Florida State University College of Law students spent five days during the 2014 Spring Break in Immokalee, Fla., assisting migrant farm workers with legal issues.
The Alternative Spring Break program is part of the law school’s Medical-Legal Partnership clinic at the Public Interest Law Center. The program aims to help students understand some of the psychosocial realities and legal challenges that impact health and to help them acquire legal skills. This is the seventh consecutive year students have participated in the program, which is organized by Clinical Professor Wendi Adelson.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our students this enriching program during spring break,” said Dean Don Weidner. “Alternative Spring Break helps our students understand the positive impact they can have in the lives of others.”
Law students were joined by students from Florida State’s College of Medicine during the March 7-11 trip. In addition to providing legal assistance with immigration issues at health fairs and other points of outreach in Immokalee, law students translated for medical students and helped obtained medical information.
“My students had the chance to expand their notions of what it means to be a lawyer, and to use the law as a tool for social justice,” Adelson said. “We returned to Tallasee with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility and enthusiasm for the privilege of studying the law and representing those most in need.”
College of Law students spent their spring break helping migrant workers in Immokalee.
The Alternative Spring Break was just one innovative offering available to College of Law students. Also during spring break, 61 students participated in the school’s Law and Risk Management course. The course, which was conducted by law alumnus Fred Karlinsky, allowed students to earn credit while examining the role that insurance plays in handling risk. Numerous national and statewide experts and leaders spoke to students during the course.