On March 31, 2021, the Student Accounting Association held its fifth meeting of the spring semester with guest speaker Elle Gandolfi ’17 (also a 2020 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law), an associate attorney at Fowkes Rodkey, a local law firm.
Gandolfi shared the process of applying to law school, information on the bar exam, and what law school is like. A brief bulleted summary of the key points in the meeting:
- Gandolfi mentioned that, to apply to law school, one must pass the LSAT and obtain any bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to be accepted. After these requirements are met, it is time to decide where to go. Gandolfi shared it is very costly to apply to law schools, so look closely at the bar exam pass rate, the school’s reputation, and the acceptance rate. She advises that having a good LSAT score and GPA will help, as being accepted into law school is competitive.
- The bar exam is very challenging. It is typically a two-day exam that includes 200 multiple choice questions, six essay questions relating to Pennsylvania law, and one performance test. Gandolfi recommends buying study material to aid in passing this challenging exam.
- Gandolfi shared that going through law school was overall her most challenging yet rewarding experience. She noted that all grades are curved, which means there is a lot of competition for getting high grades. There is also a diverse class, and there are not many who have a business background in undergrad. Coming with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Gandolfi feels as though employers like that unique combination.
- Two tips she had shared to those who are entering the business world shortly are to be prepared to work and to always strive to learn.
The next Student Accounting Association meeting will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Zoom, when we will welcome guest speakers Steve Bruckner, vice president of Finance at Fairmount Supply; and Tia Gamler, vice president of finance at Rotating Machinery Services, Inc. SAA President Shelby Lowery will email the link to this Zoom meeting to all accounting majors.