FIU Law Path (AccessLex)
About
Spring 2019, Florida International University College of Law was awarded a $124,850 grant by the AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence to launch a new pre-law initiative, the Path to the Legal Profession (“FIU Law Path”). The two-year grant supports the FIU Law Path program, whose primary objective is to facilitate the increased enrollment of South Floridian low income, first generation, minority, and other traditionally underrepresented groups into law school as well as to further the development of skills necessary for a successful law school experience once matriculated.
Annually, through its Legal Education Diversity Pipeline Grant Program, AccessLex “provides funding to programs and initiatives aimed at helping college students and/or college graduates from historically underrepresented groups successfully matriculate into law school and the legal profession.”
In summer 2019, FIU Law enrolled its first cohort of students. These students attended classes taught by FIU Law and University faculty from May 29th through July 12th. In the fall 2019, each FIU Law Path Scholars was matched with a lawyer/law student mentor. In spring 2020, curricular focus includes experiential learning, legal ethics, and professionalism. Summer 2020, Law Path Scholars will devote their efforts and energies to LSAT Preparation and the law school application process.
Instructors
| Professor | Academic Instruction |
|---|---|
| Michele Anglade | Constitutional Law |
| Kristen Corpion, Esq. | Social Media, Networking |
| Lisa Davis, Director | Library Orientation, Online Research |
| Angelique Ortega Fridman, Associate Dean | Introduction to Legal Skills and Values |
| Manuel Gomez, Associate Dean | International and Comparative Law |
| Kenton Harris | Logic and Reasoning |
| Ila Klion | Legal Skills and Values |
| Phyllis Kotey | Criminal Law |
| Kent Lollis, Esq. | LSAC, LSAT Preparation |
| Andrej Milic, Esq. | Introduction to the Federal/State Courts |
| Rima Mullins | Legal Skills and Values |
| Scott Norberg | Contracts |
| Altanese Phenelus, Esq. | Introduction to Legal Theory |
| Ana Rosa Ramirez, Esq. | LexisNexis |
| Ediberto Roman | Torts |
| Ms. Kimberly Siwarski | AccessLex, Financial Aid |
| Louis Schulze, Assistant Dean | Introduction to the Law |
| Terrod Torrence, JD | Academic Success |
| Howard Wasserman | Civil Procedure |
Media Kit
Click here to view media kit.
Program
| Dates: | May 26, 2020 – July 24, 2020 |
| Schedule: | Monday – Thursday 10:00a.m. – 3:00p.m. |
Support
The FIU Law Path to the Profession Initiative thanks and acknowledges the generosity and support of its sponsors, partner institutions, and supporters.
AccessLex Institute works to support “access to legal education for students from diverse backgrounds; increase affordability for students pursuing legal education; and, expand the value of legal education.” The reality is that gaps in the educational pipeline remain a challenge as institutions attempt to achieve the aforementioned objectives. However, even in the face of these obstacles, there is still opportunity to “move the educational needle.” The early intervention, comprehensive pipeline program can make the difference. Law schools that invest in the developing a fully integrated, solid infrastructure and collaborative network (university/ community partners) can greatly assist in addressing educational gaps. Such investment results in a more diverse student population enrolling in law school. FIU Law Path as contemplated has been designed to support students as they advance through their undergraduate career, to law school, and eventually into the profession. This program cannot achieve these measures long term without meaningful support.
There are many substantive ways to get involved in the FIU Law Path. Through the support of the attorneys, law firms, judges, professors, law students, community residents, and businesses who donate their money, time, space, and expertise, FIU Law Path is designed to provide a plethora of opportunities for its participants. Parties interested in contributing to the FIU Law Path will be able to choose from a variety of opportunities; including hosting interns at their place of employment, dinner panels, or speaking to students during the program. If interested, please explore the avenues made available by contacting us. Any form of support is valuable and goes a long way towards improving the quality of our students' FIU Law Path experience.
Sponsors
Grant: | Accesslex Diversity Pipeline Grant |
Academic: | Florida International University |