Here is a note from one of our new Put Something Back volunteer attorneys:

After I graduated from law school, I wanted to gain some experience. I contacted the Dade County Bar Association Put Something Back Project and signed up to get a case. Jill Nexon Berman was assigned as my mentor.
When the client first contacted me, I realized that I did not have the experience to handle this case, so I called Ms. Berman to see if there was a suggestion that I could give the client without taking the case. Upon contacting Ms. Berman, I found someone that was very encouraging and supportive. During that first conversation, I explained that I did not have any experience. She told me that I would have to do the work, but she encouraged me to take the case. Even when I told her that I had not been to court, she said, “If you want me to go with you and hold your hand I will.” True to her word, when it came time for me to argue the client’s case before the judge she was there. Not only did she help prepare me for my first hearing in front of the judge, but throughout the case she reviewed my work and made it a point to teach me to be a better lawyer. She was only a telephone call or e-mail away. She even opened up her office to me in order to avail me to the best opportunity to learn. She told me that I could use some of her office space to review paperwork and when I was trying to learn how to set up a hearing with the judge, she put me in contact with her staff to learn the proper procedures.

Without her encouragement and support I would not have taken the case nor would the case have been so successful. More importantly, I would not have gained the tremendous amount of experience. I recently read how the Florida Bar discussed having a mentor program for all new attorneys and I realized how important that would be. If all attorneys took the time to mentor their new peers like Ms. Berman, the skill level of the entire legal profession would be raised to new heights and the attention given to their clients would increase.

Ms. Berman has set the standard for other lawyers to follow. It was a pleasure working on this case with her and I look forward to applying the lessons learned in the future.
Thank you,
Darin Rock

To become a mentor please contact PSB@dadelegalaid.org. Mentors are needed in all areas of law: immigration, taxation, probate, bankruptcy, family and child advocacy. Mentors receive pro bono credit for the time involved in the case. Do not hesitate, become a mentor today.