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

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.