Cuban American Bar Association Pro Bono Legal Services

CABA Pro Legal Services was established by the Cuban American Bar Association's (CABA) Board of Directors in 2007 as a separate 501(c)(3) entity, with eyes set on assisting the poor and disadvantaged community in South Florida by providing them with legal representation in several underserved practice areas. Its office is comprised of seven full-time in-house attorneys, and it connects its clients with over 100 volunteer attorneys yearly who selflessly dedicate their time to assist the most vulnerable members of our community.

CABA Pro Bono Legal Services' practice areas include, but are not limited to, the representation of human trafficking and domestic violence victims, veterans, unaccompanied minors, and people experiencing homelessness in over 1800 cases annually. In 2022, CABA Pro Bono Legal Services provided approximately 20,000 legal hours to its clients.

CABA Pro Bono Legal Services is unique in that it provides holistic services for its clients to help them get back on their feet and reduce the likelihood of victimization once their legal dispute is resolved. This approach goes above and beyond what other organizations provide.

In 2016, the organization began representing a 16-year-old human trafficking victim, SM, in Dependency proceedings as Attorney Ad Litem. Following those proceedings, CABA Pro Bono Legal Services helped enroll her back in school. Now at the age of 20, SM continues to benefit from CABA Pro Bono Legal Services' expertise and pro bono services, which have been essential in supporting her. Most recently, those volunteer attorneys helped her establish eligibility in Florida's Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS) program, which aids former foster youth to receive skills, education and support necessary to become self-sufficient. She recently enrolled in college and is in a position to pursue her new goals thanks to the organizations long-term representation, support and care.

There are thousands of examples of its successes over the years. CABA Pro Bono Legal Services doesn't just take cases; it changes lives.