Each year, the FIU Law H.T. Smith Black law Student Association (BLSA) selects prominent black attorneys in the miami legal community to recognize their philanthropic work and allow students to network with the selected attorneys, as well as other lawyers in the community. This year, BLSA honored Marlon Hill, Esp, partner at Hamilton Miller & Birthishel, who has been honored numerous times for his work on behalf of the South Florida Caribbean community and the Miami area itself. Marlon Hill was an integral part of the creation of the Brownsville Middle School Law Academy, which was regarded by the ABA as the premier pre-law program in the year of its creation. Yolanda Cash Jackson, a partner at Beaker Law and renown lobbyist who has successfully lobbied for over 15 million in funds for HBCUs.
Each year, a professor is also selected to be honored in gratitude for their commitment to our student body at the law school. This year, Professor Osei-Tutu, the first black female tenured professor at FIU law was selected. Professor O.T. as she is affectionately called is known for her intelligence and commitment to the field of Intellectual Property and is a favorite amongst the 1Ls who have sat in her Contracts Class.
FIU Law alum Jeremy Thompson, Esq. was also selected for his continued commitment to mentorship of the black law students who earn admission into FIU. Jeremy’s understanding that most black students are first generation students pushes him to be available night or day to give advice on classes, networking and internships and his dedication to this task empowered the 2018-19 executive board to also honor him as well.