Dade Legal Aid Leadership Academy receives training on guardian ad litem roles in family court
Over two dozen fellows from the Dade Legal Aid Leadership Academy Class VIII recently participated in a virtual seminar focused on serving as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in family court.
The seminar, titled “How to Serve as a Guardian ad Litem in Family Court,” featured Administrative Judge Samantha Ruiz Cohen of the 11th Circuit Family Division and Jacqueline Valdespino, a board-certified matrimonial and family law attorney. Robert C. Josefsberg, a commercial litigator and pro bono advocate from Podhurst Orseck in Coral Gables, also made a special guest appearance.
The training session provided insights on handling contested custody pro bono cases, preparing fellows to take on the critical role of a GAL in family court.
“Guardian ad Litem work is some of the most rewarding work you will ever do,” said Josefsberg. “Doing Guardian ad Litem work makes you a better lawyer and a better person.”
The Dade Legal Aid Leadership Academy is composed of young lawyers and bar leaders from South Florida committed to professionalism and pro bono legal services. Class VIII fellows include Antonio Bayuelo, Jordan Benatar, Stephanie Cruz, Richard Cruz Blanco, Reunie Faustin, Aimee Garces, Nadine Gedeon, Thomas Graham, Karenin Hache, Andres Hidalgo, Jae Huckaba, Judelande Jeune, Christian Kohlsaat, Elisabeth Magloire, Spencer Mayer, Scott Merl, Leticia Mora, Meagan Nicholson, Emma Refuveille, Sydney Smith, Emmanuella Telfort, and Tanisha Wright.
To accept a pro bono GAL case please contact [email protected].
