USM’s Pre-Law Week: A Success for Legal Eagles

Tue, 10/08/2024 - 03:07pm | By: Ivonne Kawas

To prepare students interested in pursuing competitive careers in law, The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Legal Studies program in the School of Social Science and Global Studies hosted its annual Pre-Law Week last month.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in activities that provided a glimpse into the law school journey, equipping them with the confidence needed to stand out in the field. 

“Pre-Law Week aims to strengthen and support relationships among our students, law schools, and alumni to ensure that our aspiring ‘Legal Eagles’ are competitive for their future,” said Amanda Butler, academic services coordinator for Legal Studies. “It not only offers professional development opportunities for them to explore desired pathways, but also motivates them to set goals to advance their careers.” 

From participating in an interactive mock law-school lecture to practicing their admissions test-taking skills and learning more about the application process, the week had something for everyone. Some highlights included events like Mississippi Court of Appeals’ Court on the Road program and the Dinner with a Dozen Legal Eagles.

Antonio Brashears, from McComb, Miss., was one of the students who participated in the week's events.

“The Court on the Road program, held by the Mississippi Court of Appeals, was a highlight as it showed some of us who have yet to see an appeal case in-person what the processes look like for these types of cases,” said Brashears. “On the other hand, having dinner with a dozen legal eagles allowed us to ask one-on-one questions to those who are doing exactly what we hope to achieve for ourselves.”

Hosted in partnership with the USM Alumni Association and the Legal Eagles alumni group, the Dinner with a Dozen Legal Eagles event allowed for some of the best local attorneys and judges to network with students planning to attend law school.

“Dinner with a Dozen Legal Eagles is always a great event to showcase our talented alumni from all over while also allowing them a platform to share with our current students,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Alumni Association. “Our students graduate ready for life because of events like these, where they can interact with alumni and friends who are outstanding experts in their fields.”

Jasmin Portillo-Ramos, from Irvington, Ala., reflected on the experience saying, “the events were very useful and made me feel prepared as I think about my future.”

She added: “It was comforting to hear insights from alumni experts in their field. It gave me a sense of assurance knowing that they were once in my shoes."         

Alumni in attendance, from diverse backgrounds and majors, included: 

• Ashley McKnight, family law at The McKnight Law Firm, PLLC. 

• Autumn Rogers, family law and criminal law at Tangi Carter & Associates. 

• Blake Feldman, civil rights at the Mississippi Center for Justice. 

• Brehm Bell, personal injury and trial practice at Brehm Bell, Attorney at Law. 

• David Baria, litigation attorney at Cosmich, Simmons & Brown, PLLC. 

• Kasey Mitchell Adams, pharmaceutical and medical device defense litigation at Butler Snow LLP. 

• Ned Nelson, civil litigation attorney focusing on commercial disputes and personal injury 

• at Nelson Law, PLLC. 

• Sam Newman, family law and child protection services at Newman Law Firm PLLC. 

• Sheila Smallwood, Hon., Chancellor in the 10th Chancery District. 

• Shequeena McKenzie, Hon., Municipal Court Judge and Personal Injury Attorney, also practicing as an attorney. 

• Subrina Cooper, higher education, employment law, Title IX, and civil litigation at the USM Office of General Counsel. 

• Jon Mark Weathers, Hon., higher education, employment law, Title IX, and civil litigation as USM General Counsel. 

• Zeke Baucum, chancery law at Baucum Law Firm, PLLC. 

Explore the Southern Miss Legal Studies program offerings.