Welcome to4th Annual Break Into Law Conference

Creating greater opportunity in the legal field starts with ensuring that educational resources are accessible to all aspiring legal professionals, especially first-generation and historically underrepresented individuals.

The goal of this free, three-day, virtual conference is to be the bridge helping first-generation and other marginalized aspiring legal professionals access legal education and the workplace, therefore affecting change in the workplace and our communities. We hope our conference will be an inspiration to aspiring law school applicants, current law school students, and young practitioners as they embark on their legal career.

Agenda

Please note that this agenda is tentative and subject to change leading up to the conference.

Agenda

June 27, 2025 06:00 pm to
07:00 pm

Opening Session & Keynote Speaker

Introductions and Keynote Speaker
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Professor Khiara M. Bridges
Professor of Law - University of California at Berkeley

June 27, 2025 07:00 pm to
08:00 pm

Fireside Chat with Angela Winfield and Sydney Montgomery

A fireside chat that will cover a broad range of topics including issues of diversity in law school
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Angela Winfield
Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer for LSAC

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Sydney Montgomery, Esq.
Founder and Executive Director of Barrier Breakers, Inc.

June 28, 2025 10:30 am to
11:30 am

Opening Session & Diversity in the New Era

Explore how evolving legal and educational landscapes are shaping diversity in law school admissions, and hear from experts on fostering inclusion and equity in the next generation of legal professionals.
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Shani Butts, Esq.
Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid - Columbus School of Law

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Patricia Kinney, Esq.
Assistant Dean - Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

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Vernadette Horne, Esq.
Senior Director of Career Services and Diversity Initiatives - Hostra University Maureen Deane School of Law

June 28, 2025 12:15 pm to
01:15 pm

How to Successfully Apply to Law School

Learn the essential steps to navigate the law school application processfrom choosing the right schools and crafting a standout personal statement to preparing for the LSAT and securing strong recommendations.
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Sydney Montgomery - Barrier Breakers®
Founder & Executive Director of Barrier Breakers®, Inc.

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Dr. Nadia Castriota
Director of Student Success & Organizational Leadership, Admissions Advisor - Barrier Breakers, Inc

June 28, 2025 01:30 pm to
04:30 pm

Law School & Resource Fair

Meet with admissions officers from these schools and more! 


View the full list of law schools attending and read more about their offerings HERE.

June 28, 2025 04:15 pm to
05:15 pm

Applying to Law School with Accommodations

Get guidance on navigating the law school application process with accommodations, including tips on requesting LSAT accommodations, disclosing disabilities, and finding supportive law school environments.
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Jasmeene Burton, Esq.
Litigation Associate - Kirkland & Ellis

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Philip Harrinarine
InGenius Prep

June 29, 2025 10:30 am to
11:30 am

Opening Session & How to Afford Law School: Scholarships, Financial Aid, & More

Learn how to make law school more affordable through scholarships, financial aid, loan options, and budgeting strategiesplus insider tips on maximizing your financial support.
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LeAndra Ross, MPA, AFC
Regional Director South, AccessLex Center for Education and Financial Capability - AccessLex Institute

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Yolanda Ingram
Director of Access to Law School Education Programs - University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

June 29, 2025 12:15 pm to
01:15 pm

Conquering the LSAT

Discover proven strategies for mastering the LSAT, from effective study plans and test-taking techniques to managing stress and staying motivated. Learn from experts and high scorers how to approach each section with confidence.
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Mena Pirone, Esq
Founder & LSAT Tutor - LSAT LogicPro

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Fady Yatooma
Founder & LSAT Tutor - LSAT Mastery LLC

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Marvin Fourte
Writer & Teacher Assistant - LSAT Demon

June 29, 2025 01:30 pm to
02:30 pm

Harness Your Strengths to Start Law School Successfully

Learn how to be prepared for your 1L year of law school
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Carwina Weng
Legal Education Consultant

June 29, 2025 02:00 pm to
04:00 pm

LSAT Prep & Resource Fair (+ giveaways!)

Meet 1:1 with reps from these companies and win free LSAT prep courses, special discounts, scholarships, and fun prizes. More resources are added every week! 


Full List of 2025 Vendors Coming Soon!

June 29, 2025 04:00 pm to
05:00 pm

Applying to Law School as an Older Applicant and Finding Community

Navigating the challenges of applying to law school later in life
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Janell Roberts
Associate Dean of Enrollment Management - Loyola Marymount University Law

June 29, 2025 05:15 pm to
06:15 pm

Intellectual Property Law

Join us for an engaging conversation on careers in Intellectual Property law, covering patent, trademark, and copyright practice, as well as tips for breaking into the field and navigating its unique challenges and opportunities
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Catherine Toppin
Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property - Lockheed Marting

June 29, 2025 05:15 pm to
06:15 pm

Sports and Entertainment Law

Drop in to learn about the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment lawhear from practitioners about contract negotiation, IP issues, athlete and artist representation, and how to break into these competitive industries.
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Samira Jackson
Lobbyist & NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor - Manis Canning

June 29, 2025 05:15 pm to
06:15 pm

Regulation & Government Law

Explore careers in regulation and government law, including roles in legislative affairs, administrative agencies, and public policy. Gain insights on navigating government legal work and making an impact through public service.
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Tabatha Robinson
Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration

June 29, 2025 06:00 pm to
07:00 pm

Corporate Litigation

Get an inside look at the world of corporate litigationgain insight on high-stakes disputes for businesses, and learn about the skills, challenges, and career paths in this dynamic area of law.
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Elizabeth C. Robinson
Senior Associate - Alston & Bird

June 29, 2025 06:00 pm to
07:00 pm

Sports and Entertainment Law

Drop in to learn about the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment lawhear from practitioners about contract negotiation, IP issues, athlete and artist representation, and how to break into these competitive industries.
June 29, 2025 06:00 pm to
07:00 pm

Immigration Law

Drop in to learn about the dynamic field of immigration lawhear from practitioners about their work advocating for clients, navigating complex legal systems, and the many career paths available in this impactful area of law.
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Ashley Hyman
Immigration Attorney - Lupton Law LLC

June 29, 2025 06:45 pm to
07:45 pm

Criminal Defense and Prosecution

Drop in to discuss careers in criminal defense and prosecution. Learn about trial work, case strategy, public service, and how to get started in this challenging and rewarding field.
June 29, 2025 06:45 pm to
07:45 pm

Immigration Law

Drop in to learn about the dynamic field of immigration lawhear from practitioners about their work advocating for clients, navigating complex legal systems, and the many career paths available in this impactful area of law.
June 29, 2025 06:45 pm to
07:45 pm

Public Interest and Civil Rights Law

Drop in to explore careers in public interest and civil rights lawhear about working to advance justice, protect civil liberties, and serve marginalized communities, and learn how you can make a meaningful impact through your legal career.
June 29, 2025 07:30 pm to
08:30 pm

Closing Session

Final remarks
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Sydney Montgomery - Barrier Breakers®
Founder & Executive Director of Barrier Breakers®, Inc.

Speakers

We’re excited to bring together a variety of diverse voices to share their experiences and expertise with you! Below are just some of the amazing legal professionals that you’ll be hearing from at our 2025 conference.

Professor Khiara M. Bridges

Professor of Law - University of California at Berkeley

Angela Winfield

Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer for LSAC

Sydney Montgomery, Esq.

Founder and Executive Director of Barrier Breakers, Inc.

Shani Butts, Esq.

Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid - Columbus School of Law

Patricia Kinney, Esq.

Assistant Dean - Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Vernadette Horne, Esq.

Senior Director of Career Services and Diversity Initiatives - Hostra University Maureen Deane School of Law

Dr. Nadia Castriota

Director of Student Success & Organizational Leadership, Admissions Advisor - Barrier Breakers, Inc

Jasmeene Burton, Esq.

Litigation Associate - Kirkland & Ellis

Philip Harrinarine

InGenius Prep

LeAndra Ross, MPA, AFC

Regional Director South, AccessLex Center for Education and Financial Capability - AccessLex Institute

Yolanda Ingram

Director of Access to Law School Education Programs - University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Mena Pirone, Esq

Founder & LSAT Tutor - LSAT LogicPro

Fady Yatooma

Founder & LSAT Tutor - LSAT Mastery LLC

Marvin Fourte

Writer & Teacher Assistant - LSAT Demon

Carwina Weng

Legal Education Consultant

Janell Roberts

Associate Dean of Enrollment Management - Loyola Marymount University Law

Catherine Toppin

Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property - Lockheed Marting

Samira Jackson

Lobbyist & NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor - Manis Canning

Tabatha Robinson

Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration

Elizabeth C. Robinson

Senior Associate - Alston & Bird

Ashley Hyman

Immigration Attorney - Lupton Law LLC

Join a world where entering the legal field is accessible.

Our free conference includes:

  • Expert advice from attorneys, recruiters, legal professors and admissions officers, and current law school students
  • A Career & Law Firm Fair with the chance to meet one-on-one with law firms in a variety of fields
  • A Law School & Resource Fair with a chance to meet one-on-one a variety of law schools across the country
  • The opportunity to get your questions answered live
  • Virtual networking spaces to meet with other attendees and panelists
  • Exclusive giveaways and promotions from Barrier Breakers® and our sponsors
  • And more!
Register

Oursponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors



We are grateful to all of our sponsors for their commitment to BIPOC and first-generation aspiring lawyers! If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, visit Break Into Law Conference Sponsorships or email conference@barrier-breakers.org." for more information.

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