Precedent and Promises: JRCLS Women In Law Pre-law Event

Each year in conjunction with the JRCLS leadership conference, the Women In Law (WIL) Committee of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society hosts an event for women who are considering attending law school and pursuing a career in the law. The Pre-Law event included a law school tour and a panel discussion aimed at motivating and inspiring pre-law students, current law students, and attorneys; it also works as a networking dinner for students and attorneys. 

The WIL Pre-Law event was held on October 1, 2025, with a panel of women making contributions in the legal world.This year’s panelists included Brooke Groneman, Camille Hansen, Virginia (“Ginny”) Isaacson and Lalaine Manahan-Urbino. Each woman went to law school for different reasons and at different times in life. Some of the panelists always wanted to go to law school, others attended law school after starting a family. Each of the panelists emphasized each path taken to becoming an attorney requires the constant companionship of the Lord.  

The panelists candidly shared that being a lawyer is hard, which is why It is important to surround yourself with good people in the practice of the law. When there are family and job conflicts, good friends, along with faith in yourself and the Lord are key. 

The women also spoke about how the Lord requires hard things from us. Each woman narrated their own journey into the law and shared how having a legal education can be empowering. While we all face challenges in our own lives, the panelists stressed that a legal education does not help only us but also gives us an ability to help others. This is, in part, because a law degree is also a leadership degree, and the skills gained in law school can be used by lawyers to be leaders in many different areas of life. 

The evening concluded with each panelist sharing her knowledge that the Lord strengthens us and helps us overcome tribulation. One panelist cited Doctrine and Covenants 98:1, which says,  “Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks.”  

Each panelist explained how even in times of hardship, she felt gratitude for her legal education. The women also shared their conviction that so long as we keep our covenants and choose to be grateful, the Lord will bless us. While it is hard to balance work and family, it is possible.  The speakers noted that the Lord has his own timing and plan for us as  attorneys and law students, but more importantly, as children of God. 

Special thanks goes to panelists for speaking, and to Megan White, the chair of the Women In Law Committee, who helped organize the event.
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