HOW MIAMI LAW ALUMNI MENTORSHIP PREPARES THE NEXT GENERATION OF ADVOCATES

For many law students, the transition from the classroom to legal practice can be daunting. While textbooks provide a foundation in legal theory, skills such as conducting depositions, developing client strategies, and building professional networks are learned through experience. At the University of Miami School of Law, alumni mentorship helps bridge that gap. This summer, third-year law student Isabel McGinty experienced the impact of that mentorship during her clerkship at Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel – Florida Injury Lawyers in West Palm Beach.

Working alongside Miami Law alumni Gary Lesser, J.D. '92, managing partner of the firm, and Ryan McCarthy, J.D. '13, a partner at the firm, McGinty's clerkship went far beyond passive observation.

"Isabel first came on my radar due to a Miami Law connection, which again proves the value of relationships," says Lesser. "I was immediately impressed by her work experience, including working at the local prosecutor's office for a couple of years. As a former Florida Bar President, I saw that Isabel recognized that the law is a vehicle that can help clients, but you have to work hard to grow and do the best job."

From day one, McGinty was immersed in complex litigation matters, including a motorcycle wrongful death suit, business disputes, and cruise line negligence cases. Under McCarthy's guidance, she drafted legal memoranda, reviewed critical medical records, and helped construct case strategies.

"It was clear from day one that Isabel is receiving an excellent education at University of Miami School of Law," says McCarthy. "She had a great grasp of many important concepts — both procedurally and substantively. Isabel helped me prepare for and attend several depositions and mediations. She assisted in developing strategy beforehand and sat with me afterwards to debrief on what went right and what the next best steps were."

That collaborative approach was particularly meaningful for McGinty, whose suggestions for deposition questions were incorporated into case preparation. "The most valuable part of my clerkship was being able to contribute rather than simply observe," says McGinty, who received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Miami. "Attorneys welcomed my input on potential questions and strategic issues during depositions and mediations and, when appropriate, used questions I suggested."

The mentorship extended beyond traditional litigation. As artificial intelligence reshapes the legal profession, McGinty also contributed fresh perspectives to practitioners.

She collaborated with McCarthy on an AI presentation for the Palm Beach County Bar Association. "She assisted me in preparing by asking questions and providing suggestions for topics that might appeal to practitioners," McCarthy explains. "Her feedback was valuable because she drew on the cutting-edge programs and classes that Miami Law offers to prepare the next generation of lawyers."

Beyond technical skills, the firm’s alumni mentors emphasized culture, teamwork, and service. Lesser notes that community involvement has been a core firm value for nearly a century. "I hope our alumni who hire Miami Law students lean heavily into collaboration, communication and teamwork," Lesser says. "These are core principles of Counsel to Counsel, the Florida Bar's mentorship program. We have our law clerks work on cases, and we also bring them to legal and community events as part of their professional growth."

McGinty experienced this firsthand, helping assemble hygiene kits at the Mandel Public Library alongside attorneys and participating in monthly attorney lunches focused on firm growth, marketing, and business analytics. "I appreciated the chance to learn from experienced attorneys, ask questions, and take part in assignments that gave me a much better understanding of legal practice," McGinty says.

For McCarthy, guiding McGinty reinforced the broader purpose of legal mentorship. "The University of Miami School of Law provides an incredible foundation, but there is no substitute for stepping into a law firm and learning how to put things into practice," he says. "Good mentorship also focuses on career prospects and navigating the profession. The best advice is to stay motivated, be flexible, and never give up. Keep pursuing opportunities that fulfill you, and you will find success."

Michelle Valencia is the director of Communications at University of Miami School of Law.

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