The Eleanor R. Cristol and Judge A. Jay Cristol Bankruptcy Pro Bono Assistance Clinic at Miami Law offers pro bono legal services to low-income individuals who are dealing with bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Bar Association of the Southern District of Florida established the clinic. Miami Law offers it as a two-semester, six-credit elective that pairs students into teams.
How Students Benefit from Participating in this Clinic
Hands-On Learning – Students have the opportunity to practice on real cases in federal bankruptcy court. These can be chapter 7s, chapter 13s, contested matters, and adversary proceedings which can include cases such as fighting to help the debtor discharge student loans.
Expert Mentorship – Students are placed with mentor bankruptcy attorneys in the community who really are at the top of their game from firms such as Meland Russin and Genovese Joblove Battista.
Unparalleled Networking Opportunities – During the clinic students meet prospective future employers and attend numerous of bankruptcy events in the community such as View From the Bench, the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Caribbean Conference, and numerous other Bankruptcy Bar Association events, conferences, and dinners.
Fantastic Support – Clinic Director Patricia Redmond , Clinic Coordinator Peter W. Kelly, and mentor attorneys provide ongoing support, help and advice.
Clients are referred to the clinic by the Dade County Bar Association, and sitting judges of the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.
The Eleanor R. and Judge A. Jay Cristol Bankruptcy Pro Bono Assistance Clinic is a two semester (fall/spring) or (spring/fall) course for a total of six (3) credits per semester.Students are evaluated on a pass/fail basis on the following criteria:
Classwork and Class participation
A journal or fee application depending on the semester detailing their externship activities
The mentor's evaluation of the student in connection with their client representations
Prerequisites
Successfully completed 48 credit hours
Familiarity with the Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
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