Highlights and Insights from our Career Trek: Exploring Law Schools and Legal Careers in Miami

A group of 42 motivated pre-law Gators recently embarked on a three-day career trek to Miami to explore their interest in law school and the legal profession. Funded by a grant from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the experience was designed to support students considering legal education and careers. In preparation for the trip, participants attended a series of workshops that helped them build foundational knowledge.

Attorney Panel and Networking

To kick off the trek, UF students were warmly welcomed by Sheehe & Associates at Just The Funny, an improv comedy club in Miami, for an engaging evening of legal career exploration. Johanna Sheehe, Esq. moderated a dynamic panel featuring Kari Ann Fonte, Esq., Jason E. Rosen, Esq., Sylvana Rosende, Esq., and Andrew Dennis, Esq.—each representing diverse legal practice areas. The panelists shared valuable insights into their professional journeys, discussing how they discovered their specialties, what led them to law school, and the paths they’ve taken since. Notably, Andrew Dennis, Esq. is the founder of Ibis Prep, a test preparation company, while Johanna Sheehe also serves as an adjunct professor at FIU College of Law, showcasing the many directions a legal career can take.

Following the panel, students had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with the attorneys, asking thoughtful questions and expanding their professional networks. Networking emerged as the central theme of the evening, with panelists emphasizing its importance both during law school and throughout one’s legal career. They spoke candidly about how cultivating strong professional relationships has benefited them not only in their careers but also in their personal growth. The event offered students a unique blend of inspiration, practical advice, and meaningful connections in a memorable setting. As one student shared:

“Without a doubt, I can say that one of the biggest takeaways from this trip were the connections I was able to make in such a short amount of time.”

Law School Tours with FIU and UMiami

Day 2 began with an early visit to Florida International University College of Law, where students were welcomed by a panel of student ambassadors, followed by an informative presentation from the admissions team. A guided campus tour led by the ambassadors gave students a firsthand look at the law school environment and student life. The visit concluded with a networking lunch, offering students the chance to engage more personally with admissions representatives and current law students. One participant shared the value of connecting with current law students:

“Some of my favorite connections came from the student ambassadors with whom I spoke. … Having the opportunity to speak with students who were recently in my shoes and ask them what they would’ve done differently if they were in my shoes again, or ask them what they would do if they had to restart all over again, gave me more insight at this stage that I’m at than anything else.”

In the afternoon, students continued their journey at the University of Miami School of Law. The visit began with ambassador-led campus tours, allowing students to explore the facilities and gain insight into how current students navigate their academic and social experiences. This was followed by a student panel and a presentation from the law school’s Office of Career & Professional Development, which offered valuable perspective on career planning during law school and evolving trends in legal hiring. The day wrapped up with an admissions event hosted by the University of Miami, featuring a panel of admissions representatives from the National Law School Consortium.

Regarding the campus visits, a student commented:

“The most meaningful professional connections I made during this Career Trek were those with admissions directors of law schools I am interested in applying to. … Through the tours of UMiami Law and FIU Law alongside the LSAC Forum, we had opportunities to truly chat with and get to know these individuals. This was extremely valuable as I have now developed a network of admissions directors/representatives that I can reach out to throughout my application process.”

LSAC Law School Forum

The Career Trek concluded at the Miami LSAC Law School Forum, where students connected with representatives from law schools across the country and accessed a wealth of resources to guide their future decisions. The forum offered workshops on topics including law school admissions essentials, financial aid advice, and LSAT advice.

UF pre-law students and Levin College of Law admissions staff member do the Gator Chomp

Students highlighted how they had the opportunity to meet admissions representatives and current law students from 120+ law schools at the forum. One student mentioned how representatives at the forum invited them to follow-up conversations to learn more about each school and its admissions process.

Concluding Thoughts

The trek included career exploration, exposure to law schools, and networking opportunities. Students’ enthusiasm carried through the experience, as they asked thoughtful questions, engaged deeply with presenters, and demonstrated a genuine interest in the legal field. Many students shared significant new connections, knowledge, and insights they gained from participating. As one student shared after the Career Trek:

“I learned a lot about the admissions process, and I am going to use this new knowledge to structure my time at the University of Florida in a way that prepares me for the admissions process. This can be working to better foster relationships with my professors, allocating enough time to adequately study for the LSAT, and … building a strong resume that expresses what I want it to express based on what I’ve learnt admissions offer search for in applicants. Additionally, it has helped me start understanding what I want from a law school and how to start understanding what each school I’d want to go to expects to see and wants to see to make sure I am as successful as possible in my law school career.”

Learn more about UF Career Treks, and be sure to subscribe on Career Hub to learn about future opportunities offered by the Career Connections Center.

Key Insights for Aspiring Law Students

Networking is essential before, during, and after law school. Building relationships can open doors and provide long-term professional support.
Developing a strong sense of self is important. Understanding your values and goals will strengthen your ability to connect meaningfully with others.
Every part of your application matters. As admissions cycles grow increasingly competitive, each component—personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, and more—can influence decisions, including acceptances from admissions waitlists.
Interviews may be part of the process. If a law school requests an interview, it can be an opportunity to further demonstrate your fit.
Professionalism is key. Whether engaging with student ambassadors, admissions recruiters, or law school staff, always present yourself positively and independently. Avoid relying on parents or family to advocate on your behalf.