P.E.E.R. Group

Just five years ago, we formed a neighborhood nonprofit law firm to meet the gaps in our community’s legal needs because when everyone has equitable access to justice, our community is stronger and more resilient. In that time, we’ve handled over 60 cases and campaigns, many of them long-term resilience projects. For the past few years, we have focused on building power and sustainability within communities using the many tools in a community lawyers toolbox, including education, research, advocacy, and direct legal services. Some of the highlights are:

Environmental Justice Program:  P.E.E.R. trained it’s fourth cohort of Environmental Justice Program interns this summer. Undergraduate, graduate, and law student interns work on meaningful projects alongside community partners, using all the tools of community lawyering while gaining strong advocacy skills. Past interns have participated on climate gentrification work, green infrastructure development, zero waste management, and legal cases, performing research, giving public comment, and drafting policy papers or legal documents alongside our clients and partner organizations such as Miami Waterkeeper, Zero Waste Miami, and Hold the Line Coalition. Interns receive stipends to participate in a two-month program. SUPPORT ONE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROGRAM INTERN for a summer--$1500.

General Counsel - Affordable Representation: P.E.E.R. Group provides affordable general counsel services to other nonprofits on a sliding scale basis, often pro bono, to foster economic resiliency and sustainability within local communities. We incorporated nonprofits and represented them in their ongoing corporate governance, human resources, and other legal needs. Our clients include local housing organizations, neighborhood associations, alternative education organization, food justice groups, and indigenous advocates. We are proud to represent groups like Nana’s Restart, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Community Trust, and the Struggle for Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing. SUPPORT ONE GENERAL COUNSEL CLIENT for three months--$500.

Litigate to Empower - Pro bono and low bono representation to individuals: Part of building power in Miami’s community groups means supporting the individuals in those groups. We represent individuals in a wide range of issues on a pro bono and low bono basis to ensure economic resiliency, housing stability, and community sustainability. Cases include resolving landlord/tenant disputes, naturalizations, appeals on unemployment claims, consumer issues, wage theft issues, and environmental permitting. SUPPORT ONE INDIVIDUAL CASE--$250.

Equitable Development: As a member of key coalitions in Miami-Dade County that focus on issues related to resilience, sustainability, and development, we help build sustainable strategies around equity and environment. We are members of the Hold the Line Coalition and Zero Waste Miami Coalition. We also have strong affiliations with community partners, using a transdisciplinary approach to work together on matters of green and natural infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, air pollution, water quality, climate gentrification, and environmental justice. SUPPORT OUR EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT WORK--$100.

Operational Support: Operating a nonprofit law firm comes with its costs. Help keep us operational so we can continue to offer our pro bono and low bono services to nonprofits and vulnerable populations, to build a thriving and healthy environment throughout the greater Miami region. CONTRIBUTE TO GENERAL OPERATIONS--$50.