On October 13, 2021, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP held the initial sessions of its First-Generation Pathways program, a pilot program aimed at providing mentoring to first generation law students. The program is based on one of the winning ideas offered up by summer associates that participated in the 2020 firm-wide summer associate “Hackathon” or brain-storming competition where they were challenged to create strategies that enhance diversity and inclusion in the legal industry.
The First-Generation Pathways program consists of a series of conversations between lawyers at the firm and first-generation law students at schools located near the Miami office. The two inaugural sessions were held virtually. Attorneys Juan C. Enjamio, managing partner of the firm’s Miami office, and Robert Augustin led an exchange with Florida A&M University College of Law students, and attorneys Gil O. Acevedo, Jenna M. Goldman and Adriana A. Perez spoke with students from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
“As a Hispanic, first-generation legal professional myself, I recognize the value in providing support by offering opportunities to speak with practicing attorneys who can help you navigate the legal education experience,” said Enjamio. “The lively exchange we had with our first round of students from Florida law schools yielded very positive feedback and we look forward to future conversations.”
First-Generation Pathways is one of two pilot programs that Hunton Andrews Kurth has developed for fall 2021 based on winning Hackathon proposals. The second pilot program will involve targeted outreach to minority law students at William & Mary Law School, the University of Texas School of Law, and Howard University School of Law through a series of panel discussions and networking events at those schools. The firm will also engage former summer associates currently attending these schools by soliciting their help with networking and brand awareness. These initiatives are part of the firm’s overall effort to increase diversity and inclusion in the legal industry and foster engagement with the next generation of leaders.