Monday, March 24, 2014

Submit Your Nominations for Public Service Awards

If you would like to nominate someone (or yourself!) for the Exemplary Service to the Poor Award or the Award for Innovative Service in Public Interest, please read the attached information or email umhope@law.miami.edu with questions. Applications should include a resume, a written statement of no more than three pages about the work, and up to three letters of recommendation. Nomination deadline is Friday, March 28th at 12:00 noon. These awards will be handed out at the Recognition th Reception on April 10 .

Student Leaders Needed for HOPE Day of Service Thursday, August 14

The HOPE Day of Service is the first experience that many 1Ls have with the school and the Miami community, and it is a time that can encourage and solidify their commitment to community service and pro bono efforts. On Thursday, August 14, 2014, the first year students will go into the Miami community to serve the non-profits, families, children, animals, and wildlife for the 2014 HOPE Day of Service. Leaders are needed in two different capacities: Site Leaders: We invite student leaders interested in leading the days efforts to email umhope@law.miami.edu. Site leaders will be required to participate in training during the evening on Wednesday, August 13 and participate for the full day, 7:00 AM-2:00 PM on Thursday, August 14. Committee Members: We invite student leaders interested in serving as a committee member to email umhope@law.miami.edu. Committee members will need to participate in phone calls during the summer and help with logistics at the law school from 7:00 AM-10:00 AM on Thursday, August 14.

Economic Justice Opportunity

Are you interested in working for the protection of the civil and labor rights of all people? Interns will receive a stipend while working 35 hours per week for ten weeks during the summer and will lead an ongoing student research and advocacy project during the school year. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in economic justice, excellent research and writing skills, the ability to work both independently and in collaborative settings, and comfort working in multicultural, multilingual environments. Candidates with Spanish or Haitian Kreyol language skills are preferred. Interested students should send a cover letter, resume and transcript to umhope@law.miami.edu.

Third Annual Transactional Clinic for Nonprofits Tuesday, March 25-5:30PM On the Bricks & In the CDO
Miami area transactional attorneys are coming together to provide free legal consultations to South Florida nonprofit organizations on transactional matters. Legal issues may touch upon contract, employment, corporate, intellectual property and real estate law. Students have the opportunity to shadow participating attorneys during the consultations. The reception and information session will commence on the Bricks at 5:30 pm, with appointments starting at 6:30 pm. Spots are limited. Please email Myles Cochran (mcochran@law.miami.edu) if you are interested.

Summer Opportunity with UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon

Applications are being accepted for a summer internship position with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Interns will read witness statements on bomb experts and others, assist with drafting of direct and cross examinations to be used in court and help draft legal filings, motions and letters to the Lebanese government. Experience in a courtroom setting (including Lit Skills or Moot Court) is required. Fluency in Arabic or French is an asset. To apply, please send your resume to umhope@law.miami.edu.

UM Law Participating in Stand Your Ground Hearing Before Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
On Tuesday, March 25 at 11:30AM, Professor Caroline Bettinger-Lopez and 3L Charlotte Joseph Cassel of the UM Law Human Rights Clinic will be participating in this event along with the father of slain teenager Jordan Davis and the mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin. The hearing will address
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Consumer Protection Law As a Career Wednesday, March 26 12:30PM-Room F108

Michael P. Schiff, Esq., JD 90, has been teaching Consumer Law for 17 years and practices in this area. He will

speak about his work and his involvement in the community.

The Center for Ethics and Public Service presents the 12th Annual William M. Hoeveler Ethics & Public Service Award Luncheon Thursday, April 3 at 12:00PM Faculty Meeting Room G480
Join CEPS in honoring Judge A. Jay Cristol, JD, 59, this years award recipient. Space is limited. Please RSVP to ceps@law.miami.edu.

the impact of Stand Your Ground laws on minority communities in the U.S. Watch the live webcast at www.oas.org/en/iachr/.

Summer Internship with Miami Coalition for the Homeless

Summer interns are needed to assist the legal team at the Miami Coalition for the Homeless in monitoring the recently revised settlement in the landmark case of Pottinger v. City of Miami. Interns will investigate complaints, do field work to promote an understanding of the rights of homeless individuals in Miami, conduct research and writing, and assist with policy and advocacy meetings. Interns will work under the supervision of a team of lawyers from the ACLU, Florida Legal Services, Florida Justice Institute, and UM Law. To apply, please send an email to Terry A. Coble, Esq. at terry@miamihomeless.org.

Community Blood Drive Thursday, April 3 11:00AM-4:00PM in the Lounge

Stop by the lounge to donate blood and help save lives. Prizes will be awarded to participants.

Baynanza Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day Saturday, April 26

Join thousands of volunteers at this county-wide event and help clean up Biscayne Bay. At five of the 23 sites, volunteers will take boats to clean up nearby islands. For more information and to register, click here.

Continuing Student Scholarship Application Now Available-Deadline is April 18

All rising 2Ls and 3Ls are eligible to apply for one-year Continuing Student Scholarships. To be considered for a need-based award, students must submit a FAFSA prior to the deadline. All applications in the merit and public interest categories will be reviewed by committees of faculty and administrators. Click here to apply. For any log-in problems, contact the Service Desk at help@law.miami.edu.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity with Empowered Youth Saturdays from 12:00-2:00PM Student Lounge
Mentor and tutor young men in reading, math and college/GED/Armed Forces prep. No experience required. RSVP on the Child Advocacy and Family Law Orgsync page. For more information email CAFLS.UM@gmail.com.

Ongoing Advocacy Projects with Miami-Dade Public Defenders Office

The HOPE Public Interest Resource Center is seeking students to work on a memo bank project, a court observation project, and a mobile website for the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office. Interested students should sign up HERE.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

VITA is a national program that provides free tax assistance to lowincome, elderly and disabled individuals who need help with basic income tax return preparation and electronic filing. All volunteers receive training and operate at a site in conjunction with the IRS. For more information about this opportunity, please email umvita@gmail.com.

Like the UM HOPE Facebook Page! Connect with the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center on Facebook to learn more the inspiring work Miami Law students are doing in the public interest. The HOPE E-News is distributed every Monday. If there is something you would like included in the next HOPE E-News, e-mail umhope@law.miami.edu.

Summer Opportunity with AmericaCorps JD Program Application Deadline-April 15

Equal Justice Works is sponsoring this program which focuses on providing legal service to veterans. Students who participate have the opportunity to earn a $1,175 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award a voucher for educational expenses for dedicating 300 hours of service to a qualifying legal project with legal aid organizations, veterans law clinics, veterans treatment courts, and state or local government agencies. The deadline for applications is April 15, and the 300 hours must be completed by August 31, 2014. Interested students must complete an application in the Student Application Manager (SAM) by April 15. A step-by-step guide can be found on the AmeriCorps JD application page.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, its the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead

Public Interest Recognition Reception-April 10-5:00PM in the Student Lounge

Save the date for this event honoring Miami Law students and community partners who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public service and advocacy. RSVP here. Be sure to LOG YOUR HOURS for pro bono advocacy and community service by March 25 in order to be considered for recognition!
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