Discover Law concludes its 11th session

Q: As Discover Law continues into a second decade, what do you think separates it from other programs? 

A: Discover Law is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to really immerse themselves in legal education and the legal community. We combine classes based on the curriculum of a first-year law program with networking opportunities with individuals from the community, including trips to visit our courts. This year our scholars took Torts and Civil Procedure, as well as Legal Analysis, Writing and Research. Outside the classroom, our community partners hosted our scholars at their firms. Our students visit law firms and legal service agencies, exposing them to a variety of different areas of practice.

We also offer a legal dialogue series where we bring in legal professionals to speak with our scholars. Students are required to do some research ahead of time and develop a few questions for each of our guests.  In addition, we host informative career panels, and every scholar is paired with a mentor from the community.

Q: You've been involved in the program for many years and you've witnessed the number of scholars and Discover Law alumni continue to grow. How has the program changed over time? 

A: Since I joined the law school in 2015, I've had the opportunity to work with the program in various ways. Awareness of the program has grown and has opened a lot of doors for members of our cohorts. We have doubled applications since the program started. Last year's cohort was our second largest application pool, only second to the year before. And academically, the class is stronger than it's ever been.

It's a wonderful experience to work each year on making it better. Each person who's directed the program has put their touch on it, and as a result, it continues to evolve. We recently added the trip to Neighborhood Legal Services to expose scholars to legal careers in public service.  That came from a suggestion by former director Amber Melvin ’13, who is now UB’s assistant vice provost for inclusive excellence.

We’ve collaborated with the Office of Career Services to add formal networking training within the first few days of the program. This provides much appreciated instruction on professionalism and strategies to overcome any nerves scholars might be experiencing before their first firm visit.

And this year, we combined a dining etiquette training with a murder mystery dinner. Costume clad scholars were taught basic dining etiquette skills while competing to figure out “who done it.”  We had a blast while preparing our scholars for the many meals they’d be sharing with judges, lawyers, and other community members. Our goal is to make sure they feel comfortable and confident in any situation. 

Q: What has been the biggest takeaway for you personally while directing this program? 

A: Working with such bright individuals who come from all different facets of life and watching them blossom during the four-week program renews your faith in the future.  I have the opportunity to witness what happens when you surround individuals with others who have similar goals and interests. Their shared passion really helps to renew my own motivation for the work that I do, and that carries me through the year.

Q: A lot of members of the program describe creating really meaningful connections with their peers. What do you think it is, specifically, about this program that facilitates those kinds of relationships?

A: I think something that I've learned over the last two years in this role is that often these students are folks that have an interest in law and are very serious about their education. Sometimes their peers on a day-to-day basis don't share the same level of intensity when it comes to their studies or their career goals. This program gives them an opportunity to surround themselves with individuals who have that same fire. And I think that forges a very strong bond. We find that the members of each cohort remain friends for years.

Q: What are the most significant changes you have seen from the students as they go through the program?

A: For many of them, it’s a change in their level of confidence. I have individual meetings with each of them throughout the program. A common thread for many is not knowing if they belonged in the program. Many are often unsure if they are at the same level academically as others.

But as they go through the program, there's an immense amount of growth that happens. At the end of the four weeks, the students participate in an oral argument competition. Afterwards, you can see a new sense of achievement and confidence. They know they are prepared for law school and prepared for the application process. They become good at being in crowds where they haven't found themselves before, and they know how to network. It's really amazing to watch.

Q: You mentioned that the program works with community partners. Can you elaborate on that relationship?

A: Absolutely. Anytime you mention Discover Law within our legal community, eyes light up. It's such a wonderful program, and the community is excited to be involved.

We have outstanding partnerships with firms including Hodgson Russ LLP and Lippes Mathias LLP, as well as with Neighborhood Legal Services. They have all hosted us at their offices. And we do a very comprehensive court trip, organized in conjunction with the Eighth Judicial District. We arrange for our scholars to tour the courts and then they meet with Judge Kevin Carter ’89, the district’s administrative judge.  He shares insight into his personal journey to law school and his pathway to practice and the bench.

We have a fantastic network of mentors that are matched with our students.  Every year that network continues to grow. It’s very exciting for me to watch Discover Law alumni who are now attorneys serve as mentors in the program. And many of our alumni also serve on our selection committee. They remain involved in a way in which they can directly give back to the program.

And we’ve worked closely with the Minority Bar Association and the Minority Bar Foundation of Western New York for many years. They have been our partners since the very beginning. It’s a collective effort and we are very grateful to have the support of so many.