Meister Seelig & Fein’s Post

Happy 50th anniversary to the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the federal agency that funds my former employer, Philadelphia Legal Assistance and civil legal aid agencies in every county in the United States! Pleased to see the Biden administration embracing legal aid. Given that we do not have an established judicially guaranteed individual right to legal representation in civil cases (the Civil Gideon – named for the Supreme Court case that enshrined the right to a lawyer in criminal cases – movement is trying to change this), that’s where LSC comes in to fill the gap. Thanks to LSC-funded agencies across the country, legal aid professionals have helped low-income folks in cases involving family law, consumer protection, housing, and of course, taxes, among other areas. Since 1981, LSC has faced some political opposition – with severe and still-reverberating defunding in the 1980s and significant funding restrictions since the 1990s. But in recent years, broad pushback, against yet another political threat to its existence in 2017, helped boost funding to its highest ever real dollar amount today. Nevertheless, there still is a significant shortfall as the vast majority of the legal needs of the poor are unmet. It is incumbent upon legal professionals to meet those needs so we can have a more just society.

I couldn’t be prouder of my sister, Pamela Flores Gonzaga, Esq. (she/her), who just took one of the biggest steps in her career: starting her own law firm, Flores Gonzaga Law, PLLC. If you know Pam, you know she’s never done anything halfway. From studying political science at FIU to excelling in law school on the Trial Team, and then completing her Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University, she’s worked tirelessly to become the attorney she is today. But what sets her apart isn’t just her education or experience—it’s her heart. For years, Pamela has been a relentless advocate for those who needed a voice, especially during her time with Legal Services of Greater Miami. She saw clients as real people with real stories, not just cases. Now, she’s bringing that same commitment to her own firm, creating a space where every client will feel truly heard, respected, and defended. Starting a law firm isn’t easy. It takes courage, grit, and a vision for something bigger than yourself. Pam has all of that, and I’m beyond excited to see her put it into action. If you’re in Miami and need someone who genuinely cares about justice, someone who will fight for you, Flores Gonzaga Law is where you’ll find it. Here’s to all the lives you’re going to change, one client at a time. #FloresGonzagaLaw #ProudSibling #MiamiLaw #AdvocateForJustice

Embarking on a journey through law school and into the legal profession is a commendable pursuit, replete with its own set of challenges and victories. For Black students and attorneys, the path may present distinct hurdles and unique experiences, which we explore here, along with strategies to surmount these challenges. See more: https://lnkd.in/g6ws45nD #losangeleslawyer #Losangelesattorney #lawyerlosangeles #lawyerattorney #prelaw #lawstudent #USCalumni #blackwomanlawyer #beverlyhillslawyer #personalinjury #criminallaw #familylaw #sandiegolawyer

Ready to ace the bar exam and kickstart your legal career? Our Scholarship & Leadership Program provides the resources and support you need to succeed. Join us on the journey to becoming an Esquire! 💼 #BarExamPrep #LegalCareer #JourneyToEsquire

Thanks again to Avana Epperson-Temple and Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association for inviting me to participate in this roundtable discussion, "Work Well: Strategies for Wellness, Balance and Emotional Health." I promised to share takeaways and ones that can be put into immediate action are useful. As you may notice, many of them are mind "actions." Investigating our thoughts and their connection to emotions and behaviors is an essential key that opens the door to wellness and holistic wellbeing. It takes many steps but we may come to find that everything is bound with the mind, including the body which follows the mind. Onto select takeway actions: - Notice your response to challenging emotions and what you do to cope (e.g. breathing, exercising, drinking, shopping, etc.) Tell yourself the truth. - Observe any physical pain that comes up and take steps to address it. The body is a storehouse of memory and pain is information and can be used as an indicator to get to the root of which dimension(s) of holistic wellbeing needs your attention (physical, mental-emotional, spiritual, intellectual, financial/occupational, social, environmental). - Widen your sense of who you really are - your inherent worth is not tied to your job, your income, or any material aspect of life. Find ways to ground feelings of worthiness and enjoyment outside of these dimensions. - All of the above are "practices." Last one, add an integral mind-body-soul practice like yoga-meditation to your life. Practice when times are good so that the benefits of practice rise up when you need them in challenging times. #wellnessatwork #wellness #holisticwellbeing #mindfulness

#GTMiami Associate Ashley Garcia learned the importance of giving back to the community at a young age. As a law student interested in pro bono work, she joined the University of Miami School of Law Innocence Clinic. Now as an attorney at GT, she has the opportunity to continue to nurture her passion for pro bono by working alongside GT attorneys from across the country. Watch more in the latest video in our #VoicesofProBono series: https://buff.ly/3NGK7gi. #GTProbono #GTGives #GTLawCares #GTLawWomen

Spotlighting Our Firm’s Very Own History-Maker: Alia Adkins-Derrick   What is your most notable professional accomplishment/triumph? Serving as the Course Director of the Texas Bar’s 2023 Civil Appellate Practice’s 101 CLE Course. Turns out, I was the first ever Black American, man or women, to ever serve in that role. It’s an honor that still amazes me to this day! I’m so glad that I answered the call of rock star Appellate Attorney Dylan Drummond who believed in my ability to lead.   What is your most rewarding professional achievement?  Making a difference. When I founded Adkins Lawyers, PLLC back in 2015, I did so with one goal in mind: make a difference for firm clients and personnel. For our clients, we do so by providing big firm legal expertise, smart solutions, and a strong legal defense without the big firm price tag. For our firm personnel, we do so by championing a diverse workplace where integrity, mutual respect, and results matter. Nine years in and we have not lost that commitment. It's what makes Adkins Lawyers a great place to work and an even greater firm for clients to partner with. #lawyers  #legal #diversity #integrity #work #TXlaw #TXlawyer #DiversityinLaw #BlackHistoryMonth

Thrilled and honored to be selected as the Distinguished Law Student of the 8th Circuit! It was an incredible experience connecting with esteemed professionals in the bankruptcy field, delving deeper into this complex area of law. Huge thanks to my amazing Deans and professors for assembling an outstanding nomination packet, granting me this invaluable opportunity to attend this conference and expand my knowledge. Looking forward to applying these insights in my future endeavors! #BankruptcyLaw #Gratitude

Check out this Q&A I conducted with Laureen Seeger '86, who's had quite an impressive career and has shown incredibly generous support of future Badger lawyers. Check it out below.

It gives me immense joy to share that my younger daughter, Adya Jha, has completed her LLM from the prestigious Harvard Law School. What could be a prouder moment for us than this! As I share this news, I ask for your blessings and wish her continued success. Harvard Law School Harvard University #proud #harvard #law #education #highereducation