Law Day at Florida A&M University (FAMU) is special to students like political science major Racaiim McKain. The Palm Beach County native is interested in pursuing a career as a lawyer specializing in intellectual property and criminal law to help Black business owners navigate the system.
“Some African Americans start businesses, but don’t know the legalities behind it. That can result in a lot of them getting robbed or forced to sell their corporation or business,” McKain said. “My goal as a future lawyer is to help in that area and decrease those numbers.”
This year, 66 law schools from across the country participated in the FAMU Legal Scholars Program Annual Law Day, which took place on campus at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center.
“Law fairs are important because they allow students to learn more about the legal profession, while having the opportunity to speak one on one with admissions professionals,” said FAMU College of Law Director of Admissions Erika Hill. “It’s a cost-efficient way to discover more about specific law schools without the need to travel to each institution independently.”
McKain says this is not his first law fair. “I attended one last year. I believe the law school fairs are very essential.”
McKain is also a member of the J.W Hatchet Pre-Law Society. Judge Hatchett was the first African American to serve as a Florida Supreme Court Justice, and the first successfully retained on the Florida Supreme Court in a statewide election. The organization based on FAMU’s campus, is known to promote black excellence and provide students with the necessary preparations to obtain a career in law.
“When it comes to law school and having the proper guidance, J.W Hatchet Pre-Law Society provides students with imperative resources, making it accessible for students to be admitted into law school,” McKain said. “Being a part of the J.W Hatchet Pre-Law Society and yearly law fairs, I’ve kept in touch with several different people who not only genuinely care about my future, but my well-being. It’s very important to build those personal relationships with law recruiters.”
The Legal Scholars Program Annual Law Day gives FAMU students and others in the community, an opportunity to get their questions answered and speak directly with representatives, who are primary decision makers in their offices.
It also allows the law schools to showcase programs students may not have previously known about or even considered.
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The FAMU College of Law is located in the heart of downtown Orlando, just steps from the George C. Young United States Courthouse and Federal Building; and blocks from governmental offices, major law firms, large corporations and legal service agencies.
With tuition among the lowest of the law schools in Florida, along with a full-time day program and a part-time evening program, the FAMU College of Law in Orlando is distinctly positioned to offer the traditional student and the working professional a chance to earn a law degree while accruing minimal debt.
