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Empowering Future Legal Minds: Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law Program

“Running a law firm is like herding cats,” quipped Conrad & Scherer Founding Partner and practicing trial lawyer for 50 years, William R. Scherer, as he addressed 14 students from Fort Lauderdale High School’s Law Magnet program. The students are participating in the 2024 Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law, a collaboration between Conrad & Scherer, Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law(NSU Law), and Fort Lauderdale High School’s Law Magnet program.

Scherer recounted his modest upbringing, the son of a hairdresser and railroad worker who was the first in his family to attend college. He credits his grade school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Anne, with giving him the support and confidence he needed to attend law school and succeed in the field. He pledged to offer these future lawyers a “lift up.”

“Diligence is even better than intelligence,” he told the students. “We will give you a lift up, as that’s what I got.” The firm gifted each Fellow a copy of “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin,”  Scherer’s favorite example of an “individual coming from nothing to greatness.”

The Fellows also heard from retired Judge and Conrad & Scherer Partner Elizabeth Scherer, Associate Attorney Alexa Gebert, and Partner Janine McGuire, who manages the Pathways program.

After a tour of the firm’s offices, the students traveled to the Federal Courthouse, where they had a private meeting with the Honorable Raag Singhal, U.S. Federal District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida.

“Life is a long walk,” Judge Singhal told the students. “I got this job after thirty years in law, so it takes time to get to where you want to be. It’s a wonderful profession, and the work that Bill and Anne Scherer do to mentor you through this process is invaluable. They are wonderful role models, and they will continue to tell you that you have all the tools to do what you want and be all you can be.”

In April, the Fellows will visit the Broward County Courthouse and then have the opportunity to interview for a paid summer internship at Conrad & Scherer. The firm also offers a four-year scholarship each year to one student who wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree in legal studies at NSU.

“Now in its third year, we are clearly seeing the benefits of creating a full continuum of support for high school students who dream of careers in law,” said McGuire. “Pathways demonstrates the power of collaboration, and we are proud to support this program.”