This 1L Affinity Pre-Orientation program invites students who identify with the Law School’s many affinity groups.

outreach program volunteers

Let’s Talk: Sushi, Boba & Blankets! 

Religious identity spans many aspects of life and culture, and is deeply rooted in history. The complexity and nuance of religious belief, practice, and identity are sometimes replaced by stereotypes and binaries, particularly in times of conflict. This series aims to examine and resist this reductive tendency by expanding cultural awareness and promoting skills that are key to working effectively across difference. Given the current rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, the first two events in this series will examine each one in depth. The presentations will explore the complexity of these categories and the interconnectedness of religious and other forms of identity-based bias. They will also identify common themes that arise across religious bias in order to deepen our understanding of each other’s experiences and perspectives. The series will culminate in a workshop that uses case studies to explore how religious difference can strengthen a community.

Facilitated Cohort Workshops: You as an Advocate Small group discussions of scenarios focused on helping students develop the skills of identifying and interrupting bias in legal practice and legal systems. 

The Gittis Legal Clinics welcome Deborah N. Archer for the 2024 Clinical Legal Studies Workshop.  Professor Archer is Associate Dean for Experiential Education and Clinical Programs at NYU Law, the Margaret B. Hoppin Professor of Clinical Law, and Faculty Director of the Community Equity Lab. She is also the President of the American Civil Liberties Union and a leading expert in civil rights, civil liberties, and racial justice.  Professor Archer will give an ad hoc presentation on “Dividing Lines: Challenging Racial Inequality in Transportation Infrastructure.” The presentation will be at 12 pm in Gittis 213. If you are a student, do not RSVP on this page; RSVP here for one of the limited student spots. This program has been approved for 1.0 Substantive CLE credits for Pennsylvania lawyers. CLE credit may be available in other jurisdictions as well. Attendees seeking CLE credit can make a payment via cash or check made payable to “The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania” on the day of the event in the amount of $10.00. In order to receive the appropriate amount of credit, evaluation forms must be completed. Penn Carey Law Alumni receive CLE credits free through The W.P. Carey Foundation’s generous commitment to Lifelong Learning. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to participate fully. To request an accommodation or inquire about accessibility, please contact marqusee@law.upenn.edu.

Join us for a discussion on Jewish identity, empowerment, and activism with Rudy Rochman, a renowned Jewish rights activist, filmmaker, and journalist, dedicated to tackling antisemitism and promoting peace. This event promises an evening of engaging dialogue, offering insights into combating antisemitism on campus and globally. RSVP Required: http://bit.ly/rudypennlaw

Join JLSA as we celebrate Jewish Culture and Heritage and the impact that both Penn and Morgan Lewis have had on the Jewish community in Philadelphia at the group’s annual dinner reception. This year’s theme is “Uniting Jewish Voices.”

Religious identity spans many aspects of life and culture, and is deeply rooted in history. The complexity and nuance of religious belief, practice, and identity are sometimes replaced by stereotypes and binaries, particularly in times of conflict. This series aims to examine and resist this reductive tendency by expanding cultural awareness and promoting skills that are key to working effectively across difference. Given the current rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, the first two events in this series will examine each one in depth. The presentations will explore the complexity of these categories and the interconnectedness of religious and other forms of identity-based bias. They will also identify common themes that arise across religious bias in order to deepen our understanding of each other’s experiences and perspectives. The series will culminate in a workshop that uses case studies to explore how religious difference can strengthen a community.

Penn Carey Law’s BLSA is hosting its 36th Annual Sadie T.M. Commemorative Conference February 17, 2024. The Continued Fight for Equality: 60 Years with The Civil Rights Act of 1964 This program has been approved for 3.0 (2.0 Substantive and 1.0 Ethics) CLE credits for Pennsylvania lawyers. CLE credit may be available in other jurisdictions as well. Attendees seeking CLE credit must register for CLE credit and make a payment via the online CLE registration link in the amount of $120.00 ($60.00 public interest/non-profit attorneys). In order to receive the appropriate amount of credit, passcodes provided throughout the program must be noted in your evaluation form. Penn Carey Law Alumni receive CLE credits free through The W.P. Carey Foundation’s generous commitment to Lifelong Learning.

Religious identity spans many aspects of life and culture, and is deeply rooted in history. The complexity and nuance of religious belief, practice, and identity are sometimes replaced by stereotypes and binaries, particularly in times of conflict. This series aims to examine and resist this reductive tendency by expanding cultural awareness and promoting skills that are key to working effectively across difference. Given the current rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, the first two events in this series will examine each one in depth. The presentations will explore the complexity of these categories and the interconnectedness of religious and other forms of identity-based bias. They will also identify common themes that arise across religious bias in order to deepen our understanding of each other’s experiences and perspectives. The series will culminate in a workshop that uses case studies to explore how religious difference can strengthen a community.

Nothing Works Unless We Do: Harnessing Labor’s Power will examine the current state of labor and organizing in the United States alongside its intersecting social movements. In conversation with activists, lawyers, and scholars, we will explore how the definition of labor has evolved across time, how workers have adapted to the changing labor landscape, and how we can move collectively toward a world that prioritizes the needs and rights of workers across various communities. The Sparer Symposium will be in-person at Penn Carey Law and will include four moderated panels and a keynote conversation. A continental breakfast, lunch, and reception will be provided. Click here to register! This program has been approved for a total of 7.0 (4.5 Substantive and 2.5 Ethics) CLE credits for Pennsylvania lawyers. Attendees seeking CLE credit can make a payment via cash or check made payable to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania on the day of the event in the amount of $140.00 ($70.00 public interest/non-profit attorneys). In order to receive the appropriate amount of credit, evaluation forms must be completed. Penn Carey Law Alumni receive CLE credits free through The W.P. Carey Foundation’s generous commitment to Lifelong Learning.

Join Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) and Asian Law Review (ALR) on Saturday January 27, 2024 for our 23rd annual conference! This conference will look into AI’s impact on technology, business, art, and fashion. More info and register for free here: https://upenn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3t0bHFfrlqiDenA

Career Conversation: Building Professional Identity A conversation with alumni about how the many aspects of their identity enhance their professional impact, and how they learned to leverage all aspects of their identities as strengths. 

Reception: 5:30 PM Dinner: 6:30 PM A wonderful culmination of Public Interest Week, this dinner and reception bring together the Penn Carey Law community to connect across generations, reflect on the importance of service within the legal profession, and celebrate the incredible public interest contributions of our students and alumni.  Honorary Fellow Agnieszka Fryszman, chair of the Human Rights practice at Cohen Milstein, has been recognized as leading one of the best private international human rights practices in the world. She represents individuals who have been victims of torture, human trafficking, forced and slave labor and other violations of international law. A recognized expert and leader in the field of human rights law, Fryszman regularly litigates cases against corporate giants and foreign powers. RSVP HERE!

Connect with Penn Carey Law Alumni to network and receive guidance about starting and navigating your public interest career. This event is open to current students only.  Stay tuned for the alumni list and sign-up instructions!

Organized by: Democracy Law Project (DLP)What is democracy? Is it just voting rights? Is it electoral participation? Or is it more? The definition of democracy is undergoing a transformation, leading us to reevaluate the untapped potential within our democratic institutions, including schools, workplaces, and community spaces, and how these institutions have struggled to address critical issues related to labor, education, inclusivity, and responsiveness. The way future lawyers choose to engage with these issues will play a pivotal role in shaping democracy in the years to come. As the next generation of legal professionals prepares to take the helm of our democratic institutions, this event provides an opportunity to explore the multifaceted impact of democracy on both public and private life. It sheds light on how our existing institutions fall short of their democratic ideals and offers insights into how we can collectively realize their full potential. Food will be provided to those who RSVP HERE! This program has been approved for a total of 1.5 Ethics/DEI CLE credits for Pennsylvania lawyers. CLE credit may be available in other jurisdictions as well. Attendees seeking CLE credit can make a payment via cash or check made payable to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania on the day of the event in the amount of $30.00 ($15.00 public interest/non-profit attorneys). In order to receive the appropriate amount of credit, evaluation forms must be completed. Penn Carey Law Alumni receive CLE credits free through The W.P. Carey Foundation’s generous commitment to Lifelong Learning.

Organized by: Office of Career Strategy, TPIC, and Student Public Interest Network (SPIN) Are you eager to work alongside clients and communities on critical legal issues next summer? Are you curious about working at a government agency or for a policy or impact litigation organization? This event is not to be missed! Come hear from a terrific panel of upper-level students who will share helpful advice to support your job search. This event is open to 1L students only. RSVP HERE to attend!