In Lieu of Annual “Lawyer for a Day”, Mintz LA Attorneys Join Other Regional Professionals for Virtual Career Day Event

On March 24, Managing Member of Mintz’s Los Angeles Office Joshua Briones and Member Arameh Zargham O'Boyle participated in a virtual career day event organized by New Los Angeles Charter School, a Title One School. The attorneys presented to two separate groups of over 30 students that typically might not have access or exposure to a wide variety of professionals. The day-long program aimed to help students identify at an early age what they love to do and explore a career that reflects their passion.

During his presentation, Mr. Briones reflected on the importance of mentorship and how positive role models motivated him to chase a career in law, which he is happy to pay forward by building trusted relationships and offering a meaningful commitment to the students. Growing up in California with immigrant parents who worked in the fields, Mr. Briones initially envisioned a career in banking as he believed it was a safe, attainable profession. After noticing his strong work ethic and affinity for writing, a professor at Mr. Briones’ community college strongly encouraged him to become an attorney.

Ms. O’Boyle provided an overview of her practice as a product liability litigator and emphasized the value of Mintz’s team of professional staff working hard behind-the-scenes to keep the law firm running smoothly. She also discussed with students the commitment to education and the hard-work required to be able to practice law.

During both presentations, students talked about what they knew about the legal profession on a virtual discussion board and asked a number of insightful questions such as “how have you overcome your biggest challenges?”, “what is one part of your job you don’t like?”, and “how does your law firm work during the pandemic?”

For the last two years, Mintz Los Angeles has hosted students from New Los Angeles Charter School for its “Lawyer for a Day” event, offering a vision of a career towards which they can strive, through up close and personal interactions with attorneys and in-house counsel. Both Mr. Briones and Ms. O’Boyle have remained in contact with several past participants.

“While we were unable to host New LA students at our office this year due to the pandemic, it was wonderful to connect with them virtually and share our love of the legal profession, but also its challenges and the hard work required for success,” said Mr. Briones. “We hope to continue our Lawyer for a Day event again in-person next year, and that the experience will be invaluable to them as they make choices in their adult lives.”