Res Gestae - February 2021

Black Attorneys Break Barriers Inspire future generations

Courthouses Without Walls COVID's Impact

THE OFFICIAL AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION • FEB 2021

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contents on the cover

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Black Attorneys Break Barriers

Celebrating Black History Month by recognizing the accomplishments of area attorneys Keith Grossman, Esq. Cover: Hon. Archie B. Hayward, Jr., Hon. James Adams, Attorney Joe North and Attorney Kristie Scott at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers.

Photo courtesy of Jim Jett Photography Photo editing by April Bordeaux

special feature

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Courthouses without walls

The impact of COVID one-year later Keith Grossman, Esq.

departments 6 Letter from the President

Blake Hampton, Esq.

8 Letter from the Executive Director

Lauren Baugh

10 Calendar of Events 12 Ethically Speaking

Henry Lee Paul, Esq.

14 Practice Section

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Anne Dalton, Esq.

16 YLD Spotlight

Shirlarian Williams, Esq.

24 Advertiser's Spotlight

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26 Guest Attorney Column

Solo Practioner Tips Indera DeMine, Esq.

28 New Members 30 The Dish

Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery Lauren Baugh

32 100 Club 34 5 Things You Don't Know

About Me

Jennifer Gutmore, Esq.

36 5 Things You Don't Know

About Us

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37 In The News Our advertisers support the Lee County Bar Association.

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LeeBar.org

Please do your best to support them.

February 2021

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president's letter As February is upon us, I hope everyone is having a healthy and happy beginning to 2021. I’d like to thank everyone who attended the January swearing-in event, whether in-person or online.

As our first ‘hybrid’ event of the year, I think it set a positive note for 2021.

LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION administration

Executive Director - Lauren Baugh Administrative Assistant - Mairelis Tamayo

executive council

Looking ahead at February, I’m excited for the Lee County Bar to once again shine a spotlight on Black History Month. Black History Month was officially recognized under President Gerald Ford during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. With discrimination and racial issues coming to the forefront in 2020, I think it’s more important than ever to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the unique challenges that African Americans still face in this country.

However, Black History Month isn’t just about one event, and the purpose behind it shouldn’t be limited to just one month.

We should recognize the challenges of the Black community and appreciate their unique culture every day of the year.

Originally, Black History Month’s premise was to address the absence of African Americans from our history books. I think we need to ask ourselves what we can do to address their absence from our law schools, from our offices, and from our board rooms. I hope you join me in working to bring more diversity and inclusion into the practice of law.

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VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Tiffany Pereira, Esq.

Spencer Cordell, Esq.

BOARD MEMBERS

Peter Knize, Esq. Michael Anthony Pica, Esq.

John Miller, III, Esq. Andrea Pleming Smith, Esq.

committee chairs BENCH-BAR GALA

LAW RELATED EDUCATION

Danielle Butler, Esq.

T. Rankin Terry, Esq.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

LAW WEEK

Ita Neymotin, Esq. and Kelly L. Fayer, Esq.

Hon. John S. Carlin

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

LCBA FOUNDATION CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

John Miller, Esq. and Joel Hyatt, Esq.

Shannon Puopolo, Esq. and Kenneth A. Jones, Esq.

HISTORY

MOCK TRIAL

Jenna Persons, Esq. and E. Bruce Strayhorn, Esq.

Shaina Zuppke, Esq. and Eunice Gedeon, Esq. PRO BONO

Shanthy Balachanthiran, Esq.

practice section chairs ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

IMMIGRATION LAW

Anne Dalton, Esq. and Bill Merchant, Esq.

Indera DeMine, Esq. and Nirupa Netram, Esq.

APPELLATE LAW

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Alex Brockmeyer, Esq. and Matthew Irwin, Esq.

Luca Hickman, Esq. and Mark Nieds, Esq.

CORPORATE LAW

LAND USE AND GOVERNMENTAL LAW

Mairin Roepstorff, Esq. and Alicia Olivo, Esq. CRIMINAL LAW

Kathleen Fitzgeorge, Esq. and Leah Harwood, Esq.

Blake P. Hampton, Esq. Blake@Hampton.law | 239.309.0090

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SECRETARY

Kathleen Smith, Esq.

YLD President - Shirlarian "Shae" Williams, Esq. President Emeritus - Matthew Roepstorff, Esq

I remember from my legal history classes learning about Justice Thurgood Marshall and Justice Clarence Thomas. In fact, I had the privilege of hearing Justice Thomas speak while I was attending Stetson Law. Justice Thomas said he felt he “had more answers in college and more questions once he was in law school”. I’m sure a lot of attorneys can relate with that statement. But, I also think it’s a good lesson for how we should approach Black History Month…with more questions than answers and more listening than talking.

I’m excited for what LCBA has planned for the month of February. We will be hosting a panel presentation luncheon on Feb. 19 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

Joe North, Esq., of the North Law Firm, is sponsoring the event.

This will also be a hybrid event, so we invite you to attend, whether in-person or via Zoom. This will be an educational and eye-opening event.

PRESIDENT

Blake Hampton, Esq.

ELDER LAW

Blake Hampton, Esq. and Amy McGarry, Esq. FAMILY LAW

Christina Holly, Esq. and Mellany Marquez-Kelly, Esq. GENERAL CIVIL AND BUSINESS LITIGATION

Carlos Kelly, Esq. and George Knott, Esq. LeeBar.org

Sarah Spector, Esq. and Erica Woods, Esq. REAL PROPERTY, PROBATE AND TRUST LAW

Jennifer Hammond, Esq., Kenneth Kemp, Esq., and Peter Knize, J.D., L.L.M. SOLO & SMALL FIRM

Conor Foley, Esq. TORT LITIGATION

Dawn Maselli, Esq.

executive director's letter Well, we certainly flew through January between our YLD Social, our swearingin luncheon, and our many CLEs! With so many exciting and crazy things happening, it was hard to stop and smell the roses, but we were able to meet in person and swear in our 2021 Executive Council, Young Lawyers Division and LCBA Foundation Boards.

Congrats to all of them!

The official award-winning publication of the Lee County Bar Association, which serves citizens and the legal community since 1949.

239.334.0047 ResGestae@LeeBar.org

staff PUBLISHER

Connie Ramos-Williams | 239.690.9840 Ext. 1001

EDITOR-IN-LAW

Tiffany Pereira, Esq.

MANAGING EDITOR

We announced our 2021 Annual Sponsors and could not be more excited for all the amazing events we have planned for the rest of this year with them. We also made announcements on our brand-new membership benefits partnerships, which include Waterman Broadcasting, The Fort Myers YMCA, Cigent Technology, CaseText, and our continued partnerships with Conric PR & Marketing and Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

Keith Grossman, Esq.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR April Bordeaux

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Linda Fiore | 239.690.9840 Ext. 1006

FEATURE WRITER

Keith Grossman, Esq.

This month is no exception to the normal state of being as busy as we can. We have our 2021 LCBA Mock Trial Competition coming up, and like many other things, it has gone virtual this year. This is the first of its kind in the 20th Judicial Circuit.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Blake Hampton, Esq. Lauren Baugh Henry Lee Paul, Esq. Shirlalian Williams, Esq. Anne Dalton, Esq. Indera DeMine, Esq. Jennifer Gutmore, Esq. Suzanne Boy, Esq.

We are also looking forward to our February Membership Meeting, which will be a luncheon with an esteemed list of panelists to discuss Black History in Law, which is being sponsored by Mr. Joe North, Esq. of The North Law Firm. Please come out and join us in person, or if you are not comfortable yet with that option, we are also offering a virtual attendance option. You do not want to miss this luncheon!

As always, I thank our generous 2021 Annual Sponsors: CopyLady Inc., Kelleher Law, US Legal Support, Fort Myers Court Reporting, Edison National Bank, Boyle, Leonard & Anderson, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Vistas/ Colonial Commons, Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner, Boy Agnew Potanovic PLLC, Dal Lago Law, Hampton Law, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., John Webb Legal Group, Law Offices of Dennis Webb, Law Offices of Micheal Raheb, Park Royal Hospital, Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC, CONRIC pr + marketing and Sexto Productions.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Jett Photography

BILLING INQUIRIES 239.334.0047

Res Gestae is an award-winning magazine published monthly by CONRIC pr + marketing 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 we 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 pr + marketing.

CopyrightŠ2021 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 the Lee County Bar Association at Info@LeeBar.org.

Lauren Baugh, Executive Director LBaugh@LeeBar.org | 239.334.0047 Ext. 102

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calendar of events Dates of some practice section meetings have not been confirmed. Check LeeBar.org for details!

February

1-5

RPPTL Virtual CLE

YLD and Franklin Park Elementary Black History Virtual Read-In

Visit Leebar.org for further details

4-6 Mock Trial

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Lee County Schools Virtual

Noon - 1 p.m.

Speaker: Alexandra Kleinfeldt, Esq. Topic: Elder Mediation: Resolving Family Conflicts

17

ADR Virtual CLE

Noon – 1 p.m.

Speaker: Theresa Daniels, Esq. Topic: Things to Consider when Mediating a Client with Social Security Disability Issues

19

LCBA Membership Luncheon and CLE

Noon – 1 p.m.

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

Topic: Black History in Law Sponsored by: The North Law Firm Members FREE, Non-Members $25 Also being offered virtually.

25

Pro Bono Committee Virtual CLE

Noon - 1 p.m.

Speaker: William J. Bard, Esq., Program Analyst, Taxpayer Advociate Service Topic: Developing and Running Successful Pro Bono Tax Clinics

All you need is love...

and a Good lawyer.

Visit us online at LeeBar.org to see more calendar items and RSVP for upcoming events.

Would you like to submit an event? Email your event submission to ResGestae@LeeBar.org.

Thank You to Our 2021 Annual Sponsors

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LeeBar.org

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ethically speaking

ABA ADDRESSES REMOTE PRACTICE AND UNLICENSED PRACTICE OF LAW by henry lee paul, esq.

T

he reality of life in this time of COVID is that the remote practice of law has established itself as a presence that will not disappear with the pandemic. Although enabled by technology, it has been advanced by requirements of public safety.

The ABA addressed the issue of lawyers who practice in a state in which they do not live. In the past, this would typically be considered unlicensed practice of law (UPL) in the jurisdiction of domicile.

Florida has historically been a particularly fierce defender of restrictions against UPL. However, as discussed in my January 2021 article, The Florida Supreme Court is considering whether to revise the long standing restrictions against UPL in Florida.

ABA Formal Opinion 495 instructs that remote practice from a jurisdiction in which a lawyer is not licensed is acceptable, provided certain conditions are met. As an obvious threshold matter, such a remote practice must not be considered UPL in the jurisdiction of domicile. However, the opinion advises that the policy concerns against UPL should not restrict such practice to

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lawyers living outside the jurisdiction of licensure “...if they do not hold themselves out as being licensed to practice in the local jurisdiction, do not advertise or otherwise hold out as having an office in the local jurisdiction, and do not provide or offer to provide legal services in the local jurisdiction.”

It remains to be seen if The Florida Supreme Court will adopt the policy announced by the ABA; however, they have this exact issue before them. On August 19, 2020, The Florida Bar filed The Florida Bar Re: Advisory Opinion – Out of State Attorney Working Remotely From Florida Home, SC20-1220, in which The Standing Committee on the Unlicensed Practice of Law for The Florida Bar issued a proposed advisory opinion that was consistent with the policy articulated in ABA 495.

This advisory opinion involved circumstances in which the petitioner, a New Jersey lawyer, retired from his career practice in New Jersey. He was formerly in-house counsel for a major corporation dealing with matters before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He subsequently associated with LeeBar.org

a New Jersey firm, sold his New Jersey home, and moved to Naples, Florida.

All communication with clients is now through his New Jersey office, with no indicia of a presence in Florida. His computer server is located in New Jersey.

His practice involves no issues of Florida Law. The petitioner asserted he virtually practices law in New Jersey from his Florida home.

The proposed advisory opinion, which must be approved by The Florida Supreme Court to be effective, is currently under consideration by the Court. It was submitted for review, without oral argument, on October 22, 2020, after a period of public comment.

The forthcoming decision on the proposed advisory opinion is one more reason 2021 promises to be a watershed year for UPL policy in Florida.

Henry Lee Paul, Esq. is a former Bar Counsel for the Florida Bar 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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February 2021

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practice section: alternative dispute resolution cultural awareness.

As a service to Lee County Bar Association members, the ADR Practice Section provides those hard-to-get Continuing Education and Continuing Mediator Credits in a free, easily accessible form.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021!

by anne dalton, esq.

A

DR Professionals led the way in 2020 to our brave new world of Zoom mediations and arbitrations.

We expect to continue with Zoom for the foreseeable future, and perhaps forever, involving professionals and clients inside and outside of Lee County.

We are grateful for the leadership and ongoing support of our ADR Practice Section by our Judicial Liaison, The Honorable Alane Laboda, Circuit Court Judge, and all the judiciary.

The ADR Practice Section scheduled four Zoom webinars in the first quarter of 2021: two in January, and one each in February and March. All webinars are from noon to 1 p.m.

Two wonderful CLEs were held in January 2021: Keith Grossman, Esquire: “Where are the People? Mediating in an Online World”.

Technology and General CLE and CME available.

Denise Wheeler Wright, Esquire: “Cultural Diversity in Mediating Business Disputes”.

This is a joint presentation with the General

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Civil & Business Law Section - Cultural Diversity and General CLE and CME available.

Our upcoming webinars you don’t want to miss are:

February 17, 2021: Theresa Daniels, Esquire: “Things to Consider when Mediating a Client with Social Security Disability Issues”

March 18, 2021: Alexandra Kleinfeldt, Esquire: “Knives Out – Elder Mediation versus Family Feuds” The Florida Bar currently requires five CLE hours in ethics, professionalism, substance abuse, mental illness awareness or bias elimination; three hours of technology and one hour of professionalism in every three year cycle.

The Florida Supreme Court currently requires 16 hours of Continuing Mediator Ethics (CMEs) for certified mediators every two years, including four hours of education about mediator ethics, two hours of interpersonal violence (increased to four hours for family or dependency mediators), and one hour of diversity/

LeeBar.org

We are looking for volunteer attorneys, qualified arbitrators, and certified mediators to offer interesting and engaging one-hour ADR Zoom presentations for later in 2021. If you are interested, or know of someone who is, please mail Anne Dalton, Esquire, Co-Chair at: adalton@daltonlegal. com.

PRO BONO FAMILY COURT MEDIATION OPPORTUNITY: Due to statewide changes in funding for Family Court mediations occasioned by the pandemic, the Lee Court Mediation Office is no longer able to provide Certified Family Mediators for Family Court Motions of any kind or Family Court mediations which do not resolve in one session. As a result, the Lee County Legal Aid Office and Lee County branch of Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) need pro bono Family Mediators to assist with these mediations outside of the Court Mediation office. These mediations will not be scheduled or administered through the Court Mediation Program or the Lee County Bar Association. The LCBA ADR Practice Section does not coordinate pro bono CLE/CME credits.

If you are interested in volunteering for family mediations with Legal Aid, please directly contact Blair DeMinico, Esquire, Legal Director, Lee County Legal Aid Society, Inc. via email: Blair.DeMinico@ leecountylegalaid.org. If you are interested in volunteering for family mediations with FRLS, please directly contact Ethel Wells, probono@frls.org.

Anne Dalton is the founder and co-chair of the Lee Bar ADR Practice Section.

She has been a professional mediator since 1994 and has conducted over 7,000 business, insurance, construction, other circuit civil, family and county court mediations or arbitrations. She holds all five Florida Supreme Court ADR certifications. Her website is daltonlegal.com.

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YLD spotlight

YLD Celebrates

by shirlarian williams, esq.

Hello YLDers!

February is Black History Month!

“Our responsibility as citizens is to address the inequalities and injustices that linger, and we must secure our birthright freedoms for all people. As we mark the 40th year of National African American History Month, let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African Americans, and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” – President Barack Obama.

In honor of Black History Month, the Lee County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division elected to participate in Franklin Park Elementary School’s Black History Month Virtual Read-In. Members of

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the YLD were asked to film themselves reading a children’s book, which was later donated to the school. The videos were then sent to Franklin Park Elementary school and the school will broadcast the videos throughout the month of February. Thank you to all our members who submitted videos and donated books to this amazing event.

I am also excited to announce several members of the Lee County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division are attending the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Divisions 2021 Affiliate Outreach Conference. The conference will be held virtually February 5 – 6 and is FREE to all Florida Bar Members.

The conference provides a wonderful opportunity for members of the YLD to meet, network, and collaborate with other members of the YLD throughout LeeBar.org

the State. If you are interested in attending the conference, you can register at: https://flayldaffiliates. com/2021-affiliate-outreach-conferenceaoc/.

Lastly, thank you to all who attended our Welcome Back Social on January 15th at Downtown Social House. We genuinely appreciate all your support, and we look forward to working with all of you throughout the year. If you would like more information regarding the YLD and ways you can get involved, please feel free to contact me at snw@KubickiDraper. com.

Shirlarian Williams specializes in first party property - personal and commercial claims, real estate and personal injury protection with Kubicki Draper.

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special feature

by keith grossman, esq.

T

he children scurry one behind the other outside the eerily quiet Lee County Justice Center. They don’t notice the stranger on the bus bench.

They not only fidget in line; they fidget with their masks. The COVID vaccine had arrived in Lee County, but most precautions are still taken.

The stranger unexpectedly speaks, and the children stare at him. “We used to actually walk into that courthouse,” the old man says, rubbing his chin through his mask.

“When was that?” one child asks. “Last year,” the old man answers, his gaze wandering to a far-off place.

“Yep; people would wear pants with jackets and ties back then

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because they were seeing each other in-person, not just on camera. We could talk to each other without plexiglass in between. We would even shake hands.”

The children stood quietly. A few murmur to each other. It sounds so idyllic compared to the COVID Ages.

The man continues. “These days, lawyers come by here and look, just to remember.

Some are allowed inside occasionally. I sit on this bench, and I hear things.”

He went on.

“Hearings are now done mostly online.

Some are in-person. The in-person hearings typically have only the big shots in the courthouse and everyone else participates online. They had to improve a lot of cameras and microphones in there, so the regular people can participate from home. They are also livestreaming hearings now.”

He looks over the kids, making sure they LeeBar.org

are still listening. He had their attention.

“There is even some talk about using Oculus Quest to select juries.”

One child gasps. “You mean like a video game?”

The old man chuckles in response. “The attorneys hate the online hearings and are pushing back on them.”

A lone lawyer walks by the group and hears the old man. He announces he likes the online hearings. “My cases were sitting in inventory collecting dust.

Nobody was negotiating. We were stuck in park.”

He inches closer to the kids and continues, “What I hate is trying to get papers signed. Lawyers spend hours negotiating whether to use Hello Sign or Adobe. And on top of that, I get one email address incorrect, and I have to start over.”

He shakes his head. “And the millennials

C VID Results in Courthouses Without Walls A fictional narrative

just want to sign everything by text!”

The old man grabs the attention back from the kids.

“The judges are now scheduling everything with online calendars. A lawyer used to have to call the judge’s office to find out available times for hearings, and then call the other lawyer’s office, and then call the judge’s office back. You don’t have to do any of that anymore to get hearing time.”

The lawyer chimes in again. “I will say communication has gotten so much easier.”

The old man nods. “Believe it or not, kids, judges now tweet to communicate with regular people about what is happening at the courthouse.”

The lawyer says, “All this technology has really improved ‘access to justice.’”

“Yes,” the old man agrees. “The various courthouse programs for people who

aren’t lawyers are holding meetings and webinars on Zoom, and they’re texting also. They even have a bunch of video tutorials available online.”

“Don’t forget,” the lawyer says, “they are using computers to make some smaller judgments instead of the judges having to do it. And online arbitration and mediation are hugely popular. All this reduces the number of hearings the judges have to schedule for themselves.”

One of the kids says, “It doesn’t even sound like judges and lawyers are needed anymore.”

The lawyer answers. “It’s true. Things have changed a lot, and many people lost their jobs too. They’re just not needed anymore. But judges and lawyers are still needed. Like the courthouse, law offices have changed also.”

The old man says, “People work from home, so they don’t need big offices

February 2021

anymore. Anyone who wants a corner office can easily get one, because now everyone wants to sit by their own pool.”

The lawyer adds, “Most people come into the office two or three days each week and work from home the rest of the time. A lot of lawyers are sharing desks and conference rooms.”

The old man slaps his knee and elevates his voice. “So, let me leave you kids with one last thought: Many things have happened in a short time to reduce risk and maximize convenience in both the courthouse and law offices. The pandemic has pushed the lawyers into a new world that has permanently changed the way they work. The courthouse and law offices are no longer places we have to go to. Judges and lawyers now come to us. We have a courthouse without walls.”

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BLACK ATTORNEYS BREAK BARRIERS INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS

by keith grossman, esq.

B

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lack History Month, which is during February, is an annual celebration of achievements by Blacks and a time for recognizing the central role of Blacks in U.S. history.

This month the Res Gestae recognizes and celebrates four local Black attorneys for their contributions to our community. Their stories tell their struggles and accomplishments while inspiring current and future lawyers.

The Lee County Bar Association is holding a celebratory luncheon on February 19th.

LeeBar.org

of Court, an organization whose core principles focus on civility, professionalism, and legal excellence.

JUDGE JAMES R. ADAMS

Judge James R. Adams

Judge James R. Adams did not know any attorneys growing up. Most of the professionals he knew were teachers, which was not a profession that interested him during his youth.

Judge Adams moved around when he was young, living in Miami, South Georgia, and ultimately graduating

Judge Adams stayed with the Public Defender’s Office for four years. In 1986, he joined the County Attorney’s office.

He stayed there until 1990 and spent his last two years with the Airport Authority. He then assumed the County bench in 1993. He was the first Black person to be elected countywide for government office. (Judge Anderson had first been appointed before being elected to the bench.)

JUDGE ARCHIE B. HAYWARD, Jr.

high school in Baltimore.

Although Judge Adams had a scholarship to attend University of Maryland, he rejected it and attended Hampton University in Hampton, VA. He knew it was a better fit for him, and he appreciated that it was a historic Black university. He majored in history, and always had his eye on law school. He attended North Carolina Central University Law School.

Judge Archie Hayward

One law school professor, who was also a graduate of the law school, was a huge influence on him. Judge Adams says, “I was thoroughly impressed with his knowledge of law and his energy.”

Judge Adams interned at the prosecutor’s office in Durham during his third year of law school, and he had an opportunity to participate in a few trials. Judge Adams found the trial work as a prosecutor to be somewhat formulaic, and he thought criminal defense work might be more challenging.

He knew he wanted to return to Florida and work at a Public Defender’s Office upon graduation. He interviewed for the 20th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, and he accepted the job.

When Judge Adams arrived, he was the only Black lawyer in Fort Myers. (Judge Isaac Anderson was already on the bench.) Within a few years, other Black attorneys arrived in Fort Myers, and together they started what is now known as The Isaac Anderson Jr. Bar Association. The other early members included attorneys Archie Hayward, Don Isaac, Joe North, Jane McKenzie, Gerald McKenzie, and Jacqueline Hubbard.

Judge Adams is also one of the founding members and a past president of the Calusa Chapter of the American Inns February 2021

Archie Hayward also grew up not knowing any attorneys. He grew up in Fort Myers, and he knew in high school he wanted to be a lawyer.

His only knowledge of the law came from the attorneys he saw on television, and he thought he could do what he saw them doing. He says, “I learned from watching them that you could help people.”

Judge Hayward attended what was then called Edison Community College (ECC). He achieved his Associate of Arts degree and transferred to University of Florida. He was a Political Science Major and studied German.

Judge Hayward was further influenced to go into the legal profession when he clerked at the State Attorney’s Office as an ECC student. He says, “I learned how much I didn’t know.”

Judge Hayward attended law school at the University of Florida, and he was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1984.

He was hired by the Public Defender’s Office.

Judge Hayward chairs the Circuit’s Pro Bono Committee.

He says, “It’s a good way to monitor what lawyers are doing for ‘access to justice’. Pro Bono assistance is crucial.”

Judge Hayward is committed to mentoring young attorneys because “people helped me.”

Attorney Kristie Scott is an example of a young attorney he assisted. Judge Hayward says, “I’m not even sure if she was Barred yet (at the time). I was very glad she reached out to me, that she had enough interest in understanding the legal process.”

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ATTORNEY KRISTIE SCOTT Attorney Kristie Scott moved to Southwest Florida from Charlotte, North Carolina, in December 2012. She says, “My goal was just getting to know people because I was very lonely and so far from my hometown. I wanted to meet people, especially lawyers and judges. On top of that, I needed to find work!”

Scott received a Psychology degree from the University of Attorney Kristie Scott North Carolina - Charlotte in 2005. She was the first person in her family to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Scott worked in the investment and insurance industries for five years before attending law school at Charlotte School of Law. She graduated law school in 2012.

She says, “Prior to making a decision to go to law school, I reconnected with an old friend, who essentially told me they thought I’d be doing more with my life. I thought they were right; I could do more for myself and for others.”

After graduating, Scott passed the Florida Bar Exam and set out to meet as many people as possible.

She wound up sitting next to Judge Hayward at an LCBA meeting, and he offered to show her around the courthouse. She says, “I think he was probably just being nice and didn’t expect me to follow up. However, I did. I followed up and ended up meeting a lot of people through that. He gave me a tour of the courthouse, introduced me to several county court judges, including Judge Adams, who also sat down and got to know me. Everyone was welcoming.”

Scott also attended events with the Lee County Association of Women Lawyers (LCAWL). She met Judge Josephine Gagliardi and many women lawyers. The relationships she built in that organization led her to serving on the LCAWL Board for a few years.

Through her relationship with Attorney Cedric Hall, she also became involved with the Isaac Anderson Jr. Bar Association.

After working as an associate attorney at two Fort Myers firms for a few years, Scott opened her own firm in February 2020.

Scott concentrates her practice in church law, business law, labor & employment law, and civil & business litigation. The Florida Association for Women Lawyers has honored her as a “Leader in the Law” and she has been named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star”.

and mentor others in hopes that more minorities will develop an interest in the law. It would also be great for firms to target diversity in hiring by participating in programs such as the Southeastern Minority Job Fair.”

ATTORNEY JOSEPH R. NORTH Attorney Joe North also has an interest in encouraging more minorities develop an interest in practicing law.

North says, “What is very special for me is that I am able to be a role model for young students from my Dunbar community, who are considering a legal career, and who can look at me as someone who has done it.”

North grew up in Fort Myers, graduating from Cypress Lake High School in 1983. He then attended The Citadel Military College. While at The Citadel, he majored in Political Science and participated in the Pre-Law Program. He obtained his degree with honors and graduated with the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant. After graduating from The Citadel in 1987, he attended the Florida State University College of Law. Attorney Joseph R. North

“Even though I was accepted by several law schools across the country,” North says, “I decided to go to law school in Florida, because I knew I wanted to return home to Fort Myers to practice law.”

When North returned to Fort Myers after graduating from law school with honors in 1990, he worked as an attorney at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes, and Holt. He says, “In 1990, there were only about 10 African-American lawyers in Southwest Florida, including one Judge. And in fact, in 1990, I was the only African-American lawyer working at a private law firm.”

In 1996, North opened his own law firm. He says, “My primary motivation for becoming a lawyer was being able to help people.

Even though the law touches everything we do, I have chosen to practice personal injury law so I can help accident and injury victims. And even though I could have practiced law anywhere, I purposefully decided to practice law in my hometown of Fort Myers. By doing so, I am able to represent my friends and neighbors from Fort Myers, and in particular, those from the Dunbar community where I was born and raised.”

Scott says, “I believe the legal profession needs more diversity.

As a Black attorney, I love opportunities to speak to the youth

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MARK B. YESLOW Mediations/Arbitrations 30 Years of Experience All Personal Injury Claims/Property Claims/Insurance Coverage Issues www.yklegal.com

239-337-4343 CRIMINAL DEFENSE

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scott@GoodPeopleDoGetArrested.com

Court Appointed Receiver, Property Management and Specialty Oversight Kenneth P. Saundry, Jr. brings 42 years of business and real estate management experience to each Court Appointed Receiver assignment.

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February 2021

Kenneth P. Saundry, Jr.

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advertiser spotlight

Bounds Law Firm "fixes what can be fixed" and provides comfort to victims of medical negligence

A

ttorney J. Clancey Bounds recalls the case of a high school senior who committed to a Division 1 athletic and academic scholarship. The young man’s family envisioned sitting in the stands watching him live out his dreams , but it wasn’t to be. One morning, shortly after committing to college, this promising athlete didn’t feel right and rushed to the hospital.

negligence litigation throughout the country.

Bounds says, “The more healthcare you consume, the more likely you are to be a victim of medical error.”

Attorney J. Clancey Bounds

As Bounds describes it, the young man suffered a brain injury due to medical error that “left him locked in”. He could only communicate through his eyes. The injury was as catastrophic as it gets, short of death.

Bounds has seen many of these tragic cases during his 28-year legal career.

His practice is solely focused on medical

Bounds started his career on the defense side, but in 1999, he moved to the plaintiff’s side. Bounds started Bounds Law ten years ago. His firm now has six lawyers and 14 support staff.

In the case of the young athlete, Bounds knew him and his family since the young man was in elementary school. He says, “I felt a level of responsibility I never felt before.”

The injury devastated the family, and Bounds explains the young man’s future needs were significant. Through the lawsuit, they were able to obtain the necessary therapy and the means to communicate electronically.

Although Bounds recognizes the financial rewards his firm obtains from this type of legal work, he says, “We take cases based on liability, not the amount of damages.”

He further says, “We staple a picture of our client to the front of their file, so it’s never lost on us who we are representing.”

Bounds’ mantra is “fix what can be fixed; mend what can be mended” and provide comfort to the injured.

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Sproat Workplace Investigations The employment law firm dedicated to responsible fact-finding.

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239.829.0166 • 4TheMen.com 2799 Del Prado Blvd., S. • Cape Coral, FL 33904 February 2021

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guest attorney

BEING A SOLO IS RIDICULOUSLY HARD:

Tips I Have Learned

by indera demine, esq.

F

our years ago, I went to work on Friday thinking I had a job and woke up on Saturday in complete panic. I was unexpectedly let go from my job.

None of the small number of immigration law firms in Southwest Florida were looking for an associate, so I had no choice but to hang my own shingle. I knew nothing about running a solo practice, however. I found myself Googling “how to register a business in Florida” and “how to apply for an EIN number.” I felt much anxiety that first year.

DeMine Immigration, the little firm I

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started in another attorney’s storage room (a story for another day), has assisted more than 1,000 clients, grown from a staff of one to six, and become one of the largest immigration firms in Fort Myers. Along the way, I learned a few tips I can share with you: Be Authentically You: As an immigrant, I relate with my clients in a way many can’t. I immigrated to the U.S. in 2002, and like many of my clients, I was undocumented. I knew I wanted to share my story with potential clients as not only a way to connect, but also to build trust. One of the first articles I wrote as LeeBar.org

a solo practitioner was titled “Growing Up Guyanese”, where I shared my life in Guyana. My first video on our business Facebook page was titled “#AskIndera”, where I introduced myself and talked about where I came from. That video now has 9.5K views and has been shared over 140 times. People are craving authenticity and connection.

Do Not Be Afraid of “No”: When I opened, I knew I needed an online presence.

I started with AVVO and made it my mission to score a “10” rating on their website. While I had good reviews, I remained stuck at “8”. I improved my

xx score with a combination of good reviews, a published article, and winning an award. Res Gestae published my first article in November 2016, two months after going solo. But it wasn’t always a win. I wrote my second article for the Florida Bar Journal. They politely declined. Yet, by being unafraid of “no”, and putting myself out there, I landed my first published article.

Be Unique in Your Hustle: I decided who my ideal client is and how to reach them. The problem was, I had no money to invest in reaching them. So I hustled in my own way. I made recurring content on my Facebook page as a way to share my knowledge and meet potential clients. And it’s free! I called churches and asked to speak to their congregation. While they all said no, one offered me an opportunity to advertise in their weekly bulletin.

At just a few dollars a month, that ad scored me one of my first clients - a young couple. I did not turn down any speaking opportunities and looked for them everywhere. A reporter asked if I’d comment on the news about medical marijuana.

I graciously declined, and shared with him I could provide immigration commentary. When he didn’t email me, I reached out to him. Dave has featured me over a dozen times, and we’ve become close friends. I figured out a way of getting on TV without running a paid ad.

Be Prepared for Bumps Along the Road and Pivot: We saw some of the slowest months as a result of COVID. We closed our physical office for over two months and returned to silent phones and few consultations. I realized many people were facing financial strains. We offered free phone consultations and cut our in-person consultation fee by half. We printed infographics in English, Spanish, and Creole and asked to leave our materials at restaurants and other small businesses. We posted weekly social media videos. I reached out to “Guyana Diaspora News” Facebook page and asked to run a story about recent immigration changes. They agreed and posted the video a week later. It has garnered over 62,000 views and shared over 700 times. This exposure, combined with free phone consultations, resulted in dozens of phone calls from the New York Guyanese community. As we end the year, our law firm has assisted over 400 clients — our busiest year to date.

There are days when being a solo is ridiculously hard, and I wish I could pass the buck to someone else. Not everyone will like your approach, and sometimes, you’ll choose the wrong client. But there are days when you help someone achieve their lifelong dream, like becoming a U.S. citizen, and those days make it completely worth it. Happy lawyering!

Indera DeMine is an immigration attorney at DeMine Immigration Law Firm. Ms. DeMine is a resident of Southwest Florida and a solo practitioner located in downtown Fort Myers. Ms. DeMine started her immigration law career immediately after graduating Ave Maria School of Law in 2012.

February 2021

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new members Richard Montecalvo, Esq.

Kevin Crews, Esq.

Kelley Price, Esq.

Lisa Mead, Esq.

David Ciccarello, Esq.

Michael Traficante, Esq.

Erick Stocks, Esq.

Laura Magers, Esq.

Robert Cooper, Esq.

Thomas Tarsia, Esq.

Robert Pritt, Esq.

Rebecca Beddow, Esq.

Rose Lee, Esq.

Aaron Wernick, Esq.

Louis D'Agostino, Esq.

Genet Pally, Esq.

Eve McClurg, Esq.

Solita King, Esq.

Richard Wesch, Esq.

Ryan N. Swick, Esq.

John Trebilcock, Esq.

SAO

Law Offices of Lisa C. Mead PA Jones, Haber & Rollings

Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, McCoy & Ford, P.A. David L. Ciccarello, P.A. Laura Magers, Attorney

Jones, Haber & Rollings

Robert D. Pritt, Attorney

Office of Regional Counsel

Wernick Law, PLLC

Genet A. Pally, PA

The Law Firm of Eve McClurg, PA

Lee County Attorney’s Office

Pavese Law Firm

Cohen & Grigsby, PC

Grant, Fridkin, Pearson, P.A. Hahn, Loeser & Parks, LLP.

Law Offices of Rebecca A. Beddow, LLC. Cheffy Passidomo, P.A. Thompson Family Law Goede, Adamczyk, DeBoest & Cross, PLLC

DONNA TISCH M E D IATIONS • ARBITRATIONS “We take an Active Role...

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DonnaTisch.com 239.826.3644

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Our firm handles cases throughout the Southeast. We have the resources and experience to litigate any size PI case.

Call us and we will personally discuss your case. Referral fees happily paid in accordance with Florida Bar rules.

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Naples 1100 5th Avenue South Suite 408 Naples, FL 34102

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Jim Kelleher, Esq.

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Your Outside IP Co-Counsel Henderson Franklin’s Intellectual Property attorneys are often called upon to serve as outside IP counsel. Our practice group has more than 70 years of combined experience in patents, licensing and marketing, merchandising, trademarks and service marks, copyrights, internet and domain name disputes, franchising, trade secrets, privacy and data protection and IP litigation. Henderson Franklin’s IP attorneys can help develop the solutions and legal strategies to protect your clients’ best ideas – just as we’ve done since 1924.

Edward M. Livingston

Mark A. Nieds

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Registered U.S. Patent Attorney Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual Property Group Chair

Registered U.S. Patent Attorney

Adapting. Changing. Moving forward. henlaw.com • IP Division: 239.344.1361 Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Naples • Sarasota* ©2021 Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.

*By appointment only.

February 2021

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the dish

"Awesome in every way! Great fun, food, awesome Well worth the stop..." -Review from a Nevermind enthusiast

by lauren baugh

D

riving down Cape Coral Parkway, you see a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, and on this night, I chose Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery. I park in back, which seeing it would mislead you to believe this is another hole in the wall bar with nothing but cheap beer and a strong drink.

bars connected into one. The third is The Beastie Bar. Notice each name refers to iconic 90s alternative rock bands. Nevermind is a song by the late

The vibe is different than any other local bar I have visited, so I am not sure how the food will be as it seems very grunge driven. The pork shanks present beautifully as 4 huge shanks served with a sauce made of white and green onions, lime, olive oil and salt. They are tender and juicy and full of flavor with a crispy skin. If this is any indication of what I am about to get further into, this is going to be one of the best meals I’ve had in a while.

I am pleasantly surprised when some of the friendliest bartenders one could meet greet me. One is named Jon and the other named Greg. I ask them “what is good here?” and they respond in unison, “ALL of it!” After hearing this, I am up for that challenge.

I order an appetizer of pork shanks. I was not sure what to expect, but you can’t go wrong with pork! While I wait for my appetizer to arrive, I soak in the surroundings. The walls are adorned with 90s alternative and grunge rock memorabilia and art.

I decided to try their special of the day, the triple pork tacos.

This has pork butt, pork belly, and St. Louis pork ribs. While I wait for them to come out, I speak to Jon, and I ask him when they opened. He says 2013, and in only seven

I walk outside and realize I am not in Nevermind anymore; rather, I have walked into The Hop, one of three

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Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. The Hop refers to House of Pain, and The Beastie Bar refers to The Beastie Boys. As a fan of this genre, I am more excited to learn what the hype is about.

LeeBar.org

atmosphere and the staff is top notch!

Cheeseburger” I decide not to leave without trying it. WOW, was I glad I did. This burger is truly amazing. The patty is cooked to perfection; the cheese, perfectly melted; the bacon crisped; and the sauce is other worldly.

I ask about the sauce and am told, “Coffee”. I am beyond confused, so they further explain the sauce is a combo of ranch, barbecue, and cold brewed coffee!

years, it seems they have figured out how to appeal to just about every crowd: the 20 somethings, 30 somethings, 40 somethings and up.

The tacos arrive and are two of the most delicious looking tacos I have ever seen.

They are stuffed with wonderful smoky pork, sweet cilantro, and a savory sauce.

The flavor combo is phenomenal. This is something I would come back again to eat, for sure!

Although I already sampled two dishes, after hearing many locals in the place rave about the “Bitchin’ Triple Bacon

They also have 20 beers on tap, all from local breweries, such as Fort Myers Brewing Company, Rip Tide, Scotty’s, and Labelle Brewing Company. They feature spirits from one of my local favorites, List Distillery. And did I mention each French fry is encrusted with parmesan cheese and truffle oil and is hand cut fresh to order?

It is clear this place takes great care of its culinary reputation. Between the cool vibe, great music, amazing food, friendly staff, and convenient location, there should be nothing keeping you from going there and trying all of these dishes and more!

February 2021

Photos left to right: Nevermind Triple Pork Tacos and Truffle Fries; Two Nevermind Angus Pressed Cheeseburgers, Volcano Roll, and Truffle Fries; Pork Belly Brisket Grilled Cheese with a side of Lentil Soup.

Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery 927 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral (239) 471-0295 facebook.com/nevermindbarandgrill Monday - Wednesday: Noon - 11:00 p.m Thursday: Noon - 12:00 a.m.

Friday and Saturday: Noon - 1:00 a.m.

Sunday: Noon - 10:00 p.m.

Lauren Baugh is the executive director of the Lee County Bar Association. She can be reached at lauren@leebar.org.

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100 club Is your firm part of the 100 Club? Any firm with two or more attorneys and 100% membership in the LCBA qualifies.

Absolute Lsw, P.A. Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC. Arend & Sisk, P.A. Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner, P.A. Banker, Lopez & Gassler, P.A. Boy Agnew Potanovic, PLLC. Boyle & Leonard & Anderson, P.A. Burandt, Adamski, Feichthaler & Sanchez, PLLC. Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law Coleman & Coleman, PLC. Cole Scott & Kissane, P.A. - Fort Myers Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. Freidin & Inglis, P.A. Garvin Law Firm Geraghty, Dougherty, Edwards & Stockman, P.A. Goldberg|Noone|Abraham Personal Injury Atttorneys Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. GrayRobinson, P.A. Green, Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP Hollander & Hanukah, Attorneys at Law Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. John Webb Legal Group, P.L. Kelleher Law

Knott Ebelini Hart Law Offices of Dennis L. Webb, P.A. Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, Criminal Lawyer Law Offices of Scott T. Moorey Lee County Legal Aid Society, Inc. Linde Law Group McQuagge & King Law Firm Men's Rights Law Firm O'Halloran & O'Halloran, Attorneys at Law Osterhout & McKinney, P.A. Patrone, Kemp & Bentley, P.A. Pavese Law Firm Roetzel & Andress, L.P.A. Rubinstein & Holz Scarmozzino / King Trial Lawyers Sheldon E. Finman, P.A. Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A. Simmons Law Firm, P.A. Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Strayhorn and Person, P.L. Viacava & Cantor Attorneys at Law Viles & Beckman, LLC Zinn Law

If you feel your firm is eligible, email a listing of your attorneys to admin@leebar.org and we will let you know.

Knowledge. Integrity. Results.

ucturing / Bankruptcy | Business Law | Commercial Litigation

• • • • • • •

Mike Dal Lago, Esq.

www.dallagolaw.com

BUSINESS FORMATION CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FIDUCIARY DUTIES INSOLVENCY MAT TERS OUT-OF-COURT RESTRUCTURING BANKRUPTCY REORGANIZ ATION CHAPTER 7, CHAPTER 11 AND SUBCHAPTER V BANKRUPTCY CASES • GENERAL CORPORATE COUNSELING

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Christian Haman, Esq. | Mike Dal Lago, Esq.

2020

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239-571-6877

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www.dallagolaw.com

LeeBar.org

xx

The Legacy Continues Helping Save Families Sheldon E. Finman, P.A.

A respectful approach to divorce.

Client-centered, child-focused, problem-solving transition from marriage.

Divorce does not have to be a destructive process.

239-332-4543 RespectfulDivorces.com Julia L. Finman, Esq.

Sheldon E. Finman, Esq.

2134 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Fl 33901 February 2021

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member spotlight

Jennifer Gutmore, Esq.

1. I am a foodie and love experimenting with recipes, cooking, and trying new restaurants. I try to find food markets and eat local cuisine in every place I have traveled.

2. I am an Ohio native that loves the Sunshine State. While I have kept my law license active in Ohio, I have no plans of returning to the cold and snow. Florida is a beautiful place to live and practice.

3. I enjoy scuba diving and have traveled to several islands for diving. It’s surprising how peaceful it is under water.

4. I love scary movies. September is very long when you are waiting for the start of “spooky movie month.” Zombie movies are at the top of my list.

5. I joined the Peloton cult as result of the pandemic and love it. I’d rather give up my car than my bike. Reach out if you ever want to race!

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Litigation Support & Forensic Accounting

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Litigation can be a puzzle; fortunately, we have a qualified team of financial experts who dig into the details and piece together the facts, making complicated financial information accessible and understandable.

We’re there for the tough stuff, whether you’re facing divorce, lost compensation, embezzlement within your organization, or you’re a lawyer who needs help understanding the financial aspects of a case. When you need a trusted advisor who makes complicated financial information accessible and understandable, strategizes with the legal team on the big picture, and knows the kind of specialized information needed to deal with the courts, we can help you.

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Mediation and Arbitration Services

SIMON M. HARRISON, ESQ. Over 4000 Mediations and Arbitrations since 1992 Circuit, County, and federal (mdfl) Courts Attorney for 35 years AV rated-martindale Hubble on line availability Check and calendaring

Since its inception in 1985, Direct Impressions continues to produce Southwest Florida’s highest quality commercial printing, digital printing, and effective direct mail campaigns.

On line video Conferences Available.

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February 2021

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sponsor spotlight

Boy Agnew Potanovic

1. We are huge sports fans and SEC homers, with three UF alumni and one UK alumnus.

2. We all worked together at another law firm, which was the only other employment in the legal profession any of us had prior to starting our own firm.

3. We have collectively visited 25 countries, have seven children and six granddaughters, and have five pets (including three chickens!).

4. We are very active in the community. We currently collectively serve on ten boards, with current or past leadership roles as LCBA President, LCBA YLD President, Governor for TFB Board of Governors, Governor for TFB YLD Board of Governors, SHRM SWFL President, and ACT President.

5. We are actually willing to hire male attorneys not named John! Speaking of which, we are hiring...

A FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM WORKING WITH SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S LEGAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1924

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henlaw.com • 239.344.1100 Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Naples legalscoopswflre.com • swflbusinessandipblog.com ©2020 Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.

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xx in the news Dawn Maselli, an attorney with Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, graduated from the Florida Bar Association’s Wm. Reece Smith Leadership Academy. Maselli was one of only thirty statewide applicants accepted into the intensive and specialized training. Her Leadership Academy training began in June 2019.

The Leadership Academy is a multi-session training program designed to help a diverse group of lawyers grow as leaders.

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. has named Michael Versnik a partner of the firm.

Versnik, who joined the firm in 2019, is rated “AV Preeminent” Civil Trial Attorney, the highest ranking under the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating system. Versnik focuses on personal injury litigation, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle and bicycle accidents and premises liability cases.

Pavese Law Firm announces attorney Christopher L. Pope recently earned Board Certification in Construction Law in the Florida State Bar. Lawyers certified in Construction Law deal with matters relating to the design and construction of improvements on private and public projects. In 2019, Pope also became Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law, making him one of only two attorneys in Florida, and the only one in Southwest Florida, to have both of these specialty certifications.

Pavese Law Firm announces Ryan Swick has joined the firm as an associate and will be practicing in the areas of Community Association and Planned Development Law, Construction Law, and Real Estate Development Law. Prior to joining Pavese, Mr. Swick practiced construction litigation in Miami, where he represented general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and condominium associations in construction litigation and contract matters.

Proud parents Lance Dunford, an associate attorney with the Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey, and Lauren Dunford annouce the birth of Layne Wilder Dunford on November 25, 2020.

Attorneys Travis Russell and Tiffany Pereira are excited to announce the birth of Nathaniel John Russell on January 6, 2021.

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in the news Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., announces Alessandro Secino has joined the firm as an associate. Secino is working in the Real Estate Department and has a developing practice in water rights law and works with the Condominium and Homeowners’ Association practice group. Secino also achieved a Business Law Certificate with high honors from Florida State University College of Law. He served as an editor on FSU Law’s Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law. Secino served as a summer associate with the firm in 2019.

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., announces Iman Zekri has joined the firm as an associate. Zekri is working in the Divorce, Marital and Family Law Department. Zekri was an editor of the Florida Journal of International Law and a member of the Florida Moot Court Team, where she was presented with a Best Advocate Award in competition. She was inducted into the Order of Barristers in 2020 for her exceptional skill in oral advocacy and brief writing. Zekri served as a summer associate with the firm in 2019.

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., announces John Marra has joined the firm as an associate in the Tort & Insurance Litigation Department. Marra received his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, magna cum laude, in 2020. While in law school, Marra was a member of the Stetson Law Review and served as an intern for the U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg and U.S. Magistrate Judge Sean Flynn. Marra served as a summer associate with the firm in 2019.

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