FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — November 14, 2006 — Shutts & Bowen LLP in collaboration with the T.J. Reddick Bar Association has launched a series of programs on professional development aimed at minority law students and young professionals in South Florida. This diversity initiative is being spearheaded by Sidney C. Calloway, a partner in the Fort Lauderdale office of Shutts & Bowen and a former president of the T.J. Reddick Bar Association.
“The goal of this unique diversity program is to better equip black lawyers and law students in this community with the tools they need to succeed in their legal careers,” explained Calloway, who personally has mentored more than three dozen aspiring young attorneys in recent years. “With this series of educational programs, we are attempting to close the gap between what young lawyers often don’t know about practicing law and what they should know.”
The kickoff event for the professional development series, which was held at Shutts & Bowen’s Fort Lauderdale office on Oct. 19, attracted about 30 young lawyers and law students in addition to a number of seasoned professionals interested in fostering the careers of the next generation of attorneys.
Calloway’s presentation, which was titled, “Now That I’m Here, Where Do I Go?,” outlined the topics to be covered in six additional programs during the first half of 2007. The subjects are: practicing law (Jan. 25), marketing and business development (Feb. 22), law office/law practice management (March 29), mentoring/coaching (April 26), work/life balance (May 24), and series wrap up (June 21). Most of the sessions will be held at Shutts & Bowen’s Fort Lauderdale office and will be organized by Calloway, who also will recruit lawyers outside the firm to assist with the presentations.
Calloway predicted that each program will attract 40 to 50 young lawyers or law students. Shutts& Bowen and the T.J. Reddick Bar Association plan to reach out to practicing attorneys as well as law students attending Florida’s several law schools.
Deana Holiday, the current president of the T.J. Reddick Bar Association, thanked Calloway and Shutts & Bowen for hosting the series. “We know that the series will provide invaluable information that will aid the professional development and business growth of our members,” said Holiday, whose organization is dedicated to promoting the professional excellence of black lawyers in Broward County and the enrollment of minority students in college and law school.
George I. Platt, the Managing Partner of Shutts & Bowen’s Fort Lauderdale office, said the firm is proud of Calloway’s devotion to the career development of South Florida’s aspiring young minority attorneys. “Sidney has a talent for inspiring young lawyers to pursue their dreams of professional achievement,” Platt said. “We fully support him in this latest endeavor and in his many other outreach efforts.”
Platt noted that the firm is an event sponsor for a regional convention in Miami of the Black Law Students Association early next year. Calloway will be speaking at that convention on the topic: “Prepare To Practice: The Tools You Need.” He also has authored articles on career development.