Mindy Reinstein: Working with Public Interest Attorneys for H.O.P.E.

Second-year law student, Mindy Reinstein is spending this fall interning for H.O.P.E (Helping Others through Pro Bono Efforts).  H.O.P.E. provides information, guidance and support for students seeking to do public interest work and community service. Some of Mindy’s responsibilities as a H.O.P.E. intern include: planning the Public Interest Lecture Series luncheons and organizing events for H.O.P.E. “Dean Lennon asked me to start researching UM Law alums that are working in the legal profession to serve the underserved.  The more research I did, the more excited I was to use this opportunity to inspire other law students at UM.  Dean Lennon told me about the H.O.P.E. Public Interest Lecture Series and, the next thing I knew, I was recruiting speakers to come to our monthly luncheons.”

Mindy has invited different attorneys to speak to students about how they got to where they are today, their inspirations, stories from their time here at UM Law, and advice for law students.  “So far we have brought local attorneys ranging from UM Law Alum Sabrina Salomon at the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, who I had the chance to work with this summer through my fellowship, to Assistant United States Attorney Andi Levi from the Economic Crimes Section.” The Public Interest Lecture Series gives law students the chance to sit with accomplished attorneys in an informal setting, allowing for a candid round-table discussion. The next luncheon is at 12:30pm on Wednesday, November 1st, 2006, in Room A-110A featuring Richard Jurgens from the Department of Homeland Security.

Mindy had experience working as a HOPE fellow this past summer.  “I handled pro bono research and advocacy, teamed with local agencies and attorneys to provide support on pro bono cases, and worked with the HOPE office to enhance opportunities for students to provide direct service to clients in need.”

Prior to UM Law, Mindy worked as a Program Fellow at Emory Hillel in Atlanta, GA. “I spearheaded marketing, logistical, and volunteer planning for a $200,000 fundraising event.  I also oversaw programs, and activities, on a daily basis to engage thousands of Jewish students.” An AIPAC Portfolioed Activist, Mindy was also a national legislative intern for AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) in Washington, DC.  AIPAC allowed Mindy to attend congressional hearings, write hearing reports and assist in lobbying members of Congress to enact legislation dealing with the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship.

Originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL, Mindy received her BA from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Her major was in International Studies with a focus on the Middle East and Africa and Defense issues.  While at Emory, Mindy was President of Emory Students for Israel for two years and Philanthropy Chair of her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi.

Currently at UM law, Mindy is the co-project leader of No Place for Hate, the project leader of H.O.P.E. Day of Service, a member of the Center for Ethics and Public Service, a member of the Cardozo Jewish Legal Society and was team captain for HOPE’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, where she helped to raise over $1,700. Mindy also interns for the Street Law Clinic where she teaches 10th graders weekly at Miami Senior High School. Mindy chose UM Law because she wanted to be near her family and was also impressed with UM Law’s faculty and public service opportunities.  “South Florida is my home and I couldn’t be more proud of it.  I love the weather, the people, and of course, the food.” Some of her favorite classes have been Professor Stotzky’s, Criminal Procedure Class and Professor Alfieri’s Civil Procedure (I and II) and Ethics classes.

One of Mindy’s memorable moments at UM law occurred in her first year. “I walked into my 8 a.m. class on the first day of law school; I had no idea what Prof. Alfieri’s Civil Procedure I class would be like.  It turned out that I was the first student to be called on to “stand and deliver” at the podium in the back of the room.  I walked all the way up the steps of 209 and stood at the podium waiting for the questioning to begin.  Prof. Alfieri looked at me and said: “Excuse me, Ms. Reinstein, do you already have all the material memorized that you don’t need to bring your books with you?”  It turned out I was so nervous I forgot to bring my books to the podium with me!!! I don’t think any 1L in my class ever made that mistake again.”

In her spare time Mindy enjoys art, painting and studying art history.  “I also love yoga. I have been practicing yoga for about four years now and find it is the best way to relieve stress.”