FAMU Law Students Intern with Community Legal Services, Expand Access to Justice
ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law students are helping to ensure justice is a reality for those who need it most. As summer interns at Community Legal Services, several students are making a difference for Central Florida individuals and families facing barriers to day-to-day stability, safety, and quality of life.
The students and the departments for their internships are:
- Ga’Kia Baker, Rising 3L | Helpline, Summer 2026
- Hayley Matthews – Rising 3L | Housing Unit, Summer 2026
- Luidzy Gabriel – Rising 2L | Family Law Unit, Summer 2026
- Matthew Harris – Rising 2L | Consumer Law Unit, Summer 2026
- Rebekka Behr – Rising 2L | Litigation Unit, Summer 2026
- Shalaysia Timms – Rising 2L | Litigation Unit, Summer 2026
“Our experiential education program and Community Legal Services have an ongoing and deep collaboration in raising the next generation of social justice lawyers,” said Mark Dorosin, associate professor of law and director, Legal Clinics & Field Placements. “Together, we created a “School-to-Justice Pipeline,” introducing first year students to pro-bono advocacy through our monthly CLS Mobile Helpline project, engaging second- and third-year students more deeply in CLS work though a wide range of externship opportunities, and culminating in several of our graduates starting their legal careers as CLS staff attorneys. Our partnership with CLS exemplifies the College of Law’s commitment to the community and expanding access to justice for underserved communities.”
This collaboration not only strengthens practical legal training, but also directly addresses specific critical community needs.
“Internships with Community Legal Services are opportunities for our students to directly advocate for the traditionally underserved and ensure the rule of law is applied to all fairly,” said Dean Simone Marstiller, FAMU College of Law. “The interns will not only learn the law but also how to tackle critical legal issues that could help transform lives of individuals and families.”
Chief Executive Officer of Community Legal Services, Jeffrey D. Harvey, Esq., said the partnership with FAMU Law is a compelling example of what legal education and legal aid can accomplish through a shared commitment to service.
“Our FAMU interns are not simply observing the work of legal aid,” said Harvey. “They are doing real work, helping individuals and families protect their homes, their income, their rights, and their stability. That experience is essential to building the next generation of lawyers who understand that justice must be accessible and practical for all.”
Community Legal Services is a civil legal-aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice. The organization provides no-cost legal services to Central Floridians who qualify. Services include protecting seniors from unlawful evictions, making sure women and children are safe from violence in their homes, and helping veterans receive financial benefits they have earned and rely on. CLS also works to resolve legal issues related to consumer protection, family law, children and education, housing, life planning documents, Social Security income, Social Security Disability income, Medicaid, and Medicare, and more.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
Sabrina Childress
Media Coordinator
FAMU College of Law
sabrina.childress@famu.edu
