The Hilarie Bass Bricks were energized for Miami Law's Annual Public Interest Informational Career Fair on February 13th, hosted by the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center and the Office of Career and Professional Development. Thirty-eight local, state, and federal nonprofit and government employers, including over 60 agency representatives, met with students to discuss potential internships, externships, fellowships, and pro bono work.
Students connected with lawyers asked questions, and learned about public interest opportunities, focusing on everything from municipal government and immigration to criminal justice and child advocacy. 3L Miami Public Interest Scholar Krystell Fienco served as an upper-division liaison between students and participating organizations.
"The fair is an amazing opportunity to not only meet future employers and co-workers but also a way for students to get to know more about public interest pathways in a relaxed and friendly environment,” she said.
1L Miami Public Interest Scholar Katrina Erwin participated in the fair.
"Attending the Public Interest Fair left me feeling incredibly energized and excited about our future careers in public interest law," said Erwin. "It was a great opportunity to connect with local government representatives and nonprofit organizations, as well as gain valuable tips and insights into the public interest law sector. The event also reinforced my decision to attend the University of Miami School of Law. The resources provided by the HOPE Office are truly remarkable, and I'm grateful to have access to such a supportive network as I pursue my legal career."
Several Miami Law alumni returned to campus for the event as representatives of their respective public sector agencies and were able to share information about their own law school experiences and career paths. These graduates have paid it forward by supervising Miami Law interns, externs, and fellows.
Trey Evans, J.D. '19, is an assistant state attorney with the Office of the State Attorney for the 16th Judicial Circuit in the Florida Keys.
"Returning to Miami Law for the Public Interest Fair was an incredible experience. Stepping on campus brought back so many of my own memories of participating in this event on the Bricks,” said Evans. “Now that I've graduated, I'm happy to be able to stand on the opposite side of the table and encourage current students to participate in public service internships, externships, and other opportunities. These positions provide necessary legal services in our communities and invaluable practice experiences for aspiring attorneys in all practice areas."
Ravi Brammer, J.D. '93, chief assistant attorney general in the Child Support Enforcement Bureau of the Florida Attorney General's Office, added, "The Public Interest Fair is a great opportunity for employers to reach back to our alma mater to educate students on the opportunities working on behalf of the public. It is a chance to recruit the next wave of public servants. I always look forward to attending this event and connecting with our great student body.”
Marni Lennon, J.D. '95, and assistant dean for public interest and pro bono shared her thoughts on the importance of the annual career fair.
"The fair is a wonderful reminder to our students regarding their opportunity and obligation to leverage their education to promote access to justice through their daily work, pro bono, and civic engagement," said Lennon. "We are so grateful to our alumni and community partners for making the time to connect directly with our students and for training the lawyers of tomorrow to make a difference."
Read more about Miami Law’s social justice and public interest area of study.
