(FORT MYERS, Fla.) — Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) has promoted Courtney Sowerby-Thomas from staff attorney in its Fort Myers office to litigation and training director, recognizing her leadership, litigation experience and commitment to client advocacy.
Since joining FRLS four years ago, Sowerby-Thomas has helped strengthen legal services for clients while supporting the professional growth and development of attorneys across the organization through mentorship, training and leadership.
Sowerby-Thomas brings more than 14 years of trial experience and extensive knowledge in elder abuse, housing law and temporary child custody matters. As leader of FRLS's housing law workgroup, she has served as a trusted resource for colleagues, providing guidance and practical support on complex legal issues.
“This role means the opportunity to mentor and educate my colleagues and other advocates who work in the office, collaborate across different areas of law and defense strategies, provide practical trial advocacy guidance, and share knowledge,” Sowerby-Thomas said.
In her new role, Sowerby-Thomas will lead litigation strategy, attorney development and training initiatives across FRLS. She will support attorneys throughout the organization while helping strengthen legal services for the communities FRLS serves.
“I want the communities we serve to know we're here. We hear them, we are listening, we are aware of the problems they're facing, and we want to be a resource for education,” Sowerby-Thomas said. “We want to help them navigate the legal system and know they have experienced advocates willing to stand in the gap for them.”
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to eligible individuals, families and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has provided legal assistance in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster legal services, education law and other civil matters at no cost to clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide advocacy, outreach and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need.