The University of Miami School of Law and Investor Rights Clinic Director Scott Eichhorn were recently honored at the Florida Legal Awards, held at JW Marriott Marquis, Miami.
Eichhorn was honored with the Unsung Hero Award because of his work this last year helping vulnerable investors and his advocacy to improve the rules governing brokers/dealers. Through his work in the clinic, Eichhorn represents vulnerable investors who have been defrauded by their broker/dealers in securities arbitration and mediation cases before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
The Investor Rights Clinic offers its services free of charge and is the only securities arbitration clinic in Florida providing free assistance to small claim investors.
Eichhorn's clinic celebrated a notable milestone this year, reaching the $1 million mark in client recoveries. In addition to providing legal representation to clients, the clinic has advocated in Washington D.C., conducted financial outreach events throughout South Florida, written comment letters on FINRA rule proposals, and drafted articles regarding the latest financial news impacting investors and securities arbitration. Eichhorn's work advocating for vulnerable investors with small claims often goes unnoticed as the public eye focuses on more high-profile investment fraud cases.
The University of Miami School of Law was also honored with an Environmental, Social, and Governance Impact Award. The category recognizes organizations demonstrating social responsibility through client-focused efforts, pro bono work, charitable drives, special projects, or other avenues.
Miami Law's Human Rights Clinic and Human Rights Program work for the promotion of social and economic justice globally and in the U.S. This past year, Professor Tamar Ezer, director of the program, oversaw the clinic's advocacy with the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on racial injustice in housing and homelessness and maternal health.
The clinic's work entailed collaborating with partners to develop United Nations submissions on racial injustice in homelessness and housing and maternal health care, as well as an advocacy factsheet on housing and homelessness.
"These awards recognize Miami Law's deep commitment to making the world a better place," said Rebecca Sharpless, associate dean for experiential learning. "Professor Eichhorn's work helping vulnerable investors helps to correct the power imbalance between small time investors and their brokers. The ESG award honors the nationally recognized work of our law clinics, particularly in the areas of human rights and criminal justice."
Miami Law alumni also were highlighted, receiving numerous accolades across many of the categories.
AWARDEES:
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: INDIVIDUAL
Corey Gray, J.D.'14
Nikki Lewis Simon J.D.'99
BEST MENTORS
Beatriz Azcuy J.D.'94
Suzanne Driscoll J.D.'89
Michael Ehrenstein J.D.’90
Abbey Kaplan J.D.'75
DISTINGUISHED LEADERS
Suzanne M. Amaducci-Adams J.D.'93
Ardith Bronson J.D.’00
INNOVATORS
Justin Luger J.D.'10
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Melanie Damian J.D.'96
Ronald Kammer J.D.'80
ON THE RISE
Elizabeth M. Hughes J.D.'12
Read more about Miami Law’s clinics.
