The Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic is a two-semester clinic for 3 credits (2 graded credit classroom component; 1 pass/fail credit). Students work under the supervision of bankruptcy attorneys on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Students enrolled in the Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic represent clients in federal bankruptcy proceedings, as permitted by the Florida Limited Practice Act and the Rules of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The classroom component l examines the legal, social and ethical dimensions of bankruptcy law practice; and include instruction in the necessary legal skills and knowledge involved in federal bankruptcy law practice, such as client interviewing, legal analysis, drafting legal documents, arguing motions, professional responsibility, and various practice issues such as the choice of relief under state law or the Bankruptcy Code, relief from the automatic stay, objections to discharge and dischargeability, and confirmation of a chapter 13 plan. Students also share developments and issues in their cases with other students during the classroom case rounds. A discussion of different cases exposes the other students to issues that may not arise in their cases and involve discussion of ethical concerns and other practice issues. This is a hybrid clinic because the case work will be supervised by different members of the bankruptcy bar rather than full-time clinic faculty. Students will also participate in some bankruptcy bar activities.
- Credits: 3 credits (2 graded/1pass fail)
- Time Commitment: The time commitment averages 11 hours a week, including case work, supervision, and the seminar.
- Recommended: Professional Responsibility, Evidence, and Bankruptcy Law.
- Selection Criteria:
1. Fourth-year part time students and Third-year full time students.
2. Second-year full-time students.
- Certified Legal Intern Certification Required: No, but must have submitted their Florida Bar Application.
Leyza Blanco, Esq.
Director, Clinical Adjunct
305-348-7541
clinicalprogram@fiu.edu
Jaclyn Gonzalez, Esq.
Supervisor, Clinical Adjunct
305-348-7541
clinicalprogram@fiu.edu