Dade Legal Aid - Put Something Back

Before this experience, Rhea Shivnani had a limited understanding of legal aid. “I thought that legal aid meant free legal services for those unable to afford counsel. However, I did not fully appreciate the immense scale and depth of Dade Legal Aid. They serve thousands of low-income residents annually, handling crucial cases ranging from housing disputes to domestic violence protection
orders. For many clients, this organization is not just a resource, it is their only hope.
Shadowing client intakes made the necessity of this work
abundantly clear. The organization makes every effort to assist everyone who walks through the door, utilizing translators, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys. They also provide assistance with complex legal forms and try to match everyone with the correct resource that they need.” With the assistance of interns like Rhea, many more low-income individuals have received guidance they need to navigate the justice system. “This semester gave me skills essential for both professional and daily life, but what made the
experience truly exceptional was the people I was fortunate to be surrounded by - brilliant,
dedicated individuals who took the time to teach me and who are all committed to the same mission. Those conversations helped me develop a deeper understanding of my own career goals. School prepares you with the facts, but a legal aid internship shows you the gap between a clean hypothetical and a real client in crisis. As I leave for the summer, I have a better understanding of the barriers low-income individuals face when navigating the justice system, and a profound respect for a team that shows up every single day to do this work.
If you are a law student or pre-law student considering where to spend your summers or
semester, I highly recommend volunteering at Dade Legal Aid. You will be challenged, supported and inspired.”