Health Rights Clinic

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The Health Rights Clinic is a medical legal partnership operated in collaboration with the UM Miller School of Medicine. Students participating in the Health Rights Clinic represent multiple clients in different legal matters related to health. Under the guidance of Director JoNel Newman, Associate Director Melissa Swain, and Teaching Fellow Suzanne Villano, clinic students spend the academic year representing low income patients of the Veteran's Administration, South Florida Aids Network, Jackson Hospital and other medical partners.

Law students function as the client's primary advocate and conduct client intakes/ interviews, conduct legal research, file legal pleadings and legal documents, develop case strategies and theories, and provide representation in administrative hearings and court.

Representation is focused on the following priority areas:

Social Security/Public Benefits – Students provide legal services in Social Security and other public benefits cases. Students represent clients obtaining Medicaid and other insurance. Many students file appeals and/or appear in federal administrative court.

Advanced Directives – Students draft advance directives such as wills, living wills, health care surrogacy, pre-need guardianships and guardianships.

Immigration – Students represent health impaired clients in immigration related matters. Specifically, students file applications and regularly appear before the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of our clients seeking U.S. Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency.

Veterans Benefits – Students supervised by faculty work with doctors, medical residents, social workers and attorneys to advocate for veteran's legal rights in light of medical scenarios. The Health Rights Clinic presently provides legal services on-site to veterans receiving health care at the Miami Veteran Administration Medical Center (VAMC). Read More.

Why Join This Clinic?

Collaborate directly with medical professionals – UM Miller School of Medicine medical students, fellows, residents and psychiatrists – to evaluate cases and obtain evidence for clients.

Experience cross-training with medical residents in each other's disciplines – physicians teach at the law school and law students teach at the medical school; also medical students can take this clinic as a clinical rotation offering.

Work together as legal-medical team to review and examine relevant medical records, charts and (for example, termination of life prolonging treatments or loss of mental capacity).

Hands-On Learning

Students develop lawyering skills as they conduct all aspects of the client's case including:

• Developing a case theory AND a case plan for all cases; learning how to organize, manage and triage a case load
• Conducting an empathetic client-centered interview that accurately identifies client goals and needs
• Demonstrating sensitivity to race and cultural diversity issues and recognizing and resolving ethical issues
• Conducting thorough and accurate legal research and communicating and advocating effectively in writing and orally
• Being able to marshal correct and necessary facts for effective representation
• Creating and maintaining well-documented client files both paper and electronic
• Becoming a reflective practitioner and effective problem-solver who can think on one's feet
• Working as part of a team and conducting oneself in a professional manner with integrity and honesty at all times
• Exhibiting diligence and punctuality
• Conducting a hearing, if necessary

Helpful Links:

Prospective Student: Clinic Requirements

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Click here to apply.

Meet the Clinic Team