Leesa Badley on how Paralegals can stay ahead without burning out
C. Todd Smith salutes the attorneys who volunteer on the LRIS panel
A PUBLICATION OF
NEVER TOO
XiXi Li shares practical tips for young attorneys
Beneath the robes, beyond the rivalries
R E C O V E R E D
M O R E T H A N
$ 1 6 0 M I L L I O N I N T H E L A S T
F I V E Y E A R S
F O R O U R
C L I E N T S
How Football Unites the Ninth Circuit
The Perfect Season
Keshara D. Cowans, Esq.
A New Era for Florida’s E-Filing System
The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq.
Time Management for Paralegals
Leesa Badley
Expanding Access to Justice Through Service
C. Todd Smith
Michael B. Stone, Esq.
Practical Tips for Young Lawyers
Magazine: 10th of month prior to publication
eEdition: 20th of month prior to distribution
Copy: Six weeks prior to publication If
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OCTOBER 2025 VOL.93 NO.8
Editor Kate T. Hollis
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Columnists
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Officers
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Keshara D. Cowans, Esq., serves as a Staff Attorney, EEO and Equity Officer, and District Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Legal Services for Orange County Public Schools (“OCPS”), the fourth-largest school district in Florida and the eighth-largest in the nation. Ms. Cowans has practiced law for over 17 years. Her primary practice areas include labor and employment, employment discrimination, and Title IX compliance. She also serves as the legal advisor for the OCPS District Police Department.
As October unfolds and autumn leaves paint cities in brilliant hues, we find ourselves at the heart of two of America’s most cherished traditions: the pursuit of academic excellence and the excitement of college football!
I am often reminded that these seemingly different worlds share far more than a common season; they share common values that define the very essence of higher education. October brings homecoming celebrations that unite entire university communities, reminding us of the foundational experiences that shaped our careers. Alumni return to campus, many now partners at law firms, respected judges, or successful practitioners, and law students see living proof that their studies can lead to meaningful careers. These gatherings allow us to build professional communities that support each other through challenges and celebrate each other’s victories.
The values displayed on gameday: teamwork, resilience, leadership, and healthy competition are values that transfer to the legal profession. When a team faces a fourth-down decision, they must trust their preparation, rely on their teammates, and commit fully to the game plan. We want attorneys who trust their preparation, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and commit fully to zealous representation within the bar rules. The strategic thinking required for a successful two-minute drill mirrors the quick decision-making needed during cross-examination. The leadership displayed by team captains translates directly to managing complex litigation teams or guiding clients through difficult legal challenges.
As we move through the heart of college football season, let’s remember that every touchdown pass, every brief submitted, and every case won represents the same fundamental truth: excellence in the legal profession requires dedication, preparation, and
the support of a professional community that believes in your potential.
Speaking of excellence, I am proud to highlight our distinguished judges featured on this month’s magazine cover, representing their respective colleges and universities with the same pride they bring to the bench daily. Our judges exemplify the perfect union of academic achievement and practical wisdom, having transformed their educational foundations into careers dedicated to justice and service.
The connection between education, athletics, and judicial excellence perfectly sets the stage for our upcoming Bench Bar Conference on May 1st, 2026, themed “The Ultimate Playbook: Winning Techniques from the Bench.” Just as every successful football team relies on a well-crafted playbook developed through years of experience and strategic thinking, our judicial system benefits from the accumulated wisdom and proven techniques of seasoned judges. Our conference will examine the “plays” that work in courtroom management, the strategies that ensure fair and efficient proceedings, and the leadership techniques that maintain dignity and respect in our legal system.
Just as every championship team refines their playbook throughout the season, our profession continues to evolve and improve through the shared wisdom of experienced practitioners and jurists. Our Bench Bar represents the culmination of this collaborative spirit.
Bench Bar will bring together the strategic minds that make our legal system work: seasoned judges who have mastered courtroom management, experienced attorneys who have perfected their advocacy techniques, and emerging lawyers eager to learn. We will explore the “championship plays” that ensure effective case management, the proven strategies for maintaining courtroom deco-
rum, and the leadership techniques that uphold the integrity of our judicial system.
As members of the OCBA, we have the privilege and responsibility to continue learning and growing throughout our careers. Just as coaches study game film and athletes practice fundamentals, we must commit to ongoing professional development and mentorship. The judges featured on our magazine cover, proudly representing their respective universities, remind us that the foundation for judicial excellence begins with quality education and continues with a lifetime commitment to professional growth. Their willingness to share their expertise exemplifies the collaborative spirit that strengthens our entire legal community.
This October, as we celebrate the excitement of college football, let’s also prepare for a Bench Bar that will provide the ultimate playbook for legal excellence.
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Orange County Tom Goldman, Esq. 239-961-1899
Volusia County Julie Herring, Esq. 386-675-5082
As of July 1, Florida’s court system entered a new phase of digital modernization with significant changes to the state’s electronic filing process. These updates—part of the Florida Supreme Court’s “E-Everything” rules package—formalized long-evolving electronic filing practices, introduced standardized procedures, and updated fee structures. For attorneys and legal staff who rely on the portal daily, these changes represent an important shift in how documents must be filed, processed, and accessed.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Authority governs the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and operates under the rules and standards set by the Florida Supreme Court, in consultation with the Florida Courts Technology Commission. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal has far exceeded its original scope. A system initially designed to handle approximately 5 million filings per year, the Portal received over 31�6 million filings in fiscal year 2024–2025. In Florida, the monthly volumes now exceed what some states experience annually, highlighting the system’s vital role and the need for consistent and sustainable improvements.
One of the most significant procedural updates involves the Correction Queue process. Previously, Clerk’s Offices could reject filings and provide customized responses to the filer, leading to over 14�000 different explanations across the state.
As of July 1, under revised Rule 2�525(f) (1), only seven standardized reasons are permitted when placing a document in the Correction Queue:
1. The document lacked the correct case number, and the number could not be reliably identified.
2. The case style was missing or incorrect.
3. Multiple documents were improperly filed as a single document.
4. A multi-page document was broken into multiple files.
5. A proposed order was filed without a notice of filing.
6. The submission was illegible, corrupt, or blank.
7. The document was barred by court order or could not be processed by the clerk’s system. This change has created a more predictable and streamlined experience for filers across all jurisdictions.
Additionally, the E-Portal now provides filers with a standardized copy of the original document, complete with the date and timestamp. This serves as verifiable proof of submission—critical in any situation where the timing or content of a filing is questioned. If a party seeks judicial review of a clerk’s Queue decision, the timestamped document must be attached to the motion.
Another improvement is the extended retention period for documents in the Correction Queue—from five to 30 days—giving users more time to correct filings based on one of the seven exceptions and refile without unnecessary disruption.
Another major shift that went into effect July 1 was the revision of filing payment convenience fees. Where automated clearing house (ACH) transactions once represented 60% of Portal payments, credit cards now make up
69%, creating a sharp increase in processing costs for the E-Filing Authority.
To address the transaction costs, the E-Filing Authority Board approved an increase in the credit card convenience fee from 3�5% to 3�95%. The $5 flat fee for ACH transactions remains unchanged.
These recent changes reflect the Florida court system’s commitment to improving consistency, transparency, and service across all judicial circuits.
I encourage you to visit www.myflcourtaccess.com for regular updates and training materials from the Florida Courts E-Filing Authority.
Warm Regards,
Tiffany Moore Russell Orange County Clerk of Courts
ATTORNEY
Briana Basta
Patrick Carroll
Kaitlin Frerich
Alexander Fumagali
Chelsea J Getz
Darryl Bernard Harris
Christopher Henin
Sean Klein
Alcyone Levy
Cristine Law Lindsay
Olivia McClanahan
James Dewey McGuire
Yasmin Rammaha
Alyssa Marie Sutton
Mark Zamora
AFFILIATE
Adrian Karam
Victoria Rios
Jessica Rios
Julia Brianne Temperly
LAW STUDENT
Griffin McLain Baugh
Nazina Belle
Angelini Castillo
Lluvia Donadelli
Yolonda Earls
Destiny Fairless
Aileen Gil
Staverline Julien
Annabelle Menla
Caden Michael O’Connell
Luciana Orindas
Vineeta Ramkalawan
Jad Sleiman
Daniela Valdes
Scotland Josephine Yacavone
Katherina Zielinski
PARALEGAL STUDENT
Ashanti Davis
AUTHOR Reatha Cruz-Johnson
Every fall, the stately Orange County Courthouse transforms in subtle but unmistakable ways. The conversation shifts from case law to kickoff times, from precedent to point spreads. For the judges of the Ninth Circuit, autumn is more than just a season of oral arguments and decisions — it’s game time.
bench. Whether it’s recalling marching bands, student sections, or the intensity of rivalry games, football ties the judges back to the communities and traditions that forged their identities.
Both rely on preparation, teamwork, and the occasional halftime adjustment. For the judges, it’s no coincidence that the rituals of the courtroom and the rituals of the stadium complement one another.
Behind the dignified robes and carefully reasoned opinions lies a lighter, spirited side: a deep loyalty to their alma maters and a shared enthusiasm for college football. It is a tradition that, year after year, injects camaraderie, levity, and even a touch of rivalry into the courthouse halls.
Judges are often viewed as solemn arbiters of the law, far removed from the passions that animate everyday life. Yet, as fall Saturdays roll in, a different picture emerges. Chambers decorated with university memorabilia, coffee conversations punctuated by recaps of weekend matchups, and the occasional playful jab at a colleague’s underperforming team paint a very different portrait.
These moments reveal judges not just as interpreters of statutes, but as alumni who still cheer for their schools with the same zeal they had as undergraduates. The result is a culture where football serves as the spark for connection.
Legal work is demanding, and the weight of responsibility is heavy. Yet football season provides a shared language that crosses chambers and case assignments. Friendly rivalries turn into bonding rituals. One judge might proudly tout a storied program’s latest win, while another counters with an underdog story that stole headlines.
It’s more than banter — it’s a reminder of the experiences that shaped them long before the
While football provides the stage, the true story is what happens off the field. Judges find in each other not just colleagues but teammates of sorts, connected by a common rhythm of fall Saturdays. The sense of belonging to something larger — a school, a tradition, a team — reinforces their sense of belonging within the Ninth Circuit itself.
It’s a kind of fellowship rarely visible to the public but deeply felt within the courthouse. Judges who may disagree passionately on points of law can still laugh together about a fumbled pass or a last-second field goal. It’s these human connections, forged through fandom, that help sustain the collegiality of the court.
There’s something fitting about the timing. Just as the legal calendar ramps up after summer, so too does football season. Both carry their own intensity, discipline, and stakes.
As the season unfolds, chambers continue to echo with updates, predictions, and good-natured ribbing. And while the outcome of Saturday’s games may be unpredictable, one thing is certain: the bonds formed through this shared enthusiasm are stronger than any rivalry.
At its core, the judges’ school spirit is not about football scores or championship banners. It’s about connection — to their past, to their peers, and to the pride of representing something larger than themselves.
Each fall, as the courthouse hums with both legal work and football chatter, it becomes clear: beneath the robes are fans whose fervor enlivens not just the game, but the very culture of the Ninth Circuit. They remind us that even in the most serious of professions, there’s room for joy, rivalry, and the kind of camaraderie that keeps a community thriving.
In a profession that thrives on deadlines, precision, and rapid response, managing time as a legal support professional can feel like a juggling act. The pace is high, the tasks are varied, and the expectations are unwavering.
In my experience, I have seen how effective time management isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things at the right time and giving yourself space to breathe in between the tasks. I would like to share three practical time management techniques that have helped me stay focused, reduce stress, and improve workflow.
The first one is “Time Blocking”. Time Blocking allows you to make your calendar a command center. It is the practice of assigning specific blocks of time to certain types of work before the day gets away from you and you are simply reacting to the next email, phone call or meeting you have. To block time, you could reserve blocks of time on your calendar for specific items like drafting or research. I like to set 15-minute “buffer blocks” between meet-
ings for email, wrap up items, or to update my “To Do” list so things are not missed. If you are a visual person, go for it with color coding for quick visual references (red for deadlines, blue for client work, etc.) For this method to work, you need to think of time blocks as “non-negotiable” appointments with yourself and protect them like you would a court appearance.
If you find Time Blocking to be too strict, you can try the second method, which is the “Pomodoro Technique”. I refer to this as the HIIT workout for legal tasks. This process is simple but powerful. This process allows you to work in focused sprints towards the finish line. You break time down into 25-minute focus sessions, followed by 5-minute breaks. After four sessions, you take a longer
break (15-30 minutes). This process is fantastic for reviewing documents, drafting pleadings, and summarizing records. You would be amazed at what great ideas you are able to obtain in those 5-minute break times when you aren’t completely focused on the task at hand. The best way to do this is to use a
timer tool to keep you on track with your sprint and rest, sprint and rest process. Free timer tools can be found at pomofocus.io or marinaratimer.com.
The third technique is “The Eisenhower Matrix”. When everything feels urgent and you are surrounded by dumpster fires, this framework helps you cut through the noise and determine what to do first. This visual tool helps you categorize tasks into four categories: (1) Urgent & Important; (2) Not Urgent but Important; (3) Urgent but Not Important;
and (4) Not Urgent and Not Important (but eventually needs to be done). You can create a grid like the below image and then write the tasks in each box. You can use this at the start of the week to plan or when you are feeling overwhelmed.
These vendors are supporters of the OCBA. Many o er special discounts to members. We encourage you to use their services to grow your practice.
Not Urgent & Important (SCHEDULE)
Not Urgent & Not Important (ELIMINATE)
These tools are not about being perfect, but they are ways to make space for what matters most and avoid that frazzled, always-behind feeling. Having a plan and/ or the use of any of these time management techniques can help you reclaim your focus and build a process that works for you. Whether you are supporting one attorney or an entire firm, these techniques can help you lead your day rather than chase it. As a bonus, I use a 2-minute rule. If something lands on my desk or in my inbox and it will take less than two minutes to do it, I just do it right away. That includes things like forwarding a document, confirming a meeting, or jotting down a billing entry. It keeps little tasks from piling up and overwhelming me later. If you have your own strategies or tools that work, share them with our section! Let’s keep learning from each other and offering support for obtaining excellence in our field.
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C. Todd Smith, Chair, Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) Committee
If you are an OCBA member looking for a way to give back, I encourage you to consider joining our LRIS Panel. You will have the opportunity to grow your practice while making a meaningful difference in the lives of people right here in our community.
To all of our current panelists, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and for making a positive impact in our community.
On behalf of the Orange County Bar Association, (OCBA) and our Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) Committee, I want to express our gratitude to all of the dedicated attorneys who serve as panelists in the OCBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) Program. Your service, professionalism, and generosity have a measurable impact on the lives of people in our community every day.
and explain what I would need and what route I would need to take.” —
Stephanie G.
“Christopher Block was professional and gave me excellent advice on my matter.” — Roberto T.
Thanks to your time, expertise, and compassion, countless individuals and families are able to find the legal guidance they urgently need. Whether helping someone navigate a landlord-tenant dispute, offering clarity during a family law crisis, or assisting a small business owner in a contract dispute, you are providing legal guidance, offering hope, and much-needed access to justice.
And the contributions of our panel members go far beyond handling individual cases. By participating in our LRIS Program, you are helping build bridges between the legal profession and the broader public. Programs like Aska-Lawyer events rely on attorney volunteers to help promote the LRIS Program and increase awareness of
the OCBA’s role in connecting the public with legal resources. The OCBA extends its impact beyond its membership, reinforcing our role not only as a resource for legal professionals but as a vital part of the broader community we serve.
Every call you take and every client you serve helps build trust in the legal system. As an example of the work you do, the following testimonials are from LRIS clients and a glimpse into the impact you’re making:
“Jordan Benbow was very interested in my situation and gave me excellent advice which helped me move forward with getting it resolved.” — David D.
“He (Bernie Mazaheri) took his time to talk to me
“Prompt, professional and helpful describes Mr. Manney. Thank you for the assistance!” — Justine C.
“They (Barry LaBoda’s firm) contacted me promptly and asked detailed questions. They also made sure to get background information and told me the terms before I made a decision. I am currently proceeding with them to help with my claim and they are sending out paperwork soon. Thank you for the follow-up, and please make sure the record stands, they are a firm who will take the client’s interests seriously.” — Joseph E.
Each of these stories is more than just a review. Each one is a powerful reminder of why the work you do matters.
XiXi Li
Associate at Sasso and Sasso, P.A. where she practices commercial, construction, and election law litigation. Ms. Li currently serves as the President of the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (“GOAABA”), The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (“YLD”) Governor for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and Chair of the OCBA Professionalism Committee. Ms. Li can be contacted at xli@sasso-law.com.
On my first day of law school orientation, a professor made a statement to the wide-eyed class of future lawyers in our freshly pressed suits: “Always come prepared with a pen and paper in hand.” This statement still rings true in practice – every day. You can never be overly prepared, but you will always be remembered for being underprepared. Being prepared is not limited to bringing pen and paper with you, this philosophy encompasses how you practice in real life. Case in point: before you ask your supervising partner a question, make it a habit to mentally prepare yourself to ask the right questions.
tors, criminal defense attorneys, and non-practicing attorneys. Each mentor shares a commonality - investment in the development and success of their mentees.
In many instances, you are tasked with finding rulings on nuanced issues. Be sure you are researching the relevant statutes, case law, or rules before you go asking questions. For civil litigators, we are accustomed to rule changes based on amendments to the civil rules. However, you can no longer depend on the old version of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedures because rules that were applicable last year are not necessarily relevant this year. Being prepared with this knowledge is crucial to a successful practice. You may want to review a motion for summary judgment someone wrote last year for inspiration, but
this does not mean the same standard exists today. The motion can be a great framework on how to analyze the issues, but the responsive deadline and setting it for hearing is completely different today than it was last year. Need a refresher? Take a look at Rule 1�510 of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedures (June 19, 2025).
Being prepared puts you ahead of the game.
You can never have too many mentors. My primary practice is civil litigation, however, I have mentors outside of my practice area. My mentors include judges, in-house counsel, prosecu-
You may measure success by having a solid book of business or winning trials, but success does not always equate to billing 200+ hours every month, or closing out the most cases in a short amount of time as you progress in your career. Success is measured by the fulfillment you feel when you practice law. I can say that my success is attributable to those mentors who inspired me to become a stronger, more competent attorney. My mentors are my cheerleaders – they are individuals that I can talk to on my hardest days, and they are also people who I call my friends when I seek words of wisdom. One of the wonderful things about the Ninth Circuit is truly how tight-knit we are. We always come out in full force to support each other!
Many of you work at firms where you are paired with a mentor, but many of you may have just moved here from another part of the state or even the country and you are asking yourself: “where do I find a mentor?” I have an answer for you: go to any luncheon or event put on by the OCBA, Young Lawyers Section (“YLS”), or any of
the many voluntary bar associations (“VBAs”) in our circuit. You will meet attorneys and judges and may even end up sitting next to your future mentor. Do not be afraid to make the first introduction – I promise, they will remember you for it.
Mentorship is crucial to our profession. Mentors are there to teach you the hard lessons you need to learn, but they are also there to provide constructive feedback when you need it the most. One of the most important things I have learned, especially taking on leadership roles, is that I am never alone. Mentors paved the way for me to take on challenges which continue to inspire me to build on their legacies for my future mentees. By the way, mentors do all of this for free.
In law school, Civil Procedure always put a knot in my stomach, and maybe some of you can relate. It was difficult to see how the cog was fitting into the wheel, especially when I did not have practical experience. Fast forward to today, Civil Procedure is one of my favorite subjects in practice. The Rules can be your secret weapon (maybe not so secret anymore). Develop good habits by reading amendments to the Rules, knowing your
judges’ procedures, local rules, and any standing orders issued by the judge of each circuit and district you appear in front of. Do not assume that the font type or size you are accustomed to is the same font type or size that the judge you will be appearing in front of prefers. Take initiative and envelope yourself with these nuances – this will take you far and judges will remember you for that. Additionally, knowing the Rules can be crucial to your case. In the proverbial sense, first impressions and dates matter, so make it a habit to make sure you are meeting deadlines and know the rules. Can you tell how much I like the Rules now?
If you are still reading this article, I commend you for getting this far. I want to
emphasize the importance of volunteering. Volunteer work can come in the form of joining a VBA, committing yourself to pro bono work, or involvement in a local organization. I have always felt a strong sense of fulfillment knowing that I am helping someone resolve an issue that may have a major impact on their life. If you are looking
for a jumping off point, join a committee at OCBA or a VBA. OCBA provides a list of all of the available committees, and the Florida Bar lists all of the VBAs in our area. As a bonus, if you are a young lawyer, you are automatically a member of the YLS and YLD, so come join us at our next event where you will be sure to make some new friends!
October is upon us, which means cooler weather (hopefully), pumpkin spice everything, and some of our favorite YLS traditions such as the annual Gator Bus Trip, our Halloween Party, and a full slate of networking and learning opportunities. But before we “fall” into a new season of events, let’s look back at some highlights from this summer and early fall.
In August, we were joined by Conti Moore Smith, Managing Attorney at Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, who delivered an energizing talk on time management and skill development. Her message resonated especially with newer attorneys: your time is an investment. She shared practical strategies to maximize productivity, avoid burnout, and build an intentional routine, lessons that benefit every stage of your career.
WHO’S WHO
1 YLS Health Awareness Bike Day in Winter Garden
2 Luncheon with Lauren Klein
3 Law Clerk Reception
4 Morning at State Courthouse
Michael B. Stone, Esq., Partner at Jordan Dougherty Stone LLP, specializes in commercial litigation, first-party property, general liability, and personal injury claims. OCBA Member Since 2020.
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Our Backpack Project Happy Hour at Pour Choice Taphouse set a new record for YLS, raising more than $10,500, the highest in the event’s history! Thanks to our amazing members, sponsors, and volunteers, we were able to provide 488 backpacks fully stocked for the 2025–2026 school year.
September’s luncheon featured Richard B. Schwamm, Senior Partner at Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm, who shared powerful insights on public speaking, techniques for presenting in court, client communication and tips for clear, confident communication as a junior attorney. He shared his personal journey and struggles with a severe stutter and lisp as a child and how his interest in studying law as a young student helped him overcome his issues and gain the confidence he needed to become the seasoned trial attorney he is today.
GATOR BUS TRIP / It’s game time! Join us as the Florida Gators host the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Seats are limited, reserve your spot on the bus and in “The Swamp” now!
HALLOWEEN PARTY AT SALVATION ARMY / Dust
off your best costume and get ready for a night of spooky fun and fellowship, with the goal of giving the kids in our community a memorable night of fun with YLS.
GOLF TOURNAMENT /
Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just here for the sunshine and camaraderie, our fall golf outing promises fun competition, networking, and maybe even a few birdies.
STAY INFORMED: As we turn back the clocks and settle into autumn, grab your favorite fall drink, mark your calendars, and stay connected with everything YLS has to offer. Stay connected all Fall by signing up for our weekly email updates. Just Visit our website here and click “Sign Up for YLS Emails.”
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