2606 Briefs-Digital

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Robert Egan on the internal and external value of community service.

BEING THE LIGHTHOUSE

Hon. Gisela Laurent on maintaining professionalism in the face of adversity.

A PUBLICATION OF

GAL’S GUIDE

Yadirah Rodriguez shares essential tips for any guardian ad litem.

JUNE 2026 VOL. 94 NO. 5

TEAM SPIRIT

Meet the 2026-2027 OCBA President

LETTERS FROM LEADERS

06 I PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Writing Our Success Story Lisa Gong Guerrero, Esq.

08 I CLERK’S CORNER

Supporting the Courts Through Legislative Progress The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq.

10 I CHIEF’S COLUMN

The Gift You Keep When You Give Back Robert Egan

FROM THE COMMITTEES

12 I PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE

SIDEBAR: NEWS / EVENTS / UPDATES

20 I VOLUNTARY BARS Alena V. Baker, Esq.

The Lighthouse of Professionalism Hon. Gisela T. Laurent

16 I PARALEGAL COMMITTEE

I Couldn’t Help But Wonder…

Leesa Badley

LEGAL AID SOCIET Y

18 I WHAT WE DO

GAL’s Guide for Confidence Yadirah Rodriguez

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. ©2026 Orange County Bar Association. All rights reserved. ISSN 1947-3968

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O CB A J U LY LU N CHE ON 880 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 (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

JUNE 2026 VOL.94 NO.5

Editor Kate T. Hollis Associate Editors Christine Wasula Valencia N. Poitier Columnists Alena V. Baker Michael Stone Officers Lisa Gong Guerrero, President Michael Barber, President-Elect Brandon Sapp, Treasurer C. Andrew Roy, Secretary Sean Mendez Catlin, YLS President Executive Council Stephanie Alcalde Onchantho Am Joshua R. Brown Lisa Cunningham-Harvey Kate T. Hollis John M. Hunt Bruce Mount Conti Moore Alisia Profit Rafael O. Rodriguez Christina Russo Walters C. Todd Smith Jennifer Smith Thomas Executive Director Candice Disorbo Advertising & Sponsorship Manager Ursla Gallagher

SAVE THE DATE!

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.

RSVP by Monday, July 13, 2026 Ashley Velez ashleyv@ocbanet.org | orangecountybar.org/store RSVPs and cancellations will not be accepted after July 13, 2026.

TITLE SPONSOR

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

MORE EVENTS

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

WRITING OUR SUCCESS STORY Lisa 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.

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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,

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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

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.

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CLERK’S CORNER

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 The Honorable Tiffany CS/HB 925, legislation that advances key priorities for Florida’s Clerks of Court and CompMoore Russell, Esq., trollers and strengthens our ability to support the essential work of the judiciary.

Orange County Clerk At the time of this writing, the legislation passed both chambers of the Florida Legislaof Courts, has been a member of the ture and was awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature.

OCBA since 2004.

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

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CHIEF’S COLUMN

THE GIFT YOU KEEP WHEN YOU GIVE BACK Robert Egan

Retired Circuit Judge, mediator, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court

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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.

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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.

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PROFESSIONALISM

THE LIGHTHOUSE OF PROFESSIONALISM Hon. Gisela T. Laurent Circuit Court Judge, Ninth Judicial Circuit

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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 y first day working in the legal field was not a lighthouse. A lighthouse is a solitary structure, yet it what I expected. I had just graduated from is never alone. Its purpose the University of Florida Levin College of Law, accepted my first job pending my bar exam results, is to guide others. It does not exist for itself; it exists and walked into my new office feeling an immense sense of pride. The office assigned to me was furnished to assist those navigating with beautiful cherry wood furniture and a black leather calm waters and, more chair for me. I looked at the beautiful bookshelves filled importantly, for those with books that had also been assigned to me. Volumes caught in the storm.

In the legal profession, of law that represented everything I had worked hard we all are capable of being for. But unfortunately, that feeling did not last long. that light. Whether we are presiding over a courtroom, representing clients, When I left for lunch, an a bully on my first day!!! In serving our local communities, or sitting across a that moment, I felt so disolder lawyer walked into desk from a young lawyer couraged and completely my office and took every single book off my shelves. lost. I wondered if this was just starting their career, we have a responsibility to a good moment to show When I returned to the remain steady and provide bare bookshelves, I quickly her that I was from Pine guidance. investigated who did it and Hills….probably not!

The most profound thing That encounter taught decided to give that lawyer about a lighthouse is that me an important lesson: a visit. I asked the lawyer it simply does its job every why did she take the books You cannot control the single day. It doesn’t know wind, but you can set that were assigned to me whose eyes are searching your sails. I realized then off my shelves. She didn’t for its beam. offer an explanation as my that I would not be intimA lighthouse doesn’t idated in the profession books lined her shelves. scream at the storm that I loved. I decided to Instead, she grabbed the to stop. It doesn’t get overcome bullying not retractable lanyard at her distracted by the waves by clapping back, but by waist, pulled her Bar Card crashing against its base. being better! out, reaching it up against It doesn’t know which I would master the art of my face, and exclaimed, “I lawyer is sitting alone in self-control. I committed took your books because their office, feeling bullied myself to three pillars: I have a Bar Card and you or discouraged. being prompt, being don’t!”

It doesn’t ask for thanks professional, and always I was shocked!!! I had from the passing vessels, being prepared! entered this profession I realized that a bully has and it doesn’t always see expecting high levels of the results of its work. no power over a lawyer civility and professionalism. Instead, I was met with who has done the work!

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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!

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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.

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PARALEGAL

I COULDN’T HELP BUT WONDER…

Leesa Badley

Florida Registered Paralegal, Milne Law Group, P.A.

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the impossible moments feel doable.

The truth is, not a single accomplishment this year was mine alone. Every success was shared.

Alongside a Vice PresHow Did I Become the One in Charge? ident who turned chaos here is a moment somewhere between your third into clarity. A Board of Directors who showed up calendar invite, your second iced coffee, and an with ideas, energy, and Outlook reminder you definitely do not rememheart. OCBA staff who kept ber setting when it hits you. everything moving, often without recognition but never without impact.

We also partnered with It was about presence.

This is not the year you sponsors, fellow OCBA It looked like early thought you signed up for.

Sections, and organizaBecause this was the year mornings answering tions like the Hispanic emails before the day I became President of the officially began. Late night Bar Association of Central OCBA Paralegal Section.

And I could not help but texts with board members Florida, proving something simple but powerful. wonder… when did my life who became collaboImpact does not happen rators, confidants, and start feeling like a group occasionally, co-survivors. in isolation. chat between deadlines, It grows when people Moments of “we’ve got board meetings, calendar this” immediately followed decide to build something reminders, and that one together. very necessary text asking, by “do we, though?”

Because leadership was It was a lot like dating.

“Did you remember to eat Just when everything feels never meant to be a solo lunch?” role.

When I first stepped into aligned, something unexIt is a shared experience. pected shows up to remind this role, I had a vision.

And somewhere along you that timing, chemistry, You know the kind. Orgathe way, I realized someand leadership all share nized. Polished. Effortthing else. lessly balancing it all. Part the same truth. You are I was not just leading.

Suits, part Sex and the City, figuring it out as you go.

I was evolving.

And yet, somehow, we but with even more WestLearning from members always did. law searches, depo prep, who show up with passion.

Because here is what Outlook reminders, and, From leaders who give their regrettably, far less fashion no one tells you about time and insight so generleadership. It is not about and absolutely no Harvey ously. From conversations having all the answers. It Specter.

But what I found instead is about being surrounded that shift your perspective by people who are willing long after they end. was something far more As paralegals, we operto find them with you. real and, honestly, far ate in a unique space. We And if you are lucky, more meaningful. work alongside attorneys This year was not about they make the hard every day. But in this role, moments feel lighter and perfection.

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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.

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LEGAL AID SOCIETY

GAL’S GUIDE FOR CONFIDENCE 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.

1. § 39.01(32) Fla. Stat. (2025).

2. Id. 3. § 39.810 Fla. Stat. (2025).

4. § 39.01(32) Fla. Stat. (2025)

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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 subseEssential Tips for Every GAL. quently submits a report and recommendation to ave you ever considered volunteering as a guardian ad litem (GAL)? The path to becom- the presiding Judge for approval, which is then ing a guardian ad litem often begins with a formalized as an order. simple introduction - perhaps a colleague’s story or a During a Judicial Review, mention at a bar event. Whether in the process of conthe GAL’s role is to inform templating this decision or having already committed the court of any pertinent to it, it is natural to feel apprehensive about navigating an entirely new area of the law that differs significantly updates or concerns regarding the child(ren). from one’s practice. This article aims to elucidate the general expectations associated with undertaking a GAL In instances where a party to the case requests a case on a pro bono basis. change of goal, placement or visitation either orally or through written motion, the GAL may articulate A guardian ad litem GAL dependency law. The GAL uses the best interest stan- their position to the court is defined as a person or since the guardian ad litem an entity that is a fiduciary dard for decision-making 2 is a party to the judicial and advocacy. Hence, the appointed by the court proceeding as a represento represent a child in best interests of the child tative of the child.4 any civil, criminal, or must remain paramount administrative proceedthrough all dependency To adequately prepare ing to which the child proceedings. In instances for the Judicial Review is party.1 In the realm of where a Petition for Termi- hearing, the GAL should dependency law, the GAL nation of Parental Rights is thoroughly review the fulfills a distinctive role, filed, the court is required Judicial Review Report acting as the eyes and ears to consider the manifest prepared by case manof the court to ensure that best interests of the child, agement and filed by abused, abandoned and which are listed in Fla. Stat. the attorney for the neglected children receive § 39�810.3 During a termiDepartment of Children appropriate care and nation of parental rights and Families (DCF), as this protection while under the trial and/or manifest best document contains critical court’s jurisdiction. interests hearing, the GAL information regarding must evaluate all relevant the status of the case. It It is essential for a GAL factors and provide a rectypically includes recto become well-versed in Chapter 39 of the Florida ommendation to the court ommendations from the Statutes and the Rules of through sworn testimony DCF attorney, serving as a Juvenile Procedure, as preview of the issues that and/or a report. these cover all relevant will be discussed during The GAL participates in guidelines related to the hearing. Furthermore, Judicial Review hearings,

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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.

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HOTEL SAVINGS The Residence Inn by Mariott. Discounted rates include complimentary self-parking, complimentary breakfast buffet, wireless HSIA. 680 N Orange Ave. / 407-482-1500

DISCOUNT SERVICES & MERCHANDISE OCBA Merchandise. Shop official 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 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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SIDEBAR

SIDEBAR N E W S / E VE N T S / U PDAT E S

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.

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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 GoodBlatt – Leo

3 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.

WHO’S WHO 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.

1 & 2 National Women Build with West Orange Habitat for Humanity, Inc. and CFAWL Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers hosted

by Lorenz Mediation.

3 GOAABA hosted a Coffee with the Court with our esteemed judges at Ninth Circuit Court of Florida.

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

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

orangecountybar.org | The Briefs

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is proud to announce

Bradley P. Blystone has joined our distinguished panel of neutrals

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 liability, professional malpractice, and automobile collisions. Brad has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Florida Trend, and by Best Lawyers in America®, and now, as a full-time mediator, he prepares, listens, and encourages honest and frank discussions to assist all parties in reaching a fair and reasonable resolution.

To learn more about Brad and to schedule a mediation, please visit:

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