Jeffrey Fine serves as chairman of The Alma Jennings Foundation, Inc., a Florida non-profit established in 1966. Under his leadership, the Foundation supports scholarships, professorships, and diverse initiatives, many of which have benefited the University of Miami. Maintaining a long-standing tradition of Miami Law alumni leadership, the Foundation’s current board is composed entirely of Law graduates who direct the majority of annual giving toward the School of Law. Beyond his work with the Foundation, Fine is an active member of the University’s Citizens Board—a prestigious group of over 250 civic and business leaders—as well as the Dean’s Circle Committee and the "Canes Calling Canes" initiative.
What aspects or opportunities at the law school had the most significant influence on your legal education and career trajectory?
One of the most influential aspects of my legal education was being taught Contracts by Professor Richard Hausler, whose Socratic Method of teaching challenged his students to think critically, reason under pressure, and defend their conclusions. During the final exam, he sat beside me, picked up one of my blue books, and said, “Tsk, tsk, tsk. Are you certain of your answer, Mr. Fine?” I broke into a sweat, reread my response, and questioned everything—until I reminded myself of my reasoning and stood by it. I later learned I earned one of the highest grades in the class. That moment crystallized what the Socratic Method had instilled in me: confidence in sound analysis and the ability to think clearly under stress. It was both terrifying and transformative—exactly the kind of experience that helped shape my legal career.
What is one lesson you learned in law school that you still apply today?
UM law taught me to think beyond traditional frameworks and to take calculated risks. That mindset helped me evolve (think out-side the box) from practicing real estate law into real estate development such as the Coral Gables Courthouse, and eventually into health care development/business such as converting medical office buildings into medical condominiums, building and developing a multidisciplinary medical facility, an outpatient operating center, and a radiation oncology center—ventures developed in partnership with numerous independent physicians. In addition to these ventures, I was a cofounder of a publicly traded health care company. Law school taught me not only how to analyze risk but how to embrace it when guided by sound reasoning and preparation. That lesson continues to shape my approach to business and leadership to this day.
What draws you to stay connected to the law school?
I stay connected to the law school because I believe deeply in giving back. Over the years, through my involvement with the Foundation, first as a board secretary, then a board member, and now as chairman, we’ve contributed more than $2.4 million to the University, becoming one of its most steadfast and visionary philanthropic partners. We’ve done so with the belief that investing in students is an investment in the future of the profession. One of our most meaningful gifts funded The Alma Jennings Student Lounge, which has become a cornerstone of student life. In addition to our philanthropic efforts, I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring students through UM-led programs, providing guidance as they navigate law school and transition into their professional careers. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our support—both financial and personal—has helped shape the academic and personal journeys of numerous students, just as the law school once shaped mine.
