Alexis Handler, a graduating 3L interested in family law, was recently honored with the Outstanding Law Student Award by the National Association of Women Lawyers. Dean of Students Janet Stearns nominated Handler. The prestigious award recognizes a student who not only excels academically but also shows remarkable motivation, tenacity, and enthusiasm, alongside significant contributions to the advancement of women in society.
"I felt incredibly honored to receive the NAWL Outstanding Law Student Award," said Handler. "Admittedly, being called into the Dean's office was slightly nerve-wracking for the anxiety-prone law student I can be. However, I could not stop beaming from ear to ear once Dean Stearns awarded me with such a unique recognition."
Since 1899, NAWL has been empowering women in the legal profession, cultivating a diverse membership dedicated to equality, mutual support, and collective success.
Handler, who graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, has built a distinguished career at the University of Miami School of Law. She was honored with the Dean's Merit Scholarship and served as the president of Miami Law Women last year. Additionally, Handler was an active Society of Bar & Gavel member and participated as a Summer Public Interest Fellow.
Handler was also a certified legal intern for the Children and Youth Law Clinic and the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office through the Litigation Skills Externship Program. In this role, she represented clients in felony cases during arraignments, updated the court on defense statuses, conducted witness depositions, and interviewed clients, demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and legal service.
"I had fantastic experiences in the Children and Youth Law Clinic, externships with the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office, and the Litigation Skills Program. These surreal opportunities, where I got to step out of class and into the real world of law, are something I will never forget."
Handler is enthusiastic about her experiences at Miami Law.
"I loved participating in student organizations like Bar & Gavel and Miami Law Women. I felt especially connected to the community through these organizations because they offered me community service and networking opportunities," said Handler. "The University of Miami School of Law has been the best place I could've dreamed of earning a J.D. degree. While law school, even in beautiful Miami, is not easy, I've been especially motivated by the community that is Miami Law."
After graduating in May and passing the Florida Bar exam, Handler will start working at Nullman Law, a family law firm in Miami.
"As for the rest of my future, I plan to continue conquering the uncertainties of our world with what I learned how to do best in law school: face the unknown," said Handler. "My goal is to use all the skills that earned me my degree and this award to help others!"
Read more about Miami Law's experiential opportunities.
