Testimonials

The Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives has provided me with opportunities to engage in spaces and build connections that I would not have otherwise had access to. Through the Office’s assistance, I have established meaningful relationships with professionals across various areas of law, which has continually expanded my interests and deepened my understanding of the field. These experiences have also helped me grow as a person, making me more personable and confident in networking environments. What I’ve enjoyed most is the chance to interact with legal professionals, learn about their specific areas of practice, and gain valuable insight from their experiences.

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HBCU Utility Summit | Dillard University; New Orleans, LA. | October 2-3, 2024 | Role: Law student

Throughout my time in law school, the Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives has been instrumental in expanding my professional network and opening doors to valuable opportunities. Their workshops and networking events connected me with industry leaders and deepened my understanding of emerging legal trends. I particularly enjoyed the collaborative environment and the emphasis on practical skills, which have significantly prepared me for a successful legal career. Overall, my experience with the Office has been a pivotal aspect of my personal and professional development.

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2nd Annual SULC Entertainment and Sports Immersion Program | Atlanta, Georgia | July 23-29, 2023

Houston Texas Big Law Networking Event | Houston, Texas | January 17- 20, 2023

44th BELSA Conference | Los Cabos, Mexico | November 13-17, 2024

Participating in the Expungement Clinic Initiative and the Economic Forum in Jackson, MS, as a Student Attorney/Fellow through the Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives was an incredibly valuable experience. It not only provided me with hands-on opportunities to serve the community but also significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth.

As a result of my involvement, I am now employed with Louisiana’s largest legal aid organization, where I assist clients with their expungement needs. This experience taught me the importance of networking and how to effectively leverage resources. It also helped me refine key skills like rapport building and clear communication with clients, which have become essential in my current role.

The Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships has provided me with invaluable networking opportunities that have significantly shaped my legal career. Through this office, I attended a networking panel at Reed Smith LLP in Houston, Texas, which led to two summer internships with the firm. These internships ultimately positioned me to accept a full-time offer as a Junior Associate in Reed Smith's litigation practice, specializing in Employment Law. Prior to this experience, I had little understanding of big law. As a first-generation law student, this opportunity gave me critical exposure and perspective that I otherwise might not have had. I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support I received from Vice Chancellor Dickerson throughout this process.

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Houston Texas Big Law Networking Event | Houston, TX | Spring 2023 | Role: Student Visitor

The Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives has positioned me to be successful in my legal career by providing me with opportunities to network and interact with attorneys and firms across the nation. As a result of these experiences, I have secured full-time employment with Kirkland and Ellis, LLP in Houston, TX, and I am the first SULC student to do so. I cannot express enough gratitude to VC Dickerson and the Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives.

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AbbVie Trial Academy | Baton Rouge, LA | January 2024 | Participant

AbbVie Compliance Academy | Baton Rouge, LA | January 2023 | Participant

Economic Mobility Conference | Jackson, MS | February 2024 | Attendee

Houston Texas Big Law Networking Event | Houston, TX | January 2023 | Attendee

SULC and the Civil Rights & Justice Institute have been valued partners of the Legal Defense Fund for years, working to engage students and community members in the important work of defending and expanding voting rights and access to our democratic processes. Through Louisiana’s busy election cycles, our partnership has ensured that the SULC campus community is saturated with voting rights information and students are on the frontlines of election accessibility advocacy. We look forward to continuing our joint work to engage the rising generation of civil rights advocates at SULC.

Our partnership with Southern University Law Center (SULC) and the Louis A. Berry Institute for Civil Rights & Justice has been a rewarding experience. Together, we created a collaborative environment that harnessed the strengths of both organizations to empower students and engage meaningfully with the East Baton Rouge community.

Working with SULC’s Louis A. Berry Institute for  Civil Rights & Justice team, we were able to provide student internship opportunities in fall 2023 with our Data & Research teams, providing hands-on experiences that bridged academic insights with practical application.

Beyond academics, our partnership led to powerful community engagement, highlighted by the launch of the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office Commons. At this event, local criminal justice leaders, academics, legislators, and advocates gathered to explore a new tool that offers the community transparent access to case progressions in the DA’s office and pathways for community engagement.

The event’s turnout and level of engagement far exceeded our expectations, a testament to the dedication of SULC’s faculty and staff. Co-hosting this launch allowed us to introduce a valuable resource that enriches community understanding of local justice outcomes and empowers residents to advocate for transparent, data-driven policies that reflect their needs.