The Sacramento Region Diversity Career Fair, now in its third year, serves as a bridge connecting the multitude of legal minds with employment opportunities that value diversity and inclusion. On September 21, over 65 employers gathered at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law campus to engage with budding law students and seasoned attorneys alike. This joint venture, backed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, local law schools, and the Federal Bar Association's Sacramento Chapter, is carving out a path for a more inclusive legal landscape in the Sacramento area.
Attendees at the career fair had the chance to interact with judges and partners from some of the nation’s leading law firms during a panel discussion. In a space where students and professionals converged, the fair offered a series of employer table talks, and the event culminated in a networking reception allowing for a more informal exchange between the parties. This innovative fair also boasts an online platform – a first for the legal sector in the Sacramento region – where legal jobs are listed and applications are submitted. As per a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert expressed pride in Sacramento's legal employers and reiterated a commitment to the annual program, citing its demonstration of the community's dedication to diversity.
Organizers emphasize its alignment with the values of participating institutions like McGeorge School of Law and UC Davis School of Law, which prioritize diversity, accessibility, and equity. Jessica Berg, Dean of UC Davis School of Law, stated that the fair reflects the school’s commitment to equity and inclusion. Michael Hunter Schwartz, Dean of McGeorge School of Law, noted that the fair offers a great opportunity for students and employers to connect in a friendly environment.
Victoria Boesch, President of the Sacramento Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, also praised the effort on behalf of her organization. The career fair lined up with their goals of enriching the legal community with diverse applicants. The fair's organization involved the support of multiple affinity bar associations in Sacramento, such as the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento, the Cruz Reynoso Bar Association, and the Sacramento LGBT Bar Association.
The panel discussion featured insights from notable judges, including Sacramento Superior Court Judge Jerome Price and U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Claire, along with Stoel Rives LLP Managing Partner Melissa A. Jones. The Sacramento Region Diversity Career Fair promotes diversity in the industry and signals a commitment to an equitable legal profession, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California.
