The University of Miami School of Law's General Counsel Practicum allows students to develop business law skills and work with the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® legal department, the largest local REALTOR® association in the United States and the second largest globally. Students are involved in various tasks, such as contract drafting, participating in strategic decision-making and policy refinement, researching complex issues impacting real estate and the association's 61,000 members, attending board meetings, participating in industry-related training, and shadowing experienced corporate attorneys.
The practicum is a partnership with the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® legal department. It is taught by Evian White De Leon, J.D. '10, the association's chief legal counsel and chief operating officer. White De Leon—who previously litigated various housing matters at Legal Services of Greater Miami and served as deputy director of Miami Homes for All, an affordable housing and youth homelessness advocacy nonprofit—brings a wealth of experience to the program.
"The practicum has been full of learning opportunities and exciting experiences," said 3L James Neary. "Not only do I get a front-row seat to many real-time, high-stakes legal developments in a major industry, but I play an active role in the growth and protection of our organization and its members."
The practicum equips students with essential skills needed for a career in general counsel. Topics covered include contract drafting, regulatory compliance, risk management, corporate and nonprofit law, alternative dispute resolution, government affairs, public policy, labor and employment issues, and strategic legal decision-making.
"I have gained a deeper understanding of how a general counsel must navigate legal, business, and strategic considerations simultaneously, often wearing multiple hats to address a wide range of issues," said 3L Skylar Pollock. "I am developing practical skills that go beyond theoretical coursework that will help me throughout my legal career."
Students gain firsthand exposure to legal developments in a significant industry while actively contributing to the organization's legal protection and growth. The immersive experience offers invaluable insight into the dynamic role of in-house counsel and equips students with the practical skills necessary for a successful legal career.
"The variety of projects and deliverables I get to tackle keeps me engaged and constantly learning," said 2L Riya Goel. "What I find especially rewarding is the hands-on experience we receive. Attending board meetings gives me an insight into the decision-making processes while sitting in on training keeps me up to date with the latest industry updates."
Avery Friedman, a 2L, said that the practicum has been one of the most rewarding experiences of their law school experience to date. "The class is unique because I have had the opportunity to engage with so many areas of the law under the lens of learning how to think as an in-house practitioner," said Friedman. "So far this semester, I have practiced contract drafting, learned about the real estate industry and relevant issues, and expanded my knowledge of other topics like antitrust law, corporate structures, and the interplay between federal and state regulations."
Experiential learning is a focus of the School of Law, and practicums give students insight into a specific area of legal interest and a window into what it is like to practice in that area. In practicum classes, law students get real-world experience working under the supervision of attorneys and professors.
Read more about Miami Law's experiential learning opportunities.
