Pro Bono Peer Academy
Pro Bono Peer Academy
What is the Claud B. Nelson Pro Bono Peer Academy?
Our Peer Academy has been designed by volunteers for volunteers to prepare you to effectively represent clients in various areas of the law. Each Academy module will be a discreet area of law. The program consists of live (virtual) training, dedicated mentors, peer email discussion groups, forms, checklists, client interview questions, additional CLE training, practical application of learning through case representation and brief advice and counsel clinics, and networking with judges and other professionals.
Join our Spring 2026 Estate Planning Peer Academy
Are you passionate about the law and committed to ensuring equal access to estate planning while addressing the challenges clients face? Join our Estate Planning Peer Academy and become equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intricate landscape of estate planning effectively.
The Estate Planning Peer Academy is a comprehensive training and mentorship program designed specifically for pro bono attorneys seeking to deepen their understanding of lifecare and estate planning, threshold issues, summary administration, and formal administration with access to justice initiatives. All Peer Academy participants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.
Key Program Components:
- Lifecare and Estate Planning Part 1: Delve into the lifecare and estate plan, including threshold issues, the last will and testament, and other lifecare documents like advance directives and life estate deeds. Participants will walk through the relevant forms, pleadings, and documents and identify the best options for their clients’ specific facts.
- Lifecare and Estate Planning Part 2: Delve into the remaining components of the lifecare and estate plan. Learn about various types of trusts, the role of guardianship in creating the estate plan, and identify common pitfalls and other considerations. The practical components of this training include client interview planning and practice.
- In-person client simulation: Explore strategies for increasing access to estate planning for low-income individuals and families. Discuss innovative approaches to represent clients in a non-adversarial environment of your peers.
Participation Benefits
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for eligible participants.
- CLS provides Peer Academy pro bono attorneys with Malpractice Insurance.
- Access to expert-led training sessions, workshops, and resources covering a wide range of estate planning topics.
- Mentorship opportunities with experienced attorneys specializing in estate planning and advocacy.
- Networking opportunities to connect with peers, estate planning advocates, and community stakeholders.
- Practical skills development through case studies, simulations, and real-world scenarios.
Join the Estate Planning Peer Academy and make a meaningful impact in promoting access to estate planning, equity, and justice for all. Our first live meeting will take place via Zoom Tuesday, January 27th at 5:00 pm and all subsequent meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month for a total of 3 meetings.
Estate Planning Mentors Needed!
If you are an experienced Estate Planning attorney, consider serving as a mentor in our Peer Academy program. As a mentor, you will support one or two participants throughout the course of the Academy. You, as a mentor, will answer questions, review draft documents, and provide practical tips during regular check-ins with your mentees, all while earning earn CLE credits and pro bono hours. You are encouraged to attend or watch the recordings of the live sessions to follow along your mentees and support each stage of the program.
Past Peer Academies:
Housing Law: 2025
Family Law: June 2024 – November 2024
Housing: May 2024 – September 2024
Bankruptcy: August 2023 – February 2024
Estate Planning and Probate: August 2023 – February 2024
Family Law: February 2023 – July 2023
Estate Planning and Probate: February 2023 – July 2023
Bankruptcy (Pilot Program): February 2022 – July 2022
*While the programming is scheduled for 6 months, each case is unique and every court calendar is different. Cases may extend beyond the Peer Academy. CLS is committed to supporting our volunteers until the case has concluded.