The Orange County Bar Association - The Briefs - February 2025

CALL FOR ADVOCACY

Hon. Lisa Munyon on how to help the judiciary get the funding it needs

“DUES” AND DON’TS

Walter Roberts on the shortcomings of modern due process practices

A PUBLICATION OF

ENGENDERING INCLUSION

Christine Wasula on the state of gender diversity in Florida’s legal profession

FEBRUARY 2025 VOL. 93 NO. 2

THANK YOU! A moment of gratitude for our members and leaders

the

Contents 06 I

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Moment of Gratitude

LETTERS FROM LEADERS

10 I CLERK’S CORNER

New Winter Park Courthouse Officially Opens

The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq.

12 I CHIEF’S COLUMN Judicial Funding

The Honorable Lisa T. Munyon

FROM THE COMMITTEES

14 I CIVIL RIGHTS COMMITTEE

“Dues” and Don’ts: Civil Rights in America Walter Roberts

16 I DEI COMMITTEE

SIDEBAR: NEWS / EVENTS / UPDATES

28 I VOLUNTARY BAR Alena V. Baker, Esq.

30 I YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION Ritcy Canelon, Esq.

Cultural Competency in the Legal Field

Melissa Bryan, Esq. & Ken Richardson

20 I PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE

Looking Forward and Behind Christine Wasula, Esq.

LEGAL AID SOCIETY

24 I WHAT WE DO

A Champion for Justice Through Pro Bono Work Desire Lopez Torres

ADVERTISING DEADLINES

Magazine: 10th of month prior to publication eEdition: 20th of month prior to distribution Copy: Six weeks prior to publication If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day. Publication of advertising herein does not imply any endorsement of any product, service, or opinion advertised. The opinions and conclusions, including legal opinions and conclusions contained herein, are those of the authors and do not reflect official endorsement by the Orange County Bar Association or its officers and directors, unless specifically stated as such. ©2023 Orange County Bar Association. All rights reserved. ISSN 1947-3968

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O C B A F E B R U A RY LU N C H E O N 880 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 Phone (407) 422-4551 Fax (321) 430-1558 orangecountybar.org Legal Aid Society (407) 841-8310 Citizen Dispute (407) 423-5732 Family Law Mediation (407) 423-5732 Lawyer Referral Service (407) 422-4537 Foreclosure Mediation (407) 515-4330 Young Lawyers Section (407) 422-4551 _________________

the Briefs FEBRUARY 2025 VOL.93 NO.2

Editor Kate T. Hollis Associate Editors Christine Wasula Tina Leger Columnists Alena V. Baker Sean Mendez-Caitlin Officers Arti Ajit Hirani, President Keshara Cowans, President-Elect Lisa Gong Guerrero, Treasurer Michael Barber, Secretary Jacob Schumer, YLS President Executive Council Stephanie Alcalde Kate T. Hollis John M. Hunt Bruce Mount Jessica P. McGinnis Alisia Adamson Profit Rafael O. Rodriguez C. Andrew Roy Brandon M. Sapp C. Todd Smith Jennifer Smith Thomas Jessica A. Travis Executive Director Candice Disorbo Advertising & Sponsorship Manager Ursla Gallagher

SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, February 20 at the Citrus Club 255 S Orange Ave., STE 1800, Orlando, FL 32801

February Joint Luncheon with Paul C. Perkins Bar Association Featuring Daryll Lewis

RSVP by Monday, February 17, 2025 Ashley Velez ashleyv@ocbanet.org | orangecountybar.org/page/store RSVPs and cancellations will not be accepted after February 17, 2025.

TITLE SPONSOR

Marketing & Communications Manager Reatha Cruz-Johnson Design Em Agency, emagency.com _________________

MORE EVENTS

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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A MOMENT OF

GRATITUDE AUTHOR Arti Ajit Hirani, Esq.

A

s I enter the second half of my year as Bar President, I want to take a moment to express my

deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve this incredible organization.

While some of our biggest events are still ahead, it’s important to pause and reflect on the larger picture.

Traveling across the state, I often remind audiences that we are not only one of the largest voluntary bar organizations in Florida but also one of just two bars in the nation with a mandatory pro bono requirement. Our commitment to service extends beyond our own organization, as demonstrated by the out-

standing achievements of our members.

This year, Tom Zehnder, past president of the Orange County Bar Association, received the 2025 Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award which is the Florida Supreme Court’s highest honor for a private attorney’s pro bono work. Since 1996, Tom has dedicated

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Arti Ajit Hirani, Esq.

is an attorney at Meenakshi A. Hirani, P.A. She is serving as both president of the Association and president-elect of the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar.

more than 1�100 hours of volunteer legal services through the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. His leadership by example is inspiring and marked by humility, dedication, and a relentless commitment to those in need.

Our legacy of excellence in service runs deep. Past Presidents Jamie Bilotte Moses and Bruce Blackwell have also received this prestigious award, while Past President Nick Shannin was honored with The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award for the 9th Circuit. Seeing our members contribute so much reinforces our collective mission and sets the standard for professionalism and service.

The work we do together is meaningful, and I am grateful for each and every one of you who contributes to making our bar the outstanding organization that it is. Here’s to a strong and impactful second half of the year!

Warm regards,

Arti Hirani

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The Impact of Our Board Our Executive Council plays a crucial role in shaping our organization and supporting our members. Here’s what some of our dedicated leaders have to say about their experience:

“Serving on the OCBA Executive Council has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It has helped me grow both professionally and personally, providing countless opportunities to assist others and foster positive change in our legal community. I have also built lifelong friendships through this service. My life would not be nearly as fulfilled without the experiences I share with my fellow Council members.”

—Michael Barber

“Serving on the OCBA Executive Council has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It is a privilege to support our members and help the organization uphold its values of honor, dignity, truth, and professionalism while also educating the public about the legal system. I am proud to be part of such a wonderful and supportive group, and the friendships I have made here will last a lifetime.”

—John Hunt

CLERK’S CORNER

NEW WINTER PARK COURTHOUSE OFFICIALLY OPENS The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq., Orange County Clerk of Courts, has been a member of the OCBA since 2004.

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I’m excited to share that we are kicking off February with the grand opening of a brand-new location for our Winter Park branch. This new location is more than just a branch office—it’s a state-of-the-art, larger, and permanent home for our operations.

It is designed not only to serve as a branch but also as a fully functioning courthouse which is set to provide better service to our community and provide better access to justice for all.

This new building represents a significant upgrade over our previous location. It is three times the size of our former branch and boasts the addition of two full-fledged courtrooms. As Chief Judge Lisa Munyon shared with me, one of these courtrooms will be permanently dedicated to civil matters, with an Orange County Judge assigned to handle these cases. The second courtroom will be dedicated to handling traffic cases.

One of the most exciting features of this new location is the expansion of our SelfHelp services. These services, which I first introduced at the Orange County Courthouse back in 2015, will now be available at the Winter Park location. This expansion is particularly significant, because it means that more members of our community will have access to legal assistance when they need it most. The Self-Help services are designed to assist individuals who are representing themselves in court, providing them with guidance on family law matters, small claims cases, and residential evictions. Our goal is to ensure that people who cannot afford an attorney still have the tools they need to navigate the legal system and advocate for themselves.

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In addition to the expanded Self-Help services, the Winter Park location will include a dedicated attorney consultation room.

This space will provide attorneys with a private area to meet with clients and offer legal advice, ensuring that those seeking assistance can connect with the right professionals who can help them with their cases. As we expand these services, there will certainly be a growing need for attorneys who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise to assist those who need it most. We are always looking for dedicated attorneys to contribute to this important work, especially those who are bilingual in Spanish, Creole, and Portuguese. If you are an attorney interested in volunteering, I encourage you to reach out to the Orange County Bar Association for more information about how you can get involved.

The expansion of these services is a key part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to justice. This courthouse is not just a building—it’s a place where people will be able to seek help, resolve disputes, and find solutions to some of life’s most difficult challenges. With this new facility, we are enhancing the services available to residents in Winter Park and in East Orange County.

For those celebrating life’s special moments, an expanded wedding ceremony room offers a beautiful and spacious setting for your big day. With a larger service area for my office, you will also be able to conveniently apply for your marriage license or a passport, make payments for Traffic or Criminal cases, and handle Small Claims or Eviction matters, all in one location. The new courthouse is conveniently

located just off University Boulevard, near Goldenrod Road.

This is a major milestone in our efforts to improve access to justice and provide the highest level of service to the people of Orange County. We are excited about the opportunities this new courthouse will provide, and we hope the community will be able to take advantage of our services at this state-of-the-art facility.

FULFILL YOUR LEGAL AID REQUIREMENT

4 Ways

1. Take Cases as needed by the Legal Aid Society in Family Law, Consumer Law, Housing Law, Immigration Law, Veterans, Sealing and Expunction, or other areas.

2. Be a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and

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take cases as needed by the Legal Aid Society in Dependency, Transitions, Appeals, Delinquency, or Child Victim/Witness Cases.

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Bankruptcy, Citizen’s Dispute Settlement, Family Mediation, Community Education, Tax, Teen Court, Teen/Parent Education, Housing Advice Clinics, or others.

4. Contribute Financially. Donate $350 in

lieu of service and help ensure Legal Aid can provide services to the disadvantaged in our community.

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CHIEF’S COLUMN

JUDICIAL FUNDING A Call for Advocacy.

The Honorable Lisa T. Munyon is the Chief

Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court. She has been an OCBA member since 2000.

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As you all likely already know, the Florida Supreme Court released its certification opinion on judicial needs in December. Overall, the justices recommended the addition of 23 circuit court and 25 county court judgeships to Florida courts. Three of those seats were recommended for the Ninth’s bench: one circuit judge, one Orange County judge, and one Osceola County judge.

Getting a recommendation for adding judges to a bench is no simple process. Every circuit must submit a Judicial Needs Application (JNA). And to prepare a JNA, we must take a long, hard look at our numbers across multiple years. That’s not to say the courts are unfamiliar with those numbers. On the contrary, the courts are intimately aware of filings and clearance rates on a regular basis.

But preparing a JNA requires a much deeper dive into the data than how we interact with it in the day to day.

Once the JNA is finished, it’s submitted to the Office of the State Courts Administrator who, in turn, prepares the information for submission to the Florida Supreme Court.

Our justices take a long, hard look at the data at both the micro level – individual circuits – and the macro level – the Florida judicial system, trying to balance present need with longterm forecasts of future filing trends. Once they’ve made their findings, they submit their certification opinion to the Florida legislature.

Technically, the next step is for the legislature to review the opinion while taking a long, hard look at state finances to assess if funds can be allocated for new judgeships.

(I say technically because another step was added in 2019). This next step is not performed by judges and justices, but rather by you. Now the judges prepare and submit the JNA, justices review and make recommenda-

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tions, the legal community advocates for the inclusion of the judgeship in the state budget, and the legislature assesses fundability.

The legal community’s involvement – your involvement – doesn’t just add another step to an already long process. (Numbers and data are nothing but pops and buzzes without the proper framework). It gives the legislature context. And context is exactly what the legislature needs to fully understand the importance of additional seats on the bench.

Of all the steps in this process, your advocacy is not only the most important, it’s the most impactful. If you don’t believe me, just take a look back at the past few years: 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2023 / 2024.

In 2018, we submitted a JNA. The Florida Supreme Court recommended two additional judgeships. You advocated fiercely for these additional seats during the 2019 legislative session. The legislature listened and funded one of the judgeships in the 20192020 state budget. This allowed the circuit to reestablish Business Court!

In 2019, we began anew: we submitted the JNA, the Florida Supreme Court recommended three additional judgeships, you advocated for them, and the legislature funded all three in the 2020-2021 state budget. Unfortunately, those judgeships were one of the many casualties of the pandemic with COVID forcing the Governor to make some deep budget cuts that included those seats. However, when we went through this process again in 2020, the end result was three new judgeships added to the 2021-2022 state budget.

In 2023, we went to bat again: we submitted the JNA, the Florida Supreme Court recommended three additional judgeships, you advocated for them, and the legislature funded all three seats in the 2024-2025 state bud-

get. The Governor appointed Judge Heather Guarch and Judge Mark Miller to two of those seats. We celebrated their investiture last month!

That brings us to the present day. At the end of summer 2024, we submitted the JNA. The Florida Supreme Court released their certification opinion recommending we receive three additional judgeships just before the December holidays!

The legislature begins its 2025 session on March 4; interim committee meetings have been occurring for months. And, this is where I ask you for your advocacy once again.

You are the circuit’s best allies and fiercest advocates. You’re uniquely qualified to argue from every point of view why funding for these seats should be added to the state budget. You know firsthand how strained judicial resources affect your firms and your own caseloads. You see it on the bench – the packed dockets and inevitable delays. And, you see its impact on your clients – the strain and stress it creates in their daily lives.

Your advocacy – your voice – makes all the difference.

Text or call your state representatives. Post to social media and tag them. Reach out to your representatives and remind them that supporting this funding directly translates to supporting every single person in their district with a pending case in our circuit.

I know there is no surefire way to secure funding for these judgeships. There are too many variables impacting the state budget for any guarantee. But there’s a tangible difference between the legislature reviewing the certification opinion in isolation and reviewing it after listening to you explain the needs of our circuit.

We’ve accomplished a great many things together, and I imagine this time will be no different. Thank you in advance for continuing to support and fight for our circuit.

With you as our advocates, I have no doubt we will be welcoming three new judges to the bench this year.

Preferred Vendors These vendors are supporters of the OCBA. Many offer special discounts to members. We encourage you to use their services to grow your practice.

HOTEL SAVINGS

The Residence Inn by Mariott / Located at 680 N Orange Ave., just two blocks from the OCBA building.

Discounted rates include complimentary self-parking, complimentary breakfast buffet, and wireless HSIA.

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National Purchasing Partners (NPP)

Helps members reduce costs with exclusive pricing through a variety of brands nationwide. bit.ly/ocbasavingsclub

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Clio / Cloud-based practice management system.

Members save 10% on monthly subscription. clio.com/OCBA

LawPay / Quickly and securely accept online payments

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Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance

Professional liability insurance to help protect Florida lawyers and their clients. 800-633-6458

Find a complete list of vendors at orangecountybar.org/for-attorneys/ member-benefits/featured-benefits/ To become a Preferred Vendor, contact our Advertising & Sponsorship Department.

The businesses listed herein (the“Vendors”) are not affiliated with the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) and shall not under any circumstances be deemed to have any authority to act on behalf of the OCBA. The OCBA does not make, and expressly disclaims, any warranty, representation, responsibility, or guarantee as to (a) the quality or suitability of the Vendors, their products, or services, and (b) the duration or validity of any discount or other promotion offered by any of the Vendors.

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CIVIL RIGHTS COMMITTEE

“DUES” AND DON’TS: CIVIL RIGHTS IN AMERICA Fundamental Due Process Rights and those that do not receive them.

Walter Roberts

Real Estate Attorney specializing in landlord and tenant disputes at The Walter Roberts Law Firm, P.A.

I

am honored to have been asked to serve as the Chairperson for the Civil Rights Committee. I am a retired law enforcement officer with over two decades of experience, and I was a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office for a brief period prior to starting my own practice. Everyone I had the pleasure of working alongside in both professions was an absolute professional and displayed the highest ethical standards.

IMPORTANCE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

The United States has the most people incarcerat-

ed in the world. Indeed, thousands of defendants go through the Criminal Justice system daily,

both federally and locally. Every one of them expects and is entitled to their Due Process rights contained in the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the United States Constitution. The substantive and procedural rights are clearly spelled out and, if necessary, explained to all criminal defendants.

Many of them have a fundamental understanding gleaned from the familiarity of the process, individual research, television, movies, and more recently, social media.

Although the system is designed to be fair, it is not infallible. Errors have been made, which has unfortunately led to innocent people being incarcerated for lengthy periods of time and even put to death. Additionally, and sadly, intentional violation of Civil Rights have also led to those same results.

LOSS OF FAITH IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

The importance of the protections guaranteed by the Civil Rights Amendments cannot be overstat-

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ed. Civil Rights protects individuals regardless of their race, religion, gender, national origin, disabilities, and other protected classes. The goal is to promote a fair and just society. Nowhere is fairness and justice more important than in the criminal justice system, where lengthy prison sentences and capital punishment can be meted out.

A significant issue in the United States today is a reality that some people have a strong distrust of the criminal justice system. Whether the distrust is fragmented and directed towards certain actors or a net cast wide over the entire system, the result is the feeling that people were not treated the same. These feelings are strengthened by high-profile events but also several much lower-profile exonerations.

These cases, which at times result in lengthy incarcerations, often do not receive any more coverage beyond the news clip showing a teary-eyed emotional family reunion.

That is unfortunate because it is likely the very reason why some have legitimately lost faith in the system. Our nation’s civil rights laws are intended to ensure that all people are treated equally. Equal treatment depends on the

assumption that everyone involved is acting in good faith. When one or more act in bad faith, then the results for all cannot achieve the intended goal of fairness and justice for all. The public is aware that individual officers have been imprisoned for violating individuals’ civil rights. The public’s confidence is surely eroded by the fact that in the United States only one prosecutor has ever been jailed for misconduct which led to a wrongful conviction.

Because police and prosecutors need immunity to perform their functions effectively, more needs to be done to restore public confidence.

ly happen at times. A second set of eyes has provided some measure of relief for the innocent.

The Conviction Integrity Units conduct detailed investigations by reviewing case files and reinterviewing witnesses and, in some cases, have uncovered police and prosecutorial error and misconduct.

Conviction Integrity Units have been responsible for the release of innocent people from incarceration and overturning convictions in hundreds of cases nationwide. Those who are exonerated are often awarded civil damages intended to right the wrong but missed experiences we take for granted and endured horrors we couldn’t imagine. They often still bear a modern-day scarlet letter by the public despite being proven innocent.

rogue officers accountable for their actions. Their actions have led to innocent people being wrongfully incarcerated. Police officers have been tried, convicted, and incarcerated for violating the rights of individuals. The message is clear that criminal behavior should not and will not be tolerated by members of law enforcement. It stands to reason that those persons wrongfully incarcerated would expect that standard to be the rule for all representatives of the criminal justice system, but certainly the prosecutor who is expected to abide by his oath. Prosecutors are by far ethical people who adhere to their ethical duty to only pursue cases supportHOW CAN THE SYSTEM ed by the evidence. The BE BETTER? vast majority are pursuOne way is to dedicate ing this mission in courtmore financial resourcrooms every day. Police es and human resources officers and prosecutors to the problem. ProsecutCONCLUSION are a necessary part of the ing agencies in some juLawyers and police ofcriminal justice system. risdictions have enacted ficers at times have bad I have a great deal of resome version of a convicreputations. Those of us tion integrity unit. There is who take our oath serious- spect serving in both roles and now as an outside obno question that the police ly and conduct ourselves and prosecutors are under accordingly are judged by server. One wrongly convicted person is one too immense pressure to solve the actions of those who don’t. One high-profile in- many, and anything that cases and bring perpetracan reasonably be done to tors to justice. This is escident can have a casensure that doesn’t happecially true in high-procading effect across the pen by mistake or misfile media-focused events. whole industry for genconduct should be done.

However, notwithstanderations. Although more ing that fact, there is no changes may be appropri- Expanding and creating robust Conviction Integriexcuse for violating an in- ate, police reforms have ty Units will help to right dividual’s civil rights, but been put in place to curmistakes can unfortunate- tail bad behavior and hold some wrongs.

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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE

CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN THE LEGAL FIELD

Melissa Bryan, Esq.

is an attorney with HAWM, PLLC. Ms. Bryan practices in the area of immigration, focusing on family and employment processes, personal injury, and criminal defense law. She is a Chair of the OCBA Diversity and Inclusion committee & a committee member of the Immigration Law and Criminal Law Committee.

Ken Richardson

is a Vice President of Business Development at Repario Data. Repario Data provides eDiscovery, forensics and data breach services for law firms and corporations. He is cochair for the OCBA Diversity and Inclusion committee.

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range County has experienced demographic shifts over the past few decades. These changes have altered the social fabric of the community but have also impacted on the legal landscape. As the population grows and diversifies, legal professionals must adapt to the evolving needs of their clients and the community.

POPULATION GROWTH

Orange County has seen an increase in its population.

This growth is driven by both domestic migration and international immigration, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. The county’s population is not only increasing in numbers but also becoming more diverse in terms of racial and ethnic composition.

The racial and ethnic makeup of Orange County includes a significant number of Hispanic, African American, Asian, and other minority groups. This diversity brings a cultural tapestry to the area but also presents unique challenges for the legal system. Additionally, the age composition of the population is varied, with a mix of young families, work-

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ing-age adults, and a growing number of retirees.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY IN LEGAL

Orange County, Florida, is home to a diverse population, with nearly 60% of residents identifying as part of a minority group, including significant Hispanic/Latino, Black, and Asian communities.

Legal Services: The cultural diversity in Orange County, Florida influences various legal issues, particularly in areas like family law and immigration. For instance, family law cases may involve culturally specific practices, such as unique marital norms, parenting traditions, and approaches to elder care, which must be considered to reach fair and respectful resolutions. Similarly,

immigration cases demand an understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals from different countries, including language barriers, fear of deportation, and the intricacies of asylum and visa processes.

One in four Orange County residents is foreign-born, and 44% of households speak a language other than English at home. These statistics highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity and multilingual support in legal practice. Language barriers often hinder access to justice, necessitating the use of interpreters, translated legal documents, and culturally adapted explanations of legal procedures. Legal professionals must integrate cultural sensitivity and competency into their practices to ensure fair and equitable treatment and access to justice for all clients, regardless of their background.

Community: Engaging with the community is essential for building trust and understanding the needs of diverse populations. Outreach programs and legal aid clinics play a vital role in this regard.

These initiatives provide valuable legal services to underserved communities and help bridge the gap be-

tween legal professionals and the public.

Legal aid clinics offer pro bono services, helping individuals who may not otherwise afford legal representation. Orange County’s legal aid organizations, such as the Orange County Bar Association Legal Aid Society and Community Legal Services, offer critical pro bono services in areas like housing, immigration, family law, and consumer rights. These clinics provide not only legal assistance but also opportunities for attorneys to build trust and understand the unique challenges faced by underserved populations. For example, a 2022 report noted that over 25% of Orange County residents live in households where a language other than English is spoken, highlighting the need for multilingual and culturally attuned services in legal aid programs1. By addressing these critical areas, legal aid clinics contribute to the overall well-being of the community Building trust within the community requires ongoing efforts. Legal professionals must be visible and accessible, participating in community events and forums. This visibility helps demystify the legal process and encourages individuals to seek legal assistance when needed.

Legal Education: Legal education must prioritize cultural awareness, equipping future attorneys with the tools to address the complexities of representing diverse populations. Training on the impact of cultural differences in the legal system should be a core component of law school curricula. Courses in cross-cultural communication, implicit bias, and the legal needs of specific groups, such as immigrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities, are essential. By fostering cultural competence early in their careers, law students become better prepared to deliver empathetic and effective legal representation that respects their clients’ cultural backgrounds.

In Orange County, Florida, two prominent law schools—Barry University School of Law and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) College of Law—are well-positioned to integrate such training into their programs. Collaboration between these institutions and the local legal profession is vital for promoting cultural awareness.

Orange County legal practitioners, working in partnership with these law schools, can share real-world insights, provide mentorship, and host workshops on cultural competency. These collaborative efforts not only enhance the educa-

tion of future lawyers but also strengthen the community’s trust in the legal system by ensuring that the next generation of attorneys is prepared to serve a diverse population with understanding and respect.

By integrating cultural sensitivity into legal education and community engagement, legal professionals can bridge the gap between the justice system and the diverse populations they serve. This approach not only addresses immediate legal needs

Legal professionals must be visible and accessible, participating in community events and forums.

1. https://www.census.gov/

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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE

but also fosters long-term trust, empowerment, and equitable access to justice in the community.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Community engagement is an essential aspect of effective legal advocacy, particularly in culturally diverse areas like Orange County, Florida. Outreach programs and legal aid clinics serve as vital conduits for bridging the gap between legal professionals and underserved populations. These initiatives not only provide critical access to justice for individuals who might otherwise be excluded but also allow legal practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the unique cultural and socioeconomic challenges faced by the communities they serve. For example, organizations like the Orange County Bar Association Legal Aid Society and Community Legal Services play a pivotal role in offering free or low-cost legal support in areas such as housing, immigration, and family law, ensuring equitable representation for vulnerable populations.

Building trust and understanding the community’s needs are cornerstones of successful legal outreach. Cultural competency enhances this process by equipping legal professionals with the tools

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Building trust and understanding the community’s needs are cornerstones of successful legal outreach.

to navigate diverse cultural contexts respectfully and effectively. When attorneys and staff approach community members with cultural awareness, they demonstrate an understanding of language barriers, traditions, and systemic inequities that may otherwise hinder communication and trust-building. This fosters a welcoming environment where clients feel heard and empowered to share their legal challenges.

Legal aid clinics, including those in Orange County, Florida, exemplify the importance of integrating cultural competency into community-based legal services. Through targeted workshops, pro bono events, and legal consultations, these programs actively engage with individuals from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

By prioritizing cultural

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competency, legal professionals in these programs not only address immediate legal concerns but also contribute to long-term empowerment and trust within the community.

CONCLUSION

Adapting to serving a diverse population is not just a necessity but a responsibility for legal professionals in Orange County. The demographic changes present both challenges and opportunities for the legal community. By embracing cul-

tural sensitivity, engaging with the community, and tailoring legal services to meet diverse needs, legal professionals can ensure that justice is accessible to all residents.

In summary, the evolving demographics of Orange County require a proactive approach from the legal community. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of a diverse population will lead to more effective and equitable legal services, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

Your source for a trusted neutral when it counts Andy Hament Bob Henry Deborah Moskowitz Fadi Chakour Michelle Roth Richard Lord Scott Baughan

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I 19

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orangecountybar.org

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the full trust document.

PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE

LOOKING FORWARD AND BEHIND

G

Christine Wasula, Esq., is a partner at Cole, Scott & Kissane, PA, and has been a member of the OCBA since 1998.

1. https://www.census.gov/ 2. https://www.floridabar.org/ the-florida-bar-news/women-nowmajority-of-law-firm-associatesset-to-lead-decade-of-the-femalelawyer/ 3. https://www.floridabar.org/ the-florida-bar-news/study-findwomen-continue-to-outpace-menin-law-school-enrolment/ 4. https://www.law.com/ dailybusinessreview/2024/07/15/ florida-firms-see-slight-uptickin-women-lawyers-but-only-onedbr-100-firm-boasts-a-majorityfemale-partnership/ 5. https://www.floridabar.org/theflorida-bar-journal/women-in-theflorida-bar/ 6. https://fawl.org/general/custom. asp?page=mission 7. https://cfawl.com/about/mission/ 8. https://sfawl.org/

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versity in law is the breakdown of law school enrollments. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), women have made significant inroads into law schools, with women now Gender Diversity in Florida’s comprising more than half Legal Profession. of all law students across the country. Specificalender diversity in the legal profession has bely, the 2024 ABA Profile of come an increasingly important topic of disthe Legal Profession notes cussion, not just nationally but also within our that “male attorneys still state and our local legal community. As society continoutnumber female attorues to grapple with issues of equity and inclusion, the neys 58% to 41% but the legal field has made strides toward greater gender repgap is narrowing as U.S. law resentation. However, challenges remain, particularly schools award more juris within law firms, courtrooms, and legal institutions. doctor degrees to women than men every year, while older lawyers — predominantly men — are retiring.”2 plores the current state of During a recent social gender diversity in law in gathering with one of our In this regard, it is notable voluntary bar associations, Florida, the progress made, the percentage of female and the hurdles still faced. attorneys is up from 36% I was introduced to a husband and wife who were in 2014, just 10 years ago. attending the event with THE LANDSCAPE OF GENDER In addition, law schools in their young daughter. As I Florida report that women DIVERSITY IN LAW IN introduced myself, I asked FLORIDA account for more than the husband what type of Florida is one of the most 50% of their student bodlaw he practiced, and I felt diverse states in the U.S., ies, suggesting a strong home to a wide range of somewhat sheepish when trend toward gender diethnic, racial, and gender he said he was a stay-atversity in legal education.3 home dad and his wife identities. However, when This is why the ABA report was the lawyer. Although I it comes to gender reprepredicts that 2016 to 2026 planned to ask his wife the sentation within the legal “may become known as the same question next, I reprofession, Florida has mir- Decade of the Female Lawalized I automatically asrored trends seen across yer,” with the profession sumed he was an attorney the country. The legal field, shifting from a male majorand asked him a quesity to a female majority. historically dominated by tion about his career beHowever, this diversimen, is gradually becomfore asking his wife about ing more gender-diverse, ty does not always transher career, reminding me with increasing numbers late into equal representathat gender bias and asof women entering law tion in law firms or judicial sumptions still exist within schools, joining firms, and positions. Despite the inour profession, even within holding judicial positions. creasing number of women myself. In the spirit of that One of the key metrics earning law degrees, realization, this article exin measuring gender diwomen often face obsta-

I FEBRUARY 2025

cles when it comes to career advancement, compensation, and leadership roles in the profession.

GENDER DISPARITIES IN LAW FIRMS AND LEGAL PRACTICES

While women make up a significant portion of law school graduates, the representation of women in senior positions within law firms and legal practices lags behind.4 In Florida, as in many other states, women are still underrepresented in high-ranking roles such as managing partners and senior coun-

sel. A report by the Florida Bar indicates that, while women represent around 41% of practicing attorneys in the state, they account for a much smaller percentage of equity partners in large firms. The traditional law firm structure, with its emphasis on long hours, billable hours, and high-pressure environments, often presents barriers to gender diversity, particularly for those who may face additional social or familial expectations.

Efforts to address these disparities have come in various forms, including

mentorship initiatives and the establishment of networks for women in law.

Florida has seen a rise in such initiatives, including the Women’s Section of the Florida Bar, which supports women lawyers in advancing their careers, achieving work-life balance, and breaking down barriers to leadership roles.5 Additionally, organizations such as the Florida Association of Women Lawyers (FAWL),6 the Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers (CFAWL),7 and the Seminole County Florida Association of Women Law-

yers8 work on the state and local levels to promote gender equality and leadership roles for women in law in Florida, which has had a positive effect on the legal market in our state.

CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN IN LAW

While progress has been made, significant challenges remain for women in law. One of the most persistent issues is the gender pay gap. Despite increasing numbers of women entering the profession, studies continue to show that women lawyers in

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PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE Jamie Grosshans, Renatha Francis, and Meredith Sasso.9 In Orange and Osceola counties, women make up half of the circuit judges, which is higher than the statewide average, and we proudly have a female chief judge, Lisa T. Munyon. These appointments serve as a reminder of the importance of representation at all levels of the legal system.

THE ROAD AHEAD

By fostering an environment that values diversity and equity, Florida can become a model for other states in advancing gender equality in law.

9. https://floridaphoenix. com/2020/09/14/gov-desantispicks-a-female-attorney-and-judgeand-a-working-mom-for-a-seat-onthe-fl-supreme-court/

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The future of gender diversity in Florida’s legal capable in high-stakes lit- profession is bright, but Florida, and across the igation or leadership roles, there is still much work U.S., earn less than their still persist. These biasmale counterparts. Acto be done. Closing the cording to the ABA, female es not only affect women’s gender pay gap, ensuring professional growth but associates earn less than equal opportunities for can also contribute to their career advancement, and male associates on average, with the gap widening higher turnover rates com- fostering a culture of inpared to men. as attorneys move up the clusion will require susranks and being even more tained effort and commitpronounced for women PROGRESS AND POSITIVE ment from law firms and of color. This pay disparilegal organizations.

DEVELOPMENTS ty remains a pressing issue Despite these challenges, As Florida’s legal landin Florida, particularly in scape evolves, it is cruthere have been notable private firms and large cial that efforts to increase advancements in the purcorporations where salasuit of gender diversity in gender diversity continries can vary significantly Florida’s legal landscape. ue to gain momentum. based on experience and Florida has become a lead- By fostering an environspecialization. er in appointing women to ment that values diversiAdditionally, genjudicial positions. Women ty and equity, Florida can der-based discrimination currently hold approxibecome a model for other and bias continue to affect mately 30% of all judicial states in advancing genwomen within the legal seats in the state, and 43% der equality in law. In adfield. Female attorneys dition, the OCBA can conof the seats on the Florioften report facing subtle da Supreme Court, with tinue to be a leader in biases that question their advancing gender equaliGovernor DeSantis makcompetence, expertise, ty for other bar voluntary ing several high-profile and ability to lead. Gender appointments of women associations in the state, stereotypes, such as the as it already is in so many to the Florida Supreme belief that women are less Court, including Justices areas of the practice.

I FEBRUARY 2025

LEGAL AID SOCIETY: WHAT WE DO

A CHAMPION FOR JUSTICE THROUGH PRO BONO WORK

to the community. His pro bono cases primarily involve family law, particularly child custody disputes. One memorable case was when he helped a 58-year-old great-grandmother gain custody of her great-granddaughter. As illiam “Bill” Davis has had an unconvention- part of the case, they also Desire Lopez Torres OCBA Member Since 2024 al path to becoming the attorney he is today. changed the child’s name, For more information His journey to law began far from the court- symbolizing a new beginabout pro bono options or room, as he initially worked as a technical support spe- ning for the young girl. opportunities with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange While Bill finds pro bono cialist, troubleshooting accounting systems software for County Bar Association, Inc., work fulfilling, it is not large companies.

This career, while intellectually stimuplease contact Judy Fults at JFults@legalaidocba.org or without its challenges. One lating, was far from fulfilling, due to the solitary nature Larri Thatcher at LThatcher@ of the most difficult asof the work.

Bill quickly realized that while he enjoyed legalaidocba.org. For more information on becoming a pects is staying current problem-solving, he wanted to work with people difinancial donor or helping our with legal developments in rectly and use his skills in a way that would have a more fundraising efforts, please contact Donna Haynes, the areas that his pro bono personal impact.

Development Director, at dhaynes@legalaidocba.org or cases touch. “It’s always 407-515-1850. a challenge to keep up with the law,” he says, “but Legal Aid provides fantasToday, Bill is the owner Law Office of William A. tic support, so you don’t of his own law firm, The Davis, Jr., P.A., where he need experience in a spespecializes in insurance defense, representing poli- cific area of law to get incyholders who are sued by volved.” This support allows attorneys like Bill to others. He also serves as take on cases they would a mediator and attorney’s not normally handle and fees expert. As a memstill provide high-quality ber of the Orange Counrepresentation. ty Bar Association, Bill is Through his pro bono committed to providing free legal services through work, Bill is reminded of the struggles many peothe Legal Aid Society of the O.C.B.A., Inc. “Pro bono ple face in and out of the legal system. “It keeps me work is an obligation to our community,” Bill states. grounded and reminds me that there are many peo“I feel blessed to pracple facing real, difficult istice law, and I want to use my expertise to help those sues,” he reflects.

Bill believes that more who need it most.” law firms should supFor Bill, pro bono work port pro bono efforts. He is more than just fulfilling of ce encourages firms to fia requirement; it is a reof The Law Offi William “Bill” Davis, owner P.A Jr., is, Dav A. nancially support Legal sponsibility to give back William

W

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I FEBRUARY 2025

Aid, especially through events like the Breakfast of Champions. By doing so, firms can help ensure that legal services remain accessible to those in need.

As his children move on to college, Bill plans to take on even more pro bono cases, continuing his commitment to making a real difference in the lives of others. For him, law is not just a career; it is a way to change lives and help build a more just society.

As a reminder, Legal Aid Society of the O.C.B.A., Inc. was created by the OCBA. OCBA members have a duty to do pro bono

through our office. As such, you have three diverse choices to fulfill this obligation.

• Option one: You can donate $350 in lieu of pro bono service.

• Option two: You can take cases (this is the greatest need, and we provide training and support).

• Option three: You can participate in a project that does not require litigation (preference is given to government and in-house counsel, but open to everyone if the need is not fulfilled by those attorneys).

New Members ATTORNEY Coral L. Boniface Garrett M. Brown Daniel Cabeza Stephen Andrew Craig Ustena Fam Roland Hermida Marianne S. Hoke Jennifer Madeus Jamie Elias Mann Portia Mullings Maria A. Riddle Armando Rosal Avita M Samaroo Logan Satter

Victoria Adkins Snell Charles Spiteri Bryce James Uy-Byers Steven Walden AFFILIATE Lindsey D Eamigh LAW STUDENT Victoria Christine Carrillo PATRON Daniel L Peele

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I 25

REACH RESOLUTION WITH US

More details on Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group at UWW-ADR.com or 800.863.1462 Orlando • Ormond • Ocala • Jacksonville • West Palm • Fort Lauderdale • Miami • Tampa • Birmingham

SIDEBAR

1

SIDEBAR: NEWS / EVENTS / UPDATES NEWS / EVENTS / UPDATES

VOLUNTARY BAR

Mid-Year Retreat Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL)

JANUARY 18, 2025 / In preparation for the new calendar year, the

Alena V. Baker, Esq., of Alena Baker Criminal Defense, P.A., is a solo practitioner who practices primarily in the area of criminal law throughout Central Florida. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2011 and is a board member of the Criminal Law Committee of the OCBA.

CFAWL Board of Directors gathered for their mid-year retreat led by our President Nicolette Kramer! It was a day filled with reflecting on our accomplishments, brainstorming exciting ideas, and planning events for the months ahead.

Stay tuned for the amazing things we have in store—we look forward to continue making a positive impact together!

Professionalism Roundtable

Central Florida Association for Female Lawyers (CFAWL)

JANUARY 14, 2025 / the Central Florida Asso-

ciation for Women Lawyers (CFAWL) along with the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF) hosted a Professionalism Roundtable on the use of ChatGPT. The event featured Chief Judge Lisa Munyon and Judge Amanda Bova at the beautiful Front Porch at The Monroe. The topic, “Using ChatGPT in Court,” sparked insightful discussions about how technology is reshaping the legal landscape.

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I FEBRUARY 2025

3

Winter Social

The Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA)

DECEMBER 17, 2024 / The Greater Orlando Asian

American Bar Association co-hosted a Winter Social with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida at Hawkers Asian Street Food.

5 General Body Meeting Luncheon The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA)

Asian Lantern Festival

JANUARY 15, 2025 / PCPBA hosted their first General Body Meeting of 2025 at the OCBA center. Highlights from “Building And Growing Your Legal Empire: A Step-By-Step Guide To Launching And Expanding Your Law Practice,” featuring a dynamic panel of legal experts who shared practical strategies for starting and expanding successful law practices.

JANUARY 16, 2025 / GOAABA joined the Semi-

6

The Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA)

nole County Florida Association for Women Lawyers at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens for the Asian Lantern Festival.

4 WHO’S WHO 1 Back row: Meranda Landes, Mary Ann Morgan, Elizabeth Plummer, Kathleen Shea, Evelyn Pabon-Figueroa, Alena Baker Front Row: Mona Rosey Payne, Christina Russo Walters, Simon (the dog), Nicolette Kramer, Sharlene Stanford, Nequosha Anderson at their mid year retreat 2 Left to Right: Vanessa Clark, Nicolette Kramer, The Honorable Amanda Bova, Ginger Miranda, Ana Lopez, Christina Russo Walters 3 Group shot of GOAABA’s Winter Social.

4 Group Shot of GOABBA with the Seminole County Florida Association for Women Lawyers at the Asian Lantern Festival.

5 & 6 Attendees from January General Body Meeting Luncheon of 2025 at the OCBA center.

OTHER VOLUNTARY BAR EVENTS JANUARY 24 2025 / To foster creativity, CFAWL members gathered for a colorful Table for Eight titled “Paints and Pages” which featured an evening combining creativity, literature and connection.

Attendees were able to paint their favorite book cover onto brick.

JANUARY 24 2025 / CFAWL and the Central Florida Association of

Criminal Defense Lawyers met for an extended lunch hour at the Christian Service Center where attendees volunteered prepping and plating lunches, scanning badges, distributing meals and helping with clean up.

JANUARY 27, 2025 / Members of CFAWL’s book club met at President Nicolette Kramer’s residence to discuss their

orangecountybar.org

latest read: Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow.

JANUARY 8, 2025 / The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) hosted a Mock Trial for second grade students at Ivey Lane Elementary.

This event helped introduce students to the legal process and helped inspire the next generation of leaders.

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SIDEBAR: NEWS / EVENTS / UPDATES

100 Club Firms with two or more attorneys who are all members can belong! If your firm is eligible, call the Membership Department (407-422-4551 x225) 20+ MEMBERS

1

Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Shutts & Bowen Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, et al.

Winderweedle, Haines, et al.

YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

Luncheon

JANUARY 10, 2025 / YLS held its first luncheon of this new year! And in

order to kick off this wonderful 2025 year, what better luncheon to have than with our esteemed speaker, CEO of Conservation Florida and environmental attorney, Tracy Deen. At Conservation Florida, she’s all about building powerful partnerships, connecting with community leaders, and driving major land deals to protect Florida’s wild spaces. Tracy and the attendees had the exciting opportunity to engage with each other, diving into passionate discussions about the importance of land conservation and the vital role environmental protection plays in preserving our planet for future generations.

OTHER YLS EVENTS FEBRUARY 13, 2025 / Evening with the Judiciary: Save the date and buy your tickets! This yearly event is back already. This event is set to be an unforgettable evening where legal professionals and esteemed members of the judiciary come together for a night of lively networking, engaging conversations, and plenty of camaraderie. Your ticket grants you access to a mouthwatering spread of appetizers and a fully stocked hosted bar, making it the perfect setting to mix and mingle. And for our judiciary friends, admission is on the house! It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with and learn from the brilliant jurists who’ve shaped the legal world, all while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

Location: Winter Park Event

Center, 1050 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789.

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FEBRUARY 14, 2025 / YLS February Luncheon with Bill Umansky: Join us at our monthly luncheon where Bill “The Lawman” Umansky will speak on what he’s learned about professional development and relationships over his decades as a leader of the legal field in Central Florida!

Location: Citrus Club, 255 S Orange Ave STE 1800, Orlando, Florida 32801.

STAY INFORMED: To ensure you’re always upto-date with YLS activities, please sign up for our weekly email blasts. Visit our website and click “Sign Up for YLS Emails.”

WHO’S WHO 1 YLS’s Cocktail Tasting at the Modern

Ritcy Canelon, Esq., is an

associate attorney of Tangel-Rodriguez & Associates, in child support enforcement matters. She has been a member of OCBA since 2021.

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The Aikin Family Law Group Anderson & Ferrin The Arnold Law Group Artemis Family Law Aust Law Firm Barrister Law Firm Barry Miller Law The Brennan Law Firm Carr Law Firm Compass Law Culbertson Law Group Davey Law Group Debra Wilkinson Botwin DeCiccio & Johnson Dellecker Wilson King McKenna Ruffier & Sos Divine & Estes The Draves Law Firm The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller Fassett, Anthony & Taylor Flammia Elder Law Firm The Fighter Law Firm Forward Law Firm Gasdick Stanton Early GoodBlatt – Leo Green Family Law Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm

Harris Harris Bauerle Lopez Hilyard, Bogan & Palmer Hornsby Law Infocus Family Law Firm Jill S. Schwartz & Assocs.

Keating & Schlitt King, Blackwell, Zehnder & Wermuth Korshak & Assoc.

Kosto & Rotella Law Offices of Brent C. Miller Law Offices of Horwitz & Citro Law Office of Michael L. Dear Lebron Law The Llabona Law Group Marcus & Myers The Marks Law Firm McMichen, Cinami & Demps McShane & McShane Men’s Divorce Law Firm Morgan, White-Davis & Martinez Murphy & Berglund N. Diane Holmes O’Mara Law Group Page & Eichenblatt Perez LaSure Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group Sawyer & Sawyer Schwam-Wilcox & Assoc.

SeifertMiller Shannin Law Firm The Skambis Law Firm Stovash, Case & Tingley Tangel-Rodriguez & Assoc.

Warner & Warner West Family Law Group Wieland & DeLattre Wilson McCoy Wooten Kimbrough Yergey & Yergey

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