As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation, a group of attorneys and professors is working to ensure that the communities most affected by these issues receive a fuller measure of justice.
Miami Law's Environmental Justice Clinic is at the forefront of this battle and is now fully staffed with lawyers and an engaged group of law student clinicians.
Director Doug Ruley was recently joined by Precious Makuyana, the newest Mysun Foundation Fellow and lecturer. Makuyana is originally from Zimbabwe and has played a significant role in supporting local community developments. After attaining a J.D., Makuyana became an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida. She was recently awarded an LL.M. degree in environmental law with distinction from Vermont Law School.
At Miami Law, Makuyana focuses on fostering community solutions and deepening relationships with other environmental justice advocates while teaching the tools of community lawyering and advocacy.
“Joining the clinic is such a privilege because of the opportunity to nurture students to flourish while collaborating with a team that is genuinely devoted to transform communities deprived legacies into thriving legacies," said Makuyana.
Galen Daniels joined the clinic team as senior program manager, moving over from the Center for Ethics and Public Service. A graduate of Indiana University, Daniels has a programming, youth services, and employment coaching background. This background includes working as director of youth development at the Christamore House in Indianapolis, Indiana, as a program specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, and as a program coordinator with FIU Embrace at Florida International University.
"I truly appreciate the opportunity to work with the EJC and Miami Law to serve as an environmental justice resource for communities throughout South Florida," he said.
Rounding out the team is Associate Director Abigail Fleming, J.D. '19, who, as a student, was an EJC clinical fellow and, after graduation, returned to the Environmental Justice Clinic as a part-time lecturer and now leads multiple projects and student teams.
"It is an honor to continue the essential work of the EJC," said Fleming. "I am excited to keep working alongside our community partners seeking environmental justice in South Florida."
Fleming's fall semester cases and projects include a Riviera Beach zoning case and an Overtown Parks project in partnership with Urban Health Partners and Catalyst Miami. Makuyana leads the food justice team and works closely with the Everglades Law Center and Miami Waterkeeper on a stormwater campaign. Ruley is shepherding a new project focusing on heat justice and digging into the longstanding Old Smokey case on behalf of residents of West Grove. The staff are also developing a five-year strategy and plan to guide the Clinic into the future.
"With our outstanding staff and students, we look forward to increasing our impact in the communities we serve and contributing even more to Miami Law School," said Ruley.
Read more about Miami Law’s clinics.
