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By Scott Oliver, Lewis Kappes PC
On February 27th, the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and the Indianapolis Bar Association teamed up to host a packed house for this year’s Take a Law Student to Lunch event. But this wasn’t just any networking luncheon… it was a bridge between students and practicing attorneys, a launching pad for mentorship, and, for many, a much-needed confidence boost in the often-intimidating world of professional networking.
The format was simple yet effective. Prior to the event, each student was paired with an attorney, creating an intentional opportunity for meaningful conversation. When attorneys arrived, they received nametags and their table assignments. Then came the students, eager (and perhaps a little nervous) to meet their matches. Over a catered lunch, they dove into discussions ranging from law school survival tips to career strategies and life in practice.
For first-generation law students like Makenna Territo, the experience was particularly rewarding. “Networking can feel intimidating, especially in large events where you don’t always know how to start the conversation,” she shared. “This event made it accessible, comfortable, and meaningful. I was lucky to be paired with an attorney from a firm I was already interested in, which allowed me to ask in-depth questions and walk away with a real connection.” The structured yet relaxed setting took away the pressure often associated with traditional networking events, making it easier for students to focus on genuine relationship-building.
Of course, the event wasn’t just about one-on-one discussions. After lunch, students tackled networking bingo, a creative way to engage with attorneys beyond their initial pairing. The game encouraged students to find professionals with certain experiences. For instance, they were asked to find someone who had argued before the Indiana Supreme Court, clerked for a judge, or switched practice areas mid-career. It was an icebreaker with a purpose, pushing students out of their comfort zones in the best way possible.
For Aaron Barker, the informal nature of the event led to unexpected but memorable conversations. “I found out my paired attorney and I shared a love for history and music, which made the conversation flow naturally,” he said. “We even started by talking about sports and the surprisingly nice weather. That made it easier to transition into discussions about the realities of practicing law.” Barker also appreciated the range of legal professionals in attendance, noting that the mix of attorneys from large firms, mid-sized practices, and boutique firms provided valuable insight into different career paths.
The power of these connections wasn’t just in the moment… it was in the foundation they laid for the future. Citlaly Torres echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the event’s role in expanding her professional circle. “My attorney match not only shared great advice but also introduced me to other lawyers, which made networking feel organic rather than forced,” she said. “I look forward to building on these connections and hope this is the start of a strong mentor-mentee relationship.”
This is exactly why the Indianapolis Bar Association’s partnership with IU McKinney is so impactful. Events like this are more than just an opportunity to collect business cards; they’re about building relationships, creating accessibility, and ensuring that the next generation of lawyers feels supported as they step into the profession.
By the end of the luncheon, conversations continued well past the scheduled programming, with many students and attorneys exchanging contact information and making plans to follow up. It was a testament to the event’s success and the strength of the Indianapolis legal community.
For those who attended, Take a Law Student to Lunch wasn’t just about one meal. It was about opening doors, forging connections, and setting the stage for careers to come. And for those who missed out? Well… there’s always next year, but be warned, you might want to RSVP early. If this year’s event was any indication, seats will fill up fast!•
Scott Oliver is a partner at Lewis Kappes where he focuses his practice representing banks and non-bank lenders closing SBA transactions nationwide. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of law where he teaches Legal Communication & Analysis. Oliver is an active member of IndyBar, serving on the IndyBar Board of Directors as the Vice President of Law Student & Young Lawyer Engagement. He is a graduate of IndyBar’s Bar Leader Series (Class 17).
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