Public Announcements

Join Stearns Weaver Miller in Bridging the Gap to Law School for Minority and First Generation Students!

The Bridge to Law School Program is a new initiative that integrates academic preparation, mentoring, and professional development to demystify the law school application process, the law school experience, and the practice of law for first-generation college students. It is a partnership between Stearns Weaver Miller, Florida State University College of Law, Florida State University Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program, Tallahassee Bar Association, and William H. Stafford American Inn of Court. The Program was developed by Stearns Weaver Miller Shareholders Kelly O’Keefe and Melanie Leitman who lead their firm’s Tallahassee clerkship program.

The Program launched in spring 2023 and has quickly gained momentum. Each participating CARE student is paired with an FSU law student and a local attorney to foster connections and mentorship opportunities. There have also been several networking and engagement events.

The full Program is expected to be launched in fall 2024. CARE students will ultimately apply for the program and, in addition to receiving mentoring, participate in seminars designed to help them navigate the law school application process, admissions test, and pursuit of a legal career. If you are curious to know more, please contact Kelly O’Keefe at [email protected] or Melanie Leitman at [email protected].