The Summation Quarterly, Spring 2022

Announcements JFK’s Legacy The Bottom Line Argo Corner

p. 6 p. 12 p. 15 p. 16

LOVE, LAUGHTER AND LEADERSHIP

Remembering Alan Bookman’s Legacy

Spring 2022 | VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1 | ESRBA.COM

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Contents 10

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Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association 260 South Tarragona Street, Suite 160 Pensacola, FL 32502 Phone: 850.434.8135 email: esrba@esrba.com Lawyer Referral Service: 850.434.6009

Member Services Coordinator Stephen Hayward stephen@esrba.com Lawyer Referral Service lrs@esrba.com

Executive Director Jeff Nall jeff@esrba.com Published quarterly by the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association as a service to its membership.

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Articles appearing in The Summation are not to be construed as official expressions of the views of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association. Official positions are expressed only by formal resolutions adopted by a majority of the membership and will be so designated when published. Editorials are expressions of the opinion of the Editor.

Due date for all advertisements, articles and announcements is the first of the month for the issue you wish to advertise in.

Address all editorial correspondence to the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association office. For all inquiries concerning advertising rates contact Ballinger Publishing.

The Summation Committee is dedicated to providing a publication to the legal community which contains articles that are accurate, informative, entertaining, educational, relevant and timely.

Summation Committee If you have any comments or suggestions about The Summation, please feel free to express them to any of the committee members. If you would like to join the committee, please call the Bar office at 434.8135.

From the President

Page 5

Announcements

Page 6

On the Move

Page 7

Sponsor Profile

Page 8

News from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

Page 9

Alan Bookman: Love, Laughter and Leadership

Page 10

JFK’s Legacy

Page 12

Report from the Board of Governors

Page 14

The Bottom Line

Page 15

Owner Malcolm Ballinger

Argo Corner

Page 16

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger

Holiday Party Photos

Page 17

Caroline Peterson Jenice Jones Sheryl Lowenthal

Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Morgan Cole Art Director Guy Stevens

Charlie Penrod Codey Leigh Allison Newton

Shekka Drayton Christine Kelly Garrett Hallbauer

Graphic Designer & Ad Coordinator Garrett Hallbauer Sales & Marketing Paula Rode, ext. 28 Becky Hildebrand, ext. 23

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Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2022 Ballinger Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Spring 2022 | 5

From the President Dear colleagues, friends and strategic partners, Happy spring! As the weather begins to warm, I am happy to report that the activities of the ESRBA and its members have also been heating up since the last winter edition of our Summation Quarterly! In December, we were so delighted to have Florida Bar President Mike Tanner as our honored guest at our large and fantastic 2021 Holiday Party at “5eleven Palafox” (which was so well attended by over 250 of our ESRBA attorneys, judges, sponsors and guests) and a breakfast with bench and bar leaders the next morning.

Garrett P. LaBorde

In January, the YLD hosted another great Happy Hour on January 27 at The Wine Bar. The event was sponsored by Zarzaur Law. The membership and energy among our young lawyers continue to soar.

In February, our monthly luncheon meeting program was in honor of Black History Month. We hosted students from Pine Forest High School who recorded Black History Month messages on Magic 106.1 FM, a project funded by a grant from the ESRBA Foundation. We also announced a new Diversity & Inclusion statement to promote accurate representation within our bar leadership.

On February 25th, we hosted our first ever “ESRBA Day of Service” in partnership with United Way of West Florida’s Day of Caring. Our members volunteered their time and talents at the Health & Hope Clinic, Pine Forest High School (both in Escambia County) and the Legal Services of North Florida’s Pro Bono Clinic (in Santa Rosa County). We rounded the month out with great CLEs which included “Recent Changes to the Summary Judgement Standard in Florida.”

As we look to the rest of the spring, we are ecstatic to announce the resumption of the “Lunch with the Judge” Program (a phenomenal face-to-face learning experience that has been wildly supported by judges and our members, young and older attorneys alike). Keep an eye out for several first-come-first-serve email invitations throughout the rest of the year!

As always, I welcome your input on ways to ever-better serve our members, our profession, our Association and the communities where we live and work!

6 | The Summation

Announcements The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

Law Week 2022

Executive Council Officers President Garrett P. LaBorde Vice President Aaron T. McCurdy Secretary Christine A. Kelly Treasurer Joe Passeretti

Immediate Past President Heather F. Lindsay Executive Council Ryan Cardoso Shekka Drayton Jessica Etherton Rebecca Gilliland Joe Kirkland Stephen Luongo John Mahoney II Rachel Sheffield Aaron Watson Young Lawyer Representative Andrew Spencer

Don’t forget that members save 40% on our ever expanding library of CLEs

Scan this QR code to check out our current selection of great CLE programming!

Stay current on everything going on with the Escambia – Santa Rosa County Bar Association

Be sure to check out the ESRBA website for all upcoming events.

Law Week is back in-person with new venues and more!

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association is excited to welcome its members and the judiciary to Law Week 2022 presented by The Watson Firm April 30 through May 6. “After having to cancel Law Week in 2020 and take it virtual for 2021, we are rolling out the red carpet and expect all the events to be first-class and wellattended,” said Law Week 2022 Co-chairs Rachel Sheffield and John Mahoney.

The theme selected by the American Bar Association (ABA) for Law Day 2022, “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change,” has been adopted for the weeklong local commemoration. As described on the ABA website, “The Constitution is a dynamic document, as it not only outlines a blueprint for government, but also delegates power, articulates rights, and offers mechanisms for change.”

The week will kick off with a Legal Clinic offered by Legal Services of North Florida. The Legal Clinic will be Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Early Learning Coalition in Town and Country Plaza, 3300 N Pace Blvd, in Pensacola. Attorneys interested in volunteering should contact Beth Blake at 850-701-4231.

The Judicial Reception, co-sponsored by our Young Lawyers Division and the Northwest Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, will be held in the private Governor’s Room at Jackson’s Steakhouse on Tuesday May 3 from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m.

This highlight event of Law Week event honors our local judiciary and provides an opportunity for judges, attorneys, and paralegals to mingle and network in an informal after-hours social setting. Tickets are $25 per person.

The Law Week Luncheon, co-sponsored by Aaron Erskine and Zarzaur Law, P.A. will be held at the Pensacola Yacht Club on Friday, May 6 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The luncheon will feature a panel discussion surrounding this year’s theme “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” The discussion will be moderated by attorney Aaron Watson of The Watson Firm. A plated meal will be served.

The Liberty Bell Award recipient will also be announced at the luncheon. The Liberty Bell Award is presented annually to recognize community service that has strengthened the American system of freedom under law and to accord public recognition to men and women, particularly non-lawyers, for outstanding service.

Additionally, the Northwest Florida Paralegal Association will recognize the winner of its theme-related high school essay contest at the luncheon. Tickets are $30 per person.

Tickets to the Judicial Reception and the Law Week Luncheon must be purchased in-advance by Monday, April 25 at www.esrba. com/calendar-events/law-week/.

A link to Law Week sponsorship opportunities can be found on the webpage as well. Please contact Jeff Nall, executive director, at jeff@esrba.com if interested.

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation

Board of Directors Officers President Shekka Drayton Vice President D. Steve Traylor, Jr. Secretary & Treasurer John “Buz” Windham Directors Sheldon Bernau Jeremy Branning Jodi Dubose Stephen Echsner Cameron Townes Gore Kristin Haul Garrett P. LaBorde (ESRBA President) Heather Lindsay Patrick Martin Adrianna Spain Warren Todd Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Board of Directors Officers President Andrew Spencer Vice President Michelle Nguyen Treasurer Logan Sliva Secretary Brooke DiSalvo Directors Travis Morock Cecily Parker

We’re Social! Connect with us on social media.

ESRBA FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ESRBAFL

YLD FACEBOOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ESRBAYLD

TWITTER TWITTER.COM/ESRBAFL

LINKEDIN LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ESCAMBIASANTA-ROSA-BAR-ASSOCIATION

Spring 2022 | 7

On the Move Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon (ESC) is pleased to announce that Benjamin T. Shell has become a shareholder with the firm.

Benjamin T. Shell, “Ben,” is a litigation attorney who practices Personal Injury Law and First Party Property Law, including matters involving automobile accidents, wrongful death, first party property (hurricane) claims, and bad faith litigation.

Clark Partington is honored to welcome attorney Kia M. Johnson to the firm’s Pensacola office. Kia practices in the areas of business and real estate litigation, governmental affairs and labor & employment.

She is a graduate of the UWF Legal Studies program, as well as

the University of Florida Levin College of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor. Prior to joining Clark Partington, Kia served as an attorney for the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.

Effective April 4, 2022, Christine A. Kelly is joining Lynchard & Seely, PLLC. She will be working at the new Pace office located at 5707 U.S. Highway 90. You can reach her at 850-936-9385 or christine@ seely-law.com.

Christine has an LL.M. in Taxation and is licensed to practice in U.S. Tax Court.

In addition to practicing in the areas of estate planning, probate, business, real property, bankruptcy, and appellate law, Christine will be handling IRS controversies.

Josef Mitkevicius, has opened his own law firm, Mitkevicius Law, PLLC at 201 E Government St, Pensacola, FL. He can be reached at (850) 361-2142 or via email at joe@lawyer.com

Kristina M. Cook has opened the Cook Firm, PLLC at 1910 Navarre School Rd, Unit 5280 Navarre, FL. She can be reached at (850) 665-2800 or via email at kristi@thecookfirm.com.

Ashlyn Bourn has joined the Schultz Law Group, LLC at 2779 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL. She can be reached at (850) 754-1600 or via email at ashlyn@schultzlawgrp.com.

Alexandra Messmore has joined Zarzaur Law, P.A, at 100 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL. She can be reached at (850) 444-9299 or via email at alex@zarzaurlaw.com.

Members Selected as 2022 Rising Stars by Inweekly Michelle Olliff, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon

Susan Salamone, Beggs & Lane

ESRBA New Members Samantha Katen

Kimberly Lauer

Nathan Kaplan

John James Mills

Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz katenlegal@gmail.com

Legal Services of North Florida klauer@lsnf.org

Walborsky, Bradley & Fleming nkaplan@walkborsky.com

Michles & Booth jmills@michlesbooth.com

Mary Liu

Katarina Hamburg

Wendy Hampton Miller

Charlie Penrod

Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz mliu@awkolaw.com

Assistant State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit khamburg@osa1.org

Spencer Law, P.A. wendy@spencerlaw.com

University of West Florida cpenrod@uwf.edu

8 | The Summation

Sponsor Profile

Cox Media Who we are.

Cox Media is the advertising sales division of Cox Communications, the thirdlargest cable entertainment, and broadband services provider in the country. We have been helping local businesses develop strategic marketing campaigns that drive results for over 40 years. Our experience, technology, solutions, and team of trusted media partners make us a one-stop-shop to drive growth for your legal practice. We have a whole team dedicated to each client who will work directly with you to craft the right marketing strategy for your business. Utilizing our suite of advertising solutions from cable television, online video and display, paid search, digital audio, and social media, we will connect your practice with customers in the moments that matter.

Experience the Cox Media difference.

At Cox Media, we put clients first. Our focus is on helping your business succeed, and we only feel successful when you do.

Working together, we can help connect your legal practice with potential clients by utilizing a unique blend of insights, tools, creativity, and trusted guidance.

Cox Media has worked with numerous attorneys across the country to develop successful campaigns and can share effective tactics and results.

No two businesses are alike, and their advertising strategies shouldn’t be either.

We work with clients to create custom solutions designed to generate the results they want.

Our local experts will listen first to fully understand your needs.

We’ll then develop a targeted media plan tailored to those needs and built to deliver results.

But it doesn’t end there. Our award-winning creative teams will bring your message to life and grab the attention of your target audience.

Right message, right place, at the right time.

There are more ways than ever to reach consumers but keeping up with the changes can be tough.

We take out the guesswork by combining the best of television and digital advertising in a

custom solution designed to reach your customers in the right place at the right time.

Putting data to work for our clients.

Cox Media has access to a wealth of research that helps businesses make informed marketing decisions and stay ahead of the competition. We dig through the research for you–analyzing, making connections, and pulling out the most meaningful insights for your business.

Locally Minded, Community-Oriented.

Not only are we here to help local businesses, but we also believe it’s good business to be good citizens of the communities we serve. As a private, family-owned company, Cox wholeheartedly believes in giving back to the communities in which our employees and

customers live, work, and play. In 2021, Cox gave approximately $1 million to non-profits, charities, and government organizations along the Gulf Coast. We also have Cox Charities, which is a grant program funded entirely by our Gulf Coast employees.

In 2021 they gave over $25,000 in grants to local schools and non-profits. We also recognized over 85 students in Escambia and Okaloosa counties through the Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program, and our employees volunteered over 1,500 hours in the community and served on 50 local non-profit boards and committees.

Spring 2022 | 9

News from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Pam Childers

E-Certify: A Faster Way to Get Certified Documents

I

n 2021, the Florida Court’s E-Filing Portal (“e-portal”) celebrated its 10 year anniversary. Today 25 million documents per year are filed through the e-portal by the more than 350,000 users, including, among others, 220,000 pro se litigants, 82,000 attorneys, and 1,400 judges.

E-filing and electronic storage of documents are now engrained in the justice system. The Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration make e-filing mandatory for attorneys, with few exceptions. Many court documents originate digitally and exist solely in electronic format having no paper counterpart. Any paper court filings, such as those filed by pro se litigants, are largely converted to electronic format, sent a thorough verification process, and then destroyed.

The same concepts exist in the Official Records. The Clerk is also, by virtue of the Florida Constitution, the county recorder of all instruments that may, by law, be recorded in Escambia County. Instruments are recorded in one general series called the Official Records. Examples of instruments recorded in the Official Records include deeds, mortgages, judgments, and tax warrants, among others. Much like court records, the storing of instruments in the Official Records is an electronic process. Instruments may be e-filed or filed in paper and then converted to a digital image. In either event, like court records, the current process is to store and maintain instruments in electronic format.

And so, it is the natural progression that certified copies of electronic documents would move from a paper to electronic process.

The electronic certification (“E-Certify”) of documents has become a priority for many Clerk’s offices. The E-Certify process is no less authoritative than its paper certification counterpart and can, in fact, be more secure due to various authentication methods. To obtain e-certified copies of Official Records and court records, go to www.EscambiaClerk. com and click the E-Certify link on the E-Services menu. After you complete the process of locating the record and purchasing the e-certified copy, an email will be delivered to your provided address enabling you to access the e-certified record. The record will appear as an encrypted PDF file and can be viewed with any standard PDF viewer, such as Adobe Acrobat.

Each e-certified record displays the Clerk’s seal, a digital signature, a unique reference number, and a QR code. The unique reference number is displayed on both the cover page and the record itself. If you have an e-certified record in your possession there are four ways to verify its authenticity. First, the unique reference number can be entered into the Clerk’s online E-Certify Authentication Tool found on the Clerk’s E-Certify webpage.

Second, a unique QR code is stamped on the cover page of each e-certified record. The QR code can be scanned using the camera app on your iPhone or Android device to route you

Clerk’s E-Certify Page

escambiaclerk.com/384/e-certify

to a verification webpage. Third, if you are in possession of the original e-certified record in PDF format there is an option on the Clerk’s website to upload the file in order to verify the record’s authenticity. Finally, you may also utilize an authentication tool within Adobe Acrobat to determine if the PDF file has been modified or altered. See the end of this article for an instructional video on the Adobe authentication process.

The Clerk’s E-Certify process is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Documents that need redactions due to court rule or statute will be available only during normal business hours.

Unlike paper certified records, e-certified records in PDF format can be emailed to multiple recipients who will then be able to utilize the verification methods described above to validate authenticity. The E-Certify process is another step the Clerk has taken to provide greater access to the records needed by attorneys and the public. To learn more about the electronic certification of documents visit www.EscambiaClerk.com or scan the QR codes below.

Authored by Codey Leigh, General Counsel, on behalf of Pam Childers, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

Adobe Verification Process

youtube.com/embed/WfNfjYa_nVw

10 | The Summation

Bookman transitioned into private practice, becoming the tenth lawyer of Emmanuel, Sheppard, & Condon, one of Pensacola’s oldest law firms. A staunch advocate, Bookman practiced real estate law, probate, guardianship and trust, and commercial litigation.

Bookman is a highly regarded attorney and leader, having served as the 57th President of The Florida Bar. He also served various leadership capacities for The Florida Supreme Court, The American Bar Association, The Florida Bar Foundation, The Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association, Northwest Legal Services, Inc., Escambia County Legal Aid Society, Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance, and The Judicial Qualifications Commission.

ALAN BOOKMAN

LOVE, LAUGHTER AND LEADERSHIP

by Shekka Drayton, Law Office of Patrick Martin, Staff Counsel of GEICO General Insurance Company

A

lan B. Bookman, a New Orleans native, was born to Jeanette and Gen. Melvin I. Bookman on November 28, 1947. He matriculated at Tulane University, earning his Bachelor of Science in 1969 and his Juris Doctor in 1971. Following in the footsteps of his father, a WWII veteran, Bookman joined the U.S. Army, serving as a Judge Advocate General.

His philanthropic endeavors mirrored his prolific leadership, having served his community through Bnai Israel Synagogue, Temple Beth El, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida, Gulf Coast Kids House, Pathways for Change, and many more.

Synthesizing a legacy that spans over four decades is a tall order. Bookman’s wife, friends, and colleagues provide an intimate look into the man who built this legacy.

Connie Bookman, Bookman’s wife of eighteen years, reflects on her husband as a man of faith and fortitude. The shared experiences between Bookman and his wife destined the two to be life partners. Both matched one another’s passion for helping others. Connie Bookman, a Christian, and Alan Bookman, a man of Jewish faith, blended faith

and family when they wed in 2004. Mrs. Bookman would accompany her husband to synagogue on Friday nights.

The couple would also attend Sunday morning service at the Methodist church.

Mrs. Bookman joined the marriage with two sons, and Bookman joined with two daughters, seamlessly blending their children from previous marriages.

The pair was also a united front when it came to giving back to the community. When asked about Bookman’s greatest philanthropic passion, Mrs. Bookman stated, “Pathways for Change” without hesitation.

Mrs. Bookman, the Founder and CEO of Pathways for Change, a re-entry initiative that helps secure employment and housing for women, noted her husband’s enthusiasm and support for her work.

Mrs. Bookman, the current President of The Florida Bar Foundation, continues her family’s legacy of charitable initiatives. Bookman is survived by his wife, his children: Jyl Jackson, Richard Jackson, Alison Bookman Skidmore, Don Skidmore, James J. “J.J.” Reeves II, Lindsay Reeves, Darcy Curran “D.C.” Reeves, and his five granddaughters, Sarah, Lauren, Leighton, Abbie, and Caroline.

Bookman, loved by many, shared a special friendship with Eduardo and Paula Rodriguez, Frank and Tracy Neuner, as well as Joy and Frank Phillips. They began as professional peers, serving alongside one another as Bar leadership, and blossomed

Spring 2022 | 11

equally deserving of our best efforts no matter the size or significance of the matter at hand.” Reeder explained Bookman embodied this in his practice.

Top Left: Connie and Alan Bookman Left: Alan in Downtown Pensacola Above: Alan Bookman and Patrick G. Emmanuel

into great friends. Eduardo “Peewee” Rodriguez fondly recalls, “Alan was first of all an outstanding human being, a great husband and father, and a true gentleman.

He represented the lawyers of Florida and indeed all lawyers in the best tradition of a Bar leader.”

“One of the best weekends Paula and I had was spent in Pensacola with Alan and Connie, Frank and Tracy Neuner, and Joy and Frank Phillips.” Rodriguez reveled in the memories of art shows and fresh oysters.

Frank Neuner notes, “Alan was a lawyer’s lawyer, but more importantly he was a friend we all need and want.” Neuner remembers Bookman as “a serious lawyer” with a “mischievous side that his friends all enjoyed.” Joy Phillips stated

Bookman was “the ultimate professional who had the respect of all who ever knew and worked with him. More importantly, he was a true friend who had a great sense of humor and tried to see the good in everything and everyone.” Each, collectively and individually, have a unique bond with Bookman forged by their instrumental leadership during The Florida Bar’s disaster response to Hurricane Katrina.

Emmanuel, Sheppard, & Condon, Bookman’s professional home since 1975, is undoubtedly considered an extension of his family.

His impact on the firm and community during his fourdecade tenure is captured vividly in the reflections of John W. Monroe, Jr., H. Wesley Reeder, Adam White, and Nancy Goodwin. John

Monroe, a fellow distinguished attorney and shareholder of ESC, shared a professional passion for legal advocacy with Bookman as well as community involvement with Fiesta Five Flags and Rotary of Pensacola.

When asked to describe Bookman in one word, Monroe echoed the sentiments of many in choosing “gentleman.”

Monroe went on to explain, “In his practice, he always conducted himself as a gentleman regardless of how contentious the matter might be. In his personal life, he was always kind and generous to others.”

Wes Reeder, Firm President of ESC and retired Naval Reserve Officer, shared values of service, discipline, and leadership with Bookman.

“As a lawyer, one can never lose sight of the fact that our clients are all important and

Adam White, Immediate Past President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyer’s Division, joined the firm in 2014. He counts himself among the many young associates Bookman mentored and encouraged. “I will miss his friendship as well as the positive impact he had on our firm and our profession.”

White describes Bookman as “devoted to his family, his practice, his firm, and those around him.”

Nancy Goodwin, Bookman’s paralegal and friend of many years, emotionally recalls Bookman’s many great qualities—compassionate, encouraging, approachable, patient, caring, appreciative, and fair. Bookman imparted countless wisdom throughout the years. However, Goodwin declares the final quote he shared will remain with her forever. “There is no hill for the climber.” Bookman’s legacy continues to inspire all those who had the honor to know and work with him.

To the community, Bookman will always be remembered as a fierce advocate and a selfless philanthropist. To the people who knew him well and loved him most, he will be remembered as a dedicated family man, a dear friend, and an irreplaceable colleague.

May his memory forever endure through those he loved, befriended, and inspired. 

12 | The Summation

JFK’S LEGACY

by Judge Roger Vinson

I

recently re-read an article by my friend, now-retired Justice Bill Cunningham of the Kentucky Supreme Court. It seems most appropriate now as we wrap up the year 2021, sixty years after President Kennedy began his Presidency. I will borrow some of his language, but the thoughts are my own.

I was at President Kennedy’s inauguration, and actually spoke with him for a short time.

I was in my third year at the Naval Academy, and all the midshipmen were scheduled to march in the Inaugural Parade on January 20, 1961. During the evening before, however, a big snow storm rolled through, leaving about 8 inches of snow everywhere. The buses scheduled to take all 3800 of us to Washington for the parade were several hours late. I was in the 24th Company at the Academy, and there were only 24 companies. So we were the last to get on the buses, and when my company arrived in Washington, we were told that there was no room to fit us into the parade and that we were dismissed.

My roommate, George Wagner, and I walked from behind the Capitol Building where the parade was forming up to Pennsylvania Avenue in front. We quickly found a corner with no other spectators and waited to watch the Parade, which goes from the Capitol to the White House.

After we’d been there a few minutes, the front of the parade was asked to move up a little in order to fit others into the middle. Sure enough, the President’s convertible limousine,

the lead vehicle with the President and Mrs. Kennedy in the back, pulled up and stopped— directly in front of us. The President smiled at George and me, and, seeing our uniforms, asked “Are you from the Naval Academy?”

“Yes, Sir,” we both said.

“I used to be in the Navy,” he said.

“We know, Sir!” (Everyone in the country knew that.)

“Why aren’t you marching in the Parade?,” he asked. We explained about the snow, the late buses, and why we were not participating.

He thought that was amusing and smiled again, saying something like “Well, enjoy watching your classmates march by!” Which we did, as the limousine pulled away and the parade started.

Now skip forward to November 22, 1963. I had just gotten my Naval Aviator wings on October 31st, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was going through a month-long Air

Spring 2022 | 13

 President and Mrs. Kennedy received a rousing welcome at Love Field in Dallas, Nov. 22, 1963.

choice “the greatest contribution that any man could make.” But he also cautioned that service to country entails personal sacrifice and often “your choice will seem hard.” He concluded: “Never forget, however, that the battle for freedom takes many forms. Those who [choose to do so] through vigilance and firmness and devotion are the great servants of this country—and let us have no doubt that the United States needs your devoted service today.”

Navigation training program. One of the training flights was on November 22nd, lasting several hours, and covering much of the State of Texas. During the flight, I often used a Driftmeter, which is a downward looking scope with parallel lines that you align with the movement of objects on the ground and determine how the wind is affecting your ground track. On one occasion of looking through the Driftmeter, I realized that our plane was directly over the City of Dallas. It was about 12:30 pm, local time.

About fifteen minutes later, our instructor announced that a news flash had been broadcast that the President had been shot shortly before. It took a while to sink in that our plane had been right over the President’s motorcade at about the time of the shooting.

Of course, we did not see the motorcade, or even know that it was going on, but we’d been there. And now, years later, I realize that I’d personally been there at both the beginning and at the end of President Kennedy’s presidency. It was less than three years.

It’s probably unfair to judge his presidency on a truncated three years in office. But history takes what’s there. His record is spotty. While he handled the embryonic Civil Rights movement with courage and conviction, he left any meaningful legislation to his successor. He did get an income tax reduction passed, which helped the economy. In foreign affairs, he’s

known for the huge blunder of the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba, but also for the successful conclusion of the Cuban missile crisis. He also began our ever-increasing involvement in Vietnam.

His personal life was flawed. Although unknown to the general public at the time, we now know that his adulterous dalliances belied the morally upright husband and father image that was portrayed to the admiring public.

On the positive side, he got us started to the moon and the lasting technology it spawned.

“A trip to the Stars,” he quoted Confucius, “begins with the first step. So, let us begin.” His Peace Corps still exists as the most emblematic accomplishment of the Kennedy years.

But to me, the real legacy of John F. Kennedy is that he inspired my generation to public service. Many of us responded to his inaugural challenge: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

He was a war hero, of course, but that was not what really moved us. It was his youth, his energy, and most of all, his rhetoric that appealed to us in a way that stuck. He was a dealer in hope.

Just a few months after he became President, he spoke to us at the Naval Academy at the June 1961 graduation. He reminded us of his inaugural call to service for country, calling our

We who would have followed another life were moved to choose a lifetime commitment to our country, to public service and, for some, the pursuit of justice. Older people like me who opted to go that route are slowly vanishing from the American scene of public service today. My generation, regardless of political beliefs or affiliation, will pass the torch as we fade into the background. Hopefully, many others in today’s America will want to continue the effort, and Kennedy’s words will continue to be framed on office walls: “With a good conscience our only reward, as history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God’s work must truly be our own.”

Things have changed a lot since 1961. We are a polarized nation today, with widespread discontent and criticism of almost every aspect of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. Yet Kennedy’s meaningful message bears repeating: “Ask what you can do for your country.” The words linger on. The challenge now is greater than ever. Take up the torch of service and carry it confidently into our future. 

14 | The Summation

Report from the Board of Governors from Jeremy Branning

T

he Florida Bar Board of Governors met on December 3, 2021. The Board’s major actions and reports received included:

The Florida Bar Board of Governors met on December 3, 2021. The Board’s major actions and reports received included: Second District Court of Appeal Chief Judge Robert Morris, who chairs the Workgroup on Improved Resolution of Civil Cases, reported that the Supreme Court will soon be weighing a 184-page report that recommends major changes to the way Florida resolves some 2 million civil cases a year. Judge Morris urged board members to study the report carefully and be prepared to respond during the anticipated public comment period.

The Special Committee for the Review of Professionalism in Florida reported on their activities to the board and said that they expect to present final recommendations to the board in March 2022. The 20-member panel has been meeting regularly to conduct a comprehensive review and recommend ways to improve the definition, education, and enforcement of professionalism.

The Special Committee is also considering proposals that range from new Florida Bar-produced CLE and a new professionalism resource website, to protocols that would make the state’s local professionalism panels function more uniformly.

Tech Helpline The board approved the Tech Support Helpline as a new benefit for Florida Bar members under a one-year agreement with

Law Tech Partners after a successful beta test earlier this year. The test included detailed reports of service calls, response times, and user surveys. The Tech Support Helpline is slated to launch in January and will operate substantially as it did in the beta test.

Family Law Rules The board voted to recommend approval of a Family Law Rules Committee proposal that, under certain circumstances, would allow divorcing parties to waive the filing of financial affidavits.

The committee proposed the amendments over the objection of the Family Law Section, said Cory Brandfon, who headed a Family Law Rules Committee panel that developed the proposal. The proposal has been under consideration for three years. Learn more about the proposal in the Bar News.

Animal Law Section Legislative Request The board also voted not to approve an Animal Law Section request to advocate in favor of legislation to ban the retail sale of pets. The board’s Legislation Committee had recommended against approval based on the potential for raising a “deeply divisive issue.”

Read more in the Bar News.

Advertising Appeal In addition, the board voted to affirm a Standing Committee on Advertising decision that the use of a client who is a law enforcement officer to provide testimonials in advertisements, where the client identifies himself as a law enforcement officer, violates Rule 4-7.15(b), which prohibits advertisements that “use an authority figure,

such as a judge or law enforcement officer… to endorse or recommend the lawyer or act as spokesperson for the lawyer.”

Supreme Court Special Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services The board unanimously rejected the Supreme Court’s Special Committee to Improve the Delivery of Legal Services recommendation for a legal lab and approved some other recommendations from the special committee.

The board endorsed the idea of allowing legal aid organizations to organize under Bar rules as nonprofit corporations, and to have nonlawyer members on their boards of directors. These changes would, among other things, conform the rules to those used for federal funding for their activities. The board also accepted a stripped-down version of the recommendation to allow Florida Registered Paralegals to provide more legal services under lawyer supervision. Read more about the recommendations and actions of the board regarding the special committee recommendations in the Bar News.

New Member Benefits In other action, the board approved two additions to The Florida Bar Member Benefits Program, which should become available in the first quarter of 2022: Discounted access to YMCA programs statewide, including the waiving of a $100 joining fee and 10% savings on monthly membership fees at participating locations.

Tracers, a legal search engine. Florida Bar members would receive a 10% discount that applies to both one-time search purchases and subscription fees.

Spring 2022 | 15

The Bottom Line Paralegals Remember Alan Bookman

by Jenice Jones

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hroughout their career, a paralegal comes in contact with many different people, whether he or she works in a large law firm or in a smaller office with a solo practitioner.

Ultimately the closest professional relationship they will develop is with their attorney. Paralegals look to their attorneys for guidance, leadership and some will ultimately become a mentor. Speaking with a few of the local paralegals, particularly two from Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon, it became evident that local attorney, Alan Bookman, had such a relationship with the paralegals that worked for him and with other outside paralegals he dealt with daily.

Paralegals, April King and Selina Bryant, both offered very fond memories of working for Alan Bookman over the years at Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon.

Particularly, April recalled recently hearing the Frank Sinatra song “My Way” and noted how it reminded her of Mr. Bookman as he lived such a full life and did things his way. She went on to point

out how the legal field can be an industry filled with contention and disputes, but Mr. Bookman was always kind, humble and professional. He was dedicated to his clients and the legal community.

He also brought a lot of fun to the office with his wonderful sense of humor and love of a good joke. She also states he relied on his paralegals to know what to do and respected and appreciated all their work and effort. On many occasions she says he would repeatedly thank them for helping him out, and she would have to remind him, “That is why we are here.”

In addition to professional advice April noted he would also take the time to chat with her about life, family, heartbreaks, graduate school and would listen and offer his advice. He was always encouraging and telling her she could do anything she wanted to do. She also said he never missed a birthday either and loved to sing happy birthday. When her next birthday comes around this year, April says it will be quite different, and she will miss his singing. She also learned how

much Mr. Bookman adored his family talking endlessly about his wonderful wife Connie, his awesome children, and precious granddaughters.

Another local paralegal, Debra Bass, offered her recollections about Mr. Bookman as well. She recalls a recent conversation she had with Mr. Bookman about the nickname, “Butch Bookman”, that Wright Moulton used many years ago. He told her no one had called him that nickname in a very long time but if she wanted to use it that would be just fine. Debra states Mr. Bookman was always willing to share his time with any paralegal and valued a paralegal’s time and talents. She summed it up saying he was a great man and attorney and will be missed by all.

In closing, April offered if Mr. Bookman could, he would let everyone know that he was fine. He lived a great life that was full and wonderful. Ultimately, he did it his way, and that’s the Bottom Line.

16 | The Summation

Argo Corner Alumni Spotlight – Amelia Strom

by Charlie Penrod, J.D. Associate Professor, Legal Studies Program, University of West Florida When it came time in college to figure out what path she wanted to take, studying law was at the top of the list. When I first met her as a college sophomore in the summer of 2015, I was blown away by the unbridled enthusiasm and laser focus she had to go to law school. That enthusiasm continues to this day, and her love of the law and learning is what makes her an excellent advocate. Her time in the Legal Studies program only accelerated her growth. While at UWF, she learned foundational skills and terminology that she says gave her confidence in her first semester as a law student.

A

melia Strom, a 2017 UWF Legal Studies graduate, is now a

successful practicing attorney at Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon.

While at UWF, Amelia was one of the leaders in the program. After graduating from UWF, Amelia attended law school at the University of Florida. She has always wanted to return to Northwest Florida to practice law and was able to fulfill that dream in 2020.

Amelia graciously allowed me to talk with her about her career journey to this point. She told me that she knew from an early age that she wanted to practice law to help others. As a child, she would watch her mom help people every day in her practice as an attorney. That early, critical exposure to the law showed her that she liked solving real problems from real people.

Amelia’s law practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and some Guardianship. She told me that she particularly enjoys this area of the law because it is rewarding—it allows her to share her knowledge with others in the community by helping them through some difficult times in their lives.

This important work affords her the opportunity to bring her clients some peace of mind.

Amelia expressed to me that Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon was a perfect fit with her interests and personality.

Going from a law student to an attorney can be quite daunting—law students spend the previous three years preparing for the practice of law by learning all about it. However, when it comes to the actual practice of law, things are so different and there is still much to learn. Amelia said that she is very fortunate to work with several other attorneys at the firm who are willing to share their time with her, including

targeted mentorship. That mentorship has made her transition considerably easier and allowed her to grow as an attorney to build her own practice. That team-building philosophy at the firm has been invaluable to her growth and development.

I asked Amelia what gives her the most pride in her career. She told me that she was the proudest that she made it a year through her current law practice.

She acknowledged that she is still learning every day what it means to be a lawyer, but the journey from that child watching her mother to where she is now is simply incredible.

Lastly, I asked Amelia what some of her interests are outside the practice of law.

On the weekends she enjoys playing disc golf and, in the summer, going out on the boat. She enjoys spending time with her family playing board games and doing puzzles. Also, since attending UWF, her and her mother have enjoyed taking walks on the beach and collecting shells to later make crafts out of them, such as trees, seahorses, or even spikey balls!

From the first day I met Amelia, I knew she was going to be a star. She is a wonderful ambassador for our program and is destined to be a pillar in the Pensacola legal community. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Amelia. Her tenacity, intelligence, and kindness have combined to form a highly successful attorney for her clients.

She is a model for what young attorneys should aspire to be, and I am fortunate to have been part of her journey!

Spring 2022 | 17

2021 ESRBA Holiday Party

Photos by Guy Stevens

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