Path to Practice ⚖️

Our next Path to Practice spotlight features Frances Lissabet, 3L, who is spending her summer gaining hands-on experience in criminal law with the United States Attorney`s Office for the Southern District of Florida, where she is assigned to the Narcotics Division.

Every day brings a new opportunity to learn. Whether observing court hearings, sitting in on witness preparation sessions for upcoming trials, or researching complex legal issues, Frances is gaining firsthand insight into the work of federal prosecutors and the realities of criminal litigation. Pictured with Frances is Yara Lorenzo Klukas, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and STU College of Law alumna (`09).

One of her biggest takeaways has been recognizing the difference between developing a case theory on paper and what ultimately holds up in the courtroom. Her experience has shown her that successful trial advocacy requires not only a strong understanding of the law, but also persuasion, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt in real time.

Her advice to fellow STU Law students: "Don`t be afraid to ask your supervising attorney questions about their reasoning on charging decisions and strategy; that`s where the real learning happens. But do your own due diligence to investigate your own question before you approach them."

One word to describe her experience so far: Eye-opening.

Interested in sharing your own journey? We invite STU Law students to connect with the Office for Career Development and help inspire future attorneys by sharing their unique Path to Practice.

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Congratulations to Fahad Al-Malki on earning the J.S.D. degree in Intercultural Human Rights! 🎉

His dissertation on “The International Legal Protection of Children in Armed Conflict in Syria” demonstrates, through a systematic review of the legal framework, institutional practices, political dynamics, and on-the-ground conditions in Syria, that the protection of children in protracted armed conflict is undermined not by a deficiency of applicable legal norms but by the structural inability of the international system (as currently configured) to convert normative aspiration into enforceable protection. This is a finding with important implications for the design of international legal mechanisms, the reform of accountability processes, and the recalibration of humanitarian access frameworks.

His thesis was supervised by Dr. Craig Hammer, Manager with the Development Data Group at The World Bank, and evaluated by Professor Dr. Roza Pati, Director of our LL.M./J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights.

Congratulations, Dr. Al-Malki, on this outstanding academic achievement. We wish you continued success as you advance the field of international human rights.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #HumanRights // #InterculturalHumanRights

Congratulations to our STU Law students who participated in the Federal Bar Association’s Judicial Intern Academy this summer! ⚖️

Through this distinguished program, our students gained invaluable insight into the federal judiciary while strengthening their legal research, writing, and advocacy skills. Participants worked alongside former federal judicial law clerks, observed court proceedings, and connected with members of the bench and bar, making this an exceptional opportunity for professional growth and mentorship.

Pictured with The Honorable Beth Bloom, United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, are rising 2Ls Elioenai Porto, Adrian Diaz, Peterson Lera, Angela Little, Angie Batista, and Sasha Valon.

Interested in applying? The Federal Bar Association will open applications in January 2027 for the Summer 2027 Judicial Intern Academy. Stay tuned for more information from the Office for Career Development!

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #FederalBarAssociation // #FutureLawyers