For more than 50 years, Lake Carmen has been a cherished natural resource for the residents of the Little River community in Miami, offering them a sanctuary for recreation, stewardship, and connection to nature.
But now, a developer is encroaching on the lake, installing gates and attempting to fill in parts of it, threatening to deprive the community of their right to enjoy and care for the lake. In September, the developer sued residents in state court, falsely alleging that residents had waived their rights to the use and enjoyment of the lake.
In response, Lake Carmen joined forces with the Environmental Justice Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law to protect their rights and prevent further development. The clinic held a community meeting where residents organized a strategy, unified in the determination to defend their lake.
Law students in the clinic, Kamari Finkler and Maxx Schoenblatt, support clinic attorneys who represent Lake Carmen residents. Students draft motions and discovery requests, conduct fact investigations, and advocate for clients during the legal processes. Most importantly, they engage with the community and gain invaluable professional experience in the process.
"I've really appreciated the opportunity to be able to stand up for residents of a community in my hometown and protect their rights to enjoy the lake. I am looking forward to being able to connect with them and work towards ensuring their voices are heard in the face of this challenge,” said Schoenblatt, second-year law student.
The students and clinic staff recently visited Lake Carmen to assess the impact of ongoing developments and deepen the connection with the community. During the visit, residents offered insights to the importance of Lake Carmen to their community, further igniting students to seek justice.
“Working with the residents of Lake Carmen has been both fulfilling and informative. Learning about the history of the area brings about a sense of obligation to do all we can to ensure the lake is preserved through legal advocacy,” said Finkler, third-year law student.
The clinic has filed a motion to dismiss the developer’s case and is now working to gather additional evidence through discovery.
“In the clinic, students receive first-hand experience litigating cases. Whether through motion practice or interviewing clients, students gain the training they need to become strong advocates in the fight for environmental justice,” said Doug Ruley, the clinic's director.
Click here to learn more about the Environmental Justice Clinic.
