Florida Justice Institute

Join us in welcoming Kadia Mohammed to the team! Kadia is a rising third-year law student at the University of Miami and is President of the Caribbean Law Students Association. Kadia also interned with the Innocence Project of Florida investigating wrongful conviction claims. Welcome, Kadia!

We're excited to welcome Kourteney Salmon to the FJI team. Kourteney is a rising second-year law student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law. As an undergraduate at FAMU, she also interned with the Innocence Project of Florida. Welcome, Kourteney!

We want to take a moment to recognize Bam Adebayo. Bam was just awarded the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy for his work through the Bam, Books & Brotherhood Foundation. Bam's commitment to community is worth celebrating and it speaks to our shared mission of increasing housing access.

In 2018 Florida voters passed Amendment 4, one of the largest expansions of voting rights in decades. FJI helped craft its language. Now, with mid-decade redistricting reshaping political power across Florida, that voice matters more than ever. Support our work at linkin.bio/fji

FJI mourns the loss of Ruth Shack, a trailblazer for civil rights. Ruth protected residents from housing discrimination and her later work leading The Miami Foundation carried that same commitment to a more just Florida. Our thoughts are with her family and all who carry her work forward.

Thanks to the efforts of the Murphy family, people are now screened for mental health issues early in the custody process. Last year, Cindee Murphy spoke about what the moment meant to her. During May and beyond, we’ll continue to advocate for mental healthcare access.

Today we honor the people who gave their lives in service to this country. Honoring them can mean more than flags and ceremony. It should include ensuring veterans have housing, healthcare, and resources when they need it. The gap between the rhetoric and the reality is where harm can happen.

For the unhoused, the elderly, and people inside prison without AC, heat can be deadly. FJI is in court pushing for better conditions in Florida prisons. Our housing advocacy work fights to make sure no one is forced to face the heat outside without options. Learn more at linkin.bio/fji

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We want to remind everyone that mental healthcare still needs to improve for people inside Florida’s prisons and jails, people without a place to call home, and for people with disabilities. Follow to see us keep pushing for access to mental healthcare.

Happy birthday to FJI paralegal and Pro Bono Manager Bethell Forbes! Learn more about our amazing team and the work they do at FJI.law

A person inside a Florida prison described what sleeping with a CPAP machine feels like in the summer: suffocation instead of rest. This is what people are enduring every summer while FJI is actively fighting to change it. Read the full piece in the FPEP Post at the link in bio.

Elmer Williams spent years in a Florida prison while battling terminal cancer. In 2022, FJI attorney Erica Downs secured his compassionate release. FJI is fighting for others like Elmer, but we need your help to keep doing it. Support our compassionate release work at linkin.bio/fji

We are excited to welcome Dr. Mfon Ekong to our Board of Directors! Dr. Ekong is an academic pediatrician whose career spans healthcare delivery, education, and health policy. Her background aligns directly with the work FJI does every day. Learn more about Dr. Ekong and our board at FJI.law

At our Signature Event, we featured work from students of Exchange for Change, one of our award recipients. “Broken Mirror” was written by Jennifer Sparks, a student in the Exchange for Change program. Learn more about Exchange for Change at exchange-for-change.org

FJI’s Michelle Llosa wrote about FJI’s heat case in the latest issue of the FPEP Post, a publication written by advocates and people inside the prison system. Read the full article in the FPEP Post at the link in bio.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in our community. That includes the incredible women on our team and board who bring their whole selves to this work every day. Learn more about our amazing team at linkin.bio/fji

A recent Miami Times op-ed raises a serious question: who is the city actually being built for? As writer Brittany Williams puts it, “growth without stability is not progress.” Read the full Miami Times piece at linkin.bio/fji

“Judge King gave me my first job out of law school, in large part because of my public interest credentials.” That’s FJI attorney Dante Trevisani remembering Judge James Lawrence King, who passed away at 98. See the full memoriam at linkin.bio/fji

The artwork you see here was created by people on Florida’s death row. Both those executed and those exonerated. We’re grateful for partners who stand alongside us in the work around death penalty reform and help give people a platform for their voice.

Florida's wealth surge is pushing out the people it depends on. Teachers, nurses, and service workers can't afford to stay as median home prices climb to $420,000. That's why FJI fights policies that treat homelessness as a crime instead of a housing problem. Learn more at linkin.bio/fji

Wishing FJI’s Staff Attorney Erica Downs a happy birthday! Learn more about our dedicated team, board, and community at linkin.bio/fji

Hear FJI's Executive Director on why access to opportunity is important for vulnerable communities in Florida. Learn more about our mission and how you can support at linkin.bio/fji

Markenzy Lapointe reminded us what's possible when we understand the system and refuse to accept it as it is. Kathie Klarreich spoke about building bridges where the system builds barriers. FPEP shared what it means to open doors. Follow to see future events and chances to support.

Thank you to Mission Launch for supporting the Bank On 100M Miami Hackathon. The event brought together people from different backgrounds and ages to turn ideas into real solutions. We were honored to support it and connect. Follow to see past and upcoming community events we support.

FJI joined over 100 Miami residents at the We Are United March for Unity. We know that real change requires people willing to show up for each other. That’s what justice looks like in practice. Read more about the march in the Miami Herald at linkin.bio/fji

Thank you to all of the FJI staff and board members who played a part in our signature event. Looking back at photos of the night reminds us how lucky we are to have such a dedicated and hard working team. Learn more about our amazing team and board at linkin.bio/fji

Take April to consider how you can help make more opportunities for equal employment happen. If you run a business, hire someone with a record. If you work somewhere, push your company to change hiring practices. Follow to see more ways to engage and improve our justice system.

Thank you to our sponsors, who made our Signature Event possible along with our Randall Berg Society members. Together our sponsors, attendees, and partners made the event possible and will spark more civil rights work. Learn more about how FJI is fighting for change at linkin.bio/fji

These numbers make it clear that inequality is a problem in Miami-Dade’s justice system. We must confront all of the stages of the system that result in these outcomes. This Second Chance Month, look at the data. Then ask yourself what it would take to change it. See the data at linkin.bio/fji

FJI is marching with We Are United this weekend in Miami, standing alongside our community against hate. This non-partisan event aligns with our mission to increase access to justice for everyone. Learn more about the march and sign up at linkin.bio/fji

Thank you to everyone who helped make our signature event a success. Thanks to you, we will continue to champion for justice and celebrate partners who are doing the same. If you missed it, be sure to follow so you don’t miss the events and opportunities we post about next.

Today is the day! Looking back at last year’s event makes us hopeful and energized for tonight. Thank you to our event sponsors, Randy Berg Society members, and attendees who helped make all of this happen. See how to attend and support our work in other ways at linkin.bio/FJI

Thank you to our board member, Charles Throckmorton for securing an Associate Ticket Package to our Signature Event. Tomorrow we gather in downtown Miami to champion for justice. Tickets are available at fji.law/celebration

TerryAnn Howell and Florida Cares will be at this year’s signature event! This time, handing off the awards to the next changemakers. Last year they were recognized for their work. This year, they’re the ones celebrating the community. Join us April 16th at fji.law/celebration

FJI’s Signature Event brings together the people building and supporting a better justice system in Florida. If you’re a member of the judiciary, your ticket is complimentary. Email outreach@fji.law to secure yours. Visit FJI.law/celebration to attend or sponsor.

Thank you to Holland & Knight LLP for securing a sponsorship package for our upcoming Signature Event. Their commitment to justice and pro bono work makes them an essential partner as we fight for fairness in Florida’s legal system. You can join us on April 16th by visiting FJI.law/celebration

Thank you to Community Justice Project for sponsoring our signature event! CJP supports organizing for racial justice and human rights through innovative legal work, exactly what we need to build a fairer system. You can join our community of advocates on April 16th by visiting FJI.law/celebration

We 7 days out and we still have sponsorship opportunities available for our Signature Event. Your support directly funds our legal fights against policies that criminalize poverty and our advocacy for real housing solutions. Reserve your spot at linkin.bio/fji

We are proud to recognize Kathie Klarreich as an award winner at our upcoming Signature Event. The legal system often works to silence and isolate people in prison. Kathie has pushed back against that harm as the Executive Director of @ex4change. Join us April 16th by visiting linkin.bio/fji

FJI’s Executive Director Michael Langley recently attended the American Bar Association Criminal Justice event. Conversations with legal professionals across the country are essential for sharing strategies to hold the government accountable. Support our work and learn more at linkin.bio/fji

We use National Second Chance Month to recognize organizations making a real impact. FPEP provides educational opportunities and empowers them to make a difference with their words and perspectives. Come meet the staff of FPEP and celebrate their work at our Signature Event on April 16th.

We are excited to have Markenzy Lapointe as the keynote speaker for our 2nd Annual Signature Event. Markenzy’s extensive career gives him a unique and powerful perspective on the courts and how the law impacts our communities. Reserve your tickets today at linkin.bio/fji

As we approach another sweltering summer, our extreme heat case is making headlines once again. Your support makes our work possible, and attending or sponsoring our signature event is one way you can contribute. Visit fji.law/celebration to get tickets and see sponsorship opportunities.

Today is the start of National Second Chance Month. People leaving prison face massive roadblocks to finding a job, renting an apartment, and taking care of their families. FJI is fighting to change that. Share this post so more people know about National Second Chance Month and what it means.

A big thank you to Gelber Schachter & Greenberg, P.A. for joining us as a Partner Sponsor for our 2026 Signature Event. We also want to shoutout to FJI Board Member Shane Grannum for his work in securing this sponsorship. To join us at the signature event, visit FJI.law/celebration

Gabriella Portillo explains why she chose the Florida Justice Institute's internship program. Many students choose our team when looking for experience in public interest and civil rights law. If you're interested in our professional opportunities, connect with us at linkin.bio/fji

We want to take a moment to wish our Litigation Director, Dante Trevisani, a very happy birthday. Dante is a fierce leader and a passionate advocate. He shows unwavering dedication to our work and the people we represent every single day. Drop a comment and help us wish him a fantastic birthday!

Last month, legal experts and advocates gathered at the University of Miami for the inaugural H.T. Smith Symposium on Civil Rights in Florida. We were honored to be a part, it’s events like this that encourage people to stand up, speak up, and fight back. See the full article at linkin.bio/fji

While lawmakers continue to stall on basic protections, people in Florida prisons are suffering in deadly heat. FJI filed a lawsuit regarding conditions at Dade Correctional Institution because we’ve seen how this heat harms people and takes lives. See the full article at linkin.bio/fji

Hear from Paige, one of FJI’s interns, about her background and why she chose to work with us. This is Paige’s second time interning and we’re happy to have her back! Learn more about our internship and professional opportunities at linkin.bio/fji

Happy work anniversary to Erica Downs, one of FJI's senior attorneys. Erica, we are overjoyed to have you back on the team and to be celebrating another year of your relentless advocacy on behalf of our clients! Learn more about our team and the work they do at FJI.law

Thank you to Light After Life for securing an Associate ticket package for our Signature Event. Their work aligns closely with our mission and we're excited to have them in the room as we honor the work of our special guests and discuss the work ahead. Join us on April 16th at FJI.law/celebration

A report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows a massive housing shortage in Florida. We know the crisis is real. We hear it from our clients and community, and studies like this show us the numbers. Support our work for fair housing access at linkin.bio/fji

FJI’s Olivia Joseph, recently attended the Florida Coalition for Higher Education in Prison’s conference. Education is a human right, and we are proud to stand with those fighting to protect it. Follow to see how our team takes the fight beyond the courtroom and into communities.

On International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the women at FJI who turn up every day to fight for justice. They work hard, forcing the legal system to recognize the humanity of the people affected by it. Learn more about our amazing team at linkin.bio/fji

The Florida Justice Institute is guided by an incredible Board of Directors, including women who bring their expertise and passion to the fight for civil rights. Thank you to the women on our board for your vision and dedication. Learn more about FJI’s Board of Directors at linktr.ee/fji.law

We are counting down the days, just six weeks left until our Annual Signature Event. We will have Markenzy Lapointe joining us as the evening’s keynote speaker. We will also be honoring Kathie Klarreich and the Florida Prison Education Project. Get your tickets at linktr.ee/fji.law

FJI went to NSU's Public Interest Law Day to engage with students and share what our organization does. Learn more about our professional opportunities incuding internships, pro bono work, and careers at linktr.ee/fji.law

This Women’s History Month, we are putting the spotlight on the team members right here at the Florida Justice Institute. Throughout this month, we will be sharing conversations with them about what drives their work and advocacy. Follow to see these posts coming soon!

We want to spotlight two of the people who make FJI’s work possible: Mike Langley is always pushing for change and advocating for our organization. Bethell Forbes is behind our pro bono work, connecting attorneys with the people who need them most. Learn more about our team at FJI.law

Thank you to the University of Miami and H.T. Smith for hosting the Civil Rights Symposium last week. We’re so proud of our team and we’re happy to see the community coming together to promote and honor civil rights work.

Today we are celebrating Jessica Pla’s 31st anniversary with the FJI team. Jessica brings dedication and kindness to the office every day. Thank you, Jessica, for over three decades of commitment to this work. Learn more about our staff, board, and community at FJI.law

We are just seven weeks away from our Annual Signature Event on April 16th. It’s going to be a night to connect with the community that makes our work possible. We’ll be honoring the progress we’ve made and looking at the work ahead. Visit FJI.law/celebration to sign up.

It’s been thirteen years since Carly joined the team at the Florida Justice Institute. From day one, Carly has been a pillar for us. Doing this work takes stamina and heart, and Carly brings that every single day. Learn more about our staff and mission at linktr.ee/fji.law

Olivia and Ray visited FIU College of Law to connect with students who want to make a difference. If you want experience in public interest law as a student or professional, visit the link in bio to connect.

St. Johns County will no longer enforce its ban on asking for charity. The county has agreed to stop these arrests permanently and pay damages to those harmed. You can read more about this victory and support at linktr.ee/fji.law

The FJI team is saddened to learn of the passing of Thelma Gibson. Thelma fought for affordable housing so that Black residents wouldn't be pushed out of their own neighborhoods. Our thoughts are with her family and the community she served. See more on Thelma’s legacy at linktr.ee/fji.law

Olivia and Ray visited FIU College of Law to connect with students who want to make a difference. If you want experience in public interest law as a student or professional, visit fji.law/work-with-us to connect.

Michelle and A.J. went to the University of Miami School of Law to connect with students who are looking to build a career in public interest law. It was inspiring to meet so many young people who are excited to help others and do the work. Learn more about our work and opportunities at FJI.law

Register today to make sure you have a spot at tomorrow’s symposium! FJI’s Ray Taseff will be part of the roundtable discussion and Tiffani Lee will be there to accept the Andrew D. Fredman Friend of the Center Award. See details and sign up at linktr.ee/fji.law

We had a great time connecting with students at the Florida State University College of Law Career Fair! Michelle and Laney shared information about FJI's work and how public interest law can be an amazing career path. See how to make fighting for civil rights part of your career at fji.law

We’re proud to see the Florida Justice Institute represented at the Inaugural H.T. Smith Symposium on Civil Rights in Florida during the panel and awards. Wednesday, February 18th at the University of Miami School of Law, Gail D. Serota JD '79 Reading Room. Sign up at linktr.ee/fji.law

Show your love this Valentine’s day by helping the community FJI fights for. Your support means we get to investigate prison conditions, restore ability access, and repeal oppressive housing laws. See the impact we’ve had so far and join the monthly giving program at fji.law/45for45

When essential workers are priced out of housing stability, it proves that the housing crisis is an economic reality, not a personal failure. It’s with your support that we can bring common-sense approaches to housing to the table. See the full Miami Herald article at linktr.ee/fji.law

We are proud to announce Ché Scott as the new Chair of our Board of Directors for the Florida Justice Institute. Ché focuses on transforming our community by investing in our youth. His passion aligns perfectly with FJI’s work. Learn more about FJI's board and the work they do at FJI.law

Great news in our ongoing case alongside the Southern Legal Counsel to stop the panhandling laws in St. Johns County: the ordinance will no longer be enforced! This is a huge win for fighting against laws that punish poverty. See the full press release coming soon on our website FJI.law

Today marks 6 years that Michelle Llosa has been with FJI! Michelle truly embodies FJI's commitment to the community through all of her work and outreach as our Community Engagement Paralegal. Happy anniversary, Michelle! Learn more about the team and their work at FJI.law

We are thrilled to announce Markenzy Lapointe as the keynote speaker for FJI’s 2nd Annual Signature Event. Markenzy brings a deep understanding of the justice system, and we look forward to hearing his insights on April 16th. Save your spot at the Signature Event by heading to linktr.ee/fji.law

A new report shows that fewer than 1% of homes for sale in Miami are affordable for the average family. When housing is this out of reach, it pushes people into poverty and widens wealth gaps. This is why we advocate for laws that make housing affordable. Read the report at linktr.ee/fji.law

Mark your calendars for the night of April 16th. We’re gathering at the historic Miami Women’s Club for FJI’s Annual Signature Event. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the work and the people behind it. Sign up at linktr.ee/fji.law

Housing is the first line of defense during a housing crisis. Despite this fact, the City of Miami just rejected a proposal aimed at curbing housing insecurity. We need policy that prevents displacement at the source. Read the details on this decision at linktr.ee/fji.law

2025 was a year of pushing back and moving forward. Our newly released Impact Report details the hard work and concrete achievements of last year. See exactly what we accomplished together by downloading the report on our home page at FJI.law

This month, we honor pioneers who paved the way for justice. Like Virgil Hawkins, who fought to desegregate Florida's law schools. And Harry and Harriette Moore, who built the groundwork for civil rights advocacy. Keep their memories alive and bring the spirit of advocacy into your work.

To be a civil rights attorney is to choose a path of constant challenge. For the last eight years, Ray Taseff has handled some of our toughest cases with a mix of grace and grit that is rare to find. We are so proud to have you on our team Ray! Learn more about our team at linktr.ee/fji.law

We are happy to welcome Gabriella Portillo to the team. Gabriella is a law student at Florida International University and brings a background in Politics and Media Studies from The Catholic University of America. We look forward to the work she will help us achieve, welcome Gabriella!

Check out the latest episode of the Route to Success podcast at linktr.ee/fji.law In this episode, FJI’s Michael Langley discusses what goes into what drives his work. Watch the full episode to see Michael break down how you can get involved without getting overwhelmed.

FJI's Michael Langley went to FCLAA Hill Days and thanked Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith and Representatives Dianne Hart-Lowman, Robin Bartleman, and Webster Barnaby for their support of the Tristin Murphy Act and criminal justice reform. See how we change laws and minds at linktr.ee/fji.law

It's National Eye Care Month, a time to focus on vision health. But for many people in Florida prisons, access to basic care has been a fight for survival. Our lawsuit against FDC and their medical contractor challenges practices that have denied necessary surgeries. Support at linktr.ee/fji.law

We are very grateful for Michelle's rigorous advocacy and commitment to our clients over the years. As FJI's Community and Engagement Paralegal, Michelle has helped provide so many vulnerable communities with the relief they need. Happy birthday Michelle! Learn more about our team at FJI.law

Thank you for those who attended and supported the Justice and Reentry Forum last week! Expanding our work means showing up in communities across Florida. Together, we highlighted ongoing justice reform and the next steps to see it continue. Learn more by visiting linktr.ee/fji.law

Education opens doors, and the Florida Prison Education Project is making sure those doors are open for everyone. With 88 classes taught to over 1,700 students so far, FPEP is making sure everyone has a fair chance at an advanced education. Learn more about FPEP at cah.ucf.edu/fpep

Kathie Klarreich knows the power of a story. As the Executive Director of Exchange for Change, she is building bridges for people in the prison system. Kathie has spent decades amplifying voices that society tries to silence. Learn more about her transformative work at Exchange-For-Change.org

This year's winner of the Roderick N. Petrey Public Service Award is Kathie Klarreich! This year's winner of the Randall C. Berg, Jr. Social Justice Award is the Florida Prison Education Project! Look out for our next posts highlighting the winners and the amazing work they do in the community.

Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s important we not just appreciate the day off and like a social post. We must continue the work of ensuring legal, social, and economic justice for everyone. See exactly how we strive for this goal and the progress we’ve made at FJI.law

This past Tuesday, FJI presented pro bono work opportunities to Holland & Knight Associates. We thank Holland & Knight for the chance to present to their community and we look forward to continuing to work together in 2026. Learn more about our pro bono opportunities at our website FJI.law

A new article shows Florida has the harshest prison sentences in the US. We want to see our justice system move away from mass incarceration. Join us in discussions like this today at 1pm at the Justice and Reentry Forum, hosted by Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Article link: linktr.ee/fji.law

It's important that people coming home after incarceration have the opportunities and support they need, but this is rarely the case. Join us tomorrow in Tallahassee to discuss these exact issues, including what you and our communities can do about it.

Frederick Murphy responded to Florida AG Uthmeier insisting that Winter Haven enforce the state's camping ban. Murphy countered the statements of the AG by saying public spaces are available for everyone, "regardless of socio-economic status". See the full article at linktr.ee/fji.law

The FJI team would like to extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Miami-Dade bar president, Stuart Weissman. Stuart was a passionate advocate for justice and left a lasting impression on his community, both personally and professionally.