New Orleans, Here We Come!

By Kyle McEntee

After the unfortunate 2020 cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pre-Law Advisors National Council (PLANC) Quadrennial Conference is back! We’re looking forward to seeing prelaw advisors and law school representatives at this year's conference, June 10-13 in New Orleans.

The events and programming of this year’s conference will focus on navigating the gateway to legal education in a time of change. LSAC experts will be on hand to share their insights on the updated LSAT, LawReady, avoiding burnout, and other timely topics. Here's a look at what we’ll be presenting during the PLANC conference:

Monday

Utilizing Resources: The LSAT’s Slightly New Look

2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Susan Krinsky, executive vice president for operations and chief of staff; Kyle McEntee, senior director of prelaw engagement; and Anna Topczewski, director of assessment sciences, will discuss updates to the LSAT multiple choice, LSAT Writing, and LSAT prep and practice.

Utilizing Resources: LawReady on Your Campus

2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Eric Peterson, director of new product development, will lead a brief overview of LawReady and an open discussion between audience members and prelaw advisors who have already brought LawReady to campus.

Opening Reception

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

LSAC is proud to sponsor Monday evening’s reception. Kyle McEntee will provide opening remarks.

Tuesday

Advising the Formerly Incarcerated or System-Impacted Prospective Law Student

9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Susan Krinsky will moderate a conversation with Gayla Jacobson (CUNY), Henry Tsai (UC San Fran), Eric Kniskern (Widener), and Janelle Brown-Peters (Cal Western) on the challenges faced by system-impacted individuals seeking to join the legal profession. Attendees will leave with new advising tools, ready to inspire change.

Utilizing Resources: LawHub and Law School Transparency

2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Kyle McEntee and Katya Valasek, director of prelaw advising, will discuss LawHub resources for prelaw and law students, including Law School Transparency.

Utilizing Resources: The LSAT’s Slightly New Look

2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

If you missed this session on Monday afternoon, here is another chance to hear Susan Krinsky and Anna Topczewski discuss updates to the LSAT multiple choice, LSAT Writing, and LSAT prep and practice.

Wednesday

LSAC Update from Susan Krinsky, Katya Valasek, and Kyle McEntee

9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

LSAC is a trusted advisor in a time of change, where guidance and support are paramount to a thriving legal ecosystem, of which prelaw advisors are an essential component. We’ll recap the most recent application cycle, highlight LSAC’s resources for advisors and advisees, and share some exciting news about new prelaw advisor resources from LSAC.

Beyond Burnout: Building Resilience and Community in Prelaw Advising

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Katya Valasek will moderate a conversation with Dr. Catherine Matthews (Leadership Multiplied LLC), Maya Russell (Furman), and Eric Lopez (University of Texas – Tyler) on practical tips for prelaw advisors who want and need to prioritize their well-being while continuing to thrive in their roles. Participants will be equipped with a greater understanding of burnout and emotional fatigue in prelaw advising and practical strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and prioritize self-care.

Thursday

Workshop: Effectively Leverage Data in Support of an Increasingly Diverse Legal Community

8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Elizabeth Bodamer, director of research; Laura Fonseca, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives; and Anna Topczewski, director of assessment sciences, will empower prelaw advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to translate their passion for diversity and inclusion into tangible action. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by prelaw students, so you can turn information into results.

Practical Impact of the SCOTUS Affirmative Action Decisions

10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Gisele Joachim, vice president for law school engagement; Michelle Heck, director of Unite services; and Ian McInnis (UNC) will discuss the ongoing impact of the 2023 SCOTUS rulings on race-conscious admissions in higher education. Prelaw advisors will be able to counsel their advisees more confidently and accurately on navigating the law school application process in a changing environment.

See you in New Orleans!