The Take a Law Student to Lunch student-alumni program was launched in spring 2009 following a meeting between several recent alumni, Sarah M. Polly, Associate Dean for Student Services, and Kelli Curtis, Assistant Dean for Career Services. The group was brainstorming ways to both enhance the student experience and to give alumni the opportunity to mentor current law students. This very successful program, which runs every fall and spring semester, has continued to grow thanks to Cleveland-area alumni who are committed to connecting with law students, as well as law students who are eager to meet and learn from alumni who have valuable information and experiences to share. In fall 2010, approximately 75 students and 75 alumni participated.

Julie Lady '02 has been a faithful participant in the program since it began. "I participate every semester because I think it is important to help attorneys who come after you to succeed," said Lady. "I enjoy the opportunity to meet current law students each semester and I hope sharing my experiences might help them as they look to the future."

She is right that Case Western Reserve students do value the help. First-year Thomas Au had this to say about his lunch with Lady: "The Take a Law Student to Lunch Program was fantastic. It was really meaningful to get direct, practical and informative advice about how to go about networking as well as searching for summer jobs…[H]aving someone with whom I can discuss my objectives and current plans has made me feel much more at ease as I begin my search for 1L internships."

Ann Harlan '02 understands how much students appreciate the opportunity to learn from law school alumni. According to Harlan, "It is an important reminder to all alumni that the law students really do appreciate the time of practicing attorneys and there is a great deal we can share about career choices and experiences, etc. The students are impressive and very appreciative of the time."

Third-year David Kocan was enthusiastic about his lunch with Harlan: "Chatting about her fascinating career, I couldn't help but be excited about becoming an attorney. She also shared excellent advice that I know will be invaluable in my career. I'm indebted to her and this program, and only hope I can someday pay it forward."

Every semester, Cleveland-area alumni receive an email inviting them to participate in the program. Students and alumni are then matched by areas of interest and practice (alumni engaged in and students interested in non-traditional careers are also matched). Once both parties are notified of their matches, students initiate contact with the alumni to schedule their lunches. In many cases, the students and alumni develop mentoring relationships that go beyond the initial lunch.

We welcome alumni participation and invite you to send us your e-mail address to ensure you receive the next email invitation. Contact Sarah M. Polly, Associate Dean for Student Services at sarah.polly@case.edu.

The Take a Law Student to Lunch student-alumni program was launched in spring 2009 following a meeting between several recent alumni, Sarah M. Polly, Associate Dean for Student Services, and Kelli Curtis, Assistant Dean for Career Services. The group was brainstorming ways to both enhance the student experience and to give alumni the opportunity to mentor current law students. This very successful program, which runs every fall and spring semester, has continued to grow thanks to Cleveland-area alumni who are committed to connecting with law students, as well as law students who are eager to meet and learn from alumni who have valuable information and experiences to share. In fall 2010, approximately 75 students and 75 alumni participated.

Julie Lady '02 has been a faithful participant in the program since it began. "I participate every semester because I think it is important to help attorneys who come after you to succeed," said Lady. "I enjoy the opportunity to meet current law students each semester and I hope sharing my experiences might help them as they look to the future."

She is right that Case Western Reserve students do value the help. First-year Thomas Au had this to say about his lunch with Lady: "The Take a Law Student to Lunch Program was fantastic. It was really meaningful to get direct, practical and informative advice about how to go about networking as well as searching for summer jobs…[H]aving someone with whom I can discuss my objectives and current plans has made me feel much more at ease as I begin my search for 1L internships."

Ann Harlan '02 understands how much students appreciate the opportunity to learn from law school alumni. According to Harlan, "It is an important reminder to all alumni that the law students really do appreciate the time of practicing attorneys and there is a great deal we can share about career choices and experiences, etc. The students are impressive and very appreciative of the time."

Third-year David Kocan was enthusiastic about his lunch with Harlan: "Chatting about her fascinating career, I couldn't help but be excited about becoming an attorney. She also shared excellent advice that I know will be invaluable in my career. I'm indebted to her and this program, and only hope I can someday pay it forward."

Every semester, Cleveland-area alumni receive an email inviting them to participate in the program. Students and alumni are then matched by areas of interest and practice (alumni engaged in and students interested in non-traditional careers are also matched). Once both parties are notified of their matches, students initiate contact with the alumni to schedule their lunches. In many cases, the students and alumni develop mentoring relationships that go beyond the initial lunch.

We welcome alumni participation and invite you to send us your e-mail address to ensure you receive the next email invitation. Contact Sarah M. Polly, Associate Dean for Student Services at sarah.polly@case.edu.