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With Spring in the air, our voluntary bar associations have been hard at work to make this season their best yet.

The Federal Bar Association, Orlando Chapter

On December 16, 2023, The Federal Bar Association, Orlando Chapter, (FBA Orlando) held a presentation led by The Honorable Paul Bryon titled: The Relationship Between the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Conflict in Ukraine.

Then on January 10, 2023, FBA Orlando hosted a group of children from Lawton Chiles Middle School as part of their Civil Discourse Program. As a part of this program, FBA Orlando regularly coordinates visits from local schools in furtherance of community and educational outreach goals.

Finally on January 20, 2023, FBA Orlando attended the “State of the District” luncheon at the Federal Courthouse where attendees heard from The Honorable Timothy Corrigan, Chief Judge, The Honorable Roy Dalton, Jr., The Honorable Tiffany Geyer, FBA Orlando President Jeremy Bloor, and Immediate Past President Patrick Brackins.

The Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida

On January 19, 2023, The Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF), hosted a Zumba night at South Econ Community Park.

Then on January 26, 2023, HBACF hosted their incoming board member installation at Eola Lounge. Congratulations to all of the incoming board members and job well done to outgoing board members.

The Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association

On January 13, 2023, the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA), along with the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) attended the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association

The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA) started 2023 on a high note with its first General Body Meeting of the year on January 12, 2023. At the meeting, Dr. Ruth Edwards led PCPBA in the “The Line of Privilege/The Race” activity. The activity opened attendees eyes to all the differences, similarities, and obstacles they had to overcome.

Also, in January, the PCPBA hosted their Annual Judicial Reception on January 31, 2023. It was such a beautiful evening honoring our local Judiciary.

Then PCPBA kicked off Black History Month with their first February Joint Luncheon of the Year with the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL) on February 3, 2023. Attendees heard from the Honorable Pauline Drake, a retired longtime judge and active community/bar leader from Jacksonville, FL. Judge Drake shared personal stories from her life and career and spotlighted the need for diversity in the Bar and on the bench.

The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers

On February 3, 2023, the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers, cohosted a luncheon with the PCPBA in honor of Black History Month. The luncheon featured Pauline Drake, a retired longtime Judge and active community and bar participant from Jacksonville Florida.

Then on February 9, 2023, CFAWL teamed up with HBACF to participate in the annual “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” event. Attendees walked to raise awareness of domestic violence and the resources available to survivors through Harbor House of Central Florida.

On February 13, 2023, CFAWL celebrated Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day with a Valentines Day “Color Party” hosted by CFAWL past presidents Jamie Moses and Mary Walter. Guests were assigned a color and asked to dress in that color and bring a coordinating snack/drink to match.

Then on February 16, 2023, CFAWL once again teamed up with PCPBA and read books to children at Mollie Ray Elementary School to educate our youth on the contributions African Americans have made in history. The books were then donated to local elementary school libraries.

Finally on February 23, 2023 CFAWL, PCPBA, and GOAABA got together for a fun night out at Wall Crawl.

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.