Written by: KAYLA GRANAHAN
Clio - a cloud-based legal practice management platform designed to increase efficiency in law firms - partnered with the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center to fund summer public interest fellowships for three law students this past summer.
Clio’s Community Programs Coordinator, Andrea Stevenson, was thrilled to see the collaboration with HOPE take off this summer. “Clio is proud to support the next generation of lawyers with access to public interest initiatives that impact local and national communities,” said Stevenson. “The Clio HOPE Fellowships support students in finding their passion as they shape their careers while aligning with Clio’s mission to transform the practice of law, for good.”
Clio’s support allowed more Miami Law students the opportunity to gain experience working in local, national, and international public sector agencies and creating summer dream jobs in the public interest arena. Clio’s donation funded a HOPE Fellow and two Summer Public Interest Fellows.
The HOPE Fellowship provides a $5,000 stipend to rising 2Ls and 3Ls and the SPIF Program provides a $2,500 stipend to rising 2Ls as well as a tuition waiver for a 3-credit social justice course, making it financially feasible for students from any background to engage in pro bono advocacy. Marni Lennon, Assistant Dean and Director of HOPE said, “It is an honor to partner with Clio to help our students develop their public interest lawyering skills through work at agencies serving marginalized clients and communities.”
Michael Clinch, a current 2L and one of the recipients of the Clio SPIF Fellowship said, “Because of Clio’s sponsorship of a SPIF Fellow, I was able to spend the summer working as a volunteer law clerk to tenants' rights attorneys at Legal Services of Greater Miami. In this role, I assisted attorneys in their efforts to preserve the homes of several subsidized housing clients. The opportunity to engage in this vital experience would not have been possible without Clio’s generous support.”
Clio’s contribution to the betterment of underserved communities is an illustration of their commitment to having a positive impact. Clinch adds, "Corporate support is a cornerstone of public interest efforts. Only a fraction of Miami's residents can afford legal services. Without donors, free legal services cannot be rendered to Miami's most vulnerable communities on a consistent and effective basis.”
Haley Cove, a 3L HOPE Fellowship recipient who spent her summer at the Office of the Public Defender in Colorado, says she is grateful for Clio’s support for public interest. “It is always a good thing when the private sector and public sector connect to leverage resources to deliver much-needed legal services. Technological tools are essential and Clio is leading the way for legal organizations.”
Caroline Herter also received a Clio SPIF Fellowship and had the opportunity to intern at the Broward Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel in Fort Lauderdale. She appreciates Clio for allowing her to do what she loves without the financial hardship that can accompany public interest.
“This summer, Clio made it possible for me to pursue my passion for social justice and give back to the community through an intellectually stimulating position with a local agency,” said Herter. “Thanks to Clio, I didn't have to choose between a paid internship and my dream career in the public interest sector.”
More on HOPE Public Interest Resource Center
More on the HOPE Fellows Program
More on the HOPE Summer Public Interest Fellows Program
About Clio
Clio helps lawyers to organize and take control of their time, simplify their operations, and improve productivity through its many features. Used by 150,000 lawyers in over 90 countries, Clio is the world’s leading cloud-based legal practice management platform.
