Orange County Bar Association - The Briefs - April 2011

A Publication of the Orange County

Bar Association

Inside this Issue: President’s Message Paul Newman, Philanthropy, and the Value of Pro Bono Frank M. Bedell April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Legal Aid Society President’s Message Jamie Billotte Moses

LAS Staff Attorneys Enduring in the Fight for Justice Betty J. Jackson Pro Bono Attorneys have a Message for You: “You Gotta Give Back” Suzanne D. Meehle

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

1/24/11 9:58 AM

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the Briefs

Contents

©2011

3

Co-Editors Vivian P. Cocotas & Sarah P. L. Reiner

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President’s Message Paul Newman, Philanthropy, and the Value of Pro Bono Frank M. Bedell

YLS on the Move Jacquelynne J. Regan

Associate Editors Allison C. McMillen & Suzanne D. Meehle

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Side Bar Columnist Sunny Lim Hillary

Letter from Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles T. Canaday

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Legal Aid Society President’s Message Jamie Billotte Moses

YLS Columnist Jacquelynne J. Regan w

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Letter from Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.

5

Law Week Luncheon

25

7

Florida Supreme Court Honors Orange County Attorneys

Questions About Legal Aid? Ask Chuck.

Sarah P. L. Reiner

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9

SideBar Sunny L. Hillary

Pro Bono Attorneys Have a Message for You: “ You Gotta Give Back.”

Suzanne D. Meehle

31

Juan Lopez-Campillo Vivian P. Cocotas

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34

Legal Aid Society What We Do… A Cry in the Dark – For Help!

Susan Khoury and Donna A. Haynes

New Members

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Announcements

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Legal Aid Society What We Do… A Home or a Shelter?

Donna A. Haynes

Classifieds

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OFFICERS Frank M. Bedell, President Thomas A. Zehnder, President-Elect Kristyne E. Kennedy, Treasurer Paul J. Scheck, Secretary w EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Wiley S. Boston Mary Ann Etzler Meenakshi A. Hirani Elizabeth F. McCausland Nichole M. Mooney Gary S. Salzman Nicholas A. Shannin William D. Umansky William C. Vose Kimberly D. Webb Esther M. Whitehead Diego “Woody” Rodriguez, Ex Officio Eric C. Reed, YLS President w

Calendar

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LAS Staff Attorneys Enduring in the Fight for Justice Betty J. Jackson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brant S. Bittner w Communications Manager Peggy Storch Marketing Manager Mente Piccoli Marketing Assistant William M. Remensnyder

880 North Orange Avenue • Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 422-4551 • Fax (407) 843-3470 DEADLINE INFORMATION

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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 in articles appearing in The Briefs, are those of the authors and do not reflect any official endorsement of these views by the Orange County Bar Association or its officers and directors, unless specifically stated as such.

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

President’sMessage

April 2011

Paul Newman, Philanthropy, and the Value of Pro Bono

L Frank M. Bedell

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

ike most males of a certain age, one of my favorite movies is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Katherine Ross were brilliant, and there were many great lines, including “Who are those guys?” This was a question that Newman’s character repeatedly asked as the bounty hunters pursued him day and night. I am also a fan of Cool Hand Luke and am sure that other OCBA members occasionally feel compelled to state, “What we have here is a failure to communicate!” As the years have gone on, in large part because of my interest in his movies, I became very interested in the story behind the “Newman’s Own” line of salad dressings and other foods, and eventually learned something about philanthropy and trying to help others.

When asked about his interest in philanthropy in the context of the $280 million given by “Newman’s Own” to many charities since 1982, Paul Newman stated, “I’m a great believer in luck and the extraordinary role that luck plays in all of our lives. Good luck, bad luck, medium luck.” He explained that “Newman’s Own” began by accident and turned into a phenomenal success despite his and his co-founder’s lack of experience in the food business. At the beginning of “Newman’s Own,” once they first realized that the business was going to generate a profit, Newman and his co-founder said to one another, “We can’t make money at this – let’s give it all away to charity.” And they did, giving hundreds of millions to multiple charities, including those focusing on health, the elderly, children, the environment, emergency situations, and, perhaps most famously, to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which has assisted more than 135,000 children who have life-threatening illnesses. Newman summarized his fundamental approach by asking rhetorically, “What could be better than to hold your hand out to people who are less fortunate than you are?”

This is an excellent question to ask ourselves during this month in which we celebrate the extraordinary success achieved during the 50 years of the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA. Newman observed that he would visit a Hole in the Wall Gang Camp when he was feeling “down in the dumps,” and that the visit would “reaffirm everything that is good about this country.” I feel the same way when I hear Legal Aid attorneys discuss their work in a matter-of-fact manner that is completely without any affectation; or when I hear Legal Aid’s executive director, Mary

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Anne De Petrillo, say, “This is my dream job!”; or when Cathy Tucker talks about all of the seemingly impossible tasks she has performed over the years; or when Susan Khoury talks about how the Guardian ad Litem program was formed; or when I hear Bruce Blackwell’s client recount how she was welcomed into the Blackwell family and provided with a different life of greater opportunity than she would have had but for the work and generosity of an individual lawyer. Then there is John Hamilton of the Orlando office of Foley & Lardner, which not surprisingly received this year’s commendation from the Florida Supreme Court for its pro bono efforts. At the LAS luncheon in August 2010, John spoke dramatically and compellingly about the pro bono case he thought about as he contemplated death after having just suffered a heart attack.

When I first began doing bar work, I became involved in various activities of The Florida Bar, and it seemed that everywhere I went folks had heard of the OCBA and the stunning level of pro bono services provided by our members. In fact, I recall being asked how we were able to inspire our members to be so charitable and giving, and not having a good answer for that question. Now, however, after serving on the Legal Aid Board of Trustees and looking at the list of past presidents of Legal Aid, I am not surprised that the OCBA has this rich history of service to the less fortunate. Legal Aid’s first president was Fletcher Rush, who went on to serve as Florida Bar president. Similarly, Jim Urban, Russell Troutman, and Mayanne Downs all served as Legal Aid president before becoming president of The Florida Bar. Federal Judge Greg Presnell served as Legal Aid president, as did the two persons after whom the OCBA professionalism awards are named – Bill Trickel and Larry Mathews. Many of our most distinguished lawyers and bar leaders have been inspired to serve as president of Legal Aid and have in turn inspired us to serve.

At February’s OCBA joint luncheon with the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, the speaker was Lucas Boyce. He told his compelling personal story about being born prematurely to a drugaddicted, teenage prostitute. This would qualify as the type of “bad luck” discussed by Paul Newman. But after hearing Boyce speak, I suspect that he might not accept that characterization of his initial station in life, because he was given a different opportunity by another family when continued page 5

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Legal Aid Society50th Anniversary Edition Legal Aid Society President’s Message For everyone to whom much is given, of poor and disadvantaged. I am constantly in awe of the additional work they all do to serve the him shall much be required. – Luke 12:48

A Jamie Billotte Moses

s we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, I am reminded of this passage.

Few organizations exemplify this better than the Legal Aid Society. Few people embody this better than the Legal Aid Society staff and the lawyers of the Orange County Bar Association.

The lawyers who founded the Legal Aid Society recognized that although they were blessed, many others were not. They realized they had a gift, a talent, something only they as lawyers had that could help so many. They knew they could provide a service that no doctor, dentist, accountant or teacher could provide. They could be the voice of the poor in the legal system. They could even the playing fields for the neediest of our society.

And, they did.

The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association is an example of good people doing good things. It is nationally recognized for its high caliber of service, its efficient case handling, its legislative advocacy and its ability to engage and motivate the lawyers of the Orange County Bar Association to serve.

It has been an honor to serve as president of the Legal Aid Society Board of Trustees. I have witnessed first hand the dedication with which our Legal Aid attorneys and staff work to help the

needy. I am repeatedly reminded there is always more we could be doing to help others. I have seen many bar members rise to the occasion to assist someone in need. I have seen lawyers over and over again dip into their personal checkbooks to help Legal Aid in its mission. I have been humbled by their giving.

Fifty years is a long time for any organization to stay intact. It’s even longer when the work is hard, the economic benefits are low and the ability to do your job requires a fight for funding on a regular basis. Yet Legal Aid has not only lasted these past 50 years, it has thrived. It has flourished.

Congratulations to the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association on its 50th Anniversary! Congratulations to our founders, who recognized a serious need and implemented a program to meet that need. Congratulations to the members of the Orange County Bar Association for remaining committed to Legal Aid’s mission and serving/giving as much as you can. Although much should be required of us, I am proud to say that much has been given back!

Jamie Billotte Moses, 2010-2011 president of the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA, Inc., is a shareholder with Fisher, Rushmer, Werrenrath, Dickson, Talley & Dunlap, P.A. She has been a member of the OCBA since 1994.

Foley & Lardner LLP is the recipient of the 2011 Chief Justice’s Law Firm Commendation Pro Bono Service Award presented by the Florida Supreme Court to one law firm for its outstanding efforts in support of pro bono legal services. Foley’s Florida offices have contributed more than 8,500 hours of pro bono services over the course of the firm’s recent fiscal year.

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

OCBA Luncheon April 21, 2011 Law Week Luncheon

The Legacy of John Adams: From Boston to Guantanamo Please join us as we acknowledge the work of outstanding students, parents, and community leaders during our annual Law Week Luncheon, hosted by the OCBA’s Law Week Committee. Law Week at the OCBA spans several months and includes a Goldilocks Mock Trial, Pathways in Law, A Day in the Life of a Judge, DUI Mock Trials, a Poster and Essay Contest, the presentation of the Liberty Bell Award, and a Naturalization Ceremony. The programs are designed to ensure that our citizens, and especially youth, understand their rights and responsibilities under the law in order to become effective participants in our nation’s civic life.

The Ballroom at Church Street 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

225 S. Garland Avenue • Orlando, FL 32801 Co-hosted by the OCBA Professionalism Committee

Please RSVP to reservations@ocbanet.org

by Friday, April 15, 2011.

Main Entrance: Garland Avenue between Church Street and South Street To ensure a proper luncheon count, RSVPs and CANCELLATIONS are requested no later than Friday, April 15, 2011. The OCBA is happy to provide 10 luncheons as part of your member benefits, but no-shows incur additional charges for the Bar and walk-ins cannot be guaranteed a seat.

Please keep us up-to-date on your reservation status!

President’sMessage continued from page 3

remarkable life, which likely began after a husband and wife asked themselves: What could be better than to hold your hand out to people who are less fortunate than you are?

I am sure that many of you who have volunteered for Legal Aid over the last 50 years have similar stories. I will look forward to hearing them at this year’s Gala, which will be held on April 16, 2011, in honor of the

they adopted him as an infant. In recounting the stunning kindness of one person, Boyce mentioned that the OCBA’s Guardian ad Litem program does the same thing for others, and he then described how his mother instilled in him the courage to dream big and the determination to make it happen. Boyce has written a book titled Living Proof: From Foster Care to the White House and the NBA to tell the story of his the Briefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

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Legal Aid Society. I am thankful that we have this rich history in the OCBA and that so many of our lawyers have embraced the value of pro bono. See you at the Gala!

Frank M. Bedell is a shareholder with Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A. He has been a member of the OCBA since 1987.

Tribute to Paul Newman [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlSkGUQBtDA. PAGE 5

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Legal Aid Society50th Anniversary Edition Question About Legal Aid? Ask Chuck.

D Sarah P. L. Reiner

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

uring the editorial meeting set for the purpose of determining how this special anniversary edition of The Briefs would be structured, Legal Aid’s executive director, Mary Anne De Petrillo, repeatedly mentioned two things: (1) Legal Aid wants to celebrate the attorneys who dedicate their time Chuck Stepter, Jr. and energy to taking pro bono cases, and (2) if there were any questions on the history of Legal Aid we should “ask Chuck.”

At the end of the meeting, I was tasked with looking at the history of Legal Aid, but as luck would have it, following up on that task gave me an opportunity to not only learn about Legal Aid, but to celebrate one of its very special contributors, Charles “Chuck” Stepter, Jr. Chuck Stepter’s resume reads like something out of a pro bono program director’s most fanciful recruitment dream. In fact, after taking a look at his resume, I had to wonder how he ever made enough money to support himself and his wife as a practicing attorney. But then, Chuck himself will tell you that “back then law really was more of a profession and less of a business. Money was more incidental to the practice of law. Money just kind of came.”

For Chuck, “back then” begins in 1971. That summer he held a job as the deputy clerk of the circuit court. At the time, Joe DuRocher was the second executive director of Legal Aid (Charles Prather was the first), and he and David Hollbrook introduced Chuck to the Legal Aid Society. The following summer Chuck worked as a gofer for Legal Aid. Joe DuRocher was then a judge in juvenile court, and Jim Seals was the Legal Aid executive director. The Legal Aid offices were located in the old Salvation Army building, and they had two staff attorneys and one assistant. When asked why he began working with Legal Aid, Chuck noted that the thought of helping people who could not help themselves always appealed to him. He was also a product of the times. Chuck states, “there was more of a social conscience back then,” and as a “child of the ’60s” he thought he could change the world.

The attorneys around Chuck nurtured his public service mindset, and during Christmas week

in 1973 (after passing the bar in October of that year) Chuck handled his first trial on behalf of a pro bono client. The case was one in which a roofer took money from a woman Chuck represented, and the judge ruled in favor of Chuck’s client and entered judgment on the spot. Chuck recalled that after the elevator ride down together, the roofer got out his checkbook and immediately paid the judgment.

Over the years, Chuck has primarily handled GAL and consumer cases. The GAL and consumer cases he handles today are very similar to those he handled in his early years working with Legal Aid. Certain issues have changed (for instance drugs are more prevalent), but the concepts are the same. In GAL cases, he continues to represent the best interests of the children, and he tries to find the best placements possible for them.

Chuck credits being able to share his career with special people who inspire him as one of his motivations for his continuing efforts in support of pro bono programs at the local and state level. It was apparent speaking with him that he and the other attorneys who volunteered during Legal Aid’s early years had a strong sense of camaraderie. They knew each other personally and supported each other’s endeavors.

Chuck and his fellow trailblazers also recognized that not everyone was cut out for pro bono work.

In the 1970s he and others argued against mandatory pro bono requirements as a condition of membership in The Florida Bar. Their primary argument was simple: “Forcing [attorneys] to do what they don’t want to will result in poor work product.” Rather, the key to success for pro bono programs is finding people who want to be a part of organizations like Legal Aid. Chuck noted that in recent years Legal Aid has made strides in getting young people involved, even at the board level. He strongly believes that if the youth in our bar will listen to the experienced, they can carry Legal Aid to new and better levels, and he looks forward to working with them to do it. Notably, Chuck joined the Legal Aid Board of Trustees in 1979, and he has been a member of that board for most of the years since.

When asked what has most contributed to the Legal Aid Society’s success, Chuck recalls a speech he was asked to make back in the 1980s for the Dade County Bar Association. Their inquiry: How is Orange County able to maintain a mandatory pro

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Legal Aid Society50th Anniversary Edition Pro Bono Attorneys Have a Message for You: “You Gotta Give Back”

N Suzanne D. Meehle

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

ot all pro bono is created equal. Just ask Derrick Cox and Kevin Mangum, who take consumer cases for the Legal Aid Society.

Cox, a partner with Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott, has practiced for just over 20 years in the area of workers’ compensation claims, representing self-insured employers, third-party administrators and insurers. He concentrates his pro bono efforts, however, on consumer credit issues.

A typical consumer credit case is a landlord/ tenant case with the landlord holding a security deposit or evicting the client, or a consumer credit card debt case, where wages are garnished.

“A lot of times, people try to take advantage of my [pro bono] clients because they are indigent or don’t Derrick Cox have money and can’t afford an attorney, or they think my clients aren’t going to pursue it,” he says.

“For people who are aware of the Legal Aid Society and contact the Legal Aid Society, we are able to work something out.”

Although he initially Kevin Mangum chose consumer credit cases because they were closest to the work he was already doing as a young commercial litigator, when deciding what kind of pro bono cases to take, Cox says, “I tell people to handle an area that they most enjoy, regardless of the area they practice in. Take a look at all the types of cases the Legal Aid Society offers.”

Kevin Mangum’s law firm, Mangum & Associates, P.A., practices exclusively in the area of bankruptcy litigation. Mangum and his associate, Jeffrey Ainsworth, take pro bono bankruptcy cases because the cases fit seamlessly into their practice. “It’s all I have done my whole life,” Mangum says.

“I’ve always seen it as giving back,” he says of his work with the Legal Aid Society. “I meet people

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at the end of their ropes. Everything is relative: $25,000 in debt may not mean much to you or me, but it’s everything to some people.”

A typical pro bono case for Mangum is just another Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy on his schedule. “Normally an individual or married couple that has had a catastrophic event ‒ the loss of a job, a serious injury, a divorce ‒ is just trying to make ends meet,” he says.

“They’ve gone through their savings, IRAs, and 401k to support their family. These are extremely proud people who will sell everything before talking to an attorney.”

Mangum, who also accepts cases from the Seminole County Bar Association, has taken on ten pro bono cases so far this year, with eight still pending. “I didn’t realize it was so many,” he says. “It’s just an economy of scale thing.

Bankruptcy is different from general litigation.

If you handle one more case, it doesn’t hurt the firm. I’m already at the courthouse. What’s one more case?”

Cox and Mangum both cite personal satisfaction as their number one reason for doing pro bono work.

For Cox, it all started because the OCBA required it, but he now does it for more personal reasons. As a young lawyer, he began doing pro bono work in lieu of paying the fee. “Over the years, I’ve gotten a lot of satisfaction from helping people who are in need and are being taken advantage of,” Cox says.

Like Cox, Mangum started taking cases as a young lawyer. Mangum says that the pride he and his staff have in pro bono work is worth it. “The clients are so thankful, it’s better than money!”

Moreover, Mangum says that the goodwill doing pro bono work builds is more than worth it.

“You do a good thing for one person, and they are so grateful they are telling everyone they know how great you are. You can’t buy that kind of publicity.”

According to the Legal Aid Society, fifty percent of lawyers in the OCBA opt to pay $350 rather than take pro bono cases. Cox says there’s no excuse for not taking pro bono cases. “If you aren’t taking cases, you are missing a truly recontinued page 32 PAGE 9

Legal Aid SocietyWhat We Do...

A Cry in the Dark – For Help!

W Susan Khoury

Donna A. Haynes

PAGE 10

e have seen incredible growth! From humble beginnings to our now twostory building, 2011 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. At its inception, the program began with an executive director and a secretary housed on the second floor of the original OCBA building on Orange Avenue.

During the last 50 years, Legal Aid has grown to a staff of forty-one. In 1993, Legal Aid purchased the old Mateer Harbert building, and today every nook and cranny is filled. Legal Aid has an intake department with interview rooms, a GAL program, and staff attorneys working in family law, housing, public benefits, immigration and employment law. Some attorneys share offices; we use every bit of space in the building.

Sadly, in the year that marks our celebration of serving the residents of Orange County for 50 years, funding cuts threaten all of our valuable Cara Dobrev progress. Legal Aid is faced with the possibility it will have to reduce staff, thus adversely impacting our ability to maintain the level of services our residents have come to rely on. Anticipated cuts, set to begin as early as September, will impact attorneys and support staff in the overall Legal Aid program as well as in the GAL department.

Having come so far, it’s hard to imagine Legal Aid being forced to cut a Guardian ad Litem lawyer and not being able to serve children like “Mary” and “John.” Technically, Mary and John are some of GAL litigation coordinator Cara Dobrev’s GAL children. Truthfully, they are examples of more than 1,200 individuals served by the staff and pro bono attorneys in the GAL program. Cara recounts her recent trip to visit Mary and her brother: It was a long drive out to Mary and John’s new foster home in Poinciana, and it gave me time to think about the journey they’ve been on. They first learned about foster care when John was just a baby and Mary was three. Already, violence surrounded them. Their mom and her boyfriend fought, and mom’s instinct didn’t say “protect the kids.” In fact, the kids

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didn’t seem to matter at all. Her boyfriend came first. Grandma cared, though, and she stepped up to take the children in.

That should have been a good thing. But, almost six years later, Mary showed up at school with scratches on her face and long, looped bruises all over her body. This time they were on the receiving end of the violence. Why had Mary received the belt that day? She’d gotten in trouble at school. With no other relatives willing to take them and grandma refusing to accept help, Mary and John began their journey from one foster home to another, from one potential adoptive home to another.

And here I was, pulling in to the drive on their second night in this new home. Mary, now eleven, was excited to see me. John, at eight, was much more concerned that he’d have to wait to eat the Happy Meal he’d gotten for dinner. I know better than to get between a boy and his McNuggets, so I sat and visited with them while they ate. Suddenly, Mary turned to me and said, “I’m so glad you’re here.” Five simple words – a bit of politeness from an eleven year old who is working on manners, perhaps. But it was more than that. I could hear all that was unsaid in that simple statement: “I’m so glad to see someone I know in this new place. I’m so glad to talk to someone who already knows me while I get to know this new family.”

I should be just a person passing through their lives, escorting them on to the loving, long-term home every child deserves.

Instead, in a sea of change, I am one of her anchors. Mary likes her new foster home. She’s already laughing easily with the foster mother and excited there’s a daughter her age in the home. Kids are more resilient than we give them credit for, sometimes more resilient than adults, really. She’s already adapting. But when I told her it was time for me to go, Mary asked me to stay for another hour. We negotiated it to another fifteen minutes. She managed to extend that time a bit with a very thorough, and incredibly silly, tour of her new home that included the refrigerator in the kitchen and the painting on the hallway wall. On the way home, I was still laughing over her silliness and at the same time wondering how it could be that this great kid was still waiting for an adoptive family. I was also aching a little for the girl who just wants someone to hang on to.

Arriving home, I found my own seven-month-old daughter having one of those squirmy, fussy nights. Not feeling very well, all she wanted in the world was to be held by her mom. We sat together in the quiet dark, her little hand fisted in to the front of my shirt and her ear pressed to my heart. It was enough for her. She drifted back to sleep, secure in the knowledge I was there. But she didn’t let go, and I didn’t try and make her.

She needed me. What was a little less sleep in the face of that?

That’s what parents do.

Except it isn’t always! While my daughter was sleeping in my arms, Mary was spending her second night in a new home. She’s already spent more “second nights” in new homes than any child should have to. I hoped Mary was sleeping peacefully continued page 26

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

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The Directory is one of our most valued member benefits. In fact, many members access the Directory daily to locate colleagues, put a “face to a name,” and conduct business.

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Legal Aid SocietyWhat We Do...

A Home or a Shelter?

H Donna A. Haynes

ave you ever wondered what a “typical” work day is like for Mike Resnick, the Legal Aid Society’s housing attorney? While attorneys often strive for organization and predictability in their professional lives, the Legal Aid Society’s housing attorney rarely has a day that goes by that is even remotely organized or predicable. Mike’s typical day involves providing services to help make sure clients have a choice between staying in their home and living on the streets or in a shelter. The day usually involves a number of clients, and potential clients, who show up in the Legal Aid Society lobby without an appointment. Often, these clients are the homeless in our community who need immediate assistance Mike Resnick in obtaining birth certificates and/or identification so that they can obtain healthcare, social security benefits, and employment. Obtaining benefits for the homeless has become an incredibly difficult process since the tragedy of 9/11. Since homeless persons usually do not have the required supporting documentation, the process for obtaining a birth certificate can take many months to complete.

Other Legal Aid clients need immediate assistance in housing-related matters, such as foreclosures and evictions. In an effort to assist low-income homeowners in Orange County, the Legal Aid Society operates foreclosure clinics four days each week. There, Mike provides focused and specialized representation for clients, including the preparation of court pleadings, a detailed discussion of the foreclosure process and loan modification programs, and other real-life information that will assist a homeowner in understanding his or her rights in the foreclosure process.

Mike’s client “Alice,” who has dementia, attended an LAS Foreclosure Clinic for homeowners in foreclosure because she was recently served with a foreclosure complaint and summons and didn’t know what to do. Several years ago, Alice had obtained a reverse mortgage that allows her to live in her home for the remainder of her life without having to make mortgage payments. She thought everything was fine and didn’t know why she had received the summons. A foreclosure complaint and summons typically is filed for non-payment of a loan. Mike investigated and found that the foreclosure action was filed because, under the terms of the reverse mortgage loan, Alice was required to install a heat pump in her home. In fact, more than $4,000 had been set aside in the loan

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agreement to cover the cost of the new pump. Alice was unaware the loan contained that provision, or that $4,000 had been allocated for the expense. She received the complaint and summons because she was in breach of the terms of the loan. Thankfully, as a result of Mike’s investigation and assistance, Alice is living in her home free from the fear that she might become homeless.

The Legal Aid Society also operates a specialized foreclosure clinic each Friday morning to assist tenants who rent properties that are in foreclosure. In May 2009, Congress passed the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA). The PTFA prohibits a tenant from being evicted from the rental property once the foreclosure sale has occurred. Mike recently had a client “Rhonda,” who also has dementia, come into the office bearing a 24-hour Writ of Possession that had been issued by the court as part of an ongoing foreclosure action. Can you imagine the fear of receiving a 24-hour eviction notice and not being prepared? Thankfully, with Mike’s assistance, Rhonda was able to obtain an emergency court order that stayed enforcement of the Writ of Possession.

How will Legal Aid continue to provide services to clients like Rhonda and Alice? The reality is we may not be able to. This is important work; it is a stopgap that saves money for the residents of Orange County. It is easier and less expensive to keep someone in an apartment than it is to supply food and shelter through a homeless shelter. When someone becomes homeless, the financial burden shifts from the individual to the community. Transition and mental health issues sometimes become overwhelming for the individual and result in illegal activity, chaos and confusion. Keeping clients in their homes saves the community money and also helps to maintain the safety and security of our neighborhoods.

Legal Aid needs the help of the community to continue providing housing services for its clients. For more information on what you can do to assist with the funding issues at Legal Aid, please contact Donna Haynes at 407-841-8310, ext. 3150. You can make a donation to Legal Aid at www.legalaidocba. org. All donations are certainly appreciated!

Donna A. Haynes is manager of development for the Legal Aid Society. She has been an OCBA member since 2008.

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PAGE 13

Legal Aid Society50th Anniversary Edition

T Betty J. Jackson

LAS Staff Attorneys Enduring in the Fight for Justice

he late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” For nearly half a century in Orange County, Florida, the threat of injustice has been dealt a mighty blow by dedicated staff and pro bono attorneys at the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association.

Four long-term, Legal Aid staff attorneys shared their stories of working passionately to make the promise of justice a reality for the low-income residents and children of Central Florida. Angel Bello-Billini, litigation director; Cathy Tucker, deputy director/pro bono coordinator; Larri Thatcher, intake, outreach and community education coordinator; and Susan Khoury, Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program director, each gave candid reflections of their early work at Legal Aid and first-hand insights into the most pressing areas of need for the future.

What sparked your decision to work with the Legal Aid Society?

Angel: I came here from another private legal aid office in New Haven, Connecticut and wanted to continue with my public interest work, and since I had a background in dealing with poor people, chose Legal Aid. I went into “the business” to begin with, because when I was young my family and our friends had no voice and no information about getting protection from slum lords and thieving businesses that fed on Angel Bello-Billini the consumers, and we were forced to be victims and to endure it in silence.

Although initially I wanted to be a criminal lawyer, in law school I learned about consumer protections, and about protective housing laws, and used them in the law clinics in which I participated through my years in law school.

Cathy: I had been working at another legal services program for several years and then came to Legal Aid. Larri: I decided while I was in law school to work in the area of public interest. I have worked my entire career, since graduating in 1991, for a legal aid/legal services program that serves low-income individuals.

Susan: I had just left a job in Jacksonville doing tax law. At my level, we had very little client con-

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tact. When my husband took a job in Orlando, I thought it would be a good chance to make a change and get involved with something that was more “people-oriented.” So I started by volunteering at Legal Aid, doing some intake work and helping staff attorneys with cases. It definitely fit the bill of what I was looking for.

Please describe what your first case was like.

Angel: My first case was kind of a hybrid that I inherited from a departing attorney. It was an eviction defense case in which my defending tenant had filed a personal injury counter-claim, claiming she had miscarried due to the low temperatures and conditions at the apartment. Because of the latter, it was moved to the higher circuit court, set for a jury trial as requested by the client, and eventually settled.

Cathy: I got an existing caseload of family and housing cases. I came from Lake County where the office was a block from the courthouse.

Although our old Legal Aid office at the bar center was Cathy Tucker not far from the courthouse, meeting a client at the courthouse for a hearing was a challenge before cell phones.

Larri: My first case was an eviction action in which I represented the tenant. Her landlord had not followed Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes regarding eviction procedure. We were able to prevent her from being evicted.

Susan: I took over another attorney’s caseload when he left. So I had a lot of “first cases” all at once! What stands out in my memory is how wonderful all the other staff attorneys were in helping me learn. Major kudos went to my legal secretary Riva Sorokors. She raised me well!

Please describe your most memorable client or case.

Angel: I’ve had many memorable cases, memorable for many different reasons, but off the top of my head I would pick the case of a young working mother with a non-participating, but allegedly abusive and controlling, father who also did not pay child support. Although this would have been a fairly simple case, the father made neglect and abuse allegations necessitating the appointment of a GAL to investigate and protect the interests of the children. If memory serves

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

correctly, the GAL reported no abuse, but recommended custody to the father on the basis of vile odors and other indicators of possible neglect. Shocked, I personally inspected and had every square inch of the apartment videotaped, noting that nothing of concern was apparent, not even the apartment’s location in a poor and high crime area. The video tape was submitted into evidence, and together with rather abysmal testimony from the father, and credible testimony from the mother, custody was awarded to the mother, despite a near-fatal GAL report. To me it was satisfying because even though I was not totally convinced that the mother kept a squeaky clean house on all occasions, having the father as the caretaker of these children would have harmed them and would have created future dysfunctional adults. Without legal counsel, the mother was guaranteed to lose custodial rights over the children, and have limited access to them. The father knew what to say and how to manipulate the system, and he almost prevailed but for free legal counsel given to the mother.

Cathy: The most memorable cases for me were the lockouts and utility shutoffs because some of the circumstances were terrible. Landlords have removed all the doors and windows to get a tenant and family to leave, and have changed the locks right before Christmas. I also remember getting a pick-up order in the case of a child snatched from another state and found here in Orange County.

Larri: I have so many memorable clients, cases and events, but one that sticks out was a tenant whose landlord had requested that she move out as he wanted to move a family member into the home. She agreed to move and began looking for another rental home. After two weeks, the landlord told her she wasn’t Larri Thatcher moving fast enough and if she wasn’t gone in two days, he would be changing the locks. He did so. She came to us, and I called the landlord and explained that he had violated the law and he needed to reinstate her to the unit. He profusely apologized and immediately changed the locks back the same day.

Susan: I think one of the most memorable cases was representing a mom whose exhusband had sexually abused their child.

He was incarcerated and was appearing theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

pro se, asking the court to award him visi- What is the best way the Orange County tation with the child. Everything about Bar can help Legal Aid? the case was shocking to me because I was Angel: Continued support, including injust starting out at the time. I remember creased encouragement to take pro bono how during discovery he tried to explain cases or to increase the in-lieu-of fee (where to me that all the things he did to his child attorneys get to pay an amount instead of and to her little friend were done out of taking cases) to more realistically cover the “love”… that there was nothing inappro- costs of obtaining replacement services priate about it at all. One memory that which would have been provided by that has stuck with me from this case occurred attorney. during the trial. The father was brought to court, shackled at the wrist and at the Cathy: Support through pro bono services. ankles. He had boxes on top of boxes of Larri: Members of the bar can help by condocuments that he intended to refer to tinuing to do pro bono work and by workor introduce at the trial. At one ing with our development direcpoint, he became frustrated with tor to bring media attention to the difficulty he was having acsome of their more memorable cessing his documents because of pro bono cases. the shackles, so he asked Judge Susan: I think the bar could be Jeffords Miller if he would kindly a huge help in supporting our have the court deputy release him development efforts by helping from his shackles. Judge Miller us spread the word outside the leaned back in his chair, looked legal community about the imhim straight in the eye, and in his portant work we do and how we always impeccably polite voice, Susan Khoury depend on people to be a part of kindly replied and told him no. it, either as a volunteer or as a contributor.

Judge Miller then noted that the shackles were there for a reason and if the deputy were to remove the shackles, then he might Bello-Billini, Tucker, Thatcher and just take a notion to grab the deputy’s gun Khoury are just four of the dedicated and then shoot one of us, which would not be a pretty scene, so the answer stood… Legal Aid staff who take great no. He then turned to me, “next witness, satisfaction in investing in the cause Counselor!” It was definitely a memorable case to say the least. Thankfully we pre- of justice for all. Currently, Legal vailed.

Aid employs about thirty-five staff, If you had a magic ball, what would you including eighteen attorneys, and wish for Legal Aid? Angel: By now it’s a cliché, but more funds coordinates the contributions of to hire more attorneys and paralegals to time and money from more than help more people.

2,700 volunteers – both attorneys Cathy: To continue to navigate the waters of changing funding and economic condi- and non-attorneys. As long as Legal tions and provide a continuous path of ser- Aid is equipped with the resources vices for clients. to preserve independence, hope and Larri: If I had a magic ball, I would wish for more attorneys and a bigger building in dignity, the threat of injustice for those which to house those attorneys. most in need will face a formidable Susan: When I started at Legal Aid, we had half the staff we do now. My hope is that opponent. we can continue to grow and extend our Betty J. Jackson is a Lay Member of the Legal services to more and more people. In the Aid Society Board of Trustees.

GAL Program alone, we have gone from half of me and a legal assistant to fifteen people. I’ve seen the huge difference we’ve been able to make in creating systemic change for the children we represent. It takes additional funding though, and I think our Development Director, Donna Haynes, is working really hard at trying to expand our donor base to include more individual donors.

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YLS on the move

H

Jacquelynne J. Regan

PAGE 16

appy 50th Anniversary, Legal Aid Society! In honor of this very special anniversary, we are highlighting three young lawyers who exemplify what it means to give back to our community through pro bono work. Dottie Watson, Taylor Kessel and Sara Lindquist have dedicated their time, their efforts, and perhaps most importantly, their resolute care and attention to those in our community who need it most. I had the pleasure of speaking with them about the pro bono work that they perform and what motivates them to serve our community in this manner, and I hope that you find their responses to my inquiries as motivational as I did.

Dorothy E. Watson What sort of pro bono services have you provided? How do they impact our community?

I have served as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in dependency court since I began practicing law in 2007. As a GAL can give a voice to a child in our court system. As a GAL, I have worked to ensure that children receive proper medical care, mental health services and educational services. Because our “case load” is much Dorothy E. Watson smaller than that of the typical case manager, and because we have a broader understanding of the system than the average foster parent, a GAL is often in the best position to recommend the proper services for children in state care. As a GAL, I have also been able to expedite the dependency process when warranted – whether it meant getting parents the proper services to be reunited with their children, or pushing the system so that children could more quickly settle into another permanent home.

The appointment of a GAL is a vital component of the support system for children in state care.

What is one example of a pro bono that through my pro bono work project that has held special mean- with Legal Aid. With every new GAL client, I have another chance ing for you?

My first GAL case is still one of to improve a child’s world. the most meaningful matters on which I have worked. My cli- Taylor C. Kessel ent was severely developmentally What sort of pro bono services have disabled and was removed from you provided? How do they impact the home due to his mother be- our community? ing unable to control his violent In my five years of pro bono seroutbursts. When the child was vice, I have worked primarily on to be “stepped down” from a resi- GAL cases, but I have also handential facility to a group home, dled a number of landlord/tenant my work really began. The child matters as well. The GAL cases was in need of many education- have a direct impact on the comal services, and there were sig- munity, as the children involved in those matters nificant barriers within the are future resischool system to get those dents of the comservices in place. Ultimately, munity and deI had to be appointed by the serve a voice and court as surrogate parent for an advocate to educational purposes. Over watch over them the next few months, I found through the judimyself fighting for proper cial process. The school and classroom placetenants I have repment and working with the resented also need school system to implement a voice, but do not appropriate behavioral mod- Taylor C. Kesssel have the means to ification techniques. Because the child was already sixteen, I also afford it. As a member of the lowanted to ensure he was learning cal business community, we need life skills that would carry him to do what we can to help them into adulthood with a degree when injustices occur. of independence. My role as a What is one example of a pro bono GAL was to advocate for those project that has held special meanplans and services that I would ing for you? have wanted in place for my own I had a case a few years ago with child. Through my work with four children. The father was dothis child, I came to understand ing everything he could to comthe importance and complexity ply with the case plan, yet he of establishing appropriate edu- kept running into resistance from cational services for a disabled different angles. At the time, the child. I also came to see the dif- system was not set up to address ficulty faced by parents who lack fathers who had been the victims the knowledge and skills to ad- of abusive relationships. When vocate for their child within the the case was transferred to me, it school system. Working with this was the first time he had a male child showed me the vital role advocate for the children, or the that a GAL can play for a child, matter in general. We worked not only in the courtroom, but in well together to get his case plan the classroom as well. completed so the children could Why is donating your skills as an at- stay with him. After the final placement, I followed up with torney important to you?

I recognize that I am very fortu- the family and found that the nate to have had the support and children really began to excel in the opportunities that have gotten school and extracurricular activime to where I am today. Giving ties. Turns out, they just needed back to those who still need that some consistency in their lives, support and those opportunities and I was happy to help make just makes sense. I am able to do that happen for them.

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theBriefs April 2011Vol. 79 No. 4

Why is donating your skills as an attorney important to you?

Donating my skills and time is personally important to me because it is a direct way of giving back to a community that has given so much to me over the years. I grew up in Orlando and have a vested interest in the future of this community, so I try to do my part by donating my time and efforts to the amazing organizations we have here, such as Legal Aid and IDignity. Those organizations make it easy to give back, and the reward of giving back is worth it every time.

Sarah A. Lindquist What sort of pro bono services have you provided? How do they impact our community?

I have generally focused on providing pro bono service through the Legal Aid Society’s GAL program. As a GAL, I am able to help provide children who have been abused or neglected with the support and services they need to succeed. Without the GAL program, many of these children would be at a greater risk for delinquency.

What is one example of a pro bono project that has held special meaning for you?

Sarah A. Lindquist The pro bono cases that have the most meaning to me are those where I am able to help children and parents get the services they need to reunite children with their parents. There is no better feeling in the world than closing a case because the children have returned home. Everybody wins, which is not something that happens very often in my civil litigation cases!

Why is donating your skills as an attorney important to you?

I feel blessed to be a member of The Florida Bar. As attorneys, we are uniquely situated to help individuals in our community navigate a legal system that would otherwise be overwhelming and even frightening. I am thankful that I have a skill that I can use to give back to the community.

Inspired? Interested? Ready to sign up for a pro bono program? Taylor Kessel has made it easy for you! Simply contact him at Taylor.Kessel@cnl.com and ask if you can sign up for April’s IDignity event. Further details are below. For other opportunities, please check out Legal Aid’s pro bono programs at www.legalaidocba.org or contact the pro bono coordinator, Catherine Tucker, at ctucker@legalaidocba.org. theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

And now, a look at recent and upcoming YLS programs: Hopefully, you did not miss the annual YLS Evening with the Judiciary on February 23, 2011, at the Winter Park Civic Center! Almost 300 lawyers and law students, and 61 judges, enjoyed feasting on Mardi Gras food and drinks while socializing in a casual atmosphere. Keeping in the theme of Mardi Gras, a caricature artist, a tarot card/palm reader, and a stilt walker entertained the crowd. Special thanks to Karen Persis and Sunny Hillary and their committee for throwing another fantastic Evening with the Judiciary!

The YLS softball squad put its best cleat forward during the FAMU Charity Softball Tournament in March! After a disappointing and narrow loss in the first round, the YLS team went on to win six (yes, six!) consecutive games and took home the first place trophy. To deliver the championship, the YLS squad had to beat the HALSA team, which included two former division one baseball players, but couldn’t match the depth and consistency of the YLS team! The YLS squad, which was sponsored by LaShawndaJackson,includedAllieSlavens,Ronny Edwards,MattArmstrong,AmberDavis, NickVanhook,NikkiVanhook,TimKiley, and Eric Reed.

The next three Brown Bag Luncheons will be April 14, 2011, May 5, 2011, and June 9, 2011. Please feel free to bring your lunch and learn while you eat. Please tell security you are attending the Brown Bag Luncheon with Judge John Kest in the Judicial Conference Room on the 23rd floor so you will be permitted to bring your lunch through security. Each luncheon will provide 1.5 hours of CLE credit. If you are interested in joining Judge Kest for the next Brown Bag Lunch, please contact Judge Kest’s Judicial Assistant at 407-836-0443 or ctjadi1@ocnjcc.org.

On April 21, 2011, YLS members will be teaming up with the Hispanic Bar Association for the April IDignity program. This program is a partnership of five downtown Orlando churches and their volunteers with federal, state, and local agencies who established a one-stop event to facilitate the distribution of personal identification and other vital documents. Young lawyers are needed to assist homeless people in obtaining Florida ID cards and other documents necessary to secure housing, employment, medical treatment, and bank accounts. Lunch will be provided by YLS. To sign up for the early shift (7:00 a.m. - noon)

www.orangecountybar.org

or the late shift (11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), please contact Taylor Kessel at Taylor.Kessel@cnl.com.

REGISTER NOW for the Young Lawyers Roundtable with the Judiciary at the 2011 Judicial Conference of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Saturday, April 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Disney Swan Hotel. The $100 cost includes breakfast, 2.0 hours of general CLE credit and 2.0 hours of professionalism CLE credit. Register today at http://www.flayld. org/events/roundtable/. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to sit down with federal judges and get the answers to questions you otherwise may not be able to ask! Judges will discuss a range of legal issues facing their courts today, as well as their day-to-day activities, preferences, and war stories. For more information, contact Chrissy Graves at 850-5133606 or cgraves@carltonfields.com.

The YLS April Luncheon will take place on April 28, 2011, at 11:45 a.m. at the University Club. Please e-mail your RSVP to admin@ocbayls.org. If you RSVP by April 26, 2011, the cost is $20 for lawyers and $12 for law students, government attorneys, solo attorneys, and judges; a late charge of $2.00 will be added if you do not RSVP. To find out more about the YLS Section and its committees and events, please contact me at 407-418-6438 or reganjj@ lowndes-law.com. If you are not receiving the YLS email blasts, send an email to admin@ocbayls.org to sign up!

Jacquelynne J. Regan is an attorney with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor, & Reed, P.A. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2007.

YLS Evening with the Judiciary 2011

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Legal Aid Society Staff

Ericka Garcia, Equal Justice Works Fellow, Attorney

Row 1

Sandi Sumner, Senior Legal Assistant Clarissa Maldonado, Legal Assistant

Edward Dimayuga, Public Benefits, Attorney

Mary Anne De Petrillo, Executive Director, Attorney

Barbara Pagan, Legal Assistant

Tenesia C. Hall, Family Law, Attorney

Catherine Tucker, Deputy Director Pro Bono Coordinator, Attorney

Kavita Sookrajh, GAL Courtroom, Attorney

Angel M. Bello-Billini, Litigation Director, Attorney

Row 3

Susan Khoury, GAL Program Director, Attorney

Megan Hession, GAL Case Coordinator & VAC Coordinator

Crystal Williams, Legal Assistant Doris Mackey, GAL Case Coordinator Marilyn Carbo, Pro Bono Specialist Janis C. Mason, Pro Bono Referral Assistant

Jennifer Schmidt, GAL Case Coordinator

Larri Thatcher, Intake/Outreach/Community Education Coordinator, Attorney Cara Dobrev, GAL Litigation Director, Attorney

Judith Kuhns, Intake Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator

Charles Conroy, Immigration, Attorney

Ericka Arambula, Public Ally GAL

Kira Romero-Craft, Immigration, Attorney

Michelle Erazmus, Legal Assistant

Row 5

Mildred Gonzalez, Assistant Pro Bono Coordinator Mandy Silvestris, Executive Assistant Hillary Lyals, Business Office Administrator JoAnn Tucker-Hall, Program Administrator

Yolanda Diaz, Intake Assistant Row 2

Xiomara Rivera, GAL File Assistant

Michael Resnick, Housing/Homelessness, Attorney

Vielka Negron, Receptionist/Data Entry

Sally McArthur, Employment, Attorney

Row 4

Krista Bartholomew, GAL Courtroom, Attorney

Bethanie Barber, Attorney - GAL Independent Living

Stephanie Stewart, GAL Permanency, Attorney PAGE 20

Donna Anne Haynes, Manager of Development Linda Guilliam, Fiscal Administrator Lenett Quinones, Administrative Assistant Cheryl Nicholson, Executive Assistant

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

The many faces, hands and hearts of LAS. theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

www.orangecountybar.org

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Supreme Court of Florida

CHARLES T. CANADY Chief Justice BARBARAJ. PARIENTE R. FRED LEWIS PEGGY A. QUINCE RICKY POLSTON JORGE LABARGA JAMES E. C. PERRY Justices

500 South Duval Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1925

THOMAS D. HALL Clerk of Court

February 15, 2011

To the Editor of The Briefs: It is with great pleasure that I offer my sincerest congratulations to the people who have been a part of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, both now and for the last fifty years.

As the Society and Association celebrate this significant anniversary, I know my voice is one of many expressing deep appreciation for what has been accomplished in your community by so many lawyers who are dedicated to the rule of law and the legal needs of the poor.

Truly, the cause for celebration extends far beyond the individuals who have been helped by the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. It extends even beyond the wider Central Florida community. The vigorous commitment your legal community has made to pro bono representation heartens everyone who loves liberty and who seeks justice, regardless of where they live.

The rule of law has made this nation great­–and lawyers give life to the rule of law in our society. Without the legal profession, our way of life and the freedoms and rights we cherish would not be possible. In Orange County, your mandatory pro bono program demonstrates not just the serious commitment of the lawyers in your community but also the vitality of the values that are at the heart of our democracy.

So, when I express my thanks to and admiration of the people who make up the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, I do so as the administrative leader of Florida’s judicial branch, as a lawyer who has been a member of The Florida Bar for more than thirty years, and as an American who loves his country.

Of course, providing pro bono representation is part of the oath we take as lawyers and part of the obligation that goes hand in hand with the privilege of practicing law. It is the embodiment of the highest ideals of our profession and constitutes one of the most fundamental demands of a life in the law. For fifty years the lawyers of Orange County have honored and fulfilled this aspect of our profession.

I thank the men and women who have been a part of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County,Bar Association for their service to their community, our profession, our state, and our country.

Sincerely, Charles T. Canady CTC/ps

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State of Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida COUNTIES OF ORANGE AND OSCEOLA ORANGE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 425 N. ORANGE AVENUE, SUITE 2010 ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32801 WWW.NINTHC1RCU1T.ORG

BELVIN PERRY, JR. CHIEF JUDGE

Jill Gay Judicial Assistant (407) 836-2008

February 7, 2011

Dear Members of the Bar, The current economic climate has created an increased need for legal services among the neediest in our community. Pro bono organizations have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of clients who need assistance. I would like to urge each of you to help manage this crisis by taking on a pro bono case. The One Campaign (one attorney, one client, one promise) has been launched to recruit additional lawyers to represent indigent clients.

The Florida Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct emphasize a lawyer’s professional responsibility to provide pro bono legal services. Rule 4-6.1 of the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct provides that: Each member of The Florida Bar in good standing, as part of the member’s professional responsibility, should (1) render pro bono legal services to the poor and (2) participate, to the extent possible, in other pro bono service activities that directly relate to the legal needs of the poor.

Rule 4-6.1 urges members of the Florida Bar to volunteer at least 20 hours of pro bono legal assistance to the poor or, alternatively, to make an annual contribution of at least $350 to a legal aid organization.

Unfortunately, the need for pro bono lawyers cannot be fixed by donations alone. The numerous legal aid and pro bono organizations around the state need many more volunteer attorneys to help and you are qualified to assist. I encourage you to participate in the One Campaign by taking just “One More” case. The contact information for local legal aid providers follows.

Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. 100 East Robinson Street Orlando, FL 32801-1694 Phone: 407-841-8310 Fax - General: 407-648-9240 Fax - Intake & Referral: 407-843-9713 Email: info@legalaidocba.org Website: www.1egalaidocba.org

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. Orlando Office 1036 West Amelia Street Orlando, FL 32805-1408 Phone: (407) 841-7777 Fax: (407) 246-1661 Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. Kissimmee Office 800 North Main Street Kissimmee, FL 34744-4564 Phone: (407) 847-0053 Fax: (407) 847-4866

I would like to thank the members of the legal community who have already volunteered to manage this overflow by taking on pro bono clients and encourage all those who have not yet volunteered to please consider taking on “just one more case.”

Sincerely,

Belvin Perry, Jr. Chief Judge

PAGE 24

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Legal Aid Society50th Anniversary Edition Florida Supreme Court Honors Orange County Attorneys The Florida Supreme Court, The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division (YLD) and the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association announced the attorneys who were recognized for their outstanding pro bono work. The annual project is funded by YLD and was established to encourage participation with local organized pro bono programs. This year those attorneys who contribute more than 100 hours will receive a personal letter from Chief Justice Charles T. Canady. All attorneys will receive a lapel pin modeled on the ONE campaign. ONE, www. onepromiseflorida.org, is a campaign launched to increase pro bono casework in Florida by the Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services. The letters from Chief Justice Canady and the pins are being mailed by Legal Aid to 333 attorneys who participated through Legal Aid. The number of hours are determined by cases closed and project hours during the period December 1, 2009, through November 18, 2010.

The attorneys recognized are listed below: MORE THAN 100 HOURS Adams, Christi R. Alexander, Edward R., Jr. Allen, Herbert L. Amos, Joseph L., Jr. Appleton, Michael J. Augspurger, Lisa J. Bellock Kristina Branham, Jeffry J. Colvin, R. Gregory Crews, Chadwick E. Cullen, Kim Michael Dietz, Robert Gangitano, James Gilchrist, Brian R. Grosshans, Joshua D. Haire, Michael T. Hamilton, John R. Jackson, Bonnie Jewell, Shawn T. Johnston, Abigail M. Korleski-Poindexter, Deborah S. Krause, Mitchel Lindquist, Sarah A. London, Brenda L. Lord, John S., Jr. Lorenz, Kimberly E. Magill, Patrick M. Manglardi, Michael McDonough, John R. Milbrath, Stephen D. Morlan, Harold E., II Morsch, Mark V. Moses, Jamie Billotte Nardi, Mary A. Schwartz, Jill S. Starr, Wayne Stucker, Susan V. Waranch, Michael S. Young, Thomas W. MORE THAN 20 HOURS Affleck, Sean M. Agranoff, Michael Aguilu, Felix T. Ahlers, Mark F. Allen, Gregory B. Alper, Jonathan Amigo, Andrea G.

Anderson, Victoria L. Angelini, Julie A. Antoine, Marc J. Ardaman, A. Kurt Arnold, Jennifer Rhiannon Aschenbrenner, Kate Auffant, James R. Ayers, Grady G. Barber, Bethanie A. Bartholomew, Krista M. Bartlett, Philip D., III Bartolomei, Matthew P. Bateman, Andrea Baumgardner, Theodore R. Baxa, Edmund T. Baxter, Richard D. Beaudine, Michael J. Bedell, Frank M. Bello-Billini, Angel M. Benitez, Alyssa N. Benjamin, Walter G. Benton, Alvin F. Bernbaum, Lee N. Betsher, Christopher G. Bishop, Randall B. Bittakis, Megan Lubozynski Blackwell, Bruce B. Bloom, Gwen B. Bogle, Richard B. Bonus, Phillip F. Boulden, John D. Brams, Craig L. Brehmer-Lanosa, Linda S. Brennan-Whynot, Sancha K. Brenner, Alana C. Brewer, Trevor K. Brown, Yvette Rodriguez Brown, Thomas Burruezo, Carlos J. Caldwell-Carr, Lori M. Callahan, Jane Dunlap Cannella, David E. Caro, Andrea Casoria, Edward, Jr. Cathcart, Christopher C. Certain, Arlisa Champagne, Martin J., Jr. Channel, Warren T. Chumley, J. Griffin

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Cocotas, Vivian P. Collins, David A. Conan, Mark Conner, John T. Conroy, Charles R. Consalo, Marc A. Conti, Anthony D., II Craddock, Jennifer G. Crichton, Carolyn S. Cruzada, Kristopher M. Cumming, S. Lynn D’Aniello, Phil A. Davey, Catherine E. Davis, William A., Jr. Dellecker, Robert H. Demers, Shawn L. De Petrillo, Mary Anne Desai, Tushaar V. DeVoe, Michael P. Diaz, Anthony J. Dierking, John Dirlam, Gary L. Dobrev, Cara M. Dominick, Julian K., Jr. Doppelt, Ava Drean, Robert E. Dreher, Salaam G. DuBois, Eric H. Ducker, Aubrey Harry Duncan, Erin F. Dunlap, Rosalyn Dunn, Deborah S. Edwards, Ted B. Egan, Thomas F. Eichenblatt, Steven S. Estes, Theodore D. Etzler , Mary Ann Ezzo, Elise Faddis, Eric H. Faddis, Tiffany M. Feinberg, Ryan Ferguson, Angela G. Fernandez, Ferman M. Fisher, Andrew M. Fitzgerald, Ashley L. Foels, Pamela L. Fox, Roberta J. Frank, Mitchell J. Frederick, Nickole E. Frey, Julia L. Frimmel, Deborah

Gabrielson, W. Scott Garcia, Ericka Geismar, Clifford J. Gergely, Lindsey C. Gibson, Bruce A., III Gibson, Michael Giordano-Gilden, Ann Marie Goerner, Donna M. Goldstein, Joseph I. Gordon, Charles E. Gorman, Andrew J. Graham, Claude R. Green, C. Douglas Grodin, James S. Gutierrez, Daniel Gutmacher, Jon H. Hall, Tenesia C. Hankins, Dana H. Hanque, Sultana L. Harne, Christopher M. Hart, James W. Hatch, Sarah R. Healy, Kimberly D. Hefferan, John R., Jr. Henderson, Donald R. Henson, James J. Hillary, Sunny A. Hillman, Randy E. Hirani, Meenakshi A. Hixson, Carrie L. Hobbs, Cheri L. Hoftiezer, Mary J. Holland, A. Daniel Horan, John Ingram, J. Charles Ioffredo, Glen J. Jackson, Blair T Jones, Barbara Francher Jones, Jeffrey Jourdean, E’Carl Joyce, John M. Kane, Meghan P. Katz, Emily R. Kelaher, James P. Kelaher, Neva M. Keller, Ingrid A. Kenny, Peter W. Kern, Sherry L. Kessel, Taylor C. Khoury, Susan

Killgore, Frank H., Jr. Kimbrough, Orman L., Jr. King, Samuel P. Krueger-Khan, Lisa A. Lambe, Jon L. Latham, Terese M. Leo, Tatiana Lewis, Charles E. Lewis, Harold D. Jr. Livingston, Scott A. Lockhart, Atheseus R. Longwell, Mark N. Lopez, Ana M. Lopez-Campillo, Juan C. Lore, Ginger R. Lowe, Michael A. Luther, Wade P. Luxenberg, Jerry S. Lynch, Brendan S. Mackinnon, R. Gavin Mahaffey, John D., Jr. Mangas, C. Lee, Jr. Markman, Jeremy K. Martinez, Keersten Heskin Martinez, Oneill C. Martin, Kristen K. Martin, Shantel T. Marx, T’anjuiming A. Maxwell, Kevin C. May, Willie G. McArthur, Sarah L. McCausland, Elizabeth F. McCormack, Sean P. McKinley, Katherine McMahon, Gregory P. Megale, Elizabeth B. Miller, Carlton D. Mitchell, Deborah I. Mooney, Thomas E. Moore, Joshua D. Moore, Thomas A. Morgan, Paul J. Morgeson, D. John, Jr. Morris, Michael E. Morris, Susan Scoville Morris, Wayne A. Moskowitz, Deborah L. Moss, Cary L. Munroe, Melissa D. Myers, Ernest J. O’Brien, Shannon M.

www.orangecountybar.org

Oden, Jon M. Ossinsky, Marc Owens, Gayle A. Paasch, Michael A. Pardy, Matthew D. Parker, Jessica M. Perez, Amy Lynn Petersen, Donald E. Pittenger, T. Todd Powers, Samantha R. Quarles, Patricia A. Rao, Bindu J. Rasch, Robert Raub, Gregory S. Real, Juan C. Regan, Jacquelynne Jordan Reid, Robert G. Resnick, Michael L. Rhodes-Cinami, Sonica J. Rice, Thomas S. Rigby, Barry W. Rigdon, Amy R. Roberge-Buonauro, Jessica C. Robinson, Eric D. Roby, Matthew H. Roby, Ronald H. Rodda, Dawn R. Rodriguez, Heather Pinder Romero-Craft, Kira Ruffier, William E. Rutberg, Gerald Sanders, Tristan W. Savitz, Patricia A. Scalo, Joseph Schafer, Justin P. Scherwin, Rachel E. Schiavo, Frank L. Schick, Beth S. Schlegel, Kenneth S. Schmer, Peter Schmidt, Juliana T. Schulte, J. Timothy Schwartz, Gary J. Sebreth, Camille Taylor Shipley, C. Eugene Shuey, Gordon A. Smith, Larry D. Smith-Mangan, Gladys D. Smith, Pamela J.

Snow, John T. Sookrajh, Kavita Stanley, Angela J. Steele, Andrew C. Stepter, Charles R. Stewart, Stephanie K. Swartwood, Gregory D. Tabakman, Matthew P. Tangel-Rodriguez, Ana Tate, George W., III Tavrides, Matthew A. Teruya, Mary H. Thatcher, Larri T. Thomas, Shayne A. Tomesko, Steven J. Toscano, James S. Toscano, Wendy Travis, Jessica A. Tucker, Catherine A. Tyson, Michael C. Uncapher, Kenneth R. Van Valkenburgh, Mark L. Veliz, David W. Wallace, Philip J. Walter, Robert J. Warren, Charlotte L. Webber, Richard B. II Webb, J. Williams.

Welch, Robert J., Jr. Wharton, Margaret A. White, Keith F. Wieland, Glen D. Williams, Margaret A. Willick, Scott R. Wolter, Robert L. Woody, Carlos L. Yergey, David A., Jr. Young, William B., Jr. Zobel, Hallie L.

PAGE 25

LASAsk Chuck

continued from page 7

bono requirement that works? His response: Most legal aid organizations start from the bottom as more of a grass-roots effort, and leadership needs to be convinced.

In contrast, the OCBA’s Legal Aid program was founded and continually supported by the bar’s leaders – people like Egerton K. van den Berg, Donald P. Dietrich, Francis V. Gay, Russell Troutman, Jim Seals and Gregory Presnell, to name only a few.

Now a long-time partner at Fishback, Dominick, Bennet, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers & Langley LLP, Chuck continues his pro bono efforts, along with other members of his firm. In fact, in 2009 the firm received the Chief Justice’s Law Firm Commendation in honor of its attorneys’ extensive pro bono work. Chuck has long dedicated himself to aiding our community through his service with Legal Aid and on state committees tasked with addressing issues regarding the delivery of legal services to those without financial means. He served as president of Legal Aid from 1982 to 1983; as treasurer of Legal Aid from 1979 to 1996 and from 1998 to date; as a member of The Florida Bar Foundation Legal Assistance to the Poor Grant Committee from 1989 to 1993 and from 1997 to 2001; as a member of the Joint Commission on Delivery of Legal Services to the Indigent in Florida from 1990 to 1992; as chairman of the 9th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono

Committee from 1998 to date; and as a member of The Florida Bar Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services from 2002 to date.

Chuck is the recipient of the Legal Aid Society J.C. “Jake” Stone Distinguished Service Award, and The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award. It should come as no surprise that rather than take credit for his efforts and these awards, Chuck instead credits his fellow attorneys, noting that a spirit of giving permeates Orange County and is part of our legal culture, making it possible for attorneys to excel in their pro bono efforts.

In the final moments of our interview, I asked what Chuck would recommend for new attorneys who wish to explore Legal Aid but are not sure how to begin. He suggested that they volunteer in the intake department for a couple of half days so they can see the people they will aid, and talk to staff attorneys and judges. Good advice, from one who knows. After all, though few of us may so thoroughly dedicate ourselves to pro bono work, we can all contribute to helping the citizens of Orange County obtain the legal services they need – one pro bono case, one family mediation, one AIDS project, one tax clinic, one homeless advocacy project, or one education panel at a time.

Sarah P. L. Reiner, an attorney with GrayRobinson, P.A., is a co-editor of The Briefs. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2002.

Dear John,

I heard that people tortured under the Egyptian government can file cases against Mubarak in the U.S. How can this be true?

—M. H., Key Largo

A: Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act, if a foreign defendant qualifies as a “Foreign State” under the FSIA, the Act provides immunity to suit in any state or federal U.S. Court unless a statutory exception to immunity applies.

Exceptions were added by amendment to the FSIA and updated in 2008 for torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage and hostage-taking.

Send your Dear John letter to DearJohn@LeightonLaw.com Include your name, or just initials, and city.

Serious Lawyers for Serious Cases.® Miami  Orlando LeightonLaw.com  888.395.0001

©2011 Leighton Law, P.A.

continued from page 10

of making sure everyone deserves equal access to justice and that justice should not be based on what one can afford to pay.

Cutting positions will force us to serve fewer and fewer children like Mary and the many, many other clients in need of legal assistance we serve every day. Please, help us maintain our attorney positions so we can continue serving thousands of children removed from their home.

Please contact Donna Haynes at 407-8418310 ext. 3150, make a donation through our website, or consider an in-kind donation. Now, more than ever, Legal Aid

but if she wasn’t, it was someone she barely knew that was comforting her. Albeit someone new, someone was there to comfort her, someone keeping her safe and secure. Kids are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to be. Raising my child is the best thing I’ve ever done, and it reminds me every day why the work we do as GALs is so important.

This is only one example of the type of staff person we are going to lose if Legal Aid does not get the funding necessary for these positions. This leaves the “Marys” of the world falling through the cracks.

In light of our 50-year celebration, let us remember the passion behind the mission

By John Elliott Leighton

The information in this column does not constitute legal advice. You should not take action based upon this information without consulting legal counsel. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon any single source of information, including this column.

LASWhat We Do... A Cry in the Dark

PAGE 26

Dear John,

www.orangecountybar.org

needs your help in keeping access to justice a reality in this community. For more information please visit our website www. legalaidocba.org.

Susan Khoury, Esq., is GAL program coordinator for the Legal Aid Society. She has been a member of the OCBA since 1988.

Donna A. Haynes is manager of development for the Legal Aid Society. She has been an OCBA member since 2008.

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

SideBar

Sunny Lim Hillary

I

t has been more than 135 years since J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day. He had a simple idea of setting aside a special day for planting trees. Although Florida Arbor Day is the third Friday in January, National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. You can celebrate National Arbor Day by planting a tree in your backyard, visiting a local park, or taking a nature hike!

Now, let’s see what the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers and the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association are doing in April.

CFAWL On April 2, 2011, members of the CFAWL Young Lawyers Committee and law students from the Women’s Lawyer Association of Barry Law School visited Harbor House of Central Florida, a domestic violence emergency shelter, to clean, paint, and redecorate the living room, children’s play room, and computer room.

Last year, Harbor House provided emergency shelter to more than 800 women and children. The

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

CFAWL Young Lawyers Committee will continue its donation drive for Harbor House throughout the spring and summer as it prepares for a second visit in the fall. For more information about Harbor House, please visit www. harborhousefl.com. For more information about this project, please contact the chair of the CFAWL Young Lawyers Committee, Megan Malec, at mwlmalec@gmail.com. Special thanks to everyone who made the first makeover visit a success!

GOAABA On March 22, 2011, GOAABA and Barry Law School co-hosted a Law Panel at Barry University.

Lawyers from different practice areas spoke about practicing law in the real world. This was a great opportunity for Barry Law School students to learn about how to transition from law school to the real world and how to apply their knowledge from the classroom to the courtroom and the law office.

Thank you to Angela Miller for organizing this rewarding event!

www.orangecountybar.org

Please mark your calendar for a Joint Social with GOAABA, HBACF, CFGLLA and Paul C. Perkins Bar to be held April 21, 2011. Details for this not-to-bemissed night of fun, food, and drinks are in the works. In the meantime, please contact Lisa Gong at lisa.x.gong@gmail.com or Felipe Guerrero at FGuerrero@deanmead.com for more information.

Finally, keep your eyes and ears open for an upcoming GOAABA CLE luncheon to be held in April 2011. For more information about attending or speaking at future CLE luncheons, please contact Wanda Reas at WReas@ znoskoreas.com.

If you want to find out more about any of the voluntary bar associations mentioned above, please call me at 407-272-5488, or email me at sunny@hillarylaw. com.

Sunny Lim Hillary, Hillary, P.A., has been a member of the OCBA since 2005.

PAGE 27

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PAGE 28

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

THE HEALTH LAW FIRM

MAIN OFFICE • 1101 DOUGLAS AVENUE • ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL 32714 TELEPHONE: (407) 331-6620 • (850) 439-1001 • TELEFAX: (407) 331-3030 BRANCH OFFICE • 37 N. ORANGE AVE., STE. 500 • ORLANDO, FL 32801 BRANCH OFFICE • 201 E. GOVERNMENT STREET • PENSACOLA, FL 32501 WEBSITES • WWW.THEHEALTHLAWFIRM.COM • WWW.HEALTHATTORNEYS.COM

REPRESENTATION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Available to accept referrals, consult or co-counsel on cases involving physicians, nurses, health professionals or health facilities. Referral fees paid in appropriate cases.

• Medicare/Medicaid Audit Defense

• Pain Management Clinic Representation

• Pain Management Physician Defense

• Medical Malpractice Defense

• DOH/AHCA Investigations

• Insurance Audit Defense

• ZPIC & RAC Audits

• Search Warrant Representation

• Administrative Hearings • Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Defense • Professional Licensing • Medical Board Cases • Subpoena Defense • Office Leases • National Practitioner Data Bank

GEORGE F. INDEST III, MICHAEL L. SMITH, J.D., R.R.T. J.D., M.P.A., LL.M. • Over 25 Years legal experience • LL.M. from George Washington University • Admitted in Florida, Louisiana and D.C. • Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Health Law

• • • • •

B.S., Nova Southeastern University J.D., Stetson Univ. College of Law Registered Respiratory Therapist Licensed in Florida Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Health Law

• Petitions for Waiver or Variance • Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) Defense • Utilization Review Defense • Preparation/Litigation of Physician Contracts • Nursing Board Cases

• Hospital Credentials Hearings

• Appeal of Emergency Suspension Orders (ESOS)

• Physician Contracts

• Corporations, LLC’s, Partnership and other Business Entities

• Partnership Dissolutions • Covenants not to Compete

• Sales/Purchases of Medical Practices

• Commercial Litigation

• Peer Review Defense

• Corporate Law

• Physican’s Personal Counsel

• Medicaid Appeal Hearings • Disciplinary Proceedings • Substance Abuse (PRN/IPN) • Appellate Practice

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

JOANNE KENNA, J.D., R.N. (ILL.) • J.D., Stetson Univ. College of Law • Diploma, St Anne’s Hospital School of Nursing • R.N., Illinois • Licensed in Florida

CHRISTOPHER E. BROWN • B.A., Coastal Carolina University • J.D., Barry University of Orlando, College of Law • Licensed in Florida • Member, American Health Lawyers Association

www.orangecountybar.org

• Opinion Letters • Complex Litigation • Medical Staff Bylaws

PAGE 29

The OCBA’s 7th Annual

Slingapours at 18 Wall Street in downtown Orlando Registration: 5:30 p.m. (tournament begins: 6:00 p.m.)

Look for your pals at Slingapours and enjoy free beer, food, and fast cards!

Individuals: ♣

Tournament registration fee: $25 per player in advance ($35 per player at the door)

♥

Admission only (non-player): $15 per person

Space is limited so RSVP before the event sells out!

RSVP to bill@thelawman.net.

For more information, contact Bill Umansky.

Sponsored by

PAGE 30

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Legal Aid Society50th Anniversary Edition Juan Lopez-Campillo

J

Vivian P. Cocotas

uan Lopez-Campillo knew he liked working with kids, so when he joined the OCBA in 1999, Teen Court seemed liked the ideal program for his pro bono service. Twelve years later, Juan is serving on the board of directors both for Teen Court and for Teen Alternatives, Inc., which raises funds for children involved in the Teen Court program. According to Juan, his long standing involvement with Teen Court stems purely from the satisfaction of “knowing that you are helping kids who have strayed and hopefully steering them out of the juvenile justice system.”

A very popular program amongst members of the OCBA and student volunteers, Teen Court diverts first-time misdemeanor offenders from Juvenile Court and expedites Juan Lopez-Campillo case resolution through the service of student volunteers trained by members of the OCBA and court personnel. Although the basics of Teen Court are familiar to many, Juan believes that the scholarship opportunities awarded by Teen Court also deserve some attention. Each year, Teen Court awards a four year college scholarship to a worthy

high school senior selected from students who have volunteered for Teen Court. Several stipends are also given to student volunteers to help defray the costs of college. These scholarships are made possible through the fund-raising efforts of Teen Alternatives.

The success of Teen Court is due in no small part to the many tireless volunteers like Juan Lopez-Campillo, who, day in and day out, devote their time to directly and positively impact the youth of our community. We thank Juan, along with the other members of the OCBA and Legal Aid Society, for their valuable service.

Juan C. Lopez-Campillo is a labor and employment attorney practicing in the Orlando office of Jackson Lewis LLP. He is a 2008 recipient of the Legal Aid Society’s Award of Excellence, a 2004 recipient of the Judge Thomas S. Kirk Founders Award, and has earned both the Orange County Teen Court Volunteer Award and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award multiple times for his volunteerism.

Vivian P. Cocotas, an attorney with Brown, Garganese, Weiss & D’Agresta, P.A., is a co-editor of The Briefs. She has been a member of the OCBA since 1990.

Upchurch Watson White and Max M EDIATION G ROUP is pleased to announce that

Richard P. Reinhart has been appointed to the firm's mediation panel. Richard brings to our distinguished panel his broad experience in complex business litigation, including contracts, real estate, construction, intellectual property, employment and housing discrimination.

As a shareholder in the Orlando firm of McMillen, Reinhart & Voght, Richard’s practice experience expanded to include professional negligence and serious personal injury. He has served as Special Magistrate for the Complex Business Case Division of the 9th Judicial Circuit since 2008, and is rated A/V by Martindale Hubbell.

rreinhart@uww-adr.com 800-863-1462

www.uww-adr.com

For Upchurch Watson White & Max, the road to resolution is well traveled.

DAYTONA BEACH

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

MAITLAND/ORLANDO

www.orangecountybar.org

MIAMI

BIRMINGHAM PAGE 31

LASCox and Mangum continued from page 7

warding and enriching experience as an attorney. The rewards that you get out of handling these types of cases will by far outweigh the time you spend.”

Mangum puts it more bluntly: “You gotta give back! I could argue with any of them,” he says of attorneys who say they don’t have time to do pro bono work. “You spend an hour with [a pro bono client], then it’s like any other case. It’s not changing your firm’s budget. If you just pay $350 and you’re done with it, it’s a disservice to the community.”

“You can buy your way out, but why?” Mangum says. “It doesn’t even cover a Legal Aid Society staff member’s salary for a week!”

Both Mangum and Cox agree that one more reason to give back is that the Legal Aid So-

PAGE 32

ciety is a great organization to volunteer with. “The Legal Aid Society is a very impressive organization. From everything I’ve seen, it’s a well-run operation and a benefit to all of the indigent community in Orange County,” says Cox. Mangum noted that the Legal Aid Society makes doing pro bono work easy, and stated that the “Legal Aid Society is doing such a tremendous job. They do whatever they can to get clients representation.”

Suzanne D. Meehle, attorney with The Meehle Law Firm, is an associate editor of The Briefs. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2006.

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Legal Aid Society Lunchtime Training for Pro Bono Attorneys April 26

July 26

October 18

111 North Magnolia Avenue

Making the Forever Family: Adoption Finalization in Dependency Cases (GAL topic) Speaker: Stephanie Stewart, Esq.

Suite 1000

May 10

August 9

November 1

Comerica Bank

Orlando, FL 32801

Advocacy Tools for Effective Representation in Unemployment Compensation Appeals Speaker: Sally McArthur, Esq.

The Basics of Special Education Law for Dependent Children Speaker: Bethanie Barber, Esq. Family Law Legislative Update Speaker: Angel Bello-Billini, Esq.

August 23

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

May 24

When Permanency isn’t Permanent: What to do when a Dependency Case Re-opens (GAL topic) Speaker: Sally McArthur, Esq.

The Foster Care System and Teen Parents (GAL topic) Speakers: Doris Mackey, GAL Case Coordinator Cara Dobrev, Esq.

Free Lunch

June 14

September 13

Training

Basic Dissolution of Marriage with Children for Pro Bono Attorneys Speaker: Angel Bello–Billini, Esq.

(Special two-hour training; limited enrollment for training available to attorneys not practicing family law who will accept referrals of DOM cases from Legal Aid. Focus on pleadings and initial filing issues.)

June 28

The New Kid in Town: An Introduction to CBC of Central Florida (GAL topic) Speaker: Cara Dobrev, Esq.

July 12

Defenses to Garnishment Speakers: Larri Thatcher, Esq. Michael Resnick, Esq.

Public Benefits Speaker: Edward Dimayuga, Esq.

September 27

Mental Health Disorders in Children (GAL topic) Speaker: Jennifer Schmidt, GAL Case Coordinator

October 4

Temporary Custody of Minor Children using Chapter 751 to obtain Custody by a Family Member: The Advantages, Limits and Practical Issues Speakers: William Davis, Esq. Catherine Tucker, Esq.

Children’s Developmental and Medical Issues and Services in Orange County (GAL topic) Speaker: Ericka Garcia, Esq. Landlord Tenant Law Update Speakers: Larri Thatcher, Esq. Michael Resnick, Esq.

December 6

Immigration Speaker: Charles Conroy, Esq.

CLE pending for all seminars Registration: For OCBA members, the training is free. For non-OCBA members participating in the LAS pro bono program, the training is free. Pre-registration is required for the free lunch and requested for training (or subject to space availability if not pre-registered).

Parking will be validated the day of training. LAS will not reimburse parking vouchers.

For more information, please contact Cathy Tucker at ctucker@legalaidocba.org; Marilyn Carbo at mcarbo@legalaidocba.org; or Michelle Erazmus at merazmus@legalaidocba.org.

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 33

Ne w M e m be rs

Regular

Adam A. HABA

Kendell ALI

State Attorney’s Office 415 N. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32802 407-839-1171 Michael P. BAUGHN

Lizotte and Baughn 5334 Central Florida Pkwy., #240 Orlando, FL 32821 407-982-7624 Stephen A. BLACK

Law Office of Stephen Black, P.A. 1999 W. Colonial Dr., Ste. 212 Orlando, FL 32804 407-581-2581 Carsandra D. BUIC

Roby and Roby Attorneys at Law, P.A. 201 W. Canton Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 407-647-8065 Deborah A. COOK

The Mediation Law Group PO Box 547536 Orlando, FL 32854 407-963-9856 Kevin DILG

Fishback Dominick 1947 Lee Rd. Winter Park, FL 32789 407-425-2786 Elias L. DSOUZA

Brown, Van Horn P.A. 501 N. Magnolia Ave., Ste. 10 Orlando, FL 32801 407-545-7515 Joy P. EWERTZ

The Law Offices of Joy P. Ewertz PO Box 547381 Orlando, FL 32854 407-956-4122 Jody L. FISHER

Law Office of Jody L. Fisher, P.A. 207 N. Hwy. 27, Ste. A Minneola, FL 34715 352-241-0391 Taylor F. FORD

King, Blackwell, Downs & Zehnder, P.A. 25 E. Pine St. Orlando, FL 32801 407-422-2472

PAGE 34

Kaufman, Englett, and Lynd, PLLC 111 N. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 407-513-1900 Allison F. HALL

Price Law Firm 390 Maitland Ave., #1000 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 407-834-0090 Roman HAMMES

Wolff, Hill, McFarlin & Herron, P.A. 1851 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32804 407-648-0058 Cheri L. HOBBS

The Divorce Center, P.A. 7635 Ashley Park Ct., Ste. 503 O Orlando, FL 32835 407-901-4507 Paul N. MASCIA

Mascia Law Firm, P.L. 605 E. Robinson St., Ste. 300 Orlando, FL 32801 321-283-5955 Philip F. MORING

McEwan, Martinez & Dulles, P.A. 108 E. Central Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32802 407-423-8571 Ronald C. NESBITT

Ronald C. Nesbitt, P.A. 511 W. South St., Ste.209 Orlando, FL 32805 407-803-1140 Rishmil PATEL

1515 Cristalli Ct. Orlando, FL 32828 407-242-8391 Del G. POTTER

Potter Clement and Lowry 308 E. Fifth Ave. Mt. Dora, FL 32757 352-383-4186 Charles W. PRICE

Price Law Firm 390 Maitland Ave., #1000 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 407-839-0090 Jonathan E. ROSE

Samaan & Rose, P.L. 337 N. Fern Creek Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 407-894-4555

William C. SLABAUGH

Nora H. HALL

Kenneth L. WILLIAMS

Laura M. KELLY

Affiliate

Justin LEISE

Calandrino Law Firm, P.A. 301 E. Pine St. Orlando, FL 32801 407-601-4905

Frank Y. LEUNG

Baez Law Firm 522 Simpson Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34744 407-705-2626

WinLaw, LLC 121 S. Orange Ave., Ste. 1500 Orlando, FL 32801 407-377-6380 Brittney A. BOGAN

Chris MERRILL

Olsen Law Group 2518 Edgewater Dr. Orando, FL 32804 407-423-5561 Deanna M. ROBINSON

Dean Mead Egerton Bloodworth, et al.

800 N. Magnolia Ave. Ste. 1500 Orlando, FL 32803 407-428-5126

Law Students

Shannon A. ALLEN

826 Lobelia Dr. Davenport, FL 33837 407-756-6156 Chris BAILEY

Barry University School of Law 6441 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32807 321-206-5600 Michael R. GIORDANO

Michael Giordano 1324 W. Arch Haven Ave. Apt. C Bloomington, IN 47403 843-422-2943 Jeffrey S. GITTO

116 N. Thornton Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 813-453-1794 Phil A. HAAS

Barry University School of Law 614 N. Eola Dr., Unit A Orlando, FL 32803 717-574-8728

www.orangecountybar.org

State Attorneys Office 415 N. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 407-836-2400 4455 S.W. 34th St. Apt. RR230 Gainesville, FL 32608-7582 407-925-2107 200 Cherry Hill Cir. Longwood, FL 32779 407-761-5846 3930 Cool Water Ct. Winter Park, FL 32792-8936 407-679-8213 Shawee SMITH

8033 Equitation Ct. Orlando, FL 32818 954-663-0682 Shauna J. THOMAS

Florida A&M University 201 Beggs Ave. Orlando, FL 32835 954-937-2325 Shannon E. TIMME

14249 Sports Club Way Orlando, FL 32837 407-288-7827 Vanessa A. TUTTLE

Barry University School of Law 6441 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32807 407-694-0295 Maureen E. WELCH

Barry University School of Law 614 N. Eola Dr., Unit A Orlando, FL 32803 817-939-9111 Daniel D. WHITEHOUSE

6144 12th Ave. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 352-536-9472

Paralegal Student Brian DIAZ

1239 Newcastle Dr. Orlando, FL 32806-1727 386-837-2386

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

The OCBA hosted a meeting of Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation program managers from throughout the state in February. Kim Homer (center), director of the OCBA’s RMFM program, facilitated the meeting.

G.B. McVay Voght

BANKRUPTCY • Ch 7, 13 & 11 FORECLOSURE DEFENSE BROWN, VAN HORN, P.A.

Lauren M. Freeman, Esq.

Attorney At Law Loan M odifications • Family Law • W e Sue Abusive Debt Collectors • Probate • Litigation • Credit Restoration 501 N. Magnolia Avenue, Suite10, Orlando, Florida 32801 24 Hour Hotline (407) 545-7515 www.BrownVanHorn.com FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

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Valuation & Litigation Services Business Valuations

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Forensic Accounting

Adam T. Magill, MBA, AVA, CBA 801 Magnolia Ave, Ste 304, Orlando, FL 32803 407-233-4180 / 407-233-4182 Fax

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

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New Associates Scott J. Edwards – Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Michael V. Hammond – Brown, Garganese, Weiss & D’Agresta, P.A.

New Shareholders James A. Edwards – Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Juliana Canales Schmidt – Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Ricki L. Whipple – Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe

Speaking Engagements Jim Edwards, a shareholder at Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, recently presented Admissibility of Social Network and InternetBased Evidence at the National Association of Railroad Counsel, Winter Meeting held February 2011 in Miami, Florida.

Scott Edwards, an associate at Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, recently presented The Use of Social Media & Networks in Jury Selection at the National Association of Railroad Counsel, Winter Meeting held February 2011 in Miami, Florida.

Miranda F. Fitzgerald, a partner at Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, served as a panelist at the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 27th annual Growth Management, Energy, Climate Change and the Environmental Short Course held on Feb. 22–24, 2011, in Orlando. The panel discussed growth management in the aftermath of Amendment 4.

Events Apr. 16 – OCBA Annual Gala in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Legal Aid Society. 6:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m., SunTrust Center, 200 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801.

May 12 – Texas Hold ‘Em Charity Poker Tournament. 5:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Slingapours, 18 Wall Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

Sponsored by M&I Bank.

May 18 – OCBA, LAS, YLS Officer Installation Banquet. 6:30 p.m.

The Ballroom at Church Street.

Seminars Apr. 1 – Food for Thought seminar. Paralegal Section. 11:30 a.m.1:00 p.m. OCBA. Contact: Amy Guy at 407-601-4905.

Apr. 6 – Criminal Law Committee Seminar. Details TBA. Contact: mariew@ocbanet.org.

Apr. 8 – Rule 2.420 Concerning the Redaction of Confidential Information. Judicial Relations Committee. 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

OCBA Center. CLE: 2.0 Speakers: Lawrence Kolin, Judy Mercier.

Refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by: Boehm & Boehm, Forensic Media Consulting and Litchford & Christopher, P.A. Contact: mariew@ocbanet.org.

Apr. 14 – Summary Judgments: Keys to Preparing and Arguing.

Brown Bag Lunch with Judge John M. Kest. 12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m.

Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Judicial Conference Room. CLE: 1.5. Free. Contact: Diane Iacone at 407-836-0443 or ctjadi1@ocnjcc.org.

Apr. 15 – Get to Know Judge Jenifer Davis. Family Law Committee. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA. Contact: mariew@ ocbanet.org.

Apr. 20 – Practical Aspects of Construction Scheduling.

Construction Law Committee. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE pending. Free. Speakers: Caesar A. Gomez and Angelo Candes. Contact: mariew@ocbanet.org.

Apr. 26 – Basics of Estate Planning. Solo & Small Firm Committee. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA. CLE: 1.0. Free. Speaker: Hallie Zobel. Contact: mariew@ocbanet.org.

Apr. 26 – Making the Forever Family: Adoption Finalization in Dependency Cases. LAS Lunchtime Training (GAL topic). 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Comerica Bank. Free for members. CLE pending.

Stephanie Stewart, Attorney. Contact: ctucker@legalaidocba. org; mcarbo@legalaidocba.org.

Apr. 30 – The Florida Bar Young Lawyer Division Roundtable with the Federal Judiciary at the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Conference.

8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. CLE: 2.0 (includes 2.0 professionalism). Panelists: Judges Joel Dubina; John Antoon, II; David A. Baker; Richard W. Story; Caryl E. Delano. Fee: $100. See OCBA website calendar for registration link.

May 4 – Jimmy Rice in a Nutshell. Criminal Law Committee.

12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 1.0 pending. Speaker: Kimberly J. Mann. Contact: mariew@ocbanet.org.

May 5 – Florida Commercial Real Estate Receiverships. Business Law Committee. 11:00 a.m. -2:30 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 3.5.

Fee: $25. Speakers: Christopher Pace; Ray Sandelli; Bill Moss, Sr.; Donald Kirk; Lacey Willard. Lunch will be provided. Contact: mariew@ocbanet.org.

May 5 – Brown Bag Lunch with Judge John M. Kest. Topic: TBA. 12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Judicial Conference Room. CLE: 1.5. Free. Contact: Diane Iacone at 407-836-0443 or ctjadi1@ocnjcc.org.

May 10 – Advocacy Tools for Effective Representation in Unemployment Compensation Appeals. LAS Lunchtime Training (GAL topic). 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Comerica Bank. Free for members. CLE pending. Speaker: Sally McArthur, Attorney.

Contact: ctucker@legalaidocba.org; mcarbo@legalaidocba.org.

May 18 – Insurance Issues in Catastrophes: Deepwater Horizon as One Example. Insurance Law Committee. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

OCBA Center. CLE: 8.5 (including 2.5 ethics). Guest Speaker: Charles Wells, former Justice Florida Supreme Court. Fee: $35 advance; $45 after May 11. Lunch sponsored by Curtis Protective Service. Contact: mariew@ocbanet.org.

May 24 – When Permanency Isn’t Permanent: What to Do when a Dependency Case Re-Opens. LAS Lunchtime Training (GAL topic). 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Comerica Bank. Free for members.

CLE pending. Stephanie Stewart, Attorney. Contact: ctucker@ legalaidocba.org; mcarbo@legalaidocba.org.

Apr. 14 – Types of Tests to Document Limitations Caused by Common Mental Problems. Social Security Committee. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 1.0. Speaker: Jacquelyn Olander, Ph.D. Contact: mariew@ocbanet.org.

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

Howard Marsee

HONEYWELL MEDIATION & Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Services

Does your mediator keep trying after your mediation has failed?

Upon the effort begun during mediation, a large number of mediations can be resolved after formal mediation has concluded. If you can’t resolve your matter initially, your mediator can use post-mediation opportunities to find a prior-missed resolution.

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Allen & Murphy, P.A. Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. Amy E. Goodblatt, P.A. Anthony-Smith Law, P.A. Billings, Morgan & Boatwright, LLC Bodiford Law Group Bonus McCabe Law Firm Bull and Associates, P.A. Burr & Forman LLP Calandrino Law Firm, P.A. Carr Law Firm, P.A. Carsten & Ladan, P.A Chaires, Brooderson & Guerrero, P.L. Cohen Battisti, Attorneys at Law DeCiccio & Johnson Dellecker Wilson King McKenna & Ruffier, LLP Dempsey & Associates Dewitt Law Firm, P.A. Diaz Law Earle & Smith Trial Attorneys Englert, Leite & Martin, P.L. Faddis & Faddis, P.A. Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardman, Ahlers & Langley, LLP Fisher, Rushmer, Werrenrath, Dickson, Talley & Dunlap, P.A Giles & Robinson, P.A. Gregory S. Martin & Associates, P.A. Harris, Harris, Bauerle & Sharma Hilyard, Bogan & Palmer, P.A. Innes Law Firm James H. Monroe, P.A. Jill S. Schwartz & Associates, P.A. King, Blackwell, Downs & Zehnder, P.A. Kirkconnell, Lindsey, Snure, & Ponall, P.A. Korshak & Associates, P.A. Kosto & Rotella, P.A. Law Office of Frank P. Remsen, P.A. Law Offices of Blair T. Jackson, P.A. Law Offices of Neal T. McShane, P.A. Law Offices of Walter F. Benanati Credit Attorney, P.A. Legal Aid Society of the OCBA Lewis & Crichton, Attorneys at Law Marcus & Myers, P.A. Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, P.A. McElyea & Barnard, P.A.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps McMillen Law Firm, P.A. Michael R. Walsh, P.A. Mooney Colvin, P.L. Murrah, Doyle and Wigle, P.A. N. Diane Holmes, P.A. Neduchal & MaGee, P.A. Ossinsky & Cathcart, P.A. Page, Eichenblatt, Bernbaum & Bennett, P.A. Ringer Henry Buckley & Seacord, PA Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A. Sawyer & Sawyer, PA SeifertMiller, LLC Southern Trial Counsel, PLC Stovash, Case & Tingley, P.A. Tangel-Rodriguez & Associates The Aikin Family Law Group The Brennan Law Firm The Carlyle Appellate Law Firm The Draves Law Firm, P.A. The Law Office of Frank A. Hamner, P.A. The Law Offices of Terry L. Bledsoe, P.A. The Marks Law Firm, P.A. The McMahon Law Group, P.A. The Morsch Law Group The Rosenthal Law Firm, P.A. The Skambis Law Firm Troutman, Williams, Irvin, Green, Helms, Polich & Hemphill P.A. Vose Law Firm, LLC Warner + Warner, P.L. Weiss, Grunor & Weiss West, Green & Associates, P.L. Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, McCoy & Ford, P.A. William G. Osborne, P.A. Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A Wolff, Hill, McFarlin & Herron, P.A. Wooten, Kimbrough and Normand, P.A. Yergey and Yergey, P.A.

Congratulations to Members of the OCBA’s 100% Club Is your firm part of the 100% Club? Firms with two or more attorneys and 100% membership in the OCBA can belong! If you believe your firm is eligible, please call the Membership Department at 407-422-4551, ext. 225.

Tired? Stressed out? Not feeling on top of your practice?

Talk with someone who’s been there.

Suellen Fagin-Allen, JD, LMHC Attorney since 1986/Licensed Mental Health Counselor (407) 242-2956 – Suellen@CounselingFL.com 1417 N. Semoran Blvd., Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32807 Depression – Anxiety – Substance Abuse – Work/Life Balance PAGE 38

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

CLASSIFIED ADS EMPLOYMENT FOR HIRE – JIM KURITZ – Hearing Officer (Retired) Consultation for DUI and Drivers’ License Suspensions Preparation of DHSMV Hearings To Your Specifications Call: 407-889-0904 for details. Discounts Available. hearingofficer2001@ earthlink.net LITIGATION ASSOCIATE – AV rated Insurance Defense firm seeking attorney for Orlando office. 0 to 2 yrs experience. Must have Florida Bar License. Send resume with salary requirements to Pamela McBride, Bobo, Ciotoli mcbride@bobolaw.com SMALL AV RATED CORPORATE, REAL ESTATE FIRM seeks experienced attorney as a firm member capable of handling sophisticated work to add to your existing practice. Send resume in confidence to jerry@johnpierce.com.

“AV” RATED CIVIL LITIGATION FIRM seeking litigation attorneys for our Orlando office. Minimum 5 years litigation experience. Strong advocacy skills required. We offer competitive salary, plus comprehensive benefits package.

Send resume to: Hiring Partner, Ogden, Sullivan & O’Connor, PA, 113 S. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609, or to cbostic@ogdensullivan.com SPECIALTY DEFENSE FIRM handling first party property/liability coverage issues and complex contractual/ tort litigation seeks attorneys with 3-5 and 5-10 years litigation experience for its Maitland office. Insurance defense experience preferred. Fax/Mail resume to: Office Manager (407) 647-9966, The Rock Law Group, P.A., 1760 Fennell St., Maitland, Florida 32751 ORLANDO FIRM SEEKS BILINGUAL ATTORNEY with 2-4 years experienced personal injury attorney for our trial team. Outstanding opportunity to join growing dynamic firm with excellent benefits and compensation package. Send resume in confidence to reply box 701.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO AV RATED FIRM seeks attorney with 2 years commercial litigation experience.

Great work environment and excellent benefit package. Send resume in confidence to Administrator, P.O. Box 3388, Orlando, Florida 32802-3388

to jholt@southmilhausen.com or via facsimile to (407)539-2679

O F F I C E S PAC E SHARED DOWNTOWN ATTORNEY OFFICE AVAILABLE-one office in shared suite. Full service including receptionist, copy machine, fax machine, conference rooms, telephone, long distance, etc. $795 per month/ negotiable. Call Cori at 407-956-1000.

SHARE NEWLY RENOVATED OFFICE DOWNTOWN Class A Bldg. - Covered Parking - Conference Room - All Facilities Included. Please contact Eddie Reiss at 407-447-5884 or emrholdings@aol.com.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO LAW FIRM- Space Share: Large luxury offices with 2 to 4 paralegal stations, best views, telephone service (including LD), DS3 internet, copier, fax, 3 conference rooms, network, receptionist, kitchen, and parking included. (407) 425-5775 HISTORIC BUILDING DOWNTOWN ...on Lake Lucerne... shared office space available. Good parking... contact Bsantiago@ floridalawonline.com

O F F I C E S PAC E FOR SALE/RENT/ LEASE OFFICE BLDG FOR SALE / LEASE: Near intersection of Kaley & Ferncreek Ave. Convenient to Downtown &/or Juvenile Ct. on Michigan St. 1600 sq. ft. Open floor plan with separate executive office and conference room. Recently renovated and ready for occupancy. Call John @ (407) 222-6712 LAW OFFICE AVAILABLE; private, second floor suite, approximately 1000 square feet overlooking Lake Ivanhoe. Available immediately. Ample parking; contact: david@yergeylaw.com; 407-843-0430 office; 407-247-8756 cell. David Yergey, Jr. is an OCBA member VIRTUAL OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE-convenient downtown location. Full service including receptionist, mail service, conference rooms, fax machine, copy machine, etc. Package rates available-customize

To reply to BRIEFS box number, address as follows: Briefs Reply Box # _____ c/o Orange County Bar Association, P.O. Box 530085 • Orlando, FL 32853-0085

according to your needs. Call Cori at 407-956-1000 for pricing and more details.

and secretarial space. Monthly lease. $1000 – Call Becki at 407-481-2888. www.BumbyOffices.com

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE FOR RENT. Approximately 1,537 sq ft., with furniture, phone system, receptionist area and 4 window offices, 2 large enough for attorneys and 2 for paralegals. Attorneys preferred. Please contact Denise Singler at 407-578-1334 or e-mail denise@boginmunns.com.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

OFFICE SPACE IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO FOR RENT All-Inclusive, Fully Furnished Office For Rent. Includes, Receptionist, Phone, Internet, Conference Rooms, Parking, Beverages, Kitchen. Please call Angela at 407-447-1919 for Details. www.bizhubclub.com OFFICE BUILDING/SPACE: DOWNTOWN - Completely Renovated and Upgraded Old TwoStory House (Circa 1919), Hardwood Floors/Wood Trim, parking - MUST SEE. (407)648-1500 INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE in small established law firm in Maitland for sublease.

Printers, copier, fax and internet included. Conference room. Free on-site parking. Potential for shared receptionist. $800.00 per month.

Available immediately. Contact Theresa Strickland 407-622-6544 DOWNTOWN OFFICE LEASE 1000 Sq Ft $1200.00/mo, Colonialtown South, Stand alone, plenty of parking, 407-895-7557 OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT DOWNTOWN! Two single offices for rent in 2300 ft2 law office. Basic furniture, telephone, internet and utilities included. Free parking.

Conveniently located downtown, walking distance to courthouse! Call Karlyn Hylton at 407-802-3223 to inquire.

ATTORNEYS PHOTOS SPECIALS - Now is the time to Update your professional bio Photos.

Our exclusive Digital Slimming and Digital Make-up makes your new photo the best ever 407-240-4954 Orlandophotographer.com/attorneys APPELLATE BRIEF WRITING – both civil and criminal. Competitive rates. Contact Katharine Ballingrud. khballin@gmail.com; (407) 514-2621.

THE LEGAL MEDICINE GROUP - “Excellence in Medical Records PreScreening Reviews and Affidavits”. * Litigation Support Services * All Board Certified Reviewers and Expert Witness * Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Product Liability * 407-790-4080 legalmedicinegroup@yahoo.com www. legalmedicinegroup.com AFFORDABLE PRE-TRIAL FOCUS GROUPS - Focus groups help attorneys develop a compelling theme; identify memorable catch phrases which can sum up your case; allow you to listen to “real people” discussing the elements of the case; and help in jury selection—At half the price of mock trials. Contact The Kitchens Group 407-622-0210; www. thekitchensgroup.com.

MISCELLANEOUS SEEKING ATTORNEY WHO PREPARED WILL for Norman Peterzell, Orlando, between 2008-2010.

If you or someone you know prepared the will, contact James Peterzell at 678416-6060 or jpeterzell@yahoo.com.

DOWNTOWN – NEAR COURTHOUSE - Elegantly restored historic building on the corner of E. Pine and Court Street. Offices for 1-6 attorneys and staff. Share receptionist, conference rooms, etc. 407-426-2060 or tmhoepker@yahoo.com FURNISHED SUITES – near downtown, free-standing bldg w/ dedicated parking, includes phone, Internet, utilities, conf room, lobby area

EXPERIENCED COMMERCIAL LITIGATION PARALEGAL NEEDED for very busy downtown Orlando law firm with growing commercial litigation practice.

Foreclosure, construction litigation, and title claims litigation experience is a plus. Must be able to draft some pleadings and have a pro-active attitude toward work assignments. Great work environment and competitive salary and benefits. Send resume in confidence

theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

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OCBA Calendar MAY - JUNE 2011

April

Paralegal Section 1 Food for Thought Seminar 11:30 a.m. • Bar Center

Business Law Committee 6 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Criminal Law Committee Seminar 12:00 p.m. ∙ Bar Center

Family Law Executive Committee 8 11:45 a.m. • Houlihan’s

Law Week Luncheon Thursday, April 21, 2011

RSVP by Friday, April 15, 2011 to: reser vations@ocbanet.org

LAS Lunchtime Training (GAL topic)

Making the Forever Family: Adoption Finalization in Dependency Cases 12:00 p.m. • Comerica Bank

Texas Hold ’Em Charity Poker Tournament 5:30 p.m. • Slingapours Sponsored by M&I Bank

Appellate Law Committe 27

12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Family Law Executive Committee 13 11:45 a.m. • Houlihan’s

Labor & Employment Committee 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Workers’ Compensation Committee 11:45 a.m. • Smokey Bones

YLS Luncheon 28 12:00 p.m. • University Club Bankrptcy Law Committee 29 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center Florida Bar YLD 30 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Workers’ Compensation Committee 11:45 a.m. • Smokey Bones

Judicial Relations Committee

Rule 2.420 Concerning the Redaction of Confidential Information 2:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Elder Law Committee 16 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center Professionalism Committee 17 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center Insurance Law Seminar 18 Insurance Issues in Catastrophes

Roundtable with Federal Judiciary at the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Conference

8:30 a.m. • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel

Guardianship Committee 1 3 Estate, 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

8:30 a.m. • Bar Center

Construction Law Committee 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

OCBA Officer Installation Banquet 6:30 p.m. • The Ballroom at Church Street

Executive Council Meeting 4:30 p.m. • Bar Center

May Bag Lunch with Judge J.M. Kest 1 4 Brown Summary Judgments: Keys to Preparing Criminal Law Committee Seminar and Arguing 4 Jimmy Rice in a Nutshell

12:00 p.m. • Courthouse

YLS Luncheon 19 12:00 p.m.• TBA Family Law Committee 20

12:00 p.m. • Bar Center Solo & Small Firm Committee 24

12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

23rd Flr. Judicial Conference Rm.

Business Law Committee Seminar 5

Florida Commercial Real Estate

Real Property Law Committee

12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Receiverships 10:30 a.m. • Bar Center

Social Security Committee 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

LAS Lunchtime Training (GAL topic) When Permanency Isn’t Permanent: What to Do when a Dependency Case Re-Opens 12:00 p.m. • Comerica Bank

Brown Bag Lunch with Judge J.M. Kest Topic TBA 12:00 p.m. • Courthouse 23rd Flr. Judicial Conference Rm.

15

Family Law Committee Seminar

Get to Know Judge Jenifer Davis

12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Appellate Law Committee 25 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Intellectual Property Committee 10 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

OCBA Annual Gala 16 Celebrating LAS 50 Anniversary th

6:30 p.m. • SunTrust Center, Downtown Professionalism Committee 12:00 p.m. ∙ Bar Center

LAS Lunchtime Training

Advocacy Tools for Effective Representation in Unemployment Compensation Appeals

12:00 p.m. • Comerica Bank

Elder Law Committee 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Judicial Relations Committee 12:15 p.m. • Courthouse 21st Flr. Conference Rm.

Labor & Employment Committee 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

Bankruptcy Law Committee 27 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

19 Construction Law Committee Seminar Estate, Guardianship Committee 20

Practical Aspects of Construction Scheduling 11 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

12:00 p.m. • Bar Center OCBA Luncheon 21

Law Week

Executive Council Meeting 4:30 p.m. • Bar Center

11:30 a.m. • Church Street Ballroom

Real Property Committee Seminar Criminal Law Committee 12

12:00 p.m. • Bar Center 22

12:00 p.m. • Courthouse Jury Assembly Rm. Social Security Committee Solo & Small Firm Seminar 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center 26 Basics of Estate Planning 12:00 p.m. • Bar Center

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theBriefs April 2011 Vol. 79 No. 4

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