Law school recruiters flock to FAMU

Photo submitted by Detroyia Hardy

Recruiters from more than 70 law schools attended Florida A&M University’s Law Day on Tuesday in hopes of recruiting HBCU students to attend their schools.

The 28th annual recruitment fair was held in the Lawson Center.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students of all majors were encouraged to attend and receive information from some of the top law schools in the country.

Malik Woody, a senior political science major from West Palm Beach, said he went in hopes of receiving advice from recruiters on how to prepare for law school.

“I have not had any internships, but I am here in hopes of learning what are the steps I need to take towards becoming a criminal defense lawyer,” said Woody.

Woody is interested in continuing his academic career by attending FAMU to get his master’s and attending a Florida law school.

“I am hoping to get information from some of my favorite law schools, Stetson University, Florida International University and the University of Florida,” said Woody.

FAMU students crowded the Florida State University College of Law table. Third-year FSU College of Law student Asia Lewis attended the event in hopes of recruiting FAMU students.

Lewis attended FSU where she received her bachelor’s degree in political science. She shared advice she would give a student looking to be in her shoes.

“Law school is a big commitment, I always tell students to make sure it is something they want to pursue before they get started. Make sure to reach out to a law firm, a friend who is in law school and the school itself to see if law school is really for them,” said Lewis.

Lewis is involved in different extracurricular activities such as FSU College of Law Trial Team; she is also executive board member of the FSU Black Law Students Association.

“The more access and information students have, the better. It is very important to get prior experience before jumping into law school. Students should know exact what they are getting themselves into,” said Lewis.

The Case Western Reserve University director of financial aid, Tonya Phillips, was also in attendance to inform students of ways they can start preparing for law school academically and financially.

Phillips said, “Students should start studying for the LSAT a year in advance.”

According to Power Score Test Preparation, students should take the LSAT no later than June or October prior to your senior year of undergrad. Thus, one year prior to the student’s expected entry into law school. The June LSAT test is preferable because students will receive the results early enough to be in the first wave of applicants.

Phillips also shared how students should prepare financially for law school.

“As a graduate student, you are only eligible for loans and any merit scholarships. It is imperative for students looking to gain financial assistance to keep their GPA high in order to receive those scholarships,” said Phillips.