Miami Courant

Nova Southeastern University recently issued the following announcement.

Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law to Support Diversity in Law

Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law (NSU Law), Fort Lauderdale High School and the law firm of Conrad & Scherer are proud to announce a unique partnership to help support minority students interested in careers in law. The new program – the Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law – provides real-world experiences, mentorships and support to high school students in underserved categories who are interested in careers in law.

MEDIA ARE INVITED: A private event for students to unveil this program will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5 at Fort Lauderdale High School, 1600 N.E. 4th Ave.

Conrad & Scherer attorney Janine McGuire says “the mission of the Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law is to help minority students see the vast array of opportunities available in the legal field, and, as a result, support diversity in legal careers.”

“When Daniel Katz, one of the magnet coordinators at Fort Lauderdale High, told us that some of his minority students didn’t even realize they could attend college, much less pursue careers in law, we knew we had to do something to help,” said McGuire. “I knew we had to reshape their thinking and open up opportunities for them to learn more about the various options in law. We are thrilled to be part of this new collaboration between three organizations in our community dedicated to law and supporting students.”

The pathways program began in February with a virtual event for Fort Lauderdale High Law Magnet program students and their parents, which featured presentations by NSU deans and Conrad & Scherer attorneys. The April event will give all Fort Lauderdale High law magnet students the opportunity to meet McGuire, NSU deans and professors, NSU law students and a judge in person.

Other elements of the Pathways program will include visits for “Fellows,” a select group of high school law magnet students to visit NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law, an actual Broward County courtroom proceeding and the offices of Conrad & Scherer. One high school student will be selected as a paid summer intern at the law firm.

“We are grateful to Nova Southeastern University and Conrad & Scherer for partnering with us in this important initiative to improve access and opportunity for minority students interested in careers in law,” said BCPS Superintendent Vickie L. Cartwright, Ph.D. “This program will help forge the path for their success by providing resources, professional guidance and strong connections to support their futures in the legal profession.”

Jane E. Cross, NSU Law Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, & Public Impact, added: “We look forward to this program being the start of a long-term collaboration that will result in more students choosing life-long careers in the legal field.”

She also noted that NSU will begin offering this fall a Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Studies. This undergraduate degree will provide NSU students majoring in law with exposure to the field and prepare them for entry-level jobs assisting lawyers in a wide variety of areas.

“The partnership between NSU, Conrad & Scherer and Fort Lauderdale High represents a unique and strong opportunity to support our community’s diverse student population by giving minority students a chance to learn about careers in law,” said José Roberto (Beto) Juárez Jr., Dean of NSU Shepard Broad College of Law.

Katz, who earned his law degree at NSU, said that giving students exposure to law professors and students as well as practicing attorneys is a dream come true.

“It’s one thing to talk about law school and what it’s like to be a lawyer, but nothing compares to the chance to see first-hand what law school looks like, meet professors in person and talk to practicing attorneys on their own turf,” he said.

Original source can be found here.