Most alums wait until they are settled into their careers before giving back to their alma mater. Not Miguel Perez, J.D. ’22. Perez, who originally hails from Medellin, Colombia, decided to establish a scholarship fund while still a student at Miami Law.
The Miguel Perez Law Award will provide an annual award to first-generation, second-year law students who have an outstanding academic performance during their first year at the School of Law.
Perez, who is passionate about education, wanted to give back to his alma mater because his experience at the University of Miami placed him on an exciting path of growth and opportunity. The award is also the first philanthropic endeavor of an organization that Perez developed, called Destiny by Demand. The organization is geared toward helping young professionals who want to catapult their growth by creating or breaking long-term habits, understanding themselves on a deeper level, and immersing themselves in a community that will help them succeed and remain motivated in the pursuit of their ambitions.
“After I developed Destiny by Demand, I wanted to use a portion of the profits to contribute to Miami Law because it has had such a positive impact on my life,” said Perez.
Perez moved to Florida at age four and eventually received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. He decided to pursue a law career and attend Miami Law. As a student, Perez was involved with LawWithoutWalls, the Transactional Skills Program, and served as a staff editor for the Race & Social Justice Law Review. He also worked as a research assistant for Professor of Legal Writing Annette Torres.
“My grandfather inspired my decision to become a lawyer because he was able to help his community as an attorney working for Colombia's family subsidy system while creating a great life for himself and his family,” said Perez.
He would like to help other law students discover the same excitement for learning by easing any financial strain they might have.
“My goal is to recognize first-generation students for their hard work and contributions to Miami Law through this gift,” said Perez. He intends to continue to be active in the community and expand his philanthropy as his career develops.
After graduating from Miami Law cum laude, in May, Perez started working at the law firm Baker Donelson in Fort Lauderdale in the business litigation and corporate transaction practice area.
“I want to learn as much as I can from my mentors at Baker Donelson, while pursuing my passions for personal development, philanthropy, and fitness,” he said.
