In December 2023, The Florida Bar Foundation changed its name to FFLA. Posts prior to this date contain our former name.
Six Florida 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.
“Summer fellows have a unique opportunity to hone real-world legal skills and develop awareness of civil legal aid issues through their work with legal aid programs,” said Kate York, the Foundation’s grants program director. “The fellows will be assisting on projects related to COVID-19, such as housing and public benefits.”
The fellows, chosen out of 37 applicants, agreed to modify their fellowships in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Rather than working in legal aid offices, they will work remotely. Fellows attended a virtual training provided by the Foundation prior to the start of their fellowship, which focused on the history of legal aid, what legal aid in Florida looks like now and how to interact with pro bono lawyers.
Fellows in their third year of law school will receive stipends of $8,250, and those in their second year will receive $6,500. Because the stipends are granted to legal aid organizations who then pay the fellows, the Foundation is giving host organizations an additional 10 percent in funding to assist with payroll taxes.
Below is a list of the summer fellows and their host programs:
- Americans for Immigrant Justice, Miami – Daniela Valdes, University of Florida Levin College of Law
- Southern Legal Counsel, Gainesville – Jennifer Rex, Stetson University College of Law
- Florida Legal Services, Newberry – Hanora Cassels, University of Florida Levin College of Law
- Legal Services of North Florida, Pensacola – Janielle McPhail, University of Florida Levin College of Law
- Catholic Legal Services, Miami – Alejandro Magana, Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
- Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Plantation – Logan Zucchino, University of Miami School of Law
