The panels are sponsored by Biscuitville, which is providing breakfast for each panel. The series began Tuesday, Jan. 8, as five attorneys whose practice focuses on business law met with students in room 206 at the law school. Panelists included local attorneys Doris Bray, Bruce Connors, Kimberly Gatling, Christy Myatt and Richard Valitutto.
Each attorney discussed their law practice, the successes and challenges they face, and took questions from students. Valitutto, general counsel for New Breed Logistics, encouraged students to keep themselves open to opportunities as students and later as professionals.
“Don’t preset any agenda today as a first-year student,” Valitutto said. “Be open to the possibilities that are out there….Have a conscience and be the moral compass for your clients and you can’t go wrong.”
Myatt specializes in banking and finance with Nexsen Pruet. She told students they will be motivated to work the long hours sometimes required of attorneys if they put themselves in the shoes of the clients.
“Be responsive to the client,” Myatt said. “Let them know your timeline and follow through.”
The panel series will continue Thursday, Jan. 10 at 8:15 a.m., when attorneys specializing in litigation will speak. General practice is the topic of the Jan. 17 panel, while the Jan. 24 panel will feature public interest law.