The Conrad & Scherer “Pathways to Careers in Law” program is gearing up for its third year of helping facilitate legal careers for Fort Lauderdale High School students. The collaboration between the Fort Lauderdale law firm, Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law (NSU Law) and Fort Lauderdale High School’s Pre-Law magnet program, has helped 24 “Fellows” gain a hands-on view of careers in law since its inception, with two students currently enrolled in NSU’s new bachelor’s degree program.
“NSU Law is excited about our continuing partnership with Conrad & Scherer,” says José R. (Beto) Juárez Jr., Dean of NSU Law. “We are especially thrilled to see two of the Pathways students on our campus this year. Our collaboration with the law firm and the high school is making a real difference in the lives of students who dream of careers in law. Together, we are also working to diversify the legal profession.”
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the program’s third year will commence at Fort Lauderdale High School, 1600 NE 4th Ave. The kick-off to the 2024 program will include the first recipient of the Conrad & Scherer NSU Scholarship, Mya Ally, who is currently a freshman at NSU, along with Jordyn Minnis, who worked at the law firm this past summer, Janine McGuire, a partner at Conrad & Scherer, a current NSU law school student, and Dean Jane Cross, Director of the NSU Caribbean Law Programs and Professor of Law.
“I’m glad to see that there are programs like this available to give our students a hands-on view of careers in law,” says Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter B. Licata. “It’s important for students to have the opportunity to explore different options and find a career path that they are passionate about.”
A dozen Pathways Fellows from the high school spend an afternoon at the law school each year, observing trials in progress at the Broward County Courthouse and engaging with attorneys and staff at Conrad & Scherer.
The internship, along with the additional scholarship, is part of the program’s goal to provide underrepresented students with the opportunity to explore the complete pathway to a career in law, from high school through law school, according to Janine McGuire, an attorney at Conrad & Scherer for more than 25 years.
“We are now seeing clear results from the Pathways program,” she says. “The program, the internship and the new scholarship are all elements that help students see that college and law school are realistic options for them.”
