The Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. has various pro bono opportunities below. If you are interested please contact, Jayme M. Cassidy, Esq., Pro Bono Advocacy Director for the Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc.
GENERAL: CONSUMER & CORPORATE PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY # 1 (18-0474835)
Needs 501 c 3 -Creating Opportunity for Teenage Youth
Long time Overtown community member and educator is seeking legal representation to obtain 501 c 3 status for non-profit organization that will provide community service opportunities and educational programs to underprivileged youth, ages 14-20 years old.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY # 2 (18-0473941)
Corporate Governance And Contracts
An accounting and financial consulting company in the minority based community of Cutler-Bay desires to specialize in providing account and financial support to restaurants. Client seeks legal counsel on corporate governance and a service contract for customers. Legal needs include: 1) Drafting of a Single Member LLC Operating Agreement; 2) Drafting of a Service Contract; 3) Advice/counsel on the application process and potential closing of an SBA loan.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #3 (18-0474508)
Trademark
Aspiring business owner needs Trademark counsel and assistance. Client is a low income female business owner seeks to open a fitness studio for mothers with children aged 0-5 years old. The exercise equipment and space is specifically designed to allow mothers to have children in safe, close proximity during the mother's exercise. The studio space is already secured, and client would like to file a service mark for Brand Name and Logo. Cursory check of USPTO database shows that no registration has been granted for similar name.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #4 (18-0474359)
Creditor Debtor/ Secured Transaction
Opa-Locka company trying to expand business. Client seeks to recover possession of a solid waste disposal truck purchased using personal loans. Truck possession, title and registration was placed into another business entity controlled by client's relative in Central Florida, and business proceeds were intended to cover debt service. No security agreement or lien was ever placed on truck. Business has stopped making debt service payments. Clients looking to understand options to recover possession of truck and operate waste disposal business in Miami-Dade County. Legal needs include: advice and counsel on options to recover truck and assistance with perfecting security interest in truck, if possible, and recovering possession.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY # 5 (18-0473404)
Chapter 7/Debt Collection
Client lives alone. She suffers from severe diabetes and cognitive impairment. Her 43 year old son, who lived with her and supported her financially, was recently killed in a motorcycle accident. Her mother has helped her pay her mortgage, taxes, and insurance but now has stage 4 lung cancer. Client has $50,000 in credit card debt. She has multiple collection cases pending and anticipates more. Seeking an attorney to assist with debt collection regulation and potential Chap. 7 Bankruptcy.
FAMILY
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #6 (18-0474507)
Four Children Desire To Be Adopted
Combat veteran is seeking your assistance to adopt his 4 step children. The veteran's wife (biological mother) was granted 100% legal and physical custody of the children, via a Virginia Court Order. The children, range in ages 12-16. They have not had contact with their biological father for over 6 years, despite family attempts to facilitate a relationship. The children have strongly expressed a desire to be adopted, going so far as to inquire about the time frame for them to be adopted.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #7 (18-0474061)
Disabled Child Needs True Guardian and Disability Benefits
Client is seeking assistance in getting legal custody of her disabled great niece. Client’s sister had a court dependency shelter order from Broward County giving her custody. Client’s sister became sick, and moved in with client bringing the disabled great niece. Client’s sister died and left great niece in client’s care. It has been a year since Client’s sister died. Child’s biological mother has continued to receive the child’s disability benefits. Client is trying to get child into better educational programs and provide assistance but is unable to do so legally. Biological mother has abandoned child.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #8 (18-0474134)
Establishment of Paternity for Veteran Who Wants to be a Father
Navy combat veteran is seeking your assistance with establishment of paternity in Miami Dade County. The mother is seeking full custody with no time sharing. She is not allowing the veteran to see his child. The veteran wants to be a father and be a part of his child's life. Case has been ordered to mediation. This pro bono opportunity is brought to you via the Mission United Project.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY #9 (18-0474063)
Husband Walks Out After 22 Years Of Marriage
Longtime friends and 22 years of marriage, client nurses husband through multiple illnesses. Client hasn’t worked in past few years. She opted for early retirement. She will be 65 in December and her SSD will be reduced to pay for her Medicaid. Husband left her stuck with all the bills and debt. She seeks DOM and alimony. Spanish speaking.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY # 10 (18-0474676) - English - South Dade
The monthly rent is $700.00 for Client's 2 bedroom apartment that she shares with her boyfriend and 4 dogs. Client has lived in the unit for the past 3 years. Client last paid rent in March 2018 due to the conditions of the unit, which include mold, leaks, non working toilets, and a rodent infestation. Client called FL Building Code and an inspection was conducted. The inspector found there to be a violation and required Landlord to repair the plumbing system by July 20, 2018. Landlord filed an eviction complaint against CL seeking $2560 in unpaid rent through June 2018. Client was served with the eviction summons and complaint on July 11, 2018. They have not yet filed an answer or motion to determine rent. They have been advised to do so. Client has been using some of the rent to pay for storage.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY # 11 (18-0474213) - Spanish – Hialeah
Client, wife, and their 5 year old son are renting a 3 B unit since March 2017. Rent is $1,539.00 with year lease agreement. Client failed to pay rent full for June. He and his wife work as professional massage therapists, but since they don't get paid by the hour, sometimes they run short on the rent. When client came to our office, Client only had $ 600.00 towards June's rent and does not have July's. LL alleges 1,735.97, total include full rent for June and $ 43.09 balance for May. Cl states he paid all the rent for May. Client filed a Motion to Determine Rent which is really a motion for extension of time.
