David Tropin shakes President Shalala's hand, poses with parents, Harley and Sheryl Tropin, and gathers with loved ones at the Law School's graduate reception.

Second generation UM Law graduate David Tropin was honored during the University of Miami's Fall Commencement on December 18, 2008 for his extraordinary accomplishments while studying at the University of Miami School of Law.

“It was a great honor and I felt very humbled,” said Tropin, who earned his Bachelor's degree at Syracuse University.

At the Law School, Tropin fought for the homeless, disabled, and impoverished as part of the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center. He also worked with the Center for Ethics & Public Service’s Miami STREET LAW Program and Community Economic Development & Design Clinic (CEDAD), where he coached at-risk inner-city students in the finer points of legal debate and mock trial, and worked with Miami-Dade County government, historically black churches and nonprofits to fight gentrification in West Coconut Grove. In additon, Tropin interned with the State Attorney's Office and U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez.

“Whether I end up working in the public or private sector, I always want to do pro bono work for people in need who don't have access to legal services,” he said.

Tropin’s parents, Harley and Sheryl Tropin, are celebrated alumni of the Law School and members of the University’s Law Parents and Partners Association. Harley, JD ’77, is a founding partner of the Miami law firm Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, and Sheryl, JD ’78, clerked for federal courts in Miami for several years before retiring to raise David and his two younger brothers. The Tropins middle son, Daniel, recently earned his Bachelor's degree from Emory University and is hoping to begin studying at UM Law in the fall.

“We are very proud of David,” said Mrs. Tropin. “It brought back a lot of memories for my husband and I to share this day with him.”

Now that he's earned his degree, David Tropin said he would like to work at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.

posted 19-December-2008