Richmond Law & Business Forum

The Richmond Law & Business Forum is a new co-curricular program at the University of Richmond School of Law to help students prepare for careers in business law. Directed by Professor Jessica Erickson and supported by a team of students, the program will host events related to business law and connect students to business lawyers in the community.

 

Spring 2023 Events

  • January

    Life as an In-House Counsel
    Monday, January 23, 12-1 p.m. in Room L171
    At this event, Edward Rockwell will talk about his experiences as General Counsel at EPAM Systems, a Fortune 1000 technology company with nearly 60,000 employees.  Mr. Rockwell oversees the legal department at EPAM Systems, and he has previously worked in-house at a number of other technology companies. He will talk about the role of in-house counsel, as well as the challenges and opportunities of this career path.  Chick-fil-A will be served.

  • February

    Business Law over Dinner: Employment Law
    Monday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m.
    This dinner will focus on an employment law practice. It will feature three lawyers who specialize in this area, along with several students interested in this area. Spots at this event are limited. 

    Informational Session on the JD/MBA Dual Degree Program
    Wednesday, February 8, from 12-1 p.m. in L171
    This session will discuss the University of Richmond’s joint JD/MBA program, including the admissions process, degree requirements, and the overall experience.  We will be joined by Dean Rich Boulger from the Robins School of Business and Dean Kristen Osenga from the law school.  Lunch will be served.

    Business Law over Dinner: Law & Finance
    Thursday, February 16 at 6:30 p.m.
    This dinner will focus on a finance and securities practice in the law. It will feature three lawyers who specialize in this area, along with several students interested in this area. Spots at this event are limited. 

    The Lifecycle of a Dirt Deal
    Wednesday, February 22, 6-8 p.m.
    This panel event, co-sponsored with the Real Estate Law Society, will expose law students to the various business and legal professionals involved in a commercial real estate transaction. During the event, panelists will utilize a case study to simulate the lifecycle of a commercial real estate transaction. Panelists will include a title attorney, zoning representative, real estate developer, finance and real estate attorney, and an academic representative. Dinner is included.

  • March

    Career Conversations in Business Law
    Wednesday, March 1 from 5-7 p.m., Jepson Alumni Center
    At this event, students will have the opportunity to meet and network with lawyers from a variety of business law practices. The first hour of the event will be small group discussions with individual lawyers about their career paths and day-to-day practices.  The second hour will be a catered reception where lawyers and students can talk more informally.  Participation will be capped at 30 students to allow for discussion.

    Business Law over Dinner: Mergers & Acquisitions
    Thursday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m.
    This dinner will focus on a mergers and acquisitions practice. It will feature three lawyers who specialize in this area, along with several students interested in this area. Spots at this event are limited. 

    Business Law Snapshots: Employment Law
    Thursday, March 16, at noon in Room 101
    Do you wish you could learn about employment law even if you haven’t yet had an opportunity to take an employment law course?  This event is part of our Snapshots series, which are hour-long presentations providing an overview of a specific area of business law so you can go into your summer job or career with this knowledge.  In this Snapshots session, Professor Luke Norris will discuss the basics of employment law.  If you haven’t had a chance to take an employment law class, or if you took one but want a refresher, come and learn with Professor Norris!  Lunch will be served.

    Navigating the Business Law Curriculum
    Monday, March 20 at noon in Room ___
    At this event, Professor Jessica Erickson will provide an overview of the business law course offerings, discuss the pathways through the curriculum, and answer student questions.  Lunch will be served.

    Business Law over Dinner: In-House Counsel
    Wednesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m.
    These two dinners will focus on in-house practice. Each dinner will feature three lawyers who work inside the legal departments of corporations, along with several students interested in this practice setting. Spots at this event are limited.

  • April

    Into the World of Practice:  Advice from Recent Graduates on Entering a Business Law Practice
    Tuesday, April 11, at noon
    Are you joining a business law practice after graduation, or do you hope to do so?  This lunch will feature a candid discussion with recent graduates of Richmond Law who are now working in a business law practice.  We will discuss what they have learned, what they wish they had known when they started, and the advice they have for students planning to work in this area.  Spots at this event are limited.  Please contact Professor Jessica Erickson if you are interested in attending.

Meet Our Alumni