(Baton Rouge) – High school students participating in Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation’s (UREC) College & Career Ready Pre-Law Institute visited Kean Miller’s Baton Rouge law office on February 12. The purpose of the visit was to provide pre-law scholars with an opportunity to hear from local attorneys about: their pathway into the profession; their role and daily responsibilities; and advice for preparing for and maintaining a law career.
During the visit, pre-law scholars learned about the firm’s various areas of practice from Katie Bell, a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Kean Miller, and Denise Duzynski-Trahan, director of marketing. Associate attorney Patrick D. Roquemore led the scholars on a tour of Kean Miller’s office, providing them with an up-close look into the work environment of attorneys.
The pre-law scholars also interacted with Kean Miller partners and associate attorneys during a panel discussion, which was moderated by pre-law scholars Alex Taylor and Serenity Williams. Kean Miller panel participants included: Lana Crump, partner; Shane Sandefer, partner; Chelsea Gomez Caswell, associate; and Beau Bourgeois, associate.
During the panel, the attorneys discussed topics such as training, working with clients, as well as the importance of mentors and work-life balance. Crump encouraged the pre-law scholars to “stay flexible,” while pursuing their career goals. Sandefer advised the pre-law scholars to research and build a network by talking to others and attending events where they can learn. Bourgeouis emphasized the importance of reading and writing extensively. Caswell told the pre-law scholars to “stay ambitious.”
Kean Miller has served as a community sponsor of UREC’s College & Career Ready initiative since the program’s inception. For the last three years, the law firm has welcomed UREC pre-law scholars for a panel discussion with attorneys and a facility tour. UREC remains appreciative to Kean Miller for investing in the growth and development of the Pre-Law Institute scholars.
Established in 2017, the UREC’s College & Career Ready Pre-Law Institute introduces high school students to civics, law and criminal justice through a partnership with Southern University Law Center. The initiative is a 21st Century Community Learning Center that provides after-school learning. Community partners include Southern University Law Center, Kean Miller LLP, the City of Baton Rouge, Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation and Louisiana Department of Education.
UREC is a community development organization with a mission of transforming communities by investing in people and restoring neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.urecbr.com or call (225) 356-8871.
Photo: (Front, center): Jayda Woods; (Middle, L-R): Ronald Randall, Angela Jackson, UREC pre-law instructor; Chelsea Gomez Caswell, Kean Miller associate; Jalaya Carter; Aubrey Populars; Serenity Williams; Katie Bell, Kean Miller partner; Alex Taylor; Michael Simpson; Laura Crump, Kean Miller Associate; Nijah Raby; Christopher Selders; Trenecia Smith, UREC site coordinator; and (Back, L-R): Michael Wicker; Beau Bourgeois, Kean Miller Associate; and Shane Sandefer, Kean Miller partner.
