Thursday, July 16, 11�30am–1pm at Marriott Orlando Downtown 400 W. Livingston St., Orlando, FL 32801
OCBA & Tiger Bay Joint Luncheon
Join us on July 16, 2026, for the 2026 Judicial Candidate Forum. Hear directly from judicial candidates, gain valuable insight into the upcoming election cycle, and engage in an important conversation about the future of our courts and legal community. Register today and be part of one of the year’s most anticipated forums.
RSVPs and cancellations will not be accepted after July 13, 2026.
TITLE SPONSOR
Gong Guerrero, Esq., is a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Law and the founder of Gong Guerrero Law, PLLC, where she focuses her practice on criminal defense.
WRITING OUR SUCCESS STORY
As I begin my year as President of the Orange County Bar Association, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here and the people who made it possible.
When I came to this country at five years old, I never could have imagined that one day I would become an attorney, much less serve as President of the OCBA. Honestly, I don’t think my parents imagined it either. Like so many immigrant parents, they sacrificed comfort, familiarity, and certainty in the hope of creating greater opportunities for their children. Their courage changed the course of my life. As I reflect on this moment, I am grateful for their sacrifices, the mentors who invested in me, and the legal community that helped shape both my career and my life.
Like many of our members, I first joined the OCBA because I wanted to grow professionally, meet attorneys outside of my immediate circle, and feel more connected to the legal community. What I found was much more than networking opportunities and CLEs. I found mentors, lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a community that supported me through both professional and personal milestones.
Over the years, the OCBA has shown me that our profession is at its best when we come together. In a career that can sometimes feel stressful, isolating, and adversarial, this organization reminds us that we are colleagues first. We may practice in different areas of law, work in different settings, and come from different backgrounds, but we share a common commitment to serving others and improving our profession.
My own journey has taken me from business and technology consulting to nearly two decades as a prosecutor, and now to criminal defense and private practice. Along the way, I have also been a wife, a mom, and a community volunteer. Each experience has shaped how I view leadership, service,
and the importance of building meaningful relationships.
One of the things I love most about our profession is that there is no single definition of what a lawyer looks like or what success looks like. Our different experiences and perspectives make us stronger and allow us to better serve our clients, our profession, and our community.
I also know firsthand how demanding this profession can be. We carry significant responsibilities and often help people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Sometimes we wonder whether we are truly making a difference.
Then there are the moments that remind us why we do this work.
It may be helping a client through a difficult situation, mentoring a young lawyer, encouraging a law student, volunteering at a legal aid clinic, speaking to students about civics, spending time with the children at Great Oaks Village, or simply checking in on a colleague who is having a difficult time. Those moments matter because they remind us that being a lawyer is about more than practicing law. It is about service, leadership, and community.
One of the things I appreciate most about the OCBA is that it creates opportunities for those moments to happen. Through our committees, mentoring programs, community service projects, pro bono initiatives, and educational programs, our members make a meaningful impact every day.
As President, my focus this year is simple: creating stronger connections, fostering collaboration, and continuing to build a strong legal community. At its core, this year is about making sure every member feels connected, valued, and engaged.
I want every member to feel like there is a place for them in the OCBA. Whether you are a law student, a young lawyer, a solo
Lisa
practitioner, a government attorney, a judge, a paralegal, a military veteran, a large firm attorney, or someone who has been practicing for decades, this organization belongs to you.
I also want to continue supporting the work of our committees and sections, which are truly the heartbeat of the OCBA. They are where relationships are built, ideas become reality, and members find opportunities to serve, lead, and make a difference.
Most importantly, relationships matter.
At the end of the day, people may not remember every CLE, luncheon, or event they attended. But they will remember how this organization made them feel.
They will remember the people who welcomed them, encouraged them, connected them, and supported them.
That is the kind of organization I want us to continue to be.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. Serving as President of the OCBA is an honor I do not take lightly, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me throughout my career. I look forward to working alongside all of you as we continue building connections, strengthening our legal community, and ensuring the OCBA remains a place where every member feels welcomed, valued, and engaged.
SUPPORTING THE COURTS THROUGH LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
During this year’s legislative session, Florida lawmakers considered several measures with direct impact on Clerks of Court and the administration of justice across our state. Among the most significant developments for our courts and legal community was the passage of CS/HB 925, legislation that advances key priorities for Florida’s Clerks of Court and Comptrollers and strengthens our ability to support the essential work of the judiciary.
At the time of this writing, the legislation passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature and was awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature.
If enacted, the bill will provide several important updates that directly affect court operations and public access, including:
• Enhanced funding flexibility for Clerks by allowing the retention of the full amount of cumulative revenue collected above the state’s annual Article V Revenue Estimating Conference projections, providing the ability to reinvest in critical court-related services and future budget planning.
• Revised fee distribution for municipal civil traffic violations, creating an equal split in designated portions of the distribution between the Clerk and the municipality.
• Restoration of Clerk funding in Uniform Traffic Citation distributions for photoenforced school bus infraction detection programs that support court-related functions, aligning these programs with other traffic enforcement citation systems.
• Modernization of public notice requirements by authorizing advertisements and legal notices regarding real property to be posted on Clerks’ publicly accessible websites. For attorneys and judges, these provisions represent more than administrative updates. They reinforce the infrastructure that supports case management, court records, traffic operations, and public access to information. Sustainable Clerk funding remains essential to preserving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of our justice system.
I would like to extend sincere appreciation to Representative Dana Trabulsy and Senator Corey Simon for their sponsorship and leadership in advancing this important legislation. I also want to thank Representative David Smith and Senator Jonathan Martin for their support of additional key Clerk priorities.
In addition, I am grateful to the members of the Orange County legislative delegation for their continued partnership and commitment to policies that strengthen court operations and support public service in our community.
I remain thankful for the ongoing collaboration we share with Orange County’s judiciary and legal community as we continue working together to uphold a court system that serves the public with excellence, accountability, and trust.
Warm regards,
Tiffany Moore Russell Orange County Clerk of Courts
The Honorable Ti any Moore Russell, Esq., Orange County Clerk of Courts, has been a member of the OCBA since 2004.
Robert Egan Retired Circuit Judge, mediator, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
THE GIFT YOU KEEP WHEN YOU GIVE BACK
Winston Churchill famously observed, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Community service offers a powerful reminder of that idea. Although volunteering is intended to benefit others, those who participate often discover that the act of giving back brings its own rewards—new perspectives, meaningful connections, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from helping improve the community we all share.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in several community outreach and educational initiatives within the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Each required a meaningful commitment of time and effort, but each proved to be far more rewarding than I could have anticipated. Programs such as the annual “Exhibit ‘A’: Family Court Art Challenge,” the public education series “Inside the Courts,” and the informal CLE program “Brown Bagging with the Bobs” were created with the goal of serving students, attorneys, and the public. Yet in each instance, the experience reinforced a simple truth: when we give back to our community, the personal rewards often exceed the contribution itself.
One of the most rewarding outreach initiatives I have been involved in began in 2019 with the creation of “Exhibit ‘A’: Family Court Art Challenge.” The program invites Orange County Public School students to submit artwork inspired by themes of family, community, and justice. What began as a modest idea has grown into a much-anticipated annual event featuring dozens of talented student artists and a meaningful awards ceremony at the courthouse.
Each year, I am reminded that the courthouse is not only a place where difficult problems are resolved, but also a place where young people can feel welcomed and valued. It has been especially fulfilling to witness the excitement of students seeing their art displayed in the courthouse – often standing proudly beside their pieces while parents and teachers take photographs during the ceremony. The creativity and enthusiasm of these students are both inspiring and humbling, and the experience leaves me far more enriched than the time invested in organizing the program.
“Inside the Courts” has similarly allowed me to meet fascinating members of the community while learning from the many talented judges who serve in the Ninth Circuit. I experienced the same sense of fulfillment through “Brown Bagging with the Bobs,” a monthly CLE program I co-hosted with my good friend, retired judge Bob LeBlanc. Although we spent a considerable amount of time preparing the presentations, the real reward came from the friendships formed, the appreciation expressed by attorneys, and the shared satisfaction of helping colleagues strengthen their skills in the courtroom.
I have also been fortunate to participate in the Orange County Public Schools “TeachIns,” speak at bar events, and serve as a judge for mock trial and moot court competitions. Experiences like these provide opportunities not only to share knowledge, but also to learn from the enthusiasm and curiosity of students and young lawyers who represent the future of our profession. Opportunities for meaningful community service are plentiful in our profession – whether mentoring students, supporting educational programs, volunteering through bar organizations, or simply sharing time and experience with those who can benefit from it. I encourage all attorneys to experience the gift that comes from giving back.
Community service often begins with the intention of helping others, but time and again it reminds us of something equally important: the act of giving back has a remarkable way of giving something back to us as well. In that sense, Churchill was exactly right—when we give back, we often receive the greatest gift of all.
THE LIGHTHOUSE OF PROFESSIONALISM
My first day working in the legal field was not what I expected. I had just graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, accepted my first job pending my bar exam results, and walked into my new office feeling an immense sense of pride. The office assigned to me was furnished with beautiful cherry wood furniture and a black leather chair for me. I looked at the beautiful bookshelves filled with books that had also been assigned to me. Volumes of law that represented everything I had worked hard for. But unfortunately, that feeling did not last long.
To beat the bully, you just need to be your best and let your light shine. When people ask what it is like to be a judge, I often think of the image of a lighthouse. A lighthouse is a solitary structure, yet it is never alone. Its purpose is to guide others. It does not exist for itself; it exists to assist those navigating calm waters and, more importantly, for those caught in the storm.
When I left for lunch, an older lawyer walked into my office and took every single book off my shelves. When I returned to the bare bookshelves, I quickly investigated who did it and decided to give that lawyer a visit. I asked the lawyer why did she take the books that were assigned to me off my shelves. She didn’t offer an explanation as my books lined her shelves. Instead, she grabbed the retractable lanyard at her waist, pulled her Bar Card out, reaching it up against my face, and exclaimed, “I took your books because I have a Bar Card and you don’t!”
I was shocked!!! I had entered this profession expecting high levels of civility and professionalism. Instead, I was met with
a bully on my first day!!! In that moment, I felt so discouraged and completely lost. I wondered if this was a good moment to show her that I was from Pine Hills….probably not!
That encounter taught me an important lesson: You cannot control the wind, but you can set your sails. I realized then that I would not be intimidated in the profession that I loved. I decided to overcome bullying not by clapping back, but by being better!
I would master the art of self-control. I committed myself to three pillars: being prompt, being professional, and always being prepared!
I realized that a bully has no power over a lawyer who has done the work!
In the legal profession, we all are capable of being that light. Whether we are presiding over a courtroom, representing clients, serving our local communities, or sitting across a desk from a young lawyer just starting their career, we have a responsibility to remain steady and provide guidance.
The most profound thing about a lighthouse is that it simply does its job every single day. It doesn’t know whose eyes are searching for its beam.
A lighthouse doesn’t scream at the storm to stop. It doesn’t get distracted by the waves crashing against its base.
It doesn’t know which lawyer is sitting alone in their office, feeling bullied or discouraged.
It doesn’t ask for thanks from the passing vessels, and it doesn’t always see the results of its work.
Hon. Gisela T. Laurent Circuit Court Judge, Ninth Judicial Circuit
PROFESSIONALISM
Sometimes, that one steady beam of professionalism is enough to completely change someone’s trajectory—to guide a lawyer away from discouragement and toward a safe harbor of integrity.
Over the years of my career, I can’t tell you how many times I have attended an event and afterwards I would be approached by someone in the crowd and they will hug me and share how I changed or impacted their lives; how I gave them hope; how I re-ignited a smoldered flame—I treasure those moments because I have strived so hard to be the light that I so much needed when I was younger and received from judges and lawyers who have shined their light on me.
True change in our profession doesn’t come only from our individual
successes. It comes from the bridges and roads we build for those who follow us. From the light we all share!
The world and our profession have gone through a lot of changes since the pandemic—kindness and compassion go a long way.
You may never know how far your far your light shines and how bright and powerful your light is to someone wandering the dark.
Don’t let the noise of the world dim your light. Life experiences can make you “bitter or better”….choose to have your experiences make you better and brighter!!
A Bar Card should be a tool for service, not a weapon for destruction!
I started this article with a short story from my past and I will end this article with a short story from my childhood. My parents are
True change in our profession doesn’t come only from our individual successes. It comes from the bridges and roads we build for those who follow us. From the light we all share!
a strong foundation into who I am today. They are responsible for 80 percent of my life lessons. My mom was the lover and disciplinarian—her Chancleta never missed!!!
My dad was the hardworking grumpy philosopher. I remember as a child hearing from a friend that after her report card her father gave her 10 bucks for every A, 5 bucks for every B, minus 5 for every C, and minus 10 for every D! I was excited for my Dad to come home from work so I can let him know about this reward system—especially since I had straight A’s. My dad walks in the house— looking back, maybe my timing was a little off—but he walks in the house exhausted, and I explain how the reward system works. My dad looks me straight in the face and says in his stern Latin dad voice, “So you want me to pay you for doing what you’re supposed to do?” My excitement quickly fell by the wayside.
Today, our profession really needs us all to do what we are supposed to do. Be Prompt, Be Professional, Be Prepared.
Be kind, give back to your community.
When you pave your road to success…consider also building bridges and roads for others.
Be a lighthouse!
Be the person who provides clarity when the law seems murky.
Be the one who offers a steady hand to a colleague who is struggling.
Be the light that guides our community toward justice, even when the winds of change are rough.
How can you make your interactions with one another less transactional and more transformational?
How can you contribute to the growth of others?
Strive to be the light you once needed in our profession.
You may never know exactly whose career you have saved by simply being the professional you are and by simply DOING WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. But I promise you—your light matters. You may not get paid extra for doing what you are supposed to do… but you will make a difference in our profession for the better!
Thank you for this incredible honor, and more importantly, thank you for the work you all do every day to keep our profession bright.
I COULDN’T HELP BUT WONDER…
How Did I Become the One in Charge?
There is a moment somewhere between your third calendar invite, your second iced coffee, and an Outlook reminder you definitely do not remember setting when it hits you.
the impossible moments feel doable.
The truth is, not a single accomplishment this year was mine alone. Every success was shared.
Alongside a Vice President who turned chaos into clarity. A Board of Directors who showed up with ideas, energy, and heart. OCBA staff who kept everything moving, often without recognition but never without impact.
This is not the year you thought you signed up for. Because this was the year I became President of the OCBA Paralegal Section.
And I could not help but wonder… when did my life start feeling like a group chat between deadlines, board meetings, calendar reminders, and that one very necessary text asking, “Did you remember to eat lunch?”
When I first stepped into this role, I had a vision.
You know the kind. Organized. Polished. Effortlessly balancing it all. Part Suits, part Sex and the City, but with even more Westlaw searches, depo prep, Outlook reminders, and, regrettably, far less fashion and absolutely no Harvey Specter.
But what I found instead was something far more real and, honestly, far more meaningful.
This year was not about perfection.
It was about presence. It looked like early mornings answering emails before the day officially began. Late night texts with board members who became collaborators, confidants, and occasionally, co-survivors. Moments of “we’ve got this” immediately followed by “do we, though?”
It was a lot like dating. Just when everything feels aligned, something unexpected shows up to remind you that timing, chemistry, and leadership all share the same truth. You are figuring it out as you go.
And yet, somehow, we always did.
Because here is what no one tells you about leadership. It is not about having all the answers. It is about being surrounded by people who are willing to find them with you.
And if you are lucky, they make the hard moments feel lighter and
We also partnered with sponsors, fellow OCBA Sections, and organizations like the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida, proving something simple but powerful. Impact does not happen in isolation.
It grows when people decide to build something together.
Because leadership was never meant to be a solo role.
It is a shared experience. And somewhere along the way, I realized something else.
I was not just leading.
I was evolving.
Learning from members who show up with passion. From leaders who give their time and insight so generously. From conversations that shift your perspective long after they end.
As paralegals, we operate in a unique space. We work alongside attorneys every day. But in this role,
Leesa Badley
Florida Registered Paralegal, Milne Law Group, P.A.
that collaboration expands beyond the office.
It becomes connection.
It becomes opportunity.
You find yourself in rooms you never expected to be in, having conversations you never expected to have, building relationships that would not have existed if you had not simply said yes.
And every now and then, you have that quiet, grounding thought.
I never would have met you if I had not stepped into this.
You never quite know what those moments will become. Friendships. Mentorships. Opportunities. Or simply conversations that stay with you longer than you expected.
But the most meaningful part of this journey has been what we have been able to do together.
Because this year was not just full.
It was impactful.
It looked like collecting school supplies for students who needed them most. Providing meals for families during Thanksgiving. Delivering toys and essentials to children. Assisting in the preparation of wills for those who serve our community every day.
It meant showing up for each other and for something bigger than ourselves.
And somehow, that was only the beginning.
Not perfect.
Not effortless.
But real.
And if you have ever felt that pull toward something more, something meaningful, consider this your sign.
Say yes.
Because being part of something like this is not about having it all together. It is about showing up, staying open, and realizing you are surrounded by people who will meet you there.
And yes, people who will remind you to eat lunch.
As this chapter closes… Was it busy? Yes.
Was it overwhelming at times? Absolutely. Was it worth it?
Without question.
Because this year did not just teach me how to lead.
It redefined what leadership looks like.
It showed me the power of collaboration.
The value of connection.
And the quiet, lasting impact of showing up consistently, even when it is not easy.
Maybe leadership is not about having it all figured out.
Maybe it is about stepping into the unknown, asking better questions, and trusting yourself to grow into the answers.
And maybe, just maybe… that is enough.
Because becoming the person you once looked up to does not happen all at once.
It happens quietly.
In the showing up.
In the learning.
And in the moments you did not even realize were shaping you.
And just like that… you realize you are no longer becoming the person you once looked up to.
You have become her.
You never quite know what those moments will become. Friendships. Mentorships. Opportunities. Or simply conversations that stay with you longer than you expected.
GAL’S GUIDE FOR CONFIDENCE
Essential Tips for Every GAL.
Have you ever considered volunteering as a guardian ad litem (GAL)? The path to becoming a guardian ad litem often begins with a simple introduction - perhaps a colleague’s story or a mention at a bar event. Whether in the process of contemplating this decision or having already committed to it, it is natural to feel apprehensive about navigating an entirely new area of the law that differs significantly from one’s practice. This article aims to elucidate the general expectations associated with undertaking a GAL case on a pro bono basis.
1. § 39.01(32) Fla. Stat. (2025).
2. Id.
3. § 39.810 Fla. Stat. (2025).
4. § 39.01(32) Fla. Stat. (2025)
A guardian ad litem GAL is defined as a person or an entity that is a fiduciary appointed by the court to represent a child in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding to which the child is party.1 In the realm of dependency law, the GAL fulfills a distinctive role, acting as the eyes and ears of the court to ensure that abused, abandoned and neglected children receive appropriate care and protection while under the court’s jurisdiction. It is essential for a GAL to become well-versed in Chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes and the Rules of Juvenile Procedure, as these cover all relevant guidelines related to
dependency law. The GAL uses the best interest standard for decision-making and advocacy.2 Hence, the best interests of the child must remain paramount through all dependency proceedings. In instances where a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights is filed, the court is required to consider the manifest best interests of the child, which are listed in Fla. Stat. § 39�810.3 During a termination of parental rights trial and/or manifest best interests hearing, the GAL must evaluate all relevant factors and provide a recommendation to the court through sworn testimony and/or a report.
The GAL participates in Judicial Review hearings,
which the court schedules in accordance with statutory requirements, which may be virtual or in person. Typically, a General Magistrate presides over these hearings and subsequently submits a report and recommendation to the presiding Judge for approval, which is then formalized as an order. During a Judicial Review, the GAL’s role is to inform the court of any pertinent updates or concerns regarding the child(ren). In instances where a party to the case requests a change of goal, placement or visitation either orally or through written motion, the GAL may articulate their position to the court since the guardian ad litem is a party to the judicial proceeding as a representative of the child.4
To adequately prepare for the Judicial Review hearing, the GAL should thoroughly review the Judicial Review Report prepared by case management and filed by the attorney for the Department of Children and Families (DCF), as this document contains critical information regarding the status of the case. It typically includes recommendations from the DCF attorney, serving as a preview of the issues that will be discussed during the hearing. Furthermore,
Yadirah Rodriguez Serves as Guardian ad Litem attorney for the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA, handling cases related to dependency and advocating for the child’s best interest.
the Judicial Review Report is a valuable resource, providing the names and contact information of all key participants involved in the case, such as the DCF attorney currently assigned to it, the DCF case manager and their supervisor, the attorneys representing the parents, and, in specific instances, the Attorney ad Litem. The Judicial Review also presents a significant opportunity for the GAL to request specific services that the child(ren) may require. Another valuable resource that the GAL should review is the Comprehensive Behavioral Assessment (CBHA), which is a Medicaid-funded evaluation of the child(ren). During the shelter hearing, the Judge orders a CBHA for each case. Upon the acceptance of a case, the GAL should diligently research the docket and review the CBHA, if it has been filed. This assessment will contain recommendations for services intended for the child(ren), which case management must arrange. In instances where the DCF attorney has not filed a CBHA in the docket, the GAL may inquire with case management for a copy or formally request the court for a status update regarding the filing. To ensure that the court receives the requisite
information, the GAL must conduct visits with the children, interview caregivers, and engage with the children’s service providers. Additionally, the GAL should maintain communication with the DCF attorney, the attorney for the parents, and case management. Case management conducts regular staffing meetings, which the GAL should attend, as these meetings present an excellent opportunity to acquire up-to-date information regarding the child(ren) and the progress of the case.
The role of a GAL is centered on the gathering and analysis of information that ultimately informs crucial decisions with lasting implications for families. Thus, it is vital for the GAL to take an active part in gathering this information. Lastly, akin to other areas of law, it is advisable for the GAL to participate in seminars to remain informed about recent developments in dependency law, facilitated by specialists in the field. Organizations such as Florida’s Children First and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. offer monthly virtual seminars designed to educate participants involved in dependency cases, such as GALs.
Preferred Vendors
These vendors support the OCBA by o ering special discounts to members. We encourage you to use their services to grow your practice. For more information, visit orangecountybar.org/page/Preferred-Vendors
LEGAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company. The Florida Bar’s professional liability insurance to help protect Florida lawyers and their clients. 800-633-6458
Optimize My Firm. Full digital marketing suite for law firms including website design, content development, local search, Google ads, and SEO. optimizemyfirm.com
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
CaseFox. Includes time tracking, AI document generation and analysis, invoicing, and full LEDES and UTBMS billing compliance. Equipped with Integrated with Quickbooks, LawPay, Xero, and more.
Clio. The most widely used cloud-based practice management system in the world. Members receive 10% on lifetime monthly subscription. clio.com/OCBA
LEAP. Cloud-based productivity solution combining practice management, accounting, document management, and legal publishing. leap.us/florida / 844-702-LEAP
MatterSuite. AI-powered legal matter management software designed for in-house legal teams, law firms, and corporate counsel.
HOTEL SAVINGS
The Residence Inn by Mariott. Discounted rates include complimentary self-parking, complimentary breakfast bu et, wireless HSIA. 680 N Orange Ave. / 407-482-1500
DISCOUNT SERVICES & MERCHANDISE
OCBA Merchandise. Shop o icial OCBA apparel and accessories! Shirts, hats, visors, totes, water bottles and more. All sales go directly to the OCBA Foundation. ustore.net/group/orange-county-bar-association
OCBA Marketplace. National Purchasing Partners (NPP) helps OCBA members reduce costs with exclusive pricing for a variety of popular brands including 1-800-Flowers, AmEx, Harry & David, HP, Omaha Steaks, Sherwin-Williams, Staples, Verizon, and more. Enroll for FREE at bit.ly/OCBASavingClub
To become a Preferred Vendor, contact our Advertising & Sponsorship Department.
The businesses listed herein (the“Vendors”) are not a iliated 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 o ered by any of the Vendors.
VOLUNTARY BARS
May was a vibrant and event-filled month for the local legal community, bringing plenty of opportunities to connect, give back, and celebrate together.
Tablesaw for 8
Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL)
ON MAY 2, 2026 / The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL) members participated in a “Tablesaw for 8” hosted by Lorenz Mediation, joining an all-women build team to help construct two homes in the Winter Garden community. Following the build, attendees gathered at Plant Street Market to relax and connect.
The following day, on May 3, 2026, Judge Heather Guarch and Sharlene Greene hosted a Tea Party Table for 8, providing another opportunity for fellowship among members.
Continuing the month’s events, on May 14, 2026, Donna Hayes hosted a private screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at Aloma Cinema Grill. The event welcomed members of both CFAWL and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association for an evening of networking and entertainment.
Insightful Discussion
Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA)
GOAABA in conjunction with the Professionalism Committee of the OCBA cohosted an insightful discussion on client management and expectations, business development and professionalism in the field. The discussion was lead by C. Andrew Roy who is the 2026 Recipient of the Lawrence G. Mathews Jr. Young Lawyer Professionalism Award.
OTHER VOLUNTARY BAR EVENTS
ON MAY 6, 2026 / The Black Women Lawyers Association of Central Florida hosted their final Power Luncheon of the fiscal year.
ON MAY 21, 2026 / The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) hosted a General Body Meeting titled “Counsel to Counsel: A Safe Space for Shared Experiences and Collective Growth” creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, shared perspectives, and professional support among attendees.
LATER IN THE MONTH ON MAY 31, 2026 / the PCPBA hosted a “Black Excellence Mixer: A Celebration of Unity and Progress.” Held at Proper in downtown Orlando, the event brought together Black professionals, community leaders, and Black-led organizations from a variety of industries to foster connection, collaboration, and celebration.
ON MAY 27, 2026 / The Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida hosted their monthly luncheon at the OCBA.
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.
WHO’S WHO
1 & 2 National Women Build with West Orange Habitat for Humanity, Inc. and CFAWLCentral Florida Association for Women Lawyers hosted by Lorenz Mediation.
3 GOAABA hosted a Co ee with the Court with our esteemed judges at Ninth Circuit Court of Florida.
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
Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell
Shutts & Bowen
Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, et al.
Winderweedle, Haines, et al.
10-19 MEMBERS
Colling Gilbert Wright
Fisher Rushmer
McDonald Toole
Richman & Correnti, P.A
Stovash, Case, Shay & Pearce
2-9 MEMBERS
The Aikin Family Law Group
Anderson & Ferrin
The Arnold Law Group
Artemis Family Law
Barrister Law Firm
Carr Law Firm
Compass Law
Davey Law Group
DeCiccio & Johnson
Dellecker Wilson King
McKenna Ruffier & Sos
Divine & Estes
The Draves Law Firm
The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller
Fassett, Anthony & Taylor
Frank Family Law
Practice
The Fighter Law Firm
GoodBlatt – Leo
Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm
Harris Harris
Bauerle Lopez
Hilyard, Bogan & Palmer
Jill S. Schwartz & Assocs.
Keating & Schlitt
King, Blackwell, Zehnder & Wermuth
Korshak & Assoc.
Kosto & Rotella
Law Offices of Brent C. Miller
Lebron Law
Marcus & Myers
The Marks Law Firm
McMichen, Cinami & Demps
McShane & McShane
Murphy & Berglund
N. Diane Holmes P.A.
O’Mara Law Group
Orange Blossom Law
Page & Eichenblatt
Perez LaSure
Sawyer & Sawyer
Shannin Law Firm
Stovash, Case, Shay & Pearce, P.A.
Tangel-Rodriguez & Assoc.
Warner & Warner
West Family Law
Group
Wieland & DeLattre
Wilson McCoy
Wooten Kimbrough
Yergey & Yergey
Bradley Blystone is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and the former managing partner of the Orlando office of Marshall Dennehey. Brad has over 34 years of trial experience handling complex and high-exposure personal injury claims involving medical negligence, products liability, premises
