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Expanding Legal Career Opportunities: The Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law Program

The Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law, a collaboration between the Fort Lauderdale law firm, Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law (NSU Law) and Fort Lauderdale High School and its Pre-Law magnet program, will  launch year three on:

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 9 a.m. at Fort Lauderdale High School, 1600 NE 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305.

 Since the program began, 24 “Fellows” have gained a hands-on view of careers in law, with two students currently enrolled in NSU’s new bachelor’s degree in law at Nova Southeastern University (NSU).

The kick-off to the 2024 program will feature the first recipient of the Conrad & Scherer NSU Scholarship, Mya Ally, currently a freshman at NSU; Jordyn Minnis, who worked at the law firm this past summer; Janine McGuire, a partner at Conrad & Scherer; a current NSU law school student and Dean Jane Cross, Director of the NSU Caribbean Law Programs and Professor of Law.

Each year, 12 Pathways Fellows from the high school spend an afternoon at the law school, witness trials in progress at the Broward County Courthouse and interact with attorneys and staff at Conrad & Scherer.

Janine McGuire, an attorney at Conrad & Scherer for more than 25 years, said the internship along with the added scholarship are part of the program’s mission to give under-represented students the opportunity to experience the full continuum to a career in law, from high school through law school.

 “We are now seeing clear results from the Pathways program,” she said. “The program, the internship and the new scholarship are all elements that help students see that college and  law school are realistic options for them.”

“NSU Law is excited about our continuing partnership with Conrad & Scherer,” said José R. (Beto) Juárez Jr., Dean of NSU Law. “We are especially thrilled to see two of the Pathways students on our campus this year. Our collaboration with the law firm and the high school is making a real difference in the lives of students who dream of careers in law. Together, we are also working to diversify the legal profession.”

“I’m glad to see that there are programs like this available to give our students a hands-on view of careers in law,” said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter B. Licata. “It’s important for students to have the opportunity to explore different options and find a career path that they are passionate about.”