BBK DEI Committee Introduces the Next Generation to Legal Careers
Fourth annual “Law 101 Day” gives high schoolers a glimpse at opportunities in the legal profession
On September 21, 2024, Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK), in partnership with Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes' office, hosted its fourth annual “Law 101 Day,” which introduced approximately 40 high school students to opportunities available to them as part of the legal profession. The event is one component of a larger firm initiative led by BBK’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee’s Community Outreach subcommittee. One of the subcommittee’s goals is to help foster an interest in attending law school among students of all ages.
In addition to hearing about the experiences and perspectives of current law school students and BBK professionals, students are assigned legal fact patterns involving real-word scenarios (like eminent domain), formulate a legal approach, then participate in a mock city council meeting, where they present their proposed legal solutions to BBK professionals.
Paralegal Patricia Clemente enjoyed participating in the program stating, “It was a privilege to participate in this year’s Law 101 Day event. As a Latina, first-generation college graduate, and LGBTQ+ woman, I tell the students, ‘Advocate for what you believe in.’ Use your legal education to advocate for causes you’re passionate about, whether its social justice, environmental, or human rights, your voice can make a difference.”
As part of the experience, students participating in Law 101 Day also become part of the Young Legislators Program, a leadership program sponsored and supported by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes.
The students also had the opportunity to network and connect with BBK attorneys and colleagues Albert Maldonado, Henry Castillo, Holland Stewart, Andrew Saghian, Patricia Clemente, Megan Kilmer, Elleasse Taylor and Christina Abbate over lunch and learn about their law school journeys and entry into the legal profession.