Pro Bono Peer Academy

Pro Bono Peer Academy

What is the Claud B. Nelson Pro Bono Peer Academy? 

Our Peer Academy has been designed by volunteers for volunteers to prepare you to effectively represent clients in various areas of the law. Each Academy module will be a discreet area of law. The program consists of live (virtual) training, dedicated mentors, peer email discussion groups, forms, checklists, client interview questions, additional CLE training, practical application of learning through case representation and brief advice and counsel clinics, and networking with judges and other professionals.  

Join our Spring 2025 Housing Peer Academy

The Claud B. Nelson Pro Bono Peer Academy is a comprehensive training and mentorship program designed specifically for pro bono attorneys seeking to deepen their understanding of landlord-tenant law, subsidized housing, lease agreements and common issues, the Fair Housing Act, foreclosure process and defenses, and affordable housing initiatives. All Peer Academy participants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.

Key Program Components:

  • Landlord-Tenant Law: Explore the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants under state and federal law. Gain insights into eviction procedures, lease termination, habitability issues, and other legal matters pertaining to residential tenancies.
  • Subsidized Housing: Delve into the intricacies of subsidized housing programs, including Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and other government-assisted housing initiatives. Learn about eligibility requirements, lease compliance, and administrative procedures relevant to subsidized housing tenants and landlords.
  • Lease Agreements and Common Issues: Examine the essential elements of lease agreements, including terms, conditions, and clauses. Address common issues such as security deposits, repairs and maintenance, rent increases, and lease violations, with a focus on resolving disputes effectively.
  • Fair Housing Act: Understand the provisions of the Fair Housing Act and its implications for promoting equal housing opportunities and combating discrimination in housing. Learn how to identify and address housing discrimination based on protected characteristics, such as race, color, national origin, disability, and familial status.
  • In-person client simulation: Explore strategies for increasing access to safe and affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Discuss innovative approaches to represent clients in a non-adversarial environment of your peers.

Participation Benefits

  • Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for eligible participants.
  • CLS provides Peer Academy pro bono attorneys with Malpractice Insurance.
  • Access to expert-led training sessions, workshops, and resources covering a wide range of housing law topics.
  • Mentorship opportunities with experienced attorneys specializing in housing law and advocacy.
  • Networking opportunities to connect with peers, housing advocates, and community stakeholders.
  • Practical skills development through case studies, simulations, and real-world scenarios.

Join the Housing Peer Academy and make a meaningful impact in promoting housing stability, equity, and justice for all.

Sign Up Here

What We Ask of You

  • Take a full representation case (assigned during the Academy module) 
  • Attendance at live monthly trainings 
  • Completion of two clinics or brief service engagements during the Academy module 
  • Consistent contact with your client(s) and mentor throughout the Academy module 
  • Return as a mentor for a future Academy module
  • Meetings will be held:
    • Meeting 1 – March 25, 2025 | 5pm
    • Meeting 2 – April 22, 2025 | 5pm
    • Meeting 3 – May 27, 2025 | 5pm
    • Meeting 4 – June 24, 2025 I 5pm
    • Meeting 5 – July 22, 2025 I 5pm

Housing Mentors Needed!

If you are an experienced Housing attorney, consider serving as a mentor in our Peer Academy program. As a mentor, you will support one or two participants throughout the course of the Academy. You will answer questions, review draft documents, and provide practice tips during regular check-ins with your mentees and earn CLE credits. You are encouraged to attend or watch the recordings of the live sessions to understand and support each stage of the program.

Mentor Sign Up Here

Past Peer Academies: 

Family Law: June 2024 – November 2024
Housing: May 2024 – September 2024
Bankruptcy: August 2023 – February 2024
Estate Planning and Probate: August 2023 – February 2024
Family Law: February 2023 – July 2023
Estate Planning and Probate: February 2023 – July 2023
Bankruptcy (Pilot Program): February 2022 – July 2022  

*While the programming is scheduled for 6 months, each case is unique and every court calendar is different. Cases may extend beyond the Peer Academy. CLS is committed to supporting our volunteers until the case has concluded.