For Jaime Sopher Arnold, her time at Miami Law was impactful. A native of South Florida, she received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and then decided to attend law school. She chose Miami Law because of the Miami Scholars Public Interest Program.
"As a recipient of the Miami Scholars Public Interest Scholarship in 2000, I experienced firsthand the transformative effect of supported service opportunities on students' lives," said Sopher Arnold. "Professors Lonny Rose and Dean Lennon were significant mentors during this time, and the Miami Scholars program made me feel immediately part of a family. Most significantly, HOPE provided me with the opportunity to work with incarcerated HIV patients seeking legal help for medical services. This important worked shaped me."
After graduating from Miami Law, Arnold accepted a position at Holland & Knight, where she practiced for several years. While there, she met her husband, Mark, who was the last Chesterfield Smith associate.
"I was fortunate to have started my career as an intern during Mr. Smith's final years at the firm because I could see firsthand the energy he commanded from those around him," said Sopher Arnold. "Mr. Smith's most memorable saying was 'do good,' reflecting his passionate lifelong commitment to public service and pro bono representation. I was proud to be a part of a firm that encouraged such a commitment."
Now parents to three daughters, the Arnolds remain committed to public service and giving back to organizations that helped shape them.
Their gift to Miami Law will help fund HOPE Fellows for their summer positions in public interest.
"We really believe in the power of education and the positive impact of service," said Sopher Arnold. "What better way to combine these ideals than HOPE."
The HOPE Fellowship Program allows public interest-minded students to create summer dream jobs and work across the globe to effectuate change. To do this, HOPE provides a $5,000 stipend to law students who work in uncompensated public interest jobs over the summer.
"I am confident that my contribution to HOPE will directly impact the lives of deserving students and help them achieve their service goals within the greater Miami community and beyond," said Sopher Arnold. "Mark and I could not think of a better way to 'do good' then to support the next generation of student fellows. I am proud to be a part of the HOPE mission and look forward to hearing about the achievements of the students who benefit from this support."
HOPE is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Since its inception, HOPE has been dedicated to promoting public interest work and social justice through legal education and advocacy. HOPE's mission is to develop students' practical and transferrable lawyering skills while giving back, broaden their understanding of the need for access to justice, and ensure that they connect with like-minded law students, access a network of attorneys and alumni, and explore new areas of law.
“HOPE Summer Fellowships would not be possible without the generosity of donors like Jaime and Mark,” said Marni Lennon, assistant dean of Public Interest & Pro Bono and director, HOPE Public Resource Center. “Thanks to their contributions, students are able to pursue public interest positions and have a meaningful impact in communities near and far.”
Learn more about Miami Law’s HOPE Public Interest Resource Center.
