Participating law students work directly with clients on cases involving powers of attorney, healthcare surrogates, and living wills. Students also assist clients in any of the main clinic topics through advice workshops hosted throughout the greater Leon County area. Outside of the classroom, students develop outreach programs to educate the elder community on their rights and options as they age. Students also engage in legislative advocacy by working directly with local stakeholders and policy leaders.
Participating students:
► Learn substantive elder law.
► Build skills fundamental to the practice of law.
► Directly represent community members.
► Host community know-your-rights presentations and educational workshops.
► Submit policy comments and legislative proposals.
► Draft, disseminate, and present outreach materials.
► Meet with members of the Florida Legislature, the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, AARP of Florida, local elder law attorneys, and other policy leaders.
► Implement best practices in client-centered, trauma-informed lawyering.
The clinic is committed to experiential learning: the fusion of theory and practice. Students learn by doing, through weekly dialogue with peers and faculty members about cases, critical observations of the performance of various legal professionals, direct visceral exposure to elder law issues, and in-depth interaction with clients and their communities.
“I am immensely excited to join FSU’s new Elder Law Clinic during my last semester of law school. Coming into law school, I hoped I would be able to explore and make a real impact in an area of law that I am truly passionate about. I am thrilled that the Elder Law Clinic will allow me to work directly with older adults in need, engage in community outreach events, and understand policy issues to make a real impact in the community. I look forward to learning more about elder law and developing crucial legal skills under the guidance of Professor Nathan.”
-Priya Geer, 3L
