Mission

The Pathfinders program assists University of Akron School of Law 2Ls and 3Ls in enhancing their studies by connecting them with established attorneys, Judges and Magistrate members of the Akron Bar Association. The program provides the students insight into their present-day area of practice interest through a series of activities and interaction with their mentors and other legal professionals in the community. The networking and professional development has proven very valuable to former Pathfinders in gaining a step up when being considered for a summer clerkship or internship and for positions after graduation and admission to the Ohio State Bar. This is true as the participants gain meaningful relationships and friendships throughout the program with experienced members of the Akron Bar Association. 

 

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Participant Testimonial

“The Program has been fantastic!  It has allowed me to expand my network while building my practical skills as a lawyer.  I always have someone to talk to about general practice questions, & the Program helps illustrate the sense of community”

Jaclyn A. Palumbo, Esq.
Member Since 2014

I highly recommend the Akron Law Pathfinders Program to all 2Ls. This mentorship program is a great way to meet local practitioners and build relationships through the Akron Bar Association. I have met so many incredible people through this program, including my inspiring mentor, Amanda Bridenstine. During my cohort, we had two mentors to a small group of students. My other mentor helped foster my budding interest in technology and privacy by introducing me to an attorney at Google. I also learned about a local organization—the Ben Curtis Family Foundation—by volunteering with the Akron Bar Association New Lawyers Section. Pathfinders is a really neat network of attorneys who believe in reaching a hand out to uplift and guide aspiring attorneys. I am so grateful that Akron offers this program and for my lasting relationship with my mentors.

Tatyana Norman-Webler, BSN, RN

J.D. November 2025- New Admit to the Ohio Bar

         

Oliver Wendell Holmes, the famous US Supreme Court Justice once said the life of the law is experience not logic. For my generation this held true as we sought out older more experienced lawyers for guidance in the practice of law. Recent generations have the benefit of vast resources easily available on the internet. But the nuances of law can only be obtained by seeking counsel from seasoned lawyers. The mentoring program allows older lawyers to pay back what they have been given and allows newer lawyers to gain the wisdom of experience. Thus, it is a two-way street that is enjoyable to travel and greatly benefits both mentor and mentee.

J. Dean Carro; Professor of Law, Emeritus

                        University of Akron School of Law

 

 

 For University of Akron School of Law Students (2L and 3L)

About

The Pathfinder Program connects 3rd and 2nd-year law students with local and experienced attorneys, who serve as Mentors. Through one-on-one relationships, our Mentors assist participants (Mentees) as they begin to transition from law school to the practice of law.

Application Law Student Participant Application Available beginning November 18, 2026

Deadline to apply December 19, 2025

Access application here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025Pathfinder

Schedule of Events- Currently under development and will be posted by January 20, 2026

Orientation for approved applicants and Mentors: Thursday, January 22, 2026 @ 6:00-7:00 at University of Akron School of Law lobby area.

 

 

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Guide Information

To become a Mentor, please contact: Attorney Amanda Bridenstine, Pathfinder Subcommittee Chair at amanda.bridenstine@gmail.com

Resources:

Flyers:

Application/survey: Available beginning November 18, 2025