Law Symposium links classroom and courtroom
2002 grad Keith Toms' idea was simple but compelling: offer attorneys the chance to earn CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits while giving Augustana students a real-world look at the legal profession. The result was an on-campus Law Symposium that brought together alumni attorneys, local professionals and students for a day of learning and connection.
“Each presentation was delivered effectively by seasoned attorneys and sitting judges,” said Randy Micheletti ’98, Incubate IP president and founder. “Because of our mutual deep connections to Augustana, discussions with attendees were genuine and meaningful — even between those who hadn't met before. In stark contrast to every other legal conference I've attended, participants at the Augie Law Symposium were more eager to connect with each other during breaks than check their emails.”
Heather Carlson ’96 Hoftender played a key role in planning the event and working with Illinois and Iowa regulators to secure CLE credits, which are essential for maintaining licensure.
But the symposium offered more than professional development. Students asked candid questions and gained a clearer understanding of legal careers, with conversations throughout the day providing practical insight into LSAT prep, law school and life in the profession.
"I absolutely would have benefited from the Law Symposium when I was a student,” said Mary Scarpinato ’20, an associate attorney at Leach, King, and Klinger Law, LLC. “I was interested in the legal field but did not have a clear, practical sense of what the field actually looked like. Learning about legal professionals’ different experiences in law school and in practice would have made the path to becoming a lawyer feel more tangible."
Behind the scenes, a dedicated planning team made the event possible: Keith Toms ’02, Mary Scarpinato ’20, Randy Micheletti ’98, Heather Carlson ’96 Hoftender, Brett Warning ’84, Richard Padula ’20, Sarah Kirberg ’06 Lickus, Tom Tarnow, Dr. Paul Baumgardner, Erin Williams, Evan Sammons ’20 and Maarten Lempia.
Building on the success of this inaugural event, organizers plan to offer the symposium again next year.