In June 2020, I urged the legal profession to take action and figure out what role it could play in making society more equitable for all. My plea was provoked by the untimely death of George Floyd, whose image is etched into my brain to this day. Floyd’s death triggered a domino effect around the United States (or, rather, the world), with corporate and public entities alike issuing myriad statements meant to take a “stand” against the injustices that have plagued our nation since its inception. While commendable, without an action plan, many of those statements merely became a footnote in the long list of harrowing events that took place in 2020, including the global pandemic brought about by COVID-19.

As a young associate who assisted in drafting a statement issued by the law firm I called (and still do) my second home, I felt obligated to ensure that our pledge didn’t fall by the wayside. Luckily, or intentionally, my firm’s management team felt the same. So how did this midsize firm, managed by middle-aged White men, hold to their word and turn their statements into action? They stepped aside and trusted a then second-year, Black woman associate to lead a budding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program designed to promote inclusion of individuals, irrespective of gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity or disability status. Through collaboration, our DEI committee has brought fresh ideas and solutions to confront the seemingly intractable inequities that permeate the legal profession. It has masterfully organized and presented exceptional programming that allows firm attorneys and staff, as well as professionals in the broader legal community, to develop a better understanding of why diversity in the workplace is important, and the value it brings to not only employees, but to clients as well.

The programming started in February 2020, shortly before the country shut down, with an in-person, internal lunch-and-learn featuring local elected officials from communities of color. After the pandemic cancelled in-person events, we began scheduling monthly virtual webinars covering topics such as implicit bias and racial, gender, ethnic, and sexual-identity stereotypes. These webinars have drawn the enthusiastic participation of prominent community figures. Participation has expanded well beyond the firm, with our Women’s History Month event, in particular, attracting more than 500 national and international participants. This event was so powerful that it brought a well-respected U.S. federal judge to tears, who proclaimed to the hundreds of participants tuning in that they could “die tomorrow and know that the [legal profession] would be in great hands.” The judge’s statement was and still is a testament to the nature and impact of our DEI program and the character of the folks who support it.

So as you can see, we have been busy over the past three years turning our statements into thought-provoking programming that challenges and questions the status quo. Our efforts to champion the greater issue of DEI in the legal profession has, indeed, been admirable, but there’s something else (or someone else) that I would like to highlight while I still have your attention: the students we’ve been able to impact through our DEI internship program.

Our DEI program has been committed to facilitating the inclusion of more diverse attorneys in the pipeline to the legal profession. Through our DEI internship program, select students are afforded the rare opportunity to gain professional experience by working for 10 stimulating weeks side-by-side with attorneys in our various practice groups. This program provides paid summer employment for first-year law and college students who demonstrate a clear commitment to, or interest in, diversity and inclusion. Unlike the typical firm internship program, our program is not designed to select students based merely on the accolades and activities enumerated in their resume, or a glowing recommendation from a peer in the profession. The students who are selected through our program are not only bright, but also resilient, self-driven and passionate about creating permanent change in the legal profession.

Take Angelica Knight, a recent graduate of St. Thomas University Benjamin Crump School of Law and a past student in our inaugural DEI internship class. What impressed me (and the rest of the interviewing committee) most about Angelica was her grit—her unrelenting desire to be better, do better and achieve more for herself and her 8-year-old son. While working a full-time job, she guided her son through COVID-19 virtual schooling, completed a master’s degree in public administration, and successfully navigated through her first year of law school. Knowing all of that should have made her participation in the program a no-brainer, but I still asked her one final question before wrapping up the interview: “why should we select you out of all the other candidates?” With tears in her eyes, she boldly replied, “there is no one else that will work harder.” You see, the odds had already been stacked against her. She knew how it felt to be homeless, she knew how it felt to have little to no familial support and she knew how it felt to be the “underdog,” growing up in the projects of Liberty City. But none of that stopped her from relentlessly pushing forward, breaking barriers and dismantling stereotypes to appear before our interviewing committee. Her story managed to move us all, even though a computer screen stood as a barrier between us. There was no second thought; we all knew a student like Angelica embodied the very mission of our DEI internship program. And we were right! She made such an impression on the firm that we invited her back for a second summer, and then extended her an offer of employment upon graduation. She recently was honored with the Outstanding Public Service Award for having completed the greatest number of legal pro bono hours in her graduating class. Without a doubt, Angelica is a testament of local talent right here in our backyards. But I’d be remiss if I did not share that our DEI internship program has expanded its reach beyond U.S. borders.

Guyana is from where Kenresha Frazier, a recent college graduate from Florida Memorial University, hails. Her passion for changing policies that affect marginalized communities caught our interest. An eager learner, she heard about our program from an upperclassman, Myrlandie Myrbel, a native of Haiti, who had participated in our DEI internship program the prior year. While still an undergraduate, Myrlandie impressed the attorneys at our firm with her ability to quickly interpret and analyze the law. It was no surprise that shortly after completing a summer with us, she went on to become a 2021 White House HBCU Competitiveness Scholar and continued on to have a stellar academic career. In August, she will take her talents to Gainesville at the University of Florida School of Law on a full scholarship, where we know she will excel.

As if Guyana and Haiti were not impressive enough, you might be surprised to learn that our program has reached far across the Indian Ocean to the Republic of Mauritius to connect with Damon Duchenne, a student at the University of Miami School of Law who came to the United States on a scholarship to study at the University of Pennsylvania. Damon passionately advocates for asylum-seekers and refugees who have fled their countries to find safety in the United States. His fluency in French has allowed him to assist in providing affordable and pro-bono legal work for several asylum-seekers fleeing Haiti, the Congo, and Algeria because of the persecution they suffered—whether because of their beliefs, ethnic origins, or sexual orientation. Damon’s selfless efforts in advocating for a world with more compassion and respect for all people is the cornerstone of our DEI internship program.

And he’s not alone in his efforts to influence humanity for the better. Ella Duckworth, who also upholds the core values and mission of our program, has been a true ally. Before attending the University of Miami School of Law, she co-organized an event called “Black Orgs Rock,” which focused on empowering Black-led student organizations on campus and helping students find involvement opportunities within student organizations. It made no difference to her that she was not a member of the Black community—empathy and compassion guided her leadership. Ella met with Black-led organizations as a member of the Council of Student Organizations, listened to their needs and desire for more inclusivity on campus, and then acted by using her position to elevate her peers. If you haven’t noticed yet, there’s a common thread that runs through the students who have participated in our DEI internship program—they are change agents!

The same goes for Amber Fabian and Mark Royero, both students at the University of Miami School of Law. Amber’s upbringing as a biracial woman growing up in a small city in Ohio and her past experiences being subjected to covert and overt racism have served as the foundation for her commitment to and interest in cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. She “finds it imperative to honor and hold space for every facet of a person’s being, recognize their innate humanity, and respect them for who they are at their core.” Similarly, Mark’s passion and focus can be summed up in one simple word: service. During his experience as a City Year teacher, he realized that “a commitment to diversity is more than just a desire to help others, but recognizing that others can help you.” And he’s right. In supervising our interns over the past three years, I’ve learned so much from them. They give me hope that more and more people, diverse in thought and culture, are in the pipeline ready to impact the legal profession, in spite of our world’s current challenges.

Some may suggest that, three years later, the fire ignited by Floyd’s death has dwindled. And I can see why. Every other day it seems like there are efforts to chip away at DEI education and programming. But if you truly have the heart for this work, I urge you to stay the course. Invest the money, time and energy needed to build up the next generation of professionals who will be the change we want to see. DEI programming still matters—perhaps now more than ever when there’s an active campaign against it—and it is making a difference in the lives of individuals like Angelica, Myrlandie, Kenresha, Damon, Ella, Mark, Amber and the many other students who have graced our offices.

I’m proud my firm held true to its pledge and answered the call to action. Collectively, we figured out what role we could play and we’ve been doing our best to play it well. Sure, there is still much work that needs to be done and internal policies to be revisited and others to be created, but I am confident that three years from now we will have even more great news to share. The young lawyers that we are helping to mold are going to take the legal profession by storm and I am honored to assist them in doing so.

Read the original article in the Daily Business Review here.

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“What started off as a very small, internal program has now garnered the support of hundreds of people and even people internationally,” says Chanae, chair of the DE&I program. “We’re not just talking about cultural or abstract ideas, we’re speaking more to some real issues that affect people today. What makes our program unique is when we invite speakers we invite people who are authentic, honest, not just providing generic information.”

Chanae represents developers and governmental entities in land use, zoning and general government matters. 

Read the full article in Law360 here.

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Myrlandie, a recent Florida Memorial University graduate who majored in law and government, explained how learning from practicing lawyers has been invaluable to her future in the profession. “Some people don’t like talking about themselves, but you don’t know how valuable it can be for somebody to know your journey and get something out of it,” Mrylandie said.

Angelica, a rising 3L at St. Thomas University’s College of Law, explained how the on-the-job experience is giving her a leg up in law school. “I’m getting assignments from partners, not just associates—to get that experience as an intern is invaluable,” Angelica said. “It does build confidence in making you say, ‘I can do this. This is for me.’ It releases those doubts.”

Read more here: https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2022/07/25/the-pipeline-is-south-floridas-legal-community-doing-enough-for-the-next-generation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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Both attorneys shared some of their fondest memories as children living in Jamaica.

“Though my maternal and paternal roots were grounded in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Lucea, Hanover and Montego Bay, my childhood memories were rooted in the streets of Kingston and St. Andrew. I was born at Andrews Hospital on Hope Road, hence my middle name. My grandmother had been a primary school teacher for many years and my early years were spent as one of her first grade students at New Providence Primary School, nestled between the contrasting communities of Standpipe and Hope Pastures in Liguanea,” Marlon recalled.

Alison regaled, “My grandmother was extremely permissive and one of my absolute favorite memories is as a child, being allowed to write on the walls of our house (outside) with crayons. We thought it was an everlasting blackboard and pretended to be in school! We never got in trouble for doing that either! My childhood under Grammie’s watchful eye and support was very fun and safe and happy.”

Read their full interviews here:

Jamaica, Land We Love: Marlon Hill

Jamaica, Land We Love: Alison F. Smith

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The interview highlighted Judge Beamer’s experience as an Asian American in the legal industry, her advice for Asian American aspiring lawyers, and how her culture shaped her into the person she is today.

Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Judge Beamer had a strong work ethic since childhood. Her family immigrated from South Korea and owned a dry-cleaning business in West Palm Beach where they worked 60-70 hours a week. Judge Beamer graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in Business Administration and soon after taught English in Korea. Later, she attended Barry University – Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law and began her work experience as a Prosecutor in Miami-Dade County in addition to the Office of the Attorneys General Office in Orlando. In 2019, Judge Beamer was appointed by Governor Rick Scott. 

In the virtual interview with Alen and Kayla, Judge Beamer spoke about how her Asian American identity influenced her, gave advice to aspiring lawyers and talked about what she believes legal professionals can do to speak out against Asian hate crime.

Q: What drew you to the legal profession? 

A: As a lawyer, I acted as my parents’ advocate when they got sued occasionally by customers. Advocating and extending my career in public service felt like the perfect fit for me and motivated me to continue to represent people who needed assistance. As a young Asian, I did not think being a judge was possible, at first. I wanted to be a role model for my own kids and show them that they can do anything they set their minds to – ultimately, they have to give it a shot.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a judge? 

A: I am fortunate to serve the people and the community. Serving others is what I think I was put on Earth to do. It’s my calling and has been instilled in me since childhood. Also, I handle the civil division where I am constantly learning and growing. Overall, the areas of civil practice are diverse. I write a lot and enjoy it.

Q: How did your Asian American identity influence you? 

A: I was raised with a strong work ethic as my parents would work 60-70 hours a week doing hard physical labor. I grew up with different perspectives, especially humility. Humility was learned early on by my parents. My father valued humility, and this continues to influence me in daily life and with raising my children.

Q: In this current moment – what else can legal professionals do to speak out against Asian hate crime? 

A: The issue Asian Americans are dealing with makes me so sad. In terms of our communities, it’s important to connect with people who are different from us, making sure to be visible and present. We all go through the same things and finding that commonality rather than what separates us is crucial.

Q: In regard to the legal industry, do you have any advice for aspiring lawyers? 

A: Mentoring is a big one – I seek mentors who tell me the truth, and those that later become friends. I tell others to find people that are going to be honest with you, that have a different perspective, and have your best interest at heart. Networking helps as well and finding opportunities that you really enjoy. Alen Hsu, a partner at WSHC+B, and I met organically in a courtroom, but we always kept in touch. Maintaining those relationships is important – taking the initiative, reaching out, and looking for opportunities.

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue Asian Americans are facing in the field today? 

A: Florida is different from New York and California. Florida is unique in that there is a very low Asian American population (I believe 3% of Florida’s population is comprised of Asian American). Trying to get people to engage and network especially in our busy lives is hard, but we have to take responsibility for these relationships – keep asking and try to include others.

Q: What can professionals do to increase the presence of Asian Americans? 

A: It’s all about inclusion like including other Asian American attorneys in different opportunities. Pro-bono cases or even just events, barbecues, and everyday traditional life events make a difference.

Q: Who inspires you the most? 

My parents. They immigrated to the United States, and I think, could I start a business where I don’t know the language spoken in that country, the culture, and raise kids at the same time? I don’t know. Am I that brave? I don’t know. My parents always taught me that if you work really hard and make those connections, keep a positive attitude, and keep trying then it will all work out. Growing and saying yes, while not thinking of the end result, but building relationships organically is important. This is exactly what I did.

Q: Having been a young active attorney, how did you get this active? Did someone help you? 

A: I was always showing up and just started talking to people. I would volunteer and then be invited to different things. We lift each other up when one succeeds.

Q: Do you recommend aspiring lawyers to be as active as possible? 

A: Yes, but it’s hard. Bar associations can feel cliquey sometimes, but you have to try. I suggest going with a friend, slowly getting to know more people. Ultimately bar associations become a great source for friendships.

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The FMU Legal Scholars Pipeline Program is designed to inspire and assist students to consider careers in the legal profession. Through collaboration with regional high schools and other organizations, the program will create a pipeline of talented students who are college-ready and prepared to successfully pursue undergraduate degrees in Law and Government from Florida Memorial University as well as attend and graduate from law school.  

“We are hopeful that this program will increase the number of Black lawyers in South Florida. I am confident that we have the right people and programs in place to accomplish this important goal,” said Joseph Serota, a founding partner of WSHC+B. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 30th anniversary than doing something that will make a difference in the community that has been so good to us over the years.”

“It is initiatives like the Legal Scholars Pipeline Program that will help produce more legal scholars of color who will help shape policies that are equitable for all,” said Dr. Jaffus Hardrick, President of Florida Memorial University.

The program is a partnership between FMU, WSHC+B, and legal marketing consulting company Compass Legal Marketing (CLM). 

To learn more about the FMU Legal Scholars Pipeline Program, please visit https://www.fmuniv.edu/legal-scholars-pipeline-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss. 

PRESS CONFERENCE

When:  Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. 

Where: Florida Memorial University 

Wellness Center Arena

15800 NW 42nd Ave.

Miami Gardens, FL 33054

CONTACTS:

Opal Comfort | Director, Communications and Marketing | Office of the President, Florida Memorial University (FMU)

(305) 623-1452 | opal.comfort@fmuniv.edu  

About FMU Social Justice Institute (SJI)

The FMU Legal Scholars Pipeline Program is part of FMU’s Social Justice Institute (SJI), a research institute and solutions-focused think-tank to examine issues involving the intersection of racial disparities and injustice in Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida. SJI serves as a resource for understanding and facilitating tangible reforms in order to achieve a more just and fair society.

About Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman (WSHC+B)

The firm is the product of innovative thinking. In 1991, our founders saw a need in the South Florida legal market for a high-end, boutique firm dedicated to a small number of integrated practice areas. More than 30 years later, the firm continues to outpace sophisticated market players with focused practice groups, teamwork and a zealous commitment to clients.

About Compass Legal Marketing (CLM)

Co-Founded by Jamie Cotera and Aleesha Khan, Compass Legal Marketing is a consulting company that provides marketing services to law firms, and helps bar associations run their organizations strategically and successfully. 

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Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Division Brett J. Schneider was recognized as a 2021 Innovator. This award gives special recognition to WSHC+B’s Labor & Employment division for differentiating the practice group in a crowded market. When the U.S. became engulfed in the unprecedented public health crisis last spring, the firm’s labor attorneys sprang into action to become vital thought leaders for their clients, contacts and peers. They immediately recognized that COVID-19 would dramatically alter the nation’s employment landscape and became the go-to resource for all questions related to the pandemic.

Chanae L.  Wood is recognized in the Diversity & Inclusion category for making significant contributions in Florida’s legal community. In less than a year, what started out as Chanae’s idea for an internal D&I program to foster in-depth conversations and inclusion education among the firm’s attorneys and staff blossomed into a much larger endeavor within the legal community.

Brett and Chanae will be honored at the publication’s Florida Legal Awards event on May 19.

To view the full list of honorees, click here.

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WHEN:  SATURDAY, March 27th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LINK TO REGISTER: https://bit.ly/308yhm6?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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The FMU Legal Scholars Pipeline Program is designed to locate and inspire students to consider careers in the legal profession. Through collaboration with regional high schools and other organizations, the program will create a pipeline of talented students who are college-ready and prepared to successfully pursue undergraduate degrees in Law and Government from Florida Memorial University and ultimately enter law school. 

The goal of the program is to create a talent pipeline from secondary to postsecondary institutions to educate and mentor future attorneys, judges and law professors. The program will accomplish this goal by expanding awareness of career opportunities within the legal profession and increasing enrollment and graduation rates for students in the Law and Government program at Florida Memorial University.

“I am honored to be a part of this program and am confident that it will greatly impact the lives of young Black leaders in underserved areas of South Florida,” said Wood. “Better representation in the legal profession is not only beneficial to underserved and minority communities, but to all lawyers, judges, staff and clients to allow the work we do be done with understanding, respect and clarity for all people.”

Key components of the program include career-readiness clinics, mentorships and internships to instill students with the values of leadership, character, service, scholarship and accountability, and to expose participants to the work of social justice and connect them with social justice practitioners to prepare the next generation of change agents.

Rundlet emphasized that “[t]he past year has only reinforced the need to redouble our efforts to prepare the next generation of Black lawyers and judges to advance the cause of racial and economic justice. The Legal Scholars Pipeline Program seeks to meet that need.”

Joseph Serota, a founding partner of Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L., has been involved since the inception of the initiative. “I am impressed with the leadership and insight that Ms. Wood and Mr. Rundlet bring to the program, as well as that of the Associate Provost of FMU, Dr. Tameka Hobbs. With their skills and the participation of the local legal community, I am confident of the program’s future success,” stated Serota. 

“It is initiatives like the Legal Scholars Pipeline Program that will help produce more legal scholars of color who will help shape policies that are equitable for all,” said Jaffus Hardrick, Ed.D., President of Florida Memorial University.

While the FMU Legal Scholars Pipeline Program is set to launch this fall, it is possible only with generous donations from the community to make the program a reality. To find out how to contribute, please contact Cory Witherspoon, Vice President for University Advancement, at cory.witherspoon@fmuniv.edu or 305-626-3611.

To learn more about the FMU Legal Scholars Pipeline Program, please visit https://www.fmuniv.edu/legal-scholars-pipeline-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 

Press about this program includes:

• Weiss Serota D&I Chair On Launching Legal Pipeline Program, Law360, March 05, 2021
• Coral Gables Law Firm, Florida Memorial University Announce Joint Talent ‘Pipeline’ for Black Lawyers, Daily Business Review, March 04, 2021

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Ignite Your Passion will offer Broward College students the opportunity to hear from people of different backgrounds, from attorneys to doctors to tech entrepreneurs and beyond, on a monthly basis. The program is expected to have a mentoring component so students are able to receive one-on-one time with South Florida’s most successful people. Ignite Your Passion was designed to grant students a gateway to hear from leaders in the community, feel inspired, and open their eyes to what career paths are available to them, no matter their background.

“I’m honored to partner with BCBA on this important program,” said Alison. “When I was a student, I would have jumped at the chance to participate in a program like this. I hope students will take advantage of getting to hear first-hand from some of our community’s greatest leaders.”

Harold Prior, attorney and the first African American to successfully run for State Attorney in the Democratic primary, will kick off the program on Nov. 23, 2020 at noon via Zoom. Future presentations will be held in person once it is safe to do so.

“What I love most about this initiative, is that it helps our students better identify with their major or program,” said Stephanie Repaci, Campus Director of Student Life at Broward College. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear from a professional in that industry as to what they can potentially expect in the day-to-day aspects of that career.”

“I am truly elated to work with Alison and Broward College to bring this program to fruition,” said Braulio Rosa, Executive Director at Broward County Bar Association. “I hope this program will inspire students, spark interest and provide a new perspective on possible career paths.”

To learn more about Ignite Your Passion and to register for the first and subsequent presentations, visit browardbar.org.

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