April 10, 2024 | 6:00PM – 7:00PM PT

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https://ucla.zoom.us/j/98717017461?pwd=VXlhbUwvQnR4REZUL0EwdzZ4ZW53UT09

Meeting ID: 987 1701 7461

Passcode: 030576

Considering a career in law or public affairs after earning your Philosophy degree?

Join us for a virtual career panel with UCLA Philosophy alumni Gary Meyer, James Priest, and Kerri Riley! They’ll discuss their careers as lawyers in a broad range of fields, share tips/advice, and answer any questions you might have about pursuing a career in law or public affairs.

If you’re thinking about pursuing law, you won’t want to miss this session!

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Meet the Speakers

Gary A. Meyer

Attorney-at-Law, Parker, Milliken, Clark, O’Hara & Samuelian

Gary A. Meyer is a renowned environmental law specialist with an illustrious career marked by significant achievements. A UCLA graduate, both in Philosophy (B.A., Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and Law (J.D.), he has been recognized multiple times as a California Super Lawyer and named the Best Lawyer in Environmental Law in Los Angeles. In 2017, he was honored as the Environmental Attorney of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Since joining Parker Milliken in 1980 and becoming a shareholder in 1986, Mr. Meyer has led the firm’s Environmental Law Department, which he founded in 1985. His litigation practice spans federal and state courts, where he has achieved notable successes. In a recent site remediation and toxic tort case involving over 1,100 plaintiffs who were seeking upwards of $500 million in damages against Mr. Meyer’s public entity clients, Mr. Meyer was successful in obtaining a complete dismissal of plaintiffs’ entire personal injury and property damages case. Mr.Meyer’s expertise as a court-appointed receiver and expert witness has significantly influenced complex environmental and insurance litigation, leading to favorable resolutions. His work in landmark environmental enforcement actions and advisory role in real estate transactions to minimize environmental liabilities underscores his comprehensive expertise. Additionally, Mr. Meyer’s contributions as a speaker, lecturer, and educator, alongside his community service and personal passion for baseball, highlight his diverse interests and commitment to professional and personal excellence.

For a deeper dive into his illustrious career and accomplishments, you’re invited to explore:  Gary A. Meyer – Parker Milliken Clark O’Hara & Samuelian, APC

James Priest

Assistant Counsel, Senator Rand Paul (KY)

James Priest is Assistant Counsel to United States Senator Rand Paul (KY) in his capacity as Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. In this capacity, James advises the Senator on investigative work, Federal regulatory issues, and Presidential nominations.

Originally from Bakersfield, California, James knew he wanted to work on the hill when he was still a UCLA student. In 2017, he interned for then-Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy – his representative – and discovered his passion for policy. At UCLA, he double-majored in philosophy and history. Upon graduating in 2019, James took a gap-year and worked as a field representative for a California State Senator. He then moved to Washington, D.C. in 2020 to attend Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. As a law student, James continued pursuing his interests in policy and government – clerking for Senator Marsha Blackburn on Senate Judiciary, Special Counsel Henry Kerner in the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, the Solicitor General of Tennessee, the Property and Environment Research Center, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and for Senator Bill Hagerty (TN). James is the oldest of seven and a first-generation lawyer. He has several publications including “Remove Roadblocks” in A Field Guide for Wildlife Recovery: The Endangered Species Act’s Elusive Search to Recover Species – and What to Do About It and Environmental Racism & the Broader Persistence of State-Sanctioned Discrimination in the Wake of Alexander v. Sandoval in the George Mason University Civil Rights Law Journal.

Kerri Riley

Senior Conflicts Attorney, Gunderson Dettmer

As the firm’s Senior Conflicts Attorney, Kerri serves as a firm-wide resource on substantive questions regarding conflicts of interests, the rules of professional conduct, and compliance with firm policies. Kerri oversees all aspects of the firm’s acceptance of new business, including legal analysis and resolution of ethical and business conflicts of interest, conflict waivers, ethical walls, client terms of engagement, reviewing and negotiating outside counsel guidelines, and conflicts clearance of incoming lawyers.  Prior to joining Gunderson Dettmer, Kerri served as Deputy Trial Counsel for the State Bar of California where she investigated and prosecuted disciplinary and civil matters arising out of attorney ethics and regulation.

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