News Article

More than 30 law school students join attorneys, area business leaders, to
network through the game of golf

• Legal BisNow article on the event

WASHINGTON—For the third consecutive year, Womble Carlyle invited D.C.-area law school students, area business leaders and the firm’s own attorneys to participate in a day of networking and golf.

But while everyone had a great time, the purpose of the Womble Carlyle Diversity Open is far more than recreational. The event gives minority law school students the chance to meet contacts from local companies—contacts who could become key allies, mentors or even clients as these students become attorneys.

"While people know that the game of golf provides a great business networking opportunity, most would be surprised at how beneficial golf events can be for law school students," said Pam Rothenberg, Managing Member of the D.C. office. “Our attorneys, clients and other guests get to talk with the students in a relaxed, informal setting, and that relationship-building carries over when we get back to the office and the students go back to class.”

Knowing how to play golf is an important networking skill for an attorney, but one that isn’t found in any law school curriculum. Minorities traditionally have been underrepresented on golf courses, so the event helped introduce the law students to an activity that might help their careers after graduation.

"Being a successful attorney involves more than just doing great legal work. You also have to develop a client base and really get to know your clients, so that you can be responsive to their needs," said attorney Kevin Pigott, who helped start the annual Diversity Open event in 2006.

This year’s Diversity Open event was held October 6th at the TopGolf Game Centre in Alexandria, Va. TopGolf offers a way to learn golf through interactive technology.

"We had a great time at the Golf Center and thought it was better than doing a Golf tournament at a course," said Myron Terry of Pfizer, one of the business executives who participated in the Diversity Open.

The event drew 33 local law school students from George Mason University School of Law, George Washington School of Law, the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, Howard University School of Law, American University’s Washington Law College and Georgetown University Law Center. The students were paired with 16 local business leaders and 17 Womble Carlyle attorneys.

From the firm’s standpoint, the Diversity Open is another way for Womble Carlyle to support a robust pipeline of young, diverse talent into the legal profession. The firm also offers the Womble Carlyle Scholarships to high-achieving minority law school students. To date, five former Womble Carlyle Scholars are now employed by the firm as full-time attorneys.

A number of prizes were awarded at this year’s event. These include: 

• 1st Place Team— Kevin Pigott (Womble Carlyle) and Kelvin Chew (Howard University School of Law). 
• 2nd Place Team—Mark Poovey (Womble Carlyle), Victor Cabral (NBC Universal), and Cassandrew Theano (student at Georgetown University Law School). 
• Student Door Prize Winners—Jimy Hu (student at George Mason University School of Law), TopGolf Humidor; Rosalyn Steward (student at American University Washington College of Law), Garmin GPS; and Brian Choi (student at American University Washington College of Law), 26" widescreen flat panel TV. 
• Highest Individual Score: Victor Cabral (male) and Melissa Morgan (female)
• 2nd Low Score (Men and Women)—Kelvin Chew (student at Howard University School of Law) and Jackie Lee (student at George Washington University School of Law).