Legal Services of Greater Miami

For her outstanding service as a volunteer interpreter, Dr. Marcela Gutierrez is being honored with the Equal Justice Volunteer of the Year Award! By helping clients overcome language barriers and understand their legal options, Dr. Gutierrez ensures they can make their voices heard and participate more fully in decisions that affect their lives. Her compassion and dedication make a meaningful difference in our pro bono programs and the lives of the clients we serve. Congrats, Dr. Gutierrez!

Congratulations to Alexandra Friz-Garcia, winner of the Equal Justice Pro Bono Solo/Small Firm Award! Through her pro bono work, Alexandra helped a mother and her 10-year-old daughter, who lives with severe autism and epilepsy, avoid the threat of homelessness by expediting the immigration documentation needed to renew their lease. She also helped the mother address her immigration status, giving the family a path toward greater housing stability and a more secure future

Congratulations to Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, recipient of the Equal Justice Impact Award! Through their continued participation in Legal Services clinics, the firm’s attorneys help clients navigate a range of legal challenges, from small claims disputes to divorce proceedings. Their consistent dedication to pro bono service has helped individuals and families access legal guidance when they need it most, making a lasting impact in our community.

Congratulations to Carlos Andreu and Austin Price of Greenberg Traurig, recipients of the Champion Award! Through their pro bono service, they helped a client resolve a construction lien dispute involving a claim of approximately $16,000, negotiating a settlement of just $5,000. Their advocacy secured the release of the lien, providing meaningful financial relief and peace of mind while demonstrating the impact of pro bono work in protecting homeowners.

Congratulations to Brian Miller and Maria Andreina Hernandez of King & Spalding, recipients of the Champion Award! Through their pro bono work, they helped an 80-year-old client resolve a contractor dispute, clear a lien on his home, and avoid further litigation. Their advocacy provided meaningful financial relief and peace of mind, demonstrating the lasting impact of pro bono service.

Congratulations to Brian Miller and Maria Andreina Hernandez of King & Spalding, recipients of the Champion Award! Through their pro bono work, they helped an 80-year-old client resolve a contractor dispute, clear a lien on his home, and avoid further litigation. Their advocacy provided meaningful financial relief and peace of mind, demonstrating the lasting impact of pro bono service.

Congratulations to Colton Castro, partner at McDermott Will & Schulte, on receiving the Equal Justice Pro Bono Distinguished Law Firm Partner Award! Colton and his team dedicated more than 200 hours to helping a client protect her inherited family home during a difficult time. Through their advocacy and negotiations, they secured a settlement and removal of the lien, allowing her to keep a home that held deep family meaning. Colton’s work is a powerful reminder of how pro bono service can make a lasting difference in people’s lives and reflects his commitment to equal justice.

Congratulations to Akerman, recipient of the Equal Justice Pro Bono Large Firm Award! This year, 40 Akerman attorneys and staff helped 11 veterans and low-income clients navigate legal matters affecting their benefits, employment opportunities, and financial security. The firm also engaged 22 summer associates in this initiative, giving them hands-on experience serving clients and further demonstrating Akerman’s commitment to pro bono service.

A special thank you to Kaufman Rossin for hosting our Pro Bono Awards Celebration and to our Board Member, Jose Cuneo, for his continued support of Legal Services and our mission to advance equal justice. We are grateful for their commitment to recognizing the attorneys and volunteers whose pro bono service makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients and our community.

Passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community? Consider applying to become a law clerk at Legal Services of Greater Miami. As a law clerk, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in various legal areas while assisting underserved populations in accessing justice. Accepting applications now for Spring 2027 - legalservicesmiami.org/fello…

Neighbors were facing crumbling roads, an inactive HOA, and obstacles to obtaining city help—until Legal Services stepped in. Watch how we helped this Miami Gardens neighborhood rebuild their Homeowners Association, leading to improved conditions for all residents, tap the link to save our Give Miami Day page, and prepare to power more wins starting Nov. 14! givemiamiday.org/organizatio…

The Legal Services’ Young Professionals Council is a group of professionals who are dedicated to our mission of providing high quality, free legal services to low-income individuals and families. The Council warmly welcomes its newest member - Ethan Schwab. When asked why he joined, Ethan said: “Joining the Legal Services Young Professionals Council is a meaningful way for me to stay connected to my community. I'm looking forward to collaborating with like-minded peers and helping expand the reach of Legal Services' important work.”

For 60 years, Legal Services of Greater Miami has fought to ensure that access to justice is not determined by a person's income, circumstances, or disability. When Florida Medicaid denied coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder, thousands of children were left without access to a critical service that private insurance was required to cover. Legal Services challenged this unequal treatment, securing a court ruling that required Medicaid to provide coverage. Among the approximately 8,000 children who benefited from this landmark victory was Karls, whose story represents the profound impact that access to legal representation can have on a child’s future. With access to ABA therapy and other supports, Karls was able to transition to mainstream classes and thrive academically. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we reflect on victories like this one that remind us why our work matters. Equal access to justice means more than protecting rights. It means opening doors to opportunities, removing barriers, and helping build a future where every child has the chance to thrive. #LegalServices #60YearsOfImpact #AccessToJustice

We’re proud to celebrate 60 years of keeping families in their homes, in their jobs, and with the stability they deserve. Thank you to Foundation Board President, Board Director, and long-time supporter of Legal Services, Stanley Wakshlag, for recognizing our impact! Give Miami Day starts on November 14th! We hope you’ll join us at givemiamiday.org/organizatio…

Please join us in welcoming Ryan Ulloa, Partner at White & Case LLP, to the Legal Services of Greater Miami Board of Directors. Appointed by the Federal Bar Association, Ryan brings a deep commitment to the legal profession and our mission of expanding access to justice for vulnerable members of our community. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to his service on our board.

As we celebrate 60 years of Legal Services of Greater Miami, we honor the extraordinary legacy of Marcia K. Cypen, who dedicated more than four decades of her life to leading our organization as Executive Director. Throughout her remarkable tenure, Marcia helped shape Legal Services into a pillar of hope, advocacy, and justice for those who need it most. Her leadership was rooted in the belief that access to justice is not a privilege, but a fundamental right, and her tireless dedication helped ensure that countless individuals and families throughout Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties had a voice when they needed one most. Marcia’s dedication to Legal Services extends far beyond her decades of leadership. She remains a cherished mentor, steadfast supporter, and integral part of the Legal Services family, continuing to inspire generations of advocates through her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of equal justice. Her legacy is not only reflected in the organization she helped build, but in the lives she touched, the people she inspired, and the enduring commitment to justice that continues to guide our work today. #LegalServices #60YearsOfImpact #AccessToJustice

We're honored to see Cocktails Under the Stars featured in the Florida Bar News. Thank you to our sponsors, host committee, supporters, and everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening benefiting equal access to justice in our community. Read more: floridabar.org/the-florida-b…

The Legal Services’ Young Professionals Council is a group of professionals who are dedicated to our mission of providing high quality, free legal services to low-income individuals and families. The Council warmly welcomes its newest member - Jessica Nunez. When asked why she joined, Jessica said: “I look forward to connecting with and learning from other members of the legal community, as well as finding meaningful ways to give back!”

When you support Legal Services on Give Miami Day, you secure life-changing advocacy for families like Elisabet and Rebeca. Watch their story, tap the link to bookmark our giving page, and get ready to make an impact starting Nov. 14! givemiamiday.org/organizatio…

Our Annual Pro Bono Awards Celebration is just one week away! Join us on Wednesday, October 28 as we honor the outstanding individuals whose dedication to pro bono service expands access to justice and strengthens our community. We look forward to celebrating our honorees and the transformative impact of pro bono service together. legalservicesmiami.org/event…