Issuu

A Publication of the Orange County

Bar Association

Inside this Issue: Presidentâ€™s Message Excited! Anthony F. Sos, Esq.

June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

Professionalism Committee Remarks Upon Receipt of the Orange County Bar Association 2019 Lawrence G. Mathews, Jr. Young Lawyer Professionalism Award Ryan Williams, Esq.

2019 OCBA Law Week Luncheon Family Law Committee Roommate or Romantic Partner? Lauren M. Ilvento, Esq., B.C.S. Erin F. Duncan, Esq.

Recipient of The Florida Bar Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism 2016 Group Professionalism Award

JUMP START YOUR CAREER New Lawyer Training Program 2019 August 16 & 17, 2019 Presented by the Orange County Bar Association

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SERIOUS INJURIES. PROVEN RESULTS. MEDICAL MALPRACTICE | WRONGFUL DEATH | PERSONAL INJURY Orlando 407 841 9866 theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

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Fort Lauderdale 954 523 9922

PAGE 1

the Briefs

Contents 3

President’s Message Excited! Anthony F. Sos, Esq.

Editor Kate T. Hollis

Member Perks

Associate Editors Karen L. Middlekauff & Robyn M. Kramer

Paralegal Post Warning Signs of Mental Illness Sandra Cumper, MS Bruce A. Blitman, Esq.

Clerk’s Corner Connecting with the Clerk’s Office Just Got Easier Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq.

Hearsay Columnist Linnea M. Eberhart YLS on the Move Heather M. Meglino

Chief’s Column A Legacy of Judicial Advocacy The Honorable Frederick J. Lauten

Professionalism Committee Remarks Upon Receipt of the Orange County Bar Association 2019 Lawrence G. Mathews, Jr. Young Lawyer Professionalism Award Ryan Williams, Esq.

Civil Rights Committee Favoritism or Discrimination? Paul L. Sutherland III, Esq.

Legal Aid Society What We Do... The Importance of Continuity While in Care Coravious Cowart, Esq.

SideBar Alena V. Baker

w OFFICERS Anthony F. Sos, President LaShawnda K. Jackson, President-elect Eric C. Reed, Treasurer Karen L. Persis, Secretary

Legal Aid Society News Short-Term or Long-Term, Volunteers Make a Difference Sarah L. “Sally” McArthur, Esq.

w EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Jared A. Brooks Euribiades Cerrud, II Keshara D. Cowans Amber N. Davis Arti A. Hirani Kate T. Hollis Kristopher J. Kest Fermin Lopez Gary S. Salzman Jessica A. Travis William D. Umansky M. Ryan Williams Richard S. Dellinger, Ex-officio C. Andrew Roy, YLS President

Legal Aid Society GAL Teaching Tips Asked and Answered: A Brief Guide for Assisting Caregivers with DependencyRelated Questions Jonathan H. Neyer, Esq.

Family Law Committee Roommate or Romantic Partner? Lauren M. Ilvento, Esq., B.C.S. Erin F. Duncan, Esq.

Special Feature Getting to Know Central Florida’s Voluntary Bars Ani Rodriguez-Newbern, Esq. Jill C. Davis, Esq.

YLS on the Move Heather M. Meglino, Esq.

7th Annual Central Florida Diversity & Inclusion Picnic

New Members

19-21

Past President’s Dinner

w EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jenny Brown w Advertising & Sponsorship Manager Joan Giovanni w Publication Services Peggy Storch

Announcements

OCBA Law Week Luncheon OCBA LAWn Day

Classifieds Calendar

OCBA Charity Poker Tournament

880 North Orange Avenue • Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 422-4551 • Fax (407) 843-3470 www.orangecountybar.org Legal Aid Society 407-841-8310 Citizen Dispute 407-423-5732 Family Law Mediation 407-423-5732 Lawyer Referral Service 407-422-4537 Orange County Foreclosure Mediation 407-515-4330 Young Lawyers Section 407-422-4551

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Advertising – 10th of the month prior to the month of publication Copy – 15th of the month six weeks prior to the month of publication If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day. Publication of advertising herein does not imply any endorsement of any product, service, or opinion advertised. The opinions and conclusions, including legal opinions and conclusions contained 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. All contents ©2019 Orange County Bar Association. All rights reserved. Designer: Catherine E. Hébert Cover photo: Adobe Stock ISSN 1947-3968

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theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

President’sMessage

June 2019 I

Anthony F. Sos, Esq.

Jennifer Brown

Excited!

am very excited about the upcoming bar year. The opportunity to write this message and serve as the Orange County Bar Association president is an absolute honor and privilege. Having been born and raised in Minnesota, as a firstgeneration American and the first attorney in my family, where I am the youngest of four children, serving as the president of the OCBA was not on my radar growing up or when I was a younger lawyer. I am mindful of the great presidents who have served before me, and I hope to build on the incredible work they have done for the bar. On that note, I want to take a moment to specifically congratulate Richard Dellinger on an excellent past year. Here is what I know for certain about the upcoming year. We have a dedicated Executive Council, and we will work very hard to properly represent the interest of our members. Vision for the Coming Year Leading up to this year, many people have asked what my vision is as president of the OCBA. My mind continues to return to the same thought: The bar is here to provide opportunities to enhance your practice and, in turn, hopefully, help make your lives better. As attorneys, we are often tasked to help clients who are dealing with emotionally charged situations. As I once heard from past president extraordinaire, Liz McCausland, there is, indeed, such a thing as compassion fatigue. Lawyering can be a very stressful profession. We often have demanding clients, demanding schedules, and overall just demanding pressures. To combat these daunting burdens, the bar will be mindful to provide a variety of social, networking, and educational events, as well as community outreach programs and charitable opportunities. I hope to continue many Colton and Hudson of our wonderful programs while maintaining a sharp focus on the changes happening in our profession so that we can continue to deliver exceptional benefits to our members.

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Changes at the OCBA Speaking of change, everyone always says that your year as president will never go as planned. They say things will happen during your year that will require you to change course. So, I was ready. I was expecting the unexpected, but I had no idea these changes would occur on my first day. As you all know by now, Kim Homer resigned as executive director of the OCBA. We are sad to see her leave the bar. She is passionate, bright, trustworthy, and a great human being. I will miss working with her very much. Welcome Jennifer Brown Thankfully, with Richard Dellinger at the helm of our search committee for a new executive director, we hired a very talented replacement, Jenny Brown. I am dedicating a portion of this “President’s Message” to sharing a short Q&A session I had with her at my office one early Friday morning before she officially started. Let’s get to know Jenny and welcome her with open arms. Tell us about yourself! If I were to describe myself, I’d say I’m very driven and hardworking, but I often balance that with plenty of humor and fun. I think at the end of the day we’re all humans before we’re workers, and humor allows you to connect with people in more meaningful ways. I’m also passionate about working for a cause, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to the OCBA and all the wonderful work being done through the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Boise, Idaho. It’s beautiful and offered easy access to the great outdoors and all that comes with it. Lots of hiking, rafting, and camping. A kid’s dream, really! What is the biggest difference between Idaho and Florida, besides the weather? The thing I most appreciate about Central Florida (other than the lack of snow, of course) is that it’s rare to find someone who is originally from the area. Because of that, you have the pleasure of getting to know people from a wider variety of backgrounds here. There is also a much broader assortment of entertainment and restaurant options. And, no one consistently mistakes our state for another state (i.e., Idaho, not Iowa). Tell us about your family. I’m happily married to my college sweetheart, Scott. We have two boys, Colton (5) and Hudson (2). continued page 14

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Clerk’sCorner

T Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. Orange County Clerk of Courts

Connecting with the Clerk’s Office Just Got Easier

he Orange County Clerk of Courts is always looking for ways to continue to leverage technology to improve our customer’s experience. To that end, we are pleased to announce that contacting our office online is now better, easier, and more streamlined. The form on the “Contact Us” page of our website has been upgraded. The new system will provide better routing of questions, concerns, and requests to make sure inquiries go to the appropriate division faster. In addition, the contact form itself has been revamped and improved. Customers will receive an email confirmation when a ticket is opened or closed related to their

inquiry. Those who wish to create an account through our system can keep an eye on the status of their requests in real time. The new system went live in late April, and all inquiries have been going through the new system. We hope this new feature will enhance our customers’ experience interacting with the Clerk’s Office and make it even easier to do business with us. Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq., Orange County Clerk of Courts, has been a member of the OCBA since 2004.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

It’s Time to Update Your Photo for the OCBA Online

Membership Directory

J.Russell Photography, which specializes in executive portraits, will be at the OCBA to take your free professional portrait for the OCBA Online Membership Directory: Portrait Dates: June 17-28, 2019

A J.Russell Photography representative will contact you in the near future to schedule an appointment. However, feel free to call J.Russell Photography at 512-266-8921 to schedule your appointment, or schedule online at www.goJRussell.com (choose “Schedule” from the menu on the left side of the website, and then choose “Guest Account” to get to the calendar). All sittings are free of charge, and the photo you select for the Online Membership Directory will be published online at no charge. J.Russell Photography will also take additional shots and provide you with an opportunity to purchase a photo package for your professional or personal use. We are pleased to bring you this free member service. J.Russell has more than 90 years of combined professional portrait photography experience and is the nation’s leading executive portrait studio. They have worked with more than 750 professional organizations and photographed more than 250,000 attorneys and physicians. (For professional photos, appropriate dress is suggested. Ladies: a bold or bright colored long sleeved outfit. Gentlemen: a dark jacket and tie.) PAGE 4 www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

Chief’sColumn

A Legacy of Judicial Advocacy

am writing this column, my last as chief judge, while the Florida Legislature is at the mid-point of the session, knowing that it will be published after the legislature has adjourned. It has been the greatest honor of my professional career to serve as chief judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The job has its stresses, demands, and frustrations, but they pale in comparison to the honor of representing the dedicated judges and staff who work in the circuit and make it run as The Honorable Frederick J. Lauten well as it does. I will miss the daily interaction Chief Judge I enjoy with my colleagues in the courthouse. That feeling extends to the dedicated and inspirNinth Judicial Circuit Court ing members of the organized bar associations in both Orange and Osceola counties. Year after year, the staff and leadership in the numerous bars in our region consist of intelligent, inspiring, thoughtful, hard working men and women. Their efforts contribute significantly to making Central Florida one of the best places in Florida, and the United States, to live and to practice law. As much confidence as I have in the people who work in or use the judicial system, be they lawyers, judges, or staff, I am deeply concerned about the future of our courts. Our region has enjoyed significant, shared prosperity since the end of the great recession. The Florida Chamber of Commerce ranked Orange County as the top county in Florida for job growth from December 2017 to December 2018. In that same twelvemonth period, Orange County ranked highest in the state for year-over-year population growth; Osceola ranked 7%. In the past ten years, Osceola County’s population has grown more than 30%, while Orange County’s has grown more than 17%. The Central Florida region is ranked 10th in growth in the United States! Projecting forward to 2030, Orange County is listed as the second fastest growing county; Osceola County is ranked eighth. Unquestionably, Central Florida is a dynamic, exciting, growing region and a great place to start a career, raise a family, and prosper. But, we face some frightening challenges. Despite all the growth mentioned above, despite all the prosperity it represents and the excitement it generates, we have not had one single judgeship added to the workforce in the state since 2006. Not one! That is unbelievable, if not unconscionable. When I speak to chambers of commerce and other civic groups about our workforce needs, their jaws drop open when I inform them that no new judgeship has been added to the Florida juditheBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

cial workforce in more than 13 years. In that same time period, membership in The Florida Bar has increased by 50%! All of the metrics – population growth, tourism, growth in the economy, growth in bar membership, and expansion in the number of Florida law schools – support growth in the judicial workforce, but there has been none. Yet, year after year, despite our qualifying for more judgeships every year since 2006, we have not received any new seats. And, in the past four years, we have led the state in needing circuit court judgeships, yet we received none. The static judicial workforce forced me to close business courts. And, if there is not significant expansion of our workforce, it will force my successor, Judge Don Myers, to make more difficult decisions. We cannot keep up with our growth and serve this community in the same way we have for decades if our workforce does not expand. It is numerically impossible. Innovation won’t solve this challenge. Technology won’t solve this challenge. Only judges can solve this challenge. And, if we don’t get them, then case processing in divisions such as civil, probate, and family, where the rules don’t mandate speedy trials, will slow to a crawl. That is unfair to our citizens, but we are helpless to solve the problem without the legislature’s assistance. We have 65 judges in the Ninth Circuit, but only have 14 staff attorneys. In order to provide one staff attorney to serve two judges, our staff attorney workforce would have to double in size. In the meantime, we are dealing with increased resentencings in criminal cases, including capital cases, because of recent appellate decisions. And, we have more pro se filings than ever. Pro se cases require judges to research and write more frequently, because neither party has a lawyer to whom the judge can assign that work. Post-conviction research and hearings require intense staff attorney involvement, but that workforce also is limited. In addition to the challenges listed above, a large number of court users are struggling with homelessness, mental health issues, or substance abuse disorders, yet we rank 49th in the United States in per capita mental health funding. So, we also face the consequences of poor funding for social issues. Persons experiencing homelessness often end up in the criminal justice system, yet we are ranked the worst in the United States for affordable housing when compared to our prevailing wages.

continued page 14

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ProfessionalismCommittee

I Ryan Williams, Esq.

Remarks Upon Receipt of the Orange County Bar Association 2019 Lawrence G. Mathews, Jr. Young Lawyer Professionalism Award

still remember the exact moment I became a prosecutor. I had been promoted into the Sex Crimes Unit, and it was only my second week. A case was assigned to me, and the victim was a little girl – we’ll call her “J.” J had been the victim of what I will only describe as a violent sexual assault at the hands of her uncle. J was four years old. I’d read the report, and J had arrived at our office for an intake interview. My victim advocate walked into my office to tell me J was present. Then she looked me straight in the eye and said, “You are not allowed to cry.” I was a little stunned. “Why would I cry?” I stupidly thought to myself. I am a professional. My advocate Erin McCaulley and I walked to the child play room in the unit, and J was sitting on the floor, playing with some toys. I sat on the floor and played for a few minutes until Erin started to talk to J. She told her we were there to help her, and we wanted to ask her some questions about the bad thing that happened to her. A few seconds later, little J looked up at me. And I can still see her face and those big, dark eyes today. And she whispered not a statement, but a question: “Can I tell you the truth?” I didn’t cry, at least not in that moment, but Lord knows I did on the ride home that night. That was the moment I became a prosecutor. That was the moment I knew that my job was to make sure that J – and every other little boy or girl who came into my office – would be safe and that they would get justice. That search for justice pushes me forward a decade later, but now, as then, I understand that drive must be tempered by my legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities. Both the ABA and Florida Rules of Professional Responsibility have a “special” rule for prosecutors. A line in both of those rules or the comments thereto says this: “A prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate.” Prosecutors owe a duty to all parties involved in a criminal case, and the interests of those parties are often divergent. So how do ethical prosecutors know which interest is paramount in any given situation? They look to the law.

PAGE 6 www.orangecountybar.org

An adherence to the law – a willingness to learn it and be guided by it – will almost always bring clarity to what can seem to be a murky set of circumstances. Thus, to me, one of the hallmarks of professionalism is a willingness to know and study the law and follow it, even when the outcome is one we might not personally prefer. Our laws and system of justice have real consequences for the people involved. So another important aspect of professional prosecution is guiding those impacted by the law through our system of justice. If the defendant is acquitted, the prosecutor picks up the pieces. They tell the child it was not that the jury didn’t believe them but that there just wasn’t enough evidence. They sit and listen with long pauses and silence, because they know no words will soothe the pain in that moment. Internally, the prosecutor takes the blame, wondering what went wrong, second-guessing every decision, and feeling personally responsible for the heartache felt. There is no joy when a defendant is convicted. The professional prosecutor is happy the victim received justice and that the streets will be a little bit safer. But no one wins a criminal trial. Prosecutors know the defendant has a family, too, and many times that family did nothing to deserve the hurt and shame they are feeling in that moment. In recent years I’ve been asked several times how I felt after a favorable verdict for the State, and the answer is always the same – relieved. Relieved I didn’t let the victim, my office, law enforcement, and the community down. There truly is no joy, just relief and the thought that enters my mind before I even get in my car to go home – on to the next one. The next victim deserves the same effort, the next defendant the fair application of our laws. Ryan Williams, Esq., is an assistant state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit where he manages the Orange County Capital Unit for State Attorney Brad King, trying the capital cases removed by Executive Order of the Governor in 2017. Ryan has been a member of the OCBA since 2006.

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

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theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

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theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

Civil RightsCommittee

Paul L. Sutherland III, Esq.

Favoritism or Discrimination?

he #MeToo movement is entering its second year of worldwide recognition and support. Since the hashtag went viral in October 2017, many have developed a better understanding of the sexual discrimination that women and men face on a regular basis regardless of their success in life. With the influx of new information about sexual discrimination, some may be contemplating their own circumstances and asking themselves the movement’s statement turned question, “Me too?” Prior to the viral #MeToo movement, “about four-in-ten working women (42%) in the United States sa[id] they ha[d] faced discrimination on the job because of their gender.”1 With the movement showing no signs of slowing, we can expect these numbers to increase along with the number of filings for sexual-discrimination claims. Indeed, preliminary data collected by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) show a “more than 50 percent increase in suits challenging sexual harassment over fiscal year 2017.”2 While the number of suits has increased, the EEOC found “reasonable cause” in only a fraction of the charges reported to it. For example, in 2016, the EEOC received 26,934 charges of sex-based discrimination and found reasonable cause for only 937 cases. The numbers are similar for 2017. Out of 25,605 charges filed, the EEOC found reasonable cause in only 960 cases.3 Therefore, it is important for attorneys to understand the legal elements of sexual-discrimination claims and how to properly pursue these claims. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992, an employer may not “fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s […] sex[.]”4 As the U.S. Supreme Court explained in TWA v. Hardison, “[t]he emphasis of both the language and the legislative history of the statute is on eliminating discrimination in employment; similarly situated employees are not to be treated differently solely because they differ with respect to […] sex.”5 “By using the word ‘sex’, Congress sought to ‘strike at the entire spectrum of disparate treatment of men and women.’”6 As such, ‘sex’ refers to “membership in a class delineated by gender” with “distinction[s] based on a person’s sex, not

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his or her sexual affiliations.”7 Unlike sex, one’s sexual affiliation is currently unprotected. Therefore, when analyzing a potential claim, an attorney must determine whether the alleged discrimination was on the basis of sex or sexual affiliation. Another complication comes from claims involving nepotism, which in itself does not violate the Civil Rights Act. Nepotism is defined as “[a]ppointing unqualified relatives and friends to positions in one’s organization when an outsider[] might be better qualified.”8 The Eleventh Circuit has held that “‘nepotism’ is permitted under Title VII.”9 Thus, as long as employers do not act with discriminatory motives, they are largely free to make employment decisions for their businesses, for better or worse; and courts will typically give deference to those decisions. As such, an employer can hire his or her less-qualified, male cousin rather than a more-qualified, female applicant if the decision is based on the familial relationship and not a discriminatory animus against females. Legally permissible nepotism extends beyond familial relationships, and may even allow employers to hire their paramours or sexual partners. Indeed, while chairman of the EEOC in 1990, Justice Clarence Thomas authored a policy letter, stating: Title VII does not prohibit isolated instances of preferential treatment based on consensual romantic relationships. An isolated instance of favoritism toward a ‘paramour’ (or a spouse, or a friend) may be unfair, but it does not discriminate against women or men in violation of Title VII, since both are disadvantaged for reasons other than their genders.10 In Womack v. Runyon, the Eleventh Circuit cited the EEOC’s policy letter and affirmed the distinction between nepotism and sexual discrimination by holding that it was not gender discrimination when an employer’s selection officer promoted his underqualified sexual partner and not that partner’s qualified male supervisor, despite the employer’s selection review board determining that the male supervisor was the best candidate for the position and recommending him for same.11 The court reasoned that the promotion was based on the relationship between the two and had no discriminatory animus toward the gender of male or female alike.12 In Ayers v. American Telephone & Telegraph Company, a district court in the Southcontinued page 30

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SpecialFeature

Getting to Know Central Florida’s Voluntary Bars

Michael V. Andriano, Ani Rodriguez-Newbern, Arti Ajit Hirani, Annie P. Kwong, Jill C. Davis, Brandon M. Sapp

he start of a voluntary bar leader’s term is an exciting and daunting time. The opportunity is frequently the culmination of many years of dedication to an organization, and the new leader plans for a year of hard work, growth, improvement, and innovation for the benefit of the organization’s members and the community at large. A voluntary bar leader’s ability to achieve success depends not only on the dedication of that individual, but on the involvement and dedication of the organization’s leadership team and members. This past year, the leaders of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Central Florida Gay & Lesbian Law Association, Federal Bar Association - Orlando Chapter, Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida, Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, and Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, who are spotlighted in this article, recognized that, in addition to reliance on others within their organizations, collaboration with each other, including members of the Orange County Bar Association, could lead to even greater progress and success. The voluntary bar leaders united for the purpose of promoting diversity and supporting one another’s organizations. They PAGE 10

recognized that they all offered unique perspectives based upon their personal and professional backgrounds, and that they and their organizations could grow and improve if they connected, communicated, and collaborated with each other. We asked them more regarding their service over the past year.

Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL) Arti Ajit Hirani, Esq., President, 2018-2019 Q.: What have you gained or learned from the past year in bar leadership? Arti: So MUCH! It’s hard to pinpoint one exact thing because this year has been so phenomenal. The biggest thing I’ve received is the connections (shameless plug) #CFAWLCONNECTS. CFAWL is such an active and large organization, and I have loved getting to know all our members. The nicest thing is that all the voluntary bar organizations worked together this year, so it felt like a team effort to meet everyone else! www.orangecountybar.org

Q.: What was your favorite moment, memory, or event? A.: One of my favorite memories (of many) was being sworn in. I wanted to be a part of CFAWL before I knew what type of law I would practice. Having my mother – a past CFAWL president – pass the gavel to me was incredibly special, as was becoming one of the youngest CFAWL presidents in our history. The fact that the Honorable Emerson Thompson swore in my mother’s board and mine was the cherry on top! Another thing I will always treasure is the support we received. Standing up at every luncheon and introducing past presidents, judges, and other voluntary bar presidents was incredible each time. Our organization does better when people are actively involved and it was appreciated. Q.: What would be your advice to someone new to bar leadership? A.: My advice is to go all in! There is a lot of work and you put in many hours, but it is worth every minute. There is a need for bar work. Not only does it truly help our members and the charities we support, it really is one of the most fun things you can do as an attorney. Whatever your platform is, don’t be afraid to stand on it and enjoy it. The more you put in, the more you get out. And learn to have a good support network. This year, I said I wanted CFAWL to go to everything and, because of our board, we did. There will be a team behind you if you just set out your goals. Q.: What legacy do you hope to leave? A.: I hope to leave a legacy of inclusion, engagement, and fun. In a world where time is limited, you should enjoy all of your voluntary activities. I hope people saw this organization, saw a new take on leadership, and wanted to be part of it. I loved when people would say, “Man, CFAWL is so active,” because we are! We did everything from chocolate making, to presentations by judicial panels, to axe throwing! I hope they saw it was a way to make connections, meet people, and overall enjoy their time.

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Central Florida Gay & Lesbian Law Association (CFGALLA) Barry L. Miller, Esq., President, 2016-Present

Michael V. Andriano, Esq., Social Director, May 2018-Present Q.: What have you gained or learned from the past year in bar leadership? Barry: The interaction with the OCBA staff and president, and leaders of the other voluntary bar associations, has been tremendous. We have participated in Ask a Lawyer with the OCBA in conjunction with the LGBT Center and hosted the OCBA and all voluntary bar associations for our Come Out With Pride Parade celebration. Michael: I am naturally a very introverted person (shocking to hear, I know), but through my time holding this leadership position, I have been able to overcome a lot of my social fears. I have become extremely comfortable talking in front of other people and networking at various bar association events. I am still not a master at working the room, but I am grateful that this position has paved the way for me to be more comfortable in public arenas. Q.: What was your favorite moment, memory, or event? Barry: When we had more than 75 people attend our Pride Parade Party. Michael: My favorite memory is hosting the 2018 Come Out With Pride event. It is true that, for the most part, our society finally has come to recognize that gay persons and gay couples cannot be treated as social outcasts or as inferior in dignity and worth. The change in attitude was evident at this event where, for the first time, we invited the other local voluntary bars, including the OCBA, to join us in celebrating Orlando Pride. We were honored and grateful to have representatives from every local voluntary bar come out and spend the day with us – the OCBA even came out and set up a table. The fact that so many local leaders in the Orlando legal community attended the event evinced their desire theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

to seek understanding and support their LGBTQ brothers and sisters, thereby contributing to a community where respect and love trump discrimination and exclusion. We could not have asked for more support and are forever grateful. As an aside, other local voluntary bar leaders and I were thrilled to take part in a photoshoot with the notorious comedian, Carrot Top, who stopped by to say hello! Q.: What would be your advice to someone new to bar leadership? Barry: Communicate with leadership and the other bar association leaders. We have a great group of leaders who support each other. Michael: First, do not be afraid to speak up and present the ideas you have. Second, strive to be authentic and genuine in everything you do, especially in leading an organization. Third, always have an attitude of gratitude. Fourth, just have fun and love the position you are in. Q.: What legacy do you hope to leave? Barry: I have two items: One is to do more for the LGBTQ community. We are doing that through the free monthly legal clinic we host at the LGBT centers in Orlando and Kissimmee. The second is to have law firms adopt a nondiscrimination policy for their employees on sexual orientation and to raise awareness for attorneys when they interact with LGBTQ clients. We are doing this through our new “CFGALLA ALLY” program. We will be asking firms to become a CFGALLA ALLY and adopt these written policies and attend a CLE on these issues. We will be offering the CLE in the fall to all of our ALLY members. Michael: One does not truly understand a culture or a way of life until one has been exposed to it and seeks understanding. Through my position with CFGALLA, I hope that I have helped in some way to further the mission of the LGBTQ civil rights movement by promoting a message of acceptance and diversity. I am humbled to have learned from speaking to various colleagues that the Come Out With Pride event provided an opportunity for those individuals who might have been fearful or uncomfortable at a gay pride event to let go of those fears, have fun, laugh with friends and colleagues, and fully understand that the celebration of love and acceptance is universal. It is the very core that binds us all as human beings. I hope to have assisted in setting this example for future leaders to follow. After all, “love is love is love is love.”

Federal Bar Association – Orlando Chapter (FBA Orlando) Lauren L. Millcarek, Esq., President, 20182019 Q.: What have you gained or learned from the past year in bar leadership? Lauren: I have learned a new appreciation for all of my fellow voluntary bar leaders! Being a bar president is a huge amount of work, and doing it while maintaining a busy practice and making your billable hours is an enormous challenge. I will forever be in awe of those who have come before me and those who lead even larger bar organizations. There are a lot of selfless hours. I have also gained so many friends from my time as a bar leader. I count myself incredibly lucky to know my fellow bar leaders and bar servants, some of whom have become my best friends through our shared challenges and our fun times together. Q.: What was your favorite moment, memory, or event? A.: My fondest moment was my installation, which was held at our annual State of the District luncheon. As the youngest FBA Orlando president ever, and only the sixth woman president in our chapter’s nearly 50-year history, it was a thrill to stand up before our membership – including Middle District of Florida Chief Judge, the Honorable Steven Merryday, and all the federal judges in our district – and lay out my plan for the year. It was also poignant because the judge for whom I clerked, the Honorable Roy B. “Skip” Dalton, Jr., swore me into office; he also swore me into The Florida Bar, so it was a nice, full-circle moment. We also had the largest attendance of any State of the District ever, many of whom were my friends and fellow voluntary bar presidents. So that was really special. Q.: What would be your advice to someone new to bar leadership? A.: Don’t wait until you feel you’re settled in your practice to jump into bar leadership. If you wait until you’re a five-year lawyer, others will have solidified their positions in leadership already, and you will have missed out on a lot. Bar leadership not only makes you new friends, it will teach you to be a better lawyer and will provide you with connections that you will need in your practice, so don’t wait! continued page 12

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Q.: What legacy do you hope to leave? A.: The federal bar community is a solid, tight-knit one, but it can also be insular, and federal court can often seem intimidating. My goal was to increase the visibility of FBA Orlando within the general bar community and to make it seem more fun and accessible, even to those practitioners who are only occasionally in federal court. That’s why my theme for the year has been #FBAisyouraccess. I have appointed a diversity committee and a young lawyers committee for the first time in order to help achieve these goals. I also helped put together our second annual primer CLE – “Federal Court Practice for the Occasional Federal Practitioner” – in conjunction with the OCBA YLS. I hope my legacy is that there is less separation between federal and state court practitioners, that we’ve made it easier for state court practitioners to confidently practice in federal court, and that our federal court practitioners feel more a part of our vibrant Orlando bar community.

Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA) Annie P. Kwong, Esq., President, 2018-2019 Q.: What have you gained or learned from the past year in bar leadership? Annie: I have gained friendships with other voluntary bar leaders and met many people as president of GOAABA. I have learned to juggle work, family, and voluntary bar activities. It has been a whirlwind experience, but I am happy to have been on this journey with my GOAABA family. Q.: What was your favorite moment, memory, or event? A.: It is difficult to pick one event. All of the GOAABA events were special in their own way. I loved meeting new members and celebrating with longtime GOAABA members at all the different local Asian restaurants in town (especially since I am a big “foodie”). I loved the collaboration we had with other bar associations when we put together The Florida Bar grants, such as the Health and Wellness Grant (Zumba event with HBACF) and the Diversity/ Women’s Initiative Grant (painting event with CFAWL). PAGE 12

one new to bar leadership? A.: I would reach out to current voluntary bar leaders and ask them what events need volunteers or committee chairs for events. You learn how to be a leader by seeing what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to running an event, luncheon, community service event, or happy hour. Q.: What legacy do you hope to leave? A.: GOAABA is a family. I hope that more GOAABA members attended activities, met new people, and met members from other voluntary bars. Without each other, we cannot make a difference in this world. I hope the incoming GOAABA board is able to use the new ideas, new concepts, and new events implemented this year to make 2019-2020 bigger and better than before. #strongertogether #GOAABA

Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF) Ani RodriguezNewbern, Esq., President, 2018-2019

Christina Alvarez, Esq., President, 2019-2020 Q.: What have you gained or learned from the past year in bar leadership? Ani: Over the past year, I’ve learned skills that have helped me to help others and to make a real difference in our Central Florida community. I have gained the most amazing mentors and friends, and I have gained a true support system in a profession that can at times be very isolating and adversarial. Christina: Over the last couple of months, I’ve gained more perspective to fully appreciate just how much teamwork it truly takes from the board to put on informative and engaging events for the benefit of the community and the members. I’ve learned how important it is for all of the voluntary bar associations to support each other and to ask for help when needed. Q.: What was your favorite moment, memory, or event? Ani: I truly enjoyed attending many events during my term as president, but none www.orangecountybar.org

more than the installation of the boards of our local voluntary bar associations. Each organization brings its very own personality and flare to their own transition of leadership. I enjoyed sharing in the celebration and traditions of each organization and taking part in such amazing moments! I will never forget the 2018 and 2019 HBACF board installation events that I had the honor to share with 2017 president Diego Puig and 2019 president Christina Alvarez. The mariachi band, the recognition and celebration of Hispanic leaders, and all of the dancing sums up the HBACF at its core. The HBACF leadership team’s kind words, encouragement, and support have shaped who I am as a community leader, and I will be forever grateful. In December 2017, I never anticipated having the honor of being sworn in by my father, the Honorable Jose R. Rodriguez, alongside my mentors and friends, and I never anticipated that his retirement from the bench in December 2018 would coincide with the end of my term as HBACF president. I will always remember and cherish those moments! Christina: There are so many amazing and heartfelt memories that I want to choose from! It’s so hard to choose just one! I especially enjoyed attending all of the holiday parties for each voluntary bar organization and hearing about all of their plans for 2019. In 2017, Ani and I coordinated the HBACF Holiday and Installation event together, and we put so much thought into every little detail. It was an amazing night that I will cherish forever! The spirit of the event that night was so lively and joyous. It was such an honor to watch Ani be installed as the 2018 president! I also enjoyed our 2019 HBACF Holiday, Installation, and Scholarship Soiree and hearing the stories from our scholarship winners about their struggles and triumphs. Their stories that night brought me to tears, and it made me so excited to lead HBACF this year and continue to give back. Q.: What would be your advice to someone new to bar leadership? Ani: Bar leadership has no limits or time frame. Time will fly by you without any help, so don’t rush! Make sure to stop and look at the big picture and enjoy every moment and every challenge. Take advantage of all of the wonderful people you meet along the way, and be your authentic self. Don’t look for success. Look to work hard and leave the community a little better off than it was before – it’s easier than you might think! theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

Christina: The advice I would give is to volunteer for different committees and run for various positions to find the position that suits you. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Know that some of your ideas may not be implemented, but take a leap and put your ideas out there. Appreciate the people who will help you navigate the voluntary bar world, and always support your voluntary bar friends with words of encouragement or by offering help. Lastly, never forget why you decided to dedicate your free time to a voluntary bar, and use that reason to propel the mission forward. Q.: What legacy do you hope to leave? Ani: 2018 was a year of unforeseeable changes and challenges for the HBACF and one of tremendous progress. I hope that I was able to leave a tradition of trying new things and implementing new processes to improve upon signature HBACF programs. I hope the HBACF continues to collaborate with other voluntary bar associations and continues the mission of supporting our Central Florida legal professionals by connecting through Hispanic culture. Christina: I hope that my time as president serves as an inspiration to the up-andcoming young lawyers to let them know that, despite unforeseen circumstances and challenges, they can make time to serve on a board and use their passion for justice to further the mission of the organization. I hope that I have encouraged the members of HBACF to be their authentic selves even if their path within the legal field has been a little bit unconventional. I am committed to formalizing a mentorship program this year as the mentorship from other members of HBACF has been one of the biggest blessings in my life!

Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (OCBA YLS) Jill C. Davis, Esq., President, 20182019 Q.: What have you gained or learned from the past year in bar leadership? Jill: A lot! I’ve gained friendships and professional relationships with people both inside and outside the OCBA, including other voluntary bar leaders, who I hope I’ll know and work with for many more years. I’ve also gained greater knowledge of the needs of our legal community and the Central Florida comtheBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

munity at large and have a much greater appreciation for the amazing, diverse community that we are so fortunate to live and work in. Q.: What was your favorite moment, memory, or event? A.: I’ve loved every moment! But one of my fondest was winning The Florida Bar YLD Large Affiliate of the Year Award at the Affiliate Outreach Conference, because I truly believe our organization is the best YLS in Florida (and beyond). Although we don’t do what we do for the purpose of winning awards, it was awesome to have our group receive recognition that was so well deserved. My other favorite experiences have been our community service projects: BBQ & Bingo with the Vets, our Halloween party with the kids at the Salvation Army, our holiday party with the kids at Washington Shores Elementary School, Wills for Heroes, and more. It is so rewarding to use our resources and leadership to provide experiences, services, donations, and gifts to people who need them and appreciate them so much. Winning the inaugural OCBA Amazing Race Judicata as a member of the YLS team was pretty amazing, too! Q.: What would be your advice to someone new to bar leadership? A.: Only commit yourself to things that you actually have the time, ability, and desire to do. Also, it is incredibly important to choose the right people for other leadership positions within the organization, such as your committee chairs. Your job will be much more enjoyable if you have reliable, dedicated people helping you. If you’re leading a large organization, you have to become comfortable with delegating when you can. If you don’t, your voluntary position will feel like a full-time, stressful job. Make an effort to make your board, officers, committee chairs, and volunteers feel appreciated. Finally, view bar leadership as a privilege, not an obligation. If you view it as an obligation, don’t do it. Q.: What legacy do you hope to leave? A.: I hope my year as YLS president is considered a success, which I would measure by our impact on the community and the services and events offered to our members. I also hope to be an example to other young lawyers who have doubts about their ability to have a meaningful career, be a parent, and dedicate time and energy to the community, whether through bar service or otherwise. It is possible to have children, a career, and an overall well-rounded existence as a lawyer! www.orangecountybar.org

Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) Brandon M. Sapp, Esq., President, 2018-2019 Q.: What have you gained or learned from the past year in bar leadership? Brandon: I have gained friendships with various individuals, including my fellow voluntary bar leaders. Most importantly, I learned who I was and what I was actually capable of. In the midst of all of the hard work and countless hours, I found myself wondering how I could do more to make a bigger impact. I found myself wondering how to make a difference. Throughout the year, I pushed myself to hone my skills and developed others who would aid me in my duties. My time as president of the PCPBA equipped me with the knowledge I needed not only to become a better attorney or leader but also a better person. Q.: What was your favorite moment, memory, or event? A.: There are too many to count. My favorite moment, I would say, is one that I will never forget: my organization’s 2018 Scholarship and Installation Luncheon. We all worked so hard to get sponsorships and a great speaker. I loved being in a room full of so many of my colleagues, mentors, and friends, all of whom I had grown to love and respect. Most importantly, I loved having my grandmother present to share the moment with me; I will carry that with me all the days of my life. I would have to say that my favorite event was a program my organization did at the ACE school in which we spoke to children about entering the legal field and the importance of education and success in life. I personally believe that every kid just needs someone to provide a good example. I could tell that every kid in that room had a bright future ahead of him or her, and it felt good being able to make a positive impact on their lives. Lastly, my fondest memories have been bonding with my board. Through board meetings, telephone conferences, and various events, the individuals on my board have grown from being colleagues to my family. Each one knows that there are very few things I wouldn’t do for them, and they, in turn, always have my back. The happy hours were also a nice bonus. continued page 14

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President’sMessage continued from page 3

They are little bundles of energy and mischief! They definitely keep us on our toes and laughing every single day.

Tony Sos and Jenny Brown What is your favorite hobby or what do you like to do for fun? My happy place is to be active and outdoors – I enjoy running, kickboxing, fishing, and spending time at the beach. I love food and cooking. I’ve also recently started dabbling in canvas painting for fun. I wouldn’t say I’m the next Picasso, but it’s a great outlet

for creativity and stress management. We know what an MBA is, but you also have a CAE. Tell us what a CAE is and how that relates to this position. The CAE (Certified Association Executive) credential is administered by the American Society of Association Executives and involves a significant amount of continuing education, association work experience, and the successful passing of a written examination. You can think of it a bit like board certification for association professionals in that it signifies that a person has demonstrated a wide range of knowledge essential to managing an association. There are also maintenance requirements, which allow me to continue on a path of lifelong learning – continuously bringing new ideas and best practices into the mix at the OCBA. How is it you developed an affinity for working for association and membership organizations? I’ve always known that I wanted to work in the nonprofit sector, but I happened to fall into a career involving membership organizations. I’ve worked with various

professional groups – K-12 teachers, nonprofit professionals, optometrists and vision scientists, and now legal professionals. Through this work, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the considerable role that associations play in moving a profession forward through knowledge, exchange, advocacy, and community. In many ways, associations are the catalysts that work to improve various services provided to the public. It’s really a noble and worthy pursuit, and one I’m pleased to be a part of. Is there anything you would like to share with our members about yourself? Just that I’m thrilled to be a part of this organization and that I’m looking forward to meeting and working with our members. And of course, last but not least, what is your vision for the bar? I have the fortune of succeeding Kim Homer, who has done wonderful things for the organization, allowing me to step in only to continue to build on our successes. I look forward to exploring ways we can add value for our members, improve the public perception of the profession, and ensure a more diverse and inclusive bar. Anthony F. Sos, Esq., is a partner at Dellecker, Wilson, King, McKenna, Ruffier & Sos, LLP. He has been a member of the OCBA since 2005.

Chief’sColumn If we are lucky, we will get one additional SpecialFeature to volunteer and help with varijudgeship from the legislature this year, despite the Florida Supreme Court certifying us for needing at least two additional circuit judges every year for the past four years. I know half a loaf is better than none, but it won’t solve the significant pressures we are facing in an understaffed judicial circuit. Grateful as I am for the people I work with inside the court system and within the broader legal community, and as inspiring as they are, if we don’t receive the workforce relief we qualify for, then I worry about the judicial system I am about to leave. Florida is a great state. I love living here. I was educated and raised my family in Florida. And I have a deep and abiding love for the beauty and wonder of this state, both in its people and the environment. But, if we don’t start funding essential, critical services in this state, like the court system, then I worry about our future. Please help me in delivering this message to all who are willing to listen. It impacts our ability to provide justice to the people of our community. We are a people who pride themselves on their system of justice, but it requires resources to ensure that justice prevails in our beautiful state. Thank you for allowing me to serve our region as chief judge and for the encouragement and support I have received from all of you.

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Q.: What would be your advice to someone new to bar leadership? A.: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Many people limit themselves and don’t grow because they believe they are too shy or not a people person. You will never know what you are good at until you try it. Challenge yourself with new positions and roles within bar leadership. Each challenge will make you more equipped to handle the next big feat. Q.: What legacy do you hope to leave? A.: I hope that when people think of Brandon Sapp, they will remember that I strove to be the best leader I could be. That others can say, “He made a difference.” This year as president, I strove to be more active at our local law schools. MenThe Honorable Frederick Lauten is the Chief Judge of the Ninth torship is very important to me. Judicial Circuit Court. He has been a member of the OCBA since 1993. Whether it was a networking event Editor’s Note: Since this article was written, the Florida Legislature appro- or an “elevator pitch” seminar, I priated funding for one new judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. pushed myself and my members

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ous programs at Barry University School of Law and FAMU College of Law. I made sure I was at every event in order to lead by example. Moreover, throughout time, the PCPBA has done a lot of good in the community and in our legal field. This work often goes unnoticed. Through my leadership, I hope I was able to help shine a light on the great deeds and hard work that our organization does and continues to do. I am proud to be a part of this organization.

Ani Rodriguez-Newbern, Esq., Tangel-Rodriguez & Associates, practices family law. She is a past president of the OCBA Foundation, Inc., and immediate past president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2014. Jill C. Davis, Esq., Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., works in the firm’s labor and employment law group, representing companies in litigation and with human resource issues. She is immediate past president of the OCBA Young Lawyers Section and has been a member of the OCBA since 2008.

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7th Annual Central Florida Diversity & Inclusion Picnic March 16, 2019

Barry University School of Law

Annie Kwong Jim Chung

Arti Hirani, Brian Lawrence

Lauren Millcarek, Michael Andriano, Christina Alvarez

Brandon Sapp, Tony and Matthew Sos, Arti Hirani, LaShawnda Jackson

Law Students Attending Event

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PhotoOps Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court

AHOY, Mateys, and great job April pirates on your presentation, “When Non-Marital Assets Become Marital Assets”! As Will Turner would say, “This is either madness... or brilliance!”

Pictured: Hon. Tanya Wilson, Susan Savard, Nick Shannin, Kristopher Kest, Deborah Cook, Lauren Brusca, Josh Martell, Kathleen Davies, JJ Dahl, Conti Moore. Front and center by the skeleton: Holly Derenthal This year, the Central Florida Family Law Inn used movie themes to aid in their pupilage group presentations. In addition to having a great time, the specific purposes of the Inn are to bring together family law practitioners (attorneys, judges, magistrates, professors and students) to socialize, learn, and enjoy a meal while receiving approved continuing legal education credits.

The Inn provides social interaction and mentoring among Inn members at all levels from students to the judiciary. The Inn creates a diverse community in which the members share goals, resources, and values while providing accountability for each other. Though its efforts, the Inn seeks to improve the practice of family law in the Central Florida area.

OCBA Foundation Law Merit Badge Day • April 6, 2019 • Barry University

Left to right: Public Defender Bob Wesley, Sheriff Lt. Jim DeLeu, Assistant State Attorney Deb Barra, Alisia Adamson Profit Front row: Jennifer Morando, Ani Rodriguez-Newbern, Jessica Travis Back row: Sid Roman, Alisia Adamson Profit, Divinne Joseph Smith, Hon. Andrew Cameron, Marc Consalo, Eric Jontz PAGE 16

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OCBA Past Presidents Dinner April 24, 2019

Citrus Club Sponsored by Seacoast Bank

Photos: Flo Boehm PAGE 18

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OCBA Law Week Luncheon April 25, 2019

Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Orlando Title Sponsor - Orange Legal Supporting Sponsors - LexisNexis, Seacoast Bank, Milestone Reporting, Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, Veritext Legal Services

2019 Law Week Committee

Richard Dellinger and son Rhys Second Place Speech winner Victoryia Thompson, East River High School, with mom and teacher

Lorraine Pitre, Andrew Irvin – Law Week Committee Chairs

LAS 2019 New Lawyer Award of Excellence Robyn Lee Lesser

OCBA Foundation scholarship winner Amanda Casquel

First Place Speech winner Kristian Kamal Robillard could not attend, so his teacher, Tatiana McKinney of Trinity Preparatory School, read his speech LAS 2019 New Lawyer Award of Excellence Annie Kwong

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Eric Jontz, Jessica Travis

Ashley Wright, Bill Davis

Teresa Finer, Tony Sos, Natalia Gove, Andrew Irvin

Teresa Finer, Dave Hemingway, Natalia Gove Keshara Cowans and son Marcus Cowans II Jamie Billotte Moses, Mary Walter, Barbara Leach, Lisa Franchina

Andrew Irvin, John Hunt, Lauren Robertson, Lorraine Pitre

Law Day 5K checks presentation Eric Jontz, Mary Walter, Wynne McFarlin

Kristopher Kest and daughters Antonina and Savannah Jane

Sponsor: Orange Legal

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Liberty Bell Award winner Corporal Eric DeBose

Liberty Apple Award winner Laura Smith, Innovation Middle School

Liberty Shield Award winner Officer Kevin Valencia. Award is accepted by his wife, Meghan, and his police colleagues.

Poster Contest winners

Third Place Speech winner Zachary James Thomson, Boone High School, with mom and teacher

Jonathan Hoffman, John Stiteler

Edgewater HS Chamber Orchestra

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OCBA LAWn Day

Hosted by the Criminal Law Committee

Thank you to the following sponsors:

March 2, 2019

Florida Defense Investigations Milestone Reporting Carmona Law Mazin Law Seidule Law

Barry University School of Law

Eric Jontz Tom Feiter Tony Sos Euribiades Cerrud

Michael Barber

is, Tony Sos, rero, Jessica Trav Lisa Gong Guer atthew Sos Barbara Leach, M Lyle Mazin, Jessica Travis, Nick Seidule

Tanya White

Michael Barber (L) and Tony Sos (R) Barbara Leach, Brian Lawrence, Molly Arena Randall, Michael & Layla Barber, Ashley Parker PAGE 22 www.orangecountybar.org

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OCBA Charity Poker Tournament April 23, 2019

Citrus Club Sponsored by: Legal Realtime Reporting

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PhotoOps MEMBER PERKS March • April • May 2019 MARCH SPEAKER: Gordon “Stumpy” Harris

Scott Leitner, Heather Kirson, Wynne McFarlin, Jessica Hew Richard Dellinger, Stumpy Harris, Eric Reed

Sponsor Milestone Reporting: Sharon, Haydee

APRIL SPEAKER: Cheney Mason Alisa Hanke Joanna Foard Nicole Kramer

Hon. Emerson Thompson, Cheney Mason, John Fisher

Richard Dellinger Ryan Williams Cheney Mason Eric Reed

MAY SPEAKER: The Honorable Faye Allen

Brenda Newman, Christina Miner, Andrea Ortiz

Eric Reed, Hon. Faye Allen Jim Armstrong, Roger Johnson PAGE 24 www.orangecountybar.org

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ParalegalPost

R Sandra Cumper, M.S.

Bruce A. Blitman, Esq.

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Warning Signs of Mental Illness

esearch shows that lawyers face higher rates of substance abuse, depression, and suicide than the general population. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2012 the U.S. legal industry had the 11th highest suicide rate among occupations – 18.8 per 100,000 compared with 16.1 per 100,000 nationwide. A study of mental health issues among U.S. lawyers released last year by Patrick Krill, a former practicing attorney who moved into addiction counseling seven years ago, and other researchers found that 20.6% of those surveyed were heavy drinkers and 28% experienced symptoms of depression compared with 8% or less for the general population for both issues, according to other studies. The adversarial nature of law practice, together with work and home stressors and the demands of clients, contribute to these problems. Advances in technology make it possible to communicate with anyone, anywhere, at any time, making it more difficult to escape from the stresses and challenges of practice. Used interchangeably, the terminologies “mental health” and “mental illness” are assumed to mean the same thing. Every person has mental health just as everyone has physical health. Mental health relates to a level of psychological well-being or an absence of a mental disorder and explains the emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing of a person’s existence. It affects thought, feelings, and actions. Our mental health helps to determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important throughout all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Nonetheless, not all people will experience mental illness, but everyone will struggle or have a challenge with their mental well-being. Mental illness is associated with unique types of mental experiences, similar to different physical and health problems. According to the World Health Organization, “there is no health without mental health.” Throughout the course of life, various factors can contribute to mental health problems. Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry, life experiences as in trauma or abuse, and family history of mental health all affect our thinking, moods, and behaviors. Mental illnesses present with different symptoms and

affect lives in different ways. What these conditions have in common is that they negatively affect a person’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. These symptoms influence how people see the world around them and how they interact in that world. One in five adults and one in four children experience mental health conditions each year. One in 17 lives with a serious and persistent mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can indirectly affect family members, friends, and communities. These numbers are staggering. In the course of our practices, it is quite likely that we will encounter employees, junior lawyers, partners, support staff, clients, judges, and fellow lawyers who are struggling with mental health issues. The following are some warning signs or indicators that can influence feelings or behaviors: • Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships; • Persistent and recurring thoughts and memories; • Withdrawing from people and usual activities; • Feeling numb or like nothing matters; • Low or no energy; • Unexplained aches and pains; feeling helpless and/or hopeless; • Increased smoking or use of alcohol and drugs; • Eating or sleeping too much or too little; • Forgetfulness and confusion; feeling edgy, angry, upset, worried, or scared; • Hearing voices or delusional beliefs; • Thoughts of harming self or others, and inability to perform daily tasks such as taking care of yourself or performing daily living skills. Naturally, there are times when we change our thinking and worldview. However, the diagnosis for mental illness evaluates the frequency of the condition, duration of the illness, and the associated symptoms, as well as the impact of mental illness on lives. However, it is important to consider that every diagnosis presents with its own symptoms. While there are no known cures for mental illnesses, recovery is possible. Following are some resources to help you and others.

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Legal Aid SocietyWhat We Do...

A Coravious Cowart, Esq.

The Importance of Continuity While in Care

ll young children need stable relationships with caring adults who are invested in their healthy social, cognitive, and physical wellbeing in order to grow and survive. While these relationships usually begin with immediate family members, children who grow up in foster care often must seek these relationships elsewhere. At three years old, Jacob was removed from his mother, a 15-year-old teenager. The mother was an addict who admitted to smoking marijuana around her son daily and drinking three to four alcoholic drinks a day. Jacob was placed in foster care, then he eventually began living with his maternal grandmother. Where was Jacob’s father during this time, and why wasn’t the little boy allowed to bond with the man who shared his wide grin? Jacob’s father was reportedly 35 years old and married to someone else when Jacob’s teen mother became pregnant. The father was charged criminally with sexual activity with a child and never sought to have a relationship with his son. Jacob’s case would eventually close, with the child remaining in the custody of his grandmother. His mother never completed her court-ordered case plan because she was constantly under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, Jacob’s life of stability with his grandmother was short-lived. Nearly five years later and without the court’s approval, the grandmother voluntarily handed over the custody of Jacob to his mother. Jacob was again taken from his mother’s home and removed from his grandmother’s care after it was discovered that he and his brother engaged in sexually inappropriate activity. Jacob was so badly beaten by his mother as a result of this behavior that red marks and bruises were visible all over his body several days after the abuse occurred. Jacob again entered foster care, and his mother was again ordered to complete a case plan in order for reunification with her son to be considered. Sadly, and familiarly, the mother was unable to complete the court-ordered tasks. What’s worse, the mother’s visits with Jacob were inconsistent; she often did not show up or cancelled at the last minute. Jacob saw and noticed every single no-show and missed appointment. The ongoing instability was too painful for Jacob, so the Legal Aid Society eventually advocated for and was successful in terminating the mother’s parental rights. But, where did this leave Jacob, and where does it leave the thousands of other children walking in Jacob’s shoes?

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Jacob spent the next five years of his childhood in a group foster home. Although young at the time he reentered the foster care system, Jacob quickly came to understand that although he wanted to, he was not going to return home to his mother. He felt unwanted by the person he wanted the most, and he needed someone to help him navigate the sea of emotions he was experiencing. Unfortunately for Jacob and many other foster children, the professional dependency teams working with children change frequently, and our dependent children do not enjoy the stable relationships most children who reside with their parents do. Jacob, for example, had eight different dependency case managers and three different therapists during his time in care. Although he remained in the same group home while in care, he lived in four different cottages on the group home campus, with each cottage move resulting in new house parents and new foster siblings. A lack of continuity of this magnitude would be difficult for anyone to navigate, let alone a child who felt unwanted because his mother could not bring him home and his father did not make room in his life for him. Despite the support of multiple providers, Jacob had one constant team in his life during his time in care: his Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) and Volunteer Advocate for Children (“VAC”). In addition to representing the child’s best interests, GALs play several significant roles, including serving as a role model, mentor, child historian, and an empathetic shoulder to lean on. The trust and communication we as a GAL-VAC team were able to build with Jacob simply through our constant presence in his life is unmatched. Between ourselves, the VAC assigned to his case, Tanika Patrick, and I ensured we visited Jacob on a monthly basis. While we as adults know that establishing a sense of stability is crucial for children, we knew it was appreciated once Jacob began requesting more frequent visits. Our presence in the case became legally and medically vital as Tanika and I were the only two individuals who could give a detailed history of Jacob’s case to the court and medical providers. The constant stream of new dependency case managers and counsel for the State of Florida demanded that we, as the GAL team, provide an accurate case history to the court. Effective representation of Jacob’s best interest demanded it as well. continued page 30

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

Legal Aid SocietyNews

N Sarah L. “Sally” McArthur, Esq. .

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

Short-Term or Long-Term, Volunteers Make a Difference

on-profit organizations, such as the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., often rely on volunteers to assist in successfully carrying out the organization’s mission. We love our pro bono guardians ad litem (“GALs”), who donate hundreds of hours of their time yearly to represent children in the dependency system who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. We could not represent the increasingly large number of children to whom we are appointed without them. As I write this, an opioid epidemic and continued incidents of domestic violence have resulted in the number of children entering the Florida dependency system reaching a ten-year high. Our latest report shows 1,224 children in out-of-home care in Orange County and an additional 363 children in judicial cases who currently are placed in home. In some of the in-home cases, the children were removed from one parent but not the other; in other cases, the children have been reunified with the parents and are being supervised to see that the services provided have remedied the situation that led to the removal of the children. We are appointed to most of these, so we currently represent more than 1,500 children in Orange County. You may have heard that Orange County is the only county in Florida to use attorneys exclusively as GALs. We are very lucky to have a bar association that makes community service and pro bono work a point of pride and a symbol of professionalism. We have so many bar members who dedicate their time to representing the best interests of children who have been traumatized and who need a caring attorney to make sure they get the services and support they need. However, did you know that you do not have to be an attorney to work with a vulnerable and deserving dependent child through the GAL Program by helping with visits, attending staffings, and reporting issues to the pro bono GAL or GAL Program? We have a mighty army of lay volunteers, whom we call Volunteer Advocates for Children (“VACs”), who assist with our GAL cases. VACs do the crucial work of speaking directly with children and their caregivers in their homes, schools, or other familiar environment, as well as attend meetings for the child’s benefit. Our dependent children are normal children who

have endured abnormally painful events, generally at the hands of those they love the most. As we deal with traumatized children in confidential matters, it is crucial that our volunteers can meet the level of reliability our children deserve. Our VACs must go through a rigorous application process to become a certified volunteer for the program. The process includes a level-two background screening, including three references, a four-hour training, and a personal interview, all free-of-charge to the VAC applicant. Fingerprinting is required. Our volunteers are college and law students, adults in the workforce, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and basically anyone over the age of 19 who wants to make a positive difference in children’s lives. While time commitment is often a primary consideration for volunteers, VACs have a unique opportunity to serve children on a short-term basis, for a few months, or throughout the entire course of a child’s dependency case. We call on our VACs quite often at the beginning of a case when there are many critical details to determine in a short period of time. For VACs interested in serving many children, conducting initial visits at the onset of a case is a meaningful way to help several children at the height of need. Other VACs may remain with a case for several months, helping to transition a new volunteer attorney GAL into the case before exiting. Other VACs, still, choose to remain with a child for the entire length of a dependency case, which is twelve months in legislative aspiration. Some volunteer attorney GALs believe so strongly that VACs enhance the quality of life for dependent children that they have recruited their own staff to volunteer as VACs so they can work with dependent children together. For instance, some cases call for both GALs and VACs throughout the entire case, as there may be siblings separated in several different placements. In a case where there are 10 siblings in five separate placements, we use several VACs to report to the pro bono GAL about each child. We value VACs so much that we always are available to provide information sessions at offices, churches, civic clubs, bar organizations, colleges, and other events. We hold regularly scheduled VAC training sessions throughout the year and

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Legal Aid SocietyGAL Teaching Tips

R Jonathan H. Neyer, Esq.

Asked and Answered: A Brief Guide for Assisting Caregivers with Dependency-Related Questions

emoving a child from the home is a traumatic experience that will have a lifelong impact. The dependency case will shape the way the child learns and grows, with the goal of achieving a permanent, stable, and safe environment for the child. Providing support for the child during this time is vital to the child’s health and wellbeing. The child’s caregiver – whether it is a relative, non-relative, or foster parent – is able to be that support and meet the child’s everyday needs. The caregiver is likely to have minimal experience with the dependency system and will rely on others for assistance. The guardian ad litem (“GAL”), as the advocate for the child’s best interests, is the perfect resource. Providing answers to common caregiver questions will, in turn, create additional stability for the child and promote the child’s well-being. One common question the caregiver may have is how they can have their voice heard by the court. Caregivers have a unique perspective because they see the child every day. The information they have and the observations they make are critical to ensuring that the child’s best interests are met. The legal custodian of the child shall be given reasonable notice of all proceedings and hearings. §39.502(17), Fla. Stat. (2018). The foster parent or legal custodian shall be given the opportunity to address the court with any information relevant to the best interests of the child at any judicial review hearing. §39.701(2)(b)(3), Fla. Stat. (2018). Additionally, if the caregiver is unable to attend the hearing or prefers another method, the caregiver may opt to provide written input via a caregiver input form. As the GAL, you can ensure that the caregiver has a copy of the form, which can subsequently be filed with the court. A second common inquiry from caregivers stems from the additional financial burden from a child or children being placed in the caregiver’s home. The cost of diapers, food, and child care services all add up quickly. Relative and non-relative caregiver funds can be applied for to help with these expenses. Eligibility to receive these funds begins once the children are adjudicated dependent. Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc., funds will assist with the costs of daycare. A referral also can be made for Kinship Care, which is a program that helps the caregivers with filling out applications and/or other questions regarding financial assistance. The dependency case manager will complete the required referrals for these

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services, and the GAL can ensure these referrals and funding sources are made timely. The Guardianship Assistance Program (“GAP”) is another way of providing financial assistance available to permanent guardians. The newly created program under §39.6225, Fla. Stat. (2018) is available for relatives, next of kin, and fictive kin (person with an emotionally significant relationship to the child). Payments amount to $4,000 annually per child ($333 per month) and can be increased based on the circumstances and needs of the child. Payments continue until a child turns 18 but can be extended until age 21 if certain exceptions are met. Nonrecurring expenses, such as the costs of a home study, court costs, and costs of examinations, also are provided. Another benefit for caregivers is that payments are not contingent upon continued residency in Florida. All caregivers, however, must renew their applications annually for redetermination of GAP eligibility. A GAL also may be informed by the caregiver that the child would like to stay over at a friend or family member’s home for a night, participate in a club at school, or obtain employment, and the caregiver is unsure if this is allowed. The legislature has recognized the importance of making efforts to normalize the lives of children in out-ofhome care and to empower a caregiver to approve or disapprove a child’s participation in activities. §39.4091(1)(d), Fla. Stat. (2018). The caregiver’s decision is based on that of a reasonable, prudent parent to determine if the child can participate in the activity. As these types of activities are important to a child’s well-being, the child should be encouraged to participate if they are determined to be safe and appropriate by the caregiver. The GAL can advocate to remove any barriers that prevent the child from having normalcy. This includes ensuring that case management and Department of Children and Families do not require prior approval for age-appropriate activities and that the policies and practices of placements (including group homes) are consistent with the statute. The family, friends, and foster parents that step up to care for abused, abandoned, and neglected children are truly admirable. All are making sacrifices to ensure that the children are safe and well cared for. The dependency system can be confusing and complex, but the GAL is in the position to provide clarity so that the child’s best interests are well-represented. continued page 32

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Family LawCommittee

T Lauren M. Ilvento, Esq., B.C.S.

Erin F. Duncan, Esq.

Roommate or Romantic Partner?

hough one may assume a spouse’s new relationship is irrelevant to divorce, in family law cases, these relationships often must be analyzed prior to the entry of a final judgment of dissolution of marriage. Specifically, when alimony is at issue in a dissolution of marriage action, the recipient’s need for alimony must be established. This requires analysis of a spouse’s new significant other. In cases that resolve prior to trial, it is incumbent upon the attorneys to include these threshold findings to prevent injustice to the parties – injustice that may not be immediately evident to the parties involved. Prior to the enactment of the statutory provisions related to supportive relationships, courts recognized that such relationships could justify the reduction of an alimony award, as the nature of a supportive relationship would reduce the recipient’s need for alimony1. In 2005, the Florida legislature enacted a statute, codified at §61.14(1) (b), Florida Statutes, which permits an alimony payor to seek a reduction or termination of alimony paid to a recipient who has entered into a “supportive relationship.” The statute lists 11 factors to be analyzed in determining whether an alimony recipient’s relationship would be deemed “supportive.” The circuits are currently split on the issue as to whether a finding of a supportive relationship requires a decrease or termination of alimony, or whether such a finding only meets the threshold of a “substantial change in circumstances,” at which point a court may consider whether the recipient’s need for alimony is changed.2

In determining whether a supportive relationship exists, the trial court must not limit its focus on the financial support that one of the couple may be providing to the other; the court must also analyze all aspects of the relationship, including the social and emotional, as well as “non-economic” services provided by the couple to one other.3 Once a trial court analyzes all of the financial, social, economic, and other aspects of the relationship, it then determines whether or not the relationship is supportive. The next step is to compare the relationship at issue to a hypothetical “roommate” or non-romantic, nonsupportive relationship, to determine whether it is supportive as defined by the statute.4 Case law currently holds that if a supportive relationship existed between a spouse and a paramour at the time of the entry of the final judgment, that relationship cannot later be used as a basis to modify theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

alimony.5 Thus, if an alimony recipient enters into the supportive relationship prior to the entry of the final judgment and the trial court does not consider evidence related to the supportive relationship at trial or make the related findings as to the recipient’s need in light of a supportive relationship, an alimony payor will effectively be denied relief intended to be available by statute. The King case does support the proposition that a change in the amount of the contribution made by the cohabitant to the alimony recipient may result in a substantial change in circumstances, which would in turn allow the payor to see a reduction or termination in alimony.6 However, if the trial court fails to make specific findings of fact as to the existence of the supportive relationship and its nature and extent in terms of its financial, social, and emotional support, including non-economic services, in the final judgment, the alimony payor may never be able to establish a change in circumstances, and the recipient will be able to evade the statute altogether. This would lead to the type of inequitable results the statute seeks to avoid. The First District Court of Appeal has recognized that the issue of a supportive relationship that arises prior to the entry of the final judgment can be considered by the trial court in determining alimony but thus far only with respect to the financial aspect of the alleged supportive relationship7. To date, no court of appeal has grappled with the issue of how a supportive relationship existing prior to a marriage being dissolved should be weighed by the trial court in determining alimony. As a result, there is an important gap in the case law. If courts are to do equity among the parties, as contemplated by the current law, the existence and impact of a supportive relationship must be part of the consideration of the trial court in determining whether there is a need for alimony, the amount of an alimony award, and the duration of the award. Then those considerations must be reduced to writing and included as part of the requisite findings in support of any alimony award. To do otherwise allows the outcome of a case to be driven by a party’s ability to delay trial until after he/she is able to enter into a supportive relationship, leaving a spouse with the risk of being ordered to indirectly subsidize the standard of living of an ex-spouse’s paramour.

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Civil RightsCommittee also indicate how courts are broadening continued from page 9

ern District of Florida came to a similar conclusion when it held that an employer who promoted his less qualified girlfriend over a higher qualified female co-worker was not sex discrimination.13 Could the #MeToo movement, which has exposed examples of powerful people in the workplace abusing their positions to gain sexual favors from employees, change the way courts think about sexual favoritism and nepotism in the workplace? Recently in 2018, in the case Chambers v. Mattis, a court in the Middle District of Florida unequivocally stated: Sexual Favoritism is a form of sexual harassment and discrimination that is illegal. It occurs when a manager or supervisor is in a sexual relationship or a perceived sexual relationship with another employee and the manager/ supervisor shows favoritism toward that employee such as by promoting them ahead of other, more qualified candidates.14 While this case may be an outlier, it could

their view of what constitutes workplace harassment and discrimination. In summary, the line between legal nepotism and sexual discrimination is fact-specific and has traditionally skewed toward a finding of no discriminatory intent on behalf of employers. But the #MeToo movement, which has taught us about the role an employer’s position of influence plays in workplace harassment, could be changing the landscape for sexual-discrimination claims. Ultimately, attorneys advising their clients on these types of claims should be aware of defenses based on nepotism and sexual favoritism.

Paul L. Sutherland III, Esq., is an associate attorney with Wilson McCoy, P.A., in Maitland, Florida, where he assists employees and employers with their work matters in the areas of employment discrimination, wage and hour, business advising, and contract law. He has been a member of the OCBA since 2018. Kim Parker & Cary Funk, 42% of US working women have faced gender discrimination on the job Pew Research Center (2017), http://www.pewresearch.org/facttank/2017/12/14/gender-discrimination-comes-inmany-forms-for-todays-working-women/ (last visited March 29, 2019).

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, EEOC Releases Preliminary FY 2018 Sexual Harassment Data, available at https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/10-4-18.cfm (last visited March 29, 2019). 3 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, SexBased Charges (Charges filed with EEOC) FY 1997 – FY 2017, available at https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/statistics/ enforcement/sex.cfm (last visited March 29, 2019). 4 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a)(1); see also Fla. Stat. § 760.10(2). 5 TWA v. Hardison, 432 U.S. 63, 71-72 (1997). 6 Sherk v. Adesa Atlanta, LLC, 432 F. Supp. 2d 1358, 1370 (N.D.G.A. 2006) (quoting DeCintio v. Westchester Cty. Med. Ctr., 807 F.2d 304, 306-07 (2d Cir. 1986)). 7 DeCintio, 807 F.2d at 306. 8 What is Nepotism?, The Law Dictionary, https:// thelawdictionary.org/nepotism/ (last viewed February 9, 2019). 9 Horne v. Turner Constr. Co., 136 F. App’x. 289 (11th Cir. 2005); Platner v. Cash & Thomas Contractors, Inc., 908 F.2d 902 (11th Cir. 1990) (holding adverse employment action was not actionable where motives were based on nepotism). 10 See EEOC Policy Guidance on Employer Liability Under Title VII for Sexual Favoritism, EEOC Notice No. 915-048 (January 12, 1990). 11 Womack v. Runyon, 147 F.3d 1298 (11th Cir. 1998). 12 Id. at 1300-01. 13 Ayers v. Am. Tel. & Tel. Co., 826 F. Supp. 443, 445 (S.D. Fla. 1993). 14 Chambers v. Mattis, 2018 WL 1203105, at *5 n.2 (M.D. Fla. Mar. 8, 2018). 2

ParalegalPost LASWhat We Do... continued from page 25

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Florida Lawyers Assistance – http://fla-lap.org/ • FLA Toll-Free Hotline: (800) 282-8981 (National) • FLA Judges’ Hotline: (888) 972-4040 (National) Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition (“FSPC”) – http://www.floridasuicideprevention.org/ • (800) 273-8255 (TALK) Suicide Prevention Lifeline – https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 • Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255 • Disaster Distress Helpline: (800) 985-5990 State employee? Check out your benefits for information on the Employee Assistance Program.

After years of working with Jacob to ensure he received appropriate services, including therapy, medication management, and tutoring, we eventually reached a point where potential adoptive parents were interested in giving Jacob a forever family. Shy at first, Jacob gradually warmed to the idea of adoption. After meeting with several interested parents, we decided it was best to pursue adoption with a single adult male who was familiar with Jacob’s background and expressed an interest in parenting Jacob. To ensure the initial meeting went well, Tanika volunteered to be with Jacob to facilitate a comfortable, yet realistic meeting. Her presence at that meeting and throughout this case was invaluable and an integral part of Jacob leaving foster care and moving into his forever home. Despite two removals from his mother and spending a great deal of his childhood in foster care, Jacob experienced the continuity we all crave. It just came in an unconventional, yet effective legal package: his GAL and VAC. We know you, too, have what it takes to serve as a GAL for one of the hundreds of “Jacobs” in the Orange County dependency system. For more information about becoming a GAL, please contact Coravious Cowart, Esq., Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., GAL Program litigation director, at ccowart@legalaidocba.org, or 407-841-8310. For more information about how to become a financial donor, contact Donna Haynes, development director, at dhaynes@legalaidocba.org, or 407-515-1850.

Bruce A. Blitman, Esq., , a mediator and ADR neutral for 30 years, is certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a circuit civil, county, and family mediator. He has served as the vice chair of the Florida Supreme Court’s original Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee and is a longtime diplomate member and a past president of The Florida Academy of Professional Mediators, Inc. He currently serves on the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s ADR and the Law Related Education committees. He can be reached at BABMediate@aol.com. Sandra Cumper, M.S., is the executive director of NAMI Broward County, Inc. She is a mental health counselor with a demonstrated history of working in forensic mental health. She is a strong business development professional and a doctoral candidate for Integrated Behavioral Health. She can be contacted at sandra@NAMIBroward.org.

Coravious Cowart, Esq., is the Guardian ad Litem Program litigation director at the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. He has been a member of the OCBA since 2012. PAGE 30

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Did you know that when you PASS a case to the Lawyer Referral Service, you not only support OCBA services, but you also help keep membership dues low? So please keep passing those cases and support the OCBA!

Keep the LRIS number in your playbook:

407-422-4537

Last year proceeds from the Lawyer Referral Program covered the production of six issues of The Briefs. The OCBA LRIS is the only Florida Bar Approved Lawyer Referral & Information Service in Central Florida. theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

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LASNews children, or educational experience to help continued from page 27

are also available to provide additional training classes wherever there are five or more interested volunteers. We have a great need for bilingual volunteers as well as volunteers with special talents and skills. In particular, we have a great need for volunteers with medical training to assist with our medically needy

our children experiencing educational lapses. If you care about children, wonder what you can do immediately to help our community, or want to see a child’s trust in adults grow right before your very eyes, we have a great need for you. If you know someone who has a passion for helping children, or for more information about the VAC Program, please contact Sally McArthur, Esq., at 407-841-8310,

LASGAL Teaching Tips continued from page 28

For more information about GAL advocacy, contact Jonathan H. Neyer, Esq., Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., Guardian ad Litem Program staff attorney, at jneyer@legalaidocba.org, or 407-841-8310. For more information about how to become a financial donor or help with our fundraising efforts, please contact Donna Haynes, development director, at dhaynes@legalaidocba. org, or 407-515-1850. Jonathan H. Neyer, Esq., is a staff attorney in the Guardian ad Litem Program at the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. He has been a member of the OBA since 2014.

Family LawCommittee continued from page 29

or smcarthur@legalaidocba.org. For more information about how to become a financial donor, please contact Donna Haynes, development director, at 407-515-1850, or dhaynes@legalaidocba.org. Sarah L. “Sally” McArthur, Esq., is the Volunteer Advocates for Children Program coordinator at the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2007.

Change in Foreclosure Redemption and Satisfaction Procedures

The Orange County Clerk of Courts made a policy and procedure change regarding foreclosure judgment cases. The new policy went into effect on May 1, 2019. The Clerk of Courts

Lauren M. Ilvento, Esq., Ilvento Law, P.A., is board certified in Marital and Family Law and has been practicing since 1995. She is especially experienced in cases that involve international, jurisdictional, and business issues. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2004.

will no longer issue Satisfactions of Judgment in foreclosure cases; instead, the office will be issuing Certificates of Redemption when a judgment debtor pays off a foreclosure judgment. This will still have the same effect of cancelling any pending foreclosure sale but will more accurately conform to the precise language of chapter 701, Florida Statutes.

Erin F. Duncan, Esq., The Orlando Law Group, P.L., is the chair of the Family Law Section of the OCBA. She has practiced family law since 2008 and has been a member of the OCBA since 2006.

This change only applies to foreclosure cases; other civil judgments are not affected by this change. Per Florida Statue 701.04(2), it is the judgement holder or attorney of records – not the Clerk – who issues the satisfaction in a foreclosure judgment.

Buxton v. Buxton, 963 So.2d 950, 951 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007). 2 See Murphy v. Murphy, 201 So.3d 18, 25 – 26 (Fla. 3d DCA 2013). 3 See Murphy v. Murphy, 201 So.3d 18 (Fla. 3d DCA 2013); Gregory v. Gregory, 128 So.3d 926 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013); Buxton v. Buxton, 963 So.2d 950 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007). 4 See, e.g., Atkinson v. Atkinson, 157 So.3d 473, 476–77 (Fla. 2d DCA 2015). 5 See King v. King, 82 So.3d 1124 (Fla. 2d DCA 2012). 6 Id. 7 See Keyser v. Keyser, 204 So.3d 159 (Fla. 1st DCA 2016).

This policy shift will simplify and make straightforward an area where uncertainty previously existed. The Clerk appreciates the input from practitioners and your patience regarding the implementation of this improvement.

JUNE 10: Courts Technology JULY 8: Best Practices for Business Litigators

Bring your lunch and pick up great practice pointers!

Seating is limited. RSVPs are requested. See Announcements on page 37 for speakers.

12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. • Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor • RSVP to: Cindy Brown at ctjacb1@ocnjcc.org PAGE 32

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EMPLOYMENT MEDIATION

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Dancing for Diabetes YLS raised $4,000 from its Annual Putt Putt Tournament for Dancing for Diabetes

Connor Kelly Leia Leitner Elizabeth Forrest, President, Dancing for Diabetes Rachel Mattie Brandon Sapp

Bingo & Blankets YLS May Luncheon

Great Oaks Village Fun Day Eric LaRue Michael Barber Jill Davis Ahmad El-Gendi

Keshara Davis Cowans, Rafael Rodriguez, Michael Barber, Ryan Williams, Jill Davis, Andrew Roy, Joey Chindamo, Brandon Sapp

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YLS on the move

Heather M. Meglino, Esq.

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n May 3, 2019, the YLS Community Service Committee put together our first ever Blankets & Bingo event at The Gardens at DePugh Nursing Center in Winter Park. The facility houses about 40 residents, and we were able to provide blankets to all residents as well as gift cards to the facility so they could take residents on excursions. Thank you to chairs Lauren Robertson, Esq., and John Hunt, Esq., for organizing a great event that allowed us to give back to seniors in our community. On May 11, 2019, we hosted our Third Annual Wills for Heroes event. Our award-winning program provides an opportunity for us to help first responders and heroes in our community prepare for their future by providing them basic estate planning at no cost. Wills for Heroes has been a growing event, and this year we helped more than 200 first responders! Thank you to our chair, Amber Williams, Esq., for her amazing coordination of this event and to our sponsor, Orange Legal, who hosted us this year! On May 16, 2019, YLS hosted its annual Washington Shores Elementary School Book Fair. Washington Shores Elementary is a Title I school that would not be able to have the book fair without the support of YLS members. We were able to put on this event through the help of a grant we received this year from The Florida Bar YLD after presenting the program at the Affiliate Outreach Conference. Thank you to our chair, Brian Lawrence, Esq., and his committee for coordinating and challenging us to donate money and books. On May 17, 2019, we held our monthly YLS Luncheon at the Citrus Club. This was a very special luncheon as it was the ceremonial passing of the YLS gavel from president Jill Davis, Esq., to incoming president Andrew Roy, Esq. We also recapped all of our great events and amazing accomplishments, and recognized YLS board members and committee chairs for their service this past year. Andrew spoke about his vision and plan for his upcoming term. We know the YLS is in great hands! As a point of special privilege, on behalf of the YLS board and all of YLS, I would like to thank outgoing president Jill Davis for her time and commitment this past term. I think we can all

www.orangecountybar.org

agree that we had a fun and very accomplished year. Thank you, Jill, for raising the bar and continuing to show why we are a force to be reckoned with! #WEDOMORE On May 23, 2019, it’s hard to believe, but we had our 9th Annual bloodbath, I mean YLS Dodgeball Tournament, at the First Presbyterian Church. Teams dodged, dipped, ducked, and dove their way to win the coveted trophies. Thank you to this year’s chair, Kathleen Shea, Esq., for organizing this fun-filled event! All excess proceeds raised will be donated to United Against Poverty Orlando. Dodgeball would not be complete without a proper after party. After the tournament, we headed to Market on Magnolia to celebrate our achievements throughout the year. Thank you to our sponsors, Milestone Reporting, Market on Magnolia, and Orange Legal, for feeding us and helping us to raise our glasses to a very successful year! Special congratulations go to Connor Kelly, Esq., Joey Chindamo, Esq., Annie Kwong, Esq., Brian Lawrence, Esq., and Kimmie Martin Esq., who were elected to the 2019-2020 YLS board, and to Stephanie Alcalde, Esq., who was appointed to the board for the coming year. Stay tuned for these upcoming YLS events: June 7 – YLS Morning at the State Courthouse. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (check-in: 8:30 a.m.) Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conf. Room. $20. Register through the OCBA Store. June 10 – Brown Bag Luncheon with Tanya & the Bobs. Courts Technology. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conf. Room. Speaker: Hon. Lisa Munyon. Contact: Cindy Brown at ctjacb1@ocnjcc.org. June 21 – YLS Luncheon. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (check-in: 11:30 a.m.-11:55 a.m.). Citrus Club. Speaker & Topic: TBD. Register through the OCBA Store. And don’t forget to find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @ocbayls #ocbayls #wedomore. Heather M. Meglino, Esq., is the owner of Meglino Law, LLC. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2011.

PAGE 35

Ne w M e mbe rs Attorneys

Affiliates

Peter BARTOSZEK

Robin L. NEILL

Albert Louis FREVOLA

Querida M. RICHARDS

Zaf G. GOSS Lawrence A. KELLOGG Jennie Zilner LIPPERT Spencer L. PASTORIN Nicole M. REID Kara A. SOLEBELLO Jessylin Polo WIEDERHOLD

Invite your colleagues to join the OCBA today!

Law Students Renwick Allen CALDWELL Imani Anse CULPEPPER

Go to: www.orangecountybar.org

Anaeli M. ZIEGENHIRT

Patron Robert MACK

to join online and see our calendar of upcoming events, seminars, and activities!

407-422-4551, ext. 225

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.

20 or More Members

Dean, Ringers, Morgan & Lawton, P.A. Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell P.A. Shutts & Bowen, LLP Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, et al. Winderweedle, Haines, et al.

10-19 Members

Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter, LLC Fisher Rushmer Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin McDonald Toole Wiggins, P.A.

2-9 Members Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. Anderson & Ferrin, Attorneys at Law, P.A. Artemis Family Law Group, PLLC Arwani Law Firm Aust Law Firm Banker Lopez Gassler P.A. Barrister Law Firm, P.A. Barry Miller Law Beshara, P.A. Carr Law Firm, P.A. Compass Law Cullen & Hemphill, P.A. DeCiccio & Johnson Dellecker Wilson King McKenna Ruffier & Sos, LLP Divine & Estes, P.A.

Murrah Doyle & Wigle, P.A. N. Diane Holmes, P.A. O’Mara Law Group Ringer Henry Buckley & Seacord, P.A. Roman V. Hammes, P.L. Sasser & Weber, P.A. Sawyer & Sawyer, P.A. Schwam-Wilcox & Associates SeifertMiller, LLC Shannin Law Firm, P.A. Small Business Counsel Southern Trial Counsel Stovash, Case & Tingley Tangel-Rodriguez & Associates The Aikin Family Law Group The Arnold Law Group The Brennan Law Firm The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller The Fighter Law Firm, P.A. The Law Office of Michael L. Dear, PLLC The Llabona Law Group The Skambis Law Firm Warner & Warner, P.L. West Family Law Group Wieland, Hilado & DeLattre, P.A. Wilson McCoy, P.A. Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. Yergey & Yergey, P.A.

Fassett, Anthony & Taylor, P.A. Forward Law Firm P.A. Gans Law, P.A. Gasdick Stanton Early, P.A. Giles & Robinson, P.A. GoodBlatt – Leo Green Family Law, P.A. Hale, Hale & Jacobson, P.A. Harris Harris Bauerle Ziegler Lopez Hilyard, Bogan & Palmer, P.A. Hornsby Law Infocus Family Law Firm, P.L. Jill S. Schwartz & Associates, P.A. Keating & Schlitt, P.A. King, Blackwell, Zehnder & Wermuth, P.A. Korshak & Associates, P.A. Kosto & Rotella, P.A. Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. Law Office of Catherine E. Davey, P.A. Law Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A. Lewis & Crichton Marcus & Myers, P.A. McMichen, Cinami & Demps PLLC McMillen Law Firm, P.A. McShane & McShane Law Firm, P.A. Meenakshi A. Hirani, P.A. Men’s Divorce Law Firm Morgan, White-Davis & Martinez, P.A. Murphy & Berglund, PLLC

PAGE 36 www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

Events June 7 - Morning at the State Courthouse. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.). Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conference Room. $20. Register through the OCBA Store up until day of. June 12 – Member Perks. 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. OCBA Center. Speaker: Hon. Bob Wesley. Register by June 10 through the OCBA Store. June 20 – The Honorable Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten Retirement Celebration. 4:00 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. Capacity: 300. RSVPs on a first-come basis. RSVP: www.lautenretirement.eventbrite.com.

Seminars June 10 – Estate, Guardianship & Trust Committee. Planning for Same-Sex Married Couples in the Age of Marriage Equality. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 1.0 general (pending). Free (OCBA members/gov’t/students); $20 (nonmembers). Speaker: Mary Merrell Bailey, Esq. Sponsored by K. Mitchell Team and Health Markets. Register by June 8 through the OCBA Store. June 10 – Brown Bag Luncheon with Tanya & the Bobs. Courts Technology. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conf. Room. CLE: 1.0 technology. Speaker: Hon. Lisa Munyon. RSVPs are requested. Contact: Cindy Brown at ctjacb1@ocnjcc.org. June 11 – LAS Lunchtime Training. Debt Collection & Garnishments. 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, FL 32803. CLE: pending. Speakers: Jamos Mobley, Esq.; N. James Turner, Esq. Contact: Marilyn Carbo at mcarbo@legalaidocba.org. June 13 – Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. White Hat/Black Hat with Gray Matter: Advanced Mediation Advocacy for Plaintiff and Defense Counsel and Their Clients. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 3.5 general, including 1.0 ethics (pending). Fee: $40 (OCBA members); $25 (gov’t/ students); $60 (nonmembers). Speakers: David Henry, Esq.; Anthony Sos, Esq.; Kimberly Webb, Esq. Register by June 11 through the OCBA Store. June 20 – Intellectual Property Committee. Details to come. June 21 – Family Law Committee. Meet the Honorable Alan S. Apte. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 1.0 general (approved). Free (OCBA members/gov’t/students); $20 (nonmembers). Speaker: Hon. Alan S. Apte. Sponsored by K. Mitchell Team. Register by June 19 through the OCBA Store.

June 25 – LAS Lunchtime Training. Dependency Cases Really Do End: Finding Permanency. 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, FL 32803. CLE: pending. Speaker: Katie Pareja, Esq. Contact: Marilyn Carbo at mcarbo@legalaidocba.org. June 27 – Workers’ Compensation Committee. Perspectives from the Bench: How to Be a More Effective Attorney at Trial. 11:30 a.m.-1:10 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 2.0 general (pending.) Free (OCBA members/gov’t/students); $20 (nonmembers). Speakers: Hon. Wilbur Anderson; Hon. Rob Arthur; Hon. Robert Dietz; Hon. Neal Pitts; Hon. Thomas Sculco; Hon. Margaret E. Sojourner. Sponsored by Cantrell Consulting and Orlando Orthopaedic Center. Register by June 25 through the OCBA Store. July 8 – Brown Bag Luncheon with Tanya & the Bobs. Best Practices for Business Litigators. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conf. Room. CLE: 1.0. Speakers: Hon. Don Myers; Eric Reed, Esq. RSVPs are requested. Contact: Cindy Brown at ctjacb1@ocnjcc.org. July 8 – Estate, Guardianship & Trust Committee. Tapping into the Latest Legal Technology. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 1.0 general, including 1.0 technology (pending.) Free (OCBA members/gov’t/students); $20 (nonmembers). Speaker: David Yergey III. Sponsored by K. Mitchell Team. Register by July 5 through the OCBA Store. July 9 – LAS Lunchtime Training. Guardian Advocate. 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, FL 32803. CLE: pending. Speakers: Hon. Jose R. Rodriguez; Tenesia C. Hall. Contact: Marilyn Carbo at mcarbo@legalaidocba.org. July 16 – Technology Committee and Criminal Law Committee. Digital Forensics Brief for Attorneys. 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. OCBA Center. CLE: 1.0 general and 1.0 technology (approved). Free (OCBA members/gov’t/students); $20 (nonmembers). Lunch is provided. Speakers: Santiago Ayala; Aaron Weiss. Sponsored by Hex21 Group. Register by July 14 through the OCBA Store. July 23 – LAS Lunchtime Training. GAL Training: Advocating for Transitioning Youth with Mental Health Diagnoses. 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, FL 32803. CLE: pending. Speaker: Marie Priebe, Esq. Contact: Marilyn Carbo at mcarbo@legalaidocba. org. July 26 – Bankruptcy Law Committee. Details to come.

An n o unce ments

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 37

CLASSIFIED ADS EMPLOYMENT AV RATED BREVARD COUNTY FIRM seeks experienced commercial real estate closing attorney. We primarily represent commercial lenders and investors. Our office is located forty-five minutes from downtown Orlando. Live a better quality of life on the beach and enjoy a collegial, professional work environment. Compensation commensurate with experience. Inquiries should be submitted to mitch@ cfglawoffice.com. ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY 1-5 YEARS EXP. Full or Part-time. Insurance/Product Liability. Reply to Hiring Partner: P.O. Box 1150, Winter Park, FL 32790. LEGAL ASSISTANT/ASSISTANT Full or Part-time. Prior litigation experience preferred. Reply to Hiring Partner: P.O. Box 1150, Winter Park, FL 32790. KILLGORE, PEARLMAN, SEMANIE, DENIUS & SQUIRES, P.A. – ORLANDO AV rated Orlando law firm seeks

an associate attorney with 5 years’ minimum commercial litigation experience. The ideal candidate will have strong communication, research and writing skills, be detail-oriented, self-motivated and work inde pendently with moderate supervision. Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits available. Please submit resume and cover letter to: Jane Corser, Firm Administrator, jcorser@ kpsds.com. THE ORANGE COUNTY CLERK’S SELF HELP CENTER is in need of attorneys who speak Spanish, Creole or are ASL certified. The Self Help Center attorneys provide consultations to clients who need information regarding family law, evictions, and small claims. Self Help Center Attorneys can sign up to work for one or more days per month. For more information, please contact Candice Maull at candiced@ocbanet.org. DOWNTOWN ORLANDO LITIGATION FIRM seeking

To reply to BRIEFS box number, address as follows: Briefs Reply Box # _____ c/o Orange County Bar Association Orlando, FL 32801

attorney with 5 years’ experience. Insurance defense experience preferred. Benefits and salary are based on experience. E-mail your resume to Dianna@vasko.net. SPECIALTY DEFENSE FIRM handling first party property/ liability coverage issues and complex contractual/tort litigation seeks attorneys 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 BI ATTORNEY NEEDED: Established insurance defense law firm seeks trial attorney with 7+ years of trial practice experience. The candidate must have significant first chair experience at trial and should anticipate immediately preparing for and attending trial. A very lucrative compensation package is available for the right person. Send resumes to mheaberlin@ gobelflakes.com.

OFFICE SPACE/SALE/ RENT/LEASE/SHARE SELL YOUR FIRM and retire with a bonus. You’ve diligently built your firm, now cash in on that investment! Get a free copy of The Guide to Selling Your Florida Law Practice and develop a plan for the profitable and successful sale of your most valuable asset. Call (407) 917-9594 or visit www. ExitMyLawPractice.com! TWO FURNISHED ATTORNEY OFFICES – Downtown Orlando, one block from courthouse, post office and restaurants. Parking, conference rooms and kitchen use included. Call Kacy (407) 259-2426.

SHARED LAW OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – Up to three furnished offices for lease. Contact kristy@kellyjuris.com.

2019

JUL 9, 2019

Guardian Advocate

JUL 23, 2019

GAL Training – Advocating for Transitioning Youth with Mental Health Diagnoses

JULY - DECEMBER

AUG 6, 2019

Family Law Case Update & Legislative Wrap Up

AUG 20, 2019

GAL Training – Nurturing Our Newborns: Advocacy in Early Childhood Court

SEPT 10, 2019

Relocations & DV

SEPT 24, 2019

GAL Training – GAL Advocacy for Crossover Youth

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

OCT 8, 2019

Sealing/Expunction

OCT 22, 2019

GAL Training – GAL Appeals: The Final Frontier

NOV 5, 2019 Immigration Topic Training classes are free for OCBA members and non-OCBA members participating NOV 12, 2019 GAL Training – Understanding Lesser-known Placement Options (Kinship Program) in the LAS pro bono program. Pre-registration is required for the free lunch and DEC 3, 2019 Housing requested for training (or subject to space availability if not pre-registered). DEC 10, 2019 GAL Training – Treating Trauma in Dependent Youth Training classes are free for OCBA members and non-OCBA members participating in the LAS pro bono program. Pre-registration is required for the free lunch and requested for training (or subject to space availability if not pre-registered). PAGE 38

www.orangecountybar.org

LUNCHTIME TRAINING NOON TO 1:30 P.M. FREE CLE FREE LUNCH RSVP TO

mcarbo@legalaidocba.org ctucker@legalaidocba.org merazmus@legalaidocba.org ALL TRAININGS HELD AT Marks Street Senior Complex 99 East Marks Street • Orlando, FL 32803 • Cypress Room

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!

Speaker:

The Honorable Robert Wesley

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. OCBA Center OCBA Members Only

FREE

Limited Seating Breakfast Included

Experienced Family Law Attorney? Love Family Law? Enjoy Marketing? Love Running A Business? Do you enjoy marketing and working with clients but hate the business side of the law? Do you value collaborating with peers in a team environment? Looking for change? WE MAY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!

June’s Topic: A Problem We Can’t Ignore – Jury Composition in our Majority Minority Jurisdiction Please check the OCBA website for future Member Perks speakers & topics!

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

F U R T H E R I N F O R M AT I O N H E R E :

InFocusFamilyLaw.com/Knock Maitland, FL | (407) 388-0700

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 39

O C B A JUNEC a- JULYl e n d a r

JUNE Professionalism

Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

Elder Law Committee 5 Meeting 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

Morning at the State 7 Courthouse

Social Security Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center Civil Rights Law Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m. • OCBA Center YLS Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. • OCBA Center

9:00 a.m. • Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conf. Room

& Small Firm 1 8 Solo Committee Meeting

Planning for Same-Sex Married Couples in the Age of Marriage Equality 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center Brown Bag Luncheon with Tanya & the Bobs Courts Technology 12:00 p.m. • Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conf. Room

12:00 p.m. • Lowndes Law

12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

Guardianship 1 0 Estate, Practice & Trust Committee 1 9 Appellate Committee Meeting Seminar

Property 2 0 Intellectual Committee Seminar

TBD Hon. Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten Retirement Celebration 4:00 p.m. • Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Law 1 Meeting 1 Technology Committee 2 1 Family Committee Seminar 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center LAS Lunchtime Training Debt Collection & Garnishments 12:00 p.m. • Marks St. Senior Rec. Complex

Member Perks 8:00 a.m. • OCBA Center Lawyers Literary Society 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

Meet the Honorable Alan S. Apte 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center YLS Luncheon 11:30 a.m. • Citrus Club

2 Training 5 LAS Lunchtime

Dependency Cases Really Do End: Finding Permanency 12:00 p.m. • Marks St. Senior Rec. Complex

Workers’ Compensation Alternative Dispute Committee Seminar Resolution Committee Perspectives from the Seminar White Hat/Black Hat with Bench: How to Be a More Effective Attorney Gray Matter: Advanced at Trial Mediation Advocacy for 11:30 a.m. • OCBA Plaintiff and Defense Center Counsel and Their Clients 1:30 p.m. • OCBA Center

PAGE 40

• No June Luncheon • Next Luncheon: July 25, 2019

The Honorable Donald A. Myers, Jr. 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Orlando 191 E. Pine St., Orlando, FL 32801 RSVP by July 22, 2019 // orangecountybar.org/store Sponsored by Veritext Legal Solutions

JULY

Professionalism Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

Elder Law Committee 3 Meeting 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

Civil Rights Law Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m. • OCBA Center YLS Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. • OCBA Center

Estate, Guardianship & Small Firm 8 1 6 Solo & Trust Committee Committee Meeting Seminar Tapping into the Latest Legal Technology 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center Brown Bag Luncheon with Tanya & the Bobs Best Practices for Business Litigators 12:00 p.m. • Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conf. Room LAS Lunchtime Training Guardian Advocate 12:00 p.m. • Marks St. Senior Rec. Complex

1 Society 0 Lawyers Literary

12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center Judicial Relations Committee Meeting 12:15 p.m. • Orange County Courthouse, 23rd Floor Conf. Room OCBA Executive Council Meeting 4:30 p.m.• OCBA Center Construction Law Committee Meeting 5:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

Social Security 11 Committee Meeting

12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center Technology Committee and Criminal Law Committee Seminar Digital Forensics Brief for Attorneys 12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

Practice 1 7 Appellate Committee Meeting

12:00 p.m. • Lowndes Law

Luncheon 1 9 YLS 11:30 a.m. • Citrus Club

2 Training 3 LAS Lunchtime

GAL Training: Advocating for Transitioning Youth with Mental Health Diagnoses 12:00 p.m. • Marks St. Senior Rec. Complex

Luncheon 2 5 OCBA The Honorable Donald

A. Meyers, Jr. 11:30 a.m. • Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Orlando

Law 2 6 Bankruptcy Committee Seminar TBD

12:00 p.m. • OCBA Center

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2019 Vol. 87 No. 5

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MID-FL FL PERMIT NO. 581

880 North Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801

407-344-4837

We Gladly Pay Referral Fees to Associating Counsel When Permissible

Thomas Feiter, B.C.S.

120 E. Robinson Street Orlando, FL 32801

Ashley Parker

Criminal Defense Injunctions Personal Injury Sexual Assault

FIGHTER LAW.COM

(407) - FIGHTER (344-4837)

Orange County Bar Association - The Briefs - June 2019