The Orange County Bar Association - The Briefs - June 2022

A Publication of the Orange County

Bar Association

Karen L. Persis, Esq. Eric C. Reed, Esq.

OCBA President | 2022-2023

OCBA President | 2021-2022

Inside this Issue:

June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

President’s Message Finding Our Way Back Karen L. Persis, Esq.

Law Week Committee Law Week 2022 Recap Peonca S. Grier, CP, FRP, SHRM-CP Brittany G. Melendez, Esq.

Professionalism Committee Remarks by The Hon. Reginald K. Whitehead Upon Receipt of the OCBA 2022 James G. Glazebrook Memorial Bar Service Award The Hon. Reginald K. Whitehead

Legal Aid Society Teaching Tips What is Normalcy and How You as a Guardian ad Litem Can Help Make it Happen Ronnie Syme, Esq.

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the Briefs

Contents 3

23

President’s Message Finding Our Way Back Karen L. Persis, Esq.

Legal Aid Society What We Do...

Florida Supreme Court Honors Orange County Attorneys Larri Thatcher, Esq.

4

Clerk’s Corner Legislature Passes Florida Court Clerks 2022 Priority Legislation The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell

6

Professionalism Committee Remarks by The Hon. Reginald K. Whitehead Upon Receipt of the OCBA 2022 James G. Glazebrook Memorial Bar Service Award The Hon. Reginald Whitehead

7

24

Paralegal Post Paralegal Section Board 2022 – 2023 Marisol Gomez, FRP

25

OCBA Member News Hearsay Michael V. Andriano, Esq.

25

New Members

27

Chief’s Column Circuit Construction Update The Hon. Lisa T. Munyon

Young Lawyers Section News YLS on the Move Linnea M. Eberhart, Esq.

11

28

OCBA Past Presidents Dinner

13

Bench Bar 2022: Mystery in the South Pacific

17

Voluntary Bar News SideBar Alena V. Baker, Esq.

30

Classifieds

OCBA Law Week Luncheon

32

18

Law Week Committee Law Week 2022 Recap Peonca S. Grier, CP, FRP, SHRM-CP Brittany G. Melendez, Esq.

Calendar

20 22

Legal Aid Society Teaching Tips What is Normalcy and How You as a Guardian ad Litem Can Help Make it Happen Ronnie Syme, Esq.

Associate Editors Karen L. Middlekauff & Lauren Brusca Hearsay Columnist Michael V. Andriano YLS on the Move Vaughn Glinton SideBar Alena V. Baker OFFICERS Karen L. Persis, President Amber N. Davis, President-Elect Arti Ajit Hirani, Treasurer Keshara Cowans, Secretary EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Michael Barber Chris Carmody Euribiades Cerrud, II Lisa Gong Guerrero Catherine T. “Kate” Hollis Kristopher J. Kest Bruce Mount Alisia Adamson Profit Rafael O. Rodriguez C. Andrew Roy Jessica A. Travis Brandon M. Sapp Eric C. Reed, Ex-Officio Stephanie Alcalde, YLS President

Advertising & Sponsorship Manager Ursla Gallagher Publication Services Candice Maull

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Magazine Advertising – 10th of the month prior to the month of publication eEdition Advertising – 20th of the month prior to electronic distribution 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 ©2022 Orange County Bar Association. All rights reserved. Designer: Catherine E. Hébert Cover photo: Photography by Najah ISSN 1947-3968

©2021

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jenny Brown

OCBA LAWn Day

PAGE 2

Editor John M. Hunt

www.orangecountybar.org

880 North Orange Avenue • Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 422-4551 • Fax (321) 430-1558 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

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

President’sMessage

June 2022

Finding Our Way Back

O

ne evening in April, my 6-year-old son flew into the house from a day at school, slammed down his backpack and yelled, “Mom, guess what we can do to our teacher now?” and ran off to wash his hands (thank you for this habit, Coronavirus).

Rather alarmed, I wrangled myself out of the tangled cords and wires that I had nested in at my home office, also known as my dining room table, and chased afKaren L. Persis, Esq. ter him. My mind was only flooded with horrors of what this Kindergarten class was now going to do to their teacher.

Once I caught him, I interrogated him. What do you mean, what you can do to your teacher? What are you planning to do to your teacher? Does she know about what you are going to do to her?

He smiled, and said, “We get to hug her now.”

I cannot put into words the range of emotions that flooded my mind and heart in that very second. Happiness. Sadness. Certainly, relief that he was not leading some sort of Lord of the Flies mutiny in his Orange County Public Schools Kindergarten class. I released him from my custody, and he flittered away. And I melted into the floor in the hallway of my home, trying to process the enormity of his simple statement.

His first school year was almost over, and he was finally able to hug his teacher at the end of each day. The school had done its best throughout the year to make everything as normal as possible.

My son, being a Kindergartener, doesn’t know anything differently. Masks, assigned lunch tables, distanced spots to stand on in PE, spaced out desks started the school year, and protocols were modified, slowly and safely, as we seemed to recover. But I was unaware of how much he craved that connectivity to his teacher.

Just a simple, quick hug.

As much as I thought we had communicated with him throughout the past two years about the weird times in which we were living, we must have somehow overlooked many discussions about the lack of physical connection we were all experiencing.

Kids and adults may be very different, but we are all human. The safer, well-intentioned, and thoughtfully planned social interactions at school and with extracurricular activities were great, but they couldn’t replace the real thing. Just as I have felt the Zoom happy hours, spaced out tables, drive-through birthday parties and baby showers, and awkwardly distanced waves were no replace-

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

ment for social connection for me. We were all doing our best in uncertain and confusing times. Now, we are trying our best to find our way back. To get back to “normal.”

As we are now halfway through 2022, and we begin a new year at the Orange County Bar Association, I am excited for the challenge of finding our way back as a Bar community. And although personally, sometimes I want to hurry up and make everything “normal” again, I know we must take time to process the trauma that we have lived through for two years. And, we are all going to process it in a different way and at a different pace. As a Bar community, it is important for us to acknowledge that our “normal” is perhaps a “new normal.” Certain court proceedings, meetings, and CLE courses will likely continue to occur on video conference.

Our members may be more selective in their activities and deliberate with how they spend their free time, having enjoyed having all of it back for a couple of years. More dining room tables will continue to become home offices a couple days (or more!) a week.

Your colleagues may be working in a different time zone from an Airbnb across the country, with family in tow, for weeks or even a month at a time.

As a Bar, we will continue to adapt to the new world in which we live. CLEs are great. Zoom meetings are great. Technology is great.

Pivoting is great. But, the people of the Orange County Bar Association are what make our organization exceptional. It is our connectivity within our membership that I believe sets us apart from many other voluntary bar organizations nationwide. For many of us, our Bar is also an extended family that we have missed visiting with for two years.

I realize that some of us are already living life fully out loud and in person again. Some of us are still approaching various activities with much deliberation and caution. And, some of us are perhaps still nervous and even uncertain as to how to rejoin in-person events. This year, I hope our members will find their own path and comfort level in reengaging with the Bar for programming. We are planning on in-person discussions on critical topics, outreach to public schools, family-friendly events where our children will be encouraged to attend, health and wellness topics, and a few events that are going to be nothing but pure, unapologetic, in-person fun.

The Orange County Bar Association is here for you when you are ready, and we welcome you back. Hopefully, with a hug.

Karen L. Persis, Esq., owner of Karen Persis, P.A., practices surrogacy law, gamete donation, and adoption. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2005.

www.orangecountybar.org

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Clerk’sCorner

I

Legislature Passes Florida Court Clerks 2022 Priority Legislation

am pleased to share that the “At Your Service Next Steps Clerk 2022 Legislative Priority,” HB 397 Court Fiscal Administration

by Representative Clemons, was passed unanimously by the Florida Legislature earlier this year.

At the time it was passed, the bill was on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

This proposed legislation will provide improvements to the Clerk’s statewide budgeting process, establish a new process in statute to improve the cost and workload for mental health and substance abuse case types, enhance payment options, and improve efficiency and customer service for certain driver’s license reinstatements.

I can’t thank our Legislative Delegation enough for their support as my office and Clerks across the state continue to bring forward legislative solutions to continue fixing the system that funds our offices and protects the critical services we provide.

Similar to a business, Clerks of Court are primarily funded on a cash basis month to month, and the revenue comes from the collection of fines, fees, and court costs. But unlike a business, Clerks of Court must provide critical public services that Floridians rely on regardless of the circumstances and cash flow. These are services that ensure timely processing for court records, protect vulnerable populations, and support the judicial system throughout the state.

During times of crisis, like COVID-19 or a hurricane, Clerk revenues plummet, impacting their ability to provide public services.

And the issue isn’t new. In fact, until recently, Clerk statewide budgets have dramatically declined nearly every year for about a decade. Meanwhile, Clerks continue to face several challenges that result in unstable funding for service.

The good news is we have been able to work together with legislators to make progress in recent years. I am thankful this year’s proposed legislation builds on the framework set in the 2021 legislative session to further stabilize funding sources for Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers.

Please continue to support our #AtYourService Next Steps Legislative Priorities, and let’s continue fixing the system to ensure Clerks are at your service. To learn more, please go to www.

FLClerks.com/AtYourService2022.

The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq., Orange County Clerk of Courts, has been a member of the OCBA since 2004.

Grow your practice and serve the community!

Join the OCBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service or Modest Means Program.

The LRIS referred 8,999 clients and generated more than $2 million in attorneys’ fees last year.

Visit https://www.orangecountybar.org/ for-attorneys/join-lawyer-referral-service/ to apply or contact candiced@ocbanet.org.

If you renew on our website, be sure to update your information!

PAGE 4

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

ProfessionalismCommittee

I

Remarks by The Hon. Reginald K. Whitehead Upon Receipt of the OCBA 2022 James G. Glazebrook Memorial Bar Service Award

had the good fortune to know Judge Glazebrook. I first met him at an OCBA luncheon when we bumped into each other looking for our nametags. We got to talking as he helped me find mine, and I helped him find his. I was a fairly new judge at the time, while he was a United States Magistrate. But, that didn’t matter.

He made it very comfortable; The Honorable it was very easy to talk to him.

Reginald K. Whitehead I enjoyed getting to know him, and we had a very pleasant conversation that day.

My experience meeting Judge Glazebrook was not out of the ordinary for him. He was always genuine and courteous with everyone he met. No matter who he was with, he gave them his full attention. When it came to professionalism and courtesy, Judge Glazebrook was at the top of his game. He was renowned for being courteous, and he made it look natural and easy. As lawyers and judges, we are so used to dealing with complicated matters that we sometimes look to make everything complicated. We’ve even made courtesy complicated, but Judge Glazebrook would have been the first to tell you that it isn’t.

Many years ago, I received a desk plate from the OCBA professionalism committee that reads professionalism demands courtesy. It’s written on both sides of the plate, and it simplifies things.

I see it. You see it. It’s not an option for either of us; it’s an expectation. And, it’s an expectation that Judge Glazebrook reminds us is easy to fulfill.

Throughout our lives, we’ve all been taught how to be courteous and professional, whether by parents, schoolteachers, co-workers, and/or colleagues. And, it’s critical that we bring that knowledge to the law. Professionalism is the starting point – the foundation – of the judicial system. You can’t build a good structure without a solid foundation, and without professionalism at its foundation, the judicial system can’t provide justice.

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When people think of the courts, they immediately think of lady justice with her blindfold and balanced scales. That’s what justice looks like, and that’s what they expect. But, before we can even get to fair and just proceedings, people need to feel comfortable in our courts. They need to feel that the courts – which includes me as a judge and you as counsel – are present and listening. They need to feel like I did in my first conversation with Judge Glazebrook. And, one way the courts can give that to people is through professionalism and courtesy.

The courtroom, like everything we have structured in the world, needs a leader. And, that leader is the judge. When I was an administrative judge, I put a lot of emphasis on the judge’s responsibility to lead by example when it came to professionalism and courtesy in the courtroom. Professionalism starts and ends with the judge. Judges should model the behavior we expect in the courtroom, and remain courteous when dealing with unprofessional behavior when it arises. Because people don’t just need to feel that the courts are present and listening, they also need to feel that they can speak freely no matter who they agree or disagree with in a case. And, no one can feel free to speak in a courtroom where unprofessional, uncivil behavior is tolerated without consequences. Our judicial system won’t hold if we don’t have that solid foundation.

Professionalism demands courtesy. It’s not an option. But, it is easy. And, it is a tremendous honor for me to receive the James G. Glazebrook Memorial Bar Service Award. One that I am humbled to share with the judges who received it before me. Especially Judge Glazebrook who during a simple exchange searching for nametags at a bar luncheon taught me just how easy and impactful it can be.

The Honorable Reginald K. Whitehead, Circuit Judge for Orange County Civil Division. He has been a member of the OCBA since 1987.

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 5

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SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY! 407-849-1665 • thechristschool.org PAGE 6

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theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

Chief’sColumn Circuit Construction Update

T The Honorable Lisa T. Munyon Chief Judge Ninth Judicial Circuit Court

he deadline for this column is about two months prior to the Briefs release date – I’m writing in April, you’re reading in June. That’s a long span of time, and it’s the reason I’ve been hesitant to use this column for construction updates. But, there are a lot of projects underway at the Ninth, and significant progress has been made since I last wrote about some of them in 2021. So, please forgive any information that may now be out-of-date and read on to learn about the exciting things happening in the Ninth.

Orange County Courthouse After 25 years in the downtown courthouse and 25 years of tremendous growth in Orange County, we are in desperate need of more space. Fortunately, the architects anticipated the situation we now find ourselves in and designed the building with three shell floors for future expansion. All three floors – 13 (renamed M), 14, and 15 – are currently in different phases of construction.

Floor M Designs are done and construction purchase orders have been submitted for the buildout of the floor formerly known as 13. The county held a preconstruction meeting at the end of March and tentatively set construction to start before year’s end. Floor M is a designated courtroom floor with two large and one standard sized courtrooms. The two large courtrooms will feature center benches and four litigation tables. The third jury courtroom is approximately the size of a current county court and civil courtroom and will accommodate two litigation tables. This floor will also feature two domestic-sized hearing rooms.

Floor 14 Construction on Floor 14 was completed in March. This floor is a dedicated chambers floor designed similarly to the 20th floor, with eight additional chambers, four hearing rooms and no courtrooms. Judges took occupancy on this floor in April, leaving three chambers in the courthouse open for any future judgeships allocated to the Ninth Circuit.

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

Floor 15 For the time being, Floor 15 acts as a storage floor for the courthouse. This will soon change as the architect selected for this project begins to draft designs for the space. The vision for this floor mimics much of what Floor M will look like at its completion, with some design and technology changes based on what we’ve learned over the past couple of years. Instead of three jury courtrooms and two hearing rooms, Floor 15 will house four jury courtrooms.

Floor 16 Our shell floors are not the only areas of the courthouse undergoing major change. We are also currently reviewing bids for an expansion to the Domestic Relations space on Floor 16 that would see a larger workspace for staff on this floor. In addition to this expanded space, a new lactation room on Floor 16 is currently available for nursing mothers.

Judge Jon B. Morgan Courthouse Just as Orange County has grown, so has Osceola County. A space assessment study is currently underway, with a focus on designing the space to increase square footage. As of my writing, plans include adding three to six floors to the east side of the building.

Winter Park Courthouse Plans are underway to open a new courthouse space in Winter Park by 2024. This courthouse, located on Metric Drive, will house two courtrooms, one with a jury box and one dedicated to the traffic division, within its roughly 35,000 square foot space.

Additionally, this building will contain an area designated to a division of the clerk’s office to serve the needs of east Orange County residents. Architects are currently drafting designs for the courthouse and will likely have finalized plans by October of this year.

Exciting changes are underway in our circuit, and we can’t wait to show them to you. Though progress can, at times, be slow and noisy, bear with us as some of these spaces undergo change. These projects will help us better serve you and our community and will be well worth the wait.

The Honorable Lisa T. Munyon, Chief Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, was first appointed to the Circuit Court for Orange and Osceola Counties in 2003 and has been an OCBA member since 1989.

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 7

Invite your colleagues to join the OCBA today!

Serving the Legal Profession.

Serving the Community.

Go to:

www.orangecountybar.org

The Legal Limit is the official podcast of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. The Legal Limit brings you one-on-one interviews with the people shaping our Central Florida community.

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

407-422-4551, ext. 245

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

Lunchtime Training • legalaidocba.org

June 7, 2022 VIRTUAL ONLY

An Introduction to Debt Collection and Garnishment Actions

Jamos Mobley, Esq. – Senior Housing/ Consumer Staff Attorney Learn the basics of evaluating and defending against unsecured debt collection actions and how to protect client assets from garnishment post judgment.

In Person Location: Orange County Bar Association 880 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 | Palm Room

June 21, 2022 IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

Special Needs: Positive Pathways & Possibilities

July 12, 2022 IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

Champagne Taste and a Beer Budget – Discovery in a Family Law Matter

July 26, 2022 IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

Interviewing Children for Best Interest Advocacy

PAGE 8

Noon –1:30 p.m.

Mexcye Roberts, Esq. – GAL Program Staff Attorney & GAL Program Case Coordinator Learn about various educational services available for children with special needs.

Ritcy Canelon, Esq. – Family Staff Attorney This practical training will teach people how to conduct family law discovery for indigent clients.

Virtual Sessions: Prerecorded and on our Website:

www.legalaidocba.org. All trainings will be available to view on our website.

Questions: info@legalaidocba.org www.legalaidocba.org

Marie Priebe, Esq. – GAL Program Director of Special Projects This training will explore practical ways to communicate with children about difficult topics and improve overall GAL advocacy.

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

New Lawyer Training Program Friday & Saturday | August 12 & 13, 2022

The two-day program gives the information you need to be a successful legal practitioner! Topics include: • Navigating circuit civil, business, domestic, and criminal courts in the Ninth Judicial Circuit • Establishing and building a successful solo practice • Where to find inexpensive practice management resources • The importance of professionalism and ethics in practice

Network with seasoned legal professionals and judges while earning 10 CLE credits! All attendees are automatically enrolled in the OCBA's mentoring program.

Early Bird Price End June 15, 2022!

Breakfast, lunch and all educational materials included.

Student: $125 (Scholarships available! OCBA student membership included) Members: $150 | Non-members: $175

Learn more or register online at https://bit.ly/OCBANLTP

Past Attendee Testimonials: “Incredibly helpful. The information I’ve learned is priceless. Coming in and being able to network on an intimate level which is vital to our profession was eye-opening.”

“Attending was the best decision for someone like me who will be opening his/her own law firm in the next two months.”

Sponsored by:

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 9

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theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

OCBA Past Presidents Dinner April 28, 2022 University Club Sponsored by

Rafael Rodriguez, Scott Leitner, Leia Leitner Jenny Brown, Richard Dellinger, Tony Sos

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 11

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

Carr Law Firm, P.A. Compass Law Culbertson Law Group Cullen & Hemphill, P.A. Davey Law Group, P.A. Debra Wilkinson Botwin, LLC 10-19 Members DeCiccio & Johnson Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter, LLC Dellecker Wilson King McKenna Ruffier & Fisher Rushmer Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Sos, LLP Divine & Estes, P.A. Association, Inc. Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Fassett, Anthony & Taylor, P.A. Flammia Elder Law Firm Goggin Forward Law Firm P.A. McDonald Toole Wiggins, P.A. Gans Law, P.A. 2-9 Members Anderson & Ferrin, Attorneys at Law, P.A. Gasdick Stanton Early, P.A. Giles & Robinson, P.A. Artemis Family Law Group, PLLC GoodBlatt – Leo Arwani Law Firm Green Family Law, P.A. Aust Law Firm Harris Harris Bauerle Ziegler Lopez Barrister Law Firm, P.A. Hilyard, Bogan & Palmer, P.A. Barry Miller Law Hornsby Law Beshara, P.A. Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell P.A. Shutts & Bowen, LLP Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, et al.

Winderweedle, Haines, et al.

PAGE 12

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 Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A. 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 N. Diane Holmes, P.A. O’Mara Law Group Page & Eichenblatt, P.A. Perez LaSure, LLC Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group

www.orangecountybar.org

Sawyer & Sawyer, P.A. Schwam-Wilcox & Associates SeifertMiller, LLC Shannin Law Firm, P.A. 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 Marks Law Firm, P.A. The Skambis Law Firm Warner & Warner, P.L. West Family Law Group Wieland & DeLattre, P.A. Wilson McCoy, P.A. Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. Yergey & Yergey, P.A.

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

Over 300 attendees and 50 judges convened for nearly 40 hours of CLE across 8 different tracks on Friday, April 8, 2022 at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. The keynote speaker, Mark Eiglarsh, entertained and enlightened attendees during the lunch general session “Happiness for Lawyers Guaranteed… or Your Misery Back.”

Attendees interacted with sponsors throughout the day playing “Mystery in the South Pacific” to solve the mystery of who stole the missing treasure.

Bench Bar 2022: Mystery in the South Pacific April 8, 2022 Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

Thank You to Our bENCH bAR sponsors

Eric Reed, Mark Eiglarsh, Alan Apte

Thank you to our Bench Bar Conference Planning Committee!

Judicial Advisors . . . . . . . .

Hon. Elaine Barbour Hon. Denise Beamer Hon. John Beamer Hon. Alice Blackwell Hon. James Edwards Hon. John Jordan Hon. Barbara Leach Hon. Diana Tennis

Tom Feiter

Track Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alana Baker Jessica Espiritu Amber Davis Tom Feiter Lea Anne Groover Lisa Gong Guerrero Nicolette Kramer Judge Diana Tennis Fermin Lopez Christina Miner Conti Moore Smith Joe Percopo Deborah Poindexter Elizabeth Plummer Eric Reed Camy Schwam-Wilcox Kelsey Weiss Mary J. Walter Michael Barber

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 13

Judge Chad Alvaro, Judge Denise Beamer, Judge John Beamer

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www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

C. Andrew Roy, Kristopher Kest, Scot Leitner

Judge Alice Blackwell

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 15

Peonca Grier, Liberty Bell Awardee Michele Levy, Brittany Melendez

Peonca Grier, Liberty Apple Awardee Stewart Parker, Brittany Melendez

Peonca Grier, Liberty Shield Awardee Robert Morgan, Brittany Melendez

Leia Leitner, Judge Andrew Cameron, Brian Lawrence, Deborah Moskowitz, Bethanie Barber

PAGE 16

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theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

OCBA Law Week Luncheon April 28, 2022 Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando

First Place Speech Contest Winner Sophia Ferrera, Eric Reed

Josh Powell, Gennifer Bridges, Caleb Powell

Jhona Francisco, Second Place Speech Winner Ysabella Francisco

Jenny Brown, Rebecca Smith-Hameroff, Arti Hirani, Judge Gisela Laurent, Judge Faye Allen, Brittany Melendez

Supporting Sponsors:

Savannah Clifton, Mayanne Downs

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 17

Law WeekCommittee Law Week 2022 Recap

L

aw Day is commemorated on Middle School: 2nd Place – Brianna Rodriguez (Memorial MidMay 1st of each year and is de- dle School) and our first-place winner was Student A from the fined by the ABA as an oppor- JDC. tunity to host or participate in dis- High School: 2nd Place – Sarah Chung (University High School) cussions about the law and its role and our first-place winner was Luz Renta Quiroz from Colonial in society. The ABA picks a theme High School. each year and this year’s theme was “Toward a More Perfect The winners of the 2022 Speech Contest: 3rd Place Leilani Pillot, Union: The Constitution in 2nd Place Ysabella Francisco, and first place speech winner was Times of Change.” The OCBA Sophia Ferrera. All of this year’s speech contest winners came from Law Week Committee consists of Timber Creek High School.

Peonca S. Grier, CP, FRP, SHRM-CP attorneys, paralegals, and business We would like to thank the teachers for encouraging their stupartners who volunteer their time dents to participate in this great opportunity. Each student was to plan programs and activities invited to the Law Week Luncheon to be recognized. The teachers both in person and virtually to for all first-place winners received a prize. Congratulations to all expand the awareness of the rule of this year’s winners. of law. Our Law Week activities span over two to three months The Pathways in Law sub-committee brought about 65 students from middle school to high school to the Orange County Courtbeginning in house during spring break. Judge Faye the spring and Allen and Judge Jewett hosted students ending many in an actual courtroom. During this times after Law program the students heard from people Day in May. who represent just about every area of the Over the years legal system from law enforcement, prowe have forged cess servers, interpreters, and attorneys great partnerjust to name a few. They learned what ships with Oreach job entails and what education and ange County training is necessary to join the profesBrittany G. Melendez, Esq. Public Schools, the Boy Scouts, law enforcement, and our first 1st Place Middle School Poster Contest Winner sion. The students also went through a mock trial acting as the witnesses, attorStudent A (8th Grade) responders through our Law Week activities. neys, judges, and jury. Later, they were This year as COVID restrictions waned, our High School Mock served lunch and heard from keynote speakers Judge Lattimore Trial sub-committee members spent a full day at both Jones High and Judge Whitehead.

School and Lake Buena Vista High School performing a mock trial regarding the First Amendment. They engaged with students Our Job Shadowing program brought approximately 150 high on this year’s theme, how the first amendment related to school school students to the courthouse for a day in the life of a judge. policies and the student code of conduct, the importance of show- They sat in on real-life court proceedings and had a Q&A directing up for jury duty, and answered any other questions they had ly with their assigned judge, courtroom staff, and the attorneys who were assigned to their courtrooms. The students are served regarding the legal field. lunch while having yet another opportunity to ask questions to We also conducted a Big Bad Wolf Mock Trial for elementary the judges. school students where we also engaged them on how the law afThe OCBA Foundation Law Day Merit Badge program was fects our society through characters like Curly Pig and the Wolf. put on virtually by this sub-committee. Scouts were involved in We partnered with OCPS to hold a Poster and Speech Con- an all-day program that included attorneys, judges and law entest for elementary, middle, and high school students. Students forcement. They learned about the rule of law, how laws have prowere provided the Law Week Theme and created artwork and gressed, and how it works in different aspects of our society such wrote speeches that coincided with the theme and winners were as consumer protections. These scouts also participated in a mock chosen in each category by this sub-committee. The winners of trial to further expand their understanding of the rule of law and the 2022 Poster Contest are: how it affects each person. Scouts were able to earn their Law Day Elementary School: 5th Place – Kaiden Franklin (Citrus Elemen- badge through this program. tary), 4th Place – Alejandra Fernandez Vizoso (Frangus Elemen- The Liberty Bell Award recognizes a person or organization tary), 3rd Place – Grayson Dunwiddie (Citrus Elementary), 2nd in our community, outside the traditional legal profession, that Place – Leamsi Romero (Rock Lake Elementary), and our first- best demonstrates a deep commitment to the rule of law and has place winner was Xochitl Cervantes from Union Park Elementary. worked to promote civic responsibility among our citizens. This PAGE 18

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theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

year’s Liberty Bell was awarded to Michele Levy, past president of the League of Women Voters. Michele was recognized for her long history of involvement with projects that promote civil responsibility.

The Liberty Shield Award recognizes a first responder who demonstrates exemplary service to the health or safety of our community. This year’s Liberty Shield was awarded to Robert “Miles” Morgan, Air Care Paramedic for Orlando Health. Miles has been a paramedic for thirty years and spent nearly two-thirds of that time flying as a Critical Care Paramedic with the Orlando Health Air Care Team, where he demonstrates exemplary service to the health and safety of our community on a daily basis.

The Liberty Apple Award recognizes a teacher who demonstrates exemplary service to the education of students in our community. This year’s Liberty Apple was awarded to Stewart Parker from Winter Park High School. Mr. Parker was Orange County Public School’s Teacher of the Year in 2021 and was recognized for challenging students academically while also making his classroom a supportive and accepting place. He encourages students to think about “how can we create good in the world?”

Congratulations to all Liberty Award winners. It is great knowing we have such amazing people who are committed to our community.

Due to COVID-19, a few of the Law Week Activities were postponed but will return next year. Those programs are the Naturalization Ceremony and the Middle

School Theater Program. We definitely look forward to commencing these activities in 2023 as they are also a vital part of our Law Week endeavors.

We would like to thank all of our sub-committee chairs: Rebecca Smith-Hameroff, Jill Davis, Onchantho Am, Juan Camacho, Patti Savitz, John Starks, Esther Whitehead, Andrew Irvin, Euri Cerrud, Tara Tedrow, Michael Andriano, Teresa Finer, and a special thanks to Valencia Portier who was responsible for coordinating our fantastic Law Day Luncheon which was held on April 28.

We would also like to thank Executive Director, Jenny Brown, for all of her assistance throughout the year. Each of these sub-committee chairs worked tirelessly to make sure our Law Week programs were a success, and we would not have been able to pull it off without their leadership.

We would also like to thank all of our volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to help with all of these programs: Richard Ryles, Kevin Fedotov, Sally Ann Wook, John Hunt, Marisol Gomez, Jess Rowley, Nancy Jordahl, Jean Hinton, Jessica Travis, Elizabeth Gibson, Milagros Cerrud-Jordan, Emmanuel Lordmendez, and a special thank you to our Judges: Judge Allen, Judge Jewett, Judge Bain, Judge Cameron, Judge DuBois, Judge Marques, Judge LeBlanc, Judge John Beamer, Judge Denise Beamer, Judge Deen, Judge Barbour, Judge Navarro, Judge Craner, Judge Chiu, Judge Falcone, and Judge Bigney; who volunteer their time during these events and continue to support the Law Day Committee.

1st Place High School – Luz Renata Quiroz (12th Grade)

Last but definitely not least, we would like to thank our sponsors: Legal Serve USA, Phipps Reporting, Hilton Grand Vacations, Joe Castofort, Esq., and the Central Florida Paralegal Association.

Peonca S. Grier, CP, FRP, SHRM-CP, is a senior paralegal at Dean, Ringers, Morgan & Lawton, P.A. She is the Treasurer of NALA, a member of the DEI Committee-Central Florida Paralegal Association, and has been a member of the Law Week Committee since 2012. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2011.

Brittany G. Melendez, Esq. , of Weisser Elazar & Kantor PLLC. She practices in the area of first party property law and has been a member of the OCBA since 2013.

2nd Place Elementary – Leamsi Romero (5th Grade)

2nd Place Middle School – Brianna Rodriguez Vasquez (8th Grade)

2nd Place High School – Sarah Chung (11th Grade)

4th Place Elementary – Alejandra Fernandez Vizoso (2nd Grade) 1st Place Elementary – Xochitl Cervantes (4th Grade)

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

3rd Place Elementary – Grayson Dunwiddie (3rd Grade)

www.orangecountybar.org

5th Place Elementary – Kaiden Franklin (5th Grade)

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Hungry Hippos Game

Vertical Rush Game DJ Nick Seidule Judge Andrew Bain and Family

Gladiator Jousting Game

Sponsor LEAP Legal Software Axe Throwing Game PAGE 20

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theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

OCBA LAWn Day March 26, 2022 Barry Law School

Sponsored by: LEAP Legal Software, Shutts & Bowen, LLC

1st Place – Ukranian Colombian Connection

3rd Place – Young Lawyers Section Team

2nd Place – State Attorney’s Office Executive Team

Eric Reed, Judge Eric DuBois, Judge Elizabeth Gibson, Judge John Beamer

Eight Competing Teams

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

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PAGE 21

Legal Aid SocietyTeaching Tips What is Normalcy and How You as a Guardian ad Litem Can Help Make it Happen

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imagine if you were asked what typical things you did when you were a child or a teenager, your answer would likely include activities such as sports, playing an instrument, after-school jobs, school trips, or spending time with friends around the neighborhood. If none of these sound familiar to you, best of luck on your severe vitamin D deficiency, Ronnie Syme, Esq. because you probably spent your childhood in a basement… or in foster care. While most of us consider these types of activities “normal,” an unfortunate reality for children in foster care is they don’t have the same opportunities to participate and experience these types of events. Extracurricular activities can provide children with incomparable benefits. Children learn to socialize and communicate. They learn the benefits of setting goals and working hard. Involvement in activities improve a child’s well-being, mental health and physical fitness as well as teach valuable life-coping skills.

Section 39.4091, Florida Statutes, specifically addresses the intent of the legislature to “recognize the importance of making every effort to normalize the lives of children in out-of-home care and to empower a caregiver to approve or disapprove a child’s participation in activities based on the caregiver’s own assessment using a reasonable and prudent parent standard, without prior approval of the department, the caseworker, or the court.” This statute promotes normalcy and allows the caregiver to determine if social or extracurricular activities, employment, or even driving is appropriate. It allows for those decisions to be made without court approval.

As a best interest advocate, a Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) can encourage and help to ensure that the children they represent be provided access to all “normal” activities. A common obstacle is finances. Who will pay for the child to participate? In Florida, and specifically Orange County, there are some wonderful resources available.

A lesser-known resource that can provide funds is Sunshine Health. In Florida, most of our dependent children receive Medicaid insurance through the Sunshine Health’s Child Welfare Plan.

They are provided care for their physical and behavioral health needs through this health insurance provider. They also have extra benefits that include $150 per calendar year per child of a “Care Grant.” This can be used to help pay for an extracurricular activity or summer camp! This care grant can be applied for by the case manager or foster parent. Sunshine Health also has a transition

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assistance benefit. A young adult aged18 to 21 who is transitioning out of foster care or out of extended foster care is eligible for a one-time payment of $500 that can be used to support moving into a new placement.

An additional resource available to local dependent children is the Foundation for Foster Children. The Foundation for Foster Children was created in 2008. They serve children aged 0-23 who are living with foster families, relative and non-relative families, and foster care or transitional homes. To qualify, the child’s dependency case must be managed out of Orange, Osceola, or Seminole Counties, or the dependent child must live in the tri-county area.

The Foundation for Foster Children is a great resource to provide for “normal” activities. They can provide funding to enrich, educate, and empower a child. Requests can be made by a GAL, young adult, case manager, or caregiver for tutoring, money for extracurricular activities, school-based activities, tickets and experiences, graduation packages, as well as birthday cakes. Additional information can be found on their website – www.foundationforfosterchildren.org.

Most teenagers cannot wait to get their driver license. A driver license provides a child independence, a sense of accomplishment, and motivation for positive behaviors. The Keys to Independence Program targets youth in licensed foster care between the ages of 15 and 21. This program will reimburse youth and caregivers for the costs associated with driver education, driver licenses, and motor vehicle insurance. This program gives teens in foster care access to the same experiences as every other teenager and helps to set them on a positive path for their future. As a GAL, you can advocate for a child to start the program and encourage them to be successful. Once you help a dependent child access these “normalcy” activities, it is critical you move on to the business of encouraging the child. For our GAL children, that encouragement is essential, as most children in the dependency system have not had the help of an adult able to emotionally support them through perceived challenges.

If you are a GAL and need assistance accessing normal activities for a child or for more information, please contact Ronnie Syme, rsyme@legalaidocba.org, or at (407) 841-8310. For more information on how to become a financial donor or help with our fundraising efforts, please contact Donna Haynes, Director of Development, at (407) 515-1850 or email her at dhaynes@ legalaidocba.org.

Ronnie Syme, Esq., is the GAL Director of Legal Services at the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2013.

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

Legal Aid SocietyWhat We Do...

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Florida Supreme Court Honors Orange County Attorneys

he Florida Supreme Court, The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division and the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association announced the attorneys who were recognized for their 2021 pro bono work. The annual project is funded by YLD and was established to encourage participation with local organized pro bono programs. Each year, attorneys who contribute 20 or more hours receive a letter from the Chief Justice and a pin recognizing their exemplary contributions. The donation of time is based on the hours on cases closed during 2021 and project work in 2021. Only attorneys who close a case with 20 or more hours or provide 20 or more hours in a project are included on the list. This year, a letter from Chief Justice Charles T. Canady and pin will be mailed to 135 attorneys who participated through Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. We thank you for your service!

Larri Thatcher, Esq. Aduloju, Oluwaseun Alexander Jr., Edward R. Alfonso, Roberta Appleton, Michael J. Ashby, Kimberly A. Ba, Angela S. Basagoitia, Luis Baxa Jr., Edmund T. Bertelsen, Jacqueline M. Boyle, Kelscey A. Brandt, Arielle K. Branham, Jeffry J. Calcano-Thomas,Vanessa Chandler, Adrian Church, Kelley Cosgrove, Laura E. Counts Jr., Clarence W. Crag-Chaderton, Kim Davey, Catherine E. Deen, Traci L. Delapena, A. Marie Dierking, John R. Douctre, Shon J. Eichenblatt, Max A. Eichenblatt, Steven S. Epstein, Warin L. Etzler, Mary Ann Ezzo, Elise M. Fifner, David A. Foels, Pamela L. Gibbs, Eric P. Gibbs, Jon M. Gibson, Michael Gilchrist, Brian R. Green, Janelle theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

Hall, Matthew B. Hawkins, Cynthia A. Healy, Kimberly D. Henricksen, Wes E. Hernandez, Darylaine G. Hinson, Lynn James Hirani, Meenakshi A. Hoffman, Jonathan M. Ilvento, Lauren M. Johnson Bostick, Natasha P. Jones, Glaucia Jontz, Eric B. Joyce, John M. Kelleher, Brent J. Kepner, Christina M. Kest, Kristopher J. Khanal, Robindra N. Killer, C. Christopher Kirson, Heather C. Knapp, David C. Knowles, Christopher D. Kolos, Chris N. Kramer, Robyn M. Krause, Mitchel B. Lawrence, Brian C. Lawson, Christi Adams Leitner, Scott D. Leo, Tatiana Leon, Jessica B. Lesser, Robyn L. Lias, Natasha E. Lomas, Christine Lyn, Danielle S. Lynch, Melody B. Magee, James M.

Magruder III, George Brock Reed, Eric Manglardi, Victoria M. Revels III, Claude D. Mauser-Claassen, Dustin M. Rivera, Tamaira McArthur, Sarah L. Rodriguez, Jose R. McAvoy, Meredith L. Ruggiero, Tiffany D. McCormack, Sean P. Sanks, Terry M. McFarlin, David R. Santana, Senthia Towery McFarlin, Wynne E. Saslow, David McGinley, Patrick John Schwam-Wilcox, Camy B. McGinnis, Katherine E. Shafranski, Paul D. McGinnis, Marchella N. Shea, Kathleen McKenna, Kenneth J. Skaggs, Brooke Middleton, Jodi K. Sommerville, Thomas D. Milbrath, Stephen D. Sos, Anthony F. Mills, Nichole Starr, Wayne Miner, Christina Stimler, Jonathan A. Morris, G. Clay Szewczyk, Bethany C. Moskowitz, Deborah L. Taitt, Sarah Netcher, Eric J. Thomas, Jessica D. Nisbett, Janice Verner, Alyse N. Page, Gregg A. Villalta, Kimberly D. Parker IV, Henry Clay Waers, Callie Parker, Ashley D. Wallace, Philip J. Parks, Kelley Waranch, Michael S. Paul, David A. Webber II, Richard B. Paul, Jason A. Wedge-McMillen, Anne M. Payne, Caleb E. Williams, Lavon B. Pena, Geraldine P. Wohlust, G. Charles Pence, William L. Wood, David S. Peppy, Renée Vermette Znosko, Gerald F. Phillips, Jacob L. Phillips, Teresa N. Pineda, Melissa Pugh, Vanessa N. Larri Thatcher, Esq., is the Deputy Director/ Quinones, Ivelis Pro Bono Coordinator at the Legal Aid Society

www.orangecountybar.org

of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. She has been a member of the OCBA since 1996.

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ParalegalPost Paralegal Section Board 2022 – 2023

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am grateful to be serving as the 2022 – 2023 President of the Paralegal Section of the Orange County Bar Association.

It’s been a long two years of dealing with the COVID pandemic.

The presidents during the height of the pandemic, Tina and April, did a great job while dealing with Marisol Gomez, FRP the off-and-on quarantine orders, social distancing and working from home. As we are getting acclimated to our new normal – I look forward to more in-person Lunch and Learns, social events, as well as being able to help our communities in need.

I am honored to introduce you to the 2022 – 2023 term OCBA Paralegal Section Board: Marisol Gomez, FRP, has been a litigation paralegal with Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter since 2010. Marisol is a first-generation college graduate, and the daughter of migrant farm workers. She earned her degree in paralegal studies in 2001 and has 22+ years of experience. She has served as a mentor for the Orange County Bar Association’s Mentorship Program, co-authored an article in The Briefs on mentoring as well as co-chaired several committees.

She is an active member of Central Florida Paralegal Association, where she served on the board (2015-2016) and co-chaired several committees. In addition, Marisol is an active member of her community, dedicating her time to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, volunteering for the Florida High School Mock Trials and has helped organize social events benefiting local charities. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Jennifer R. Finch, ACP, FRP, is a litigation paralegal working for Maynard, Cooper & Gale. Jennifer is an Advanced Certified Paralegal and a Florida Registered Paralegal. She is currently a member of the Central Florida Paralegal Association, the Orange County Bar Association Paralegal Section and NALA – The Paralegal Association. Jennifer is a past president of the Central Florida Paralegal Association. She currently serves on NALA’s Professional Development Committee.

Nancy Jordahl, ACP, FRP, FCP, is a litigation paralegal at Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial. She currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Paralegal Section, President of Central Florida Paralegal Association, and a member of The Florida Bar Florida Registered Paralegal Enrichment Committee. Nancy is the author of two chapters in NALA’s Certified Paralegal Exam Fundamentals (Torts and Clarity of Expression).

April Phillips, FRP, is a Florida Registered Paralegal and serves as this year’s Immediate Past President of the Paralegal Section. April is the owner of April Phillips Consulting, LLC, and provides law firm consulting, recruitment, and freelance paralegal services to law firms all over Florida. April has nearly 25 years of combined experience working in the family courts and in law firm management and administration. She is also a mentor for college students PAGE 24

obtaining their legal studies degree at both UCF and Seminole State College. April began her legal career doing court appointed guardianship for the elderly and disabled and has spent the last ten years working in marital and family law. In her free time, April enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her two French Bulldogs, Bote and Bella!

Tina Farrington, CP, FRP, is a paralegal at Moye, O’Brien, Pickert, Dillon & Masterson, LLP and has over 10 years of experience working in the legal field. She is a graduate of the Seminole State Paralegal Studies program and a NALA Certified Paralegal. She was born and raised in Orlando and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Tina also serves on the 9th Circuit Process Server Committee.

Susan Staggs, CP, FRP, is part of the O’Mara Law Group legal team. Susan studied at Valencia and Seminole State Colleges and has been a nationally certified paralegal since 2008, as well as a Florida Registered Paralegal. Susan has worked as a family law paralegal since 1997 and is now taking on mass torts and was just appointed to the Mass Torts Made Perfect Paralegal College Advisory Board. Susan started her legal career working with the Clerk of Court from 1985 to 1997 where she served as a court clerk for judges on the civil and family law bench. Susan enjoys spending time with her amazing husband of over 30 years, two wonderful sons, equally talented paralegal daughter-in-law, and three awesome grandchildren.

Paul Pelton, FRP, is a senior litigation paralegal with 30 years of experience in all phases of civil trial work. Paul has handled casework for plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts throughout Florida. He serves the citizens of Florida through his appointment by the Supreme Court of Florida to the Standing Committee on the Unlicensed Practice of Law for The Florida Bar. In addition, Paul is a member of the executive council of the OCBA Paralegal Section where he serves as chair of the Paralegal Mentorship Program. He also serves the paralegals of Florida as a member of The Florida Bar Florida Registered Paralegal Enrichment Committee.

Cassi Kelley is a highly experienced family law paralegal at Family Complex Litigation & Collaborative Group working alongside John W. Foster, Esq., and has developed a passion for this area of law. Cassi is currently in her last semester at Seminole State College and will earn her Associate in Science degree in paralegal studies in May. She will continue her education at the University of Central Florida this summer in efforts to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology/social work. When Cassi is not wearing her paralegal hat, she is proudly wearing her baseball mom hat, watching her son play travel baseball. This is Cassi’s first year as a member of the OCBA Paralegal Section. She is excited to work with and learn from the experienced, accomplished paralegals that are a part of this community.

Marisol Gomez, FRP, is a litigation Paralegal at Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter and is the President of the OCBA Paralegal Section for the 2022 – 2023 term. She works in the area of personal injury and has been an OCBA member since 2014.

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theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

OCBA MemberNews Hearsay Sometimes it takes a lot of faith To keep believing there will come a day When the tears and the sadness, the pain and the hate The struggle, this madness, will all fade away.

I believe you and me are sisters and brothers And I believe we’re made to be here for each other And we’ll never fall if we walk hand in hand Put a world that seems broken together again I believe in the end love wins.

Michael V. Andriano, Esq.

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– Love Wins Carrie Underwood

ur country delineates June as LGBTQ Pride Month which recognizes the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on equality and civil rights locally, nationally, and globally, aiming to increase understanding of and reduce violence toward LGBTQ people. Pride Month is celebrated to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan, New York. The Stonewall Riots were a critical moment for LGBTQ rights in the United States since, at the time, it was illegal to conduct any public behavior that could be considered “gay.” This included holding hands, kissing, dancing, wearing non-gender-appropriate clothing, and even gathering in groups. Private same-sex intimate relationships were considered criminal acts (even as late as 2003 until SCOTUS held those laws unconstitutional). The police raid on the Stonewall Inn, which was common at the time, touched a nerve, and sparked an uprising. The Stonewall Riots raised the profile of the gay rights movement in the United States and globally, leading to the formation of many other groups that supported gay civil rights, and spurred legislation that decriminalized gay relationships. The Stonewall event is credited with starting a long-held movement leading to the ultimate legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015 – winning long held battles along the way, but not necessarily the “war.”

So, what is the point you may ask? The point is love. Love is power, love is a smile, love reaches out, love is the remedy, love is the answer, love’s an open door, and love is the only thing worth fight-

ing for. Consider all our human differences under the context of “love” and what it prescribes, and when you think about it, what is the difference?

Honors and Awards Rebecca Palmer, Esq., Managing Partner of Rebecca Palmer Law Group, was recently reappointed to the City of Orlando Public Arts Advisory Board by Mayor Buddy Dyer. The Public Arts Advisory Board consists of diverse citizens within the community who desire to respond to the growing demand for art in Orlando.

John M. Vernaglia, Esq., recently joined Shuffield Lowman. He is an experienced litigator practicing in the areas of commercial and civil litigation, fiduciary litigation, labor and employment, and construction law, in both state and federal courts.

Michael V. Andriano, Esq., was recently appointed Chair of the Florida Bar’s Family Law Rules Committee for the 2022-2023 Bar year.

In Memoriam: Mason Grower, Esq., passed away on April 1, 2022. He was a member of the Orange County Bar Association since 1995.

Michael V. Andriano, Esq., is an Associate Attorney at The Law Office of Michael L. Dear, PLLC., focusing on construction and business litigation and appeals. He has been a member of the OCBA since 2018.

Ne w Members Regular

Russell S. MORIARTY

Affiliate

Shawn Jeremy DAVI

Eileen O’MALLEY

Cassi Alexis KELLEY

Kelley D. GALVIN

Alexander H. PEARSON

Noel Carly TURNER

Grant GRIMES

Erik PEREZ

Michael H. KESTENBAUM

Francesca Emily TROTTINI

Law Student

Garrett M. LENTZ

James B. WILSON

Brent A. LIGHTFOOT

Alex S. ZEHMER

Kristin M. VITALE

Josiah David MANZO theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

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The businesses listed herein (the “Vendors”) are not affiliated with the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) and shall not under any circumstances be deemed to have any authority to act on behalf of the OCBA. The OCBA does not make, and expressly disclaims, any warranty, representation, responsibility, or guarantee as to (a) the quality or suitability of the Vendors, their products, or services, and (b) the duration or validity of any discount or other promotion offered by any of the Vendors.

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theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

Young Lawyers SectionNews YLS on the Move

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t’s officially the start of a new OCBA YLS year! The 20222023 YLS Board was sworn in on May 18, 2022 at the OCBA Installation Ceremony & Dinner and we can now formally welcome President Stephanie Alcalde, President-elect Lauren Reynolds, Immediate Past President Michael Barber, Treasurer John Hunt, Secretary Stephanie Alvarez, and CommuniLinnea M. Eberhart, Esq. cations Coordinator Vaughn Glinton. They will be serving alongside the YLS Board of Directors consisting of Linnea Eberhart, Arti Hirani, Brian Lawrence, Kimberlee Martin, Brandon Sapp, Jacob Schumer, Kathleen Shea, Celia Thacker Dorn and our two newest board members Cooper Powell and Kelsey Weiss!

Which makes this my last column as your OCBA YLS Communications Coordinator! I’ll also be signing off on social media and passing the reins to Vaughn so make sure to follow OCBA YLS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest and greatest news and updates from him. It’s been my pleasure to keep you all in the loop on our events over the past year and now I look forward to reading Vaughn’s columns and posts – he’ll definitely have a lot to report on with everything we have planned for the upcoming year!

We’re already off to a strong start after our annual Board and Committee Chair Retreat on May 13 which was held at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. A couple laps on the track proved to be a great way to get the creative (and competitive!) juices flowing.

We have an outstanding group of committee chairs this year and we can’t wait to attend all of the social, educational, networking, and charitable events they have planned.

In fact, we already have one such event to share with you! On May 14, our Wills for Heroes program provided free, virtual estate planning services to over 170 local firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, first responders, and their spouses. Each of these heroes finished the day with a complete will as well as durable power of attorney and health care surrogacy documents. This event would not be possible without our incredible estate planning volunteers who generously donated their time to help these heroes plan for their future. Thanks to committee chairs Linnea Eberhart, Corinne Huston, Cooper Powell, and Amber Williams for their efforts in making sure we can continue to provide this program to our community. And they’re not done yet! Stay tuned for how you can help with our drive-through will execution event where we’ll need witnesses and notaries.

Upcoming events: June 17, 2022 – June Luncheon, Speaker: Patrick Cunningham with Florida Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation: Florida Boxing Commission July 21, 2022 – July Luncheon: Judicial Candidate Meet and Greet August 18, 2022 – August Luncheon, Speaker: Steve Hogan with Florida Citrus Sports Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates! If you attend any of our events, either in person or virtually, tag us @ocbayls and #WeDoMore and #WeRiseAbove on your posts.

Linnea M. Eberhart, Esq., is an attorney with Losey PLLC, where she practices intellectual property law. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2015.

OCBA YLS Book Fair at Washington Shores and Orange Center Elementary Schools

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

www.orangecountybar.org

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Voluntary BarNews SideBar

S

chool may be out for the summer but our voluntary bar organizations continue to work hard to put on amazing programing for members of our community. See below for just a glimpse of what our organizations have been busy accomplishing recently.

Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA) Alena V. Baker, Esq. On April 13 the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA) offered a complimentary light breakfast in addition to coffee to help celebrate a return to in person Coffee with the Court. Participants included the Honorable Lisa T. Munyon, the Honorable Robert J. Egan, the Honorable Christy Collins, and the Honorable Elizabeth Starr.

Then, on April 30 GOAABA hosted a karaoke night at Aloha Beautiful in downtown Orlando.

On May 13 CFAWL’s monthly luncheon featured author, speaker, and ESPY Award Winner, Chris Nikic. Mr. Nikic set a new world record by being the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. He discussed inclusion and being 1% better which paves the road to full potential. At this luncheon CFAWL members also heard from a Special Olympics representative who spoke about the upcoming 2022 Special Olympics USA Games taking place in Orlando from June 5-12th.

May also kicked off CFAWL’s Project Mindfulness: Decluttering for Wellness and for Life program. This event was put on thanks to the Florida Bar YLD Affiliate Outreach Conference grant and featured a 30-day declutter program that was led by Happy Home Organizing Solutions, LLC’s, Jane Cole. After completing the 30day program, participants donated items or “blessings” to our community.

George C. Young American Inn of Court The George C. Young American Inn of Court (Inn) started January by hosting the Honorable Carly Wish and the Honorable Patricia Strowbridge for an interesting presentation on the “Do’s and Don’ts” of marketing.

Then in April, the Honorable John Marshall Kest opened the pupilage presentation on “What I Learned from Starting a Law Firm” which included great presentations on trust accounts, marketing, and virtual trials, to name a few.

Later in the month, on May 25 CFAWL members experienced a night full of laughs at CFAWL’s Comedy Night with Jessica Michelle Singleton during a watch party held at the OCBA. Ms. Singleton CFAWL has performed for live audiences OCBA Bench Bar across the world, had her debut comedy album reach #1 on iTunes, and was featured on The Comedy Store documentary on Showtime. A fun-filled time was had by all!

The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association On March 23 the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) held their March General Body Meeting titled “The Art of Negotiations.” This event was moderated by Lisa Harvey and featured panelists Martina Ellerbe, Camille Evans and Lashawnda K. Jackson.

Then on March 26, PCPBA held their first Annual Woman’s Day Drive where they raised over $400 in addition to collecting toiletries and diapers to help women battling homelessness in the Orlando community.

Finally on April 19 PCPBA hosted their General Body Meeting featuring guest speaker Kimberly Stewart who provided tips on financial literacy and wellness.

The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers The 2021-2022 term for The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL) is coming to an end soon, but the fun and activities are still in full swing! On April 27 CFAWL members and friends enjoyed a lovely evening at Quantum Leap Winery that featured a wine tasting and tour to learn more about Florida’s only sustainable winery.

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On May 21 CFAWL members were treated to some more zen and peace to add to their life with “A Walk to Wellness.” A short walk around Lake Eola Park was followed with a complimentary yoga session presented by Firefly Yoga Studios. This was a perfect way to get ready for the summer season. This awesome event was put on through the assistance of the Florida Bar YLD Wellness Grant.

On May 26 the Honorable Tarlika Nunez-Navarro and the Honorable Gisela Laurent and Mitzi Carr hosted a festive Latin fusion Table for Eight! This event featured a multicultural evening filled with love, laughs, and food! On May 28 CFAWL members enjoyed another active Table for Eight! Pamela Mar- Alena Baker, Nicolette Kramer, tini and Heather Kolinsky brought Mary Walter back their annual Paddleboarding Table for Eight or Twelve! This relaxing event involved breakfast, mimosas, and lots of fun!

Save the date for Friday, July 8 when CFAWL President, Heather Meglino passes the gavel to CFAWL President-Elect, Lauren Millcarek.

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

www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

CFAWL Wine Tour and Tasting at Quantum Leap

HBACF LAWn Day

CFAWL April Luncheon Ashley Wright, Yasmin Rammaha, Eve Lumsden, Kay Rawlins, Heather Meglino, Alena Baker

Orlando City Soccer Felipe Guerrero, Ginger Miranda Ani Rodriguez Newbern, Cesar Neira, Alfredo Zamora

Mary Walter, Heather Meglino, Leia Leitner, Scott Leitner

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

Judge Gisela Laurent, Brandon Sapp

www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 29

CLASSIFIED ADS EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION ATTORNEY / QUALIFICATIONS: Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A. is currently seeing a litigation associate with 2-3 years of experience in commercial litigation to start immediately. Strong research and excellent writing skills as well as possess strong/persuasive oral advocacy. Ability to provide excellent customer service to our clients with a client-first mindset. Highly organized self-starter, with clear and concise communication style. Licensed member of The Florida bar and in good standing. Agility to work in a fast-paced evolving environment. Responsibilities: Draft/ review substantive pleadings and motions. Respond to motions & discovery. Communicate in a highly effective manner with team members and clients. Taking the lead and running with a case Benefits: A strong and diverse culture and work-life balance. Full range of benefits including health insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance and 401(k) with employer contribution. Beautiful Park Avenue location. Who we are: Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A. began representing clients in 1931.

We have had the pleasure of serving individuals and institutions in our community.

We have strived to earn the trust and confidence of our clients and the greater community, resulting in the firm’s reputation for lasting relationships that are steeped in commitment and care. We are truly humbled to serve the people and businesses of Central Florida, the Southeast and beyond for nearly a century. Send resume to ARoy@ whww.com & TKiley@whww. com.

PAGE 30

BRADFORD CEDERBERG, P.A. IS SEEKING A LEGAL A S S I S TA N T / PA R A L E G A L WITH EXPERIENCE. This is an opportunity to assist in the litigation area for our Personal Injury team. Applicants must be highly motivated, with excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task, attention to detail and team player skills.

The firm offers a competitive compensation package. Interested candidates should forward resume to Juliza Gonzalez at juliza@bradfordlaw.com or call 407-926-8710 Ext. 103.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Great opportunity for advancement for an attorney with excellent writing skills. You will have the ability to participate in and manage a caseload to prepare for trial and also to use your research and writing skills to prepare for trial and also to use your research and writing skills to prepare briefs at the trial and appellate level. Interesting issues, fast-paced environment, excellent compensation, great people to work with. Send your resume ASAP to mheaberlin@gobelflakes. com.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO LAW OFFICE SEEKING A 5+ YEAR FULL-TIME LITIGATION PARALEGAL with experience in insurance defense and/or plaintiff’s personal injury litigation. Benefits and salary are based on experience.

E-mail your resume to: dianna@ vasko.net GROWING ORLANDO AV RATED CIVIL LITIGATION FIRM SEEKING TWO ATTORNEYS one with 2-5 years experience and one with 5 to 10 years experience. Prior trial experience is a plus. Excellent salary and benefits. Please send resume in confidence to Gary@vasko.net.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO LAW FIRM seeking a BI Insurance Defense trial paralegal.

Starting salary of $95,000 annually with a $5,000 signing bonus. All applications will be kept confidential. Please send resumes to mheaberlin@gobelflakes.com.

ESTABLISHED DOWNTOWN ORLANDO LAW FIRM IS SEEKING AN ATTORNEY WITH 5+ YEARS OF LITIGATION EXPERIENCE with the ability to manage a case load.

Federal Court experience is a plus. Candidate must have strong research skills and be an excellent writer. Our compensation package will exceed expectations for the right candidate. Please send resume to mheaberlin@gobelflakes.com.

EXPERIENCED COMMERCIAL LITIGATION ATTORNEY wanted for established Orlando firm with 13 Central Florida offices. Seeking experienced Florida licensed attorney – Construction law experience a plus – Excellent analytical and writing ability a must. 4-8 years experience preferred. Outstanding opportunity to join growing law firm. Great team environment.

Competitive salary and benefits. Email resume to mary@ boginmunns.com.

EXPERIENCED LITIGATION ATTORNEY for plaintiff’s personal injury and first party insurance law firm located in Altamonte Springs. Growing dynamic law firm seeks attorney with minimum 2 years’ experience in the courtroom.

Will be responsible for handling a caseload assigned by the firm, as well as developing their own clients. Attorney will be responsible for client sign-ups, initiating litigation, taking depositions, attending hearings, preparing for and presenting at mediation and trying cases. This is a unique opportunity to advance and

www.orangecountybar.org

grow a practice within a practice. Candidate must be a self-starter, motivated, enthusiastic, and creative. We like out-of-the-box thinking when approaching our cases. Salary has unlimited potential because the position is a combination of base pay plus a percentage of fees recovered. The firm offers health insurance, disability insurance, dental, optical and life insurance.

401(k) and profit sharing is also included. Candidate should submit a resume, and cover letter to jbridges@ brehnelaw.com.

FAST-PACED INSURANCE DEFENSE FIRM LOCATED IN MAITLAND, FL is searching for a Legal Assistant. The firm handles first-party property/ liability coverage issues. Insurance defense and strong litigation experience preferred.

Experience with calendaring, scheduling of depositions, and court reporters as needed. and follow up as it relates to discovery matters Experience with E-Filing software and procedures. Familiarity and compliance with judicial orders Please send resumes: jmccallister@rocklawpa.com.

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR A FULL TIME LEGAL ASSISTANT to work at a busy Collections Law firm in East Orlando.

Daily responsibilities include, but are not limited to, preparation of correspondence and various pleadings, discovery, e-service and e-filing, file maintenance. Experience working with Florida Courts E-Filing Portal required. Applicants should be dependable, professional, detail oriented, able to excel in a fast-paced work environment and possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills. The salary for this position will be based on prior work experience. Employer paid benefits include paid sick & vacation theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

time, and 401K. Previous work history will be verified. Email your resume to dborrero@ marcadiscarey.com.

IMMIGRATION SPECIALIST VISALEX, LLC is seeking immigration Specialist in Orlando, FL. Bachelor’s degree required. No experience or traveling required. Job Duties-Collaborate with Attorneys and personnel to prepare cases. Gather information from clients & enter data into electronic system. Manage cases & maintain electronic files. Process nonimmigrant & immigrant visa petitions.

Prepare applications for permanent residency & its beneficiaries. Provide case status & respond to clients’ inquiries.

Forward resumes to Tatiana K. Da Hora Santos via email at tatiana@visalex.com or U.S. Mail at 111 N Magnolia Ave. Ste. 1015, Orlando, FL 32801.

INSURANCE DEFENSE FIRM handling first-party property/ liability coverage issues, PIP, and contractual/tort litigation seeks attorneys for statewide practice. Insurance defense experience preferred. Email/ Fax/Mail resume to Office Manager jmccallister@rocklawpa.com, (407) 647-9966, The Rock Law Group, P.A., 1760 Fennell St., Maitland, Florida 32751.

STAFF ATTORNEY FAMILY LAW (ORLANDO, SANFORD, KISSIMMEE) DESCRIPTION: is a full-service, 90-lawyer firm with 8 locations across the southeast. We are seeking a workers’ compensation attorney for our Orlando office, which has 5 attorneys. We are looking for someone with 2-4 years of litigation experience.

We offer hands-on training and mentoring, so while workers’ compensation experience is preferred, it is not required.

Send resume to keyoung@ mijs.com.

MOORE INGRAM JOHNSON AND STEELE, LLP Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF) is seeking a Family Law Staff Attorney for our dynamic, non-profit law firm. The Staff Attorney is to provide: • High-quality legal services theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

by representing and advising clients regarding their family law matters.

• This position is responsible for representing low-income and/or vulnerable clients on a broad range of family legal matters which includes regular court appearances, hearings and trials in both State and Federal courts.

• This position also includes regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing advice and counsel.

• The candidate in this role will research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for the court or government agencies.

• The individual in this key role will negotiate and draft settlement agreements and conduct or participate in outreach events or activities of the unit and organization.

This is a Full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/ weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the CLSMF 12 county service area.

Qualifications: Must be admitted in good

standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/ Spanish) highly preferred.

Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.

• Experience with subject matter areas within the area of family law, with a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.

• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve.

• Successful candidate will have highly approachable presentation, organizational skills and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.

• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).

• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here (https://sites. hireology.com/communitylegalservicesofmid-florida/ jobs.html) CLSMF is an Equal CLSMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer providing a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels. M/F/D/V

OFFICE SPACE HISTORIC BUILDING ON LAKE LUCERNE has office spaces/suites available, great parking, conference rooms, and shared receptionist available; email inquiries seichenblatt@ floridalawonline.com / see photo link: https://bit.ly/OfficeSpacePhotos OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT – includes space for assistant.

Located at 7212 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, Florida 32822.

Plenty of parking, shared conference room & kitchen. Email inquiries to rentals@tejeslaw. com.

STORAGE SPACE LOCATED A HALF A BLOCK FROM DOWNTOWN ORLANDO COURTHOUSE – The spaces are 11 x 13 feet and carpeted and AC at 74 degrees. Perfect for old file storage. Call Frank M. Eidson, P.A. at 407-245-2887.

MISCELLANEOUS PRACTICE FOR SALE – Family Law, Estate Planning, and Probate in business 45 years. Attractive 2,049F office condo in Daytona. Near the courthouse, redevelopment of the city parks on the Halifax River. Seller willing to provide transitional support. Asking $649,000, including real estate. Bianca Evans, Transworld Business Advisors, Bianca@tworld.com 904-2547846.

Looking LookingFor ForAA Change?

Change?

With in in your With285 285employers employersand and395 395listed listedjobs jobs your field – you have options! field – you have options!

OCBA OCBAmembers membershave haveaccess accessto:to: ❚❚Resumé Resuméreview review ❚❚Discounted Discountedjobjobpostings postings ❚❚Sign up for auto email new Sign up for auto emailalerts alertsof of new positions available – and so much more! positions available – and so much more!

Go to: Go to: https://orangecountybar-jobs.careerwebsite.com to seek or post jobs https://orangecountybar-jobs.careerwebsite.com to seek or post jobs

Or contact Ursla Gallagher at: Or contact Ursla at: information!

407-4224551 ext.Gallagher 244 for more 407-422-4551 ext. 244 for more information! www.orangecountybar.org

PAGE 31

JUNE - JULY

JUNE

1

Business Law Committee Seminar From Business Litigator to Problem Solver: The Habits of Highly Successful Mediation Advocates

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center

Elder Law Committee 15 Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual

6-9Traffic Hearing Officer

Certification Training

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

OCBA Center Professionalism Committee Meeting

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center Real Property Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual

7

LAS Lunchtime Training

An Introduction to Debt Collection and Garnishment Actions

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center

8

Lawyers Literary Society Committee Meeting

Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual Criminal Law Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center

4

OCBA OFFICE CLOSED

Independence Day

7

Solo & Small Firm 19 Committee Meeting 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Virtual

20

Appellate Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center ADR Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center with virtual option Family Law Committee Seminar

A Great Debate: Litigation or Collaborative Process – How to Choose?

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

OCBA Center with virtual option Young Lawyers Section Luncheon 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Citrus Club Solo & Small Firm Committee Meeting 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Virtual

Member Perks

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

OCBA Center Speaker:TBA

Elder Law Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual

Law Week Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Office / Virtual

Appellate Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center LAS Lunchtime Training Interviewing Children for Best Interest Advocacy

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center with virtual option

LAS Lunchtime Training A Great Debate: Litigation or Collaborative Process – How to Choose?

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center with virtual option

Criminal Law Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center

2 Immigration Committee 16 Meeting

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual

Law Week Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center with virtual option

JULY

17

21

Health & Wellness 22 Committee Meeting

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual

Immigration Committee Meeting

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual

Lunchtime Training 12

Champagne Taste and a

Beer Budget – Discovery in a Family Law Matter

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center with virtual option Judicial Relations 13 Committee

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Judicial Conference Room (23rd Floor) with virtual option

26

Health & Wellness 27 Committee Meeting

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual OCBA and Tiger Bay of Central Florida Judicial Candidate Forum Luncheon 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown

28

Civil Rights Law Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual

Social Security Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center

9

Civil Rights Law Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual

Social Security Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OCBA Center

PAGE 32

Please note that live OCBA and Legal Aid seminars and events may be offered virtually, prerecorded, postponed, or cancelled. Please follow the most current news in the OCBA’s weekly newsletter eblast and on the OCBA and LAS websites and social media.

Nancy Weber • Hon. Heather Pinder Rodriguez • Lori Caldwell-Carr Juna Pulayya • Lorna Truett • Andrew Windle Hon. Tesha Ballou • Susan Staggs • Mark O’Mara www.orangecountybar.org

theBriefs June 2022 Vol. 90 No. 5

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ORLANDO, FL PERMIT NO. 2530

880 North Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801

WE ARE UNAFRAID. Our firm has the experience, the resources, and the courage to provide unwavering representation to the families of those hurt or killed from carelessness.

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dwklaw.com | 407.244.3000 | kmckenna@dwklaw.com