January 2005

UM Law alumni Kendra Davis, Maja Holman, Katrice Jenkins, and Stenise Rolle are associates at Parks & Crump, LLC. Founded in 1995, Parks & Crump is the largest African-American firm in Tallahassee. The firm specializes in medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury, and pharmaceutical litigation.

Only a couple years ago the four friends were hanging out together on the bricks at the University of Miami School of Law. Kendra and Stenise graduated in 2002, followed by Katrice and Maja in 2003. Stenise says that she received two law degrees for the price of one. "I started law school seven weeks after my son was born. I used to always bring him to campus with me. I believe sitting in the back of some of my classes has made him into the little orator he is today."

Stenise and Kendra are both from Miami and Katrice, who is originally from New Orleans, studied at the University of Miami as an undergraduate student. Maja, who is originally from Georgetown, Kentucky, came to Miami after completing her bachelor's in French and political science at the University of Louisville. Stenise, Kendra, and Katrice are also alumni of Florida A&M University. Stenise earned her bachelor's, Katrice received her master's in education, and Kendra earned her associate's degree from FAMU. Kendra went on to complete her undergraduate studies at Florida State University where she majored in criminology.

The four friends were active members of the Black Law Students Association, Bar & Gavel, the Ambassadors Program, and involved in Race Judicata, a 5K run that raises money for local charities. All of them worked extensively during law school and between them, they amassed six clerkships at law firms, three judicial clerkships (two with the Florida Supreme Court), four internships with State Attorney's and Public Defender's Offices, and one internship with Legal Aid.

Looking back on their law school experiences, they say that they are very appreciative of Marcy Cox, Director of the Career Placement Center, who played an instrumental role in their professional development during law school. "Marcy and her staff worked with all of us to arrange summer jobs and they coordinated some helpful programs such as POP, which was an awesome experience." says Maja, who interned for the Public Defender's and the U.S. Attorney's Office during law school.

POP (Professional Opportunities Program) was developed to encourage black law students to make a successful transition from law school to positions with Florida employers and to remain in local communities and contribute their skills to the Florida legal community. The program offers a six-week internship in the chambers of federal, state, and county judges.