Debevoise & Plimpton and Société Générale hosted a negotiation skill-building event for students from KIPP Academy Middle School in the Bronx. The event aimed to teach practical analytical, listening and communication skills and expose students to the legal sector and new career possibilities.

Debevoise partner John Gleeson, formerly a federal judge for 22 years, and associate Thomas Lopez, opened the event with a conversation and Q&A session. Judge Gleeson shared personal experiences and insights into the unique opportunities and challenges he’s faced throughout his career, stressing the importance of learning to work together and help one another, even across differences.

Judge Gleeson’s talk was followed by an interactive negotiation exercise facilitated by Société Générale’s legal team including Patty Corley, Jay Norton, Rob Huza, Yusuf Malik and Josh Riezman, and Debevoise lawyers Kamya B. Mehta, Carolina de Barros and Peter J. Dalmasy. The lawyers guided students through a mock scenario in which groups worked to reach agreement on the terms of a contract between a fictitious band and concert venue. The exercise concluded with a brief discussion led by the students, examining why they thought their group was able or not able to reach a consensus on the terms of the agreement.

Lawyers from Debevoise and Société Générale provide free, confidential legal services to the parents of KIPP students at pro bono legal clinics on a monthly basis, which are organized by Volunteers of Legal Service.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. We deliver effective solutions to our clients’ most important legal challenges, applying clear commercial judgment and a distinctively collaborative approach.