Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund

Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund Providing minority law school students with mentoring, scholarships and networking opportunities.

The Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation's primary goal is to build an effective pathway to diversity in the legal profession by providing opportunities and support to minority and women law students through mentoring programs, networking and fellowships. The Foundation regularly promotes awareness in the legal community for the need to increase diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The

Foundation recruits and assists experienced lawyers and judges to mentor black law students attending law school in Florida. In addition, the Foundation works with other voluntary bar associations to find mentors for all minority law students attending law school in Florida.

I'yanna N. Barker is a 2L at the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. and is believed to be the first Sum...
06/30/2026

I'yanna N. Barker is a 2L at the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. and is believed to be the first Summer Fellow chosen from an Historically Black College or University. She has a dedicated record of helping marginalized communities. This is her personal statement:

"I am a first-generation law student deeply committed to serving underrepresented communities through civil rights advocacy. Growing up in Broward County, my passion for the legal field was shaped by watching my mother navigate complex healthcare and legal challenges with remarkable courage. Seeing her break down incomprehensible policies and legal language showed me what advocacy required. I knew by ninth grade that I wanted to be a lawyer to help people like our community who struggled to navigate elusive systems not designed for them. My mother believed in me immediately and encouraged me to use education to free people facing the barriers she faced. In 2019, while interning at the Innocence Project of Florida, I witnessed Nathan Myers and Clifford Williams walk free after 42.5 years of wrongful imprisonment. That moment crystallized why this work matters. I have since led investigative teams at the ACLU of Georgia on federal voting rights cases, represented young Black students facing racial discrimination in school, and coordinated disaster relief for communities left behind by government systems.

This summer, I am interning at the Federal Defender Program in Atlanta, gaining hands-on experience with constitutional claims. After law school, I plan to practice civil rights law to continue the work I did at the ACLU, challenging systems that make basic rights inaccessible to marginalized communities. I want to be the lawyer my mother always believed I could be.

I am deeply grateful to the Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund for making this work possible."

Daniela Recio is a rising 2L at the University of Miami School of law and a Kozyak Summer Fellow. She is interning with ...
06/25/2026

Daniela Recio is a rising 2L at the University of Miami School of law and a Kozyak Summer Fellow. She is interning with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Corali Lopez-Castro, who was very involved with the Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund’s predecessor before her appointment to the bench. Daniela recently provided this statement:

“Southern District of Florida, I am learning what no casebook can show me: how legal arguments are actually received by the court. From inside the courtroom, I am seeing what makes writing clear, what makes an advocate credible, and how reasoning shapes an outcome.

That perspective sits on top of a conviction I've carried far longer. I am Puerto Rican by birth and Cuban by blood, raised first in Puerto Rico and then in Miami. My upbringing in predominantly Hispanic communities gave me a first-hand understanding of the obstacles that so many families navigate every day: language barriers, post-immigration struggles, and a legal system they were never taught to understand. From that, I developed a profound appreciation for the power of advocacy, the ability to be a voice not just for myself, but for others as well.

That conviction pushed me to law school, where I am now a rising 2L at the University of Miami School of Law. While every moment of law school has been formative, I find myself particularly drawn to litigation: to the practice of building a persuasive argument, combing through messy facts, and advocating under pressure.

Receiving this award from the Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund affirms the path I've chosen. I look forward to growing as an advocate and building toward a career in litigation, and to becoming part of the South Florida legal community.”

Robert Cooper is a rising 2L at the University of Florida - Fredric G. Levin College of Law College of Law and was selec...
06/23/2026

Robert Cooper is a rising 2L at the University of Florida - Fredric G. Levin College of Law College of Law and was selected by the Cole, Scott & Kissane law firm to receive a Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund award. Robert provided this statement:

“I am a rising 2L at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. I grew up in Lutz, Florida. When I was growing up, my dad decided to go back to school and become a lawyer. Watching him go through the process of taking classes and studying for the bar as a first-generation lawyer inspired me to pursue my own career in law. I first became interested in public interest work after becoming affiliated with First Tee Tampa Bay. First Tee is a nonprofit organization that works to introduce the game of golf to underprivileged youth, while instilling core values such as perseverance and integrity. The six years that I worked with First Tee pushed me to seek opportunities to impact my community through my future legal career.

I refined my legal interests while attending the University of Tampa, where I majored in finance and business management. While finance started out as a way to supplement my business management degree, I soon became invested in topics such as securities. This influenced my decision to join the SEC Division of Enforcement in Washington, D.C. as an intern this summer. Further, I became interested in environmental law while writing my thesis. My research investigated various management strategies for addressing overcrowding at US National Parks. This process introduced me to the complex legal field of environmental law, while stoking a burning passion for environmental protection. After these experiences, I plan to work in either financial law or environmental law. However, if I choose to practice financial law, I still intend to be involved in environmental protection through pro bono work. I am very grateful to the Cole, Scott & Kissane firm and the Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund for making this opportunity possible. I hope to be helpful to law students in the future.”

Rebecca Bogert is a rising 2L at University of Miami School of Law and one of the twelve 2026 Kozyak Summer Fellowship F...
06/18/2026

Rebecca Bogert is a rising 2L at University of Miami School of Law and one of the twelve 2026 Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund recipients. She was chosen by the family of the late Robert Josefsberg to receive the inaugural KSSF Robert Josefsberg Fellowship. Mr. Josefsberg was a true Legal Legend and mentored thousands of law students and lawyers, including John Kozyak. John and his wife loved Bob so much and have agreed to fund a fellowship in his name for the indefinite future. Rebecca was selected for this distinction by Karen Josefsberg Ladis, Amy Josefsberg, David Josefsberg, and Ken Josefsberg, after conferring with their mother, Marlene Josefsberg. Rebecca was chosen as an intern by US Magistrate Judge Detra Shaw-Wilder, the co-founder of the predecessor to the Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund. Rebecca provided this statement after learning of her selection:

“I am a proud second-generation Cuban American and Miami native, and I am currently a rising 2L at the University of Miami School of Law. I serve on the Law Honor Council, the Public Interest Leadership Board, and as the Activism Chair for OUTLaw. I am also a Student Ambassador and a member of both the Yvette Ostolaza Trial Team and the Cuban American Bar Association. My path to law school was shaped by surviving a life-altering violent crime, an experience that strengthened my resilience and motivated my return to complete my undergraduate education after a five-year absence. This journey deepened my commitment to advocacy and solidified my goal of becoming a trial attorney. Before entering law school, I worked as a legal assistant at a personal injury firm, where I witnessed firsthand how legal advocacy can help individuals move forward after traumatic experiences. Through this work, I developed a strong interest in litigation and found great fulfillment in the intellectual, strategic, and tactical aspects of preparing a case for trial. I am currently serving as an intern in the Felony Unit of the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office and will spend the second half of my summer as a judicial intern for The Honorable Detra Shaw-Wilder, United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Florida. I am deeply grateful to the Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund, the Reviewing Committee, and John Kozyak for their support and for this opportunity to continue serving my community. It is an honor to have been selected for this incredible program.”

Zain Tokatly is a rising 2L at the University of Miami School of Law and had been living in California before enrolling ...
06/16/2026

Zain Tokatly is a rising 2L at the University of Miami School of Law and had been living in California before enrolling at UM. He is interning for Judge Thomas W. Logue on the Third District Court of Appeals and hopes to remain in South Florida after graduating. He was selected by Ms. Diane Kennedy, the wife of the late Honorable Eric Hendon. Judge Hendon was a superior lawyer and jurist and last served on the Third District Court of Appeals with Judge Logue. John Kozyak and his wife, Barbara Silverman, are funding this fellowship to honor their dear friend, Judge Hendon. After being notified he had been selected for this special recognition, Zain provided this statement:

“I am originally from Iraq and immigrated to the U.S. at 9 years old. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from UCLA. Currently, I am serving as a judicial intern to the Honorable Judge Logue, where I am having the opportunity to improve my legal research and writing skills further. I am also a part of UM's trial team and have a strong interest in litigation. I am excited to further improve my oral advocacy skills through courses, such as Litigation Skills. None of this would be possible without the sacrifices my parents made for my brother and me, and I owe all of my success to them. Thank you to Mr. Kozyak and Ms. Silverman and the Summer Fellowship Fund for their generosity and for investing in my future. I look forward to continuing my law school journey and helping preserve and honor the legacy of Judge Hendon.”

Yasmine Mezawi is a rising 2L at the University School of Law and one of 12 Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund recipients. Sh...
06/11/2026

Yasmine Mezawi is a rising 2L at the University School of Law and one of 12 Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund recipients. She is currently interning for U.S. District Court Judge Beth Bloom, who has been so supportive of mentoring and providing opportunities to law students. After receiving notice she had been selected, Yasmine provided this statement:

"I was born and raised in Miami, FL. My passion for the legal field was shaped early on by personal experiences navigating the legal system following a medical malpractice suit. As the child of immigrant parents – with roots in Cuba and Palestine – I’m a first-generation law student who has been influenced by witnessing the legal and structural challenges my own family has faced. These experiences have fostered a deep commitment to serving underrepresented communities through the law. I currently serve on the Public Interest Leadership Board at the University of Miami School of Law, where I support initiatives that advance public service and access to justice.

This summer, I am serving as a judicial intern for Judge Beth Bloom, where I am eager to gain hands-on experience with active judicial proceedings. My prior experience has given me a unique perspective on what it feels like to stand before the bench, and I now look forward to gaining insight into the judicial process from behind it."

From John Kozyak:I am often asked why I spend time and money mentoring law students and nothing can better explain it th...
06/08/2026

From John Kozyak:

I am often asked why I spend time and money mentoring law students and nothing can better explain it than my relationship with Nathalie Cadet-James.

I first met Nathalie in 2001 , when she received the Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton Litigation Skills Award from the University of Miami School of Law. She was an amazing student and I quickly became close to her, her parents, siblings, and later her husband, Brian Theophilus James. We tried to hire her at KTT, but she chose another firm and then worked for the Miami-Dade County Attorneys Office. Later, she decided to follow her dream to be an event planner. Not just an event planner, but one of the world’s best. Barbara, our sons, Benjamin and Jeremy Kozyak, and I consider Nathalie family. I lovingly refer to her as my Haitian daughter and would be so proud if it was true. Nathalie and many other mentees have provided so much pride and joy.

I am sharing a photo of Nathalie with her two daughters. Johanna just graduated from high school and will be attending Amherst College in the Fall. She was a first team, Miami-Dade County soccer player and is anxious to play in college. Her sister, Lucca, is equally amazing and is starting to look at colleges. Whenever, Johanna or Lucca call me Uncle John, I light up, as I should.

Be a mentor. Support exceptional law students.

Kimberley Vought is a rising 2L at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and impressed Joe Fernandez...
06/04/2026

Kimberley Vought is a rising 2L at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and impressed Joe Fernandez, CFP and his wife, Helga, so much that they have generously underwritten her summer fellowship. Joe is the co-founder of Invenio Wealth Partners, LLC and the financial advisor to John Kozyak, his family, and the Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund.

Kimberley worked many jobs and several at a time for ten years supporting herself , earning an undergraduate degree, and developing the confidence to go to law school. John Kozyak, our co-founder, and others on the Review Committee were moved by her application. This is how she responded when notified that she had been selected:

I am a first-generation law student, the daughter of a firefighter and a journeyman electrician. After years of reflection on how I could turn my strong desire to advocate for change into a meaningful career, I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, after which I spent time working for a nonprofit helping women of color start small businesses. I subsequently worked as a legal assistant at a personal injury firm, where I saw the opportunities attorneys have to fight for justice and make a real impact for vulnerable people. This summer, I will be interning at the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. where I will shadow attorneys in court, assist in legal research, and find ways to help in the many impactful projects that Legal Aid conducts. The Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund is instrumental in allowing me to be of service and gain valuable legal experience, and I am incredibly grateful for it and the generosity of Joe Fernandez and his wife, Helga.

My long-term goal is civil rights litigation. In particular, I want to be an appellate attorney working to make systemic change in legal precedent. I want to spend my life ensuring all people within the United States are afforded the constitutional protections they are entitled to. From unconstitutional zoning laws to civil forfeiture to unlawful searches and seizures, I am passionate about all the different areas of American life that the Constitution protects. I am looking forward to focusing on my oral and written advocacy skills throughout my law school career and finding opportunities to give back and serve my community.

Nicholas Calero is a rising 3L at Florida International University - College of Law. After receiving word that he had be...
06/03/2026

Nicholas Calero is a rising 3L at Florida International University - College of Law. After receiving word that he had been selected as a Summer Fellow, he provided this personal statement:

“I am currently a law student at the Florida International University College of Law, where I serve on Law Review as Chief of Staff and concentrate my coursework in bankruptcy and restructuring. I was born and raised in Miami and attended Christopher Columbus High School before going on to Davidson College, where I earned a degree in Economics while competing as a Division I baseball player. During law school, I have gained practical experience through the FIU Bankruptcy Clinic, a judicial internship with the Honorable Rudolph Contreras of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and I will continue building that experience this summer as a law student intern with the U.S. Trustee Program in Miami. In the fall, I will intern with the Honorable Corali Lopez-Castro of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. Following graduation, I will clerk for the Honorable Victoria S. Kaufman of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California. After completing my clerkship, I plan to return to Miami to practice in the bankruptcy and restructuring field, with a focus on Chapter 11 reorganizations and distressed transactions, and to build my career in the South Florida legal market.”

Nicholas is being mentored by Joseph Pack.

Ryan Reich is a rising 2L at Florida International School of Law and a 2026 Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund recipient. Thi...
06/01/2026

Ryan Reich is a rising 2L at Florida International School of Law and a 2026 Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund recipient. This is his statement:

“I was born and raised in Miami and am a third-generation Cuban American. I am grateful for the values my family has instilled in me and for their constant encouragement to strive for excellence. As a 1L at FIU Law, I have become actively involved in the Cuban American Bar Association as Secretary and in the Criminal Law Society as a 1L Representative.

Growing up in a law enforcement family sparked my interest in criminal law, which I look forward to developing this summer as an intern for Judge William Altfield, followed by an internship with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office in the fall. Through these experiences, I aim to strengthen my advocacy skills and gain a deeper understanding of the justice system. Driven by a deep commitment to service, integrity, and excellence, I aspire to become a thoughtful and effective prosecutor and to make a meaningful impact in my community.”

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2525 Ponce De Leon Boulevard
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