Gabriella "Gabi" Rivera

Current Education: Third-Year Juris Doctor (J.D.) Candidate at the University of Miami School of Law
Specialization: Environmental Law and Public Interest Advocacy

Academic Background

Gabriella Rivera, affectionately known as “Gabi,” was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Growing up in a city renowned for its cultural diversity, vibrant ecosystems, and proximity to fragile natural environments like the Everglades, Gabi developed a strong sense of responsibility toward her community and the planet. Her passion for justice and environmental advocacy was sparked during high school, where she witnessed firsthand the legal and social challenges facing underrepresented communities in South Florida, particularly those affected by environmental degradation.

As a student at Coral Gables Senior High School, Gabi excelled in advanced courses like AP Government and AP Environmental Science. She was a founding member of the school’s Environmental Awareness Club, where she helped organize beach cleanups and educational workshops on climate change. Gabi also participated in her school’s debate team, specializing in policy debate, which honed her research, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.

For her undergraduate studies, Gabi attended the University of Florida, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. She maintained a stellar GPA of 3.91 while immersing herself in internships and extracurriculars that aligned with her interests in law and the environment. Notable coursework included:

• Constitutional Law
• Environmental Policy and Politics
• International Human Rights
• Public Policy Analysis
• Legal Writing and Argumentation

Gabi’s honors thesis focused on the legal implications of rising sea levels in Florida, specifically how climate change disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities. Her undergraduate experiences solidified her desire to pursue a career in law, with a focus on environmental justice and public interest advocacy.

Law School Journey

Now in her third year at the University of Miami School of Law, Gabi has distinguished herself as a passionate and dedicated legal scholar. With a cumulative GPA of 3.85, she has excelled in courses that align with her career goals, such as:

• Environmental Law
• Administrative Law
• Land Use and Zoning Law
• Climate Change Law and Policy
• Immigration Law
• Public Interest Advocacy
• Civil Procedure

Gabi is particularly drawn to the intersection of environmental law and social justice. Her work often focuses on using legal tools to address environmental inequities and protect vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of climate change and pollution.

Skills and Legal Proficiency

Through rigorous academic training, internships, and clinical experience, Gabi has developed a robust set of legal and professional skills:

• Legal Research and Writing: Proficient in using LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law for legal research. Skilled at drafting legal briefs, memos, and motions.
• Case Analysis: Expertise in interpreting statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Advocacy: Strong oral and written advocacy skills, honed through moot court competitions and client counseling.
• Mediation and Negotiation: Experience resolving disputes through mediation techniques, particularly in environmental and housing cases.
• Community Engagement: Adept at building relationships with community organizations and stakeholders to support public interest litigation.
• Languages: Fluent in Spanish, which allows her to serve Miami’s large Spanish-speaking population effectively.

Internships and Professional Experience

Gabi has gained invaluable legal experience through internships and clerkships at organizations dedicated to environmental law and public interest advocacy:

1. Earthjustice (Summer 2023):
   Gabi interned at Earthjustice’s Florida regional office, where she worked on litigation involving clean water protections and challenges to industrial pollution permits. She conducted legal research, drafted memos, and assisted in preparing arguments for a case that sought to block offshore drilling near Florida’s coast.
2. Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office (Fall 2022):
   During her internship at the County Attorney’s Office, Gabi worked on land use and zoning cases, focusing on legal disputes over urban development projects in environmentally sensitive areas. Her research contributed to policy recommendations aimed at balancing development and conservation.
3. Legal Services of Greater Miami (Summer 2022):
   At this nonprofit organization, Gabi provided legal assistance to low-income clients facing housing insecurity due to environmental issues like flooding and mold infestations. She drafted demand letters to landlords, negotiated settlements, and supported litigation efforts.
4. University of Miami Environmental Justice Clinic (Ongoing):
   As a student attorney at the Environmental Justice Clinic, Gabi represents clients in cases involving environmental hazards, community displacement, and climate resilience. Her work includes organizing community workshops, filing legal complaints, and advocating for policy reforms at the local and state levels.

Extracurricular Activities

Gabi is an active member of the law school community, where she contributes to several organizations and initiatives:

• Environmental Law Society (President): Gabi leads the Environmental Law Society, organizing events such as guest lectures, pro bono projects, and networking opportunities for students interested in environmental advocacy.
• Moot Court Board: Gabi has represented the University of Miami in national moot court competitions, earning recognition for her oral advocacy and brief-writing skills.
• Public Interest Law Group: As a board member, Gabi helps coordinate volunteer opportunities and fundraising efforts for students pursuing careers in public interest law.
• Hispanic Law Students Association (HLSA): Gabi actively participates in HLSA events, mentoring first-year law students and promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

Research Projects

Gabi’s academic research reflects her commitment to addressing the pressing legal issues of our time:

1. Legal Strategies for Climate Resilience:
   Gabi co-authored a research paper analyzing legal frameworks for implementing climate adaptation measures in coastal cities. The paper was published in the University of Miami Inter-American Law Review.
2. Environmental Justice in South Florida:
   For her capstone project at the Environmental Justice Clinic, Gabi investigated the impacts of industrial pollution on low-income neighborhoods in Miami-Dade County. Her findings informed a successful advocacy campaign for stricter local environmental regulations.
3. International Climate Agreements:
   Gabi wrote a policy brief examining the enforcement mechanisms of the Paris Agreement, with recommendations for strengthening global accountability.

Personal Projects and Initiatives

Gabi is passionate about combining her legal expertise with grassroots advocacy to drive meaningful change:

• Community Resilience Workshops: Gabi has organized and facilitated workshops to educate Miami residents about their legal rights in the face of climate-related challenges, such as flooding and property damage.
• Pro Bono Legal Guide: Gabi created a Spanish-language guide to help tenants navigate Florida’s landlord-tenant laws, focusing on issues like mold, flooding, and eviction.
• Environmental Advocacy Campaigns: Gabi has worked with local nonprofits to advocate for the restoration of the Everglades and oppose the construction of highways through protected areas.

Achievements and Awards

Gabi’s dedication to her studies and advocacy work has earned her numerous accolades:

• Dean’s List (2021–2023)
• CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Environmental Law (2022)
• Finalist, National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition (2023)
• Pro Bono Service Award, University of Miami School of Law (2022)
• Recipient, Florida Bar Foundation Public Interest Fellowship (2022)

Future Goals

Gabi envisions a career that combines legal practice with environmental and social advocacy. In the short term, she aims to join a nonprofit organization or government agency focused on environmental justice and climate resilience. Her dream job is to work as an attorney for Earthjustice or the Natural Resources Defense Council, litigating cases that protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

In the long term, Gabi hopes to establish her own environmental law practice in Florida, offering affordable legal services to individuals and communities affected by climate change and environmental harm. She also plans to teach environmental law at the university level, inspiring the next generation of advocates.

Personal Interests

Outside of her legal pursuits, Gabi enjoys activities that keep her connected to her culture and environment:

• Scuba Diving: An avid diver, Gabi spends her weekends exploring Florida’s coral reefs and advocating for marine conservation.
• Salsa Dancing: Gabi is passionate about Latin dance, often participating in local salsa nights with friends.
• Cooking: She loves recreating traditional Cuban recipes passed down from her grandmother.
• Reading: Gabi enjoys reading legal thrillers and environmental nonfiction, drawing inspiration from authors like Erin Brockovich and Rachel Carson.

Conclusion

Gabriella Rivera is a dedicated law student whose passion for environmental justice and public interest advocacy drives her every step of the way. Through her academic achievements, professional experiences, and community involvement, Gabi exemplifies the power of using legal tools to create a more just and sustainable world. As she prepares to graduate and take the bar exam, Gabi is poised to become a formidable advocate for both people and the planet.