Nationally Renowned Speaker Captivates Audience at Charlotte Law

The fun and festivities of National Library Week may be over, but students are still buzzing about the dynamic presentation of Ari L. Kaplan, author of The Opportunity Maker:  Strategies for Inspiring Your Legal Career Through Creative Networking and Business Development.  Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Law Library and the CSL Center for Professional Development, the program by Kaplan about discovering ways to find opportunity in a faltering economy provided one of the highlights of National Library Week.  A veteran practitioner and speaker, Mr. Kaplan has given presentations at dozens of law schools coast to coast, including Harvard Law School and Stanford Law School.  Utilizing humor and audience interaction, Kaplan delivered a program that inspired and motivated the CSL students in attendance.  He also challenged the audience to think in unconventional and creative ways to unlock the hidden potential each person has to offer.

Kaplan offered practical and enriching advice for networking and encouragement to all the students looking for career opportunities.  He stressed the importance of both listening and being a good storyteller.  Emphasizing the need to develop good relationships and good reputations, Kaplan provided sound strategies to accomplish both goals.

“The key to self-promotion has nothing to do with promoting yourself.  It has everything to do with spotlighting the good work of others and letting that reflect on your character.”

Student Testimonials:

“I thought the presentation was dynamic and interesting. I really liked the unconventional approaches and thoughts presented concerning future employment. I found the presentation very effective in placing a human face and interest based approach to employment. My previous thoughts of employment searching have been enriched and deepened.” – Paul Jusseaume

“I thought Mr. Kaplan was enjoyable and informative.  He had great ideas about networking that I don’t think I would have thought of on my own.  His presentation was informative and captivating.  He uses humor and interaction with the audience to keep the group involved. On a side note: Mr. Kaplan is a great example of a career opportunity for an individual with a J.D. that does not involve actually practicing law.  I’m sure there are plenty of people that will use their degree for more than the courtroom and he seems to be a successful example of this.” – Josh Ortega

To learn more, visit Ari Kaplan Advisors and Law Student Networking.

-Mary Susan Lucas-

Communities Thrive @ your CSL Law Library

It’s only a week away!  We’ll be celebrating National Library Week from April 11^th until 16^th. 

How can you help our Charlotte community thrive?  Starting Monday, April 11^th, the library will be collecting canned food items for a local emergency food pantry.  The proposed pantry is one of 15 emergency food pantries run by Loaves & Fishes, Inc., a local program which has been providing a week’s worth of groceries to individuals and families in crisis for 35 years.  Last year the network of food pantries provided a week’s worth of groceries to over 100,000 people, a dramatic increase from previous years.   And now the prize:  3 winners will be drawn for a “designated VIP study room” from reading day through the end of finals.  The winning students may choose one of three daily time blocks, morning (7-noon); afternoon (12-5 p.m.); or evening (5-11 p.m.)  1^st prize winner gets first selection of time block, 2^nd will choose next and 3^rd will get remaining block.   Drawing will be on Thursday, April 15^th.

Just for fun, try our Magical Mystery Tour & Raffle.  To receive a raffle ticket for fabulous prizes, you need to complete an entry form, available via email or in print located in the New Books section of the library.  While you’re exploring the library, make sure you swing by and scope out CharlotteLaw’s personalized READ posters, including faculty and staff models.

On Wednesday, April 14^th the library has partnered with CPD to bring you Ari Kaplan, author of The Opportunity Maker, at 12:15pm in Room 106.  Ari Kaplan’s 1-hour program offers instructions for harnessing the power of building organic relationships, becoming involved in the community and generating opportunities to distinguish yourself in the downturn.  Attendees will learn how to grow, build and communicate with a sphere of influence. They will also identify proven techniques for establishing a strong reputation, engaging in dynamic networking and honing their potential for business/career development.  Fill out this brief survey, so Ari Kaplan can tailor his presentation to our CSL Community.

From 2:00-5:00 that afternoon (Wednesday, April 14^th) the library will host the 3^rd Annual Ice Cream Social.  Come enjoy lots of different ice cream, delicious home-made toppings, network with alumni, mingle with the faculty and staff, or just hang out with your classmates in the Community Learning Center.  DTP will be collecting donations for the Levine Museum (small toys and/or monetary donations).

“They were five students with nothing in common, faced with spending a Saturday detention together in their high school library. At 7 a.m., they had nothing to say, but by 4 p.m., they had bared their souls to each other and become good friends. To the outside world they were simply the Jock, the Brain, the Criminal, the Princess and the Kook, but to each other, they would always be the Breakfast Club.”  Get to know your classmates at CharlotteLaw in our library.  On Friday, April 16^th we’re going to wrap up National Library Week with a special viewing of the feature film, The Breakfast Club, in Room 244 starting at 1:30.