Parris Academy for Excellence in Law & Leadership
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?
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.
- Upcoming Events
More details coming soon.
- Past Events
Watch recordings from past Parris Academy Events on the Parris Academy Canvas page.
March 17, 2025: Perspectives from Plaintiff and Defense Counsel on Leadership, Conflict, and Resolution with Professionalism and Civility
Featuring Rob Parris and Donna Melby
Effective leadership requires navigating conflict and fostering strong, cohesive teams. In this interactive session, Rob Parris, a seasoned trial attorney and advocate, and Donna Melby, a nationally recognized business trial attorney and mediator, provided practical insights on conflict resolution and team building from opposing courtroom sides.
February 17, 2025: In the Line of Fire: How to Respond to Tough Questions
Featuring Khail Parris & Alexander Wheeler
Khail Parris and Alexander Wheeler, renowned trial attorneys and experts in high-stakes advocacy, led a dynamic session that delved into the art of handling challenging questions under pressure. "In the Line of Fire: How to Respond to Tough Questions" equipped participants with practical strategies for navigating difficult inquiries professionally and personally.
January 27, 2025: Decoding Communication: Building Bridges to Better Decisions. "Effective Leadership Through Enhanced Communication"
Featuring Dean Darby Dickerson
Dean Darby Dickerson, President of Southwestern Law School, led an interactive session exploring the nuances of communication styles and their impact on leadership and collaboration. Participants identified their primary communication styles and learned strategies to bridge communication gaps effectively. Through assessments, small group exercises, and facilitated discussions, attendees gained practical tools to foster clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and enhance decision-making within diverse team environments. The session emphasized adaptability in communication and provided actionable techniques to strengthen problem-solving and collaboration skills.
November 18, 2024: Ethics and Professionalism
Featuring John Dean
This session explored the vital role of ethics and professionalism in the legal field, featuring insights from John Dean, former White House Counsel under President Richard Nixon. Dean’s presentation, "The Ultimate Lawyer's Ethical Dilemma," delved into the ethical challenges attorneys face and the importance of integrity, respect, and accountability in legal practice. He shared reflections on his early career experiences and provided valuable perspectives on the ethical duties of legal professionals.
October 21, 2024: Cultural Competency
Featuring Cassandra De Pecol
This session highlighted the vital role of cultural competency in the legal profession, featuring insights from Cassandra De Pecol, an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Her presentation, "Global Mindset for Client Success: Building Multicultural Competency Through Travel," explored how cultural awareness impacts interpersonal dynamics and decision-making in legal practice.
As the youngest woman to visit all seven continents and 196 countries, De Pecol shared how travel can deepen one’s understanding of the world and develop essential skills for serving clients and communities. She also provided valuable tips on traveling widely as a new or younger professional.
September 23, 2024: Persuasion & Communication. "How Great Lawyers Inspire Juries to Action"
Featuring R. Rex Parris
In this session, R. Rex Parris '80, a top trial lawyer and the Mayor of Lancaster, CA, explored the critical role of persuasion and communication in legal advocacy. Drawing on his extensive experience, Mr. Parris shared key strategies and insights for influencing juries, judges, and opposing counsel. The session focused on how effective communication and persuasion techniques can shape the outcome of high-stakes cases and elevate legal professionals as leaders in the courtroom.
"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, 1L
"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, 1L