We’ll see you on October 5, 2025!
The goal of this free, one-day, virtual conference is to provide first-generation and other marginalized 1L students with the tools, insights, and connections needed to navigate the law firm hiring process successfully. Break into Practice: 1L Career Summit is designed to bridge the gap between law school and the legal profession by demystifying law firm recruitment and equipping students with the knowledge to make informed career decisions.
Through expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and one-on-one attorney feedback sessions, we hope this conference will serve as a launchpad for 1L students seeking to land firm opportunities, build their professional brand, and position themselves for success in the legal field.
Join a space where entering the legal field is accessible!
Opening Session & Remarks
10:00am - 10:30 a.m. EST
Kick off the Break into Practice: 1L Career Summit with an empowering welcome from Sydney Montgomery, Founder of Barrier Breakers. This session will set the stage for the day, outlining what to expect, how to make the most of the conference, and why early career preparation is key to long-term success in the legal profession.
As a first-generation professional and advocate for accessibility in the legal field, Sydney will share insights on navigating the 1L job search, building confidence in your career journey, and using this conference as a stepping stone to securing law firm opportunities.
Start your day feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take action as you launch into your legal career!
Founder & Executive Director of Barrier Breakers®
Sydney Montgomery, Esq.
Understanding Law Firm Tiers: Big Law, Midsize, and Small Firms
10:30am - 11:00 a.m. EST
Learn the key differences between firm sizes, work expectations, salary structures, and career trajectories.
Choosing and Understanding Practice Areas
11:15am - 12:00 p.m. EST
Gain insights into different legal specialties and how to align your interests with long-term career goals.
Finding Mentors & Leadership Opportunities in Law School
12:00 pm - 12:45 p.m. EST
Learn how to identify valuable mentors and leverage student organizations to strengthen your career prospects.
Law Firm & Resource Fair |
12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. EST
Connect with law firms, learn about their hiring processes, start building relationships with attorneys and resources to help you thrive in law school.
Evaluating Firm Culture: Finding the Right Fit for You
2:15 pm - 3:00 p.m. EST
Learn what to look for in a firm’s culture, work-life balance, and values to ensure a fulfilling legal career.
How to Make Yourself Competitive for On-Campus Interviewing
2:15 pm - 3:00 p.m. EST
Understand what firms look for in 1L candidates, how to optimize your early experiences, and key OCI preparation strategies.
Building Your Personal Brand as a Law School Student
3:45 pm - 4:30 p.m. EST
Discover how to establish a strong professional presence from day one, from networking to LinkedIn strategies.
Mastering Cover Letters and Resumes for 1Ls
4:30 pm - 5:15 p.m. EST
Learn how to craft a compelling legal resume and cover letter that stand out to recruiters.
1L Professional Development Lab: Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews
5:15 - 7:30 p.m. EST
This interactive, hands-on session is designed to give 1L students practical guidance and personalized feedback on their job search materials and interview skills. Whether you’re preparing for 1L summer job applications, OCI, or networking with law firms, this session will equip you with the tools to present yourself as a strong candidate in a competitive hiring process.
Session Breakdown:
✅ One-on-One Attorney Feedback (20-Minute Sessions – Advance Registration Required)
Students will have the opportunity to sign up in advance for one 20-minute, one-on-one session with a practicing attorney.
These sessions will provide individualized feedback on either resumes, cover letters, or interview techniques based on the student’s preference.
Spots are limited, so students should register early to secure their session.
✅ Three 45-Minute Attorney-Led Workshops (No advance sign-up required; open to all attendees)
Mastering Legal Resumes – Learn what law firms look for in a 1L resume, how to effectively showcase your experiences, and common mistakes to avoid.
Cover Letters That Get Noticed – Understand how to craft a compelling cover letter that highlights your skills and interests while tailoring it to specific firms.
Ace Your Law Firm Interviews – Gain insights into the law firm hiring process, learn best practices for answering common questions, and receive tips on body language, professionalism, and confidence in interviews.
Why Attend?
🔹 Real-world insights from attorneys on how to make yourself a competitive 1L job applicant.
🔹 One-on-one feedback opportunities to refine your application materials.
🔹 Live Q&A and networking opportunities with legal professionals.
🔹 Practical strategies to stand out in the hiring process and build your career early.
📌 Important: Advance registration is required for one (1) 20-minute individual session with an attorney. The three larger workshops are open to all attendees.
Our free conference includes:
✔ Expert advice from attorneys, recruiters, legal professors and current law school students
✔ A Law Firm & Resource Fair with the chance to meet one-on-one with law firms in a variety of fields
✔The opportunity to get your questions answered live
✔ Virtual networking spaces to meet with other attendees and panelists
✔ Exclusive giveaways and promotions from Barrier Breakers® and our sponsors
✔ And more!
Have questions or want to get involved in our 2025 conference? Send an email to conference@barrier-breakers.org!
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Learn how your contribution can help first-generation students and professionals achieve their dreams!
If you have questions about sponsorships, reach out to conference@barrier-breakers.org.
Thank you to our valuable sponsors for making this free event possible!