Founded in 1997, the Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit voluntary bar association based in Florida. Our members include a diverse group of lawyers, judges, law professors, and law students of Haitian and Haitian-American descent, as well as allies who are committed to advocating for the legal rights and welfare of the Haitian community throughout the United States and abroad. HLA is dedicated to promoting excellence, professionalism, equality, and diversity within the legal profession, while also supporting the broader Haitian-American and other minority communities in Florida.
HLA’s mission is to protect and advance the legal rights of the Haitian community by providing pro-bono legal services in areas such as immigration, family law, civil rights, criminal law, juvenile law, and housing. Through our partnerships with other bar associations, non-profits, and philanthropic organizations, we offer free legal representation to Florida residents facing issues like foreclosure, tenant disputes, and constitutional rights violations. Our outreach efforts also include community seminars and radio appearances to educate residents on how to safeguard their legal rights.
In line with our commitment to fostering diversity within the legal field, HLA has awarded scholarships to deserving law students since our inception. These scholarships are based on academic achievements, community service, financial need, and other criteria. Starting in 2024, we are expanding our scholarship program to include high school and undergraduate students, broadening our impact on future legal professionals. Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation and are granted based on the availability of funds.
We invite donors to support our mission of empowering the Haitian community and promoting justice and equality. Your contribution will help us continue our work of legal advocacy, community education, and expanding opportunities for the next generation of legal professionals.