School of Law - Alumni
Bridging art and advocacy: Xavier Cortada, B.A. ’86, M.P.A. ’91, J.D. ’91
Triple-Cane Xavier Cortada harnessed his Miami Law training to pioneer a globally recognized career using art as a platform for climate activism, public policy, and legal advocacy.
Championing sports law in the NFL: Marissa John, LL.M. ’21
Seattle Seahawks vice president and general counsel Marissa John credits Miami Law’s EASL program for preparing her to navigate the complex world of professional sports.
Shaping the future of television: Brett Paul, J.D. ’87
Variety 500 honoree Brett Paul credits his Miami Law education and Moot Court training for honing the critical thinking skills that propelled his path in the television industry.
Law students play role in Supreme Court victory in landmark Cuba property case
Contributing to a Supreme Court brief demonstrates how University of Miami School of Law students make meaningful contributions to complex, real-world cases.
Driving excellence in insolvency litigation: Brett M. Amron, J.D. ’98
Co-founder of South Florida litigation firm Bast Amron LLP, Brett M. Amron credits Miami Law’s rigorous preparation and Litigation Skills program for shaping his career, while giving back as a mentor and key alumni-employer partner.
Where law, business, and creativity meet: Tamara Carmichael, J.D. ‘92
Tamara Carmichael reflects on how her Miami Law education launched a distinguished career advising companies, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals on intellectual property, advertising, and brand strategy.
Five decades on the front lines of justice: Edward R. Shohat, J.D. ’72
Ed Shohat reflects on his fifty-year career in white-collar criminal defense and the fateful law school connection that launched him to the forefront of South Florida’s legal landscape.
Carrying the torch of advocacy: Robert W. Rust II, J.D. ’19
Continuing a proud family legacy of legal service, Robert W. Rust II reflects on how his rigorous Miami Law training empowered him to build his own trial practice and give back through a scholarship honoring his late grandfather.
From public service to the bench: The Honorable Michael A. Barnett
An esteemed jurist and dedicated civic leader, the Honorable Michael A. Barnett draws on the rigorous discipline and ethical foundation of his Miami Law education to serve the public.
Pillar of justice and public service: Michael J. Satz
Former Broward State Attorney Michael J. Satz dedicated more than four decades to public service and earned the 2026 Selig I. Goldin Memorial Award, the Florida Bar Criminal Law Section’s highest honor.
A master of resolution and advocacy: Todd S. Payne
A double Cane and preeminent litigator, Payne has built a nearly 40-year career commanding multi-million-dollar commercial and corporate disputes while consistently giving back to his alma mater.
Championing business and education: David C. Humphreys
A visionary corporate executive and deeply generous philanthropist, Humphreys has seamlessly blended his legal background with industrial leadership, driving the expansion of one of the nation’s largest building products manufacturers.
