The law firm offered 8th graders a first-hand look into the legal industry on July 28
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP hosted a group of 8th graders from Breakthrough New York for Career Day on July 28. This is the most recent collaboration between the two organizations to support Breakthrough’s mission to propel students through college and into fulfilling and sustaining careers.
Several Katten partners and associates discussed their motivation for becoming a lawyer with Breakthrough 8th graders. Students asked questions about what their career is like and advice for them if they decide to pursue a law degree. They then conducted mock interviews so students could practice their professional skills.
“We could do a better job as lawyers, particularly in financial services, in encouraging diverse participation in our field,” says Gary DeWaal, Special Counsel and Chair, Financial Markets and Regulation. “You have to start in middle school to acquaint [diverse students] to the different types of law practices out there. [This group] asked great questions, they’re very insightful, they’re very articulate. It is hard to believe that they’re middle school students.”
Katten has been a Breakthrough New York supporter since 2014. The firm has participated in previous events such as Great Debates mock trials for students and Breakthrough’s annual gala.
“Under Gary DeWaal’s leadership, Katten has become a strong and steadfast partner over the years,” says Beth Onofry, Executive Director of Breakthrough New York. “He and Katten have supported Breakthrough New York and our students in countless ways. We could not ask for better champions!”
Katten supports various organizations through community service and fundraising with its foundation Katten Cares. Read more about their initiatives on their website.
To learn how to partner with Breakthrough New York, visit our Corporate Partners page or email Bianca, Institutional Partnerships Manager, at [email protected].
About Breakthrough New York
Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income backgrounds to graduate from college and pursue a fulfilling career. Our ten-year, tuition-free program provides students from low-income backgrounds with the opportunities, resources, and relationships to succeed in rigorous schools and careers. Over 90% of Breakthrough students graduate from college each year.
About Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Katten is a full-service law firm with nearly 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. We strive to be a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services nationally and globally. While Katten offers an extensive range of legal services across numerous industries, our core areas of practice include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, commercial finance, intellectual property and trusts and estates. Among our clients are a wide range of public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals.
