As a proud NALP Directo, former member of the Conference Planning Committee, and a Cleveland local, I am soexcited to welcome NALP colleagues to the city thathas given me so much and looking forward to a conference that is sure to rock (pun intended).

When you think of Cleveland and NALP, you might not immediately seesimilarities. Cleveland, the iconic city on Lake Erie, and NALP, a leading professional association in the legal industry, are seemingly worlds apart. As I was thinking about the upcoming NALP Annual Education Conference, I saw that these two share much in common. Both are welcoming and friendly, offer ample networking opportunities, create supportive and encouraging environments, take immense pride in their accomplishments, and foster thriving, dynamic communities.

Welcoming and Friendly Vibes

Cleveland has a reputation for being one of the friendliest cities in the U.S. It’s often referred to as “The Land” and anyone who spends timehere can vouch for that warmth (though I cannot guarantee warmth outside in April!). Clevelanders are known for their down-to-earth, welcoming nature — whether you’re visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, grabbing a cannoli in Little Italy (where my family resided formany years), or exploring the museums or theaters, you’re likely to be greeted with a smile and a “Hello!” or “How are ya?”

Similarly, NALP exudes the same spirit of inclusivity. NALP connects legal professionals and employers, creating an atmosphere that makes newcomers feel right at home. Whether you‘re attending a conference, participating in a webinar, or joining a special interest group, NALP is known for its welcoming and collegial environment. Members are quick to offer advice, share experiences, and introduce you to valuable contacts. It’s a community that wants you to succeed.

Opportunities for Networking

Cleveland is a hub of opportunity in Ohio, with an emerging tech scene, vibrant arts and culture, and a legal market that’s constantly evolving. The city hosts various events throughout the year, including festivals, conferences, and professional meetups, where networking opportunities abound. Whether you’re looking to connect with potential clients, colleagues, or collaborators, Cleveland offers a range of settings to make those connections, from business events at the City Club to more casual social gatherings at Great Lakes Brewing.

NALP is all about networking. It’s a treasure trove of connections for law students, legal professionals, and employers alike. Through its annual conferences, regional events, webinars, and roundtable discussions, NALP provides countless opportunities to meet and collaborate with peers from all over the legal industry. Whether you’re a law student looking for a summer position, or a lawyer aiming to expand your network, NALP makes it easy to forge meaningful relationships that will propel your career forward. Both Cleveland and NALP off erenvironments where networking isn’t just encouraged — it’s built into the very fabric of the experience.

Supportive and Encouraging Spaces

Both Cleveland and NALP are communities that nurture growth and personal development. Cleveland’s history is rich with examples of resilience and innovation, whether in the face of industrial decline or through periods of economic hardship. Today, the city has transformed itself into a thriving urban center, with support for small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs. It’s a place where people are encouraged to take risks and build something meaningful, with supportfrom those around them.

Similarly, NALP fosters a supportive atmosphere for those working in legal education and legal recruiting. NALP provides members with valuable resources, best practices, and tools to help them excel in their roles and thrive as legal professionals. For law students, NALP offers guidance on securing jobs and navigating the market, while for legal employers, it provides resources for attracting top talent and building diverse teams. The NALP community is one of encouragement, where members actively help one another overcome challenges and change, and celebrate one another’s successes. In both Cleveland and NALP, everyone has each other’s back.

Cleveland is a hub of opportunity in Ohio,with an emerging tech scene, vibrant arts and culture, and a legal market that’sconstantly evolving.

Proud to Represent

Both Clevelanders and NALPers take immense pride in what they’ve achieved and who they represent. Cleveland, once seen as a gritty industrial town, has reinvented itself as a city brimming with culture, opportunity, and civic pride. From the passionate fans of the Cleveland Browns to the proud residents of the city’s many neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of pride in the city’s accomplishments and ongoing growth. Cleveland’s iconic landmarks, world-class museums, delicious food, and emerging cultural scene reflect the city’s pride in its history, its people, and its future. NALP (and its members) share a similar sense of pride, particularly when it comes to its impact on the legal industry. NALP is a cornerstone of the legal recruitment and career services fields, shaping the way law students connect with employers and’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession is another source of pride, as the organization works tirelessly to ensure that the industry remains open and accessible to all. Just like Cleveland, NALP has a legacy that’s grounded in hard work, innovation, and pride.

Whether it’s Cleveland’s ever-evolving landscape or NALP’s dedication to empowering legal professionals, one thing is clear: both Cleveland and NALP are all about community. So, when you come to the Annual Education Conference in April, rest assured you are in a place that values connection, collaboration, and success — complete with pierogies and a dash of Rock and Roll.