The office underwent significant recent renovations which will be shared in a grand re-opening celebration soon. The remodel is a testament to the office’s continued growth and expansive presence in Broward County. The updated office showcases a modern and welcoming environment, reflecting the firm’s dedication to improving and meeting the diverse needs of our clients.

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Alison and the Broward County Bar Association volunteers came together to help those affected by Hurricane Ian by filling truckloads of much-needed supplies and basic necessities.

In the article, Alison said, “It’s wonderful to see everybody just jumping in, chipping in and participating in this.”

Alison is the first Black woman and first Caribbean-American to be president of the BCBA. She focuses her practice on labor & employment, municipal, appellate, and administrative and regulatory matters. 

To read the original article by WSVN – Channel 7 News, click here.

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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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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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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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