The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law hosted the fifth annual Family and Friends Day on October 25, 2019. The day allowed for family and friends of Catholic Law students to experience a day in the life of a law student.
The morning began with refreshments and conversation between, students, their guests, faculty, and staff in the Louise H. Keelty and James Keelty Jr. Atrium. Students then headed off to their morning LSP class, while the guests went into the Slowinski Courtroom for a welcome to the Law School from Dean Stephen C. Payne.
Following the Dean's Welcome, guests attended a discussion entitled "The Law School Experience" with Dean of Students Katie Crowley '10 and a panel of current students, Michael Cervino, Paige Markley, Garrett Tracey, Kara Marie Urban, and Nicolas Valderrama.
"You will find that this is really a community that cares very much about its students, and since you are the support networks for many of our students, we are grateful to have the opportunity to share with you today what Law School is all about," Dean Crowley said.
The students discussed topics such as the usage of the Socratic Method in the classroom, the process of preparing for exams, the strong sense of community at Catholic Law, and how loved ones can best support their law students.
Dean Crowley also reminded parents and loved ones that students can always reach out to her office for support. After the presentation students and family attended their Torts class with Associate Dean Marin Scordato.
After Torts, guests and students attended a program delivered by Brian Stolarz '98. Brian's presentation, Innocent Going In and Innocent Coming Out, the Exoneration of Alfred Dewayne Brown, detailed Stolarz's pro bono representation of Brown whose death penalty conviction was overturned. Brown, who was present for the presentation, spent 10 years on death row in Texas before being released. Stolarz described his representation of Brown as the case of a lifetime. Stolarz and Brown's story will be part of a Netflix special due out in Fall/Winter 2019.
After the presentation the Law School hosted an Oktoberfest Reception in the atrium. This allowed the students along with their family and friends to talk with various faculty and staff, as well as talk to Stolarz and Brown further about their experiences.
Click here to view photos from Family and Friends Day on CUA Law's Facebook page.
