The Council for Educational Change brings lawyers together for a good cause
The Council for Educational Change, a statewide nonprofit, has formally launched the Lawyers Alliance to further its mission of strengthening leadership in public schools. Strong leadership leads to vibrant schools and a prepared workforce. On Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 6 PM, South Florida lawyers gathered for a cocktail reception at the offices of the Miami Parking Authority, 40 NW 3rd Street, Suite 1103, Miami. The event was an opportunity for lawyers to learn about the Council’s program to bring lawyers into the classroom for a good cause.
“Since the inception of the Council for Education Change by the late Leonard Miller, lawyers have played an important role in our organization,” said Dr. Elaine Liftin, the Council’s President and Executive Director. “Lawyers have created unique partnerships with school principals, providing mentoring and support on strategic planning, problem solving, team building, innovative thinking and a myriad of other leadership skills required to improve student education.”
The Lawyers Alliance supplies civic and legal education to the classroom. The lawyers’ involvement will help create bridges between students and the legal community, including judges, court officials and law enforcement.
“When legal professionals volunteer their expertise to local schools, they can teach kids about key legal matters that may impact them personally one day,” said Michelle Abbs, Lawyers Alliance Coordinator. “One important way to strengthen our judicial system is to teach students about their rights and duties as law-abiding citizens as they get older.”
Members of the Lawyers Alliance will choose different activities to initiate at a school, including leading a mini lesson, hosting a courthouse visit and conducting a mock trial, among others. Each member of the Alliance will select the engagement style and frequency that accommodates his/her busy schedule. As a group, the members will confer regularly throughout the year on successful programs and future goals.
Some of the law firms that will be represented at the event include Kubicki Draper; Miami STREET Law Program; the Office of the Miami City Attorney; the US Attorney’s Office, Romy Jurado; Berk, Merchant & Sims, PLC; Rudd & Diamond, P.A.; and the Legal Services of Greater Miami. The event is co-hosted by the Dade County Bar Association - Young Lawyers Section.
Photo Credit: Giselle Santalucci
Tara Jackson, Michelle Abbs, Vanessa Snyder
Evan L. White, Stephanie Grosman
Dr. Elaine Liftin, Aubrina Mumford
Tiondre Toomer, Jamal Engram
Amy Melia, Jordan Bellman, Janelle M. Vega
