2025 Private Sector Career Symposium Offers Perspectives on Potential Career Pathways

More than two dozen legal practitioners, many of them alumni, from several top law firms offered J.D. and LL.M. students career advice ranging from the philosophical to the practical at the Law School’s ninth annual Private Sector Career Symposium, held in November. The daylong program, organized by the Office of Private Sector Careers, with lead sponsorship by Latham & Watkins, provided students with insights into legal practice areas along with practical advice. 

“The symposium introduces Columbia Law students to the diverse and dynamic nature of private sector law practice and to some of the world’s leading practitioners,” said Danielle Schweiloch, assistant dean, Office of Private Sector Careers. The office helps students and alumni explore career paths with top law firms and businesses around the world—from Big Law and boutique firms to multinational corporations and Silicon Valley startups. It also organizes specialized programs, like the Private Sector Career Symposium, that are designed to leverage the strength of the Law School’s extensive alumni network and strong connections with leading employers.

“Our goal was to provide Columbia Law students with an in-depth understanding of various practice areas and insights into how to excel in the ever-changing private sector recruiting landscape,” Schweiloch said about the event.

Symposium topics, listed below, included the hot-button issue of the impact of generative AI on the legal profession, as well as discussions about specific practice areas, interviewing tips and techniques, how to choose where in the world to work, and career reflections and advice. 

• Corporate and Transactional Practice
• Emerging Issues in Generative AI
• Litigation Practice
• Geographic Considerations to Set Yourself Up for Success
• Private Sector Interviewing Techniques and Tips
• Latham & Watkins LLP Lunch Panel: What I Wish I Knew