NEW YORK, NY – Mintz is pleased to announce that it has signed on as a charter member of PENCIL’s new Legal Industry Advisory Group. PENCIL raises awareness about public education by inviting civic and business leaders into New York City public schools. The firm joins other prominent law firms and in-house counsel to work with the organization to introduce New York City’s public school students to careers in the legal industry.

Founded in 1995, PENCIL has connected more than 50,000 students to success by building partnerships that bring together business professionals and students across New York City.

PENCIL’s new Legal Industry Advisory Group, which pairs the organization’s leadership with prominent law firms and corporations, will introduce New York City public school students to the potential benefits of legal careers and provide mentorship, internship and skill development opportunities. The Legal Industry Advisory Group will work with PENCIL staff and partner schools to create programs that provide students with access to the industry and associated careers.

“Mintz is proud to play a role in PENCIL’s launch of the Legal Industry Advisory Group, and to provide opportunities for young people to explore careers and prepare them with skills for future success,” said Shannon Davis, Mintz's Chief Legal Recruiting and Integration Officer and a firm representative for the Legal Industry Advisory Group. “The Group is a perfect way for students to pursue their professional passions while getting help with things like interview preparation, resume assistance, and more. We’re hoping to reach, inspire and support the next generation of workers.” 

In addition to the firm’s efforts in New York City, Mintz’s Los Angeles office started “Lawyer for a Day” in 2019, holding it for two years until the coronavirus outbreak. During the event, approximately 30 middle school students from New Los Angeles Charter School, a Title One school, were welcomed to engage in conversations with firm attorneys and external in-house counsel panelists to learn more about the legal profession and what it’s like to be a lawyer. Following the pandemic, in lieu of the in-person “Lawyer for a Day,” several of the firm’s LA attorneys joined other regional professionals for a virtual career day event. Mintz attorneys presented to two separate groups of students that typically might not have access or exposure to a wide variety of professionals. Both in-person and virtual programs aimed to help students identify at an early age what they love to do and explore a career that reflects their passion.

For more information about Mintz, please visit  www.mintz.com.