SLC Executive Director Jodi Siegel receives award named for her mentor and predecessor

A lifetime of advocacy came full circle March 7 when Southern Legal Counsel Executive Director Jodi Siegel received the Alice K. Nelson Mentorship Award from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), whose mission is to improve legal assistance for parents of children with disabilities.

Upon accepting the award at the organization’s annual conference in Arlington, Va., Siegel recalled her first case as a young lawyer, which involved a boy with autism who was responding to an inappropriate education by banging his head and flopping on the floor. An expert in special education law, Nelson provided the support and expertise she needed.

“She gave me her time very generously, provided the needed guidance on the law and instilled the confidence in me that I could do this, so we succeeded in turning that kid’s education around, and he succeeded, and we watched him blossom into a wonderful kid,” Siegel said.

Nelson went on to serve as executive director of Southern Legal Counsel from 1988 to 2004, staying on as a senior attorney until 2021, with Siegel working alongside her throughout her tenure.

Presented each year since 2022, when Nelson was posthumously recognized as the inaugural recipient, the Alice K. Nelson Mentorship Award recognizes outstanding mentorship of COPAA members or others in the special education advocacy community, including parents, advocates and attorneys.

When presenting Siegel the award, COPAA Chair Jesse Cutler pointed to Siegel’s involvement in the development of the organization’s annual conference and her continued leadership and mentorship among members. Going back 25 years, before COPAA had staff, Siegel organized every aspect of the conference. A past board chair and past treasurer of COPAA, she remains deeply involved with the conference committee, serving on the selection committee, scheduling sessions, and co-presenting the new attorneys’ pre-conference.

“Many in this room can trace their professional growth to Jodi’s steady presence. What sets Jodi apart is not just her depth of knowledge, but her unwavering belief that this field is stronger when we lift one another up,” Cutler said, going on to address Siegel directly.  “We are profoundly grateful for your leadership, your mentorship and the lasting impact you’ve had on this community.”

COPAA CEO Denise Marshall echoed Cutler’s sentiment.

“Jodi's leadership is a quiet one. She is an unassuming presence who lifts others higher, guides without seeking the spotlight, and has earned respect through steady actions over years to inspire everyone around her,” Marshall said.

Siegel’s impact is evidenced by the popularity of the COPAA Conference, which had nearly 800 attendees from all 50 U.S. states this year.

“Alice Nelson not only loved mentoring others; she loved the COPAA Conference,” Marshall said. “Jodi has been a guiding force behind this annual gathering since its inception. This award is well deserved, and I am thankful for all that Jodi gives to COPAA and to our community.”  

Siegel joined Southern Legal Counsel as an attorney in 1985 and became its executive director in July 2004 upon Nelson’s retirement. She has directed SLC’s Education Advocacy Project since 1999, providing statewide support, training, mentorship and co-counsel for legal aid lawyers and advocates to increase and improve special education advocacy. She is also a past chair of The Florida Bar Public Interest Law Section.