THE OFFICIAL AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
COURTING Success AT MOCK TRIAL High Schoolers Prep for Circuit Competition BREAKING NEWS: IMMIGRATION LAW UPDATE
LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LAWYERS Meet the 2024 YLD Board
FEBRUARY 2024
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Leading the Charge Introducing the 2024 YLD Board
FEATURE
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT
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Celebrate Friendship in February Hon. Kathy Smith
TERRY'S TAKE ON THINGS
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LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Off to the Races! Lauren Baugh
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Zoom Training & Property Fraud Prevention Update
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COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Celebrating Lee County Black History
ON THE COVER
SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
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Legal Lens Making it Official
THE DISH
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The Sweet Beginnings of Love Lauren Baugh
WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS
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ETHICALLY SPEAKING
ABA Addresses the Ethics of Witness Preparation Henry Lee Paul, Esq.
100 CLUB
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
PRACTICE SECTION
Sheba Abraham, Esq.
Can There Be a Revolution in Florida ADR for Family Law Cases? Alexandria Kleinfeldt, Esq.
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JUDICIAL SPOTLIGHT
The Hon. Lee A. Schreiber
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SPECIAL FEATURE
THANK YOU, SPONSORS
Putting Academics on Trial Shaina Zuppke, Esq. and Maria Alaimo, Esq.
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IN THE NEWS
GUEST COLUMN
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Embracing Positive Changes in Work Permit Validity Emmanuella Casamir, Esq.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
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PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Celebrate Friendship in February It’s February, and even if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it is the beginning of spring in Fort Myers! It’s time for art festivals, seafood festivals, music festivals and visiting the manatees as they swim up river to Manatee Park! And… for you baseball fans, it’s time for the Twins and Red Sox to report to our fair city!! There’s just so much fun going on that it will be easy to grab a friend or two and celebrate friendship! Valentine’s Day may be the time to recognize romantic love, but… have you heard of Galentine’s Day and Palentines Day?! These “holidays” are celebrated the day before and the day after Valentine’s Day and are a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to the friends who bring joy and support to our lives! And even better, these “holidays” are not just an excuse to shower your besties with love and laughter, good friends are also beneficial for your health and, in my opinion, a better alternative to a kale smoothie! You’ve all heard the adage that laughter is the best medicine. Well, I can attest to the fact that my Girl’s Night Outings are practically a comedy festival. Whether we’re reminiscing about questionable fashion choices, sharing embarrassing stories, showing pictures of our most recent getaways, or dishing on our frenemies, our laughter is abundant and may, on occasion, get a bit too boisterous for those at neighboring tables! Close relationships can also help to reduce the harmful effects that stress and anxiety can have on your body. Sharing your problems with a friend lightens your load and can protect your body by changing the way you respond to stress. So, this month, gather your favorite guys and gals and visit one of our awesome downtown eateries to enjoy an amazing dinner, enjoy a spring training game, or catch the Edison Festival of Lights Parade! Whether you choose one or all the above, just have fun because a healthy dose of camaraderie is the ultimate tonic for the heart, body, and soul.
LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATION Executive Director Lauren Baugh
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL President Hon. Kathy Smith
President Emeritus Spencer Cordell, Esq.
Vice President John Miller III, Esq.
Secretary Dawn Maselli, Esq.
YLD President Joseph Coleman, Esq.
Treasurer John Dommerich Jr., Esq.
BOARD MEMBERS
JUDICIAL LIAISONS
Erin Casey, Esq. Jerry Olivo, Esq. Megan Strayhorn, Esq. Doug Szabo, Esq.
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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 Meredith Jones, Esq. Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. Mock Trial Maria Alaimo, Esq. Shaina Zuppke, Esq. Paralegal TBA Pro Bono Andrew Banyai, Esq. Peter Dennis, Esq.
Law Week Hon. John Carlin
PRACTICE SECTION CHAIRS Alternative Dispute Resolution Anne Dalton, Esq. Alexandra Kleinfeldt, Esq.
Immigration law Pablo Hurtado, Esq. Nirupa Netram, Esq.
Appellate Law TBA
Intellectual Property Law Mark Nieds, Esq.
Corporate Law TBA
Land Use and Governmental Law Zachary Liebetreu, Esq. Sarah Spector, Esq.
Criminal Law Asma Anwar, Esq. Agnieszka Osowicka, Esq. Elder Law Lisa Gelman, Esq. Blake Hampton, Esq. Amy McGarry, Esq. Family Law Kayla Richmond, Esq. Danielle Seitz, Esq.
Hon. Kathy Smith, LCBA President kathleens@pd20.org | 239.533.2911
Administrative Assistant Mairelis Tamayo
General Civil and Business Litigation Joel Hyatt, Esq. Kara Jursinski Murphy, Esq.
Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Kenneth Kemp, Esq. Peter Knize, J.D., L.L.M. Robin Merriman II, Esq. Solo & Small Firm Conor Foley, Esq. Tort Litigation Diana Castrillon, Esq. Diana “Dawn” Maselli, Esq.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S LETTER
Off to the Races! Racing right out of the starting gate is how we started this year! February is one of my favorite months. A new chance to start over, you have cleaned up your home and office, and started a new year. LCBA started this new year with a new president, new board members and a new calendar. This month is what some refer to the “month of love,” and we LOVE our sponsors! If you have not already, check out our ROCKSTAR sponsors listed on page 35. If you see them at Starbucks, in the courthouse or at LCBA events, please introduce yourself and shake their hand! Without our annual sponsors’ support, our events would not be as amazing as they are, and we are beyond grateful. My door is open should you have any ideas on programming, CLEs, or how to improve your LCBA membership experience. As always, please let me know! We love feedback from our members. Speaking of CLEs, make sure you are paying attention to my weekly newsletter to see what CLEs the LCBA has coming up soon. Also, we have some vacant chairing positions available in some of our sections and committees. We would love to have you as a chair for one of these seats. If you are interested, please reach out! Did you know that LCBA is always seeking additional lawyers for our Lawyer Referral Service? The LRS phones are always ringing, and if we cannot connect our callers, walk-ins or emailers up with one of our attorneys, it means we have to turn them away. We do not want that! Our goal is to help them and our community – but we need you! The program is easy to enroll in and easy to manage. Please call or email for the application and to learn how the program works! Also, here are a few reminders. Please log in to your user portal and renew your membership for 2024. Be sure to update your membership listing with any new information. If you are not a fan of doing this online, please call or email me and I can process it for you. Finally, February is Mock Trial month. If you have not been, go check it out. It is a great time, followed by our family friendly annual LCBA Bench Bar-BQ and Shrimp Boil in March. For a full listing of events, check out page 10 and, of course, my weekly LCBA e-newsletter.
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 Lauren Baugh Creative/Art Director Christi Finger Graphic Designer Lynsey Gill Contributing Writers Lauren Baugh Emmanuella Casamir, Esq. Hon. Kathy Smith Alexandra Kleinfeldt, Esq. Maria Alaimo, Esq. Shaina Zuppke, Esq. T. Rankin Terry, 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 rgeditor@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©2024 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 As you plan ahead for 2024, here are special LCBA events to note for your calendar. All dates are subject to change and any updates will be posted on LeeBar.org.
FEBRUARY 2024 2 LCBA Lee County Mock Trial Competition See page 16 for details!
9 RPPTL Virtual CLE Time: 12 to 1 p.m. Location: Microsoft Teams Topic: Heckerling Update 2024 Speaker: Michael Sneeringer, Esq.
15 ADR Virtual CLE Time: 12 to 1 p.m. Location: Zoom Topic: Parenting After Divorce and Domestic Violence: What Lawyers and Mediators Need to Know Speaker: Dr. Laura Streyffeller
15 Gen. Civil & Business Litigation Lunch and Learn CLE Time: 12 to 1 p.m. Location: Lee County Justice Center, CR 3C Topic: Ethics in Our Practice, a Look from the Bench Panelists: Judge Kimberly Bocelli, Judge Keith Kyle, Judge Alane Laboda and Judge Nicole Mirra, Sponsor: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Cost: Free to all LCBA members Register at LeeBarFoundation.org
MARCH 2024 23 Bench Bar-BQ & Shrimp Boil 29 Good Friday – LCBA and courts closed
APRIL 2024 18 LCBA & FRC Spring Symposium: Mastering Wellnesss 27 Law in the Mall with United Way: Harlem Heights
MAY 2024 3 6th DCA Oral Arguments 3 Law Week Awards Luncheon 17 LCBAF Annual Charity Golf Tournament 27 Memorial Day – LCBA and courts closed
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 1 Baseball with the Bar 2 YLD Junk Food with the Judges at the Lee County Justice Center 16 LCBA Luncheon with FL Bar President-Elect Sia Baker-Barnes
SEPTEMBER 2024 2 Labor Day – LCBA and courts closed
WELCOME MEMBERS
WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS Please join Lee County Bar Association in welcoming these newest additions to our membership rolls. TYLER GOLDMAN, ESQ. State Attorney’s Office
CAMERON SADIGHI, ESQ. Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC
ELIZABETH MURPHY LOCONTE, J.D.
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ETHICALLY SPEAKING
By Henry Lee Paul, Esq.
ABA Addresses the Ethics of
Witness Preparation or signal witnesses what to say or not say in the proceedings of a tribunal.”
The practice of law changed as a result of the pandemic. Technology enabled the advent of remote proceedings. Unfortunately, this new technology has also come with new opportunities for improper witness coaching. It is because of recent instances of misconduct involving remote testimony that the ABA addressed the limits of appropriate witness preparation as opposed to improper coaching, in the recently issued Formal Opinion 508. Much of the Opinion is a reminder of long-established prohibitions against assisting a witness to testify falsely in violation of the Model Rule 3.4(b), which is the counterpart to Florida Rule 4-3.4(b) (Assist a Witness to Testify Falsely).
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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The Opinion also addresses new issues of misconduct in relation to remote testimony. The ABA explains that it decided to address this issue because, “The task of delineating what is necessary and proper and what is ethically prohibited during witness preparation has become more urgent with the advent of commonly used remote technologies, some of which can be used to surreptitiously “coach” witnesses in new and ethically problematic ways.” The Opinion observes that, “The use of remote communications platforms and other technologies, in adjudicative proceedings and depositions, provides opportunities and temptations for lawyers to surreptitiously tell
The Florida Bar v. James, 329 So.3d 108 (Fla. 2021) is cited as an example of misconduct in a remote deposition. I previously addressed this case in my January 2022 article. Mr. James was suspended for 91 days for texting his client and suggesting responses during the course of a remote deposition. The Opinion also cites another example of a lawyer who was present with his client during a remote video deposition. The lawyer, who was off screen during the testimony, was captured on the audio verbally coaching his client on how to answer deposition questions. The extent of this improper off-screen coaching was not discovered until the video was closely examined by opposing counsel. The Opinion makes several suggestions to prevent improper witness coaching in the realm of remote testimony. The Opinion gives examples of remedial procedures that include court orders directing uninterrupted testimony, protocols in remote deposition orders or other pretrial orders, administrative orders governing conduct during remote testimony and development of best practices during remote testimony. The Opinion thoroughly explains the limits of appropriate witness preparation as opposed to improper coaching. These same principles are also addressed in the Standards for Professional Courtesy and Conduct for Lawyers Practicing in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit (20th Circuit Standards), as well as the Handbook of Discovery Practice published by the Joint Committee of the Trial Lawyers Section of The Florida Bar and Conference of Circuit and County Court Judges, which is referenced in the 20th Circuit Standards. It is suggested that members of The Florida Bar review the ABA Opinion and other relevant authorities to refresh their understanding of the limits of acceptable witness preparation, as opposed to improper coaching, in light of the reality of modern remote practice.
Thank You. AS WE CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SERVICE, we’re honored to have played a small part in the legal landscape of our community. We’d like to express our gratitude for the opportunities you – our colleagues – have given to us to serve as counsel to your clients. Your referrals have been invaluable to our firm, and we greatly appreciate the confidence you have in us. We’re dedicated to reciprocating this trust by actively cross-referring clients to our fellow members, and to fostering relationships built on mutual respect and collaboration – just as we’ve done for the past 100 years. 1715 Monroe Street • Fort Myers, FL 33902 henlaw.com • 239.344.1100 • Recognized in 2024 by Best Law Firms©
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FEBRUARY 2024 13
PRACTICE SECTION
By Alexandria Kleinfeldt, Esq.
Can There Be a Revolution in Florida ADR
for family law cases? and the financial burden on the parties when going to trial will rise. Maybe it is time to re-think Florida’s ADR role in family law cases by introducing arbitration to the family law process. Other states have already implemented arbitrations in divorce cases. In 1999, North Carolina was the first state adopting a family law arbitration statute. Other states followed. It is important to understand that arbitration may not be appropriate in every case, but it could be a very effective tool if implemented correctly.
We all know that mediation is generally required in Florida family law cases before going to trial. Mediation is a process to encourage parties to resolve their issues in an amicable way. The parties and their attorneys, if any, meet with a neutral, impartial third party, the mediator, who assists the parties in finding a mutually acceptable resolution for their issues. Mediation is an informal and private process. All information communicated during mediation is confidential and cannot be shared.
Alexandra Kleinfeldt, Esq. is the chair of the Lee County Bar Association’s ADR Practice Section and the founder of Kleinfeldt Law Firm, PLLC where she practices in the area of estate planning, probates, guardianships, and family law. She also is the co-chair of the GAL Committee and serves the community as a mediator, arbitrator and Guardian Ad Litem.
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While mediation is a great tool to resolve issues in any civil matter, mediation sometimes cannot resolve all underlying issues in a specific case. Family law cases can be particularly difficult to be resolved at mediation because emotions are understandably high. Some parties might reach a partial agreement, maybe about parenting issues, but are unable to agree on their equitable distribution. Other parties might be unable to reach an agreement at all. At this point, it is time to either see the Judge or the Magistrate. With the judiciary being at capacity, it sometimes can take several months before the parties will go to trial to settle their dispute once and for all. The case will prolong,
As of now, arbitration might only be used in very limited capacity in family law cases in Florida, like cases involving pre- or postnuptial agreements. Pursuant to Florida Statutes, no arbitrator can make a ruling regarding spousal support or alimony payments, time-sharing, parenting plans and child support. But wouldn’t it be an advantage for everyone involved to first attempt mediation and, if there is no agreement or only a partial agreement, the case will be referred to arbitration? Maybe on a voluntary basis. Parties could choose to give their mediator the authority to serve as their arbitrator. Implementing arbitrations in family law matters results in advantages for the parties by offering a neutral third-party evaluation like a Judge or Magistrate in a private setting, a more time and cost-efficient manner, as well as providing the parties with an ability to address distribution of personal property in detail. Additionally, arbitrations may reduce the burden on the judiciary. Changes are scary and need time. Until then, my focus stays in serving our judicial circuit as a Florida Supreme Court-certified circuit civil, family and county mediator as well as a qualified arbitrator. I have the necessary training and experience to assist with alternative dispute resolution in complex civil and family law matters. As of January 1, 2024, I have been appointed as chair of the ADR Practice Section with Anne Dalton, Esq. as co-chair.
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SPECIAL FEATURE THANK YOU, MOCK TRIAL SPONSORS! Each year, funds are raised through sponsorships. These are gifted as scholarships to the winners in each category, which can have a significant impact on their participation and future.
THIS YEAR’S SPONSORS ARE:
By Shaina Zuppke, Esq. and Maria Alaimo, Esq.
PUTTING ACADEMICS ON TRIAL
Best Plaintiff Attorney Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC Best Defense Attorney Law Office of Tracey L. Redd, P.A. Best Plaintiff Witness Titan Law, PLLC Best Defense Witness Titan Law, PLLC Best Opening Statement The Law Office of Marcy L. Shaw Best Closing Argument LCBA Foundation, in honor of Miguel C. Fernandez, III County Team Professionalism Award The Law Office of Karla Y. Campos-Andersen
BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY U.S. CONSTITUTION THE POWER OF WORDS
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A time-honored tradition for the School District of Lee County and the Lee County Bar Association, High School Mock Trial is a way for students to begin developing their interest in the legal field, which may turn into a future career as an attorney. The school board attorneys from the School District of Lee County, Lee County Legal Aid, members of the Lee County Bar Association and members of the judiciary from both Lee County and the Twentieth Judicial Circuit will be organizing this year’s County Competition, which will take place on February 2, 2024.
grown to include teams from all twenty Florida Circuits. The competition starts at the county level, with teams from the local area schools. Lee County has private, charter and public schools that participate in the competition each year.
The Florida State High School Mock Trial program was established in 1991. This competition has
Florida Southern College, through the Justice Teaching Center, creates a new set of facts and
Six teams will be participating in this year’s event. The teams will compete at the county level, and one team will emerge as the winner and will go on to the Circuit Competition level. This year, Charlotte County will be hosting the Circuit Competition, from which the top-scoring team will proceed to the State Championship.
Many of our local judges, magistrates and attorneys volunteer as Scoring and Presiding Judges. There will be up to 50 attorney volunteers at this year’s County Competition. The Presiding Judges will moderate the cases, rule on objections, case challenges and disputes, and score on the final outcome of the cases. The Scoring Judges will rate the opening and closing statements, attorney presentation, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and the overall case.
case materials each year. This year’s trial is a breach of contract case, involving the wrongful expulsion of the Plaintiff. The students must use the details and rules of evidence listed and prepare for trial as both the State Prosecution and Defense. The same set of facts and rules will allow the competition to be uniform to allow the judges to score the students and teams fairly. Students will utilize critical thinking skills, legal reasoning and analysis as they prepare for the annual competition.
The two top scoring teams will compete in the championship round, where the team with the most points will participate at the next level of competition. These amazing students have perfected their cases and could easily be considered future colleagues. The High School Mock Trial competition is one of the best ways to engage our next generation of attorneys.
The students will be scored on their opening and closing statements, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and the overall presentation of the case. Students will also learn the structure and function of the courts and the legal process. The students will have a teacher/school coach that assists the team with organizing the case materials and practices. Many of the teams will also have an attorney volunteer to coach and assist with their courtroom presentation and style. Attorney coaches will provide feedback on techniques to approach cases and develop strategies. FEBRUARY 2024 17
GUEST COLUMN
By Emmanuella Casamir, Esq.
Embracing Positive Changes in Work Permit Validity: A Win for Immigration Clients There is some uplifting news that directly impacts our clients and their immigration journeys. Recently, the United States Citizenship "and Immigration Services (USCIS) made a significant update to their Policy Manual, extending the maximum validity period of work permits up to five years.
Emmanuella Casimir is an associate attorney for removal defense at DeMine Immigration Law Firm, P.A. Born in Haiti, Emmanuella moved to the U.S. at the age of nine. She discovered a passion for law while in high school and pursued a dual degree in political science and criminal justice at Florida International University. After law school, she returned to Fort Myers, working as a criminal defense attorney and later transitioning to become an immigration attorney.
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This development is particularly noteworthy, considering that, until now, most work permits were valid for either one or two years. The prolonged validity comes as a welcome change, especially given the extensive backlog in processing work permits that has affected many of immigration clients. The challenge of waiting for USCIS to renew and issue new cards has been a recurring concern for those navigating the complexities of immigration. We understand the impact this has on individuals’ lives and careers, and we’re thrilled to announce that our firm has already started receiving work permits with the extended validity period of five years.
This shift is not just a bureaucratic adjustment; it’s a positive change that directly benefits our clients, allowing them greater stability and security in their professional pursuits. The extended validity means fewer disruptions, less uncertainty and more opportunities for individuals to focus on their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities. For those interested in delving deeper into this update, you can find more information on the USCIS website. It is very important to stay abreast of such crucial developments and ensure that our clients receive the best support and guidance throughout their immigration processes. Have questions about the recent USCIS update or need assistance with your immigration matters? Reach out to one of our LCBA immigration law chairs. For more information about DeMine Immigration Law Firm, see page 24.
A Word from Our Practice Section Chairs: The recent announcement by USCIS to issue certain work permits for up to five years is indeed a significant step forward, providing much-needed relief for individuals with pending adjustment of status (green card) applications and asylum seekers. However, it is crucial to recognize that those under DACA continue to face limitations, as they are still limited to two-year work permits. Nevertheless, this development is a substantial victory for our entire community, as it fosters economic stability, enabling families to invest in homes and start businesses, thereby contributing to our shared prosperity. For more details, please refer to USCIS’s official announcement on their website.
–Pablo Hurtado, Esq.
The increase in the validity of work permits to a maximum of 5 years for certain noncitizens is a welcome development. It is significant for the individuals and the number of industries and businesses nationally and locally that rely on these individuals to perform various types of meaningful and essential work. This change will further enhance our economy.
–Nirupa Netram, Esq.
March Special Advertising Reserve Your Space Now!
This March, Res Gestae will publish Ladies in the Law, an exclusive special advertising section celebrating the remarkable women leaders who are shaping the legal landscape in Lee County. Don’t miss this opportunity to feature the rising stars and trailblazing leaders at your firm in a dedicated space that highlights their achievements, insights and impact. This section is a powerful platform to communicate the invaluable contributions and inspiring success stories of the women in your firm.
Secure your space today by contacting Elise Rose at rgsales@prioritymarketing.com.
FEBRUARY 2024 19
LEADING THE CHARGE YLD Board Offers Guidance for Young Lawyers in Lee County
Have you heard of National Leadership Day, celebrated this year on Saturday, February 20? Founded in 2021 by Maxwell Leadership Enterprise, the purpose of the observance is to recognize the power of leadership and inspire people to become more effective leaders. National Leadership Day provides an opportunity to celebrate one’s role models and mentors, sharing appreciation for their wisdom and guidance. It’s also a great opportunity to reflect on one’s own untapped potential and consider how one might positively influence the local community. For young lawyers who are just starting out in Lee County, the leaders who make up the Young Lawyers’ Division Board of Directors are here to serve as helpful resources for those who might benefit from a little coaching and guidance along the way. These battle-tested individuals have already walked a mile in your shoes – and they are ready to share what they know with you! They know how to communicate successfully with opposing counsel, navigate challenging situations and sharpen the necessary skills to succeed in a competitive and crowded industry. 20 LEEBAR.ORG
JOEY COLEMAN YLD President
Born and raised in Naples, Florida, Joey is a Florida Bar board-certified business litigation attorney. Following a double major from Florida State University in political science and music, Joey attended Florida State University College of Law. There, he received his Juris Doctor, graduated cum laude and was admitted into the Florida Bar in 2015. After moving back to Southwest Florida in 2015, Joey spent six years working for two of the best civil litigation firms in Southwest Florida before starting his own law practice by founding Coleman Litigation. A Florida Bar Board-Certified business litigation attorney, Joey received an AV Pre-Eminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2021. He also made the Naples Illustrated list of top commercials litigators in 2018 and 2019.
GABRIEL ARBOIS
YLD Communications Chair Gabriel is an associate at Hahn Loeser and Parks, LLP’s Fort Myers office. He focuses his practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, construction litigation, trust and estate litigation, guardianship litigation, and condominium and homeowners association law. Gabriel works with local and national companies, community associations and individuals to navigate through complex legal issues, including contract disputes, collections, liens and enforcement of governing documents. Prior to joining Hahn Loeser, Gabriel worked for one of Florida’s largest civil defense firms and clerked for the Honorable Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. Before that, he attended Florida Gulf Coast University where he graduated cum laude. Based on his academic success, he received a scholarship to attend Florida International University College of Law where he graduated cum laude and received his Juris Doctorate. Outside of the law, Gabriel enjoys cycling, basketball, and attending stand-up comedy shows.
TYLER BAILLARGEON
YLD Networking & Professional Development Chair Tyler’s practice at Goede, DeBoest & Cross, PLLC. focuses on condominium and HOA law. His primary responsibilities include drafting a wide range of community association documents, such as declarations, by-laws, articles of incorporation, architectural review guidelines, rules and regulations, charters and resolutions. He also provides essential guidance and advice to community association boards of directors, covering all aspects of community governance, including statutory and documentary interpretations, covenant enforcement and contract review. According to Tyler, winning his first settlement for a client remains one of the most fulfilling experiences of his legal career. It was a testament to Tyler’s unwavering commitment to understanding the facts and applying the law to achieve the best possible outcome for his client. Seeing the positive impact that his work had was truly gratifying. That experience has motivated Tyler and has allowed him to apply that same mentality throughout his legal career.
KATI COOK
YLD Treasurer An associate at Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller, Kati practices employment law and civil litigation, assisting businesses and individuals in various disputes from pre-suit matters to litigation. Kati focuses on representing employers in discrimination, whistleblower and FLSA claims in court and administrative proceedings. Kati graduated first in her class from Ave Maria School of Law. She clerked for the Honorable Mac. R. McCoy of the Middle District of Florida. She was the publication editor for Ave Maria Law Review and a finalist in the St. Thomas More Oral Advocacy Competition. Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Kati has volunteered for the YMCA, Salvation Army, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Cape Christian Church. She currently serves on the board for the Society of Human Resources SWFL Chapter, the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association, and a member of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Twentieth Circuit.
KEVIN HUGUELET, ESQ. YLD Vice President
Kevin grew up on Chicago’s Southside. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Creighton University, he attended the University of Miami School of Law. There, Kevin served as an editor on law review while earning several writing and book awards. He graduated magna cum laude and Order of the Coif. Kevin began his career as a law clerk for Justice R. Fred Lewis, of the Supreme Court of Florida, and the Honorable Sheri Polster Chappell, of the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. After clerking, he assumed his current role as an assistant U.S. attorney in Fort Myers. He represents the United States, along with its various agencies and employees, in civil litigation across a variety of practice areas. Currently, Kevin is the president of the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association and a former member of the Calusa Inn of Court. He lives in Fort Myers with his wife and daughter.
KURTIS JOHNSON
YLD Health & Wellness Chair Kurtis focused his practice at Kubicki Draper on motor vehicle negligence, premises liability, wrongful death and various other civil actions matters. Prior to joining the firm, Kurtis practiced criminal FEBRUARY 2024 21
defense law as an attorney at the public defender’s office in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. During his time there, he handled hundreds of cases, taking numerous to trial. In this experience, Kurtis learned invaluable trial skills, opposing party negotiation tactics, and how to guide clients through their difficult situation. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 2016. Next, Kurtis attended Louisiana State University and obtained his Juris Doctor in 2020. Now having gained experience as a litigator, Kurtis is eager to use his skills and his drive to help others and zealously advocate for his clients.
ZACHARY LIEBETREU
YLD Partnerships Chair As an associate attorney in the real estate practice group at Roetzel & Andress, Zachary represents clients in zoning and land use matters, including environmental permitting, water use permitting, and state and local code compliance. Zachary also represents local government entities, counseling on management and operational decisions. Additionally, Zachary represents contractors seeking to enforce their construction lien rights. Zachary received bachelor’s degrees in legal studies and political science from the University of Central Florida. Then, he attended Stetson University College of Law and received his Juris Doctor.
ZACHARY LOMBARDO, ESQ. YLD Community Service & Pro Bono Chair
RAYMOND POWERS YLD Secretary
Raymond is an attorney in Kanner & Pintaluga’s property damage practice. His principal focus is on representing property owners in first-party insurance disputes, including hurricane, fire, water and mold claims. He graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in English. Raymond then completed his J.D. at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. Raymond has a variety of litigation experience. Following law school, he worked for the Florida Department of Corrections handling complex litigation and employment issues. He then joined a well-known civil defense firm, where he gained invaluable trial experience representing defendants, corporations and insurance companies throughout the state. Raymond is uniquely positioned to use his experience to provide his clients with the results they deserve when fighting against the very defendants and insurance carriers that he used to represent.
IMAN ZEKRI
YLD Grants & Awards Chair Iman Zekri is an appellate and family law attorney at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., in Fort Myers. Born and raised in Southwest Florida. Iman is a proud alumna of Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Zach is an attorney at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. As a board-certified specialist in city, county and local government law by The Florida Bar. Zach’s primary focus is helping public and private clients in a wide variety of land use and local government matters. He earned his Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law, cum laude, in 2015. Additionally, Zach is an Associate Leadership graduate, class of 2021.
While in law school, Iman was an editor of the Florida Journal of International Law and a member of the Florida Moot Court Team. She competed in the 33rd Annual Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Final Four Competition, where she and her partner received the Best Team Award. Iman was inducted into the Order of Barristers in 2020 for her exceptional skill in oral advocacy and brief writing. In 2023, Florida Super Lawyers named her a Rising Star, and Naples Illustrated named her a Top Lawyer for her work in family law.
Recently, Zach was appointed as city attorney for Everglades City. He serves on the executive council of The Florida Bar Environmental and Land Use Law Section (ELULS) and is the past president of the Collier County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. Zach will serve as the 2024 board chair of the community service and pro bono section of the Lee County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.
When not at work, she enjoys baking, playing tennis, traveling and spending time with her family.
Active in the community, Zach is a lifelong environmentalist and an Eagle Scout. He is committed to doing what he can to improve the quality of the environment in the Western Everglades. As a Southwest Florida native, he enjoys canoeing the waterways of Collier and Lee Counties with his wife and playing the harmonica. 22 LEEBAR.ORG
If you are a LCBA member and would like to connect with a member of the YLD board, please reach out to YLD President Joey Coleman at jcoleman@colemanlit. com to get started.
Proud Supporter of the Lee County Bar Association The law firm of Roetzel & Andress has been proudly serving the legal needs of individuals and businesses in Southwest Florida for nearly 35 years in the areas of: • Business and Commercial Litigation • Community Association Law • Construction and Construction Litigation • Estate Planning
• Financial Services • Probate Litigation • Real Estate and Land Use
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FEBRUARY 2024 25
TERRY'S TAKE ON THINGS
By T. Rankin Terry, Jr., JD, LLM
Zoom Training
& Property Fraud Prevention
Update
Before discussing property fraud alert, I share a discovery in my quest to rehabilitate myself as a “Zoom-competent” mediator and arbitrator. While searching for Zoom instruction, I came across a YouTube podcast about an always-present mediation issue: What is going on in the other room? Go to YouTube and search for, “Mediation CLE: What’s Happening in the Other Room During Mediation of an Injury or Death Case?” by Christopher Simon, an attorney in Atlanta.
T. Rankin Terry, Jr. is a longtime Southwest Florida practitioner. Board certified in civil trial for 35 years, he has been a certified mediator for 40 years. His bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering was obtained from the University of Kentucky, followed by his juris doctor from Washington University in St. Louis. He also earned an LLM in tax from the University of Florida.
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It takes about an hour and 41 minutes. It is about three years old, but that does not matter. As a mediator in the pre-Zoom days, I wish that I could have made it required viewing before all of my mediations. It is pitched to Bodily Injury cases, but applies to any non-family law case. I won’t give away any more of the plot! Moving to property fraud prevention, something sure to become a best practice for all lawyers – given that it’s free and there is little reason not to do it. From now on, everyone recording in the Public Records should file a “Property Fraud Alert,” the official name. See our clerk’s website at www.leeclerk.org. Basically, you enter the name(s) on the document(s) and an email
address. As I understand it, any transfer of the property will trigger an alert by the clerk’s staff to the email. This is a part of HB-1419 (2023). Our clerk, Kevin Karnes, is the primary proponent of this and other measures to prevent deed fraud. The Property Fraud Alert system is not mandatory, as are the party and witness address requirements, photocopy of the Driver’s Licenses and other official IDs requirements also contained in HB-1419 (2023). Various interests’ groups are meeting. Expect several refinements in methods to prevent recorded document fraud, in general, to come out of this session of the legislature. For example, I expect the document recording information (known as INST#/OR Bk & Page to old timers!) to be added to the name requirement. Also, the “alerting” may be moved to the Property Appraiser’s offices. As I have written before, I am a little reluctant to create another database of driver’s license information, but concede that it may be the only practical, first-line way to prevent fraud. More on this in the coming days, as the legislature moves along.
LEGAL LENS
MAKING IT
OFFICIAL
During its annual swearing-in luncheon on Friday, January 19, the Hon. Amy Hawthorne swore in LCBA's newest president, the Hon. Kathy Smith. After the installation of the 2024 LCBA Executive Committee and YLD Board, Kathy closed the luncheon with a heartfelt, inspiring speech that outlined her vision for 2024 – including a new mental health and wellness initiative for lawyers in Lee County.
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4 5 1. Pam Kilmartin, Vanessa Fernandez, Esq., Asma Anwar, Esq and Elizabeth Murphy LoConte, Esq. 2. Hon. Amira Fox, Rich Montecalvo, Esq. 3. Hon. Amy Hawthorne, Hon. Lindsay Scott Garza, Hon. Nicole Mirra, Hon. Kathy Smith 4. Hon. Amy Hawthorne swears in the Hon. Kathy Smith as LCBA President
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5. Hon. Kimberly Bocelli, Hon. Gilberto Perez, Alexandra Anderes Esq., Magistrate Christopher Whitney and Ashley Kogan-Weed Esq. 6. Hon. Kathy Smith, Spencer Cordell, Esq., Lauren Baugh
FEBRUARY 2024 27
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Celebrating LEE COUNTY’S
BLACK HISTORY WHILE LOOKING TO THE The Lee County Black History Society (LCBHS) combines historic preservation while preparing for a rich future. The Society’s foundation is the Williams Academy Black History Museum in Roberto Clemente Park in Fort Myers, which proudly displays historical memorabilia of local Black citizens and national legacies of Black contributors in one of only a few early 20th Century wood frame schoolhouses still standing in Lee County. The museum building was once the 1942 addition to the original Williams Academy schoolhouse, the first government-funded school for Black students in three counties in Southwest Florida that opened in 1913. The school was named after J. S. Williams, Supervisor of the Colored Schools. In 1994, the Lee County School Board had slated the building for demolition. LCBHS founder Janice Cass met with officials to see if the building could be 28 LEEBAR.ORG
Future
used as offices for the Society and for a Black history museum. The building was relocated to Clemente Park in 1995 and was restored following state and national preservation standards. The Williams Academy Black History Museum opened in January 2001. Inside, it’s divided into two rooms. One room displays historical memorabilia of local Black citizens and the history and culture of the Black community. The other room is an interactive classroom staged as a 1940s segregated southern classroom for “colored” students, providing a visual contrast to the facilities provided to white students. One of the chief purposes of the Williams Academy Black History Museum is to provide educational opportunities to citizens of Lee County and surrounding areas. Just a few of the many things you can learn at the museum is about Rosalin Blalock, who tried to attend Fort Myers High School but was denied, a decade after Brown v. Board of Education mandated school integration nationally in 1954 With
Photos Left to Right: Black Cultural Center Project, Fort Myers
support of other students and the NAACP, the Lee County School District was sued, forcing all of Lee County to begin integration. Or, learn about Bunche Beach on San Carlos Bay near Fort Myers Beach, which was named after Ralph Bunche, the first African American to win the Noble Prize in 1950 and was the only beach available to Black residents when the area was segregated in 1949. In addition to creating the museum, the LCBHS was established to provide a way for African Americans in Lee County to recognize and celebrate Black History Month, Florida Emancipation Day, Juneteenth and Holiday in the Park and other events, presented each year by LCBHS through partnerships with other communitybased organizations, churches and private citizens. The Society operated for more than 30 years solely with the aid of a dedicated Board of Directors, community members, volunteers and supporters. In 2023, the Society continued its evolution when Autumn J. Watkins Holloway was hired as the organization’s first executive director, making history as the LCBHS’s first full-time staff member. “As a Fort Myers native and fourth-generation Dunbar resident, I am truly honored to join the Lee County Black History Society as the Executive Director,” said Holloway. “I look forward to working closely with the board, staff and the community to further our mission and ensure that the stories of resilience, achievement and cultural heritage of the Black community in Lee County are celebrated and cherished.” Holloway is charged with building on the foundation of the Williams Academy Museum by also looking to the future with the City of Fort Myers. The next step is planning and helping to fund a $22-million, three-story Black Cultural Center in Clemente Park
near the museum. The cultural center is envisioned to be home to concerts, art exhibits and even recording studios that will help spur development in the Dunbar area. To foster community support and energize fundraising for the center, Attorney Joe North and his family, including his wife Benita, son, Joe North Jr., daughter, Kem Longo, and Joe’s father, James North, presented a check for $100,000 to the Society in March 2023. “My wife and I discussed what we could do to give back to the community that has given us so much, and our thoughts gravitated naturally to the Black History Society,” North said. “They are doing what we really need to be doing, preserving our history. Black history is our history; the history of the entire community. We are an important piece of the fabric of this community.” For their support, the society named a hallway in the Williams Academy Museum the “Joe and Benita North Community Corridor” at its inaugural fundraising event in the fall, Museum After Dark. “The Black History Museum is the ‘corridor’ that connects our community’s past, present and future,” North said. The Black Cultural Center project is in Phase 1, which includes hiring staff and fundraising. Phase 2, expected to be completed in the next two years, will include construction of a playground, amphitheater and basketball pavilion. Phase 3, in the next three to four years, will be construction of the Cultural Center. Fort Myers City Council member Teresa Watkins-Brown said the city has already committed $11 million for the project, and the North donation helped jumpstart additional fundraising. “It’s created excitement that all of this is going to be a reality soon,” she said.
Membership in the Lee County Black History Society, which starts at $50 a year, helps preserve Lee County’s Black heritage, while providing on-going educational programs, new exhibits, historical preservation and research. Membership – from community supporters to community champions – includes free museum admission, discounts on events and other benefits. For information on membership, visit LeeCountyBlackHistorySociety.org/become-a-member/.
FEBRUARY 2024 29
THE DISH
By Lauren Baugh
THE
SWEET
BEGINNINGS OF
Norman Love. When you hear this name, you just know. You smile. You may even start to salivate, but no matter what your reaction is, you know! Norman Love – yes, that’s his real name! – is known as “Confection Perfection.” In honor of Valentine’s Day and this issue representing the month of love, invitations arrived for a private tasting and tell-all with the world-renowned chocolatier himself. The Honorable Kathy Smith, who is also our 2024 LCBA president, and myself were both very excited to be able to get a look into what I now call, “The Real-Life Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!” It was phenomenal! Norman Love has been producing artisanal chocolates in Fort Myers for over 20 years, earning significant national and international acclaim for his edible masterpieces. His favorite two ingredients are Tahitian vanilla and Sicilian pistachios. We sampled both of those flavors and more. I can now tell you that
Lauren Baugh is the Executive Director at Lee County Bar Association and can be reached at LBaugh@leebar.org.
30 LEEBAR.ORG
Sicilian pistachio tastes way better than any pistachios you can buy here! The buttery flavor is truly remarkable. Norman offers 25 signature pieces of chocolate. Right now, a limited-edition, Valentine’s Day collection features 10 heart-shaped dark, white and milk chocolates in a variety of flavor combinations: Passion Orange, Crème Catalan, Tropical Rum, Chocolate Strawberry, Smoked Sea Salt, Champagne, Café Amore, Banana Foster, Kahlúa® Caramel and Mocha Almond. Worth noting is that Norman Love Confections are “clean label,” which means they have very limited preservatives. Norman Love is not only a chocolatier, but he is also a true artist with a vision not to be matched by any other! The Journey to Southwest Florida Norman Love has a truly captivating story. He began his career with the Ritz Carlton franchise. While with the Ritz Carlton, he had the opportunity to travel all over the world and found inspiration in each destination he visited, whether that was
Egypt, Japan, Italy or anywhere else you can dream up. Architecture and romance inspire many of his products that are sold today! His work with the Ritz Carlton led him to Southwest Florida, and we are so glad it did! Norman saw growth and potential, and felt at home here. In time, Norman decided Southwest Florida was going to be his permanent home and Norman Love Confections began in 2001. Norman spoke so highly of the many people who inspired him to pursue his dream: his mother and grandmother, father, friends, and various pastry chefs he met in all corners of the world. He partnered with a few for various television endeavors, including producing and selling over 22 U.S. television shows to Food Network! While listening to his story, it became clear that he is more than passionate about his confections – Norman lives for them. This is his art, and he takes it very seriously, which we can all appreciate, respect and clearly taste when indulging in his amazing handcrafted chocolates. While things were not always easy, he sacrificed personal and professional opportunities to make his dream into a legacy for his family. That work is evident today. If this does not show you what determination and great influence can do for you, nothing will!
Norman Love Confections currently has 150 employees, two manufacturing facilities, a 30,000-square-foot facility, in addition to the many retail locations that bear his name. Additionally, Norman sells wholesale to hotels, casinos, corporations and more! Yet, he is still growing. We learned that he has plans to expand even further. I cannot imagine how proud he must be after all these years working hard and sacrificing. A few statements he said whilst we conversed really resonated with me. One that I loved, as this has been something I have implemented personally, is “live for the moment.” Many of us do not take the time to do this. It is part of his success, and that is truly inspiring. I will leave you with a quote from Norman Love with which I think we can all agree. “Chocolate makes people happy.” This community-driven, philanthropic, real-life Willy Wonka would know! After all, chocolate is his life.
Order online or find a chocolate salon near you! NormanLoveConfections.com
FEBRUARY 2024 31
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
School District of Lee County
Law Offices of Scott T. Moorey
Strayhorn, Persons-Mulicka & Fisher, P.L.
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
32 LEEBAR.ORG
Lee County Legal Aid Society, Inc. Light Path Law, P.A. Linde Law Group Men’s Rights Law Firm
Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Viles & Beckman, LLC Wilbur Smith, LLC Yeslow, Koeppel & Anderson ZinnLaw, PLLC.
Scott T. Moorey
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
u Sheba Abraham
Criminal Defense Attorneys Scott T. Moorey Lance W. Dunford Jill A. Prenger Good People Do Get Arrested
239-275-5552
1430 Royal Palm Square Blvd Suite 101 Fort Myers, FL 33919 1. I first moved to Fort Myers to join Goldberg Noone Abraham. I never imagined how much I would love working in Southwest Florida. My favorite part is the collegial environment and genuine friendships I have developed within our legal community. 2. The most adventurous thing I’ve eaten is my husband’s cooking. Just kidding! My husband, Benny, is actually a fantastic cook. He enjoys cooking all types of cuisines – from homemade pizza to tandoori chicken. 3. I root for the Florida Gators. I’m a proud “Double Gator” and will always bleed orange and blue! 4. An item of interest that sits on my desk are pictures of my family. I am blessed to have two sweet boys, Andrew and Nicholas, and one adorable dog named Milo. We aren’t getting much sleep right now, but our home is full of energy and giggles. 5. My favorite holiday is Christmas. There is nothing more uplifting than a whole season focused on kindness and cheer.
FEBRUARY 2024 33
JUDICIAL SPOTLIGHT
THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
u The Honorable Lee A. Schreiber 1. I root for the University of Florida Gators, of course! It is my undergrad and law school alma mater. 2. I once met and shared a drink with Ernest Borgnine, of McHale’s Navy and other notable TV and film roles, at the Fort Myers Arcade Theater’s 1995 premiere of “Captiva Island.” My brother wrote the screenplay for the movie, so we got VIP access to the stars of the film. Arte Johnson of “Laugh In” also starred. 3. My greatest professional accomplishment was receiving my Circuit Court Judge appointment from then Governor, Charlie Crist, in February 2010. Serving the public in this capacity has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. 4. I like to garden, though I’m not that great at it. The more colorful flowers the better. I enjoy nature and the tranquility it brings me. That, plus, the flowers don’t talk back to you when there’s no question being asked.
Lee Schreiber and her sister with Ernest Borgnine at the “Captiva Island” movie premiere
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5. The most adventurous thing I’ve ever eaten is cow tongue! The family of one of my grade-school friends owned a farm in Alva. They raised cows, pigs, chickens and the like and used all the parts and pieces they could. My younger self thought It tasted like chicken!
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FEBRUARY 2024 35
IN THE NEWS HAPPY RETIREMENT Lee County recently wished the Honorable Leigh Frizzell Hayes a happy retirement during a going away celebration that honored her dedication to the community. This Lee County native was appointed by the governor to the Circuit bench in 2016, after spending 19 years as a Lee County judge. Prior to that, she served as the senior staff attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. A communityminded leader, Judge Hayes was twice appointed by the Lee County Commission to the Health and Human Services Board, where she served as vice chair of the Children and Families/Aging and Adult committee. She also previously served as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, as well as an elder in her church.
The Honorable Leigh Frizzell Hayes with Chief Judge Frank Porter
The Hon. Leigh Hayes with LCBA Executive Director Lauren Baugh
The Hon. Leigh Hayes with Senior Judge G. Keith Cary
PROMOTED TO PARTNER Attorney Eve Volkmann, whose practice focuses on personal injury, property damage claims, motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents and slip/trip and falls, has been named a partner at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. “Her courtroom training while in law school as well as proven track record since joining the firm make her a valuable member of our team,” said Christopher Smith, managing partner at the law firm. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Volkmann moved to Southwest Florida in 2005.
PROMOTED TO PARTNER Attorney Stephen Dommerich has been promoted to partner in the Business & Civil Litigation Department at Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC. The promotion from senior associate attorney continues his progression in the firm, where over the course of his career, Dommerich has gained considerable experience in real estate, business and construction law as well as personal injury, criminal law and first-party insurance law. 36 LEEBAR.ORG
GONE FISHING A great day of fishing and generous donations resulted in the local organization of Mothers Against Drunk Driving raising approximately $20,000 during the recent Fish Like MADD indoor fishing tournament, held in Lee County waters. The title sponsor was Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC. Left to right: Aloia Roland Partner Ty Roland, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Officer Specialist Joshua Arbogast, MADD Special Events Manager Lauren Harkins and MADD Executive Director Jennifer Walsh
FULLY INVESTED The Twentieth Judicial Circuit recently welcomed the Honorable Russell T. Kirshy into the role of Circuit judge during a special investiture ceremony held at the Charlotte County Justice Center in January. Friends, family and colleagues attended the ceremony, which featured the Honorable retired judge, Donald Mason, administering the oath with the Honorable Chief Judge Frank Porter presiding. Appointed by Governor DeSantis in 2023, Kirshy now serves on the bench in Collier County, presiding over the Unified Family Court docket.
IN MEMORIAM LCBA extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Hon. Frederick Robert Hardt, who passed away at his home in Naples on December 29, 2023. The Illinois native served as trial counsel for the Judge Advocate General's Corps in the U.S. Navy, followed by more than 25 years in private practice. In December 2003, Hardt was appointed to the bench as a Collier County Judge of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court by the former Governor Jeb Bush. He was elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2012, retiring in 2019. Hardt will be sorely missed.
IN MEMORIAM LCBA extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Staff Attorney Dave Scuderi, who died on January 9 following a medical event. A former assistant state attorney, Scuderi was serving as legal counsel for CCSO at the time of his death. Funeral services took place on January 22 at First Baptist Academy in Naples, Florida. He will be dearly missed.
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FEBRUARY 2024 37
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
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Offices:
2222 Second Street, Ft. Myers, FL 33901 1222 47th Street, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Telephone: 239.791.7950 Website: LawDefined.com
P.O. Box 1387 Fort Myers, FL 33902-1387
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FT. MYERS, FL PERMIT NO. 147
(239) 334-0047 Fax (239) 334-0523 LEEBAR.ORG
WE MAKE BANKIN G ABO UT YOU !
“It’sYour Call. We’ll Answer, Every Time! ” Banking with a Personal Touch
As the oldest locally owned community bank in Lee County,
Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands understands the value of always being there for our clients. We believe taking a personal approach makes all the difference – such as answering the phone with a warm greeting, every time you call. You will never reach an impersonal voicemail during business hours, because our relationship-focused bankers are committed to serving as the responsive and trusted banking partner you deserve. This is just one of our answers to delivering remarkable banking services to our valued customers every day, in every way. It’s your call.
Janice Tingle, Concierge
Cleveland Avenue Office
River District Office
Bank of the Islands - Sanibel
Bank of the Islands - Captiva
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.