ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law’s Economic Justice Clinic (EJC) is expanding legal access for underserved communities in Central Florida, providing essential pro bono transactional legal services such as estate planning, business law assistance, and nonprofit formation. Led by dedicated faculty and students, the clinic operates like a law firm, ensuring individuals and small business owners receive the legal guidance needed to protect their assets and sustain generational wealth.

Recently, the EJC partnered with the Washington Shores Neighborhood Association to host an estate planning workshop to educate community members about the importance of preserving generational wealth. Attorney Andrea Small, a practitioner-in-residence at the FAMU College of Law, emphasized the significance of Heirs’ property—land passed down without a clear legal title—and its impact on financial stability for families.

“With the rapid gentrification happening in many historically Black communities, it is vital that residents understand how to protect their assets and ensure their legacy remains intact,” said Small. “Many people don’t realize the importance of having a will or a power of attorney until it’s too late.”

Held at the City of Orlando’s Dr. James R Smith Neighborhood Center, the event featured more than 50 community members, who engaged in discussions about estate planning and understanding legal documents such as wills, living wills, and powers of attorney. Participants received intake forms to assess their assets and document their wishes regarding property, finances, and healthcare. Those interested were invited to follow up with the Economic Justice Clinic for assistance in formalizing their plans with help from law students, clinic faculty, and volunteer lawyers.

Clay Rivers, immediate past president of the Washington Shores Neighborhood Association, praised the clinic for its dedication and impact.

“On behalf of the Association, I’d like to thank the Economic Justice Clinic for making the Estate Planning Workshop a complete and total success!” said Rivers. “It was a long time coming, but it was more than worth the wait. And everyone raved about how informative and accessible the material was.”

Expanding Legal Services and Community Engagement

The clinic’s broader mission is to bridge the gap between legal services and communities that might not otherwise have access to those resources. Under the leadership of Professor Mark Dorosin, the clinic has expanded its reach to offer legal support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, business owners, and nonprofit organizations.

“Our goal is to create additional opportunities to connect with communities in Central Florida and bring awareness to legal concerns that are often overlooked,” said Small. “By providing these services at no cost, we can empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.”

The clinic also fosters mentorship opportunities for law students committed to community engagement. Economic Justice Fellows work directly with clients, gaining invaluable hands-on experience for future careers in public interest law, pro bono legal services, and community-based social justice advocacy.

Each semester, the EJC Fellows, under faculty supervision, assist clients with business organization and formation, tax exemption application and compliance, regulatory issues, contract drafting and negotiation, employment issues, financing, public policy advocacy, and public outreach. In addition to leading community workshops, students recently supported a Heirs’ Property Symposium hosted by the FAMU Law Review and co-sponsored by BankUnited. The symposium convened law students, legal experts, and community partners to discuss land ownership, generational wealth, and property rights.

Third-year law student Jasmine Harmon, an Economic Justice Clinic Fellow, reflected on her experience participating in the Heirs' Property Symposium workshop.

“I had the privilege of attending the Heirs' Property Symposium workshop alongside Professor Dorosin, Attorney Small, and my fellow Economic Justice Fellows,” said Harmon. “It was the first time I witnessed the Black Letter law I studied in law school come to life and applied in real-time to support community members through pro bono work. The experience was both powerful and humbling, as I helped educate the community on the importance of estate planning while also learning from their personal stories and diverse walks of life.”

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact

The clinic has strengthened partnerships with organizations such as the H.E.L.P. Community Development Corporation, Community Legal Services of Central Florida, and Legal Services of Greater Miami. Through these collaborations, law students provide legal support to Eatonville and Liberty City residents, helping them prevent Heir’s property issues and secure their land rights. This work is funded through a grant from BankUnited, which funds student fellowships and community outreach efforts.

“Our partnerships are essential in expanding our reach and ensuring communities receive the legal support they need,” said Dorosin. “Through collaborative efforts, we can make a lasting impact on individuals and families facing complex legal challenges.”

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

As government policies evolve and funding sources fluctuate, the clinic remains committed to adapting and responding to the needs of minority business owners and financially disadvantaged individuals. Small emphasized the importance of staying informed about policy changes and equipping clients with the resources needed to navigate shifting legal landscapes.

The role of an EJC Fellow is to help navigate these changes and provide the needed support for success.

“By continuing its legal advocacy and community engagement mission, the FAMU Law Economic Justice Clinic ensures that legal empowerment remains accessible to all, making a lasting difference in the lives of Central Florida residents,” said Cecil Howard, interim dean at the FAMU College of Law.

How to Seek Assistance

The Economic Justice Clinic serves individuals and business owners who cannot afford traditional legal counsel. Those interested in receiving assistance can contact Professor Mark Dorosin at (407) 245-4000 or email the clinic at col-legalclinic@famu.edu for further information.

Back to Stories