Gerald Forman attended the University of Miami as an undergraduate. Having obtained extra credits during that time and through the army, he went early and directly into law school in 1949. Law school did not have a selection process at that time, so after deciding to become a lawyer, Forman continued as a University of Miami student. He was a young student relative to many of his law school classmates both because of his credit transfers and because many of them had delayed schooling until returning from fighting in World War II.
Forman was active in the law school newspaper and magazine, the Barrister and the Quarterly, serving as an editor during law school. He was also involved in other clubs on campus and graduated with honors. While he was a law student, Miami Law did not have an official campus, and each year he spent at a different building. Upon receiving an LLB degree, in-state students were automatically admitted to the Florida Bar upon graduation from law school using what was called “diploma privilege.”
Now 96 years old, Forman practiced law in Miami for over seventy years until just a few years ago. He worked in general practice, specializing in business law, estate planning, and real estate law, and loved that the practice of law is ever-changing, something that he got to experience throughout his decades-spanning career. Forman appreciated opportunities to defend clients from small claims court to the Florida Supreme Court. He remains a member of the Florida Bar Association, was active in the Law Alumni Association for many years, and attended functions in Miami-Dade County.
Outside of his career, Forman loves spending time with his family, including his wife of 74 years.
He advises students that the law is a “wonderful field of practice. Achieve good work and grow with your practice.” He says that sometimes, you can learn more from your clients than they can learn from you.
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