Gabriela Alvarez, a second-year law student and Miami native, won a Social Security Disability case for her 58-year-old neurocognitively impaired homeless Haitian client. The client, who lost his wife in 2021, will now be able to move out of the homeless shelter where he has been living for almost a year.
Alvarez, an intern in the Health Rights Clinic, built a compelling case that succeeded on the first application—a remarkable achievement given that over 90% of applications are initially denied. This victory now allows her client access to stable housing, monthly income, and medical insurance, marking a pivotal step toward the client's security and improved health and demonstrating how coordinated legal advocacy can create lasting positive change for vulnerable community members.
Under the supervision of Melissa Swain, acting director of the clinic, and with invaluable support from senior manager Katia Fernandez and legal assistant Destiny Watson, Alvarez collaborated closely with the client's social worker and Haitian-Creole interpreter and various medical professionals, including UM’s own Kristin Lindahl, Ph.D., associate professor and associate clinical director, child division, department of psychology.
"Through their zealous advocacy, law students representing low-income individuals with disabilities become champions of justice, ensuring society's most vulnerable members receive the life-changing support systems and benefits they're legally entitled to but might otherwise never access," said Swain. "Gabriela’s outstanding advocacy secured a crucial victory for her client - demonstrating how one law student's commitment can transform a vulnerable person's life.”
The clinic is a medical-legal partnership with the UM Miller School of Medicine. Students participating in the Health Rights Clinic represent multiple clients in different legal matters related to health. Under the guidance of Swain, clinic students spend the academic year representing low-income patients.
"This experience gave me the chance to jump into a new challenge, quickly learn the key legal issues, and collaborate with people from various specialties to find solutions," said Alvarez. "This case has helped me grow into a more thoughtful and effective advocate."
Read more about Miami Law’s clinics.
