Congratulations to FIU Law alumna Tierra Fulwood (J.D. ’23) on beginning a judicial clerkship at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida! As a federal bankruptcy law clerk, Fulwood will conduct legal research, draft orders and legal memoranda, analyze complex legal issues, and assist the court in resolving matters. She shared that the role offers a “unique opportunity to view litigation from the Court’s perspective” while further sharpening her skills as an attorney and legal writer.
Before her clerkship, Fulwood began her career as an assistant public defender in Miami-Dade County, developing strong courtroom and trial advocacy skills. She then transitioned into civil and complex commercial litigation. Each role strengthened a different aspect of her advocacy, including thinking on her feet in the courtroom, conducting complex legal research, and drafting persuasive written arguments.
Fulwood credited FIU Law with teaching her to be a thoughtful, detail-oriented advocate, noting that law school instilled the value of persistence and hard work. “Law school taught me that success is not simply about where you go, it is about who you become while you are there, how hard you are willing to work, and what you do with the opportunities placed in front of you,” she said. For students pursuing clerkships, she recommended seeking opportunities that “expose you to different areas of the law and help strengthen your research and writing skills.” She also emphasized the importance of cultivating an exceptional work ethic while intentionally expanding their legal knowledge and professional opportunities through strategic networking, active engagement in local bar associations, and meaningful relationships with attorneys and other members of the legal community.
During her time at FIU Law, Tierra was the President of the Criminal Law Society, an ABA Representative for SBA, and a member of both the Trial Team and the Negotiation and Mediation Team.