Fourteen law students will have the opportunity to work in civil legal aid programs this summer through The Florida Bar Foundation’s Summer Fellows Grant Program.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for these students,” said Kate York, the Foundation’s grants program officer. “It’s a great way to develop their awareness and passion for legal services throughout Florida. Each student will bring their own unique perspective, as well as the knowledge learned in their training, to their civil legal placements.”
The 14 fellows, chosen out of 71 applicants, attended a three-day interactive Boot Camp training in March at the Miami law office of Akerman LLP. The fellows were taught skills such as persuasive speaking and client interviewing techniques. After research on the legal aid organization at which they were placed, the fellows also gave speeches about each organization.
The Foundation was able to restart the Summer Fellows Program after a seven-year hiatus thanks to donations and pledges. The firm of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley P.A. gave $75,000, and Florida Bar Foundation board member David Prather of West Palm Beach firm Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Prather, Keen & Littky-Rubin pledged $50,000.
