THE OFFICIAL AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
ALL THAT’S GOLDEN
Photos from the LCBA Bench Bar Gala YLD: A YEAR IN REVIEW HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR 2023 SPONSORS
DECEMBER 2023
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DECEMBER 2023
FEATURE
Celebrating the Gift of Your Sponsorship
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LETTER FROM PRESIDENT
A Home Run Spencer Cordell, Esq.
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A.N.A.’s Friends helps SWFL’s most vulnerable children Dave Breitenstein
Holidays, Food, Family, Relaxation & New Years Lauren Baugh
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Delicious Is Just a Stones Throw Away! Lauren Baugh
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE DISH
SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
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THANK YOU, SPONSORS
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Lawyer Disciplined for Criticizing Court Ruling Henry Lee Paul, Esq.
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100 CLUB
PRACTICE SECTION
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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That's a Wrap Conor Foley
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
5 Things You Don't Know About Me Megan Elbana
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IN THE NEWS
ON THE COVER
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YLD SPOTLIGHT
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As Good As Gold 2023 Bench Bar Gala
A Year in Review Casey Gartland, Esq.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Fort Myers Court Reporting
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PRESIDENT'S LETTER
A Home Run
LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION My year as bar president is nearing an end, and it has been quite a ride. I am lucky to have effectively had a head start this year, as there were no natural disasters or epidemics that majorly impacted our community this season, but I’m thankful for that blessing.
Our plan this year was to knock it out of the park, and I really think we did. Going with our baseball theme, early in the year we had one of the coolest programs in a long time by booking a suite at a Red Sox spring training game, in addition to our annual outing to a Fort Myers Mighty Mussels game. We ramped up our annual LCBA Bench Bar Gala by holding it at The Westin Resort in Cape Coral, which is a great setting for a wonderful event. In addition to our excellent special activities, we had a great job with some returning favorites. The weather was great once again for our annual shrimp boil and barbecue. A lot of people turned out for one of our several happy hours. And I appreciate everyone who took a chance with my special menu request of Cincinnati chili at our kickoff membership luncheon! Also, the Lee County Bar Association Foundation (LCBAF) had an excellent year. Great work by John Webb and the Foundation Board to restructure their process. They will be giving out some $50,000 in grants, courtesy of the LCBAF. Great work, guys! I could not have done it without the efforts of my board and wish to thank all of them. I want to extend some specific recognition to a few of them, including John Dommerich, who spearheaded our practice section efforts; Casey Gartland, who did a great job with the young lawyers and also sponsored our Pro Bono Luncheon; and Dawn Maselli, who was instrumental in helping put together our magnificent gala. LCBA is in a very good place. We have started to see people come out in person more than ever since COVID. Our practice sections are getting more active. And, I have worked closely with our incoming president, Kathy Smith, and our incoming president-elect, John Miller. I know the LCBA will be in good hands moving forward. Thanks to everyone for their support this year. I had a blast!
Spencer Cordell, Esq. spencercordell@hotmail.com 239.333.4686 6 LEEBAR.ORG
ADMINISTRATION Executive Director Lauren Baugh
Administrative Assistant Mairelis Tamayo
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL President Spencer Cordell, Esq.
President Emeritus Tiffany Pereira, Esq.
Vice President Hon. Kathy Smith
Secretary Jerry Olivo, Esq.
YLD President Casey Gartland, Esq.
Treasurer John Miller, III, Esq.
BOARD MEMBERS
JUDICIAL LIAISONS
John Dommerich, Jr., Esq. Diana “Dawn” Maselli, Esq. Travis Russell, Esq. Douglas Szabo, Esq.
Hon. Robert Branning Hon. Devin George
COMMITTEE CHAIRS Bench-Bar Gala Diana “Dawn” Maselli, Esq. Diversity and Inclusion TBA Health and Wellness Hon. Kimberly Davis Bocelli John Miller III, Esq. History Hon. Jenna Persons-Mulicka E. Bruce Strayhorn, Esq. Law-Related Education T. Terry Rankin, Esq.
LCBA Foundation Charity Golf Tournament Kenneth Jones, Esq. Shannon Puopolo, Esq. Mock Trial Maria Alaimo, Esq. Shaina Zuppke, Esq. Paralegal TBA Pro Bono Andrew Banyai, Esq. Peter Dennis, Esq.
Law Week Hon. John Carlin
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S LETTER
Holidays, Food, Family, Relaxation & New Year’s I love December. The weather is generally nice, and there is so much to do and so much excitement. Each year in December, I try to do all the Christmas things as that is the holiday I celebrate. This year is no different with my not so little girl of 12. I know that time is not on my side, so I try to pack in all the fun Christmas activities: making cookies, watching movies, going to family and friends’ houses to reflect on the good times throughout the year that we have had together, and, of course, planning for Christmas, which looks different each year. This year as I balance time-sharing with her, rather than doing our extended family Christmas on Christmas, we are going to do it on New Year’s Eve. I bring this up as a way to showcase that, as we do in our personal lives, we can also do in our professional lives: pivot. It is necessary to accomplish all the things we all want to do. When one thing does not work the way we want it to, pivot and make a change to make it work! As an executive director of a nonprofit, the word pivot comes into play often. It may be an event idea you have won’t work. Pivot, and make a new event idea. It really is that simple. If you apply the idea of flexibility to your every day, you can make most things work! In 2023, we had to pivot a few times, although much less than in 2022, 2021 and well, 2020. But each time we do this pivot, we learn and improve on things, and that is what keeps us growing! As we approach the new year, we ask that you help us grow! How can you help us grow? Consider annual sponsorship! Also, encourage your friends, colleagues, and those in your circle of influence to join LCBA. Networking is KEY in this industry, as referrals are a great source of business. What better way to grow your business than to grow your circle? I look forward to seeing all of you at our holiday party this year, and at all the amazing events that we are planning for 2024. If you want to get more involved in the LCBA, as always, my door is open, and my listening ears are on! Happy Holidays and the happiest of New Years to you!
Lauren Baugh, Executive Director LBaugh@LeeBar.org | 239.334.0047 Ext. 102 8 LEEBAR.ORG
The official award-winning publication of the Lee County Bar Association, which serves citizens and the legal community since 1949.
STAFF Publisher Teri Hansen, APR Advertising Account Executive Elise Rose Editor Sarah Nadal Associate Editor Kathy Becker Alan Zagier Editors In Law Hon. Kathleen Smith Tiffany Pereira Lauren Baugh Creative/Art Director Christi Finger Graphic Designer Lynsey Gill Contributing Writers Lauren Baugh David Breitenstein Spencer Cordell, Esq. Conor Foley Casey Gartland, Esq. Henry Lee Paul, Esq. Contributing Photographer Jim Jett Photography
Res Gestae is an award-winning magazine published monthly by Priority Marketing in partnership with the Lee County Bar Association. All editorial, advertising and photos may be submitted for consideration through email to rgeditorial@prioritymarketing.com. To advertise, contact Elise Rose at (239) 267-2638 or rgsales@prioritymarketing.com. For billing inquiries, call (239) 334-0047. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but we cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions shared by LCBA, Res Gestae or Priority Marketing. Copyright©2023 Lee County Bar Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without prior written permission from the Lee County Bar Association. To inquire about such permission, please contact Lee County Bar Association at info@leebar org.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR 2024 SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR Can you believe it’s already the end of the year? Please note that all special event dates below are subject to change and any updates will be posted on LeeBar.org.
DECEMBER 2023 1 LCBA YLD Holiday Fiesta Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Millennial Brewing Cost: FREE with a brand new and unwrapped superhero figurine/ toy to be donated to Heroes Unmasked! Each toy gets you a raffle ticket, raffle prizes are various gift cards to local businesses! Beer, Food, Good times! Register at www.LeeBar.org
5 LCBAF Annual Wine Tasting Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: FineMark National Bank and Trust Cost: $75 Register at www.LeeBarFoundation.org 7 LCBA Holiday Party Music, good food, great company, delicious libations and more! Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: The Edison Restaurant Cost: LCBA Members: FREE Non-Members: $20 Register at www.LeeBar.org 14 LCBA Criminal Law Section Lunch & Learn Time: 12 to 1 p.m. Location: Lee County Justice Center, Courtroom 5B Topic: Legislative Updates 2023 Speakers: Spencer Cordell, Ryan Downey, Francine Dunnoromo, John Dommerich, Jr. Sponsor: Law Offices of Michael Raheb Cost: FREE
14 LCBA ADR Section Virtual Lunch and Learn CLE Time: 12 to 1 p.m. Location: Zoom Topic: Quirks in Government Alternative Dispute Resolution Speaker: Robert Pritt
22 & 25 LCBA and courts closed 10 LEEBAR.ORG
As you plan ahead for 2024, here is a brief list of special LCBA events to note for your calendar. JANUARY 2024 15 MLK, Jr. Day – LCBA and courts closed 19 LCBA Annual Swearing-In Luncheon at The Edison FEBRUARY 2024 2-3 Lee County Mock Trial MARCH 2024 23 Bench Bar-BQ & Shrimp Boil 29 Good Friday – LCBA and courts closed APRIL 2024 27 Law in the Mall with United Way: Harlem Heights MAY 2024 2 LCAWL Judicial Appreciation Reception 3 6th DCA Oral Arguments 3 LCBA Law Week Awards at The Edison 27 Memorial Day – LCBA and courts closed Details TBA: LCBAF Annual Charity Golf Tournaments JUNE 2024 7 YLD Burritos with the Bench at the Lee County Justice Center JULY 2024 4 Independence Day – LCBA and courts closed 5 LCBA and courts closed AUGUST 2024 2 Junk Food with the Judges at the Lee County Justice Center 16 LCBA Monthly Luncheon at The Edison SEPTEMBER 2024 2 Labor Day – LCBA and courts closed OCTOBER 2024 3 Rosh Hashanah – LCBA and courts closed 18 Pro Bono Awards Luncheon at The Edison NOVEMBER 2024 11 Veterans Day – LCBA and courts closed 28-29 Thanksgiving – LCBA and courts closed DECEMBER 2024 6 YLD Holiday Fiesta at Millennial Brewing 12 LCBA Annual Holiday Party at The Edison 24-25 Christmas Eve & Christmas – LCBA and courts closed
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ETHICALLY SPEAKING
By Henry Lee Paul, Esq.
Lawyer Disciplined for Criticizing Court Ruling
or candidate for election or appointment to judicial or legal office.” In this case, the lawyer filed a motion to suppress evidence that was denied. Soon after the denial, the client plead guilty. The client then sought to withdraw his plea with the intent of appealing the denial of the motion to suppress. In a motion to withdraw the plea, the lawyer described the ruling as “bizarre” and alleged that the judge “misunderstood basic legal concepts.” The lawyer further stated in the motion that the judge’s rulings “instilled zero confidence in the validity and efficacy of the court,” and that the entire proceeding was a “sham.” These statements were made with the intent to “establish an ‘involuntary plea’ for the purpose of arguing the motion to withdraw the plea after sentencing.”
Henry Lee Paul, Esq. is a former Bar Counsel who now represents lawyers in all matters before the Florida Bar and offers risk management services on all legal practice matters. He also represents applicants in all matters before The Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
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As we move towards the holidays and into the new year, I remind readers that the Florida Supreme Court continues to be intent on raising the level of professionalism among members of The Florida Bar. There are currently several significant disciplinary cases either pending review before the Supreme Court or at issue before a referee that are likely to provide further definition of what is considered to be unprofessional conduct.
In recommending acceptance of the consent judgment, the referee found that the statements impugned the integrity of the judge. He also found that that the lawyer thought he was acting in the best interest of his client, but was “negligent” in making the offending statements. The referee recognized that, “While well intentioned, respondent acknowledges that his argument in the end crossed the line from zealous advocacy to overzealous and unprofessional.”
A recent consent judgment approved by the Supreme Court is yet another example of the Court’s emphasis on professionalism. In SC22-1331 the Court disciplined a lawyer for violating Rule 4-8.2(a) (Impugning Qualifications and Integrity of Judges). The Court imposed an admonishment for minor misconduct because a lawyer disparaged a judge in the course of representing a criminal client.
Even “well intentioned” statements that impugn the integrity of a judge can be cause for discipline. Members of The Florida Bar should be mindful of the expectation of civility towards the judiciary and others pronounced by the Court in The Florida Bar v Norkin, 132 So. 3d 77 (Fla. 2103).
The rule provides that, “A lawyer shall not make a statement that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge, mediator, arbitrator, adjudicatory officer, public legal officer, juror or member of the venire,
“One can be professional and aggressive without being obnoxious. Attorneys should focus on the substance of their cases, treating judges and opposing counsel with civility, rather than trying to prevail by being insolent toward judges and purposefully offensive toward opposing counsel. This Court has been discussing professionalism and civility for years. We do not tolerate unprofessional and discourteous behavior.”
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DECEMBER 2023 13
PRACTICE SECTION
By Conor Foley
That’s a Wrap!
How to Tie Up Your Year With a Bow, and Prep for a New Year As a Small or Solo Practitioner As the year draws to a close, many solo practitioners and small law firms find themselves considering both the achievements of the past year and the goals for the year to come. In Southwest Florida, December’s slower pace is the perfect opportunity to regroup and reevaluate practices, ensuring that we step into the New Year equipped for success. Here are 7 to should evaluate this December.
1 Technology and Innovation The end of the year is an ideal time to explore newtechnologies that can streamline operations. Conducta technology audit to discard outdated systems and embrace more sophisticated, cloud-based solutions that allow the firm to seamlessly workremotely while maintaining data security Case management software, file storage and collaboration systems, and, of course, AI services, are all systems you should continuously monitor and look for ways to improve.
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Conor is the Chair and co-founder of the Solo and Small Firm Practice Section, and a partner at GunterFirm, a boutique law firm practicing Labor and Employment Law. Conor and his partner Jason Gunter founded the LCBA Solo and Small Firm Practice Section in 2015. After some time away, Conor is bringing the practice section back and is excited for upcoming events and opportunities. The Mission of the Solo and Small Firm Section is to provide information, education, and collaboration that will help solo and small firm practice attorneys become successful. The Practice Section primarily focuses on entrepreneurship, marketing, and technology.
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Financial Strategies and Spending Wisely Analyzing the firm’s finances is critical as the year wraps up. This might include evaluating subscription services, office supplies, online and traditional marketing, and even office space. For some, there may be ways to cut costs. For others, there may be a reallocation of resources based on the firm’s current state. A financial review should also include the sources of income and pricing structures. Now is the time to decide whether adjustments are needed based on the market or the value provided.
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Case Load and Client Relationships Analyzing the types of cases handled over the year can reveal valuable insights. Are there case types that are more profitable or personally satisfying? Should the firm focus on niche areas or diversify its case types? This period is also excellent for reaching out to past clients for feedback and reviews, strengthening relationships, and boosting the firm’s reputation and online presence.
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Professional Development and Networking The quieter days of December offer a chance to catch up on CLE requirements or to advance business development. Networking should not be overlooked; the holiday season is ripe with opportunities for community involvement and professional gatherings that can lead to new business next year.
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Setting Goals for Growth Goal-setting cannot be overstated. Establish clear, measurable objectives for the New Year. This might include expanding the client base, increasing revenue, reducing overhead, or improving work-life balance for staff. Having a vision for the future and setting specific targets can guide decisionmaking and inspire the team. For instance, our firm often sets goals for client contacts (inbound calls) and booked client consultations that allow us to measure the health of the practice and marketing efforts at any given time.
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Marketing and Online Presence We all know a firm’s online presence is often the first impression potential clients receive. Updating the firm’s website, ensuring the content is current and enhancing its SEO can improve visibility. Now, more than ever, a social media strategy may help demonstrate expertise and engage with the community.
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Wellness and Work-Life Balance Lastly, it’s essential to acknowledge the personal side of practice. The legal profession can be demanding, and burnout is a genuine risk. Theyear’s end is a time to consider changes promoting wellness, whether committing to a first workout, setting boundaries for work hours, incorporating mindfulness or making time for hobbies and family. As we approach the year’s end, view it not as a winding down, but as a strategic period for reflection, innovation and planning. The Solo and Small Firm practice section will be announcing upcoming meetings soon.
WELCOME MEMBERS
WELCOME,
NEW MEMBERS
Please join Lee County Bar Association in welcoming these newest additions to our membership rolls. TAYLOR CURLEY, ESQ. Rubenstein & Holz, P.A. VERONICA KELLY, J.D.
DECEMBER 2023 15
YLD SPOTLIGHT
By Casey Gartland, Esq.
A Year in Review. I look back on what an honor and privilege it has been to serve as president of the Young Lawyers Division of the Lee County Bar Association – also known as Lee YLD – during 2023. I want to thank the entire LCBA Executive Board for allowing me to serve this year, and for allowing me to have an active voice during our meetings, debates and discussions over the past year. It is always difficult to be the new person in the room, and I thank you all for making me feel welcome and encouraged to participate.
Casey Gartland is a civil litigation attorney with the Pendas Law Firm’s Fort Myers office where he represents clients who have been injured or killed as the result of negligence, greed or carelessness. He specializes in car and truck crashes, premises liability, insurance bad faith, property damage claims, product defect and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) cases.
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I also must thank current LCBA President Spencer Cordell for leading by example this year, and especially for always showing up personally to all of the YLD events that my board and I put together. A huge shout-out to my YLD Board, comprised of Joseph Coleman, Dawn Maselli, and Kati Cook, for embracing my vision of continuing the YLD’s annual events and also creating some new ones too! Thank you for working with me to make sure we got our grant applications in on time, scheduled all our annual events, and made time in your busy and hectic schedules for some of the new events we took on this year. I also need to thank the partners at The Pendas Law Firm – Lou Pendas, Joel Piedra and Larry Trias – for allowing me to take on his leadership role to fill my personal and professional need to give back to my profession and, more importantly, my community! Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank LCBA Executive Director Lauren Baugh for giving me the confidence to lead the YLD this year, and
for all your tireless efforts to ensure that my lofty vision for this year’s calendar of YLD events came to fruition. You are the glue of this organization, and I am honored to have worked alongside you this year. Thank you!
ACHIEVING OUR 2023 YLD VISION My vision for the YLD this year was to swing for the fences, getting the YLD back to hosting and participating in numerous events throughout the calendar year. The goal was to give back and create a “YLD presence” in the community. To review, over the past year my board and I were able to schedule, coordinate, collaborate on and host several events throughout my tenure, including but not limited to our annual events: • Burritos with the Bench • Junk Food with Judges • YLD Holiday Fiesta All the while, we were also able to step into some new roles and opportunities by having a heavy YLD turnout at events like “Law in the Mall” and a volunteer day with Community Cooperative. My board and I also worked to expand the YLD listserv this year, so that in coming years, the YLD can begin to tailor specific content and messages for our audiences! It was a busy year for the YLD, and an even busier one in law with passage of the Omnibus Tort Reform Bill known as “HB 837,” for which I coined the term, the “Tallahassee Tsunami.” Today, the shock and awe of the Tallahassee
Tsunami is over, but what is left in its wake is endless work, discovery and trial prep. This environment, caused directly by Tallahassee politicians who are disconnected with the reality of the legal practice, is likely to continue for the next two or three years. The wave of cases that entered into the Civil Justice System need to work through the process. It has been a high stress time for all those working in Torts and Personal Injury in Florida, and this stress level is even higher for those young lawyers fresh out of law school.
Young lawyers typically feel like they have to prove themselves to opposing counsel, and an easy way to do that is to be confrontational as a way of trying to be zealous – avoid that ego trap! Pick up the phone when you need an extension, try to narrow issue by meeting and conferring before any hearings, save the zeal for the courtroom, and know that not every fight is worth having or a benefit to your respective client.
PRACTICE TIPS AND ADVICE FOR THE YOUNG LAWYER
Now, I pass the reins on to Joseph Coleman, Esq., of Coleman Litigation to take on the role of president in 2024. Joey is equipped to take the work we have done for the YLD this year to new levels in 2024 by growing its presence. He has been very involved in other volunteer bar associations and will continue to grow the Lee YLD in those areas.
My words of advice to the young lawyer who has been caught in this mess is to “stay the course,” as things will eventually come back to some sort of normalcy. What that normalcy is, we have to wait and see, but things will settle down, and you will be better for it when they do – hang in there! Remember the lawyer on the other side is just as stressed out as you. When you can, be cordial, be collaborative and be professional. Being an advocate for your client does not mean you have to be difficult with opposing counsel on everything. Hold some of your punches, for every punch requires your energy and time, and honestly, most arguments and squabbles that lawyers typically have with one another do not really move the needle one way or the other. It is usually just an ego thing!
YLD TRANSITION & UPCOMING EVENTS
I will schedule and personally sponsor a YLD Happy Hour to celebrate Joey’s presidency sometime in the first quarter of 2024, so stay tuned for details! In addition, I will be donating $500 worth of toys for the upcoming YLD Holiday Fiesta on December 7 at Millennium Brewing Company.
I hope to see a great turnout at both these events and wish everyone a safe, blessed and restful holiday season.
DECEMBER 2023 17
Celebrating
THE GIFT OF YOUR SPONSORSHIP As 2023 draws to a close, LCBA would like to thank our sponsors for their unwavering support throughout the year. Your commitment, both to our mission and to the Lee County legal community, has helped LCBA make 2023 a year of growth and achievement. The real gift this holiday season is you! Featured here are a few of our valued sponsors and their hardworking teams, ready to celebrate the holidays in style. From our team to yours, Happy Holidays!
Kanner and Pintaluga, P.A.
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Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz P.A.
US Legal Support - Brian Riley
CopyLady
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Dal Lago Law
Cogent Bank
DECEMBER 2023 19
Boy, Agnew, Potanovic, Miller PLLC
Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A.
Jaffe Sports Medicine - Dr. Asma Siddiqui
Hampton Law 20 LEEBAR.ORG
First Horizon Bank
DECEMBER 2023 21
SPECIAL EVENT RECAP
2023 LCBA Bench Bar Gala 1
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The Lee County Bar Association (LCBA) recently hosted its annual Bench & Bar Gala on Saturday, November 11 — a dazzling night that gathered local attorneys, judges and legal professionals to commemorate the achievements of the legal community and celebrate all that’s golden. As the night unfolded, guests mixed and mingled while enjoying cocktails and an expansive charcuterie spread. The Westin Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, Florida, served as the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration. Guests tapped their toes to lively entertainment while enjoying a delicious dinner provided by the Westin catering team. The brief program included words of welcome from Executive Director Lauren Baugh, followed by an invocation led by City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. Following a recognition of the dignitaries and judiciary, LCBA Bar President Spencer Cordell thanked LCBA members for making it a great year. In addition to a few words from sponsors, Florida Bar President Scott Westheimer addressed the crowd and honoring the chapter’s commitment to justice. Then, it was party time! Members of the Bench and the Bar headed to the dance floor to show off their moves, while the live band played popular covers and dance hits. As the evening came to a close, guests received a complimentary printed photo as their souvenir from the evening, compliments of Jim Jett and the LCBA. 22 LEEBAR.ORG
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1. Hon. Devin George and Brad George 2. Guests enjoying dancing 3. Hon. Linda Adams and Hon. James Adams 4. Michael Raheb, Esq. 5. Hon. Mary Evans 6. Gary Rhodes, Anna Rhodes, Shannon Puopolo, Erin Casey, Chene Thompson, Veronica Batt and Kristianna Soto 8. Kate Hampton, Blake Hampton, Esq., Lauren Baugh, Steve Sutphin 9. Hon. Lindsay Scott Garza with members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office 10. Maria Alaimo, Esq. 11. Spencer Cordell, Esq. and Blake Hampton, Esq. 12. Heidi Gavin, Dawn Maselli, and Chelsey Scheiner
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SPECIAL EVENT RECAP
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23. Hon. Kyle Dudek, Capt. Mike Corso, Esq.
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24. Hon. Scott Westheimer and Spencer Cordell, Esq. 25. Dan Detrick and Cynthia Duff 26. Bridgette Willhauer, Esq. and Hon. Nicholas Mizell 27. Spencer Cordell, Esq., Jerry Olivo, Esq., Hon. Devin George, Dawn Maselli, Esq., John Dommerich, Jr., Esq. 28. Richard Purtz, Esq. and Whitney Hutton 29. Liz Aurensan and Bernard Aurensan 30. Hon. Kyle Cohen and Rachel Cohen 31. Hon. Linda Adams, Hon. James Adams, Dan Detrick and Cynthia Duff 32. Angela Kirshy and Hon. Russell Kirshy 33. Courtney Dorsey and Brian Riley
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COMMUNITY CONNECTION
By David Breitenstein
helps SWFL’s most vulnerable children For nearly 40 years, Southwest Florida has rallied around abused, neglected and abandoned children as they navigated the child welfare system. Living in foster homes and temporary shelters, youth face unimaginable emotional, behavioral, social and financial struggles. As a community, we stepped up to help them through the Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit. By all measures, the Foundation – a United Way partner agency – was highly successful. However, it was only scratching the surface. Across Lee County, there are many children whose birthdays aren’t celebrated because their parents cannot afford gifts or a party. There are youth who don’t have books to read at home. There are teens who never have opportunities to go to the movies with friends. Because they were not part of the Guardian ad Litem program, they were not eligible for assistance through the Foundation. No child in need should ever be turned away. In October, the Foundation expanded its focus to serve a broader group of children and teens under a new name – A.N.A.’s Friends. The acronym A.N.A. represents three categories of youth the organization supports: Abused, Neglected and Abandoned. A.N.A.’s Friends will continue providing programs for youth in the child welfare system, including those in foster homes and temporary shelters, as well as vulnerable children whose lives can be positively impacted through emotional support, financial resources and educational services. 30 LEEBAR.ORG
“Our organization remains dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of abused, neglected and abandoned children in Southwest Florida, just as we have for nearly 40 years,” said Jessica Stanfield, executive director of A.N.A.’s Friends. “We want to empower children to heal, grow and thrive despite the challenges they have faced in their lives, and expanding our focus will magnify our impact across the region.” The expanded mission comes on the heels of an expanded physical presence. In July, the nonprofit moved into its new Operations Center at Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s Gateway branch. In addition to business offices, the facility contains multipurpose spaces for tutoring sessions, SAT and ACT prep classes, supervised visits, art therapy sessions, small community gatherings and more. The nearly 1,000-square-foot center also provides secure storage for two initiatives: • Comfort Closet: Emergency needs items like stuffed animals, beds, bedding, clothing and car seats. •H oagland’s Happy Stories Collection: Literacy outreach program that provides books to local children. A.N.A.’s Friends is maintaining the Children’s Needs Program, which allows advocates to request funds for birthday parties, tutoring, summer camp programs, movie tickets, registration fees for clubs and sports, and other expenses.
Top Photos: Amy McQuagge, Jessica Stanfield, Cecil Pendergrass and Bruce Greenberg welcome guests at the new A.N.A.'s Friends Operations Center, located at Sanibel Captiva Community Bank's Gateway branch in Fort Myers.
Previously, the Guardian ad Litem Foundation worked collaboratively with the Guardian ad Litem program. That relationship will continue, but A.N.A.’s Friends will partner with other youth-focused organizations and schools to meet the needs of children in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. “Through these collective efforts, we can provide a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow for children who need us most,” said Bruce Greenberg, board president for A.N.A.’s Friends.
For more information or to donate to the Comfort Closet or Hoagland’s Happy Stories Collection, please visit ANAsfriends.org or call 239-245-7787.
DECEMBER 2023 31
SPECIAL EVENT RECAP
By Bridget Washburn, Treatment Courts Manager
SUPPORTING
OUR VETERANS 20 23 The Lee County Veterans Treatment Court celebrated its participants this past Veterans Day in November. This special Veterans Day event was hosted by the Lee County Veterans Treatment Court Judge, Josephine Gagliardi. Veterans Treatment Court is designed to provide support for those who have sacrificed for our country and are diagnosed with a mental health or substance use diagnosis. It’s not a traditional court track. It promotes recovery and healing, while ensuring public safety through supervision. The guest speaker for the event was attorney Michael Corso, who is a retired United States Air Force Captain. The veterans in the program were strongly impacted by his words of encouragement and remembrance. The event also had a special guest attendee, Dog the Bounty Hunter, who came to show his support for our veterans!
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DECEMBER 2023 33
THE DISH
By Lauren Baugh
DELICIOUS IS JUST A STONES THROW AWAY! Thanks to Facebook, I have found a really cool little spot in Cape Coral. Although I first heard about it on Facebook, Stones Throw has been open since May of this year – and somehow, I had not heard about it. It is definitely one to go try! Stones Throw is located on Cape Coral Parkway, in a strip plaza that can easily be missed with its simple décor and simple signage. It now makes me laugh, as I learned that the Cape Coral Parkway entrance is not, in fact, an entrance, but the back of the restaurant. No matter how you enter this establishment, find your way there! It is a very cool space. The atmosphere promises a good time. When we arrived, they had a saxophone player in the main part of the restaurant providing simple tunes in
Lauren Baugh is the Executive Director at Lee County Bar Association and can be reached at LBaugh@leebar.org.
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the background. You are not distracted, like you (or rather I) would be with a full-blown band or singer in the space. As you walk in the actual entrance, you are greeted by a hostess stand in a kind of small hallway. This would be misleading, as it sparks thoughts of a small dark place. But once you walk through the hall, you are greeted with a mellow, well-lit bar and dining area with simple décor, so as not to distract from the specialty cocktails and cuisine. We opted to sit outside, as it was gorgeous out on this night and we wanted to take advantage of that. We had an amazing server, Jefferson, who was a personality for sure. He was able to recommend some items that were popular, and I always take
this as a go-to method on what to order. We opted for two appetizers: the tuna poke nachos and the goat cheese pillows. Both caught my eye because they were unique sounding. I had not ever thought of, nor heard of, poke nachos. And I love poke, so that sounded like a fun adventure for my mouth! We tried some of their signature cocktails, one of which was called the Glass House. It was a bourbon-based cocktail with 24-carat gold leaf in it. It just sounded so yummy! We also got the Say Uncle, which was whiskey-based. Now they were both good, but the Say Uncle was so much deeper in flavor. I think it was the black walnut bitters, which I have not tried before. It gave the drink such depth and was truly phenomenal! As the appetizers came out, we munched and looked over the menu to decide what to order for our entrees. Usually I would have ordered a steak, but I was so intrigued when I saw
they had a Wagyu burger. I am not the person that orders burgers out often. Those are easy to make at home, the way I like them. But the description got me! What they do not say in the description is that the bottom brioche bun is inverted and toasted, and that was a pleasant surprise. Somehow, this made it that much better! It was by far one of the best burgers I have ever had! Now, Steve did go for the steak: the ribeye. It looked amazing, smelled amazing and was cooked to a medium-rare perfection. The flavor was truly phenomenal, but truth be told, I was not jealous. My burger was beyond what a burger typically would be! It was a fabulous place; the server, great; the food, amazing; the atmosphere, phenomenal. Truly a great experience to go on date night, or to entertain clients from both in and out of town. If you are looking for a restaurant to go to within a stone’s throw, check out Stones Throw restaurant in Cape Coral. You will not be disappointed!
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100 CLUB
IS YOUR FIRM PART OF THE 100 CLUB? Any firm with two or more attorneys and 100% membership in LCBA qualifies. If you feel your firm is eligible, email a listing of your attorneys to admin@leebar.org and we will let you know. Absolute Law, P.A.
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A.
Osterhout & McKinney, P.A.
All Injuries Law
GrayRobinson, P.A.
Patrone, Kemp & Bentley, P.A.
Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC.
Green, Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP
Pavese Law Firm
Arend & Sisk, P.A.
Hahn, Loeser & Parks, LLP
Roetzel & Andress, L.P.A.
Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner, P.A.
John Webb Legal Group, P.L.
Rubinstein & Holz
Banker, Lopez & Gassler
Kagan Law Firm
Scarmozzino / King Trial Lawyers
Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller, PLLC.
Knott Ebelini Hart
Sheldon E. Finman, P.A.
Boyle & Leonard & Anderson, P.A.
Law Offices of Dennis L. Webb, P.A.
Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A.
Burandt, Adamski, Feichthaler & Sanchez, PLLC.
Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, Criminal Lawyer
Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.
Law Offices of Scott T. Moorey
Viles & Beckman, LLC
Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law Cole Scott & Kissane, P.A. – Fort Myers Dal Lago Law Freidin & Inglis, P.A. Garvin Law Firm Goldberg, Noone, Abraham
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Lee County Legal Aid Society, Inc. Light Path Law, P.A. Linde Law Group Men’s Rights Law Firm
Strayhorn, Persons-Mulicka & Fisher, P.L. Wilbur Smith, LLC Yeslow, Koeppel & Anderson ZinnLaw, PLLC.
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1430 Royal Palm Square Blvd Suite 101 Fort Myers, FL 33919 1. Living in Atlantic City, New Jersey, there were many famous people I had the pleasure to meet over the years. The most fun were Philadelphia Flyers player Bobby Clark and Flyers radio commentator Steve Coates. They were members of a country club where I worked for many years. They were some of the most humble and fun guys I had the opportunity to spend time with. 2. The advice I’d give my younger self? Be confident in your decisions, stay humble, be present, find your voice and know who you are. Your job does not define you. When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. 3. The most adventurous thing I’ve ever eaten is easily foie gras crème brûlée. That’s right, crème brûlée made from the goose or duck liver. 4. The decision to live and work in SWFL was an easy one, because there’s no snow here! 5. A vase of broken seashells rests on my bookcase. Each shell was collected following a Jersey shore storm, telling a story of its journey through the waves. This vase represents the beauty and strength of nature. If these shells can weather the storm, so can you.
DECEMBER 2023 39
IN THE NEWS APPRECIATING LOCAL APDS
Pictured, left to right: Lauren Baugh, Karla Campos-Andersen, Kaydi Andersen, Kelly Fayer, Denise Fernandez, Amy McQuagge
SCHOOL UNIFORMS? CHECK! Lee County Bar Association (LCBA), the LCBA Foundation, Miguel C. Fernandez III Hispanic Bar Association (MCFHBA) and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank recently visited Orange River Elementary to present a gift to the school. The LCBAF had gifted a grant to MCFHBA, which will be used to purchase uniforms for families who were not able to buy their own uniforms for school. Community partner Sanibel Captiva Community Bank matched the donation.
LCBA Executive Director Lauren Baugh provides local APDs with an overview of the Lee County Bar Association during the Criminal Law Social in October. Criminal Law Section Co-Chair Asma Anwar, Esq. and Public Defender Kathy Smith recently hosted this meet and greet in downtown Fort Myers. The event welcomed newly barred assistant public defenders, with the goal to introduce them to the Lee County Bar Association.
LADIES WHO LEAD IN LAW The Hon. Josephine Gagliardi recently swore in the 2023-2024 Board of Directors of the Lee County Association of Women Lawyers (LCAWL). LCAWL is a local branch of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), an organization that was founded in 1951 with the goal of propelling women lawyers into economic, social and leadership spheres of power. Pictured, left to right: Samantha Encalada, President Elect Maria Alaimo, President and Judge Josephine Gagliardi, Treasurer Maritrini Soto Garcia and Secretary Ashley Graham
DRIVEN TO FIND JUSTICE Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz has hired Kara Rogers as an associate attorney focusing on personal injury litigation, including motor vehicle accidents and premises liability cases. Most recently, Rogers worked in civil practice and served as a law clerk to a Federal Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. She volunteers for the Guardian ad Litem program and fosters animals for Lee County Domestic Animal Services and Gulf Coast Humane Society. 40 LEEBAR.ORG
FROM INTERN TO INTEGRAL TEAM PLAYER Rubinstein & Holz welcomed Taylor Curley as its newest family law attorney. In 2023, she graduated magna cum laude from Ave Maria School of Law, where she served as senior editor on Law Review for two years. Taylor also gained valuable work experience as a legal intern with the Department of Children and Families, as well as a law clerk at Rubinstein & Holz for the past year.
DECEMBER 2023 41
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AT TO R N E YS AT L AW
Happy Holidays, from our family to yours! As we enter the holiday season, we reflect back on the past year and remember the clients we were privileged to represent. Thank you for trusting our firm with the needs of your friends, family and clients.
Ty G. Roland Senior Partner Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
Jonathan Martin Partner Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
Reflective / re·flec·tive / Adjective 1. relating to or characterized by deep thought; thoughtful. Synonyms: contemplation, observation, consideration
Over 60 Years of Combined Experience Serving Residents of Southwest Florida Offices: 2222 Second Street, Ft. Myers, FL 33901 1222 47th Street, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Telephone: 239.791.7950 Website: LawDefined.com
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The holiday season offers the opportunity to treasure moments with loved ones, reflect on the past year and prepare for new beginnings. At Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, it is the strong personal relationships we’ve built with our valued customers that bring us warmth and joy. As the oldest community bank in Lee County, we are honored to support the banking needs of those who call Southwest Florida home for the holidays. Warmest wishes for a festive holiday season filled with laughter, joy and peace.
To learn more about our customer services and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800. Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.