In December, 25 students headed to New York City for the 2023 pre-law immersion trip, co-sponsored by the Pre-Law Society, Career Services, and the Office of Student Involvement. The trip was replete with industry panels, site visits, and an alumni-student networking reception, allowing attendees to learn about various legal career trajectories.
“This trip was designed to support students in finding their fit within the legal field and learning how to leverage their Colgate liberal arts education,” said Rachel Richie, assistant director for career exploration programming.
In the morning, students visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York to hear from a panel of attorneys, an FBI special agent, and a paralegal. Each panelist spoke about their job and the fulfilling nature of their work, emphasizing their devotion to ensuring justice for their communities. Robert Sobelman ’08, co-chief of the Southern District Public Corruption Unit, shared how his undergraduate experiences shaped him as an individual and an attorney.
The group then gathered around the block to enter the New York County Supreme Court, where they were welcomed in to witness a courtroom sentencing by District Judge Paul Engelmayer. After the decision, Judge Engelmayer left the bench, guided students through his thought process, and answered questions about the case.
Following this discussion, Senior Judge Timothy C. Stanceu ’73 and Judge David Jones P’19 came in to speak about their respective experiences as international trade and bankruptcy judges. They also offered students advice about engaging the Colgate network to open doors in the legal field.
Afterward, the group took the subway to the NYU Law campus on Washington Square Park. They received an exclusive information session from Asma Malik, associate director of JD admissions, about applications, admission, campus culture, and NYU Law opportunities. Golden Fellow, YJ Lee ’22, then sat with students and described his recent graduation, previous Colgate campus involvement, and why he decided to apply to law school. He also explained his daily routine as an NYU Law student, answered questions, and encouraged students to pursue their passions and legal work.
The day concluded with a panel and networking reception. Through the interactive Q&A format, Elizabeth Storey ’14, associate at Sullivan & Cromwell; Jason Kaplan ’06, chief operating officer, PowerMarket; and Michael Winograd P’26, partner, Brown Rudnick; demonstrated a variety of professional pathways with a law degree. Kaplan has been able to combine his lifelong concern for the environment with his law degree as chief operating officer and general counsel at PowerMarket, an energy company that connects people to clean, local, affordable power.
During the networking reception, students mingled with alumni in various legal occupations, allowing attendees to have one-on-one conversations. “This immersive experience was invaluable in my educational journey,” remarked Alexa Watson ’26. “With help from Career Services and Colgate’s alumni, we all had a full day of gaining hands-on experience. It enriched my perspective and bolstered my enthusiasm and commitment to pursuing a future career in the legal profession.”
After the trip, participants were already looking forward to further opportunities to explore the field of law and the Colgate network. "We hope another pre-law immersion trip to NYC, Albany, or other location will happen again shortly," said Cole Blair ’25.