South Florida-based litigation firm Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine P.L. is doubling down on its efforts to promote diversity in the legal sector by expanding the H.T. Smith Legal Studies Scholarship for 2024. The scholarship, now in its fourth year, offers eligible minority law school students in Florida $15,000 in financial assistance (a 50% increase over previous years), a summer clerkship in Kluger Kaplan’s Miami office, and an opportunity to work as an associate at Kluger Kaplan following graduation and after passing the Florida Bar exam.
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The H.T. Smith Legal Studies Scholarship recognizes academic excellence and a commitment to civic service by selecting applicants from diverse backgrounds who are entering their second year of law school and who are involved in giving back to the Florida community. Eligible universities include the University of Miami, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, St. Thomas University, Florida State University, and the University of Florida. 

“Kluger Kaplan’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is more than a moral imperative; it’s a strategic necessity in today’s legal landscape,” said Alan J. Kluger, founding partner of Kluger Kaplan. “By identifying and empowering talent through initiatives like the H.T. Smith Legal Studies Scholarship, we will continue to fulfill our ethical obligations while laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient legal sector in Florida. Our hope is that other firms will take note and launch initiatives of their own.” 

The scholarship was established in 2021 in honor of H.T. Smith, a trailblazing figure in South Florida’s legal landscape who serves as Founding Director of the Trial Advocacy Program at Florida International University (FIU) College of Law. 

“This scholarship underscores our shared commitment to creating a legal community that reflects the diversity of Florida,” remarked H.T. Smith. “By encouraging legal minds from all backgrounds, we are paving the way for a future where every voice is heard – and every perspective is valued.” 

To apply for the scholarship, interested candidates must submit their résumé, current school transcript, and a 500-word personal statement explaining their background and reasons for applying to the scholarship at info@klugerkaplan.com, with the subject line “H.T. Smith Legal Studies Scholarship.” The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is June 1, 2024. For any inquiries regarding the scholarship or application process, please contact Idays Guallar at iguallar@klugerkaplan.com. 

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About Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine, P.L. 
Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine, P.L. is a renowned litigation firm specializing in complex, high-stakes disputes across various industries, including business and corporate litigation, real estate and construction litigation, intellectual property disputes, employment litigation, securities and financial fraud, corporate governance, bankruptcy-related litigation, professional liability, class actions, and complex matrimonial, probate, and trust litigation. With offices in Miami and Boca Raton, the firm’s seasoned litigators have served as lead counsel in federal multi-district litigation and trials in state and federal courts nationwide. For more information, please visit www.klugerkaplan.com.