This is my first conference. What should I expect?
This is a full day event. You should be prepared to arrive on time, enjoy breakfast with other attendees, and then settle in for a day of active learning. After the opening keynote and panel, attendees can select a track to follow for the day, such as public interest, or attend specific sessions that appeal to their varied interests. The conference will end with a closing reception, where attendees are invited to talk to panelists, speakers, and law school administration members. While there is no specific dress code for the event, suggested attire is business casual.
Do I have to follow a specific track for sessions?
Tracks are curated to provide a holistic view of potential legal research concerns in a given area of practice. The research considerations in firms will vary significantly from those in public interest work and the tracks were created based on these considerations. While it is not required to follow a track, we believe you will have the most complete conference experience by selecting a track of your interest and following it for the sessions.
Who can attend?
All law students are welcome to attend. The event is geared toward 1L and 2L students who are going to engage in legal research over the summer--so pretty much everyone! ( Remember to pre-register and follow next steps!)
WHere can I find materials from the speakers or recordings?
You can find the materials/recordings from selected presenters on this website after the conference has passed. Conference materials will be available through the registration website. Registrants will also receive a tote bag with materials as well as instructions to access online materials. Stay tuned!
Is there a hashtag for the conference?
Yes! tag your photos and posts on social media with #pentaconference19
IS there a dress code for the conference?
The suggested attire is business casual.
what is the Conference's code of conduct
The Prepare to Practice Conference is dedicated to providing a welcoming, professionally engaging, fun, and safe conference experience and community for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Discriminatory language and imagery (including sexual) is not appropriate for any event venue, including talks, or any community channel.
Harassment is understood as any behavior that threatens or demeans another person or group, or produces an unsafe environment. It includes offensive verbal comments or non-verbal expressions related to gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religious or political beliefs; sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces (including online); deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
Meeting participants violating these rules may be removed from the conference at the discretion of the conference organizers. If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to the conference organizers.
How do I register?
Registration is free of cost. Please see Pre-Registration for further details!
Do I have to stay all day?
Yes. Attendees are encouraged to stay for the entirety of the event and engage in networking with the speakers, panelists, and law library directors and staff who attend the closing reception.
What is the REception/Networking Event?
The closing reception will take place between 3:30-4:30pm in the adjacent historic Langdell Hall. Light refreshments will be served. Tours of the law library will also be offered.
I have a dietary restriction/food allergy. Will there be a meal suitable for me?
There are gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and nut free options. Please let us know your dietary restriction in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your need.
I have a disability or need special accommodations. How do I make arrangements?
If you require disability-related accommodations, please contact HLS Accessibility Services in the Dean of Students Office, WCC 3039, at [email protected], or 617-495-1880 two weeks in advance of the event.
Information about the accessibility features of the Harvard Square T Stop, the station closest to Harvard University, is available on the MBTA Website.
Is internet access available in the rooms?
Guest access to Harvard wifi is available. Please see instructions available here.
On-site parking is available at a rate of $18 for the full day but you must register and pay in advance. Information about daily passes for visitor parking can be found here. The 10 Everett St. Garage is in the same building as the event and the Oxford St. Lot is a short walk. There are two fee-based parking garages in Harvard Square Harvard Square: Parking Garage, 65 JFK Street, 617-354-4168 and Propark at the Charles Square Garage, 1 Bennett Street, 617-491-0298. Each is about a 10 minute walk to the venue.
While there is some on-street parking in the area, most of it is reserved for city residents with Cambridge vehicle registrations. On-street metered parking is scarce.
What are the public transportation options?
Wasserstein Hall is a ten minute walk from the Harvard Square Red Line T stop and fifteen minutes from the Porter Square Red Line and Commuter Rail T stop. Massachusetts Avenue is serviced by the #1, #77, and #96 bus lines. For more detailed information regarding public transportation, see the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) website.
Where is the conference located?
Wasserstein Hall, 1585 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138. The reception will take place in Langdell Hall, 1545 Massachusetts Ave.