Mentoring the Next Generation of Attorneys

This summer, our legal interns, and fellows played a vital role in expanding CCLA’s ability to serve low-income individuals and families. Through legal research, document drafting, and client interviews, they made meaningful contributions to our work and our clients’ lives.

We enjoyed their energy, fresh ideas (have you seen our TikTok), and commitment to justice. The summer concluded with a memorable mock trial in Judge Stacy Ross’ courtroom at the 17th Judicial Circuit Courthouse, where interns showcased the skills they developed throughout their time with us.

CCLA is proud to support the next generation of public interest attorneys and grateful for the impact they made in helping us advance our mission of delivering high-quality legal services to those who need it most

Thank you to our 2025 Funding Florida Legal Aid (FFLA) Summer Interns Manshaa Babbar and Zachery Rebert, our inaugural E. Lesleigh Varner Summer Fellow, April Feeser, our inaugural Rebecca Lee Knox Summer Fellow, Mia Stevenson, and Sophia Qatash.

CCLA Featured on Talk Justice

Aging With Dignity:

How Legal Services Keep Seniors Safe

August is Get To Know Us Month at CCLA

Watch our Get to Know Us videos, check out our website, and learn about the legal services we provide in the community!

The Family Law & Victims of Crime Unit provides victims of crimes, like domestic violence, elder abuse, and human trafficking, with the holistic legal support they need to secure safety and justice. The Unit plays a crucial role in helping survivors navigate the legal system and protect their rights. CCLA ensures that vulnerable individuals, and their children, receive the protection and resources necessary to rebuild their lives free from fear and harm. CCLA's Family Court Self-Advocacy Program assists pro se litigants with all stages of their family law cases. Located in the Central Broward Courthouse, it is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit's Self-Help Center.

Through CCLA’s Senior Citizen Law Project, residents age 60 and older, and caregivers of seniors, have access to free legal aid to address critical issues related to their safety, security and well-being. We help seniors with civil legal needs such as their housing (foreclosures, landlord-tenant), healthcare, social security, consumer issues, advance directives, scams, and exploitation.

Public benefits are vital to ensure safety and stability by providing individuals with access to the essentials of life, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. CCLA’S EACH Unit (Economic Advocacy and Community Health) provides a safety net, helping vulnerable populations maintain their well-being and dignity during challenging times. By securing these fundamental needs, public benefits empower individuals and families to focus on rebuilding their lives and achieving long-term stability.

GET TO KNOW US

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CCLA In The Community

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida hosted our Second Annual Intern Mock Trial, a highlight of our summer internship program and a meaningful opportunity for professional development. Over the past several weeks, our interns dedicated themselves to learning the ins and outs of trial preparation — from discovery and drafting arguments to reviewing case law and practicing courtroom procedures and presentations. Their hard work culminated in a lively and impressive mock trial that demonstrated not only their legal skills, but also their commitment to zealous advocacy and justice.

Our intern program provides a unique, hands-on experience that helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world legal practice. We are incredibly proud of our interns for the effort and enthusiasm they brought to the mock trial project. We extend our deepest gratitude to Judge Stacy Ross, who generously allowed us to use her courtroom for this special event. Her support helped create a realistic and professional setting which enhanced the learning experience and gave our interns a realistic depiction of life in the courtroom.

CCLA participated in the 10th Annual Collier City Family Fun Day at McNair Park—a vibrant community event that brought together residents, families, and local organizations for a day of celebration, connection, and support. The atmosphere was filled with music, laughter, and activities for all ages, making it a truly special gathering for the Collier City community.

CCLA offered valuable resources as a community partner. We shared information about our free civil legal services and had meaningful conversations with individuals and families who may benefit from legal support in areas such as housing, domestic violence, public benefits, and more. These events are a vital part of our outreach efforts and reflect our ongoing commitment to serving those in need and meeting people where they are.

CCLA joined fellow Broward County service providers for a powerful and thought-provoking panel discussion on community organizations and law enforcement agencies strengthening their collaborations to better support survivors of human trafficking. This important conversation highlighted the critical role that cross-sector partnerships play in ensuring survivors receive comprehensive, trauma-informed care and access to justice. The panel was expertly moderated by Danielle Lennox, Human Trafficking Prosecutor with the Broward State Attorney’s Office, and featured representatives from Broward County's Nancy J. Cotterman Center, the FLITE Center, Legacy of Change, and Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. Each organization brought a unique and valuable perspective to the discussion, offering insight into the challenges survivors face and the services available to help them rebuild their lives.

CCLA's holistic legal services empower survivors and help our clients navigate complex legal systems with dignity and support. Through strong collaboration with community partners and law enforcement, we work to ensure that survivors are met with compassion, protection, and the resources they need to thrive. We assist survivors with their legal needs such as expungements, name changes, injunctions for protection, and victims' rights enforcement.

We are grateful for opportunities like this to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and continue advancing our mission of justice for all — especially for those impacted by exploitation and abuse.

We participated in the Plantation Police Department’s National Night Out, a nationwide initiative that fosters stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Despite the rainy weather, our team showed up with enthusiasm and dedication to connect with residents and share information about our free civil legal services. This annual event provides a valuable opportunity for community members, local organizations, and public safety professionals to come together in the spirit of partnership, safety, and awareness. We were honored to be part of the evening and to support efforts that build trust and collaboration across Broward County. Thank you to the Plantation Police Department for hosting such a meaningful event and to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

CCLA staff are experts in their field and recognize the importance of being on the cutting edge of issues that impact our clients and community.

As an integral part of this community, we look forward to engaging with all community members and providers as the year continues. If you would like CCLA to attend an event, conduct an outreach, or you have a topic you'd like us to address in an episode of Legal Learning on CCLA's Facebook page and YouTube channel, please contact us at: CCLAInfo@legalaid.org.

Check out our Community Outreach page.