NAPLA 2026 Conference Breakout Sessions

Monday, June 8, 2026

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

From Application to Advocacy: Teaching the Law School Journey and Pathways to Legal Careers *
Lauren Balasco

Bringing Comprehensive Application Review to Prelaw Students: Piloting a Portfolio Review Program *
Meghan Cooper; Ricardo Garza; David Morales-Carrera

More with Less: How Solo Pre-Law Advisors at Large Publics Make It Work
Diane Curtis; Kathy Garren; Erin Reichelt

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Applicants: Considerations and Questions for the Law School Search
Jason Owen; Laura Fonseca; Kate Vieira

* these two talks will share the same breakout session

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Advising our Students on the Margins: Wait-Lists, Long-Pending Applications and Re-Application
Joseph Kenny; Yvonne Cherena-Pacheco; Peter Eraca; Michael States

Personal Wellness for Prelaw Professionals
Lorri Olan

Big Law Starts Now: Prelaw Advisors & Big Law Recruiting
Jennifer Capozzoli; Anna Springer

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Bridging the Gap: What Law Schools Wish Prelaw Advisors Knew *
Nancy Benavides

Yes, No, or It Depends: What Law Schools Really Think About Common Admissions Questions *
Gayla Jacobson

AI in the Admissions Process - What it Can (and Cannot) Do
Nicholas Barnes

The Future of Law School Loans: How to Guide Your Students with Confidence
Teria Thornton

* these two talks will share the same breakout session


Tuesday, June 9, 2026

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

The impact of OBBBA, and other recent changes, on scholarships, need based aid and public service
Stephen Brown; Susan Bogart; Charles Pruett

Best Practices for Avoiding a Charge of Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process
Lindsay Gladney; Joan Metzler; Greg Canada

After the Application: Supporting Students Through Matriculation
Lauren Jordan; Diane Curtis; Maggie Slater

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Leveraging Strategic Advising for Second Chances, Career Changes, and Complex Files
Kamil Brown; Chloe Mathews

Building a Successful Pre-Law Advising Center: 5 Steps to Engagement, Growth, and Impact
Madelyn Ferrans; Chantal Vergara

Financial Literacy - What Schools Are and Should Be Doing
Denee Page

The Future of Law School Loans: How to Guide Your Students with Confidence
Teria Thornton; Baylee Jenkins

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Professional Identity Formation and the Special Responsibility of Lawyers to Protect the Rule of Law
Jerry Organ

Managing Applicant Expectations and Expanding the Definition of Success
Brandon Trevino

Seeking professional development - for your current and future position
Lauren Dropkin; Nick Migliorino; Michelle Yingling


Wednesday, June 10, 2026

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

NALP PLENARY: The State of the Entry-Level Legal Employment Market
Danielle Taylor

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

LSAC PLENARY: News You Can Use From LSAC
Katya Valasek

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