Butzel Long hosted 30 high school students during National Groundhog Job Shadow Day on February 1 in the firm’s Detroit office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long hosted a group of 30 high school students from Osborn College Preparatory Academy at the firm’s Detroit office during National Groundhog Job Shadow Day on February 1, 2013. The event was managed locally by Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan in coordination with United Way of Southeastern Michigan.
“We enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the Osborn College Preparatory Academy students,” said Gordon W. Didier, attorney and shareholder, Butzel Long and a Board member of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan for more than 25 years. “It is important to encourage our next generation of business leaders by offering them first-hand opportunities to enhance their knowledge about various careers. Butzel Long has been a strong supporter of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan and the work they do year round to provide students from kindergarten through high school with knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.”
Butzel Long was one of 16 companies in metro Detroit and the only law firm to host students during National Groundhog Job Shadow Day. The program helps kids gain great understanding about the skills and education required for a myriad of careers.
Osborn College Preparatory Academy students had a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the legal profession. Students participated in breakout sessions at Butzel Long featuring attorneys, administration (human resources, finance and operations), paralegals, marketing as well as the library team. Students toured the Butzel Long office and were treated to a continental breakfast and lunch.
Prior to visiting companies, students participated in self-assessment surveys to identify skills and narrow down possible areas of interest, as well as attend several classroom sessions related to the job shadow experience.
“It is exciting to be part of such an important program that helps students gain invaluable insight as they ponder their future career paths,” said Krystal Wise Bee, Human Resources Coordinator, Butzel Long. “Overall, the event was a great success. The students were very engaged. They met with attorneys and also people in the firm that work behind-the-scenes. They were pleasantly surprised to see there are many career opportunities in a law firm environment.”
“It was really exciting to see how motivated the students were and to hear about their goals and aspirations,” said Geaneen M. Arends, senior attorney, Butzel Long. “I was impressed with their maturity of thought. Many of these high school students have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C for their careers. .
“This event gave the students an opportunity to interact with metro Detroiters from a variety of disciplines who are successful in their careers,” she added. “This experience was inspiring for me. I want to continue to volunteer to work with students and let them know that a successful career is attainable.”
During the year, Butzel Long gives back to the community in a variety of ways. Butzel Long has a long and distinguished history of public service, particularly assisting clients who could otherwise not afford legal representation. Providing quality pro bono legal services is a priority for Butzel Long. The firm’s lawyers, from the newest associate to members of the Board of Directors, use their expertise and training to make a difference each year, providing thousands of hours to those in need through a wide range of programs and relationships.
About Butzel Long
Established in 1854, Butzel Long is a leading law firm with offices in Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Lansing and Ann Arbor, Michigan, New York City, and Washington, D.C., as well as Alliance offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Mexico City and Monterrey. The firm is also a member of the Washington D.C. law firm, Butzel Long Tighe Patton. Butzel Long represents clients from diverse industries on regional, national, and multi-national levels and is a member of Lex Mundi, a global association of 160 independent law firms. Visit the Butzel Long website at www.butzel.com.
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Media Contact: Maribeth Farkas at Caponigro Public Relations Inc.,
(248) 353-3030, ext. 2114.
