The NCCU Technology Law & Policy Center will host its Fourth Annual Law & Technology Summit on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Durham Convention Center.
The Summit keynote is Roy L. Austin, Jr. Austin is a leading civil rights attorney and champion for justice and responsible technology. He served as Vice President of Civil Rights and Deputy General Counsel at Meta, guiding the company’s efforts to advance fairness in the digital age. Before joining Meta, Austin held key roles in the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, where he prosecuted hate crimes and police brutality cases, and later served as Deputy Assistant to President Obama on the White House Domestic Policy Council, where he worked on criminal justice reform, police accountability, and data equity initiatives, and was a member of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Task Force.
NCCU Law students receive complimentary registration for the Summit. Before completing your registration, you must complete the following pre-registration steps:
Watch the LinkedIn Learning course: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile to Stand Out. (1 hour)
Update your LinkedIn profile based on what you learned in the above course. (Wondering why LinkedIn matters? Read "Why does LinkedIn matter?")
Take screenshots of your updated cover image and “About” section.
Combine the screenshots into a single file (PDF or JPEG). You will upload this file during the registration process.
Follow the NCCU Technology Law & Policy Center and NCCU School of Law on LinkedIn.
After completing the above steps, NCCU Law Students may register for either (1) in-person or (2) virtual Summit attendance using this special link for complementary (free) registration: https://bit.ly/Law_Tech_Summit_NCCU_Law_Student_Registration
In-Person Registration Includes:
Note: If you register for in-person attendance and are unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances, you must notify the TLPC Team at techlawpolicyctr@nccu.edu as soon as possible so that your registration can be updated to virtual and resources are not wasted.
Virtual Registration Includes:
On-demand access to recordings of all sessions after the Summit concludes
Be sure to review the Guide for NCCU Law Students: How to Get the Most Out of the NCCU Law & Technology Summit before attending. This guide will help you show up as your best self and network effectively, which can help you identify and secure internships, externships, and permanent employment.
Please email the TLPC Team at techlawpolicyctr@nccu.edu, if you have any questions.
For many law students, attending a professional conference is both exciting and overwhelming. It is a chance to learn from experts, expand your professional network, and begin to see yourself as a member of the legal community. At the same time, the experience can feel unfamiliar. This guide offers practical tips to help you prepare, show up as your best self, and make the most of the opportunity.
Review the agenda. Take a look at the sessions in advance and choose the ones most relevant to your interests. Pick a mix: some directly connected to your career goals and at least one that broadens your perspective.
Research the speakers. A quick search on LinkedIn or their professional websites will give you background that can spark good questions and conversations.
Set goals. Decide what you want to walk away with—whether that is meeting three new professionals, learning about a particular area of law, or practicing your networking skills.
Polish your online profile. Update your LinkedIn with your current law school, areas of interest, and a professional photo. Many people you meet will look you up afterward.
Plan your attire. Aim for business or business casual, depending on the culture of the event. When in doubt, err on the side of more formal. Make sure shoes are comfortable enough for standing and walking.
Craft an elevator pitch. Prepare a 20–30 second introduction that covers who you are, what you are studying, and what you are interested in. For assistance in creating an elevator pitch, use this Custom GPT.
A notebook and pen (taking notes by hand can make it easier to remember names and ideas).
Business cards if you have them, or prepare to connect through LinkedIn.
A folder or bag to keep materials organized.
Be punctual. Arrive early to sessions. It signals respect and gives you a chance to settle in.
Engage fully. Listen attentively, take notes, and put away distractions. Silence your phone.
Ask thoughtful questions. If you have the chance to ask a question, make it specific and concise. Avoid “showcase” questions that are really mini-speeches.
Start conversations. Begin with small talk: ask what session someone has enjoyed or what brought them to the conference.
Use your elevator pitch. Share your interests naturally in conversation.
Exchange information. If you do not have cards, suggest connecting on LinkedIn. Write a quick note afterward so you remember the context.
Eat and hydrate. Conferences can be long. Do not skip meals.
Pace yourself. Give yourself breaks between sessions to process what you are learning.
Send thank-you notes. A short email or LinkedIn message to someone you met goes a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation.
Connect online. Follow new contacts on LinkedIn, and consider posting about your experience at the conference. Keep it professional and positive.
Share with peers. Discuss what you learned with classmates—it helps you retain information and builds your professional reputation among your peers.
Review your notes. Highlight key takeaways and identify action steps, such as looking into a practice area, reaching out for an informational interview, or joining a professional organization.
Update your resume. If you attended a conference panel, workshop, or networking reception relevant to your career, consider noting it on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Plan ahead. Think about what worked well for you this time and what you will do differently at your next professional event.
Your first professional conference is a chance to begin stepping into your role as a lawyer-in-training. By preparing thoughtfully, presenting yourself professionally, and engaging fully, you will not only get the most out of the experience, but you will also leave a lasting positive impression on the people you meet.
Many employers will review an applicant’s online presence before making hiring decisions. A strong, professional LinkedIn profile can set you apart and balance out other platforms where you may not have as much control. This is especially important for students interested in legal-tech careers, where digital awareness and professionalism are closely scrutinized.
When you meet someone at a conference or networking event, chances are they will look you up afterward. A complete and professional LinkedIn profile shows that you are serious about your future career. It is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, mentor, or colleague.
As a law student, your LinkedIn profile is a chance to show your developing interests. You can highlight your coursework, internships, research, and even relevant volunteer work. For students interested in technology-law careers, LinkedIn is especially valuable because the tech and legal tech communities are very active on the platform.
LinkedIn allows you to connect quickly with professionals you meet at events. Instead of worrying about business cards, you can connect directly, making it easier to stay in touch and continue the conversation after the conference.
You can follow organizations, thought leaders, and professional groups to stay updated on current issues in law and technology. LinkedIn is also a great place to learn about different career paths by reading profiles of practicing attorneys and judges.
Professional Photo: A clear, friendly, professional headshot.
Headline: A short line under your name that says who you are. Example: “2L at NCCU School of Law | Interested in Technology and Intellectual Property Law.”
About Section: A short paragraph (3–4 sentences) that highlights your interests and career goals.
Experience: Internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or research assistant positions.
Education: Your law school, undergraduate degree, and any honors.
Skills and Interests: Keywords that reflect your interests (e.g., “Legal Research,” “Data Privacy,” “Artificial Intelligence and Law”).