School of Law - Alumni
From Miami Law to music industry leadership: Melissa Exposito, J.D. ’09
As president of Sony Music Central America and the Caribbean, Melissa Exposito draws on her legal education to navigate the intersection of business, creativity and entertainment.
Intellectual property litigator and former NAWL president: DeAnna D. Allen, J.D. ’96
Combining a background in design engineering with high-stakes patent litigation and firm governance, DeAnna Allen has built a distinguished career as a national IP partner and advocate for equity in the legal profession.
Landmark trial attorney, mass tort pioneer and philanthropist: James L. Ferraro, B.B.A. ’78, M.S. ’79, J.D. ’83
Combining a CPA background with high-stakes courtroom advocacy, James Ferraro made legal history in toxic tort litigation and recovered billions for injured workers while maintaining a steadfast philanthropic commitment to the University of Miami School of Law.
Capital markets pioneer and international corporate partner: Jeffrey M. Lewis-Oakes, J.D. ’79
After graduating from the University of Miami School of Law, Jeffrey Lewis-Oakes rose to become a preeminent international corporate lawyer and head of Davis Polk & Wardwell’s European Financial Institution Group in London.
Award-winning civic educator and constitutional advocate: Derrick Johnson, J.D. ’03
Integrating his legal training with a passion for public education, Derrick Johnson serves as a veteran high school educator and national 2026 ACETA awardee dedicated to instilling constitutional literacy, critical thinking and civic engagement in the next generation.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams, J.D. '82, honored with William M. Hoeveler Ethics & Public Service Award
Judge Williams received the William M. Hoeveler Ethics & Public Service Award in recognition of her commitment to justice, public service and ethical leadership.
Trade secrets authority and noncompete litigator: Eric Ostroff, J.D. ‘04
Managing partner of Meland Budwick, P.A. and Miami Law adjunct professor, Eric Ostroff leads a prominent national practice focused on trade secret and noncompete litigation, intellectual property and complex commercial disputes.
Miami Law Mourns Joseph P. Klock, Jr., J.D. ‘73, devoted alumnus, teacher and champion of the School
To generations of University of Miami School of Law students, faculty, and alumni, Klock was far more than a distinguished litigator; he was a teacher, a mentor, and one of the school’s most steadfast supporters.
How Jacob Lefton, J.D./LL.M. '26, turned five internships into an NHL career
Through the School of Law’s J.D./LL.M. in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law, Lefton leveraged specialized coursework and five industry internships to land a legal role at the National Hockey League.
Real estate and commercial law expert: Jacqueline A. Salcines, B.B.A. ’95, J.D. ’98
A proud "Double Cane" and founder of Salcines Law, Jacqueline A. Salcines blends her background in accounting with over two decades of legal practice to represent clients in complex real estate transactions and commercial litigation.
Litigation leader and legal broadcaster: Katie Phang, J.D. ’00
A partner at Phang & Feldman, P.A., Katie Phang blends decades of courtroom experience with national media commentary to make complex legal issues accessible to the public.
Strategic government law advocate: Alexander P. Heckler, Esq.
Alexander P. Heckler has built a prominent career specializing in government procurement, public policy, and strategic business consulting across Florida and nationwide.
