USD Knudson School of Law Students Engage in Professional Development in the Black Hills
Students from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law recently embarked on a journey to the Black Hills, engaging in a mixer sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section of the South Dakota Bar Association and the South Dakota Trust Association’s Fall Forum.
This eye-opening trip, organized by the USD Knudson School of Law’s office of career services, provided a unique blend of networking opportunities, industry insights and professional development.
“We have wanted to take students to the Black Hills region to connect with employers and see the beauty of that area for some time. By collaborating with the Young Lawyers Section, Pennington Bar, and the SD Trust Association, we finally made it happen,” said Teramie Hill, manager of career services at the USD Knudson School of Law’s office of career services.
Over the two days, students immersed themselves in discussions about emerging issues, innovative technologies and new opportunities within the field – all of which were guided by engaging and interactive speakers.
The mixer took place at the Dakota Point Brewing in Rapid City, bringing together law students and local attorneys, including members of the Seventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals. It was a significant occasion for students to interact with legal professionals and ask questions, seek advice, and learn about various career paths, with unique insight into the judicial system and the practical aspects of legal practice.
“Students connected with attorneys from larger firms, solo firms, and trust companies in the area to learn more about local opportunities. We hope the connections made during this event will boost applications for positions open in that area,” said Hill.
Following the mixer, students attended the South Dakota Trust Association Fall Forum, a comprehensive conference designed to enhance their knowledge and professional skills. The forum featured a series of sessions covering the field of trust administration and financial regulation including topics and sessions on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Requirements and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
The forum also included a fireside chat with the South Dakota Division of Banking Director Bret Afdahl who offered updates on current regulatory issues, providing a real-world perspective on the challenges and developments in the banking sector.
Katie Conzet, a student at the USD Knudsen School of Law, reflected on her experience.
“As a lifetime resident of the Black Hills, one of the most important considerations for my future is to make efforts to network in western South Dakota, which has many opportunities for future lawyers,” Conzet said. “The forum allowed me to network early in my law school journey and, as someone wanting to explore all career paths available when obtaining a law degree, I knew this experience was valuable,” she said.
“I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet industry professionals and expand my understanding of the trust industry. These insights have opened doors to career possibilities that I had not previously known much about, and I am excited about the prospect of a career where I can blend my business background with my law degree,” said Conzet.
Lodging for this trip was sponsored by The Pennington Bar.
