Parker Poe

Program Time and Dates
8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 21, 2023, in Parker Poe's Raleigh Office
Saturday, February 11, 2023, in Parker Poe's Atlanta Office

REGISTER HERE

For 16 years, Parker Poe has hosted a daylong program to help minority students navigate law school, make a successful transition into the practice of law after graduation, and thrive as they pursue the different paths a legal career may take. More than 800 students have attended since the program's inception. 

Our keynote speaker in Raleigh on January 21, 2023, will be Gerald L. Walden Jr. 

Gerald L. Walden Jr. is the Vice President – Deputy General Counsel, and Head of Diversity for The Fresh Market Inc. Mr. Walden graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and received his JD from NCCU Law and a master’s degree from Elon University. Mr. Walden currently serves as President-Elect for the Greensboro Bar Association. He is a member of NC A&T’s Board of Visitors, NCCU Law’s Board of Visitors, Elon University Law School’s Advisory Board, the National Employment Law Council’s Board of Directors, and the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Member Engagement Advisory Board. 

Our keynote speaker in Atlanta on February 11, 2023, will be Justice Verda M. Colvin.

Justice Verda M. Colvin is the first African-American female appointed by a Republican governor to the state’s high court. Previously, she served on the Court of Appeals. Her time as judge also includes nearly six years as a Superior Court judge in the Macon Judicial Circuit. Before becoming a judge, Justice Colvin was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia. Born and raised in Atlanta, Justice Colvin earned her bachelor’s degree in government and religion from Sweet Briar College in Virginia and her juris doctorate from the University Of Georgia School Of Law.

Additional Presentations and Breakout Sessions
As in years past, we will have a panel of practicing attorneys discussing topics such as the distinction between a litigation practice and a transactional practice, as well as, highlighting different approaches to having a successful legal career. We will also have a presentation on learning how to brand yourself for success and a panel featuring two incoming Parker Poe summer associates.

In addition, there will be several smaller breakout sessions:

1. Financial Literacy: Understand the pitfalls that await you in the next phase and start planning now.

2. First Generation Lawyers: Thriving as a minority in your legal practice - everything you ever wanted to ask about balancing work, life, and mental health, managing imposter syndrome, promotions to partner and equity partner, and more.

3. Alternative Uses of Your JD: Learn about different paths to legal practice beyond traditional law firm life.

Networking Opportunities
There will be networking breaks throughout the day. During breakfast and lunch, students can also participate in informal discussions with attorneys and other students.

Are You Nervous About Law Firm Interviews?
You can sign up to participate in a mock interview with a Parker Poe attorney to help strengthen your interviewing skills. 

Do You Want to Register?
REGISTER HERE or please send an email to thrive@parkerpoe.com by Tuesday, January 17, 2023, to register for the Raleigh Program, and Monday, February 6, 2023, to register for the Atlanta Program. Please type “THRIVE” in the subject line. In the body of your email, please indicate:

1. If you would like to participate in a mock interview.
2. What law school you currently attend.
3. What year you currently are in school.
4. Your phone number.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact Crystal Jones at 704.371.6165.

Additional Resources
To learn more about Parker Poe's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please click here.

We encourage minority law students to take advantage of other valuable resources as well. For example, the Southeastern Minority Job Fair (SEMJF) is a great way to get in front of approximately 140 employers, including Parker Poe.