2021 Fall Law Clerk Spotlight
Legal Services is thankful to the 2021 fall law clerks for helping us maximize our impact amidst the pandemic and work on legal challenges facing the low-income community. We strive to ensure each one of them has an educational and rewarding experience while assisting our attorneys with research, intakes, pleadings, and much more. Read below from a few about his or her experience:
JORDAN J. JOHNALLY
Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association Legal Fellow
FIU College of Law
Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2022
“Working at Legal Services has been very insightful as I become more aware of the legal responsibilities of attorneys who work with this organization, from conducting extensive research to asking pertinent questions in order to provide high quality services to Legal Services clientele. Those whom I’ve met so far at Legal Services, including my supervisor Jose Fons, Esq., have been very enthusiastic about their jobs, and I can tell they find great reward in fulfilling their day-to-day obligations as members of such a dynamic team of legal professionals. Being surrounded by this kind of positive energy within a legal setting has contributed to my rewarding learning experience, thus far. I hope to gain from Legal Services an opportunity to grow not only as a legal intern but as a professional, by getting more familiar with the kinds of legal issues that are facing vulnerable members of our community which can only serve to sharpen my legal skills, increase my empathetic curiosity, and understanding as a rising attorney. I think all people should be afforded an opportunity to have access to competent and diligent legal service without an exorbitant fee, and this is what makes Legal Services so special. The work that is done by Legal Services has been critical in combating structural inequalities while promoting social justice and inclusivity within our community.”
MARYGRACE LONGORIA
Helliwell Legal Fellow
FIU College of Law
Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2023
“As a former educator and community organizer, Legal Services has provided me with the opportunity to work with our community directly every day while learning about public interest law. This work is crucial to addressing the gaps in policy and public aid and I’m hoping to continue learning and making a difference in the lives of our marginalized communities.”
STEVEN J. SANTOS
Law Clerk – Tenants’ Right Unit
Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law
Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2023
“Working at Legal Services has been the epitome of why I chose to go to law school and strive to become an attorney. Every employee who works at Legal Services is filled with the same strong sense of justice, which drove me to go to law school. Every one of them works tirelessly to ensure they’ve done everything they can to help each client that walks through their door. They choose to do this because, stated plainly, the work they do here matters. The clients that Legal Services represents often come as a last resort and usually have nowhere else to turn. This puts Legal Services in a unique and important position to advocate for them and to do right by those who feel Legal Services is their last hope. As a minority, I am no stranger to the feeling of desperation that takes over when thinking that nobody is in your corner or on your side to support you in your time of need. This is why it was extremely heartwarming to join this organization and realize how impactful the work Legal Services does truly is. My goal here is to learn all that I can and to rise to the occasion in playing my part to ensure Legal Services continues to do meaningful and impactful work within the community.”
KRISTEN DAGHER
Law Clerk – HIM Unit
University of Miami School of Law
Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2023
“I started working on the disability law project this summer and have been fortunate to continue the work into the fall. Although I have some background in health advocacy and law, I was unaware how much representation is needed to assist claimants in their Social Security disability application process. Legal Services is providing representation that is so greatly needed and frequently overlooked.”
For more information on the Legal Services Law Clerk Program, please contact Chief Diversity Officer & Pro Bono Advocacy Director Jayme Cassidy, jcassidy@legalservicesmiami.org
