personal Statement: Perspectives that Enrich the Law School Experience"
   Wednesday, May 11, 2022   |  5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.  PT  

   Approaching the law school personal statement is already a difficult task, but trying to write one when you are the first person in your family to do so is an even greater challenge. On May 11, we invite you to hear from a panel of first-generation law students and learn how they composed their statements and what they did to make their stories stand out among the sea of other applicants. Learn from their examples, and then join representatives from 16 West Coast private law schools for an informational law fair.

    

      An Insider's Perspective: Friday with the Fellows
      Friday, May 20, 2022   |  12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  PT via Zoom

   Whether you are coming from undergrad or from the workforce, transitioning to law school is tough. You need to assimilate a lot of new information very quickly, and at the same time, integrate into a new community and professional setting. At Southwestern, you don't need to make this change alone. Our Dean's Fellows are here to help! The Dean's Fellows are a group of upper-division current students who have excelled in law school and are eager to help you get the hang of it, too. They're trained to teach and model strong academic skills and study habits, and serve as Teaching Assistants for our Academic Success faculty. Meet them at Friday with the Fellows and learn how they adapted to the academic rigor of law school.

    

   West Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools: Orange County Law School Fair and Informational Panel
   Monday, July 11, 2022   |  5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  PT, in-person

   Meet Southwestern's Dean of Admissions and Associate Director of Admissions at the Orange County Law School Fair hosted at the Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law in the City of Orange. Learn valuable insights at the Admissions Information Panel from 5:30 - 6:30 and then meet with representatives from 16 west coast private law schools at an outdoor reception-style event afterward.

    

      An Insider's Perspective: How to Reapply to Law School
      Monday, July 18, 2022   |  5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  PT, via Zoom

   Sometimes things don't go as planned - and that's okay! While it may feel discouraging to have to "try again" as a repeat applicant, it's better to think of the reapplication process as an opportunity to showcase even more of your strengths and a chance to demonstrate your commitment to your law school goals. Join Dean of Admissions Lisa Gear for insider tips on maximizing your chances of admission if you have already applied before, and gain some new perspective to help you approach the upcoming application cycle with confidence.

    

   West Coast Consortium of Private Law Schools: Law Admissions and Financial Aid Panel, plus Law Fair
   Tuesday, July 19, 2022   |  5:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.  PT, via Zoom

   Learn the basics of the law school admissions and financial aid process and have your questions answered by a panel of law school Admissions Deans. Afterward, join breakout rooms for 15 different private law schools to learn more about each schools' programs and opportunities for students.

    

   Washington D.C. Law School Fair
   Saturday, July 23, 2022   |  1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  ET, in-person

   Southwestern Law School will participate in the Washington D.C. Law School Fair hosted by LSAC and the Columbus School of Law. Stop by our table at the fair and chat with a Southwestern Law School alum, have your admissions questions answered, and receive valuable information about our programs and opportunities for students.