Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law
to Support Diversity in Law
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – 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.
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About NSU Shepard Broad College of Law: Nova Southeastern University’s College of Law offers a cutting edge, skills-centered academic program in three-year full-time and four-year part-time divisions. With its recently redeveloped clinical programs, every NSU Law student is guaranteed a live-client experience. In-house clinical studies are supplemented by full-time field placement opportunities practicing law in Florida, across the United States, or select locations throughout the globe. NSU Law students have a myriad of curricular opportunities, including a rich, diverse curriculum, concentrations in International Law, Health Law or IP, Technology and Cybersecurity; dual degree programs abroad in Rome, Barcelona, or Prague; dual degree programs at many of NSU’s other 17 colleges; and much more. Please visit law.nova.edu for more information.
About Broward County Public Schools – “Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.” Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 91 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 177 different countries and 151 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.
About Conrad & Scherer – Conrad & Scherer stands as a preeminent litigation law firm with a national and international reach. Our team of attorneys provide clients a range of services that includes complex commercial litigation, bank fraud, Ponzi scheme litigation, construction litigation, government relations, land use and more.We are proud of our commitment to excellent legal representation in any forum, and we are proud of the sophisticated matters we handle for the impressive clients we serve across the globe. High-Stakes Trials; High-Impact Cases; High-Profile Clients; High-Quality Representation. Contact the professionals at Conrad & Scherer by going to conradscherer.com or 954.462.5500 to learn more today.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Joe Donzelli, APR | Office of Media Relations
Nova Southeastern University
954-262-2159 (office) | 954-661-4571 (cell)
jdonzelli@nova.edu
Stephen Morse
Conrad & Scherer, LLP
954-847-3322
smorse@conradscherer.com
Nadine Drew
Office of Communications
Broward County Public Schools
754-321-2300
bcps.pio@browardschools.com
