Lawyers To The Rescue Blog

The first day interning for Lawyer's to the Rescue was, to say the least, an amazing experience. Being 14 years-old and having a summer internship like this? I feel so lucky and I've just started. Today, I got to know my boss, Spencer M. Aronfeld, and other co-workers, I felt welcomed and they are all such a great group of people.

Today I attended my first-ever lunch meeting. During today's meeting, some of the upcoming Lawyer's to the Rescue events, including the Public Service Academy events were discussed. I am proud to now be a part of the Lawyer's to the Rescue team, and to see that people around the world are receiving help who would otherwise not receive any. It feels nice knowing that I work for an organization that raises funds for those who need it, volunteers, defends victims, and does so much more around the world to help others. I look forward to people of all walks of life and will write about by experience this summer.

On Thursday evening, April 18, 2013, Lawyers to the Rescue hosted its second HEART (Homeless Education Advocacy Resource Training) seminar at Camillus House, featuring topics in Family Law. Every other month, Lawyers to the Rescue features free educational seminars given by South Florida attorneys, who volunteer their time in an effort to raise awareness and educate the indigent community about our laws and the legal system.

Previously, Miami Criminal Attorney Scott Kotler held a seminar on Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records. This month, Miami Family Law Attorney Jessica Laleh covered the topic of Simplified Dissolutions of Marriage, and Family Law Attorney Nancy Adkins of Broward County discussed issues pertaining to Parental Responsibility, Time-Sharing and Child Support. The seminar was a huge success, and the attorneys held a question and answer session afterward.

Lawyers to the Rescue will continue to host the HEART seminars at Camillus House, with the next session being scheduled for June 18, 2013 at 7pm, featuring the topic of Immigration Law.

Last week I was speaking with a family friend about my desire to attend law school. She mentioned to me an organization called "Lawyers to the Rescue". Interested, I did a quick Google search, found the website, and called Dina Aronfeld. She called me back and informed me of a legal clinic taking place on Saturday at Camillus House.

I arrived at Camillus House at 10:00 A.M. The situation was a bit chaotic until all of the legal clinic participants arrived. Then, as if mandated by some sort of natural law, a type of organization began to emerge almost instantaneously. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle of names being called out and papers being exchanged, it suddenly occurred what was really going on: these attorneys and volunteers were willingly sacrificing their Saturday morning in order to assist people who were in dire need and had no one else to turn to.

After order was established and the majority of the clients were either being helped or were waiting to speak to a specific attorney, I was allowed to sit in with Mr. Scott Kotler. After about three or four cases I told Mr. Kotler that I was surprised at how so little information or explanation could help the clients as much as it did. Mr. Kotler replied with something along the lines of: "We may not be able to give them the answer that they seek, but we can at least point them in the right direction or have them leave the room with some 'peace of mind'". He explained that a lot of the people seeking legal help at Camillus House genuinely sought stability in their lives, but various legal issues posed as obstacles. He stated that helping those with legal problems is not just about "lawyering" or finding direct solutions to problems... it is also about humanity and keeping aware of the fact that these people are human beings with problems just like us. He added that "sometimes they just really need someone to earnestly listen to them for ten minutes". What Mr. Kotler said left a significant impression on me. All of the Lawyers to the Rescue attorneys Chairman and Founder, Spencer Aronfeld, Board of Directors, Scott Kotler, Santiago Cueto, Marco Britt and Jessica Laleh went out of their way to help whoever needed aid.

Participating in the legal clinic was truly a memorable and significant experience for me. The amount of relief I saw in the faces of those being helped, as well as the passion exhibited by the Lawyers to the Rescue attorneys really inspired me to pursue a career in law in order to give back to my community and assist those in need. I would definitely enjoy participating in future legal clinics and I strongly believe that everyone could benefit from this experience.

It is no surprise that it has increasingly become more difficult to get a job. Whether you have impressive credentials or if you are the average Joe trying to make ends meet. Yet, what happens to those people who are of the less fortunate bunch? I am mainly talking about men and women who, unfortunately, have criminal records following their best efforts to seek employment. Although, this may still remain an issue for some, there may be a way for many to "clear" their records, and put themselves in a better position to be employed in Florida. This process is known as Expunging (wiping out your record= clean slate) and or Sealing (closing your record= not allowing anyone to see it except those who have special jurisdiction) your criminal record.

Unfortunately, the process of expunging your records takes a considerable amount of time (about 6 months if processed correctly) and has limited "sure- fire" benefits. In other words, even if you have jumped through all the correct hoops, in the correct order, and have done all the right things... there still may be a chance that your record will still follow you around, putting a burden on your future employment opportunities. This reason is primarily because these records are public. In being public records, private companies have the ability to purchase them, catalog their contents on their databases, and even post your mug shots on their websites. With this being said, these companies do not typically keep these files up to date and can pose a conflict if found while your potential employer performs a background check.

However, with understanding the pitfalls of this process, those who meet certain criteria (those who have one offense on their record that does not interfere with any caveats) may expunge their records and potentially enjoy the comfort of not indicating that they had previously been convicted when applying for a job.

What Lawyers to the Rescue has done (and will continue to do), after having gotten wind of this increasing problem, is hold seminars in the community to provide legal advice to those who have any inquiries about the expunging process and if it will be possible to clear their records! Our latest seminar took place at The Camillus House, another non-for profit humanitarian organization that provides assistance to several homeless men, women, and children in South Florida, and proved to be a success. We are proud to call The Camillus House a friend of Lawyers to the Rescue and will continue to help our community as best we can! We would also like to thank Mr. Scott Kotler, a member of Lawyers To the Rescue's board of directors, who took time out of his busy schedule to explain this process and encourage us to continue spreading the word about this LTR initiative!

Here is a helpful guide if you have any immediate inquiries about qualifying for record expunction or sealing:
http://www.pdmiami.com/faqs_seal_and_expunge.pdf

This link is in no way legal advice, simply a basic overview. If you have any questions about the process or where/when our next seminar will be taking place, please do not hesitate to contact us!

A divorce is usually a tough moment to go through as a kid and as a parent. As a part when you've managed to recover from it you'll be naturally looking into other people to start a new relationship. Of course when your kid will come to meet your new friend of partner it might remind him of previous emotions.

The way a child will react when presenting him your new partner can be very random. In some cases your child will not accept this new person. He will consider her/him as an intruder who's entering his habits and his family.

In some cases it can get even worse. For kids who saw one of their parents leave the other one; this new relationship will sound to the child as a new separation. This parent didn't use to be there much and now this new relations hip will get things even worst. If this parent left once will he do it twice? Following a divorce it's important that the child has support from both parents. Not doing so can have an impact on his psychology during his teen age.

On the other hand your child can hang on really well with your new partner. This can be very reassuring for you. Child can understand that their parents need someone else to live with. They can also sense when you feel happier when dating a new person.
Be careful though before presenting your new partner to your child. If he gets on well with your new partner it will be hard for him to face another loss especially if this new person is considered as a new parental figure by your child.

When dating a new person you shouldn't immediately present him/her to your kids. Make sure you really want to introduce this person to your child as your new partner. Of course you'll have to talk to your partner about children you already have (sadly enough this can put off a few of them). The other way round you'll have to discuss this matter with your children in order to get them ready to a new person in your life. Don't wait the moment before bringing home your new date. Get them used to the fact that you might meet someone.

Some kids will find it easier to accept, especially older ones who are usually more capable to understand your needs. And we'll be more tolerant to a new person to make you feel happier.

It is important to discuss these kinds of matters as a family. Don't forget to let you ex-partner know about this relationship. It can be very harmful after a divorce to hear about the new relationship of an ex-spouse.

Kid's reaction can never be predicted especially after a divorce where this kind of news can bring up a lot of bad memories and emotions.

A family solicitor can help you can give you some advice about these matters during your divorce

If you want to make a difference in your community, then the best action for lawyers to take is doing community service or pro bono legal work. Lawyers to the Rescue caters to exactly the action of lawyers coming to the rescue and engaging in pro bono legal services as well as doing community service.
The website is www.lawyerstotherescue.org

In this day and age, it is of utmost importance for all of us to do what we can to make our community stronger, better and overall more pleasant. A lawyer who does community service or pro bono legal work is very well received by their community in general. There is a positive outlook on community service, but there is an even greater reward from the community when a lawyer does community service and pro bono legal work. Legal work is such a necessity for all types of people, and unfortunately it is hard for some people to afford the cost of legal services. Lawyers are able to help by donating their legal expertise to the people in their community. This is a great service they can do for themselves that will change their entire outlook on life.

Through the website, www.lawyerstotherescue.org, lawyers can find many resources on how they can help their community. There are areas in which lawyers can donate to a greater cause, including disaster relief and other tragedies that occur in communities across the country. The website also has access to shopping for support, which makes it easy for a lawyer to support their community by buying items to show they are willing to help their community in any way they can. There are t-shirts, mugs, and hats for sale.

One of the best things a lawyer can do is become a member of www.lawyerstotherescue.org. Lawyers can take action by mentoring, donating, and otherwise helping to make their community a better place to live in.

As a Miami personal injury and accident attorney, I am often asked if I am proud to do what I do? It is a valid question in light of disgraceful news regarding a few members of the Florida Bar currently imprisoned. Do a quick internet search and you can find stories about a Florida lawyer arrested for trying to kill girlfriend while wielding a sword and naked. A recently admitted lawyer was just charged with selling sex on the internet. Most of South Florida's lawyers are still feeling the sting over the damage Scott Rothstein and his Ponzi scheme has done to our perception in society.

The not-for-profit organization, Lawyers to the Rescue has decided to do something about lawyers' reputations. On February 28, 2012, Lawyers to the Rescue will showcase several of South Florida's Best Lawyers at its First Annual Award for Public Service. These individuals have set the standard for their commitment to justice.

Amongst the honorees is Bennett Brummer, the former Miami-Dade Public Defender who will receive a "Lifetime Achievement Award" for his nearly fifty years of service to Miami's legal community. Current State Attorney, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, will receive the "Lawyer of the Year Award" for her decades of service to the office of the State Attorney. Miami Dade County Judge, Scott Bernstein, will be honored for his service as the "Jurist of the Year." John Kozyak will receive the "Humanitarian of the Year." Jessica Laleh has only been a lawyer for a short time but will be recognized as the Young Lawyer of the Year and Domenick Lazzara a third year St. Thomas University School of Law will be recognized as the "Law Student of the Year."

Florida's lawyers are worthy of our appreciation. I am proud and grateful to have these outstanding advocates in our community.

Happy New Year!

I'd like to take this time to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year! As 2012 has begun, you should take this opportunity to see this year as the year of new opportunities, and new beginnings! The older we get and the more time passes by, the more concerned we are with self improvement. What better way to start off the year by fulfilling your New Year's Resolution of becoming a better citizen by engaging yourself within your community. Lawyers to the Rescue (LTTR) is always seeking pro-bono attorney volunteers to assist in our Legal Clinics the third Saturday of every month. At the clinic we help the homeless obtain the legal assistance they could not get elsewhere. The service our clients receive can be life changing, like it was for Ms. Amat-Martinez last December. Imagine being able to change someone's life through LTTR?

Now, everyone's New Year's Resolutions are different, but there is one thing they all have in common: the pursuit of life-changing self improvement methods to live a healthier and happier life-- free of stress and toxicity. There is something about giving back to others that makes these feelings possible, and I encourage you to take some time out of your busy schedule every once in a while to give back to the less fortunate. A sense of peace and fulfillment will overwhelm you.

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

I'd like to end this blog with a very beautiful, inspirational quote I found:
""Look well to this day, for it is life, the very life of life. In it lies all the realities and verities of existence: the bliss of growth, the glory of action, splendor of beauty. For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow only a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day, for it and it alone is life! Such is the salutation of the dawn." - Sanskrit Proverb

hQuote Link

I am practicing a motorcycle accident injury lawyer in Florida for over twenty years and I was less than thrilled to see that the USA Network recently announced their show, "Suits," will be returning next summer with all new episodes. The show centers around the offensive and idiotic premise that a high-powered lawyer named Harvey Spector decides to forgo hiring Ivy League law graduates in favor of a high school dropout con artist, Mike Ross, with the hopes of passing him off as his protege and associate.

Apparently Ross has super-human memory and is able to work at all hours of the night and day. That seems to be enough for Spector who misrepresents to his partners, judges, opposing counsel and clients that Ross is a licensed attorney.
The show is nothing more than frightening and dangerous to our system of justice. The reputation of lawyers has been rocked by scandal after scandal as former prominent members of the Bar, especially here in Florida, are currently behind bars for one thing or another. It undermines our credibility with juries who are already distrusting of lawyers and think that they are often playing by their own rules, manipulating juries with fancy suits and ten-dollar words.

Clients who watch this show also may come to question what their lawyers' true motivations are--since Harvey and Company stop at nothing to obtain the desired result, including practicing law without a license, lying, breaking and entering, and destroying evidence.

I wrote my book, "Make It Your Own Law Firm," because I wanted to provide law students a step-by-step guide on how to become a real lawyer. "Suits" provides a dangerous alternative by suggesting all one has to do is to buy a peak-label double-breasted Tom Ford suit and slick you hair back. The practice of law is difficult, time consuming and stressful. The rewards we find are in helping those in need after being involved in a Florida catastrophic accident or from the negligence of a careless doctor or hospital.

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Since the founding of Lawyers to the Rescue, many Honorable South Florida volunteer Attorneys have successfully put the organization's missions into action. Lawyers to the Rescue's legal clinics for the homeless at Camillus House have helped the homeless receive legal assistance that they would not have been able to receive elsewhere. Most recently, one of Lawyers to the Rescue's Board of Directors and volunteer attorneys, the admirable Criminal Law Attorney Scott F. Kotler, used his expertise to aid a South Florida homeless woman to obtain almost $6000.00 recovered from the Florida Department of Revenue. The client was Ms. Christina Amat-Martinez, a Cuban refugee who has been living in various shelters around South Florida since the passing of her husband. She had reached out to Scott Kotler during one of Lawyers to the Rescue's legal clinics at Camillus House in downtown Miami. Scott Kotler, along with his legal assistant, Katherine Boyle, worked vigorously with state officials to make sure Ms. Amat-Martinez case was successful.

Kotler expressed, "As Ms. Amat-Martinez walked into the clinic, something struck me about her. She came in with an optimistic smile and a heart full of hope." Through the screening, Kotler found out that Ms. Amat-Martinez had migrated from Cuba over thirty years ago with her husband, fleeing their oppressive government. Her husband worked in construction while she took care of the house for twenty- five years. Unfortunately, after the passing of her husband who had left her little money, she soon found herself homeless and out on the street. She believed there was some unclaimed money lost during the process of her husband's passing, and reached out to Kotler for assistance in getting it back. "At first thought, this mission was short of impossible. We had nothing to go on to find her missing claim." Kotler had trouble finding Ms. Amat-Martinez's information, but through some in depth investigation, he and his legal assistant, Katherine Boyle, were able to locate information about her claim and found $6000.00 being held by the State. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Amat-Martinez, with Kotler's help, was able to sign some paperwork and clear some legal hurdles. The check was sent to his office and was presented to her at Mr. Kotler's office.

"Ms. Amat-Martinez was very poised and well kept. This wasn't a person who was out on the street due to mental illness or drug addiction. This was a woman who was just down on her luck. What's so great about her story is here is this woman who's homeless through no fault off her own; she held onto the last bit of hope she had and through some miracle knew she could allocate the funds back into her hands." From the beginning, Kotler knew there was something unique about this woman and her case. He rolled up his sleeves and took the initiative to change this womans' life forever.

We are so grateful to have such an honorable attorney volunteering for Lawyers to the Rescue Kotler has been able to help people not only through his work as an attorney, but through his work as a responsible, honorable citizen giving back to his community in a volunteer capacity. After hitting rock bottom, we hope Ms. Amat-Martinez is able to put her struggles behind her and seek brighter days.

Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to join Scott Kotler, Don Wilson and Spencer Aronfeld at their monthly visit to Camillus House in Downtown Miami. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but my experience that day was definitely worthwhile.

Walking into Camillus house I felt the energy radiating from everyone inside. Everybody was so positive, greeting me with a smile and thanking me for volunteering alongside Lawyers to the Rescue. Many of the staff members continuously expressed their appreciation for what Lawyers to the Rescue has done for them, re assuring me that these people really need all the help they can possibly get.

I was shadowing Scott Kotler, a very enthusiastic, and well-spoken gentleman. Scott explained to me better than any professor ever has, every dimension of each case we saw. I could not be more grateful for his teachings and words of advice I received throughout the day. It was so great to see people willing to set aside some time for their day to give back to their communities.

I was especially blown away by the misconception I had of homeless people in the streets. I always wondered, why don't they go out there and get a job? But the truth is, most of these people have unsettled issues they need help with in order to attain a job and pursue a better life. Thanks to Lawyers to the Rescue, they have something to look forward to.

I am so glad to have been a part of this event, and am looking forward to the Legal Clinics in the future

I remember my first flight like it was yesterday. The bright yellow rays of the sun blinding my eyes, the fight against gravity raising my tiny body above my seat. I had not a clue that I was being taken away from my paradigm of reality, shifted into a new world. The Third World.

The landing was rough. Rocks flew directly onto the airplane windows like hail and orange dirt left an imprint on my site. Nicaragua did not have much maintenance or upgrading done to the infrastructure at their airport. I was picked up by some aunts and uncles I was meeting for the first time. We drove out of the airport, into the streets of good old grief. At 7 years old, I was astonished by what I was seeing. Children my age were walking around barefoot, stepping on broken glass and old cigarette filters, clothing torn to pieces as if they'd been attacked by an animal, and their faces smeared in a mixture of sweat and dirt. At such a tender age, I was not able to fully grasp what was going on or where I was. I thought maybe it was just another world, a fake world, like the opposite of Disney maybe. But the more time I spent there, the more I realized, that sadly, this was REAL.

The older I got, the more curious I grew. I would constantly ask myself "how is this real? Why is this happening? Who did this? How can I change this?". As crazy as this may sound, but at that age, I somehow knew there was something greater I could do to change this issue. I need to thank my parents for this experience, for without it I don't know what I'd be doing with my life right now. I am pursuing law school to study International Law, as I feel strongly about helping unfortunate children and their families come out of their impoverished conditions. Every human being in this world is entitled to their basic rights; the right to food, to shelter, to health care and education, the right to pursuit a better, and happy life. I want to help make this happen for those children I saw starving and begging in the streets.

My experience traveling abroad has truly shaped the way I view the world, the way I eat, the way I purchase products, down to the way I philosophize on a daily basis. These experiences at such a tender age are those that truly change your life forever. Every journey I have encountered has left a huge imprint on my heart, mind and soul. I am grateful for my experiences with my parents abroad, and would like to encourage everyone to travel when you have the appropriate time and resources. Expose your children, expose YOURSELF to another world, and I promise you will learn and grow so much more as a person, as a human being, as a citizen of the world.

I am not an attorney, scientist, teacher, architect, or of any professional association. I am just a passionately curious single mom with helping hands, and great friends. So When Lawyers to the Rescue - posted the Legal Clinic. I called Mrs. Aronfeld and said she could count on me. I thought I would support LTR, with my presence. So this Saturday I showed up.

MIND YOU THIS IS NOT JUST FOR THE LAW STUDENTS: IT IS FOR ALL STUDENTS; IN FACT, THIS IS FOR EVERYONE.

I was born and raised in Miami so Camillus House is familiar to me. However, I had never been there. The experience was awesome and powerful. There are no words that describe what I felt; but, I can only tell you that I understand Mother Teresa's lifelong mission to help the poor and the sick. There is something to be said about being with the broken that brands your own heart. Remember, the poor are victims of injustice and oppression. The poor and the sick do not have access to the resources of the rich. The difference in the world between people is what we own, and don't own. This is one of reasons - I support Lawyers to the Rescue, they are the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.

I have the utmost respect for attorneys, especially those going above and beyond the call of duty. Lawyers to the Rescue, does just that. They are not looking to see if the client can pay, but how they can help.

I remember during my family gatherings that my mother's favorite conversation starter was, "without attorneys where would 'We the people' of this great land be?" She left us to ponder; the pondering paid off. There are seven attorneys in my family specializing from A to Z--some practicing law right here in Miami. For my mother that conversation piece was very simple. In a communist country, like Cuba, there is no need for attorneys. (Get her drift?!!!!!) I wonder today, if mother's conversation piece during my family gatherings was done on purpose.

I will definitely be the next conversation piece at the Camillus House. See you there. Thank you Lawyers to the Rescue for Helping those who can't help themselves.

YOLI VIZCARRA A WORKING SINGLE MOM OF TWO.

Saint Thomas University School of Law Student, Domenick Lazzara describes his experience at the legal clinic:

"This weekend I had the opportunity to work with Lawyers to the Rescue at the Camillus House in Miami, Florida. While I had been invited many times by Mr. Aronfeld, I always had a prior-commitment. I can now say that the experience was well worth the wait. It is difficult to find the words to summarize how rewarding it is to use God's blessings for the good of others. This included helping a family law attorney counsel a recovering addict in his quest to gain paternity of his daughter, serving food and water to the hungry and underprivileged, and offering an endless amount of smiles.

The most surprising aspect of this experience was the gratefulness of the people I served. It changed my traditional stereotypes of the homeless man "bothering" me on the corner asking for change. And more importantly, experiencing this in the company of successful attorneys was important for me to see. As a third year law student, it is encouraging to know that there are those amongst my soon to be profession that generally care about the world and the lawyer's invaluable place in it. Thank you for the experience, I look forward to the next gathering.

(From the right to left Seth Goodstein, Alice Férot , Domenick Lazzara and a new Florida International Student volunteer at the legal clinic orientation.)

{Attorney Huda Ajlani Macri with Domenick Lazzara meeting with one of the clients at Camillus House)

(Domenick Lazzara and Attorney Pelayo Duran setting up the cafeteria dinner tables while discussing legal issues facing some of the clients at Camillus House's)

Seth Goodstein, a third year law student at Saint Thomas University School of Law wrote the following regarding his visit to Camillus House:

"I am a third year student at Saint Thomas University School of Law. Within moments of arriving at the Lawyers to the Rescue event at Camillus House, I began screening individuals seeking legal assistance and observing counseling sessions. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to partake in this event. Exposure to extremely competent professionals with such high levels of dedication to community outreach both inspires and provides valuable perspective to the study and commercial practice of law. As well, this event greatly and invaluably enhanced legal common sense by exposing participants to an onslaught of varied legal problems and questions."

(Criminal Law Attorney Scott Kotler talking with Seth Goodstein at the Legal Clinic)

(Member of Lawyers to the Rescue volunteering at Camillus House Cafeteria)

On July 30, 2011, Lawyers to the Rescue sponsored its "Lend a Hand to Help a Paw" event with the Humane Society of Greater Miami. This was LTR's first furry encounter and it was wild! Volunteers walked and played with the shelter's dogs. Miami attorneys Marco Britt and Jessica Laleh played fetch with their new furry friends, while attorneys P.J. Mitchell and Katty Julca helped walk and socialize the pooches. LTR member Theresa Cavanaugh showed her support and love for animals by coming from Palm Beach county to participate and help walk and care for the dogs.

Members of LTR donated over 80 pounds of kitty litter, cat food, puppy milk, collars, bowls, shampoo, bleach, towels, and other items from the Humane Society's wishlist. "The event was a great success," said Ms. Laleh. "This was my first time volunteering at a shelter and I plan on returning next weekend to help out. The experience was both rewarding and humbling."

The crew witnessed some very happy adoptions, however, plenty of pets are still looking for a good home. Donations are always needed and supplies are low. Please visit www.humanesocietymiami.org to donate items or to rescue your next best friend. Watch our calendar for future events with local animal shelters and please remember to spay or neuter your pet!