The Orange County Bar Association - The Briefs - June 2023

OCBA Teaching Tips OCBA Offers Multiple Options for Members to Serve the Community Candice Maull

Society Teaching Tips Keeping it Simple – the GAL’s Role When Residential Treatment is Needed

the Briefs

Editor

John M. Hunt

Associate Editors

Karen L. Middlekauff & Lauren Brusca

Hearsay Columnist

Ana “Ani” Rodriguez-Newbern YLS on the Move

Vaughn Glinton

SideBar

Alena V. Baker

OFFICERS

Amber N. Davis, President

Arti Ajit Hirani, President-Elect

Lisa Gong Guerrero, Treasurer

Keshara Cowans, Secretary

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Stephanie Alcalde

Michael Barber

Lori Caldwell-Carr

Catherine T. “Kate” Hollis

Kristopher J. Kest

Bruce Mount

Alisia Adamson Profit

Rafael O. Rodriguez

C. Andrew Roy

Brandon M. Sapp

Jennifer Smith Thomas

Karen L. Persis, Ex-Officio

Lauren Reynolds, YLS President

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rob Garay

Advertising & Sponsorship Manager

Ursla Gallagher

Marketing & Communications Manager

Reatha Johnson

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Magazine Advertising – 10th of the month prior to the month of publication

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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 ©2023 Orange County Bar Association. All rights reserved. Designer: Catherine E. Hébert

photo: Flo Boehm, Boehm & Boehm Forensic Media Consulting ISSN 1947-3968

President’sMessage

Grit – the Key to Success

oday marks the day where my first President’s Message hits the pages of the OCBA Briefs and by the time this has been published, I will have been sworn in as the OCBA President by Judge Munyon at our Installation Luncheon. I am truly honored to serve in this role and look forward my year as President, but if I am being completely honest, I do not look forward to writing these messages. Why is it that we are required to write these messages? Does anyone actually read them? These are all questions I have asked as well as the presidents before me. Is it really “tradition” or is it some sort of hazing process like joining a sorority or fraternity in college? In any event, somewhat begrudgingly, I am doing it and I will do my best to make the messages entertaining, even if there’s only a handful of people that read them.

One of the biggest challenges with writing these messages is coming up with a topic. Lucky for me, while my husband and I were on a date night, we happened to run into Past Presidents Tony Sos and LaShawnda Jackson, who had some great advice for me. This was right after I had been sworn in as President-Elect, and I was eager to learn how to make my year a successful one. Their first piece of advice was to write my President’s Messages ahead of time. While I can’t say I have succeeded in that so far, we also discussed potential topics for the messages while brainstorming, which proved to be helpful. I mentioned the fact that I love to read, and Tony said, “Great! Write about all the books you read and share that knowledge with our members.” My preference has always been to read non-fiction and typically something that would help me be a better attorney, leader, wife, or mother. Some of my favorites are Grit, The Five Love Languages, Love and Respect, Birth Order, Mindset, Outliers, David and Goliath, Never Split the Difference, and Worth doing Wrong. I have taken little nuggets of knowledge and advice from each of these books and tried to apply them in my life at my work, at home, with my children, and with my friends. Through these messages, I intend on sharing some of these nuggets with all of you.

Because I love to read, a few years ago, I decided to start a book club in my neighborhood with some of my friends on the street, and I was pushed, I mean persuaded, into reading fiction. My reasoning for not reading fiction at the time was, what was the point? I have very little free time in my day and when I do have time, I want to use it to learn and grow, which is why I chose non-fiction books. Through book club, I learned that maybe it isn’t a horrible idea to just let go for an hour and get wrapped up in a story that will make you cry uncontrollably or laugh hysterically. And more importantly, down time is vital when you work in such a stressful profession. While most of my messages will likely focus on non-fiction, I may sprinkle in a few anecdotes from Where the Crawdads Sing or other fiction books as well.

TThe first book I want to tell you all about is Grit by Angela Duckworth. This is by far, one of my favorite books. In this book, Angela Duckworth studies successful leaders, business owners, and professional athletes from all across the country and learns through her hundreds of interviews that talent and intelligence matter less to success than grit, which she defines as a combination of perseverance and passion. I can relate to the book and have a funny story about the word passion. I have been with the same law firm since I graduated from law school. I started here as a law clerk, then an associate, partner, and eventually managing partner. During my interview, I answered a question from Robert Wolter about why I want to practice intellectual property law and much to his surprise, I said that “I was passionate about intellectual property law.” Apparently, there are not a lot of 24-year-olds passionate about trademarks and copyrights. This has been a running joke at my firm if anyone uses the word passion or passionate, but in all honestly, I was and I still am passionate about intellectual property law and my profession. I know it may sound silly to some, but I love what I do, and I think that passion is what helps me persevere even when it is tough juggling the practice of law, being a mother of three, a wife, a Bar Leader, a friend, and a Board Member at the WPRC.

Now, back to the book, one thing Duckworth explains is that gritty people are able to maintain their determination and motivation over long periods of time despite failure and adversity. Essentially, people who work hard and put in the effort were much more successful than those who may have been smarter or appeared to be more talented at first. This applies to CEOs of companies, top lawyers across the country, and professional NBA, NFL, and NBA players. Michael Jordan didn’t make his varsity basketball team in 10th grade. He didn’t make the team! Did that stop him? Absolutely not. He worked harder and longer than anyone else and ended up being the G.O.A.T. in the NBA. In fact, not making the team is what motivated him. In an interview with Newsweek he stated, “Whenever I was working out and got tired and figured I ought to stop, I’d close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it. That usually got me going again.”

That is grit. Now, the question is, “how gritty are you and how do we instill this in our children?” How about in our associates or colleagues at work? Duckworth states that if you want to bring forth grit in your child, first ask how much passion and perseverance you have for your own life goals. Then ask yourself if your approach to parenting encourages your child to emulate you. If the answer to the first question is “a great deal,” and your answer to the second is “very likely,” you’re already parenting for grit. Duckworth also recommends finding something for your children outside of class and then signing them up and requiring that they stick with at least one activity for more than a year. This sounds like one of the mantras in our household which is “Davises Don’t Quit.” Kids who spend more than a year in extracurriculars are significantly more likely to graduate from college and, as young adults, to volunteer in their communities. So, get your kids involved in sports, band, chess club, or debate and get your associates involved in the OCBA. We could always use some gritty committee members, committee chairs, and board members!

Amber Davis, Esq.

Clerk’sCorner Clerk’s Office Making a Difference for Our Community

Ilike to describe myself as a public servant, because I love giving back to our community to make a difference in the lives of the people I serve. That’s why I am excited to share with you once again this year what my office has been doing to serve our community outside of the normal day to day business. Recently the Clerk’s Office worked on a service project at Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed children and families this summer. My deputy clerks volunteered to help sort through food that is distributed to people in need across Central Florida. Second Harvest Food Bank distributes donated food to 625 feeding partners in seven Central Florida counties including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers, daycares, and more.

The community was also able to connect recently with us for one of our legal forums called “Legal Matters” that assist people

with free legal assistance. We bring together county and state officials, lawyers, and judges for these virtual forums. I was excited to provide a forum recently on Child Support and Family Law. These legal forums give people insight into our office’s services, tips from the bench, legal information from attorneys, and an interactive question and answer session.

My office also recently kicked off our 2023 Heart of Florida United Way fundraising campaign. This year we hope to continue the trend of once again increasing the amount of money we raise that goes towards the overall Orange County campaign. Last year through the generosity of our staff, we were able to raise more than $22,000.

While there are dozens of organizations that receive support from United Way, my office’s outreach priorities are mental health, domestic violence, and access to justice which directly relate to the work we do.

We could never make an impact like this with all these initiatives without the hard work and dedication of our employees who either volunteer, give pledges or help with events. I am proud of everything our employees, their families, and volunteers work to accomplish to make a difference and serve our community.

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

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

June 6, 2023

VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON

Professionalism in Family Law

Ritcy Canelon, Family Law Attorney

CLE Pending Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85095168861?pwd=RGhSZDNJSTNWQktuSTIreDJ0TS9MUT09

Adolescent Advocacy

Maylynn Jones & Kira Hartman, Case Coordinators

June 20, 2023

VIRTUAL ONLY

CLE Pending Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84236814002?pwd=VlpMWmZZVWMzV2xCTXhVdklRTzdoQT09

The Use of Technology in Preparing Advanced Directives

Noon –1:30 p.m.

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

Virtual Sessions: Prerecorded and on our Website: www.legalaidocba.org. Alltrainingswillbeavailableto viewonourwebsite.

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

July 11, 2023

VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON

Pro bono Attorney Matthew H. Rosenthal, Esq. & Larri Thatcher, Deputy Director

CLE Pending Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85718246988?pwd=dm5WUkh0R2dlYjVVaFZxTkw2b25Ldz09

The Effects of Trauma: When Children are the Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse

July 25, 2023

VIRTUAL ONLY

Guest Speaker Heather Galvin, the Healing Tree & Marie Priebe, GAL Director of Special Projects

CLE Pending Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85692811124?pwd=NnAyVTA1RE5nR1o3WU90Rmp0UHQ4QT09

Thursday, July 20, 2023

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Citrus Club

255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1800

Orlando, FL 32801

Join

Please RSVP by Monday, July 17, 2023

RSVPs will not be accepted after July 17, 2023

Please contact Ashley Velez at Ashleyv@ocbanet.org

www.orangecountybar.org/store

ames Glazebrook was a U.S. Magistrate Judge who was well-described in the Orlando Sentinel as a brilliant, vibrant jurist. But Judge Glazebrook was so much more than that: dedicated to his family and to the profession, a consummate gentleman renowned for the way he treated lawyers, litigants, court clerks, and staff from the cleaning service to the Chief Judge. Taken from us entirely too early, it is fitting that the Bar memorialized his service with this award. That I have been honored to receive an award in his name is both humbling and deeply appreciated. I’m grateful to the Orange County Bar Association for the honor and to those who promoted or nominated me for the recognition. Because I know that it is undeserved. You see, I know only too well the times when impatience has caused me to interrupt. I know only too well when an unnecessary smart remark would have been much better left unsaid. And I know only too well the times I have been quick to criticize and slow to praise. So we all have work to do.

So much has been written about civility and professionalism in the practice of law that there is little that I could add of value except to say it is like a “more perfect union” or the “arc of the moral universe.” We hope and pray the progress is linear, but experience suggests that may not be the case. Lawyering is plain hard work. Adding multiple layers of acrimony and confrontation makes it just plain intolerable as a vocational choice. And yet, rarely in the history of our Republic have accomplished, ethical, professional lawyers been more necessary to the protection of our democratic principles than today. So, taking a stand against those who would erode the standards of professionalism and civility in human interaction to the lowest denominator becomes all the more imperative. That leads me to the topic of moral courage. Commitment to professionalism and justice demands a willingness to stand in the breach. Moral courage in the practice of law comes in many flavors:

• Saying no to the client bent on vengeance at the expense of justice;

• Taking on the cause of the vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized in the face of public scorn or contempt;

• Taking personal responsibility for what should be routine courtesies in connection with deadlines and scheduling issues rather than abdicating to the unyielding demands of the client to “give no quarter”;

• Doing the right thing and insisting that others do likewise;

• Resisting the temptation to go along to get along; and

• Holding fast to your character, attitudes, and views no matter the company you are keeping.

All too often, the examples that attract attention detail the failure of lawyers and judges to choose the right path when between Scylla and Charybdis. But there is a brighter side as well.

Justice John Marshall Harlan was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by then-President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877. As the lone dissenter in an 8-1 decision, Justice Harlan penned his dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896 declaring, “There is no caste here. Our Constitution is color blind and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.” Justice Harlan recognized that the Louisiana law requiring Homer Plessy, a man of color, to be relegated to a separate rail car, however equally it might be equipped, was inconsistent with the principle of equality and the inherent dignity of man. He recognized that state Jim Crow laws were antithetical to the post-Civil War enactment of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to our Constitution. He undoubtedly knew well the scorn and derision that view would invite from his colleagues in the majority who enshrined the “separate but equal” doctrine as the law of the land. Harlan came from a slave-holding family in Kentucky, so his views were decidedly unpopular not only with his colleagues on the Court, but also with his family and friends back in his hometown of Danville. Justice Harlan took an unpopular stand and called out the false choice that separate could ever be equal. Some sixty years later, Justice Harlan’s lone dissent would provide the foundation for recognition by a now-unanimous Supreme Court in the consolidated case of Brown v. Board of Education that the 14th Amendment’s grant of equality prohibited separation of American citizens on the basis of race.

Little-known U.S. District Judge J. Waties Waring of the Eastern District of South Carolina was appointed to the federal bench by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. Judge Waring presided over the trial of Police Chief Lynwood Shull, who was tried in Charleston on charges brought by the Department of Justice for beating Sergeant Isaac Woodard Jr., a decorated army veteran of color returning from World War II after a dispute with the bus driver bringing him home to South Carolina from a stop in Atlanta. Woodard was beaten so mercilessly that he lost his sight in both eyes. When local officials refused to bring charges against the police chief, President Harry Truman directed the Department of Justice to bring federal charges. When an all-white jury rendered a not-guilty verdict, a horrified Judge Waring was moved to action. He began by ordering that the long-standing custom of segregated seating by race would no longer be tolerated in the Charleston federal courthouse. When the case of Briggs v. Elliott – one of the five cases later consolidated into Brown v. Board – was filed in the federal district court for the Eastern District of South Carolina, challenging the patently inferior school facilities for Black children in the area, Judge Waring sat on a three-judge district court panel assigned to hear the case. The court upheld the South Carolina statute requiring separation of the school children by race in a 2-1 opinion. Judge Waring wrote in dissent that “segregation is per se inequality.” Judge Waring also commented following the Brown II decision to implement integration of the races in educational facilities with “all deliberate speed” that “the cancer of segregation

page 20

Honorable Roy “Skip” B. Dalton, Jr.

JJames G. Glazebrook Memorial Bar Service Award continued

Chief’sColumn

Celebrating Osceola County’s Legal Heritage

s you arrive at the Osceola County Courthouse in downtown Kissimmee, the first thing many folks notice are the three-foot block letters that were placed there in December 2021 –the day the courthouse was dedicated as the Judge Jon B. Morgan Courthouse. Those who knew Judge Morgan knew he worked in Osceola County for four decades, first as a prosecutor, then as a county judge, and finally as a circuit judge with a laid-back old Florida attitude. But beyond his aw-shucks persona, his colleagues and scores of attorneys would come to know him as focused, intelligent, approachable, practical, and prepared. It is fair to debate as to whether his admirable attributes were a product of Osceola County legal practice washing over him, or whether he infused those qualities into Osceola legal practice. As I walk into his namesake courthouse every morning, it is possible to feel how different, diverse, and rewarding practicing law in the southern half of the Ninth Judicial Circuit can be.

In 1973 the Florida Constitution was revised to create the Ninth Judicial Circuit in its current form which encompasses Orange and Osceola Counties. Orange County remains the business and legal hub of our Circuit with its imposing Orange County Courthouse, major large law firms, and the headquarters of the Orange County Bar Association and numerous diverse bar organizations. But legal firms large and small would be remiss if they did not incorporate a visit to Osceola County into their practices.

The sheer scale of Osceola County is impressive. At 1500 square miles, it is 50% larger than Orange County by land area and is the sixth largest county in Florida. At last count, the population of Osceola County was over 420,000 residents with a population growth nearly doubling every decade since 1990. Hispanic residents comprise over half of all who call Osceola County home. To the south and east, the dozens of huge working cattle ranches and vast wildlife management areas that extend to the horizon serve as continuing examples of Osceola County’s former main economic drivers.

In 2001, recognizing the exploding growth in population and business, county and city leaders built a modern courthouse commensurate with Osceola County’s advancements. The Historic Courthouse was preserved, keeping true to its 1890s roots. From the courtyard one can see both Osceola County’s past and the present modern center of Osceola County legal life.

AI have worked at both Orange and Osceola courthouses. To me, life feels just a little more down-home Florida in Osceola County. The judicial and legal communities are smaller than our main hub in Orange, and that translates to a more collegial feeling with our colleagues and the attorneys with whom we work on a daily basis. Our robust Osceola County Bar Association works hand in hand with the various bar associations and our friends at the Orange County Bar Association to bring our legal community together for education and fellowship. Our community partners at Osceola County and the City of Kissimmee tirelessly provide us with facilities and resources to remain modern and effective.

Courthouse life in Osceola is as diverse as it is interesting. Alligator sightings on Lake Tohopekaliga are a daily occurrence as you come or go from our free parking lot or garage. The SunRail train vibrates our coffee mugs and reminds us hourly of the convenient public transportation available for our attorneys, litigants, judges, and staff. A P-51 WW2 fighter plane’s low pass over the courthouse as our friends at Stallion 51 set up to land at the Kissimmee Airport to our west is a common sight. The Silver Spurs Rodeo in the summer and Hispanic Heritage Month in the fall are fixtures on our social calendars.

For our legal community, our fourteen judges serve three circuit felony/juvenile divisions, two county criminal divisions, two circuit civil/probate divisions, two county civil divisions, three domestic DR/DV divisions, one dependency division, and our problem-solving courts. As the administrative judge, with the assistance of Judges Tanya Wilson and Hal Epperson, I have the pleasure of working with each division. It is a great source of pride for every judge to be physically present, on time, prepared and accessible to you. Our support staff and courthouse administration are the most diligent and responsive folks I have ever worked with. Our court clerks, security team, courtroom deputies, and interpreter staff are all absolute pros.

The plaque you will see when you visit the Judge Jon B. Morgan Osceola County Courthouse reads “He was known for his patience on the bench, generous spirit, and abiding integrity”. Judge Morgan’s legacy, and our daily efforts to follow his lead, resonate in the walls of our courtrooms. If you have not practiced in Osceola County, let me invite you to take a case or client and spend some time with us. I suspect you too will experience the laid-back community feel, the generosity of our legal professionals’ time and talents, and the integrity of legal process you and your clients deserve. Bienvenidos and Howdy Y’all. We’ll see you soon.

The Honorable Keith A. Carsten is the Administrative Judge for the Osceola County Circuit and County Courts. He was appointed to the bench in 2013 and has been an OCBA member since 1997.

The Honorable Keith A. Carsten Administrative Judge Osceola County Circuit and County Courts

New Members

Regular and Government

Maheen AKHTER

Jeff DeROSIER

Matt Brooks HAGLER

Andrew GRAVES

Erin Brenna HYDE

Robert N. JOHNSON

Carrington E. JONES

Gregory Stephen KOBIEROWSKI

Juanita Gomez LaROCHELLE

Robert S. L ARR

Dayanna LOPEZ

Jason S. MEYER

Catherine T. MOUSSA

Seksanh Joe PANYANOUVONG

Hoa H. PHAM

Daniel C. SAATHOFF

Karina J. SANCHEZ

Robert P. SANTOS

Lauren STRICKER

Juan Fernado TORRICO

Alex WEAVER

Julianna Layne WEISS

Samuel D. WILLIAMS

Affiliate

Susan C. CONSTANTINE

Josae MARTIN

Julianne VOSIKA

Emeritus

Wen LIU

Paralegal Student

Valerie CRAWFORD

Myrta Josephine KELLY

Law Student

Angelica GARZON

Fallon M. HOWARD

Steven W. OVERBAY

Emily M. SHEINING

Paul Meredith UMBAUGH IV

Member Benefit!

Remote Online Notarization

The OCBA offers members a remote notarization service (small administrative fee applies). OCBA staff will guide you through the process and manage the identity verification and video conference components of each transaction, as well as a record-keeping as legally required.

Florida Supreme Court Honors Orange County Attorneys

The Florida Supreme Court and the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association announced the attorneys who were recognized for their 2022 pro bono work. This annual project 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 contribution. The donation of time is based on the hours on cases closed during 2022 and project hours worked in 2022. 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 the letter from Chief Justice Carlos Muniz and the pin will be mailed to 164 attorneys who participated through Legal Aid Society of The Orange County Bar Association, Inc.

Larri Thatcher, Esq.

Alejo, Lemar

Amos, Joe

Appleton, Michael J.

Arline, Kathy

Arwani, Rania

Baillargeon, Ashley

Bankowitz, Karen

Barkett, Allison

Baxa Jr., Edmund

Beechner, Laurie

Belle, Stephen

Berglund-Harper, Michelle

Blechman, Rebbeca

Bonham, Maytel Sorondo

Boren, Matthew

Boulden, John

Brams, Craig

Brandt, Arielle K.

Branham, Jeffry J.

Brehmer-Lanosa, Linda Sue

Calcano-Thomas, Vanessa

Callahan, Jane Dunlap

Carbone, Sandra

Carmona-Sanchez, Omar

Chmelir, Andrew

Church, Kelley

Cocotas, Vivian

Cosgrove, Laura

Couch, Alex R.

Crag-Chaderton, Kim

Cullen, Kim Michael

D’Aniello, Phil A.

Davis Jr., William A.

DeGailler, Brian

Dellecker, Robert

Desai, Tushaar

Doppelt, Ava

Dorris, John B.

Dortival, Jasmine

Eberhart, Linnea

Eddy, Domenica

Eichenblatt, Steven S.

The 2022 outstanding attorneys are:

Elkhaldi, Reem

Elmasry, Hanna

Ezzo, Elise M.

Foels, Pamela L.

Ford, Taylor

Frank, Russell J.

Gainey, Susan

Gangitano, James

Gendzier, Lawrence

Gilchrist, Brian R.

Gillham, Elizabeth Stevens

Girley, Brooke

Groves, Kara

Gyebi, Amaris

Hall, Matthew B.

Halstead, Travis

Haslam, Carolyn

Heatwole, Lauren

Herbert, Gregory W.

Herman, Jason

Hernandez, Darylaine G.

Hinson, Lynn James

Hobbs, Cheri

Holland, Allen

Holt, Ivelis

Hosley, Kimberly

Hull, Rebecca

Ibanez, Silvia

Ingram, Joseph Charles

Kerestes, Alison

Kest, Kristopher J.

Khanal, Robindra N.

Killer, C. Christopher

Knowles, Christopher D.

Korleski-Poindexter, Deborah

Kwong, Annie

Lambe, Jon

Lambiase, Angela Lynn

Lanham-Patrie, Elizabeth

Lee, Carrie

Leitch, Dougald

Leitner, Lisa

Lewis, Rebecca

Lias, Natasha

Lieblich, Mark

Lopez, Ana M.

Lopez, France

Magee, James M.

Malec, Megan

Manglardi, Michael

Martinelli, Kaylin

Masson, Marie

McCaleb, Matthew

McGinley, Patrick John

McGinnis, Marchella N.

McMillen, Allison

Meglino, Heather

Morris, G. Clay

Morse, Erin

Moskowitz, Deborah L.

Mountz, Candice

Nasser, Kristen

Nisbett, Janice

Oliveira, Jose

Owens, Gayle

Paul, David A.

Payne, Caleb E.

Phillips, Jacob L.

Pinho, Izi

Plummer, Elizabeth

Prescott, Joanne

Rhodes-Cinami, Sonica

Ribeiro, Andrea

Rigby, Barry

Robertson, Lauren Catherine

Rodriguez, Jose R.

Rolle, Craig

Ruffier, William

Schirtzer, Ronald

Schwam-Wilcox, Camy

Shannin, Carol

Shannin, Nicholas

Shipley, C. Eugene

Sirolly, Jeffrey

Small, Jay

Smerdon, Bonnie

Smith, Carla

Snowden, Madonna

Solash-Reed, Linda

So, Min Ho

Soto, Kimberly

Stanley, Angela

Starr, Wayne

Stone, John

Tangel-Rodriguez, Ana

Trapp, Zachary

Tribbey Jr., Christopher

Trick, Heather

Tucker, Tichiena

Tukdarian, Thomas

Valdivia, Basil Andres

Vancol, Wilbert

Van Valkenburgh, Mark

Vargas de Perez-Corujo, Jenny

Warren, Charlotte

Washington, Ka’Juel

Webber II, Richard B.

Wedge-McMillen, Anne M.

Wert, Thomas

Wesighan, Frank

Wick, Kara

Wieland, Glen

Williams, Lavon B.

Wimp, Edward

Wochholz, Kimberly

Wood, David S.

Wright, Lynn Walker

Wurtzel, Lori

Young Jr., William B.

Young, Kimberly

Zehnder, Thomas

Zeniewicz, Paul

Larri Thatcher, Esq., is the Deputy Director/ Pro Bono Coordinator at the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. She has been a member of the OCBA since 1996.

Law WeekCommittee Law Week 2023 Recap

Each year the American Bar Association (ABA) announces a theme for Law Day, which is celebrated annually on May 1st to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. What the ABA calls “Law Day,” the OCBA calls “Law Week,” but our programming actually runs for about three months every spring. Each of our Law Week events are intended to introduce students to legal concepts, the legal profession, and civic education, with the goal of reaching students of all ages in our community. The 2023 Law Day theme was “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.”

For the first time, the OCBA Law Week Committee partnered with the Justice Teaching Center for Civic Learning to host the Florida High School Mock Trial Competition, which returned to an in-person format for the first time since 2019. In February, judges and attorneys volunteered to serve as Presiding Judges and Scoring Judges for the Ninth Circuit Mock Trial Competition at the Orange County Courthouse. The Law Week Committee returned in early March for the State Competition and provided over 50 volunteer Scoring Judges for three days and five rounds of competition between 15 high school mock trial teams from all over the State of Florida. Judge Steve Jewett, who has been a long-time supporter of the Florida High School Mock Trial Competition, enlisted help from the judiciary, and many Ninth Circuit Judges volunteered as Presiding Judges.

The Law Week Committee presented the Big Bad Wolf Mock Trials at three local elementary schools, Audubon Park School, Baldwin Park Elementary, and Rock Lake Elementary. Students were very engaged as “jurors” who got to watch the trial and decide whether Big Bad Wolf was entitled to recover civil damages from Curly Pig.

The Law Week Committee also hosted a Job Shadowing/Day in the Life of a Judge event. The Orange County Courthouse hosted over 80 high school students who had the opportunity to spend a day job shadowing a judge and then attend lunch and a Q & A with a panel of six judges.

The Law Week Committee partnered with the Boy Scouts of America and the OCBA Foundation to present the Law Merit Badge Day, which was held in person for the first time in several years. The scouts heard from judges, attorneys, and a police officer regarding criminal law, civil law, and legal history, and they also participated in a mock trial. 35 scouts earned their Scouting’s Law Merit Badge.

This year the Law Week Committee was also able to bring back our in-person Naturalization Ceremony at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Office. We were joined by Girls Scouts from ten local troops, who got to take a tour of the Orlando Field Office and meet with immigration officers to learn about the immigration process. The Girl Scouts and family members then watched 25 individuals from 22 different countries become American citizens. Scouts from two troops led the Pledge of Allegiance, the Citrus Council Singers performed the national anthem and America the Beautiful, and one of the Girl Scouts gave a keynote speech about the importance of civility and civic engagement. The ceremony ended with the Girl Scouts lining the halls to cheer for each of the new citizens as they left.

The Law Week Committee’s final event of the year was a TeachIn event with middle schoolers at Boys & Girls Club, who heard about becoming a lawyer and various jobs within the legal profession.

We also partnered with Orange County Public Schools for our annual Poster & Speech Contest. The Poster Contest was open to students in grades 2 through 12, and the Speech Contest was open to students in grades 6 through 12. The Poster Contest participants created artwork that represented their interpretation of the Law Day theme, and Speech Contest participants wrote speeches regarding Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration. The winners of the Poster Contest are:

2nd Grade & 3rd Grade: 1st Place – Maria Paula Gonzalez Mena (Bay Lake Elementary), 2nd Place – Avery Simon (Baldwin Park Elementary), 3rd Place – Aya Warid (Bay Lake Elementary).

4th Grade – 8th Grade: 1st Place – Evie Meier (Blankner School), 2nd Place – Ty Fote (Blankner School), 3rd Place – Ana Innes (Blankner School).

9th Grade – 12th Grade: 1st Place – Sarah Chung (University High School), 2nd Place – Jessica Portela-Lopez (Colonial High School), 3rd Place – Yerimiah Evans (Boone High School)

The winners of the Speech Contest are:

1st Place – Sophia Ferrara (11th Grade, Timber Creek High School)

2nd Place – Ana Freitas Ferreira (9th Grade, Timber Creek High School)

3rd Place – Jack McLaughlin (9th Grade, Timber Creek High School)

Jill Davis, Esq.

Brian Lawrence, Esq.

The top 3 Speech Contest winners were invited to give their speech at the Law Week Luncheon. Winners of the Poster & Speech Contests receive gift cards, and the teachers of the 1st place winners receive gift cards as well.

Winners of the 2023 Liberty Awards were also recognized at the Law Week Luncheon. The Liberty Apple Award is presented to a teacher who demonstrates exemplary service to the education of students in our community. The 2023 Liberty Apple Award winner is Cathy Brown, an AP Language Arts teacher at Apopka High School and coach of the Apopka High School Speech and Debate Team. As an English teacher, Cathy promotes an interdisciplinary approach to language arts by incorporating civics and debate into the classroom to improve critical thinking and understanding of our government. She was one of the first teachers to work with and serve on the board for the Central Florida Debate Initiative, which turned into a statewide non-profit organization called the Florida Debate Initiative, which continues to provide free speech and debate tournaments to students in every Florida school district. In addition to her AP Language Arts classes, Cathy has expanded the reach of civics and debate education within Apopka High School by introducing new debate classes. Under Cathy’s leadership, the number of debate classes offered at Apopka more than doubled.

The Liberty Shield Award is presented to a first responder who demonstrates exemplary service to the health or safety of our community. The winner of the 2023 Liberty Shield Award is Tom Lin, Deputy First Class Sheriff, Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Lin has been a member of the law enforcement community since 1982. As a School Resource Officer and a certified Florida State Firearms Instructor, he maintains a team leader role within the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Liaison Group. He dedicated himself to building a stronger relationship between Law Enforcement and the Country’s growing AAPI community. His commitment to this mission is evidenced by his successful implementation of programs that allow for the collection of reporting from Asian crime victims, along with public access to a team of AAPI liaisons. Deputy Lin has earned multiple awards during his tenure, including saving a subject from drowning, Dive Unit citations, Meritorious Service and Medal of Merit, Investigator of The Year, and others.

The Liberty Bell Award is presented to a non-lawyer who has demonstrated commitment to promoting civil responsibili-

ty among citizens. The 2023 Liberty Bell Award winner is Bill Cowles, Orange County Supervisor of Elections. Bill has served in the role of Orange County Supervisor of Elections for the last 27 years. Throughout the years he has had the difficult task of ensuring that all Orange County citizens who are eligible to vote get the opportunity to do so in a fair, efficient, and transparent manner. He also is the proud originator of the “adopt a precinct” project, which allows for civic groups to literally “adopt” a Precinct, thereby supplying poll workers so urgently needed for elections while allowing those civic organizations to work together to help promote their organizations and democracy at the same time. Bill’s efforts to reach out to the youngest citizens and encourage them to participate in democracy is evidenced by his involvement in Orange County Public Schools. Specifically, Bill Cowles has visited hundreds of schools, either to assist in the administration of their own student elections or, more often, to speak to civics classes about the importance of registering and voting. To that end, Bill has assisted thousands of Orange County students to “pre-register” so that they would be able to fully exercise their right to vote the moment they turned 18. Bill has served long and hard to preserve both the rule of law and the best interest of the citizens of Orange County in the administration of his electoral duties.

Congratulations to all Liberty Award winners!

The Law Week Committee would like to thank Orange County Public Schools, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of Citrus, and Boys & Girls Club for their partnership on our Law Week events and for connecting us with hundreds of amazing kids who hopefully have a greater understanding of the role of law in our society and the legal profession.

We would also like to thank the Orange County Courthouse staff and our Ninth Circuit judges who hosted and volunteered for many of our events. We are so fortunate to have a judiciary that is so engaged and willing to help, and they add so much value to our Law Week events.

We would also like to thank our subcommittee chairs, committee members, and everyone who volunteered for any of this year’s events. This year’s Law Week Committee included the following members: Onchantho Am, Michael Andriano, Euri Cerrud, Keshara Cowans (OCBA Executive Council Liaison), Teresa Finer, Charles Hawkins, John Hunt, Andrew Irvin, Leia Leitner, Courtney Richardson-Jones, Brandon Sapp, Patti Savitz, Tara Tedrow, Esther Whitehead, and Lori Wurtzel.

Jill Davis, Esq., is Chair of the Law Week Committee and is an in-house attorney at Orlando Health. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2008.

Brian Lawrence, Esq., is Chair of the Law Week Committee and is an in-house attorney at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts U.S., Inc. He has been a member of the OCBA since 2016.

High School Mock Trial State Competition

Law Week 2023

Law Merit Badge Day

Girl Scouts at Naturalization Ceremony

Job Shadowing – Day in the Life of a Judge

High School Mock Trial Ninth Circuit Competition

Big Bad Wolf Mock Trial

High School Mock Trial State Competition

Rock Lake Elementary

Baldwin Park Elementary

Audubon Park School

Liberty Bell Award Winner Bill Cowles (center), with Lori Wurtzel, Onchantho Am

Jay Mobley, Staci Sciandra, Tenesia Hall, Kimberly Palmer, Ritcy Canelon, Sheila Serrano

Liberty Apple Award Winner Cathy Brown

Liberty Shield Award Winner Tom Lin (center), with Lori Wurtzel, Onchantho Am

Rafael Rodriguez, Bethanie Barber, Ayana Barrow

Rafael Rodriguez, Onchantho Am

Speech Contest 1st Place – Sophia Ferrera Speech Contest 2nd Place – Ana Freitas Ferreira

OCBA Law Week Luncheon

April 27, 2023

Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando

Title Sponsor: & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY

Annie Kwong, Cynthia Rodriguez, Victoria Gamache

Bill Cowles, Nick Shannin

Judge David Johnson, Judge Jeanette Bigney, Bill Cowles, Judge Tina Caraballo, Judge Steve Jewett

Karen Persis, Mayor Buddy Dyer

Stephanie Alcade, Brandon Sapp, CJ Bosco, Jacob Shumer

Mayor Buddy Dyer

An attorney once said to me, “No offense, but you are just a paralegal.” Unfortunately, that attorney clearly did not consider what we, as paralegals, do on a daily basis. So, let me tell you a little about what it’s like, from my point of view, to be “just a paralegal.”

A woman walks into our office. Her children have been taken to some unknown location by someone they know; their father. She hasn’t seen her children for weeks and now her husband has left the state with them. The police can’t help her because it’s her husband that has the children hidden from her, and “it’s a civil matter.” Her husband only wants to hurt her because of his own anger and resentment because the wife filed for a dissolution of marriage. So, I start drafting an Emergency Motion and Child Pick-Up Order and prepping my attorney for an emergency hearing, all while trying to keep a scared mother calm – and all while chaos is beginning to unfold in ten other cases. I wasn’t “just a paralegal” to that mom.

A child tries to take his own life because his mother is heavily involving him in their divorce, trying to make him choose sides, and that child can no longer take the pain that comes with his family being torn apart. His father sits by his son’s hospital bed and prays that he will live to see another day, that he won’t be burying his child at only 15 years old. The father is calling me regularly to check in and provide continual updates on his son’s prognosis. He thanks me for answering the phone and talking to him each and every time he calls me, for never sending him to voicemail or rushing him off the phone. He thanks me for “being human” and listening to him while he cries in fear of losing his only son. I wasn’t “just a paralegal” to that dad.

Sitting in the conference room with the couple whose marriage is over, preparing to notarize settlement agreements after an all-day mediation. Agreements that will divide their property, and their children, and their lives, and will ultimately end their marriage. I watch as they cry together out of regret for things left unsaid, feeling guilty for opportunities not taken. They cry for their children who will be forever changed by this decision they have had to make. But they choose to be sad with each other instead of being mad at each other. Being present to provide a gentle touch, words of encouragement, and a listening ear as they face the grief of losing their love for each other and trying to figure out how to keep things “normal” for their children. I wasn’t “just a paralegal” to that family.

Watching an abused mom go from fear and complete uncertainty, to witnessing her blossom into an independent, educated, FEARLESS woman, and a more confident parent, after months of a heavily litigated case finally comes to an end. She now knows that she and her children will be safe again. She will always remember the support I offered to her when she needed it the most. I will forever be a part of her life, even if I never see or speak to her again. I will never be “just a paralegal” to her.

Motions, notices, orders, hearings, trials, mediations, hand holding, talking for hours, listening for hours more, and EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION.

I have been in the Florida family law world for over 20 years now in both Court Appointed Guardianship and as a Florida Registered Family Law Trial and Litigation Paralegal. I am passionate about what I do and feel fortunate to do what I love every day. I am grateful that I have the compassion to be there for these complete strangers who count on me to hear them, guide them, and help them figure out what their life will look like moving forward.

So, to my fellow paralegals... I know what it takes to do this job and know that some days will be better than others. Some days you will want to quit or wonder why you’re doing this job at all. Some days you may question your abilities, and some days, maybe even your sanity! This profession is not easy. We assess the situation and have the ability to pick up on the things that clients don’t even know are important, all while providing these clients with the utmost level of care and compassion and providing our attorneys with the support they need.

Please know that what you do is important. You are valued, even when the client, or maybe even your attorney, doesn’t tell you just how valuable you are. What you do is not measured by a single case or a single client. You will have amazing days and not so great ones. This profession is an ongoing journey. We teach, we learn, and in the process, we get the chance to make a difference in the lives of those who trust us enough to help them navigate some of the hardest events they will ever go through in life. I, for one, am so grateful to be a part of each of their lives. So, when the going gets tough, always remember that you are more than just a paralegal.

April Phillips, FRP

“Just a Paralegal”

April Phillips, FRP, is a family law trial and litigation paralegal and the immediate past president of the OCBA Paralegal Section. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2013.

OCBATeaching Tips

OCBA Offers Multiple Options for Members to Serve the Community

You may be familiar with all the OCBA does to serve its members, but you may not be aware of all the OCBA does to provide legal resources to Central Floridians. The OCBA offers several programs that provide access to justice and also provide members with an opportunity to serve the community.

The Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) program offers an exceptional opportunity for attorneys, both established and new, to enhance their practice and serve their community. This program is renowned for its success, referring over 8,000 clients annually to LRIS panel members and establishing itself as one of the most extensive and productive referral programs in Florida. Our referral intake specialists screen thousands of calls each month and determine if a referral to a participating attorney is appropriate or if the individual would be better served by an outside resource. The Modest Means Program is a part of this service and offers pre-screening for financial eligibility for prospective clients. Attorneys participating with Modest Means agree to lower their fees on a sliding scale for qualifying clients. LRIS and Modest Means attorneys have the opportunity to participate in virtual Ask a Lawyer events hosted in conjunction with the Orange County Public Library System and Orange County Clerk of Courts.

Attorneys participating in both of these programs pay a percentage of all attorney fees collected from referral clients to the OCBA and provide a free consultation of up to 30 minutes to each referred client.

The Citizen’s Dispute and Family Mediation Program is a free mediation service available to all residents of Orange County. This program is not based on financial eligibility and participation is

voluntary. It is a great resource for those looking to avoid the cost of filing a lawsuit, or for disputes that do not necessarily have a cause of action. Orange County residents have been using this program for over 40 years to resolve a variety of civil disputes and family-related issues. Mediators sign up to participate with this program pro bono through the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association.

The Residential Foreclosure Mediation Program is a court-ordered mediation program for all homestead foreclosures filed in Orange County pursuant to Administrative Order 2012-06-03. This program facilitates the document exchange and schedules mediations on behalf of the parties. Most of the homeowners who participate in this program are pro se. The OCBA offers a monthly free information seminar to all eligible homeowners, led by a housing attorney from the Legal Aid Society. The attorney explains the foreclosure process, possible settlement options, and answers questions.

The Orange County and Seminole County Clerk’s Self Help Centers are another valuable resource for legal assistance and a great opportunity for attorneys to get involved and serve the community. This program allows pro se litigants with issues related to family law, landlord/tenant, small claims, and probate (Seminole County only) to receive procedural information from OCBA attorneys. Attorneys are paid a nominal fee for each shift worked. The OCBA is committed to providing valuable services to the community through affordable attorney consultations, mediation programs and free information seminars. Our dedication to serving the community is a cornerstone of the organization’s mission. More information on these programs can be found on the OCBA’s website.

Candice Maull is the Director of Public Programs for the Orange County Bar Association. She has been a member of our staff since 2010.

Candice Maull

President’sMessage

continued from page 3

One of my favorite quotes in the book is, “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” Where are you on this continuum and how do you get to where you want to be? If you are intrigued and want to learn more, I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you for allowing me to be your President this year and please feel free to reach out to me if you need anything.

Amber Davis, Esq., is a managing partner at Wolter Van Dyke Davis, PLLC, focusing primarily on trademark law and IP litigation. She has been an OCBA member since 2007.

ProfessionalismCommittee

continued from page 6

will never be cured by the sedative of gradualism.” For his views, Judge Waring and his wife were shunned in their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, causing Judge Waring to retire from the court and relocate his family to New York.

These two examples of moral courage in the law provide inspiration and hope that we can strive toward a more perfect union and that, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. In short, moral courage is essential to the notion of professionalism. It demands that you put your obligation to the justice system and the wider community ahead of your personal interests and the noise of public outcry so that the system might not only survive but flourish long after our individual race has been run. Hopefully, when our hour upon the stage is through, may there be for all of us at least one moment when the eulogist can say: remember what he did for the least among us. That is a life well lived and one that would honor James Glazebrook. Thank you for the honor of this award.

Honorable Roy “Skip” B. Dalton, Jr., is a senior district judge with the

Middle District of Florida. He has been a member of the OCBA since 1986.

Legal Aid SocietyTeaching Tips

Keeping it Simple – the GAL’s Role When Residential Treatment is Needed

uardians ad Litem (GALs) are tasked with an incredible responsibility – advocating for the best interests of a child that’s been the victim of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. GALs serve children whose childhoods were fractured, but not beyond repair. A Guardian ad Litem must decipher what is best for this child by meeting with the child, reviewing medical documents and school records, and speaking with the child’s case management team, caregivers, parents, and service providers. It can be a daunting but necessary task to ensure each child’s unique needs are met.

This is especially true for our children that may require residential treatment, which is a placement specifically intended for the observation, diagnosis, or treatment of a mental health diagnosis. The Florida Legislature delineates the procedure for such intervention in section 39.407(6), Florida Statutes.

First, it is important to recognize not all children with mental health needs require residential treatment. The child will receive appointment of a Guardian ad Litem and an Attorney ad Litem (AAL), also known as Special Needs Counsel. Second, a suitability assessment will be completed by a qualified evaluator (QE) to determine if the child meets the three-part criteria required for residential treatment.

To meet this criteria, the child must have an emotional disturbance severe enough to require treatment in a residential treatment program. This is defined in sections 394.492(5)-(6), Florida Statutes, and strictly excludes a “temporary response to a stressful situation.” As you can imagine, being removed from your home, school, and friends may create a stressful response that will likely dissipate as the child settles into their new environment.

Second, the child must be reasonably likely to benefit from treatment. If a child has cognitive deficits or other diagnoses that would interfere with their ability to understand and benefit from treatment, residential treatment may not be suitable for the child. Lastly, there must be a determination that an appropriate, less restrictive alternative to residential treatment is unavailable. The QE will be provided with a host of documentation on the child including medical records, school records, history of baker acts, and placement disruptions. The QE will also speak to the child, the child’s case management team, caregiver, GAL, AAL, and any-

Gone else that would like to provide input on the child. If the child has not received services to address their emotional disturbance or there is not sufficient documentation to determine if other treatment modalities and placement options have been implemented, the QE is not likely to recommend residential treatment. Additionally, if services and/or less-restrictive placements have stabilized the child, residential treatment may not be needed.

Once the assessment is completed, the QE will recommend one of the following: placement in a psychiatric residential treatment center (RTC) which is the most strictive level of care; placement in a therapeutic group home (TGH) which is also restrictive but offers a home-like setting and allows the child to attend school in the community; non-residential placement which means any other less-restrictive placement alternative; or “a recommendation could not be rendered.” If the suitability assessment recommends a RTC or TGH, the Court will hold a hearing on the matter and is bound by strict timelines per Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.350. This rule also requires the GAL to file a written report addressing their recommendation regarding placement of the child and the child’s wishes regarding the same. This report can be brief but must be filed prior to the hearing moving forward.

As the GAL, we have valuable information that should be shared at every stage of the game, our advocacy doesn’t end once a child is placed in residential treatment. Within 10 days of the child’s admission, the facility must create a treatment plan for the child. Likewise, the facility must assess the child’s progress toward that treatment plan every 30 days from the date of admission. Additionally, an assessment of the appropriateness of the placement will continue until the child is discharged. A new suitability assessment must be completed within 60 days of admission and will occur on an on-going basis every 90 days thereafter. The GAL should engage in on-going communication with the child, participate in treatment planning, provide input for each suitability assessment, and deliver updates to the court to ensure a successful and swift outcome for the child.

For more information, please contact: Marie Priebe, Guardian ad Litem Attorney, at (407) 841-8310 or email: mpriebe@legalaidocba.org. 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: dhaynes@ legalaidocba.org.

Marie Priebe, Esq.

Marie Priebe, Esq., Director of Special Projects for the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA Guardian ad Litem Program. She has been a member of the OCBA since 2015.

FoundationNews

OCBA Foundation Scholarship

Meet Olivia Opitz, our 2023 OCBA foundation scholarship recipient! We made a surprise visit during her UCF Legal Studies course with Professor Heather Ostroff!

Through the generous support of the OCBA, each year, we can award this scholarship to a deserving University of Central Florida (UCF) B.S./B.A. Legal Studies student or Valencia A.S. Paralegal Studies student. The scholarship award recipient will have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and involvement on campus and in the general community.

Law Merit Badge Day

Eight Boys and Girls Scout Troops from Central Florida, North Florida, and Tampa Bay participated in the OCBA Law Day Committee & OCBA Foundation Law Merit Badge event! Can you imagine our discussions with these bright young minds?

Kudos to the OCBA Foundation board member, Euri, for a job well done as Chair. We couldn’t have accomplished this without our volunteer speakers:

Judge Amy Carter

Judge Craig McCarthy

Deputy Tom Lin

Judge Leticia Marques

Attorney Rachel Mattie

Attorney Coravious Cowart

Attorney Lisa Gong

Guerrero

Judge Eric DuBois

Other volunteers: Jill Davis

Peonca Grier

Onchantho Am

Leilani Am

Special thanks to our venue partner at Barry Law School!

Mercy Drive Kidz Zone is a place to be when to bring more cheer!

Mercy Drive Kidz Zone

Ana “Ani”Rodriguez-Newbern, Esq.

Hearsay

NOTE: The Hearsay column of The Briefs was created to share news and happenings around the OCBA. In each publication over the next year, we’ll hear from leaders, past, present, and future, on the topics of the day.

The Florida Bar, in the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, requires that “Each member of The Florida Bar in good standing, as part of that member’s professional responsibility, should

(1) render pro bono legal services to the poor and (2) participate, to the extent possible, in other pro bono service activities that directly relate to the legal needs of the poor.”

Community and pro bono service means so many different things to our OCBA community. Here is just a little bit of what you’ve been saying:

1. Judge Brian Sandor – “OCBA service has given me the opportunity to connect with both the legal community and the larger community as a whole. It helps keep my family’s tradition of service in the community going.”

2. “It is so important to give back to our community, whether it is in the form of legal services, financial help, or volunteering. We should never give back in order to feel better about ourselves, but to remind ourselves of just how blessed we are, so let us bless someone else.” Ashley

Baillargeon,

Esq. | Baillargeon Law Firm

3. “The OCBA provides its members with opportunities to not only build their practice and legal experience, but through its committees, the OCBA gives members the opportunity to volunteer, give back, and make a difference in our community.” – Brandon Sapp, Esq. | Burns Sheppard Favors

4. Kelsey A. Weiss, Esq. | McEwan, Martinez, Dukes & Hall, P.A. – “Volunteering with the OCBA has allowed me to create meaningful and lasting relationships with local lawyers and judiciary while, at the same time, help support our community directly and through organizations such as Legal Aid Society and the OCBA Foundation that provide counseling and services to

those of our community that need it most. Serving with the OCBA has been a true win-win opportunity that I would recommend to any young lawyer!”

5. “The opportunity to perform meaningful community service and provide pro bono legal services to the needy are the greatest privileges of being an attorney. They are rewarding experiences to be cherished, not burdens to be avoided.” – Michael Barber, Esq. | The Law Office of Michael D. Barber, P.A.

6. “It is an honor to be part of our legal profession. Many of the people I’ve met during my time as co-chair of OCBA’s mentoring committee, as a longtime panelist for OCBA’s Mandatory Fee Arbitration Committee, and as a director on the OCBA’s Board have become my good friends over the past two decades.” – Eve Brackmann, Esq. | Munck Wilson Mandala

7. “Education and Access are essential to understanding how the judicial system works. From our Self-Help Center to our Legal Matters webinars, as the Public Affairs & Outreach Specialist I am dedicated to serving the community and providing innovative and timely resources to make sure the public is aware of the services available to them.” – Charlean Gatlin, Public Affairs & Outreach Specialist | Orange County Clerk of Courts

8. “The OCBA provides opportunities to connect with local attorneys who practice in other areas of the law that I normally do not see on a regular basis.” – Lisa Gong Guerrero | Office of the State Attorney

9. “My favorite quote that comes to mind regarding community service is from Muhammad Ali. He said, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.’ As a lawyer we are change makers and I believe we have a duty to help the underserved/underrepresented. Some problems should not exist when I leave this earth.” – Ayana K. Barrow, Esq. | Acceptance Insurance Staff Counsel

Special thanks to the OCBA Membership Committee for their assistance with this month’s submission.

Ana “Ani” Rodriguez-Newbern, Esq., practices Family Law at Tangel-Rodriguez & Associates. She has been an OCBA Member since 2014.

1.

4.

Government Attorney Appreciation Happy Hour

YLS April Luncheon

YLS Presents the Pro Bono Awards

Young Lawyers SectionNews

YLS on the Move

continued its momentum as they closed out the 20222023 bar year! We ended April with a Government Attorney’s Appreciation Happy Hour at Eola Lounge in collaboration with the OCBA Membership Committee. Our amazing government attorneys were provided appetizers and drinks as tokens of appreciation for all they do for our community, state, and nation. Thank you to the OCBA and OCBA YLS’ Membership Committees for organizing this wonderful event!

In May, YLS assembled a team to compete in the OCBA’s May Health and Wellness Challenge. We did yoga, cut carbs, walked many steps, gave gratitude, and lifted weights. Our team ended the month a few pounds lighter than when we started.

For the past few months, we partnered with Paul C. Perkins Bar Association and Barry Law’s NAACP to host a diaper drive. We collected diapers and monetary donations to purchase diapers for low income mothers. We presented the diapers to the mothers for Mother’s Day. Thank you to everyone who donated!

On May 5, 2023, YLS held its annual Board Retreat. The 20232024 YLS board members and committee chairs were hard at work planning the next year of fun and service-filled YLS events. After spending some time learning the ins and outs of YLS procedures and some new initiatives for the year, the board and com-

YLSmittee chairs spent the afternoon axe-throwing at The Axe Trap and building new connections with each other. The year is off to a great start already! Welcome to the new board members and committee chairs!

On May 13, 2023, YLS held its annual field day at Greats Oaks Villages, our longest running event. Volunteers and the children had a blast and participated in a water balloon toss, three leggedrace, tug-of-war, basketball, and more. Thank you to the volunteers for making this event a success!

On May 17, 2023, YLS held its first ever End of the Year Happy Hour in honor of all the sponsors that made this year such a success. Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors whose contributions allow YLS to be the success that it is!

On May 19, 2023, YLS hosted its Pass the Gavel Ceremony. The gavel was officially passed from 2022-2023 President Stephanie Alcalde to 2023-2024 President Lauren Reynolds. Past presidents provided their wisdom and advice to Lauren. Thank you, Stephanie, for such an amazing year! Good luck, Lauren! We know that you will continue YLS’ legacy of excellence.

Upcoming Events

• Law Clerks’ Reception

• Morning at the State Courthouse

Vaughn Glinton, Esq.

Vaughn G.S. Glinton, Esq., is an attorney with Jackson Lewis P.C., where he practices employment law. He has been a member of OCBA since 2017.

YLS Wills for Heros Part 2

Voluntary BarNews

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

The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers

In April, the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL) teamed up with the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA), the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF), and the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) for a luncheon on April 14, 2023, at the Citrus Club. Then on April 27, 2023, Judge Vincent Chiu and his wife Alicia Chiu hosted a CFAWL Table for 8 with culinary masterpieces created by David Varet. Finally on April 29, 2023, CFAWL members laced up their sneakers and joined the Paws for Peace walk which raises funds for the emergency kennel at the Harbor House domestic violence shelter.

The Paul C Perkins

Bar Association

On April 12, 2023, The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) hosted its Mentor/Mentee Networking Mixer Event at Ace Cafe Orlando. At this event, mentors and mentees of the Law Student Mentoring Program were able to network with attorneys and judges in the Central Florida area. Then on April 14, the PCPBA hosted a Joint Luncheon with CFAWL, GOABBA and HBACF

in honor of Diversity Month at the Citrus Club. Finally, on April 17, 2023, the PCPBA hosted its April General Meeting. At this meeting, speaker Teneshia “MzMoneyWorks” LaFayé provided an informative presentation on investing, life insurance, and money management.

Congratulations as well to the PCPBA for winning the FAMU College of Law “Outstanding Community Service Award.”

The Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association

On April 17, 2023, the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA) took place in an Orlando Foodie Tour at Wafu. GOAABA also had a great time at the joint luncheon on April 14, 2023, alongside CFAWL, PCPBA, and HBACF at the Citrus Club.

Central Florida Chapter American Board of Trial Advocates (CFLABOTA)

On March 8, 2023, members of the Central Florida American Board of Trial Advocates (CFLABOTA) met at the Country Club of Orlando and were joined by many members of our local judiciary. The honored speaker, Judge Richard Gergel, Federal District Judge, South Carolina, and author of “Unexampled Courage,” told the heartbreaking and compelling story of the beating and blinding of a decorated World War II African American soldier, Sargent Isaac Woodard which brought national attention to the gross prejudice and injustice endured by African Americans during the Jim Crow Era. This atrocity deeply moved Judge J. Waties Waring, Federal District, South Carolina (1942-1968) who encouraged Thurgood Marshall, the era’s leading civil rights attorney, to challenge the “Separate But Equal” doctrine established in 1896 by Plessy v. Ferguson. This back story, as told by Judge Gergel, revealed how this bold action ultimately helped pave the way to one of the most significant United States Supreme Court civil rights cases, Brown v. Board of Education, which de facto overruled the Plessy decision in 1954.

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.

Alena V. Baker, Esq.

Katie Nguyen, Andrew Reath, Avita Samaroo, Cesar Neira, Kenway Wong, Cathleen Winter, Ronnald Mejia, Judge Denise Beamer, XiXi Li, Teris Deitsch, Leila Chacko, Christine Berk, Stephen Chong, Scott Leitner

Alicia Garcel, Annie Blanc, Ashley Wright, Fisher, Benjamin Garcia

Lisa Harvey, Tenesha “Mz. Money Works” Lafaye, Ashley Wright, Annie Blanc, Benjamin Garcia

Ashley Wright, Lauren Millcarek, Cathleen Winter, Cesar Neira CFAWL

Antoinette Romano, Ritcy Canelon, Tina Leger, Vanessa Clark, Alena Baker, Donna Haynes, Marina Ellis

Sharlene Stanford, Heather Meglino, Kari Hicks, Meranda Landes

CLASSIFIED ADS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW Category! Place advertising on new partnerships, employee promotions, and thank you listings to exemplary employees, assistants, paralegals, etc.

Contact Ursla Gallagher to place your ad today! 407-422-4551, Ext. 244 or urslag@ocbanet.org

EMPLOYMENT

CONTRACT LITIGATION ATTORNEY; IDEAL FOR ANY ATTORNEY WHO WANTS A STEADY STREAM OF INCOME WITHOUT THE HEADACHE OF MANDATED HOURLY BILLING QUOTA

Drafting and argue pleadings at court appearances. Defense of contract claims by a large timeshare developer against individual consumer patrons. Please send cover letter and resume. Flexible hours. Telecommuting okay. Please send resume to: aa@ aaronsonaustin.com

FULL-TIME LITIGATION PARALEGAL FOR BUSY NEW SMYRNA BEACH LAW OFFICE. Excellent skills in Outlook, grammar, composition, word processing, scanning, calendaring, and telephone skills are also required. Knowledge of any of the following areas is a plus; personal injury defense, construction litigation; real estate litigation; trial procedures; and electronic discovery. Email bcasey@surfcoastlaw.com with cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Our workplace is smoke-free environment.

THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT is seeking Assistant State Attorneys with a minimum of (7) years of criminal law experience to

serve in our Homicide Unit. Prior experience as a prosecutor is preferred but is not required if the applicant has experience handling homicide cases as defense counsel. The candidate must have experience in conducting jury trials, evidentiary hearings, and handling expert testimonies. Applicant should be comfortable working closely with victim advocates, homicide survivors, and our law enforcement partners. Applicant will have a work record that reflects good judgment, a passion for justice and a commitment to the office’s mission of ensuring public safety through prosecution that is just, transparent, and fair to the people we serve.

Salary: $90,000.00 (commensurate with experience) Please send a cover letter, resume, and two references via e-mail to ASA-Recruiting@ sao9.org

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: katie@vasko.net

FAMILY LAW FIRM SEEKING EXPERIENCED PARALEGAL

The Marks Law Firm is seeking an experienced Family Law Paralegal to provide a range of legal support to our Team and Attorneys. We are looking for someone with good communication skills, Client services oriented, and strong attention to detail and accuracy to join our closeknit team. Please check out our website www.markslawfla.com and send resumes to kathy@markslawfla.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.

FISHER RUSHMER P.A. SEEKING AN ASSOCIATE WITH A MINIMUM OF 3 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE AREA OF INSURANCE DEFENSE/PERSONAL INJURY. Ideal candidate must have strong written, communication and organizational skills, ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, strong research and analytical skills, ability to handle a large caseload and juggle multiple priorities and deadlines. Generous benefits package available, competitive wages as well as bonus programs. Please rely with resume to: Lskinner@fisherlawfirm.com.

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.

INSURANCE DEFENSE FIRM handling first-party property/liability coverage issues, PIP, and contractual/tort lit-

igation 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

FOR SALE OR RENT

SHARED EXECUTIVE OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE IN THE REGIONS TOWER BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO. The space is fully furnished and shared with a family law practice. Use of shared conference rooms and kitchen included. Phone, copier, and scanner options available. Please call 407 757 2883 to inquire.

$1,250/MO – Shared office space for attorney (downtown Orlando). Professionally decorated, newly refurbished office located in the Milk District. First floor offices with established construction and immigration attorneys. Fully furnished or bring your own furniture for your office. Includes internet, utilities, shared conference room, reception area and copy room. Secretarial space available if required. Free parking on site. Please call Chris Weiss at (407) 928-6737.

CLASS A OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT – located in the heart of downtown Orlando at the Plaza building. Furnished for attorneys and assistants. All office amenities included. Great views with balcony. Call 407-999-9955 or email inquiries to jsherris@ sherrislegal.com or receptionist@sherrislegal.com

20

or More Members

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.

Stovash, Case & Tingley

2-9 Members

Anderson & Ferrin, Attorneys at Law, P.A.

Artemis Family Law Group, PLLC Aust Law Firm

Barrister Law Firm, P.A.

Barry Miller Law

Carr Law Firm, P.A.

Compass Law

Culbertson Law Group

Davey Law Group, P.A.

Debra Wilkinson Botwin, LLC

DeCiccio & Johnson

Dellecker Wilson King McKenna Ruffier & Sos, LLP

Divine & Estes, P.A.

Fassett, Anthony & Taylor, P.A

Flammia Elder Law Firm

Forward Law Firm P.A.

Gasdick Stanton Early, P.A.

GoodBlatt – Leo

Green Family Law, P.A.

Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm Attorneys at Law

Harris Harris Bauerle 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 Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A.

Lebron Law PLLC

Marcus & Myers, P.A.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps PLLC

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

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.

JUNE - JULY

OCBA July Luncheon

Thursday, July 20, 2023

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Citrus Club

255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1800, Orlando 32801 orangecountybar.org/store

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