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MIAMILAW UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF LAW
The Miami Scholars Public Interest Program offers selected students exclusive opportunities for legal advocacy training and advising from the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center’s team of attorneys, including unique pro bono engagement, social justice programming and individualized curriculum advising and career planning assistance. Miami Scholars are mentored by peers, as well as public interest and pro bono attorneys. Miami Scholars have the opportunity to join the Public Interest Leadership Board during their second and third years and take on initiatives designed to promote public interest engagement at Miami Law. PILB members serve on a range of committees dedicated to pro bono project development, alumni outreach, public interest programming, and career development. Miami Scholars participate in ongoing seminars, luncheons and trainings with an emphasis on promoting advocacy and a pro bono ethic at Miami Law and in the legal profession. Miami Scholars are a core component of Miami Law’s commitment to inculcating the next generation of lawyers with a pro bono ethic.
APPLYING If you wish to be considered for the Miami Scholars Public Interest Program, completion of your file by January 6, 2020 is strongly advised. The deadline for consideration is March 15. 2020. For more information visit Miami Law’s official website at www.law.miami.edu/miamischolars.
Donna E. Shalala Student Center at University of Miami
“The Miami Scholars Program afforded me the opportunity to confirm why I initially wanted to go to law school: to serve the public as a principled prosecutor who can ensure fairness and justice while shepherding victims through an often exhausting process. It further gave me the foundation for what I get to do now—more than 16 years later: work to protect the constitutional rights of those victimized because of their status in life, and preserve the integrity of the great law enforcement officers who honorably uphold the Constitution.” Fara Gold, JD ’03
Special Litigation Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Section, Civil Rights Division, Washington, D.C.
“The Miami Scholars Program gave me the institutional support and personal guidance that I needed to explore different areas of public interest before becoming a public defender. Through the program, I was able to participate in a variety of internships, externships, and experiential learning opportunities, all while being able to rely on the HOPE Office to lend a helping hand. These opportunities have prepared me to practice law and to serve my community.” Paige Bettge, JD ’19
Deputy State Public Defender, Office of the Colorado State Public Defender, Denver, CO
“While I was attracted to Miami Law for many reasons, it was the school’s commitment to developing and supporting the next generation of public interest lawyers through the Miami Scholars Program that solidified my decision to relocate from Washington, D.C. for law school. From judicial internships to exclusive networking opportunities, the experiences afforded to me through the Miami Scholars Program have had a tremendous impact on my professional development and have also resulted in meaningful ties to the bench and bar, great friendships and a supportive network across the public and private sector.” Kevin Probst, JD ’07
Staff Attorney, Legal Services of Greater Miami, Miami, FL
Established in 1997, the Miami Scholars Public Interest Program brings exceptional students with a passion for public service and social justice to the University of Miami School of Law. Miami Scholars are selected based on their outstanding academic credentials and demonstrated commitment to public service and advocacy. Miami Scholars are awarded a full-tuition scholarship and are provided with a stipend for public interest work that is performed during the summer after their first or second year. Or Miami Scholars may choose tuition reduction for summer studies through a University of Miami School of Law summer program. Tuition awards are automatically renewed if the scholar maintains a GPA of at least a 2.5.
“The Miami Scholars Public Interest Program is comprised of some of the most dedicated and extraordinary students at Miami Law. Their passion for justice, intellectual curiosity and motivation drives them to effectuate change in agencies and communities near and far.� Marni Lennon, Esq.
Assistant Dean for Public Interest and Pro Bono Director, HOPE Public Interest Resource Center Lecturer in Law
CONTACT INFORMATION Marni Lennon, Esq. Assistant Dean for Public Interest & Pro Bono Lecturer in Law University of Miami School of Law HOPE Public Interest Resource Center 1311 Miller Drive, B446 Coral Gables, FL 33146 305.284.2599 umhope@law.miami.edu www.law.miami.edu/hope
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