Parris Academy for Excellence in Law & Leadership

Parris Academy for Excellence in Law and Leadership featuring photo of Rex Parris and Carrol Parris

A Premier Leadership Development Initiative at Southwestern Law School

About the Parris Academy

The Parris Academy for Excellence in Law & Leadership is a premier leadership development program designed to equip law students with the critical skills necessary to become transformative legal leaders. Founded with the support of R. Rex Parris '80 and his wife Carrol Parris, the program offers immersive training in advocacy, strategic thinking, professionalism, and leadership.

Through interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and mentorship opportunities, students gain practical experience in decision-making, communication, and ethical leadership.

Why Join the Parris Academy?

Candid photo of Students listening at Parris Academy event

 

The Academy is structured into three distinct phases, each offering progressive skill-building opportunities for students committed to excellence in leadership:

Phase 1 (typically one academic year): Exploration – Leadership lectures and professional development workshops.
Phase 2 (typically one academic year): Engagement – Hands-on leadership practice, interactive training, and mentorship.
Phase 3 (typically one academic year): Execution – Real-world leadership projects, advanced training, and professional networking.

Students gain valuable insights from top legal minds, engage in exclusive networking opportunities, and develop practical skills applicable in the courtroom, boardroom, and beyond.

Leadership Competencies

The program’s leadership competencies emphasize skills-based learning.

Parris Academy Competencies stacked into the shape of a house featuring: Creative problem-solving, Project & Process management, Interpersonal Awareness, Team Dynamics, Persuasion, Technological Fluency, Lifelong Learning, and Professionalism and Civility

Two foundational competencies—Lifelong Learning and Professionalism & Civility—will be emphasized across all three phases.

Phases 1 and 2 will focus on four primary competencies:

  • Interpersonal Awareness
  • Team Dynamics
  • Persuasion
  • Technological Fluency

For Phase 3, two advanced competencies will be added:

  • Creative Problem-Solving
  • Project & Process Management

 

Malina Manni"Though I still have much to learn from the Parris Academy, it has already given me a renewed sense of confidence both academically and professionally. Hearing R. Rex Parris share his experiences in law school has encouraged me to prioritize my personal learning, identify areas for growth, and develop a deliberate plan for improvement. Professionally, I feel more assured in my abilities and potential for success. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from distinguished professionals and to continue growing in my journey." — Malina Manni, 2L Full-Time Day Program

 

Ryan Willoughby

"Through the Parris Academy seminar, I've learned the importance of taking my time before speaking, which has significantly improved my confidence in public speaking settings. As my mandatory oral argument rounds approach, I plan to implement these techniques, focusing on pausing to thoughtfully answer difficult questions and using engaging hand movements and confident body language to persuade my audience." — Ryan Willoughby, 2L Full-Time Day Program