The West Virginia University College of Law will hold its annual etiquette dinner on Monday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Davis Gallery.

The event is hosted by the College of Law’s Meredith Career Services Center and has been held over the past few years to teach students appropriate business and dining etiquette. The program focuses on first year law students, many of whom are about to enter the legal workforce as summer interns.

Author Terri Thompson will once again present her discussion on everything from how to pass dinner rolls around a table, to how to properly exchange business cards. Thompson is a graduate of the prestigious Etiquette Institute, an author of “Everyday Etiquette” and owner of Terri Thompson Presents (http://www.territhompsonpresents.com/).

“Business etiquette has become so important in today’s competitive culture,” Thompson said. “Those who lack these ‘soft skills’ will most certainly be left behind.”

“While we all have table manners, going out to eat with employers is an entirely new skill that needs to be ‘learned’,” second year law student Jaime Ritton said. A job candidate who has good interpersonal skills can stand out over another, and in today’s job market this can make a significant difference.

“Learning during dinner in a comfortable, open environment made gaining etiquette skills much easier,” second year law student Molly Russell said. “And it was a lot of fun.”

This year’s etiquette dinner will host approximately 40 students as well as several faculty and staff table hosts.

-WVU-

03/08/12

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CONTACT: Kristin Brumley; WVU College of Law
304.293.7220; kristin.brumley@mail.wvu.edu