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. 

Participation Benefits

Learn or strengthen your knowledge in a new area of law
Receive CLE training, case support, access to experts and peers, and forms and checklists
Gain competency in an area of law to grow your practice
Practical learning experiences with real cases and clients
Get paired with a mentor to support your education and casework
Access to our experienced faculty at live trainings and through regular office hours and listserv
Networking opportunities with judges and other professionals
Recognition at our annual awards and in our monthly newsletter
Certificate of completion recognizing you in the completed area of law
Satisfy your professional pro bono responsibility

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

Join our 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.

Join the Housing Peer Academy and make a meaningful impact in promoting housing stability, equity, and justice for all. Our first live meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 28th at 5pm and all subsequent meetings will be held on the 4th Tuesday of every month for a total of 5 meetings.

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

Join our Family Law Peer Academy!

Our Family Law Peer Academy is designed to take an attorney with little to no experience in family law and prepare them to take a Dissolution of Marriage (DOM) case from start to finish. Participants in the Academy will become familiar with the necessary forms, processes, and rules at play in a DOM case with the support of experienced family law attorneys. Join us for nearly 10 hours of CLE programming, guest speakers and members of the judiciary, and practical case experience over the 6-month program.

Our first live meeting will take place on June 11th at 5pm and all subsequent meetings will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month for a total of 6 meetings.

Family Law Mentors Needed!

If you are an experienced family law 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 module. You will answer questions, review drafted documents, and provide practice tips during regular check-ins with your mentees. 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

Past Peer Academies:

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.