ABout us
Our Mission & Vision
At PLACES (Pre-Law Advocates for Community Engagement and Service) is committed to empowering students with a passion for law and community service. Our mission is to provide a supportive community and comprehensive resources for pre-law students at FIU and those who are interested in the pre-law path, fostering leadership, advocacy, and practical skills through community engagement. We aim to prepare the next generation of legal professionals who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities. Our vision is to create a secure relationship with the FIU College of law, while fostering the passion of law, for our members to help foster them into legal professionals who are deeply committed in making a positive change in society.
Our Purpose
PLACES exists to bridge the gap between legal education and community impact. Our purpose is to:
Enhance Legal Skills: Provide members with practical experiences and training to develop essential legal skills.
Foster Community Engagement: Encourage and facilitate meaningful involvement in community service, helping students apply their knowledge to real-world issues.
Building Leadership: Develop leadership qualities and professional competencies through various activities and initiatives, preparing members for success in a legal career.
Building a Supportive Network: We create a supportive and collaborative environment where members can share resources, experiences, and guidance. Beyond our members we provide support from legal professions in the community to give advice and mentorship.
Our Core Values
PLACES Core Values Include:
Collaboration: We value teamwork and collaboration both within our organization and with external partners. By working together, we enhance our impact and foster a supportive network.
Service Orientation: We prioritize community service and engagement, understanding that real-world impact comes from contributing to and improving our communities.
Inclusivity: We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where all voices are heard and respected. We embrace diversity in our membership and activities , recognizing that varied perspectives enrich our community and strengthen our initiatives.
Our Founder
PLACES at FIU was founded by Emilee J. Garcia, an undergraduate transfer student with a clear vision: to create a lasting platform that would support, connect, and inspire FIU’s pre-law community. Recognizing a need for more structured opportunities and mentorship for students pursuing legal careers, she set out to establish an organization that would serve as both a resource and a network for future lawyers and legal professionals at FIU.
Driven by her passion for law and community building, Emilee envisioned PLACES as a space where like-minded students could collaborate, grow, and prepare for their futures in the legal field. With this mission in mind, she invited three of her classmates—individuals who shared her dedication and enthusiasm—to form the founding executive board. Together, they laid the groundwork for what would become a dynamic and impactful student organization focused on professional development, legal education, and leadership.
Under her leadership, PLACES launched three signature initiatives that became cornerstones of the organization’s early success:
- The Undergraduate Law Review at FIU, the first of its kind at the university
- The Pre-Law and Order Podcast, offering insights and conversations on legal topics and student experiences
- The PLACES Mentorship Initiative, connecting FIU pre-law students with 2L and 3L mentors from the FIU College of Law.
Emilee’s vision and initiative continue to shape the mission and values of PLACES, guiding future executive boards and ensuring the organization remains a vital part of the FIU pre-law experience.
