Res Gestae - April 2017

LCBA Cares About Pro Bono APRIL 2017

A FOUNDATION OF CARING Formalizing our commitment to Lee County

The heart of the profession Pro Bono is more than words

THE OFFICIAL AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

Contents On the cover: LCBA Foundation Board – Treasurer John Webb, Director Shannon Puopolo, Director Cedric Hall, President Beverly Grady, Director Scott Atwood and Director Kristalyn Loson with LCBA Executive Director David Seitz. Not pictured: Secretary Michael Randolph Photo credit: Cedric Hall

22 Above photo credit: Jim Jett Photography

features

30

16 More than words

Pro Bono service is the heart of the profession

by Mary A. Cosmo, Esq.

22 A foundation of caring

41

LCBA reinforces its community connections

by Beverly Grady, Esq.

departments 6 Letter from the President

by Kelly L. Fayer, Esq.

8

King's Kitchen

Letter from the Executive 32 LCBA Judges Care Director

Hon. John S. Carlin

by David Seitz

10 Calendar of Events 12 Ethically Speaking

30 The Dish

by Henry Lee Paul, Esq.

34 LCBA Members Care

Karla Campos-Andersen, Esq.

36 LCBA Members Care

Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq.

14 Appellate Law Practice 38 100 Club

Section

by Alexander Brockmeyer, Esq.

20 YLD Spotlight

by Danielle Seitz, Esq.

26 New Members 28 Legal Lens #KindLee

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RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

40 In the News

News and Happenings

41 Law Week

AD DIRECTORY Accurate Investigations & Drug Screening 21 Boyle & Leonard, P.A. 42 Brad Jessen, Edward Jones 39 Brodeur Carvell 37 Business Observer 29 Calvo & Calvo Attorneys at Law 13 Compass Law Firm 13 CONRIC PR & Marketing | Publishing 34 Copy Lady 7 DeMine Immigration Law Firm 19 Denise Kennedy 17 Donna Tisch 41 Edison National Bank BC ENCORE Bank IFC Experience Real Estate Group, LLC 11 FineMark National Bank 35 Fort Myers Court Reporting 25 Garvin Law Firm 21 Get Smart Bail Bonds 39 Geraghty Mediation 29 Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. 9 Hotel Indigo 29 Joe Viacava Law IBC Kushner & Kushner Attorneys 40 Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey 11 Law Offices of David L. Orosz 21 Law Offices of Dennis L. Webb 11 Leonard P. Reina 19 Leslea Ellis, LLC 9 Livingston Loeffler, P.A. 17 Martin Law Firm 32 McHale, P.A. 27 Merit Court Reporting, Inc. 35 Molloy Law 26 Musca Law Office, Inc. 3 Patterson Eskin & Ball 40 Roetzel & Andress 33 Sanibel Captiva Community Bank 33 Sheldon E. Finman, P.A. 36 Simon M. Harrison 37 Spivey Law Firm, P.A. 5 The North Law Firm, P.A. 27 The Place on First 17 Trinity Commercial Group Inc. 19 Veranda Restaurant 27 Von Ahn & Associates 15 William DeForest Thompson Jr., LLC 13

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Letter from the President Doing professional work without payment or compensation is a noble cause that we aspire to for the public good. As attorneys, we have the ability to turn this aspiration into results that have a real impact for our community.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy created the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and urged lawyers to dedicate their skills to the cause of civil rights. This institution played a vital role in fighting on behalf of people who faced discrimination and had a great need for legal services without the means to afford them. Originally, pro bono law centers were opened predominately in the South for this noble cause. In the 1970s and 1980s, however, pro bono work expanded nationwide for many causes ranging from school desegregation to employment discrimination.

Today, pro bono work is encouraged by The Florida Bar and the LCBA. Before her passing, former Pro Bono Committee Chair Lynn Suzanne Spradley spent much of her time encouraging us to help others. She did not charge her clients who were most in need. Lynn, you led by example – you are still the Brightest Star, and we really miss you! Our Pro Bono Committee co-chairs, Hon. Kathy Sturgis and Mary Cosmo are continuing her work and helping us expand our community outreach as part of the LCBA Cares initiative. We’re lucky to have these two dynamic leaders.

A commitment to helping others was the reason many of us became lawyers. As you’ll read on page 16 of this issue, pro bono work formed the foundation of Mary’s career. I believe her article will inspire you to pursue the many benefits of pro bono service, which build one’s character, build one’s practice and increase personal career satisfaction. Mary provides an important reminder about the urgent need that exists and the power of even very small acts of service to transform lives. In the process, you can’t help but to transform your own.

You should not do pro bono work just because Florida Rural Legal Services is offering $100 to the first 50 attorneys who agree to accept a pro bono case this year. Don’t do it just because you feel obligated by the reporting requirements of The Florida Bar when you renew your membership each year. You should not do pro bono work just because Kathy and Mary “gently insist” that you participate in their committee work.

Since you are an esteemed LCBA member, you really don’t need me to tell you why, but I will: You possess the education, training and skills that are vital to your neighbors in the community whether they can afford them or not. These super powers are the very nature of your profession – standing up and representing those who need it. Using your resources to benefit the community is a responsibility and a privilege. As they say in the action movies, use your power for the greater good. Why pro bono? Because we are #KindLEE!

Kelly L. Fayer, Esq. Kelly@FayerLaw.net | 239.415.3434 6

RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATION

Executive Director ~ David Seitz Administrative Coordinator ~ Lisa Poulin

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

President ~ Kelly Fayer, Esq. Vice-President ~ Daniel Endrizal, Esq. Secretary ~ John Webb, Esq. Treasurer ~ Matthew Roepstorff, Esq. Board Members: Kathleen Smith, Esq. ~ Spencer Cordell, Esq. Scot Goldberg, Esq. ~ Blake Hampton, Esq. President Emeritus ~ Scott Atwood, Esq. YLD President ~ Kayla Richmond, Esq.

COMMITTEES History E. Bruce Strayhorn, Esq. & Jenna Persons, Esq. Law Related Education T. Rankin Terry, Esq. Law Week Hon. John S. Carlin Membership Theresa Daniels, Esq. & Diana Dawn Jezik, Esq. Mock Trial Indera DeMine, Esq. & Maria Berrette, Esq. Pro Bono Hon. Kathy Sturgis & Mary A. Cosmo, Esq. Annual Charity Golf Tournament Lee County Legal Aid & Shannon Puopolo Bench-Bar Gala Danielle Butler, Esq. Diversity and Inclusion Ita Neymotin, Esq. & Timothy McCan, II, Esq. LCBA Family Bar-B-Que Scot Goldberg, Esq Random Acts of Kindness Amanda Bartley & Shirlarian Williams

RES GESTAE MAGAZINE Beverly Grady, Esq., Editor

PRACTICE SECTION CHAIRS Alternative Dispute Resolution Anne Dalton, Esq. & Bill Merchant, Esq. Criminal Law Marisa Boysen, Esq. & Stephanie Russell, Esq. Family Law Dustin Butler, Esq. & Ryan O’Halloran, Esq. General Civil & Business Litigation George Knott, Esq.. & Carlos Kelly, Esq. Land Use & Governmental Law Neysa Borkert, Esq. & Amanda Brock, Esq. Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Kenneth Kemp, Esq. & Matthew Linde, Esq. Solo and Small Practice Section Jason Gunter, Esq. & Conor Foley, Esq. Tort Litigation Preston John (PJ) Scheiner, Esq.

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President, Cynthia Duff, President Cynthia APRILDuff 2017 | RES GESTAE

7

Letter from the Executive Director With the coldest of the Florida weather finally behind us, welcome to Spring! This month there is a lot more than rainy days and love bug season to look forward to.

The 2 Annual LCBA Shrimp Boil was March 26th, and as the inaugural event for the Lee County Bar Association Foundation, we have made a huge step forward in how the LCBA can fulfill its mission of supporting the citizens of Lee County. nd

The Foundation will be offering grant programs to assist legal organizations and programs, as well as provide scholarships for legal education and awareness. I hope you enjoyed the food, the weather, and the opportunity to make a difference.

Speaking of making a difference, LCBA and Florida Rural Legal Services will be hosting the Annual Pro Bono Awards on April 21st. We’re honored to host Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady as our guest speaker and supporter of our attorneys’ pro bono efforts. I hope you took advantage of the $100 rebate program by contacting Ethel Wells (Ethel.Wells@frls.org) and accepting a Pro Bono case – there may still be a few spots available when you read this. Thank you to all of the attorneys who participated, and especially the ones who take on these cases each and every year. The community is a better place because of you.

Planning for our Charity Golf Tournament on May 21st is in full swing! The Bear golf course at the Forest Country Club awaits. Proceeds will support the Legal Aid Society (which is turning 50!) as well as the LCBA Foundation. Thank you to all of the players and sponsors that help make this one of the best Charity Golf Tournaments in SWFL. Single and foursome player registration and basic Sponsorship packages can be found at leebar.org/golf. Be sure to register before the end of April for the early bird pricing. Even if you don’t golf, lunch-only tickets are available, and entertainment will most certainly be provided.

The #KindLee campaign has been absolutely incredible. The committee plans to take part in the Pro Bono luncheon in a big way, so be sure to attend. Please continue to do your part and spotlight Random Acts of Kindness online with the #KindLee hashtag.

Instagram has become the clear favorite app to do so with, which is great because I never really had a reason to use Instagram before we launched this. The best posts so far have been the ones that recognize the little things other people do without a thought or reward or recognition. Feel free to pop into the LCBA office if you want to pick up some of the #KindLee cards to give out in your own way.

David A. Seitz, Executive Director DSeitz@leebar.org | 239.334.0047 8

RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

SERVING THE CITIZENS AND LEGAL COMMUNITY OF LEE COUNTY SINCE 1949

239.334.0047 resgestae@leebar.org

Staff Box PUBLISHER Connie Ramos-Williams 239.690.9840 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sara Fitzpatrick Comito CREATIVE DIRECTOR April Bordeaux ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Linda Fiore 239.690.9840 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kelly Fayer, Esq. David Seitz Henry Lee Paul, Esq. Alex Brockmeyer, Esq. Danielle Seitz, Esq. Mary A. Cosmo, Esq. Beverly Grady, Esq. Hon. John S. Carlin Karla Y. Campos-Andersen, Esq. Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq. Sara Fitzpatrick Comito BILLING INQUIRIES 239.334.0047 Res Gestae is an award winning magazine published monthly by CONRIC Publishing in partnership with the Lee County Bar Association. All editorial, advertising and photos may be submitted for consideration through email to: resgestae@leebar. org.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors.

Opinions expressed by our writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions shared by the LCBA, Res Gestae, or CONRIC Publishing.

Copyright©2017. 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 of the Lee County Bar Association.

To inquire about such permission, please contact the Lee County Bar Association at info@leebar.org.

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APRIL 2017 | RES GESTAE

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Calendar of Events Some dates for 2017 Section Meetings have not been confirmed - Check our website for details!

April 7

Young Lawyers Div. Meeting

Noon - 1 p.m., King’s Kitchen, 2150 W First St., Fort Myers

April 14

LCBA Criminal Law Practice Section Meeting

Noon - 1 p.m., Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers

April 20

LCBA Family Law Practice Section Brown Bag Meeting Noon - 1 p.m., Courtroom 5-C

May 4

Law Week Judiciary Appreciation Reception

4 – 7 p.m., The Edison Restaurant, 3583 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. Hosted by The Lee County Association of Women Lawyers. Members $20, non-members $25. RSVP to Dawn Jezik at ddj@ blslawyers.com

May 5

Second DCA Oral Arguments & Students’ Q&A 8:30 a.m., Courtroom 4B

Law Week Awards Luncheon

April 21

LCBA Pro Bono Awards Luncheon

Noon – 1 p.m., Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. LCBA Members $25, nonmembers $35, judges complimentary.

Guest speaker: Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady

April 27

Land Use and Governmental Law Practice Section Meeting Noon – 1 p.m. Lee County Admin East Bldg, 2201 Second St., Fort Myers

April 29

LCBA Annual Law in the Mall

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Edison Mall. Ryan O’Halloran is coordinating, (239) 3347212 or ryan@ohalloranfamilylaw.com.

May 1

LCBA Law Week Blood Drive 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lee Health Bloodmobile will be parked at the SE corner of Monroe St. and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Luis Rivera is coordinating, (239) 344-1323 or luis.rivera@henlaw.com.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Honoring Law Enforcement Officers of the Year.

The Dr. James A. Adams Lee County Teacher of the Year for Law-Related Education will be awarded to an outstanding teacher, and the prestigious Liberty Bell Award will be presented to a deserving community member. Members $25, non-members $35, judges complimentary

May 10

LCBA General Civil and Business Litigation CLE Lunch Noon – 1 p.m., Courtroom 4-H. Topic: Dealing with Daubert. CLE credit pending

May 11

LCBA Criminal Law Practice Social 5:30 – 7 p.m., The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers

May 18

LCBA Family Law Practice Section Brown Bag Meeting Noon – 1 p.m., Courtroom 5-C

May 21

LCBA Charity Golf Tournament

7 a.m. registration begins, 8 a.m. shotgun start. The Forest Country Club, 6100 Club Blvd., Fort Myers. See page 37 for more info.

May 25

Land Use and Governmental Law Practice Section Meeting Noon – 1 p.m., Lee County Public Works, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers

June 2

Young Lawyers Division Meeting Noon – 1 p.m., location TBD

June 9

LCBA Criminal Law Practice Section Meeting Noon – 1 p.m., Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers

June 15

LCBA Family Law Practice Section Brown Bag Meeting Noon – 1 p.m., Courtroom 5-C

June 16

LCBA Membership Member Luncheon

Noon – 1 p.m. , The Marina at Edison Ford (Pinchers), 2360 W. First St., Fort Myers. Special Guest: Florida Bar President William J. Schifino, Jr., Esq. More information TBA

June 28

LCBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Section CLE Lunch

Noon – 1 p.m., Courtroom 4-O. More information TBA

Blue indicates Law Week activites

Visit us online at leebar.org to see the entire LCBA Annual Calendar. You can conveniently RSVP for upcoming events.

Would You Like to Submit an Event? Email your event submission to resgestae@leebar.org

Thank You to our Annual Sponsors for 2017

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RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

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APRIL 2017 | RES GESTAE

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Ethically Speaking

Is your career worth $500?

No matter the amount, trust account violations mean big trouble

By Henry Lee Paul, Esq.

The Court has once again made a clear statement that intentional trust account violations will be severely punished. In the recent case, The Florida Bar v. Wynn, SC15-1323 (Feb. 16, 2017) the Court imposed discipline that justifies the adage that trust accounting is the third rail of lawyer discipline.

Mr. Wynn was suspended for one year, followed by two years of probation for failing to deposit $500 dollars paid for the cost of a deposition transcript from a court reporter. The lawyer deposited the funds into the operating account and paid firm bills instead of paying for the transcript. The lawyer eventually refunded the money, after the client had paid additional funds directly to the court reporter to obtain the transcript.

This case is just one more example of the strict standard established by the Court in relation to trust accounting. Funds intended for future payment of costs should be deposited into trust. Funds for future services should also be deposited into trust.

This requirement may cause delay in the ability to use funds deposited in trust for future costs. Rule 5-1.1(j) (Disbursement Against Uncollected Funds) describes when a lawyer may disburse funds from a trust account. A lawyer is entitled to disburse funds from a trust account when the funds have been “collected.” Funds are considered collected when deposited funds are “finally settled, and credited to the lawyer’s trust account.”

A lawyer runs a risk of disbursing funds from trust before waiting an adequate period of time for the funds to be

12

RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

considered collected by the bank. A personal check from a client that is returned for non-sufficient funds can cause a lawyer to violate trust accounting rules. In the event the lawyer has paid the cost from trust, and the funds from a personal client check are uncollected, the lawyer will not be in compliance with the trust accounting rules.

An alternative solution to the delay caused by depositing funds in trust is to either advance the cost payment and be reimbursed or to have the client pay the cost directly. Staff for the E-Filing Portal has confirmed that a lawyer may use the credit card or checking account of a client to pay for a filing fee. Of course, this must be done with full disclosure to and authorization from the client.

The Court also again confirmed a prohibition against obtaining an agreement from a client to withdraw a bar complaint or to not file a bar complaint in exchange for certain

conduct. The sanction of Mr. Wynn was based in part on his obtaining an agreement from his client to withdraw a bar complaint in exchange for the refund of the $500.00 of cost money received from the client.

This prohibition is based on the Court’s pronouncement in The Florida Bar v.

Fredericks, 756 So. 2d 79 (Fla. 2000).

One additional very significant statement in the Wynn opinion is that the Court made clear that an uncontested consent judgment will not be considered as precedent by the Court. This prohibition may make negotiating consent judgments more difficult for Bar Counsel and Respondent’s. RG

Henry Lee Paul is 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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Appellate Law Practice Section

A BALL OF CONFUSION What use does Rule 9.110(m), Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure serve?

By Alexander Brockmeyer, Esq.

W

ithin the past year and a half, Florida’s intermediate appellate courts have issued several opinions concerning Rule 9.110(m), Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Rule 9.110(m) provides: [j]udgments that determine the existence or nonexistence of insurance coverage in cases in which a claim has been made against an insured and coverage thereof is disputed by the insurer may be reviewed either by the method prescribed in this rule or that in rule 9.130.

Fla. R. App. P. 9.110(m). Rule 9.110(m) only applies to third-party insurance disputes.

GEICO Gen. Ins. Co. v. Perez, 199 So. 3d 380, 380-81 (Fla. 3d DCA 2016); Workmen’s Auto.

Ins. Co. v. Franz, 24 So. 3d 638, 640 (Fla. 2d DCA 2009); USAA Cas. Ins. Co. v. Jones, 946

14

RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

So. 2d 1127, 1128 (Fla. 1st DCA 2006).

Most coverage disputes in the third-party context center on two issues: (1) the insurer’s duty to defend its insured and (2) the insurer’s duty to indemnify its insured.

Seldom does one find a declaratory action that does not request a declaration on both the duty to defend and indemnify.

However, because the duty to defend is determined based on the allegations set forth in the operative underlying pleading, trial courts often resolve this issue before the duty to indemnify, which courts determine based on the actual facts. E.g.

Mid-Continent Cas. Co. v. Royal Crane, LLC, 169 So. 3d 174, 180 (Fla. 4th DCA 2015) (citations omitted).

The impact of such a ruling varies. For insureds, an adverse ruling on the duty to defend means two things: (1) its insurer has no duty to defend it in the lawsuit brought against it and (2) the insurer

has no duty to indemnify the insured for damages the insured becomes liable for. As such, the issue of coverage is final and the insured can normally commence an appeal under Rule 9.110(a)(1). Things get trickier when the insured wins the duty to defend because the insurer’s duty to indemnify usually remains unresolved. Faced with defending its insured throughout the entire underlying litigation, insurers often attempt to appeal under Rule 9.110(m).

A conflict existed between the Second District and Fourth District on the question of whether an insurer could commence an appeal under Rule 9.110(m) from a partial final judgment on the duty to defend.The Second District had held an insurer could commence such an appeal.

Transcontinental Ins. Co. v. Jim Black & Associates, Inc., 888 So. 2d 671, 673-74 (Fla. 2d DCA 2004); Aetna Commercial Ins. Co. v. American Sign Co., 687 So. 2d 834, 836

(Fla. 2d DCA 1996). The Fourth District, however, had held that Rule 9.110(m) does not provide an appellate court with jurisdiction to consider a partial final judgment on the duty to defend under Rule 9.110(m) because a determination that insurer has a duty to defend does not constitute a determination of coverage.

Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co. v. Harrick, 763 So. 2d 1133 (Fla. 4th DCA 1999).

On July 24, 2015, the Second District held that an insurer who has brought a declaratory action seeking a decree that it has no duty to defend or indemnify its insured cannot appeal a partial final judgment finding it has a duty to defend its insured. Florida Farm Bureau Gen. Ins. Co. v. Peacock’s Excavating Service, Inc., 186 So. 3d 6, 9-11 (Fla. 2d DCA 2015). The court analyzed the finality of the partial final judgment in light of Rule 9.110(k), Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. Id. Because the duty to defend and duty to indemnify hinged on the same set of facts and the

partial final judgment did not dispose of any single party, the court concluded the partial final judgment lacked the requisite finality to be appealed under Rule 9.110(k).

Id. The court explained this differed from Jim Black and American Sign where both judgments on appeal resolved the issues of defense and indemnity. Id. at 10 n.3.

Less than three months later, the Second District dismissed another appeal brought by an insurer for lack of jurisdiction. Essex Ins. Co. v. Integrated Drainage Solutions, Inc., 2015 WL 10641789, *1 (Fla. 2d DCA 2015).

Though not setting forth great detail in its order, the court specifically cited Peacock and Harrick as supporting the dismissal. Id. After Peacock and Essex, it appears the conflict between the Second District and Fourth District no longer exists. Though Peacock appeared to reach its decision on different reasons than the Fourth in Harrick, the Second’s subsequent decision in Essex, which specifically cites Harrick, indicates the Second District now agrees

that a determination on the duty to defend is not a final determination of coverage that can be appealed under Rule 9.110(m).

Despite this case law, insurers will likely continue their attempts seek review of adverse rulings on the duty to defend and indemnify. Will Florida’s other appellate courts follow the Second and Fourth Districts? Will the Appellate Rules Committee enact a rule under 9.130, Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure that enables insurance companies to appeal orders on the duty to defend? RG

Alexander Brockmeyer is an associate at Boyle & Leonard, P.A., in Fort Myers, Florida. He focuses his practice in appellate and original proceedings in both state and federal courts.

APRIL 2017 | RES GESTAE

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MORE THAN WORDS Pro Bono service is the heart of the profession

By Mary A. Cosmo, Esq. Lee County Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair

I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, or delay anyone’s cause for lucre or malice. The

very last sentence of the oath we took to become a part of The Florida Bar embodies our most important duty that we have as attorneys. So help me God. It’s much more than words on paper.

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RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

As the LCBA’s co-chair of the Pro Bono Committee with the Honorable Kelly Sturgis, I may reach out to you, fellow colleagues, from time to time with an opportunity to make good on that most important duty.

Tools of empowerment If you’re anything like me, you’ll find the pro bono cases you take on are the ones that really leave a lasting impression. A lack of resources can create a sense of hopelessness, but there’s nothing like the gratitude you will receive from turning that around for someone. More, your life will be changed by the gratitude you grow

for your own knowledge and skills, and knowing that these are tools of empowerment.

You don’t necessarily have to invest a lot of time to effect powerful change. To improve a person’s outlook and chance of a positive outcome, sometimes all it takes is to write a letter, refer a lower-cost attorney, get Legal Aid involved or contact a college.

Never underestimate the real value of 10 minutes’ worth of common-sense legal wisdom. What may be common knowledge to us can be the key to unlocking a legal resolution. By putting a procedure or certain legal process, like the mechanics of setting a hearing, Continued on page 18

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APRIL 2017 | RES GESTAE

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Continued from page 16

into lay terms, a client begins to understand that there are services and people at the ready to help.

As much as those tools in your possession can be so powerful to someone without such resources, it’s who you are that will draw people to you for assistance. While I was waiting for the results of The Florida Bar exam, I was working at Target, stocking shelves for minimum wage. A coworker of mine was a Korean immigrant who had been married to an American serviceman. She said, “When you become an attorney, I need some help.”

I gave her the number for Legal Aid, but she persisted in wanting my help only.

I passed the Bar and consulted with her about her ex-husband who was keeping her kids from her in New York. She had a court order establishing custody from when the couple had been stationed in Germany.

We went to FRLS for help with the cost of translating it. Then we ran into a jurisdiction issue where she had to go to New York, but at least she knew where to go and what to do. I wasn’t able to be there for her to see a resolution, but just answering the call to help was a meaningful start to my career that set the tone for my continuing journey. I want all the attorneys I know to enjoy that kind of gratification.

Slipping through the cracks Legal-Aid and legal assistance for the poor or indigent are certainly not new concepts and are available to many. Yet, there is still a gap in services to those not quite in poverty but still cannot afford litigation in any of its forms. It is unfortunate that these individuals truly believe that justice is reserved for those who can afford to pay big money.

Just recently our Florida Bar President, Bill Schifino, said, “I think 18

RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

we’re really missing the vast majority of our middle class,” For argument’s sake, let’s isolate a three-person household with annual income between $20,420 and $41,900 as being part of the lower middle class. Then there are other factors determining position on the socio-economical scale, including the possibility of losing one’s job at any given moment, age, and prospects for retirement opportunity.

Florida families represent over 4.6 million people. Over 12 percent of Florida’s total families are living in poverty, according to the U.S. Census.

Most of those could get assistance through legal aid. Maybe. The remaining 80% of Florida families are considered “middle-class” and do not qualify for legal aid because they make too much money or cannot afford large legal retainers while keeping their light bill paid. That’s nearly 3.68 million families in Florida that simply cannot afford justice or feel they do not deserve it.

Although my practice is majority family law, I can assure you it is not the only area of need. People need help with real property purchases, small business disputes, mortgage issues, lease issues, utilities company billing, employment law, enforcement of contacts, etc. Just as our Bar President stated, “We’ve got this whole middle section that we have a complete gap in need of legal services.” How do we make good on our oath?

The LCBA Pro Bono Committee is committed to helping Lee County attorneys keep their promise to guide the defenseless and oppressed through our legal system and procedure regardless of their ability to pay.

Roll up your sleeves We have several ways we are combating the disparity in services here in Lee County: Ryan O’Halloran, Esq., chairs the Law In The Mall during Law Week, which is a great event where anyone can come get free legal advice

from a volunteering attorney. Several areas are offered: family law, contracts, employment, estates and planning, probate, elder law and veterans’ needs.

The Veteran’s Project is another opportunity where veterans and first responders are invited to our legal workshop for free legal advice in all areas of law with volunteering attorneys’ accountants, and other professionals. This will be held in October at a location to be determined.

The LCBA also recognizes our Pro Bono attorneys with our coveted “Pro-Bono Awards,” who go above and beyond the call of duty by serving the underserved clients, taking on pro bono cases, working additional pro bono hours, or in some cases providing CLE credit by providing education to other attorneys so they too can assist with pro bono cases.

Don’t forget that Florida Rural Legal Services has offered to underwrite $100 of your LCBA bar dues if you’re among the first 50 to sign up to take a pro bono case. As of this writing, about 30 of your colleagues had taken advantage.

Follow their example by contacting ethel.wells@frls.org.

No attorney has the ability to take every case that is presented, but if those who seek our services are “defenseless or oppressed,” we must act in some way on their behalf. Won’t you join us? RG

Mary A. Cosmo received her J.D. in 2013 from Florida Coastal School of Law, where she served as a Research Associate for the Public Interest Research Bureau. During her undergraduate studies, she focused on energy sustainability for a sustainable Florida future. The Law office of Mary A Cosmo handles Family Law, Civil Litigation, Wills & Estate Planning, and Probate matters.

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YLD Spotlight

Day in the Courthouse Experiential learning for young attorneys

By Danielle Seitz, Esq., YLD Secretary

T

he Young Lawyers Division of the Lee County Bar Association is excited to announce the inaugural “Day in the Courthouse” program, tentatively scheduled for April 21, 2017. The exact times of this event will be announced soon.

While many of us are fortunate to practice and learn alongside experienced attorneys, paralegals and staff members who provide guidance along the way, it became apparent to the Young Lawyers Division that a number of our members, whether a year or six years out of law school, have never seen a judge’s chambers, visited the court mediation office or understand the inner workings of the Clerk of Court’s office. Whether the lack of knowledge is because young attorneys are opting to hang out their own shingle, handle primarily transactional work as opposed to litigation, or simply don’t have an established mentoring network, we hope our “Day in the Courthouse” event will teach young lawyers the ins and outs and practical knowledge for practicing law in Lee County.

The LCBA Young Lawyers Division applied and received a grant from The Florida Bar to help with this new event. The newest Florida Bar members will be learning about their February 2017 Bar results soon, and we are inviting them, as well as other young lawyers in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties to join us for a half-day program touring the Lee County Courthouse, Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library, Lee County Clerk of Courts, judicial chambers, Lee County Jail, court mediation offices and the Lee County Bar Association Office. Members

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of the judiciary and local attorneys will share their tips for “Do’s and Don’ts” for new lawyers. We hope to provide useful information for all areas of practice and create understanding across practices, in addition to encouraging involvement in voluntary bar associations, both on the local and state-wide level.

The “Day in the Courthouse” will conclude with our semiannual swearingin ceremony conducted by one of our gracious judges for all those who passed the February 2017 Bar Exam. A reception will follow the swearing-in ceremony to celebrate and network.

Please contact the LCBA or YLD for more information about sponsorship opportunities for the “Day in the Courthouse” and/or the reception. This is a great opportunity to show your support for our growing legal community and expose young lawyers to the services you provide.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and stay tuned for more details on this inaugural event!

For more information about the upcoming “Day in the Courthouse” and other YLD events, we encourage you to attend our monthly lunch meetings the first Friday of every month. Our next meeting is on April 7, 2017 at King’s Kitchen, 2150 W. First St. in Fort Myers. Be sure to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ LeeBarYLD. You can also contact Danielle Seitz, Esq. at dseitz@floridalegalrights.com to be added to our email list. We hope to see you there! RG

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A Foundation of Caring LCBA reinforces its community connections

By Beverly Grady, Esq. LCBA Foundation President

'For time and the world do not stand still.

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.�

Photo credit: Jim Jett Photography

~ John F. Kennedy

APRIL 2017 | RES GESTAE

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Since the formation of the Lee County Bar Association (LCBA) in 1949 (Wow, almost 70 years ago!), the organization has consistently provided education to the community and promoted aid to the indigent population through financial donations and pro bono representation. With the newly created Lee County Bar Association Foundation, Inc. (“Foundation”), the LCBA has formalized its commitment to the community and will enjoy an opportunity to effect greater impact in a more nimble, targeted manner.

The purposes of the Foundation are to: 1) promote provision of legal aid to the indigent 2) support and participate in charitable endeavors benefitting youth and/or benefitting the underprivileged population 3) encourage and promote education and community awareness of the law 4) provide for the establishment of scholarships.

Leadership in giving

As evidenced by its members’ longstanding annual contribution to the Lee County Legal Aid Society, the LCBA has served as a steadfast pacesetter for community support. Legal Aid has much to celebrate this year, with its fiftieth anniversary, plus increasingly effective leadership through a growing board of directors and demonstrated fundraising effectiveness.

With Michael Randolph (pictured right) as LCBA president in 2011, discussion commenced about the creation of a separate foundation

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corporation, based on the model established by The Florida Bar Foundation, but localized for Lee County. The Orange County Bar had developed a similar entity, and the Collier County Bar formed a foundation that has now been operating for 10 years.

Under the presidency of Scott Atwood in 2016, the Executive Council seized the time to take action, and appointed a committee to explore the creation of a Foundation. That committee consisted of Michael Randolph, Kristalyn Loson and myself. As a result, the Foundation was incorporated, followed by its organizational meeting on December 21, 2016 at the office of the LCBA. Under current President Kelly Fayer, the Executive Council has provided the initial financial support plan for 2017 for the fledging Foundation. In 2017, the LCBA dues invoice included a per-member donation of $60 for a not-for-profit, which funds have been donated to the Foundation. In 2018 the LCBA will support the Foundation by including a recommendation to earmark such support in its annual invoice. This is just the start of the Lee County Bar Foundation’s efforts to do more.

Currently the Foundation has seven members on its initial Board of Directors: Beverly Grady, Roetzel & Andress, President Michael Randolph, GrayRobinson, Secretary John Webb, John Webb Legal Group, Treasurer Kristalyn Loson, Assistant City Attorney, Fort Myers, Director Shannon Puopolo, Henderson Franklin, Director Scott Atwood, Scott Atwood Law Firm, Director Cedric B. Hall, Law Office of Cedric B. Hall PA, Director

Room to grow

The by-laws provide for a maximum of 12 board members, where the LCBA president appoints one member for a one-year term and the Executive Council appoints the remaining board members to a three-year term. The terms are staggered for the initial board.

The LCBA has dedicated 100-percent of the proceeds from the 2nd Annual Shrimp Boil held last month to the Foundation. Please support the LCBA Annual Charity Golf Tournament to be held on May 20 at the Forrest Country Club, as LCBA has dedicated 20 percent of the proceeds to support the Foundation, with 80 percent allocated to Legal Aid. Finally (for now!) mark your calendar – the Foundation will hold a silent auction at the annual LCBA Bench-Bar Gala on September 29, 2017.

The Foundation will be reaching out to you and the community for financial support. Benefitting the community has its intrinsic rewards, but as you make your contribution, keep in mind that the Foundation has obtained tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) charity.

The Foundation board is in the process of adopting its allocation process. Of particular interest are events and organizations that will provide community awareness of the law, provide aid to the indigent and assist our youth and underprivileged population in Southwest Florida. The Foundation board is developing an outreach program to enhance awareness of the new Foundation and enlist the support of the legal community.

Nearly 70 years of LCBA history, and the heartfelt desire to do more, has established a Foundation of caring and giving. Every member should be gratified that the establishment of the Foundation will formalize and reinforce that commitment to all who live, work and play in beautiful Lee County. RG

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Legal Lens

Our #KindLee initiative has taken on a beautiful life of its own, with LCBA members taking up the charge to capture acts of kindness and post to social media. Citizens have followed suit, moldng a zetigeist that will sustain an emphasis on caring that only has room to grow. Remember to post publicly using the #KindLee hashtag.

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The Dish

A SPECIAL KIND OF HAPPY

By Sara Fitzpatrick Comito

K

ing's Kitchen was going to be the first time I did a restaurant review in a gas station. It wouldn’t have been a bad thing, as it’s always fun to veer off the beaten path. It also wouldn’t have been unwarranted, given the amount of hype about those tostones sliders, for instance.

Happily, it’s moved from the Sunoco on Colonial Blvd. to the former location of the long-beloved Sub & Pub on West First Street. It’s close to downtown, the inside is spiffy, the menu is extensive and delivery is available.

I invited Carlos Kelly, a devoted Dish reader, to check out the new digs of the place serving “International Komfort Kuisine” and came away with his mother’s pozole recipe. Never underestimate the power of a good meal to facilitate a conversation about family.

King's Kitchen is all about family, as it turns out. Chef Edwin Cruz’s first-born baby King is the restaurant’s namesake. A daughter is a new addition, and she has a dish named after her. Have a family lunch or dinner out, skip the chain restaurant and help support a young family. As Carlos and I discovered, the food will keep you coming back.

As the menu is extensive and the portions are generous, the kitchen itself at King's Kitchen is small. It takes smart planning to be able to offer everything from a reputation-worthy Cuban

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sandwich to prime rib to a popular squid ink pasta, plus daily specials. As partner Ozzie Morrobel told us, orders from suppliers have to be kept small. This translates to frequent shipments and a constant influx of fresh ingredients. To me it’s a promising to see potted herbs on all the tables rather than cut flower arrangements.

We started with the beef empanadas, which Carlos remembers as a treat from his childhood. These were crispy, hot, and stuffed with tender seasoned meat and olives. The mayonnaise-based King Sauce accompaniment was rather superfluous. The bed of microgreens, however, signaled the noble priorities of the chef in navigating his precious cold storage situation. This homage to the farmer may have seemed poetic to my dining companion, who grew up close to the land in Wyoming, with his New Mexico-raised mom whose forbears were from rural farming communities, and a dad from Virginia, who often hunted with Carlos’ grandfather on his mom’s side.

Carlos opted for the paella, which arrived as a fragrant heap in a crown of steaming

mussels. When he was dating his nowwife Jane, who had spent time in Spain, she told him paella is what households serve at the end of the week when they need to make use of everything leftover in the fridge. He replied, “Can we have a fridge like that?” It turns out they do – on West First Street, just with the freshest seafood, meats and veggies needed to replicate the “pride of Valencia,” complete with a chef to put it all together and a box to carry home fully half of the dish for later. The biggest challenge, according to on another day.

Those in need of a special kind of happy might find it at the bottom of a BBQ Sundae, with pork, garlic mashed potatoes, cole slaw and bacon layered in a glass.

Carlos, would be staying awake the rest of the afternoon after such an indulgence, and a steal at $14.95.

I treated myself to an Asian-inspired noodle dish with the nutty inflection of toasted sesame, ribbons of colorful cabbage and carrots and a somewhat indecent portion of roast pork belly marinated in a sesame-ginger glaze.

This made me happy. And then it made me happy again, reheated for dinner

Carlos once pursued a foray into the chili cook off circuit, but decided there were too many rules. The one rule at King’s Kitchen seems to be to eat something yummy.

With that big, diverse menu, it won’t be hard. Consider it your homework assignment. RG

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LCBA JUDGES CARE Hon. John S. Carlin

Justice Teaching Select Committee Member Justice Teaching was created in 2006 with the leadership of Florida Supreme Court Justice R. Fred Lewis. The goal of Justice Teaching is to pair a lawyer or judge with every elementary, middle and high school in the state of Florida. I have served on the Justice Teaching Select Committee since 2006 as the representative of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. Justice Teaching volunteers are needed to partner with local schools and serve as resources in the classroom. If you enjoy working with students and talking about our legal system, I welcome your participation as a Justice Teaching volunteer.

Lawyers and Judges can sign in to the on-line application system at www.justiceteaching.org using their Florida Bar number to register for the program. Volunteers may select from a list of available schools in their community. A time commitment of no more than two hours per month will be needed. Activities and lessons will be provided to volunteers. Training is available by contacting Joanne Atkins at jatkins@ca.cjis20.org. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about Justice Teaching. I hope that you will consider signing up as a Justice Teaching volunteer.

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LCBA MEMBERS CARE Karla Y. Campos-Andersen, Esq.

Lee County Legal Aid Society, Board Member The LCBA established the Lee County Legal Aid Society on March 27, 1967. Since its inception, the non-profit, community-based organization, which concentrates its practice in family law, has been dedicated to providing quality civil legal services for low-income individuals throughout Lee County. In addition to direct legal representation of clients, it provides emotional support, security for victims of domestic violence and protection for children, while fostering and maintaining relationships between parents and children. It is always rewarding to see past clients return to express their gratitude and describe how this organization helped their family through what can sometimes be the worst of times.

The Executive Board makes sure LCLAS has the funding, staff and resources it needs to keep doing the good work it does. In the seven years I have been a member, we have developed View from the Bench CLE courses and many annual fundraising activities such as the Jog for Justice. We have recently established a partnership with the LCBA to organize and plan the Annual Charity Golf Tournament. LCLAS will celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year by hosting a gala. Hope to see you there to celebrate 50 years of awesome work by a great organization!

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LCBA MEMBERS CARE Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq.

Junior Achievement SWFL, Incoming Chair Why Junior Achievement? Because Junior Achievement teaches students to own their own economic success by teaching basic finance principles that will benefit them throughout their lives. My grandmother used to always say, “Honey, it’s not what you make, but what you spend that matters.” This is also a fundamental principle that JA teaches. In eleventh grade, I had the great fortune to participate in a JA program. My group developed a product, made and then sold it. I never forgot the valuable financial skills that I learned.

JA’s mission is to teach students to own their own economic success by filling a void that exists in K-12 education today. Eventually, today’s students will be employees and potentially future leaders. JA teaches the skills these students need to be successful adults. The financial skills taught by JA’s volunteers are priceless and essential.

JA provides all of its programs at no cost and relies on volunteers and cash donations to achieve its mission. As the incoming Chair for Junior Achievement of Florida, Inc., I invite you to help us achieve our mission to teach every student in Southwest Florida to own his/her own economic success. Are you all in?

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at the

GET INTO THE SWING LCBA Annual Golf Tournament!

Sunday, May 21 at The Forest Country Club Registration beings at 7 a.m. Shotgun start, 8 a.m.

Do your worst – there’s a prize for that – and also for the best male & female teams, longest drive and closest to the pin.

Light breakfast, bloody marys and mimosas will be served.

Enjoy a buffet lunch, raffle, silent and live auction.

Don’t want to golf?

Just come for lunch and watch the putters fly!

100% of the proceeds benefit the Lee County Legal Aid Society and the new LCBA Foundation.

Be an early bird. $125/golfer or $450/foursome.

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Probate

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construction



guardianship

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Contracts



trusts



Real estate



Employment

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Foreclosure

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Eminent Domain

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insurance



Condo and HOA

I have the experience to understand the practical, financial, business, and emotional needs of the parties. I look forward to the opportunity to put that expertise to use in helping you to resolve your client’s dispute. on line calendaring and full cv at Www.smharrison.com Phone: 239-433-4505 E-mail: Simon@smharrison.com

Member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals

APRIL 2017 | RES GESTAE

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Absolute Law

LaDonna J. Cody, P.A., Attorney at Law

Aloia Roland & Lubell, LLP

Lee County Legal Aid Society, Inc.

Arend & Sisk, P.A.

Levins & Associates, LLC

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, P.A.

Maughan Law Group

Avery, Whigham & Winesett, P.A.

McQuagge Law Firm

Bergermann Law Firm

Men’s Rights Law Firm

Berrette & Zuppke, Attorney at Law, LLC

North Law Firm, P.A.

Bonita Springs City Attorney’s Office

O’Halloran & O’Halloran, Attorneys at Law

Boyle & Leonard, P.A.

Osterhout & McKinney, P.A.

Burandt, Adamski & Feichthaler

Parvey & Frankel Attorneys, PA

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

Prather and Swank, P.A.

Calvo & Calvo

Patrone & Kemp, PA

Coleman & Coleman

Pavese Law Firm

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

Robert Harris Law Firm

Cole Scott & Kissane, P.A., Bonita Springs Office

Roetzel & Andress, L.P.A.

Costello & Wicker, P.A.

Roppo Molandes, PLLC

DeBoest, Stockman, Decker, Hagan, Cheffer & Webb-Martin, P.A.

Rubinstein, Holz & King, P.A

Florida Rural Legal Services

Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A.

Fort Myers City Attorney’s Office

Simmons Law Firm, P.A.

Geraghty, Dougherty, Edwards & Stockman, P.A.

Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys P.A.

Goldberg Noone, LLC

Strayhorn and Persons, P.L.

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A.

The Law Office of Brantley Oakey

Green, Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP

The North Law Firm, P.A.

Grossman Law & Conflict Management

Toll Law

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Vernis & Bowling of Southwest Florida, P.A.

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.

Viacava & Cantor Attorneys at Law

John Webb Legal Group, P.L

Viles & Beckman, LLC

Knott Ebelini Hart

Webb & Scarmozzino, P.A.

Kuhn Law Firm, PA

Wilbur Smith Attorneys at Law

Kushner & Kushner

Yeslow & Koeppel, P.A.

Is your firm part of the 100 Club? Any firm with 2 or more attorneys and 100% membership in the 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.

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How Can the Sandwich Generation Relieve Financial Stress?

April is National Stress Awareness Month. And if you’re in the Sandwich Generation, caring for aging parents while still supporting your own children, you may have your share of stress. What can you do about it?

To begin with, learn as much as you can about your parents’ financial situation. Are they maximizing their Social Security payments? Are they following a smart withdrawal strategy for their 401(k), IRA and other retirement accounts? To help them in these areas, you may want to suggest they work with a financial professional.

Also, find out about their estate plans and health care arrangements. You don’t want to face unpleasant – and costly – surprises.

Just as importantly, though, don’t forget about yourself. Contribute as much as you afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan. You won’t get a “do-over” when it comes to saving for retirement.

By understanding your parents’ needs, and taking care of your own, you should be able to reduce some of the stress of being a “Sandwicher.

Brad Jessen, Financial Advisor

239.283.2582 • edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

12016 Matlacha Blvd, Suite C, Matlacha Isles, FL 33991

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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APRIL 2017 | RES GESTAE

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In The News Two years after the death of his father, William deForest Thompson, Jr. is celebrating the conclusion of his most important mentor’s most enduring legal battle, Charles v. Baptist. The posthumous Florida Supreme Court victory represents a herculean team effort.

Bill Thompson said the landmark decision in the case originally filed by William deForest Thompson, Sr. secures greater protections for health care consumers and patients. “You’re going to see a lot of rolling disclosures from around the state as hospitals seek to get into compliance with Article X, Section 22 of the Florida Constitution, which was established by 60 percent of voters in 2004. It’s the law of the land now.”

Vicki Sproat of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. has been recertified by The Florida Bar as a Board Certified Civil Trial Expert, a designation she originally received in 1991. She is one of only four attorneys in Florida with dual board certifications in Labor & Employment Law and Civil Trial Law. Sproat is a member and past President of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and serves on the Executive Council for the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association. She is on the Executive Council of the Florida Bar’s Trial Lawyers Section. She also serves on the faculty for The Florida Bar’s Advanced Trial Advocacy Program.

Derrick G. Isaac of Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., has been re-appointed to serve as a member on the Planning Board for the City of Fort Myers. This is Isaac’s third appointment to the City of Fort Myer’s Planning Board.

A Fort Myers native, Isaac graduated from the University of Florida and Florida State’s College of Law. He worked for a number of years with Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. He is a member of the Lee County Bar Association, the Calusa Chapter of the American Inns of Court, the Isaac Anderson Bar Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the Imaginarium Group, Inc.

Kevin A. Kyle, a partner of Green Schoenfeld & Kyle LLP, recently presented highlights from the 2017 Heckerling Estate Planning Institute to the Estate Planning Council of Lee County. He reviewed the potential impact of the 2016 election, issues surrounding intra-family wealth transfers, charitable giving, elder law and financial assets.

Kyle has more than 20 years of experience in estate planning and probate, international and domestic trusts, and international and domestic tax advice and business transactions. He is board certified by The Florida Bar as an expert in wills, trusts and estates and tax law.

Send us your news!

Tell us about your office relocation, personnel additions, Board Certification, professional awards, landmark cases and more with a press release of at least 300 words, plus a high-resolution photo at resgestae@leebar.org.

OFFiCE Sharing OppOrtunity with Patterson, Eskin and Ball

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RES GESTAE | APRIL 2017

www.KushnerAndKushner.com Phone: 239.337.3600 • Fax: 239.337.1428

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For the public good – remember your Latin?

That’s where we get that wonderful phrase, pro bono publico.

Law Week provides a powerful way to make good on DOING good.

Join us for Law in the Mall to help real people with real problems.

It will make you feel good (really!)

Helpers are the lifeblood of a community.

And the LCBA Law Week Blood Drive puts those words into action.

See the details on all the Law Week activities on our calendar on page 10.

Pro bono. It’s more than words.

APRIL 2017 | RES GESTAE

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Insurance Recovery Advocates Our firm routinely handles and accepts referrals of appellate matters in both state and federal courts.

Legal advocates for the rights of policyholders in insurance recovery, risk transfer, additional insured coverage, coverage disputes and denials, claim representation, and bad faith litigation.

Representing buyers and sellers in all of their commercial and residential real estate transaction and litigation needs.

Michael W. Leonard, Esq.

Mark A. Boyle, Esq.

Amanda K. Anderson, Esq.

Molly Chafe Brockmeyer, Esq.

Justin M. Thomas, Esq.

Ellen G. Smith, Esq.

Alexander L. Brockmeyer, Esq.

Gregory L. Evans, Esq.

Seyed Ali Sadrolsadat, Esq. “Al Sadro”

2050 McGregor Boulevard • Fort Myers, FL 33901 Ph: 239-337-1303 • Fax: 239-337-7674

309 S. Fielding Avenue • Tampa, FL 33606 Ph: 813-254-1122

Insurance-counsel.com

SouthweSt Florida’S Criminal deFenSe lawyer Aggressive. Determined. Experienced.

Joe Viacava has successfully defended hundreds of criminal cases and is ready to help you and your client.

All lawyers say that they are aggressive, but Mr. Viacava is known as the quintessential aggressive attorney.

“Joe Viacava is a pit bull on cross-examination.” –NBC News Payment Plans • Aggressive and Thorough Investigation Top Quality Trial Performance Free, in-depth, personal initial consultation Referrals Welcome Private parking for clients • State of the art law office

JoeViacaVaLaw.com Main (239) 288-5969 • Cell (239) 410-8292 • Fax (239) 288-5572 Available 24/7 - “calls are put directly through to me, not an associate” Calls accepted ANYTIME from ANYPLACE TROUBLE may be found.

2036 McGregor Boulevard • Fort Myers, FL 33901

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P.O. Box 1387 | Fort Myers, FL 33902-1387 (239) 334-0047 | Fax (239) 334-0523 LeeBar.org

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www.EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800 An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.