Voluntary BarNews

School may be out for the summer, but our voluntary bar associations continue to be hard at work.

The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers

On May 6, 2023, The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers hosted their first blacktie gala, the Spotlight Soiree: A Night of Old Hollywood Glamour. The event was held at the historic Woman’s Club of Winter Park. This glamorous evening celebrated the end of CFAWL’s 2022-2023 year under the leadership of Lauren Millcarek. In addition to all the fun, history was made as Nequosha Anderson was sworn in as the first female black president for CFAWL.

Then on May 5, 2023, CFAWL hosted their monthly luncheon at the Citrus Club featuring Orange County Bar Association President Karen Persis. On May 13, 2023, CFAWL partnered with the Orange County Bar Associations Young Lawyers Section (YLS) for their annual volunteer opportunity at Great Oaks Village. On May 27, 2023, the Honorable Andrew Bain and his lovely bride hosted a CFAWL Table for 8 with a traditional seafood boil. Finally on June 2, 2023, CFAWL hosted their final monthly luncheon of the 2022-2023 year at the Citrus Club. The featured speaker was the Honorable Lisa Munyon.

The Federal Bar Association Orlando Chapter

The Orlando Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) wishes to congratulate the winners of their Inaugural Young Attorney Moot Court Competition. Congratulations to Semi-Finalists Ava Sigman and Cheyenne Lewis; Finalist Justin Delise; and Champion Audrey Gangloff. The FBA wishes to thank: everyone who competed in this year’s program, all the volunteers who assisted in preparing and judging rounds, the U.S. District Court for providing facilities, and Barry Law School for creating a one-of-a-kind fact pattern.

The FBA also hosted an Introduction to Bankruptcy Lunch and Learn on May 12, 2023 with Judge Lori. V. Vaughan, United States Bankruptcy Judge. The FBA hosts monthly programming at the Federal Courthouse, and all are welcome to come learn. In addition, FBA teamed up with the Federal Courthouse and hosted students from Florida A&M University College of Law. Students toured the courthouse and were able to meet our judges and courtroom staff.

The Paul CA Perkins Bar Association

On May 23, 2023, The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) recently hosted an Estate Planning Clinic at the Winter Park Li- brary. During this event, speakers discussed the importance of a will, the difference between a will versus a trust, and so much more. Community residents also had the opportunity to present questions to the speakers as they prepared for their estate planning journey. PCPBA extends a special thank you to their speakers: Camara Williams, Esq., Laurore Jean-Pierre, Esq. and Andre Young, Esq.

Then on May 24, 2023, PCPBA hosted their last general body meeting of the year. PCPBA wishes to thank their speaker Ms. Kerry Kathleen Heaps who shared relevant insight regarding body language basics: reading & interpreting movement, confidence v. discomfort gestures, positive and negative evaluations, eye contact, posture and the significance of color in wardrobe. Attendees received CLE credit and were able to take away some golden nuggets for trial, mediation and jury selection preparation.

The Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association

On May 11, 2023 the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA) hosted a member appreciation happy hour at Mathers Social Gathering. Then on May 25, 2023, GOAABA hosted an Asian Fusion Night at Hawkers.

The Central Florida Gay and Lesbian Law Association

The Central Florida Gay and Lesbian Law Association held a joint Karaoke night with GOAABA on April 29, 2023 at Orlando OBT Karaoke.

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