Joseph, Hollander & Craft was delighted to host six first-year law students from The University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law for a luncheon at our Overland Park, KS office on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Law School’s Professional & Career Development Center promotes and coordinates “Lunch at a Law Firm” events like this throughout the Kansas City metro to give young, aspiring attorneys a glimpse into the work lives and environments of active attorneys.

“Hearing [the attorneys’] insights and perspectives are so helpful to [the students] as they develop their own professional identities,” said Desiree Rognlie, the Center’s Associate Director, who accompanied the students to the luncheon. They were joined by JHC criminal defense attorneys Dionne Scherff and Lindsey Erickson and family law attorney Rachel Whitsitt.

The students asked questions and the attorneys shared about the paths they’ve taken in their careers, circumstances that influenced their choice of profession and practice emphasis, and important lessons they’ve learned along the way. One student remarked in a thank you note to one of our attorneys:

“Speaking with you all was extremely insightful as a first-year law student. I also wanted to specifically thank you for making the experience so enjoyable… Your energy and passion for criminal defense certainly shine through in a wonderful way!”

Another shared, “I had a great time getting to learn more about family law from your perspective… I would love to learn more about family law and get to know some people in the community.”

The energy clearly went both ways:

• “I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of the law students from UMKC. They were a great group with bright and promising futures in the legal profession.” —Dionne
• “It was such a pleasure having a chance to connect with these bright, talented, and motivated UMKC law students!” —Lindsey
• “I was very impressed with the law students. They had intelligent questions and even some helpful insights on how they perceive the legal landscape.” —Rachel

JHC is encouraged by the healthy crops of promising young lawyers that continue to bear fruit, year after year, and pleased to nurture their pursuit of a bright future in the legal profession. Other KC-area law firms and solo practitioners interested in hosting a “Lunch at a Law Firm” may contact a program administrator via the UMKC Law School Career Services homepage.