TABLEOF CONTENT
Florida Rural Legal Services
About FRLS, Non-Profit Law Firm
In 1966, as part of President Lyndon B Johnson’s War on Poverty, the Office of Economic Opportunity, led by R. Sargent Shriver, launched a two-year pilot project to provide legal services to farmworkers in six South Florida counties. Originally called South Florida Migrant Services, this initiative sought to address the urgent legal needs of a population often overlooked and underserved.
Lauded for its success, the project remains part of the only legal services organization in Florida that provides aid to farmworkers and migrant workers throughout the state. That organization is Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc (FRLS)
Non-ProfitLawFirmMakinganImpactAcrossFlorida
Firmly grounded in its origins, FRLS has grown to address a wide range of legal needs, including consumer protection, family law, employment, public benefits, elder services, lowincome tax assistance, housing law, and individual and civil rights. Whether it’s securing SSI benefits for a child with disabilities or fighting for fair wages for exploited H-2A farmworkers, FRLS is a steadfast advocate for justice and equity. Every year, FRLS handles thousands of cases, offering critical support to low-income individuals and families.
In 2024, FRLS achieved significant milestones in its mission to deliver justice and hope to those in need. When Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated parts of Florida, FRLS sprang into action. Through its Disaster Legal Services program, FRLS provided critical support, helping families deal with housing issues due to the hurricanes, access Disaster SNAP benefits, FEMA aid, unemployment resources, and going after fraudulent contractors.
StrategicPlanning
To ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of Florida’s communities, FRLS partnered with Hart Core Solutions to craft a bold three-year strategic plan. Launched in May, this plan is a roadmap to drive FRLS toward new heights of excellence and impact. Key goals include optimizing resource allocation, achieving financial sustainability, fostering leadership succession, and integrating advanced technology to improve service delivery.
Leticia Medina-Richman joined FRLS on October 15, 2024 as the Executive Director. Medina-Richman brings decades of legal expertise and a strong commitment to social justice to her leadership role at FRLS.
Before joining FRLS, Medina-Richman served as Chief Operating Officer at Community Legal Aid (CLA) in Massachusetts, where she oversaw daily administrative and operational functions. She also led CLA’s subsidiary, the Central West Justice Center (CWJC), for seven years, managing operations and supervising staff across various practice areas including immigration, housing, employment, and benefits law.
Medina-Richman’s legal career began in Massachusetts at the Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts, a predecessor to CLA. Over nearly a decade, she specialized in landlord-tenant disputes, housing discrimination, and foreclosure defense before being named Director of CWJC. In this role, she guided teams in Worcester, Springfield, Northampton, and Pittsfield while also leading the statewide Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Project.
Florida Rural Legal Services
About Newly Hired Executive Director
Florida Rural Legal Services held its final Board meeting of the year on Saturday, December 7, in Sarasota, where Executive Director Leticia Medina-Richman provided updates on the organization’s progress. The meeting highlighted the dedicated efforts of FRLS staff, who have been actively involved in providing critical legal services to vulnerable communities.
The organization continues to expand its pro bono efforts, with the team making more than 100 recruiting attempts per month, reaching out to attorneys via cold calling, emails, and networking at events. Over the past quarter, 42 pro bono cases were opened, with 46 successfully closed. FRLS also conducted 10 pro bono clinics in October and November, with two more scheduled for December.
FRLS has increased its focus on professional development for the staff, sending staff members to a variety of substantive training courses and conducting in-house trainings as well.
Lastly, the firm launched a bi-monthly e-newsletter, “Victory and Voices: Real Story, Real Impact,” which highlights client victories and the advocates who help achieve them.
2024 Impact and Services
HowFRLSHelpsClientswithHousingProblems:
Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) plays a crucial role in addressing housing law issues, particularly for low-income individuals and families who may otherwise be unable to access legal representation.
Protection from Eviction:
FRLS attorneys defend tenants, negotiate payment plans, or challenge unlawful eviction practices, preventing unnecessary displacement.
Addressing Uninhabitable Conditions:
FRLS advocates assist tenants in enforcing their rights to safe and habitable housing, ensuring landlords meet their obligations to maintain the property.
Foreclosure Prevention:
FRLS staff can help homeowners negotiate with their lenders for alternatives to foreclosure, such as loan modifications, forbearance agreements, or repayment plans.
4,400 Rental and Utility Assistance Cases Closed HousingRelatedCasesClosedin2024
1,200
2024 Impact and Services
HowFRLSHelpsClientswith FamilyLawIssues,Including DomesticViolence:
FRLS is dedicated to helping low-income families navigate complex family law issues and escape situations of abuse and violence.
Assistance with Divorce:
For those going through divorce, FRLS offers assistance with key issues such as ensuring marital property is divided fairly and that the best interests of children are prioritized in timesharing, custody arrangements, parenting plans, alimony, and child support.
Assistance with Paternity Cases:
Paternity cases legally confirm who a child’s biological father is and address important issues like the father’s rights and responsibilities, visitation, and financial support. FRLS helps families with paternity cases to protect everyone ’ s rights and prioritize the child’s wellbeing.
Assistance with Parenting Plans:
FRLS helps parents create parenting plans that outline responsibilities and decision-making for their children. These plans provide a detailed parenting time schedule, outlining when each parent will spend time with the child, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks
Helping Survivors of Domestic Violence:
Everyone deserves to live in a safe environment, free from violence and fear. Survivors can reach out to FRLS for legal support, including assistance with injunctions and orders of protection - which are issued by a court to stop someone from threatening, harassing, or harming another person and help to prevent an abuser from coming near or contacting the survivor. Our team can assist survivors with divorce cases involving abuse, custody, and child support.
2024 Impact and Services
HowFRLSHelpsClientswith IssuesafterNaturalDisasters:
During the initial weeks following a disaster, FRLS focuses on urgent housing issues and income protection. Our team of dedicated disaster attorneys and paralegals assists qualified residents at no cost with:
Housing: Lease terminations, evictions, utility shutoffs, security deposits, repair issues, FEMA applications, and insurance claims.
Document Replacement: Birth certificates, driver’s licenses, social security cards, and deeds.
Income Protection: Wage theft issues, unemployment applications/appeals, public benefits applications/appeals, and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan applications.
"Our dedicated team of disaster attorneys and paralegals works tirelessly to protect the rights and interests of disaster victims," said Denise Badaracco, Marketing & Communications Director for FRLS "We pursue fraudulent contractors, assist with insurance claims and FEMA appeals, and ensure landlords comply with the law after a storm Our mission is to provide the necessary legal support to help communities recover and thrive after a disaster "
of Disaster Related Consumer Cases involved Issues with Contracts& Warranties
2024 Impact and Services
HowFRLSProvidesOngoing SupportAfterNaturalDisasters:
As the recovery process continues, FRLS expands its services to address more complex housing and consumer issues, as well as family and education matters. This includes:
Housing & Consumer Matters: FEMA appeals, landlord-tenant issues, FEMA/U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rent subsidy renewals, displaced public housing/tenant issues, foreclosure prevention, real property title clearing and probate, Section 8 portability, mobile home questions, repair and contractor scams, insurance scams and claims disputes, and price gouging.
Family & Education Matters: Access to public education while displaced, powers of attorney for care of a child or senior, guardianships and supportive decision-making, emergency custody modifications, parenting order modifications due to new home/school locations, and domestic violence issues, including protective orders.
Even years after a disaster, FRLS continues to provide vital legal services to ensure longterm stability and recovery. Our long-term support includes:
Housing Matters: Foreclosures, landlord-tenant issues, flood insurance disputes, FEMA recoupments, and other housing disputes.
Consumer Matters: Disaster tax relief applications and bankruptcies.
2024 Impact and Reach
2024 Special Events
CityofFortMyersRe g
asterLegalServices
Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) has been honored with a special proclamation from the City of Fort Myers, designating May 5-11, 2024 as National Hurricane Preparedness Week This recognition underscores the pivotal role of FRLS in providing free legal aid services to residents, particularly in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes.
"This proclamation from the City of Fort Myers highlights the importance of free disaster legal aid services provided by Florida Rural Legal Services and recognizes their significant contribution to the well-being and resilience of our community," stated Michelle Trunkett, Director of Advocacy at FRLS. "We are deeply honored to accept this proclamation on behalf of Florida Rural Legal Services.”
2024 Special Events
ExcelinMockTrial
Lake Shore Middle School students took center stage at the Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse, in downtown West Palm Beach, to present their mock trial before The Honorable Danielle Sherriff of The Fifteenth Circuit Judiciary, on Thursday, Jan. 25.
The event not only showcased the students' keen understanding of the legal system but also highlighted the collaborative effort between the school, the legal community, and the local dignitaries in the audience.
Judge Danielle Sherriff, a distinguished bilingual jurist fluent in both English and Haitian Creole, presided over the mock trial. She holds the distinction of being the first Haitian American woman appointed to the bench in Palm Beach County.
The mock trial program, tailored to middle school students, unfolded over two or more class periods, culminating in an in-court recorded trial simulation FRLS Attorney Kanisha Taylor, serving as the volunteer attorney, played a pivotal role in guiding and facilitating the mock trial.
2024 Special Events
FRLS marked the opening of its new office in Fort Myers on Friday, Oct. 25, with a festive ribbon cutting and pro bono recognition event The event highlighted the firm’s commitment to providing accessible legal services while honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.
The program kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the new office. Attendees were invited to take guided tours of the facility, showcasing the resources available to better serve low-income and vulnerable residents in the area.
Peter Dennis, FRLS’s Fort Myers Managing Attorney, served as the master of ceremonies, guiding the attendees through the day's events.
Heartfelt speeches from Dennis and Executive Director Leticia MedinaRichman underscored the importance of community involvement.
"We are excited to open this new office, which reflects our commitment to serving the underserved in Southwest Florida," Dennis said. "With the support of our community partners, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most."
Florida Rural Legal Services
2024 Pro Bono Attorney Recognition
Abel Putnam
Albert Batista
Alison Leffew
Amanda Traweek
Andrew Epstein
Antony Kolenc
Arthur Brandt
Ashleigh Bennett
Barbara Cook
Beth Ann Sexton
Carl Domino
Catherine Eaton
Charles Nathaniel White
Crystal Potts
Cynthia Pyfrom
David Fineman
David Lampely
David P Slater
Denise Tessier
Destiney Smith
Devin Mace
Douglas Spiegel
Dustin Michael Butler
Erin Kirkwood
Glenn Crickenberger
Grant Lyons
Greg Nuussibickel
Guinx Toussaint
Heather Bryan
Hurcomb Roberts
James Hubbard
Jan Howell
Jason Berger
Jessica Van Valkenburg
Joel Weiner
John Anastasio
Julie Farach
Julie Treacy
Karla Campos Anderson
Kati Calvo
Katie Kohn
Kathryn McHale
Kenny Kemp
Kevin Sarlo
Kim Cunzo
Kim Rushton
Kimberly Soto
Krista Mahalak
Kristiana Soto
Kriston Bishop
Lauren Casey
Laura Maxwell
Lisa Barnes
Lisa Gelman
Lisa Musial
Lorraine Barker
Marc Dobin
Mark C Anderson
Mary Snell
Matthew Irwin
Melinda Jacobs
Michael Mortell
Minerva Poblet
Pamela Karlson
Regine Monestine
Richard Barkin
Richard Johnston Jr.
Robert Young
Roger Messer
Rosemary Baitson
Ryan Grazi
Samantha Vacciana
Scott Devore
Shahar Pasch
Shannon Linton
Steven Messer
Steven Spence
Susan Chesnutt
Tarek Kiem
Theresa Daniels
Tim Culhane
Tony Kolenc
Trent Steele
Tina El Fadel
Florida Rural Legal Services 2024 Pro Bono Attorney Recognition
FRLSCelebratesOutstanding ProBonoServicebyTonyKolenc andLaurenBaugh
FRLS honored Tony Kolenc, a law professor at Ave Maria School of Law and retired Air Force JAG Lieutenant Colonel, in Fort Myers on Friday, Oct. 25 for his outstanding pro bono contributions. His dedication to justice, education, and creative outreach, including his podcast The Shepherd's Pie and legal column in Practical Homeschooling Magazine, exemplifies the spirit of service.
Lauren Baugh, Executive Director of the Lee County Bar Association, was also recognized for her impactful pro bono work, expanding access to justice and supporting the community through her nonprofit "Shoes, Socks, Shirts & Smiles," aiding the homeless.
LeeCountyPartnerswithFRLS ProBonoTeamtoProvideFree LegalServicestoVeteransand FirstResponders
Veterans, first responders, and their families received critical legal assistance during a free event hosted by Lee County in partnership with FRLS. The initiative, designed to support those who serve and protect, offered attendees help with drafting essential legal documents, including simple wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives.
The partnership between Lee County and FRLS reflects a broader commitment to community service and legal advocacy.
Florida Rural Legal Services
2024 Community Partners
Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT) Fort Myers
American Red Cross (Florida Southern Gulf Coast Chapter)
Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Florida
Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Pines VA Medical Center-Port Charlotte
CareerSource
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities Community Services (New York)
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice
Charlotte County Family Services Center
Charlotte County Government
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity
Charlotte County Human Services
City of Cape Coral
City of Riviera Beach Library
Cityside Suites
Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. (PSL-CILO)
Coalition of Florida Farmworkers Organization
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Fl
Community Foundation of Sarasota
Community Partners of Southeast Florida
Desoto County Board of County Commissioners
Drug Free Charlotte County
Dunbar Community
East Coast Migrant Headstart
Englewood Helping Hands
Fish of SanCap
Florida Community Health Centers
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Georgia Legal Services
Goodwill Arcadia
Goodwill Manasota GPC/CDF
Goodwill of Southwest Florida
Greater Pine Island Alliance
Gulf Coast Partnership
Hardee Help Center
Health Counsel of Southeast Florida
Heartland Rural Health Network
Highlands Hope
Homeless Coalition of Southwest Florida
Immokalee Health Project
Immokalee Interagency
Joseph Project 863 Inc.
Lake Shore Middle School
Lee County Unmet Needs Long Term Recovery Group
Lee County VA Clinic
Lee Health
Legal Aid Ohio
Legal Services New York City
Legal Services of North Florida
Legal Services of Northern Virginia
Mandel Public Library
Martin County's Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Migrant Farmworkers
North West Justice Project
Office of the Regional Conflict (WPB)
OCRCC- Office of Regional Conflict Counsel (15th Circuit)
Orange County Bar Association
Pace Women’s Justice Center
Palm Beach County Community Services
Palm Beach County Housing Authority
Palm Beach County Public Safety Department
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
Palm Beach County Victim Services (courthouse location)
Philadelphia Legal Assistance
Providence Family Life Center
Providence Family Life Center (Fort Myers)
Rebel Recovery
Redlands Christian Migrant Association
Riviera Beach Victim Services
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC)
Safe Space (Stuart Office)
St. Johns County Legal Aid
St. Lucie County's Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
The Children's Network of Southwest Florida, LLC
The Glades Initiative, Inc.
The Heights Foundation
The Patterson Foundation
The Salvation Army
Three Rivers Legal Services
United Policy Holders
United Way of Lee Hendry and Glades Counties
Veterans Administration
Women's Shelter in Immokalee
The Leadership
AdvocacyDirector
FortMyersRegional ManagingAttorney
Angela Thompson HotlineandMigrant HotlineDirector
RivieraBeach/WPB Regional ManagingAttorney
ActingLakelandRegional ManagingAttorney
FortPierceRegional ManagingAttorney
Tikisha Brundidge Chief Operating Officer
Lisa Boemmel Deputy Director
Jeffrey Greene Chief Financial Officer
Michelle Trunkett
Denise Badaracco Marketing&Comms Director
Michele Glass HR-OperationsDirector
Jose Muniz ITDirector
PeterDennis
KanishaTaylor
Maryann Diaz
IolaMosley
BrittBerg ProBonoManager
Leticia Medina-Richman Executive Director
TiaHaggar FarmworkersUnit ManagingAttorney
Board of Directors
CHRYSTAL MARTIN THORNTON, ESQ.
President, C. Martin Law, P.A.
TINA TALARCHYK, ESQ.
Secretary
TANIQUEA REID, ESQ
Vice-President, Taniquea C. Reid, P.A.
PADRICK PINKNEY, ESQ.
Treasurer
