Res Gestae - January 2022

Incoming President Tiffany Pereira Her Vision for 2022

Legal Notices Make Digital Debut New law effective January 1, 2022

THE OFFICIAL AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION • JANUARY 2022

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contents on the cover

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ad directory

Pereira is Prepared to Bridge Many Gaps as She Begins Her Year as President Keith Grossman, Esq.

special features

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Past Female Presidents Share Advice Keith Grossman, Esq.

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departments 6 Letter from the President

Tiffany Pereira, Esq.

27 Advertiser's Spotlight

Bounds Law

8 Letter from the Executive

28 Legal Lens

30 The Dish

Director

Lauren Baugh

LCBA Holiday Party Izzy's Fish and Oyster

10 Calendar of Events

12 Ethically Speaking

32 New Members

Henry Lee Paul, Esq.

14 LCBA Foundation 2021

Lauren Baugh

33 100 Club

Recap

34 5 Things You Don't Know

16 YLD Spotlight

26 Legal Lens

Shannon Puopolo, Esq.

Katherine E. Camadeco, Esq.

Agriculture Luncheon

About Me

Hon. Kyle Cohen

36 5 Things You Don't Know

About Me

Jennifer Duffy, Esq.

38 In The News

Our advertisers support the Lee County Bar Association.

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president's letter Happy New Year! ‘Tis the season for resolutions and prayers that this year will be better than the last. I am optimistic that as far as LCBA is concerned, this will be our best year yet.

LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION administration

Executive Director - Lauren Baugh Administrative Assistant - Mairelis Tamayo

executive council

I am excited, honored, and humbled to serve as your 2022 LCBA President. We are blessed in Lee County to have a tight-knit legal community, and I am personally grateful for everything this community has done for me. I hope to make you proud.

Though I could drum on and on about the exciting plans we have for 2022, I’ll let you read more about that on page 20.

I want to thank you again for putting your trust in me and allowing me the great honor of steering our ship through 2022.

Surrounded by an Executive Council and committee chairs that continue to selflessly give their time to this organization, I am confident this year will be one for the books — in a good way this time.

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Spencer Cordell, Esq.

Hon. Kathleen Smith, Esq.

BOARD MEMBERS

Travis Russell, Esq. John Miller, III, Esq. BENCH-BAR GALA

LAW WEEK

Diana "Dawn" Maselli, Esq.

Hon. John S. Carlin

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

LCBA FOUNDATION CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Kelly L. Fayer, Esq. and Ita Neymotin, Esq. HEALTH AND WELLNESS

John Miller, Esq. and Hon. Kimberly Davis Bocelli HISTORY

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

MOCK TRIAL

Shaina Zuppke, Esq. and Eunice Gedeon, Esq. PARALEGAL

Rich Haberle PRO BONO

T. Rankin Terry, Esq.

Andrew Banyai, Esq. and Michelle Trunkett, 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.

Luca Hickman, Esq., Mark Nieds, Esq. and Holly McFall, Esq.

CORPORATE LAW

Alicia Olivo, Esq. CRIMINAL LAW

Kathleen Fitzgeorge, Esq. and Agnieszka Osowicka, Esq. ELDER LAW

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

Kayla Richmond Miller, Esq. and Danielle Seitz, Esq.

Carlos Kelly, Esq. and George Knott, Esq.

Tiffany Pereira, Esq. 239.332.1181 | thepereiralawfirm.com RES GESTAE

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

LAW RELATED EDUCATION

GENERAL CIVIL AND BUSINESS LITIGATION

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Andrea Pleimling Smith, Esq. Diana "Dawn" Maselli. Esq.

committee chairs

Originally founded in 1927 as the Fort Myers Bar Association, the LCBA is quickly approaching its centennial anniversary.

Much has happened since then: the invention of the ballpoint pen, photocopying, the general-purpose computer — all things we use daily as legal practitioners. Can you believe our Bar has been around that long?

I am grateful to our president emeritus, Blake Hampton, for dedicating the last luncheon of 2021 to the topic of agriculture.

I want to personally thank Bruce Strayhorn, Katherine English, Ricky Pritchett, and Al Curry for taking the time to open the door of this vast topic to our membership. The luncheon was the first of a 2022 series on Florida's agricultural issues.

SECRETARY

Peter Knize, Esq.

YLD President - Katherine Camadeco, Esq. President Emeritus - Blake Hampton, Esq.

Our theme this year is "Bridging the Gap" — from the Florida Bar down to our local voluntary Bar; “vintage” to “young” attorneys; between practice sections; and around our community.

Throughout the year we will be reaching into our past to feature past presidents and topics that were relevant during their leadership, then following up to see what progress has been made on those issues. To better connect our past to our future, we will be establishing a mentorship program within LCBA. We will be varying our luncheons with new venues, rolling out new speaker series, and keeping our annual traditions while hopefully starting some new ones.

PRESIDENT

Tiffany Pereira, Esq.

LeeBar.org

LAND USE AND GOVERNMENTAL LAW

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

Kenneth Kemp, Esq., Peter Knize, J.D., L.L.M., and Robin D. Merriman II, Esq. SOLO & SMALL FIRMW

Jarred Duke, Esq. TORT LITIGATION

Dawn Maselli, Esq. and Diana Castrillon, Esq.

Criminal Defense Lawyers upholding our reputation for success and defending the Constitution for a combined 100 years.

Admitted to practice in Southern District, Middle District and United States Supreme Court Litigated cases throughout the United States

Some of our achievements: Former 20th Judicial Circuit

Elected State Attorney Former President of the Lee County Bar Association Former Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee 20th Judicial Circuit Former City Attorney of Fort Myers Original Master and Founding Member of the Calusa Inn of Court Voted 2017 Lawyer of Distinction-Top 10% in the United States Former Lee County Court Division Chief of the State Attorney’s Office Founding Member of National DUI College Thompson Reuters Super Lawyer AVVO “10” Rating by Reviews Death Qualified for Death Penalty Cases “AV” Preeminent Rated by Peers in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards Former Head of the Hendry/Glades County State Attorney’s Office All 3 Partners Voted by peers as SW Florida’s Top Lawyers in Naples Illustrated Collier County Lion of the Law Judicial Award for Professionalism Former Lee County Circuit Court Division Chief of the State Attorney’s Office 2020 Top 40 Under 40 National Trial Lawyers Current Member of the Florida Bar Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee 20th Judicial Circuit Current Board Member of the City of Fort Myers Police Citizen Review Board All Partners were Former SWFL Prosecutors Former Deputy Public Defender, Head of the Homicide Unit and Child Victim Crimes Unit Voted one of Gulfshore Life’s Top Lawyers in SWFL Media appearances on Dateline, NBC, Fox, CNN, Dr. Drew, News-Press, Naples Daily News and USA Today. ◆

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Free Consultation ◆ Call Anytime 239-332-2500 ◆ 239-245-8646 ◆ SWFLjustice.com 2215 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

executive director's letter Each year that comes and goes seems to fly by, and I hope this year takes its time, so we can stop to smell the roses. Life is short, and we only get one life to live, so it is important to enjoy it and spend time with those whom you most enjoy.

Frankly, having Tiffany Pereira as our LCBA President this year, I get to do just that!

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

While we already have some of our major events planned and working, we are open to hearing from you. We want to work on the events you want to see from us in this new year, which we have branded as the “Bridge the Gap” year.

EDITORS-IN-LAW

Tiffany Pereira, Esq. and Hon. Kathleen A. Smith

MANAGING EDITOR Keith Grossman, Esq.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR April Bordeaux

We look forward to seeing everyone back in person for each of our events. We have our staple events being planned and, as always, look forward to those, such as the Swearing-In Luncheon, the Bench BBQ and Shrimp Boil, LCBAF Golf Tourney, Law Week, The Bench-Bar Gala and the Foundation’s Wine Tasting. We also have some new and fresh ideas that Tiffany and I plan to bring to the table, and we could not be more excited!

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lisa Doyle-Mitchell | 239.851.4729

FEATURE WRITER

Keith Grossman, Esq.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Blake Hampton, Esq. Lauren Baugh Henry Lee Paul, Esq. Katherine Camadeco, Esq. Shannon Puopolo, Esq. Hon. Linda Doggett Hon. Kyle Cohen Jennifer Duffy, Esq.

If you are not already involved and want to be, we are here to tell you, this is your sign. Work is only work when it is not fun, and here at the LCBA, we love to have fun! It is truly a pleasure to serve our Board, members, and sponsors.

As I do each January, I would like to remind you to renew your LCBA Membership before February. I have been and will continue to send out renewals to give you a chance to update your information with us, so you do not miss any emails, newsletters, or magazines.

Last pitch — if you are not an annual sponsor of the LCBA and want to be, or at least want to know more, please contact me ASAP…there is still time to get in on the Rockstar Sponsor status!

2021 was great; 2022 will be amazing. Cheers to another wonderful year here at the best voluntary Bar Association, The Lee County Bar Association!

Platinum: CopyLady | Kelleher Law | US Legal Support Gold: Edison National Bank | Fort Myers Court Reporting Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz Silver: Boyle, Leonard, Anderson | Dal Lago Law | Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

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.

Copyright©2022 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.

Bronze: Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner | Boy, Agnew, Potanovic & Miller Casey Gartland, Esq. of Pendas Law | Hampton Law | Iberia Bank/New Horizon Imagine Wellness | Law Offices of Dennis Webb | Law Offices of Michael Raheb In Kind: CONRIC pr + marketing Lauren Baugh, Executive Director LBaugh@LeeBar.org | 239.334.0047 Ext. 102

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5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd., Suite 307, Fort Myers, FL 33907 239.690.9840 | ConricPR.com | Info@ConricPR.com LeeBar.org

January 2022

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

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New Year's Day Holiday

LCBA office and courts closed

LCBA YLD "New Year New Me" Lunch and Learn CLE

Noon - 1 p.m.

Location: Fort Myers Library Meeting Room Speakers: Tiffany Pereira, Esq., John Miller, III Esq. and Hon. Kimberly Davis Bocelli Register: LeeBar.org Free to LCBA members

LCBA RPPTL Virtual Brown Bag Luncheon

Noon – 1 p.m.

Topic: Trust, Estate & Guardianship Case Law Update Speaker: Richard Mancini, Esq. Register: LeeBar.org

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

LCBA office and courts closed

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LCBA Annual Swearing-In Ceremony Luncheon

Noon – 1 p.m.

Location: The Burroughs Home and Gardens Register: LeeBar.org Free to LCBA Members $25 for Non LCBA Members

Jan. 30 – Feb 7 Path to Unity

Location: Lee County Courthouse Check LeeBar.org for details.

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

R&A ad

January 2022

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ethically speaking

Coaching a witness in a remote deposition results in discipline by henry lee paul, esq.

I

n yet another example of facts that cannot be made up, a lawyer was caught texting a witness during a telephonic deposition. The texts were sent in an effort to coach the witness on how to answer deposition questions.

The lawyer was discovered when he inadvertently sent some of the texts to opposing counsel instead of to the witness.

In The Florida Bar v. James, SC20-128, the Supreme Court sent a strong message that it will not tolerate relaxed standards in circumstances involving remote practice. Even though the events in this case occurred pre-pandemic, they are especially applicable in the pandemic inspired reality of commonplace remote practice.

The witness was an adjuster in a workers’ compensation case. The respondent was counsel for the employer/carrier. During the deposition, the opposing counsel heard “typing sounds” and inquired if the respondent and the witness were texting. Respondent admitted he was texting, but claimed it was only with his

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daughter. Opposing counsel requested that the respondent stop texting and the respondent agreed.

However, the respondent continued to text with the witness during the deposition and then made the ultimate mistake of inadvertently sending texts intended to the witness to opposing counsel instead. Thereafter, the claimant’s counsel requested that all the texts between the witness and respondent be produced. The workers’ compensation judge found there was no privilege because they dealt with “testimonial matters and some of them constitute[d] witness coaching.”

All the texts with the witness were produced. Respondent was unable to produce any texts with his daughter.

Despite the coaching, the workers’ compensation judge did not find that the witness’s testimony was untruthful.

The referee recommended the respondent be suspended for 30 days for his effort to coach the witness. The Supreme Court reversed the referee’s recommended sanction and instead imposed a 91-day rehabilitative suspension. The Court reasoned the conduct of respondent in sending LeeBar.org

the texts was dishonest. Respondent was found to have violated Rule 3-4.3 (Misconduct and Minor Misconduct), Rule 4-3.4(a) (Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel – Obstruct Access to Evidence) and Rule 4-8.4(d) (Conduct Prejudicial to the Administration of Justice).

The Court also found that respondent was not forthcoming about the texts and initially mischaracterized the typing sounds as being a result of texts with his daughter when no such texts were ever produced. Respondent cannot resume the practice of law unless he proves rehabilitation and is reinstated by the Supreme Court.

This case should send a warning to members of the Bar. Remote practice does not equate with relaxed practice when it comes to compliance with The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

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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January 2022

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lcba foundation 2021 recap

Making a meaningful impact in the community by shannon puopolo esq.

I

am excited to take on the role of President of the Lee County Bar Association Foundation (the “Foundation”). Through the generous support of LCBA members, the Foundation has made a meaningful impact in our community.

In 2016, the Executive Committee established the Foundation as a sister organization, to serve as the charitable arm of the LCBA. While the LCBA has a long history of contributing to community and charitable organizations, the Executive Committee felt it was important to establish a lasting, consistent grant cycle to better serve the community need.

In 2021, the Foundation awarded 23 grants totaling $63,000 to community organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Advocacy Center, Foster Care Advisory Services, Guardian ad Litem – 20th Judicial Circuit, NAMI, and United Way. Each grant supports a pillar of the Foundation’s mission, focusing on assistance to the indigent, children’s programs, education about the law, and scholarships. We notified organizations of awards in January 2021 and Foundation Board members visited grantees around

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the county in February 2021. Grantees submitted an annual report to provide feedback on how they used the grant. For example, Blessings in a Backpack stated because of the grant award, “we were able to continue to feed all 500 children at Tice Elementary supplemental weekend meals due to your generosity.”

In addition to grant allocations, the Foundation held ad hoc fundraisers for under-funded organizations, such as Project Dentist Care. Local attorneys Jim Kelleher, John Miller, Scott Atwood, and John Webb volunteered for the dunk tank at the LCBA Annual BBQ & Shrimp Boil, which raised over $500 for dental services to the indigent, including those exiting correctional facilities.

In 2021, the Foundation also hosted two signature fundraising events. The Annual Charity Golf Tournament, held in May at the Forest Country Club, had a record 148 participants and raised over $28,500 for community grants. The Foundation Wine and Cheese tasting was held in December at the Golden Rind and raised over $2,500.

Recently, the Foundation completed its 2021/2022 grant cycle and awarded $50,000 in grants to 21 local nonprofits.

While we were thrilled to fulfill many grant requests, the need in our community is significant and we were LeeBar.org

unable to fully fund all grant requests.

With that in mind, we plan to hold additional ad hoc fundraisers in 2022 in hopes of funding additional grants.

Looking ahead to the coming year, the Foundation will hold a check presentation for grantees at the February LCBA luncheon so members can learn more about the direct impact of the Foundation.

The golf tournament has also been set for May 14, 2022, so mark your calendars!

THANK YOU to LCBA members for your continued support of the Foundation and its community grantees! If anyone would like to become more involved with the Foundation or has questions, please contact me at (239) 344-1116.

Lee County Bar Foundation By the Numbers: Foundation Board Members – 9 members confirmed by the LCBA Executive Board Firms/Organizations Represented on the Board – Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.; Pavese Law Firm; Martin Law Firm; John Webb Legal Group; Aloia, Roland, Lubell and Morgan; and 20th Judicial Circuit Public Defenders Office.

Association Board Member Support in 2021 – more than $18,000 Grants Provided in 2021 – $63,000 Total Grants Provided – over $150,000

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January 2022

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YLD spotlight

by katherine e. camadeco, esq.

J

anuary is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of labor, services or commercial sex. The U.S. Department of State estimates that as many as 24.9 million people, both adults and children, are being trafficked. In the United States, Florida ranks as the third-highest state where human trafficking takes place.

Human trafficking is a crime that hides in plain sight. It robs individuals of their freedom and dignity. It does not discriminate when it comes to its victims; victims can be of any age, race, gender or nationality. And may come from any socioeconomic group.

As attorneys, we have contact daily with diverse populations across Southwest Florida. The most important thing any of us can do to fight human trafficking is to educate ourselves on how to spot the signs. The U.S. Department of Homeland

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Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or to whom they talk?

Security has developed an indicator card to help recognize the signs of human trafficking.

Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?

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Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?

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Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?

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Has a child stopped attending school?

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Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?

Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?

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Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?

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Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?

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Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?

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Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?

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Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?

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Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?

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Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers?

LeeBar.org

If you identify any of the indicators, please contact the local Sheriff’s department or Florida Department of Law Enforcement so they can work to identify and rescue victims of trafficking.

Katherine E. Camadeco, Esq. is the President of the Young Lawyers Divsion of the Lee County Bar Association and an attorney at O’Halloran & Simmons, PLLC where she practices in the area of Marital and Family Law.

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guest column

HB35 brings legal notices into the 21stcentury by linda doggett

I

Lee County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller

f you don’t like flipping through newspapers to view legal notices, you now have the option to scroll through your phones, tablets or desktop computers to view them as well.

A new Florida law, CS/HB 35 (which amends Florida Statute 50.011), now allows local government agencies to post legal notices online through their local newspapers effective Jan. 1, 2022. Previously, the notices had to be published in print for meetings where official acts are taken or where public business is conducted.

Legal notices serve important functions, such as notifying the public about a wide range of transactions from divorces to unclaimed funds to public meetings. They are necessary to ensure that citizens, especially attorneys and their clients, are informed of current legal motions.

The new law sets specific requirements for the newspapers that print the legal notices. For example, the newspaper must be printed periodically or weekly, and it must contain at least a quarter of

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its words in English, with no more than 75% of its content as advertising.

MEET LINDA DOGGETT

Additional requirements, such as the newspaper holding periodicals permits or having an audience of at least 10% of households within the municipality, are also included in the new law. While there will still be a charge for the online ads, the new law protects taxpayers by restricting newspapers from charging more than they would charge for print ads. If the legal notices are published in print, they are required to be published online the same day for no additional charge.

She holds degrees in both Computer Science and Management Information Systems and has consistently advocated for technology efficiencies locally as well as for clerks statewide.

You can read all the details of the new law at this url: laws.flrules.org/2021/17.

As more citizens move away from print and embrace digital platforms, this new law brings legal notices into the 21st century. You’ll have the added convenience to search and view legal notices 24/7 from the tips of your fingers, rather than only through the oldfashioned paper.

To keep up with the latest news from the Lee Clerk’s office, subscribe to our e-mail newsletter at leeclerk.org/subscribe or follow us on social media.

LeeBar.org

Linda Doggett is the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Lee County. Linda was elected in 2012 to take office in 2013 as the first woman to be elected as Clerk of Court.

Linda currently serves on four statewide Clerk committees. She has been presented with the 2016 Partnership Award by Florida Rural Legal Services. In 2021, 2018 and 2016, the Lee County Bar Association recognized Linda for her commitment to provide improved access to the courts through the Clerk’s Self Help Center and partnership with Legal Aid. In 2019, Linda was awarded the Clerk of the Year award by the Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers for her efforts to lead strategic technology planning and initiatives, including the self-funded statewide rollout of TurboCourt.

Linda is also very proud of establishing the Inspector General’s Office in Lee County.

Her pledge to her constituents is accountability and transparency for government and to operate efficiently using technology solutions.

Mediation. Arbitration.

Virtual or In-Person.

Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar Represented Plaintiffs and Defendants Former Plaintiff-side Personal Injury Attorney Former Medical Malpractice Defense Attorney Southwest Florida Resident Since 2005

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Chad@BrazzealMediation.com

Office in Collier County, Florida

(239) 821-0069

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Schedule Online

The Public Notice laws are changing, but working with us is not.

When the new laws* go into effect Jan.1, 2022, the Business Observer will still be in compliance. Which means doing business with us will still be simple, fast, affordable and accurate.

The Business Observer offers: • Electronic invoicing and E-filing capabilities • Professional staff to quickly assist you • Low competitive flat rates • Qualified legal status • All print notices published by the Business Observer are automatically placed on BusinessObserverFL.com and FloridaPublicNotices.com at no additional cost To publish your legal notices, call Kristen:

941-906-9386, ext. 323

Email: kboothroyd@BusinessObserverFL.com

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*Florida House Bill 35

XNLV19839

January 2022

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Pereira is prepared to bridge many gaps as she begins her year as president by keith grossman, esq.

bridge

[brij] n. a structure that provides passage over a gap or barrier. something that joins two sides together.

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LeeBar.org

W

hen Tiffany Pereira talks about the theme for her year as president of the Lee County Bar Association, her excitement is unmistakable. The theme is “Bridge the Gap”, and for Tiffany, the theme means so many things.

The idea of “the gap” points to many ideas, and they are all about relationships. It’s the relationships between seasoned attorneys and newer attorneys; relationships between the Bar and the Bench; relationships between former leaders of the LCBA and current leaders; and relationships between attorneys and non-attorneys who also contribute to the legal community.

Pereira says, “The theme for 2022 of Bridging the Gap came from my experiences on the LCBA and LCAWL Boards over the last 5 years, as well as the last few years serving on the Florida Bar YLD Board of Governors and Board of Directors for the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. It’s been interesting to see what voluntary bars can accomplish together, and the variety of programming that is accomplished when multiple organizations are working towards a common goal.”

Pereira is a Fort Myers native. She says, “I grew up off McGregor and am a (Fort Myers High School) Greenie.” She then attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, originally for Aerospace Engineering, and obtained a Master’s in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She continued her education at Florida Coastal School of Law. When Pereira graduated law school, she knew she wanted to come home to Fort Myers. Getting started was not easy, though. She says, “I came out of law school, and I couldn’t find the right job for me. I didn’t want to take a job just to take a job, as that would be doing myself and the employer no favors.”

able to find that person through the LCBA. I never would’ve been able to do it without these individuals willing to help me. It was critical.”

It is because of these early experiences with the LCBA that Pereira is eager to start a mentorship program. Not only does mentorship offer resources and guidance to a young attorney, Pereira also sees a strong connection between lack of mentorship and lack of professionalism.

She says, “We are going to match young and ‘vintage’ attorneys. With a trend of young lawyers going out on their own, there are many young professionals entering the legal community who do not have big firm resources in the form of mentorship and learning ‘how to.’ On the other end of the spectrum, there may be individuals at large firms, in corporate jobs, government jobs, and the like who could use someone with a little more experience to collaborate with as well.”

Pereira’s plan is to promote the mentorship program early in the year, including during the new lawyers’ swearing-in ceremony. LCBA will then ask members to opt in to the program when they renew their membership. She also believes the mentorship program is a good opportunity to match members interested in becoming board certified with members who have already obtained board certification. The mentorship can help them prepare for the application process.

The mentorship relationship can be customizable to each mentor/mentee match.

Pereira also plans to schedule group events specifically for the mentors and mentees.

These events will have activities and topics that are specific to a mentorship relationship.

At the time, she started working with Attorney Jim Boatman on some activities for a non-profit agency.

They developed a strong relationship and Boatman encouraged Pereira to start her own law firm. She took Boatman’s advice and started her firm virtually in 2016, moving to downtown Fort Myers in January 2017.

Pereira credits the LCBA for helping her get her firm off the ground. “I’ve been a member of LCBA since the day I was sworn into the Florida Bar. As a young attorney who essentially went right into the role of a solo practitioner, I knew I would have to go above and beyond to immerse myself in the local legal community. When I needed someone more experienced to bounce ideas off or to guide me, I was

Pereira says, “Like many of our programs, we can’t do this without you. If you are looking to give back, share your knowledge and help shape the minds of our future leaders, please consider signing up.”

Photos left top to bottom: Tiffany's graduation from Fort Myers High School with Gigi Pereira, John Pereira, Amanda Pereira Schmoyer; Tiffany with her dad, John Pereira

January 2022

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Pereira also talks about honoring past presidents. “Coming up on 100 years since the LCBA was founded as the Fort Myers Bar Association, I think it’s time to look back and see how far we have come and the changes that have occurred in our community and state. We are going to circle back to past presidents and ask them about current events or hot topics during their term, then see where we are on those subjects now. What changes have been made, etc. Where are some of these people now? Are there any issues in our legal community that are worth revisiting?”

Another program Pereira is looking to grow is the affiliate membership. She says, “In 2021 we opened up affiliate membership and I would really like to see us expand on this.

This is a good avenue to help our members make connections with support services and other professionals outside of the practice of law. We modeled this after several other voluntary bar associations and have seen where working with non-lawyers has proven to bring in many CLE opportunities and programs that wouldn’t happen in closed bars.

In other voluntary bars, affiliates make up a large portion of their membership.”

focus on topics like discussions happening at the Florida Bar, Agricultural Law and legislative updates.

Of course, Pereira recognizes the success of her plans rests on the assistance of members who volunteer, Executive Director Baugh and the Executive Council. She points to the diversity and experience of the Executive Council when she speaks about their leadership.

She says, “Each member brings a unique perspective and a varied background of experience. Fortunately, we are all involved in the community outside of LCBA, so we can pool together resources and come up with new ideas and initiatives that bring value to our members. Each Board member serves on at least one other non-profit board. We have a lot of returning Board members and new members that have been leaders via committees and practice sections, so we have a cohesive Board who is familiar with what LCBA does each year, what our monthly themes are, so on and so forth. Each year I am amazed to see how this group tackles any obstacle before us and turns every negative into a positive.”

Executive Director Lauren Baugh adds, “Members are excited to have new members joining.”

Pereira also points out, “With the addition of Lauren Baugh as our Executive Director, we have climbed to 721 members, a huge increase from where we were 10 years ago.”

Pereira continues, “Members become familiar with the affiliates because we see them regularly at our events.”

Pereira strongly advocates for all local attorneys to join LCBA. She says participation in voluntary bars is on the rise, and with an organization like LCBA, you can find a group of attorneys you can call and text when you need assistance and guidance.

Pereira has other ambitious changes in store for the year as well. “We are looking at new venues and avenues for speakers and events. We will be exploring new options for our monthly luncheons to make them more accessible for anyone who may not be downtown.

We’re excited to announce a new location for the Bench-Bar Gala, as well as an expansion on the gala festivities.

Our holiday party will be taken up a notch as well.”

She also has a more altruistic perspective.

“Everything in life is what we make of it. I believe in giving back. For me, it’s about to continuing to serve the community that has helped me so much. When I moved my office downtown to the Dean Building in 2017, I found myself surrounded by LCBA members who convinced me to drink the tea – and it’s been some good tea.”

Changes include regular meetings with the judiciary to maintain a constant flow of communication between judges and attorneys and more interaction points with the Lee County School District. There are also plans to schedule more philanthropic and pro bono activities. Monthly luncheon topics will address challenges or changes in the community, with a

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She’s happy to add, “We all work so well together. I rely upon all of them, and I know I can call up any of them.”

Photos left top to bottom: Tiffany speaking on parental leave during a FAWL conference while 38 weeks pregnant Tiffany with her family - Travis, Noah and baby Nate.

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special feature

Past Female Presidents Share Advice with the Incoming President by keith grossman, esq.

T

here have only been eight previous female presidents of the Lee County Bar Association. The first female president was Rochelle Z. Catz in 1989.

I reached out to these past presidents and asked them what advice they would share with Tiffany Pereira. Here is what they had to share: Kelly Fayer “My advice for Tiffany as she becomes the ninth female LCBA president is to not strictly be a female LCBA President. Be a president without definitions or limits.

You have earned your leadership role, and you will give the members an amazing year. Your theme of “Bridge the Gap” is very fitting because I have more advice.

Don’t forget that for the last 73 years, there were only eight female presidents before you. Lead on your own terms, and take our history, and everyone who has made the LCBA incredible, with you.

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Lastly, it is an absolute honor to represent the LCBA. Please make sure you take time to enjoy being president. I know I will enjoy watching your success.”

Honorable Josephine Gagliardi “My advice to Tiffany: Always consider what others might think about some proposal or project. Talk things over with people in the know because they can give you solid advice.

is a license for a new outfit monthly.”

Honorable Mary Evans “President Tiffany, can it be?

Another girl president, just like me.

Get ready for action, get ready for fun, Pretty soon you’ll say “WHAT HAVE I DONE!” Emails will come and emails will go, One thing’s for certain, this job ain’t slow.

Make sure to stick to the agenda and end the meetings on time. Keep the meetings interesting with good speakers and current topics.

Calls for this and calls for that,

Call people if you have the time to remind them to come to the luncheons.

Your patience’ll be tested, that’s for sure.

Always give thanks to the sponsors and everyone who contributes.

So much work no one else sees.

Kind words are always welcome.

Be and act professional at all times.

No time to waste, we need answers STAT! Venues, and dates, and speakers galore, Invites, menus, RSVPs, Now don’t be bothered, don’t be shy, This year will be quick, it’ll rocket on by.

Enjoy the year, it goes fast.

You’ve got what it takes, you’re quite enough,

P.S.: Tell your husband that the presidency

Remember that should times get tough.”

LeeBar.org

kelly l. fayer

hon. mary evans

hon. josephine gagliardi

anne dalton

Anne Dalton

had no staff to rely on.

It was tough juggling both. I know you and Lauren are already very good friends, which is a good thing because you are about to spend a lot more time together.

You now have a large Executive Board. If you are lucky to have a supportive and active Board as I did, then they will have your back. Do not be afraid to ask them for help. Your success reflects on their success. You are about to embark on an incredible year. I wish you the best, and feel free to get in touch if you ever need anything.”

“Hi Tiffany — Like you, I am karla y. a solo practitioner who has to campos-andersen carefully ration my time and energy among family, personal to trust that time, work demands, and volunteer our members projects such as the Lee Bar. Okay, please knew what they know going in — don’t feel guilty about were doing. My delegating Bar duties to the Executive advice is to plan, rochelle z. catz Council and the fantastic Lauren Baugh. plan, plan, plan and The best thing I did as Bar president was plan some more. Try to asking Beverly Grady to take over all Res Rochelle Z. Catz get events planned and scheduled far Gestae duties, and she did a great job. in advance as possible. There is no such “Dear Tiffany, I wish you all the best as Secondly, keep the Practice Section CLEs. thing as over planning. The best case you begin the office of President of the They give value and draw attorneys into scenario is that you have your entire Lee County Bar Association. You have the Bar. I have no doubt that you will 2022 year planned already, and then...be a much more diverse group than I had have an excellent and memorable year, prepared to be super flexible, because as president in 1989. It was a wonderful and all of us former Bar presidents will be some plans will inevitably fall apart, experience, and I am sure your term here, ready to help and cheer you on!” due to nothing you did or could have will be as well. I had a lot of help and prepared for. There will be an emergency, cooperation as we moved through a new Karla Y. Campos-Andersen every year has one. It too shall pass!! experience for all of us. We did not even “TIFFANY, CONGRATULATIONS!! The have the technology that you have today.

Cultivate a strong relationship with members of the Lee County Bar I am sure your term will be as exciting your Executive Director. She will be your Association trusted and had faith that and gratifying as mine was. I wish you all right-wing woman. Like you, I was a solo you would lead this organization to new the best. Fondly, Rochelle.” practitioner when I was president, so I heights, so they voted for you. You need January 2022

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legal lens The LCBA Agriculture Luncheon was held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center on November 19.

Fort Myers Court Reporting sponsored the luncheon and Tiffany Pereira, Esq. moderated a panel of Al Curry, Katherine English, Esq., Ricky Pritchett and E. Bruce Strayhorn, Esq. 1.

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Blake Hampton, Tiffany Pereira Christina Harris Schwinn, Vanessa Fernandez Al Curry, Katherine English, Ricky Pritchett, E. Bruce Strayhorn Hon. Devin George, Hon. Kimberly Davis Bocelli John Webb, Kevin Karnes, Hon. Ita Neymotin, Hon. Kathleen Smith Brian Riley, Travis Russell Robert Pritt, Beverly Grady Andrew Fritsch, Spencer Cordell

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For more pics, check out the gallery at LeeBar.org

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7 LeeBar.org

Photos courtesy of Jim Jett Photography

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Photo courtesy of Jim Jett Photography

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legal lens The annual Lee County Bar Association's holiday party was held on December 9th at the Edison Restaurant & Bar. The event was sponsored by CopyLady, Kelleher Law and Edison National Bank. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno was presented with the Liberty Bell Award.

Hon. Archie Hayward, Shannon Puopolo, Erin Casey Ted and Kathleen Fitzgeorge Luca and Diana "Dawn" Maselli Hon. Josephine Gagliardi Hon. Devin George Blake Hampton, Kelly Fayer, Tiffany Pereira Hon. Michael McHugh Antoinette "Toni" Peck, Hon. Kathy Smith, Kelly Fayer, Marcy Shaw, Gail Markham, Hon. Ita Neymotin, Diana Castrillon 9. State Attorney Amira Fox, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno For more pics, check out the gallery at LeeBar.org

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Photos courtesy of Jim Jett Photography

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the dish

Izzy's Fish and O fresh seafood and fu

Photos right top to bottom: Izzy's Fresh Maine Lobster Roll, Smash Burger & Fries, Buffalo Shrimp, Chocolate Cake

by lauren baugh

H

ere we are in a New Year, and like most people, I want to be healthy... ish. I scheduled lunch to meet with friends, Cynthia Duff and Dan Detrick of CopyLady, to talk about plans for 2022.

We all decide Izzy’s is the place we want to go. It’s healthy, quick and reasonably priced.

It is a beautiful day and downtown Fort Myers is bustling. There are people, cars, the trolley, and of course, dogs walking by. We choose to eat outside and enjoy the little time we have of “cooler” weather. We also want to people watch as we enjoy our food and chat about our partnership.

We quickly gaze over the menu, and within seconds, we all know what we want. The menu offers a huge variety of fare, and we all have our favorites. Some choices healthier than others. Frankly, some of us just like fries!

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I opt for the grilled shrimp BLTA and a side of their battered waffle fries.

The fries are delicious - salted with just the right amount of coarse sea salt. The BLTA is a fun combo of shrimp, bacon, avocado, tomato and lettuce. It’s just enough to eat it all and not feel overstuffed.

Cynthia decides on the grilled mahimahi sandwich, and hers is also accompanied by their delicious waffle fries. When her plate comes out, I am amazed. The mahi-mahi filet is bigger than the bun. I immediately think, “What a value!”

I do not ask for a bite of Cynthia’s sandwich, but in my mind, I want to. If I LeeBar.org

did ask, she would have given me a bite, but I refrain.

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Dan tends to choose the healthier side of the menu when we go out for a meal.

This time he chooses a poke bowl. I have never had a poke bowl, but when it comes out, it honestly looks fabulous, almost like a deconstructed sushi roll. The poke bowl is a large enough serving to subside your hunger but not too much to require a nap after lunch. Dan’s poke bowl comes with various veggies and the protein is ahi tuna. It looks extremely fresh.

Not one of us leaves much of anything on our plates, so one would ascertain that it was all delicious. It’s a 10/10! I recommend stopping

by Izzy’s for a variety of fresh seafood or simply fun twists on some lunch staples. Izzy’s has a huge dining area as well, if indoor dining is your preference. If you want to reserve a semi-private space for a party, they offer that as well.

We have many restaurants to offer here in downtown Fort Myers, but some people may overlook Izzy’s as it rests on the corner of Jackson and First. It is on your way out of downtown, or on your way into downtown, depending on how you enter the area. Either way, make sure you stop.

2282 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 239.337.4999 IzzysFtMyers.com Sunday - Friday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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new members

Thomas “TJ” Barklow, Esq. Twentieth Judicial Circuit

George Powell Jr, Esq. Akerman, LLP.

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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. Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Strayhorn and Persons, P.L. Viles & Beckman, LLC Wilbur Smith, 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.

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in the news Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., announces that stockholder Edward Canterbury has been recertified as a legal expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He has maintained Florida Bar Board Certification in real estate law for over a decade. Canterbury concentrates his practice in the area of real estate law, including commercial and residential development, acquisitions, finance, survey matters, title insurance and commercial leases. His experience includes representation of developers, builders, investors, medical groups, governmental agencies, lending institutions, non-profit corporations and national title insurance underwriters.

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Let us come to you.

Like Thomas Edison,

we believe there is always “a better way.” That’s why we offer courier services created exclusively for our Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva business customers. One of our couriers will make a same-day pick up of your deposits at your place of business. The old adage is true: “Time is money.” Your business saves both when we come to you.

Experience our personal approach to banking.

Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands customers enjoy:

• free online and mobile banking • no-fee access to their account funds at any Publix® Presto! ATM

• free bill pay services for personal account holders

• courier and cash management services for business clients

• streamlined processing for all loans

including commercial and residential mortgage loans

To learn more about our customer services and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800.

An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.