On Wednesday the Florida A&M University Pre Professional Law Program, hosted their 18th annual Law Day in the grand ballroom.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., representatives from 6 law schools around the country scouted prospective law school candidates. Students were encouraged to visit with as many schools as possible and get information about each institution.
Tyra Mason, the assistant director of the Pre Law Program, said the event was fantastic.
“Law Day and the activities we plan throughout the year are designed to expose students to the many opportunities available in the legal profession,” said Mason, the pre law advisor.
Some individuals looked at the recruitment fair as an opportunity to get information about law school out to the prospective candidates. Erica Bell, an alumni representative for the University of Detroit Mercy, said the event was a smart idea.
“Applications for minorities have been down for the last couple of years,” Bell said. “I think it’s because of a lack of information. We have people who are interested, but they fail to apply.”
FAMU has been the number two provider of African-American applicants to American Bar Associated approved law schools for the past six years. The university has students in law schools around the country. Law Day provides students with the information needed to fulfill their dreams of someday entering a law school. This is something Mason said she is proud of.
“Students [can] learn the particulars about each program and the ‘how to’s’ concerning navigating the law school admissions process,” she said.
Bell agrees.
“We (the representatives) are trying to get the information out there,” Bell said. “We don’t want to turn away people who have potential.”
Some students, like Ashlee Barbel, entered Law Day with goals and aspirations for a law career.
“I plan to go to law school and later start my own practice,” said Barbel, 20, a sophomore political science student, from Orlando.
Shavonne Austin, a freshman political science student, also said she had big goals.
“I’m planning to go to law school, and then practice contract law,” said Austin, 18, a native of Orlando.
Both students shared their views on the effectiveness of Law Day.
“Law Day was very beneficial,” said Barbel. “I received what qualifications were needed to get into law school. [Each representative] shared with me information like the percentage of graduates at their school and different statistics.”
Austin said she was also pleased with the amount of information she received.
“The representatives gave me a lot of info and insight on what to do and what to ask so I can pick the right school,” she said. “The best part about the event was being able to meet and talk to the representatives. I would definitely encourage other students to come and experience Law Day.”