Gunster hosts Second Annual Leadership Training Academy for law students
'It’s really an exceptional program, providing mentorship, leadership training, career counseling, and more. It’s the gold standard that other firms should emulate'
Jonathan K. Osborne
Gunster’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee recently hosted its second annual Leadership Training Academy for law students.
Over 30 2L and 3L students from law schools across Florida attended the academy, which was established to serve and inspire the next generation of Florida attorneys by providing them with substantive leadership, legal training, and mentorship opportunities.
The theme for this year’s program was “Exploring Avenues to a Meaningful Career,” and it featured a “View from the State Bench” session with Judge Fabienne Fahnestock of the 17th Judicial Circuit; a visit from Gary Lesser, president of The Florida Bar; and lively panel discussions with attorneys from in-house legal departments, including Russell King (McDonald’s), Danica Sun (Cleveland Clinic Florida) and Alexander White (Bank of America), as well as attorneys from law firms of various sizes, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami. Gunster attorneys moderated these panel discussions and participants gained takeaways from presenters who highlighted their own journeys and paths to success.
Gary Lesser
“It was my great honor to speak at Gunster’s Leadership Training Academy,” Lesser said. “It’s really an exceptional program, providing mentorship, leadership training, career counseling and more. It’s the gold standard that other firms should emulate.”
“Each year, our goal is that the LTA will bring together an array of speakers from around the state and, eventually, across the country, who have demonstrated a commitment to servant leadership in their career,” added Jonathan K. Osborne, Gunster shareholder and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee member. “This year’s students were incredibly engaged and have already shown their enthusiasm to develop as leaders, while exploring their own avenues to a meaningful career.”
Osborne said the firm is proud to serve the students and law schools of Florida through the academy.
Gunster’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee develops and implements strategies designed to ensure the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is met. It hosts the Leadership Training Academy annually along with other programming designed to foster meaningful dialogue to advance inclusion both within the firm and the community, according to the firm.
