Jerry Markowitz is recognized for expertise in creditors’ and debtors’ rights, bankruptcy, and restructuring and mediation. A committed alumnus, Markowitz supports the University of Miami School of Law through mentoring via the Eleanor R. Cristol and Judge A. Jay Cristol Bankruptcy Pro Bono Assistance Clinic, supporting the Cristol, Kahn, Paskay Circuit Bankruptcy Competition, and serving as a past president of the Law Alumni Association. Markowitz also served on the University’s Library Visiting Committee and co-chairs the School of Law’s annual Bankruptcy Skills Workshop, Sharing knowledge with students and professionals, his dedication to the School of Law and the legal community defines a career built on service, leadership, and education.
What aspects of the curriculum or faculty had the most significant impact on your legal education and career trajectory?
Miami Law provided a strong foundation in core legal skills such as legal writing and research, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving. I appreciated the real-world hypotheticals, which helped students to think like lawyers. As a result, I learned to reason strategically, write succinctly, and argue persuasively.
Courses on ethics and professional responsibility further guide students in understanding the responsibilities that lawyers have in our society, how to maintain civility, and practice with integrity and professionalism.
How did your education at the University of Miami School of Law prepare you for your career?
Miami Law has a variety of student organizations and societies aligned with different areas of law, which enabled me to start building networks early with classmates, alumni, and established practitioners. Because of Miami Law’s diverse student body, I also built lasting relationships with peers from different cultures and backgrounds.
What opportunities or connections did you gain at the law school, and how did they influence your career?
Mentors and connections I built in law school had a strong influence on my career. Looking back, my professional identity started in law school. I recognized the importance of being reliable, collaborative, hardworking, and resourceful. And I discovered that the legal field is relationship-driven and surprisingly small. Classmates later become colleagues, opposing counsel, clients, and even judges. Professors stressed the importance of leadership through community service and giving back to the community, which reinforced teachings from my parents.
