Individuals filing for bankruptcy can anticipate the challenging legal and emotional struggles ahead. Luckily, Caitlin Wilson and other law students serving in the School of Law’s Eleanor R. Cristol and Judge A. Jay Cristol Bankruptcy Pro Bono Assistance Clinic are there to help.
Law students and faculty with the bankruptcy clinic tackle real cases in federal bankruptcy courts. From being part of adversary proceedings to fighting alongside debtors to discharging student loans, clinic members see where bankruptcy starts and how to advocate for those affected.
“My most memorable experience so far has been meeting with the clients,” Wilson said. “Hearing their stories and what led them to bankruptcy has been very eye-opening and showed me that people file for bankruptcy for unique reasons.”
Driven by a passion for writing and debates, third-year law student Wilson entered Miami Law after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami. After a key business associations class and an internship with Corali Lopez-Castro, J.D. 90, a federal bankruptcy judge in the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, Wilson decided to join the bankruptcy clinic.
Working at the clinic has allowed her to see the law from the debtor's perspective and has helped her decide what she wants her career to be.
“The clinic has helped me solidify my decision to practice bankruptcy law,” Wilson said. “Bankruptcy law pulls from other areas of law all the time, so I'm always learning something new and can't see myself practicing another area of law.”
Students at the clinic receive ongoing support from clinic director Patricia Redmond who is also the President of the American College of Bankruptcy. In addition, clinic coordinator Peter W. Kelly, and mentor attorneys assist students with contested cases and networking opportunities.
Getting connected with future employers at bankruptcy law events like “View from the Bench” and the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Caribbean Conference leaves students feeling confident about their future in bankruptcy law.
Wilson, who grew up in South Florida and is a member of the Hispanic Law Students Association and Miami Law Women, is ready to clerk for a judge or join a bankruptcy firm after graduating.
“UM feels like home,” Wilson said. “Miami Law has such a great alumni base and course offerings.”
Read more about Miami Law’s clinics.
