Law Seminar

Learn how practical education is an important component of the law school experience from our alumni panel. Join Empire College School of Law at our next Informational Law Seminar on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Empire College campus. To RSVP for our upcoming seminar, click here. 

Bios of alumni speakers at the previous September 12, 2019 seminar: 

Diane Aqui, a partner at Smith Dollar PC, represents employers before numerous federal and state administrative agencies such as the National Labor Relations Board, Workers Compensation Appeals Board, Department of Labor, Labor Commissioner, FEHA, EEOC and the EDD. She is general counsel to numerous businesses and negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of management. Ms. Aqui counsels employers regarding employee-related issues, and provides state-mandated training for sexual harassment and bullying. She has successfully defended discrimination and class action wage and hour suits in both State and Federal Court.

Ms. Aqui graduated as valedictorian of her Empire Law School class (2001) and was the recipient of numerous Witkin and American Jurisprudence Awards. In addition to her J.D., she holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Marine Engineering from Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, New York and was also a licensed Third Assistant Engineer in the United States Coast Guard.

Andrew Conway received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Sonoma State University while working for Project Intercept, the Diversion Program for the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. It was while working there that he decided to become a lawyer, to help his fellow citizens through the confusing court process and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

Mr. Conway received his Masters in Legal Studies and Juris Doctor degrees from Empire College School of Law. During law school, he worked for Legal Aid of Sonoma County offering free legal representation to domestic violence victims. This is where he gained his passion for practicing Family Law. Mr. Conway was the recipient of a Pro Bono award from the Sonoma County Bar Association for his diligence in assisting these clients and is proud to say he never lost a case. Mr. Conway has also worked for other law firms where he gained a more thorough understanding of Family Law and Criminal Law. He now practices in both areas.

Caitlin van Loben Sels graduated from the Empire College paralegal program with President’s Honors in 2010. She then went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Empire Law School in 2017, where she was class valedictorian.

In 2010 Ms. van Loben Sels began working as a paralegal at the Law Office of L. Stephen Turer before joining the Law Offices of Andrian & Gallenson as an attorney in 2014. It was Steve Turer who — recognizing her skills for research and writing, knack for understanding and interpreting the law, and passion for fighting for clients — encouraged her to attend law school. As a law student she received the Witkin Award in several subjects and Best Oral Argument for her Moot Court class. She also competed on the school’s Moot Court team. As an attorney, she has worked on criminal defense cases ranging from rape, assault and murder, as well as handling a wide range of misdemeanor cases.

To RSVP for our upcoming seminar, complete the form below.