Press Release

November 7, 2018 (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) – Hanson Bridgett is continuing their commitment to legal diversity by organizing the 16th Annual 1L Interview Workshop. This year's workshops took place in Sacramento on October 27 and San Francisco on November 3.

The program was born in 2002 out of a conversation between a Hanson Bridgett partner and a first-year law student. The student was the first member of her family to graduate from college, let alone to attend law school, and she expressed intimidation about applying for a job in this new context. She was unfamiliar with the types of jobs available, what to expect in an interview or how to prepare. The 1L Interview Workshop was Hanson Bridgett's response.

Hanson Bridgett presents this workshop to help first-year law students prepare for on-campus interviews. Promoted through minority student organizations at area law schools, the program brings students together with lawyers from a wide range of working environments. Hanson Bridgett attorneys have been joined at the event by lawyers working for public and private companies, the government, legal organizations and the military.

This half-day workshop includes a seminar that provides practical skills and best practices on topics such as initiating a job search, targeting appropriate employment opportunities, drafting application materials and preparing for interviews. After the seminar each student participates in at least two practice interviews with volunteer attorney interviewers followed by a networking lunch. The most recent event brought together more than 65 attorneys to help over 100 students of diverse backgrounds.

One of many former interview workshop participants has shared "I recently accepted a summer position at [an AmLaw 100 law firm], and I believe your program had a substantial role in helping me get such an awesome opportunity. Not only was I prepared for the endless interviewing process, but also your program introduced me to an incredible mentor."

“I am incredibly grateful to you and the Hanson Bridgett team for hosting me at the interview workshop this past Saturday. I am in awe of your commitment to helping first-generation students like me… I received incredible advice and feedback both from my interviewers and other professionals I met during lunch who share my interests in land-use and local government. Thank you for all your effort in making this event possible for me and all the other students," wrote a participant from the recent workshop.

It has long been recognized that the effort to increase diversity in the legal profession must extend to building a pipeline of quality candidates who are able to succeed in college, can compete for entrance into law school and are prepared to continue into a professional position. The 1L Interview Workshop is a key element of Hanson Bridgett's commitment to building the pipeline.