Florida A&M University College of Law students are better prepared to enter the legal profession after attorneys from GuideWell/Florida Blue and Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP presented a robust insider’s view of corporate career paths during a recent panel discussion on campus. The panel was hosted by FAMU Law’s Office of Career Planning and Professional Development.
The legal teams from the healthcare provider and one of the nation’s premier law firms shared insights on a variety of key topics aimed at helping law students successfully transition to and thrive in corporate law.?A few highlights from the conversation that ranged from career entry to career survival tips are included:
· Law school focus. While learning the law and getting good grades is critical to law school success, panelists advised students to also focus on acquiring skills required after graduation, including research, and writing skills.
· Career choices. Panelists asked students to acknowledge that law school debt may influence their decisions on whether to pursue a position that fulfills their passion or one that meets their income needs. Each path includes its own challenges and opportunities.
· Diversity. When assessing employment opportunities, panelists suggested that students research the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at employers to learn how they are engaged in fostering a diverse workplace.
· The importance of mentors. Panelists urged students to seek mentors willing to invest in them to help guide their early career decisions and to seek input from fellow associates and junior partners to learn how they can develop as young attorneys.
· Work-Life balance. To help develop a lifestyle that blends family and work requirements, panelists counseled students to learn how to prioritize their obligations during different seasons.
· What makes an exceptional lawyer? Panelists advised students to always put their teams first and to provide their clients with a solution rather than a service.
· Responding to mistakes at work. Noting that errors will happen at all levels in the workplace, panelists implored students to avoid blaming others or hiding the mistakes and to challenge themselves instead to find a solution to correct the error.
First-year, second-year, and third-year FAMU law students participated in the panel discussion over lunch. Moderated by GuideWell’s and Florida Blue’s Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, Charlie Joseph, the panel included the following individuals: Assistant General Counsel, Florida Blue, Rachic Glover; Managing Partner, Litigation, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP, Karin A. DeMasi; Partner, Corporate, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP, Minh Van Ngo; and Associate, Corporate, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP, Obianuju “Uju” Enworom,
FAMU Law’s partnership with GuideWell/Florida Blue and Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP extends well beyond the panel. Last fall, the two corporate giants joined forces to endow a $125,000.00 gift to support scholarships and internships at FAMU College of Law.
“Scholarships and career opportunities for our students are among our most critical needs, so we really appreciate this level of commitment and support from GuideWell/Florida Blue and Cravath,” said Deidré Keller, dean and professor.
(L-R) Randolph Reliford, assistant dean for career planning and professional development, FAMU College of Law; Obianuju “Uju” Enworom, associate, corporate, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP; Deidré Keller, dean, FAMU College of Law; Karin A. DeMasi, managing partner, litigation, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP; Minh Van Ngo, partner, corporate, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP; Rachic Glover, assistant general counsel, Florida Blue; and Charlie Joseph, executive vice president, corporate affairs and chief legal officer, GuideWell and Florida Blue.
