SANTA CLARA, Calif. – February 6, 2025 – Santa Clara University School of Law’s Student Bar Association (SBA) successfully launched its first-ever Small and Midsize Law Firm Fair, bringing together 20 law firms and over 100 students from across all class years, as part of SBA’s inaugural professional development series. The innovative networking event was designed to connect law students with opportunities at small and midsize firms that might otherwise fly under the radar in traditional recruitment processes.
“Our goal was to highlight the incredible opportunities that exist within small and midsize firms, where students can gain substantial experience across diverse practice areas,” said Ajit Bhullar, J.D. ‘25, SBA Co-President. “The enthusiasm from both students and firms exceeded our expectations and confirmed the need for this type of focused networking event,” said Simone Wolberg, J.D. ‘25, SBA Co-President.
The fair was made possible through collaboration between the Student Bar Association and Santa Clara University School of Law’s Office of Career Management. Key contributors to the event’s success included:
- SBA Co-Presidents Ajit Bhullar J.D. ‘25 and Simone Wolberg J.D. ‘25
- SBA Co-Vice Presidents of External Relations, Alexander Spencer J.D. ‘26 and Abigail DeLeon J.D. ‘26
- Michael Kaufman, Dean and Professor of Law at Santa Clara University School of Law
- Deborah Snyder, Assistant Dean of the Office of Career Management
- Leonard Lun, Professor of Law and Director of Employer Relations, Office of Career Management
- Sarah Tesconi, Professor of Law and Director of Law Graduate Employment, Office of Career Management
- Jessica Natbony, Director of Law Career Development, Office of Career Management
In opening remarks, Dean Kaufman emphasized the importance of building connections acrossclass years and the collective talent within the law school community. The event showcased the “hidden gems” of the small to midsize law firm community, offering students alternatives to traditional big law career paths.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Students reported discovering unexpected practice areas and making meaningful connections with potential employers in a more intimate setting than typical career fairs allow.
Student Bar Association Co-President Simone Wolberg J.D. ‘25 developed the concept during a conversation with alumnus Garrett Clark J.D. ‘24 approximately one year ago. What began as a hastily scribbled note in the margins of a textbook evolved into a significant networking opportunity for the Santa Clara Law community, thanks to the dedication of our student leaders and the support of the law school’s administration.
Written by Simone Wolberg, J.D. ‘25, SBA Co-President, Ajit Bhullar, J.D. ‘25, SBA Co-President, and
Deborah Snyder, Assistant Dean of Career Management
Media Contact
Jennifer Wooliscroft | Director of Strategic Communication and Outreach | jwooliscroft@scu.edu | 408-551-1763