On February 25, Furman University’s Pre-Law Society hosted its annual For the Love of Law event, offering students a unique opportunity to network with alumni and area attorneys in a setting designed to foster meaningful connections. Held in the Trone Student Center’s Watkins Room, the speed-networking event allowed participants to engage with ten practicing attorneys, discussing their law school choices, professional focus, daily routines, and valuable advice for aspiring lawyers. This event proved to be a significant resource for students aiming to navigate their pathways to successful legal careers.
Individualized Paths to Legal Careers
Mastering the Art of Networking
Maya Russell, a pre-law advisor with Furman’s Office of Pre-Professional Advising (OPPA), highlighted the importance of networking and exploring diverse paths to a legal career. The event showcased Furman University’s extensive mentor network, enabling students to connect with alumni who now practice law and sometimes offer summer internships to budding lawyers. For students such as Earth and environmental sciences major Bella Bilott ’26, the event provided a platform to learn how to quickly prioritize questions and make strong first impressions, critical skills that are invaluable across numerous career fields.
Participants like Bilott appreciated the opportunity to gain practical networking experience in a structured yet dynamic environment. Both students and alumni recognized the Furman Advantage as a significant asset, providing an excellent foundation for success in law school and beyond. By encouraging students to engage and practice their conversational skills, the event helped them build confidence and enhanced their ability to navigate professional settings with ease. This emphasis on personal interaction underscores the belief that networking is not just about connections but about creating lasting relationships rooted in mutual professional interests.
Diverse Professional Experiences
Pre-Law Society President Boland Grayson ’25 sought detailed insights on selecting law schools. His conversations with attorneys revealed that each individual’s journey to law school and subsequent career was unique, underscoring the idea that there are manifold ways to succeed in the legal field. Christy Litz ’20 shared her inspiring story, illustrating how a biology degree from Furman and an undergraduate internship influenced her decision to pursue a law degree at the University of South Carolina. Her narrative served as a testament to the value of interdisciplinary experiences and how they can shape one’s legal career.
Phillip Martin ’09 also shared his unconventional path, which included teaching English in Japan and working in industrial construction before attending law school at the University of South Carolina and becoming an attorney in Greenville. His journey highlighted the importance of diverse professional backgrounds and how varied experiences can contribute to a well-rounded legal career. The event demonstrated that gaining legal experience before committing to law school is crucial, and having a broad range of experiences outside the legal field can be incredibly beneficial in shaping a successful career.
Fostering a Passion for Law
Exploring Career Insights
The consensus among the alumni and practicing attorneys who participated in the event was clear: gaining practical legal experience before deciding on law school can be incredibly valuable. This viewpoint resonated strongly with students, who were encouraged to seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities within the legal sector. Such experiences not only provide a realistic preview of the profession but also help students determine if they possess the necessary passion and commitment for a legal career. Furthermore, the event highlighted the adaptability required within the legal profession, emphasizing that timing and varied experiences can significantly shape one’s career path.
By illustrating multiple paths to legal careers, the event allowed students to see beyond the traditional trajectories often associated with the legal profession. Through candid discussions and shared personal stories, alumni demonstrated that success in the legal field is not confined to a single formula, but rather is attainable through various routes, each offering its own unique set of challenges and rewards. This understanding encouraged attendees to remain open to different opportunities and to value the breadth of experiences they acquire along their journey.
Confirming Career Decisions
On February 25, Furman University’s Pre-Law Society hosted its yearly For the Love of Law event, giving students a unique chance to connect with alumni and local attorneys in an atmosphere designed to encourage meaningful interactions. Held in the Watkins Room at the Trone Student Center, this event utilized a speed-networking format which allowed participants to engage with ten practicing attorneys. Students had the opportunity to discuss various topics with these attorneys, including their choices regarding law schools, areas of professional focus, daily work routines, and receive invaluable advice for aspiring lawyers. It was a significant resource for students working to chart a course toward successful legal careers. The event is just one of the many ways Furman University aids its students in making informed decisions about their futures in law, offering both insight into the legal profession and the chance to build crucial professional relationships. Overall, the For the Love of Law event stands as an exemplary model of how academic institutions can bridge the gap between education and professional aspirations.
