
Harpur Law Council Newsletter
Fall 2014
We hope you will take a few moments to read about what the Council has been up to, hear about our pre-law students and the next generation of legal professionals and learn how you can become involved.
Formed in 1995, the Harpur Law Council seeks to establish an effective network of University law alumni, mentor students and alumni interested in law careers, provide guidance and advice to Harpur College on academic issues and programs relevant to the legal profession and increase financial support for special projects that include public interest law internships and support for the mock trial team.
We welcome your feedback and encourage you to visit our website to learn more.
Sincerely,
Linda S. Riefberg, Esq. '81
Chair of the Steering Committee, Harpur Law Council

Internship gives Harpur students law experience
Harpur students take part in 'unique' law internship
By Audrey Russo
It's no secret that breaking into the field of law can be difficult and intensely
competitive in a tough job market. It may be a secret, however, that Harpur College
students have an edge in the competition.
Internships are usually reserved for first- or second-year law students, but the
Harpur Law Council's Public Interest Law Internship Program offers five undergraduates
each year the opportunity to work with New York State public sector and public interest
agencies. | Read the full story
Hear from our 2014 interns
Your support is needed now!
Each year the Harpur Law Council raises funds to support this very special program. In addition the Council supports the Mock Trial Club and other mentoring and development programs. To find out more about these programs and to make your contribution visit the Harpur Law Council website.
Life During Law School
Advising office aids students interested in law
By Christine Murray
For Nolana Quince, helping Harpur College students get to law school starts on day
one. "Freshmen year, if a student is interested in going to law school and is wondering
what classes to take to or what skills are needed for law school, they will come to
the Pre-Law Advising Program," the pre-law advisor said.
Quince understands how difficult the law school application process can be and knows
how important the Pre-Law Advising Program is for that reason.
"This program helps the students develop the skill sets that are needed for law school.
I didn’t have anyone to guide me through admissions,” Quince said. “I like helping
students to navigate the admissions process." | Read the full story
Mock Trial Club Engages in competition, camaraderie
By Evelyn Pitt-Stoller
Although Lauren Riddell exerts a great amount of time, energy and effort as president
of the Mock Trial Club, she said that being a member of the team also is a lot of
fun.
"Essentially, we perform a complete court case against other teams and are scored
based on our presentation and demonstration of litigation skills," said Riddell, a
Harpur College senior who is a double major in English and political science.
Binghamton University's Mock Trial Club is one of about 600 national teams from 350
universities and colleges that competes in yearly intercollegiate events sanctioned
by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). | Read the full story
Alumni Volunteers Needed!
Mock Trial is hosting the first tournament on the Binghamton University Campus January
31-February 1, 2015. If you are interested in volunteering as a judge that weekend
please contact Tom Waldron at twaldro1@binghamton.edu.
Join us in strengthening our network
Membership and committees
A Steering Committee, appointed by the Dean of Harpur College, directs the projects of the Harpur Law Council and is supported by the following working committees. The committees are open to non-steering committee volunteers who seek to enhance the mission of the Harpur Law Council.
- Internship Committee: Enables placement of pre-law students in public interest law internships.
- Membership Committee: Encourages the involvement of law alumni volunteers interested in furthering the goals of the Harpur Law Council.
- Social Media and Marketing Committee: Utilizes social media and marketing tools to increase the visibility of the Council and conduct outreach to law alumni to further engage them with the Harpur Law Council, Harpur College and Binghamton University.
- Network/Mentoring Committee: Provides opportunities for alumni in the legal profession to network and reconnect with Binghamton University and the Harpur College community. Provides opportunities for alumni to share their professional experiences and advice with current students interested in pursuing a career in the legal field through social media platforms, special events, panel and roundtable discussions and networking events both on and off campus.
- Development Committee: Explores ways to increase funding for Harpur Law Council projects and Binghamton University, including funding for the Pre-Law Public Interest Law Internship to enable the program to grow and better prepare Binghamton students for a career in law.
Connect with us!
To find out how you can become involved with the Harpur Law Council, please visit the council's website at binghamton.edu/law-council. We also encourage you to join the council's subgroup on LinkedIn.
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