Students, and graduates of The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law discuss how local legal communities can collaborate during the Student to Lawyers Symposium.

Students, and graduates of The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law discuss how local legal communities can collaborate during the Student to Lawyers Symposium.

The latest Student to Lawyer Symposium drew 127 attendees to Dublin, just north of Columbus on November 14. This event brings together students, law school professors, practicing lawyers, and judges from across the state to discuss ways that law schools and bar associations may better prepare students and new lawyers for the practice of law.

This year’s event focused on the “new normal” of legal practice. It can be characterized by the use of new technologies; the rise of small, entrepreneurial firms; the use of collaborative, interdisciplinary thinking; and a focus on efficiency and value for clients.

The conference, the third of its kind, was presented by the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Professionalism.  Lori Keating, Commission on Professionalism Secretary, said far more law school students and new lawyers attended than in the past. She said some were unaware of all the assistance and resources that the bar associations, the courts, and individual practicing lawyers were willing to offer those just starting out.

Panels at the symposium explored new models for the practice of law and law practice management, as well as innovative educational programming offered by schools.

The Commission on Professionalism underscored that while lawyers are focused on the business of operating their law firms, they must also recognize their responsibilities of promoting civility and professionalism, giving back to their communities and assuring a justice system that is accessible by all.

At the conclusion of the day, attendees broke out into small groups by law school to brainstorm about how their local legal communities may create new collaborations and support existing ones to assist the newest generation of legal practitioners as they make their way in an evolving legal profession.