For the second year, Evan Y. Liu, M.D., J.D., of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig provided minority college students with an inside look at the practice of law during Widener University School of Law’s Jurist Academy summer program. On June 8, 2009, Liu presented a seminar on “pathways to a career in law - a glimpse from a non-traditional student,” to the rising juniors, who hailed from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in U.S. law schools. The goal of the annual Jurist Academy program is to increase participation of underrepresented groups in law school by breaking down educational and informational barriers and facilitating exposure to legal career options. A former emergency physician, Dr. Liu concentrates his practice in medical malpractice and product liability.

“I am pleased to participate in a program that encourages minority students to consider law school and subsequent legal careers,” said Dr. Liu. “Widener is to be commended for reaching out to these students, who benefit greatly from an in-depth look at our profession as well as the process of applying to and enjoying success in law school.”

Dr. Liu serves as co-chair of the Community Outreach Committee of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania. He is an active member of the American Health Lawyers Association, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice (formerly the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association), the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. A 2006 graduate of Widener Law, Dr. Liu regularly serves as a guest lecturer at the school, addressing topics such as the MCARE and Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor acts, patient safety, medical malpractice and the effects of malpractice litigation on physician behavior.

Prior to being admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Dr. Liu practiced emergency medicine in the Delaware Valley for 15 years. He was also a board certified family practitioner, the assistant director of Delaware County Memorial Hospital’s emergency department and a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital.

Widener Law’s Jurist Academy is offered free to college students who have completed their sophomore year, earned a 2.8 or better cumulative grade point average and are members of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in law school. A stipend of $500 per week is available to participants who fully attend and participate in the program. Jurist Academy students experience the dynamics of a law school classroom, meet lawyers and judges and learn about the admissions process and life at law school. Students also practice their oral argument, analytic and test-taking skills. Further information is available through Widener Law’s Web site.

About Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig - Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig has handled cases producing some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Pennsylvania. The firm represents plaintiffs in significant personal injury, class action, and other complex civil litigation. Clients include victims of medical malpractice, defective products, unsafe workplaces, motor vehicle accidents, legal malpractice and insurer misconduct.