Mentoring picnic draws thousands.

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Splashes and yelps from wet lawyers being good sports at the dunk tank.

Cheers from the volleyball tournament.

Sizzles from grills laden with Jamaican jerk chicken, Haitian curry goat, and whole pigs roasted Cuban style.

Laughter from frolicking children showing off dazzling painted and glittered faces.

Energizing beats spun by DJ Dorenzo.

These sounds filled Hialeah's Amelia Earhart Park on November 12 at the Eighth Annual Kozyak Minority Mentoring Picnic, where an estimated crowd of more than 3,000 came to strengthen old bonds and forge new relationships between law students and lawyers and judges willing to serve as mentors.

But it was the sound of words of wisdom that drew eager law students to the Leaders and Legends tent, where seasoned lawyers and judges shared encouragement and advice:

* Pat Seitz, the first woman president of The Florida Bar (1993-94) who was appointed to the Southern District of Florida federal bench 13 years ago, advised those who may want to become a judge one day: "Most importantly, you need to run your life like Caesar's wife, because let's face it: When you put on that black robe, you are sort of being the priest of the civil society. And we all need to have role models that we can look up to. And if our judges can't do that, then that undermines the justice system for all of us. Be the best professional, be involved in your community, and your word needs to be your bond."

* "Success is the residue of preparation," offered Moses Baker, Jr., a 15th circuit judge in Palm Beach County, who said he was the first African-American lawyer to be hired and made partner by a majority firm in his circuit.

* "Work hard and be the best student, because unfortunately you are judged, in large part, by your academic record. But even if you don't have that great of an academic record, persevere. Be the best you can be," advised Don Graham, a U.S. district court judge in the Southern District, who attended an all-black high school in North Carolina and took his first job with the U.S. Army JAG Corps.

* "Because of the economy we are dealing with right now, you have to do something a little different than five years ago. Go to a firm you are interested in, you've done some homework ... then ask them, 'Can I volunteer some time? Can I have an internship? You don't have to pay me.' ... Don't be afraid of going out there and offering your skills and selling your skills. If you don't...