Summation Quarterly, Spring 2023

THE SANTA ROSA COUNTY COURTHOUSE A New Beginning

Law Week is April 29th - May 5th

Presented By

Liberty Bell Award

Presented at the Luncheon

Law Week

High School

Essay Contest

Presented by the NWFPA

Tuesday, May 2nd

5:00pm to 7:00pm

The Governor's Room at Jackson's Steakhouse

Friday, May 5th

11:30am to 1:00pm

Heritage Hall at Seville Quarter

Gold Sponsors

Beggs & Lane

Dutton Law Group

KJP Counsel, PLLC

Moore, Hill & Westmoreland

Saturday, April 29th

Justice on the Block

9:30am to 12:30pm

Free Legal Clinic

Platinum Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Beasley Allen

Escambia-Santa Rosa

Bar Foundation

McDonald Fleming

Valerie Prevatte, P.A.

Taylor, Warren, Weidner & Hancock

Bronze Sponsor

Lynchard & Seely

Contents

Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

260 South Tarragona Street, Suite 160 Pensacola, FL 32502 Phone: 850.434.8135 email: esrba@esrba.com

Lawyer Referral Service: 850.434.6009

Executive Director Jeff Nall jeff@esrba.com

Published

Member Services Coordinator Stephen Hayward stephen@esrba.com

Lawyer Referral Service Veronica Porter lrs@esrba.com

Articles appearing in The Summation are not to be construed as official expressions of the views of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association. Official positions are expressed only by formal resolutions adopted by a majority of the membership and will be so designated when published. Editorials are expressions of the opinion of the Editor.

Due date for all advertisements, articles and announcements is the first of the month for the issue you wish to advertise in.

Address all editorial correspondence to the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association office. For all inquiries concerning advertising rates contact Ballinger Publishing.

The Summation Committee is dedicated to providing a publication to the legal community which contains articles that are accurate, informative, entertaining, educational, relevant and timely.

Summation Committee

If you have any comments or suggestions about The Summation, please feel free to express them to any of the committee members. If you would like to join the committee, please call the Bar office at 434.8135.

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From the President

Aaron T. McCurdy

Friends and colleagues,

As we welcome the arrival of Spring, it’s time to seize the new opportunities that this season has to offer. Spring is a time of growth, renewal, and fresh beginnings. As attorneys, we can use this season to explore new areas of practice, develop new skills, and expand our client base. Take advantage of the increased energy and optimism that comes with the season to pursue new projects and ventures.

ESRBA also heeds this same advice. As we take note of our events over the past several months, we look forward to building upon those and providing even better programing and services for our members.

One of the key initiatives that we have undertaken in recent months is the formation of our inaugural mentorship program. We are pleased to report that this program is up and running at full steam. Our organization recognizes the importance of providing guidance and support to young lawyers as they navigate the early stages of their careers. We have a dinner set in April to mark the conclusion of a successful program and allow for all the participants to provide feedback on how to make this program even better for future participants.

In addition to our mentorship program, we have continued to provide a variety of educational opportunities to our members. In February, we partnered with the First Circuit Professionalism Committee in hosting a Professionalism Conference. We also have some very exciting CLE opportunities in the near future dealing with juvenile dependency as well as courtroom technology.

One of the most important aspects of our association is our commitment to giving back to our community. Over the past few months, we have continued to support local organizations through donations and volunteer efforts. As we move into the summer months, we will be exploring additional ways that we can support our community and make a positive impact.

The Law Week Committee has been working hard at putting together an exciting Law Week program for you all. Turn to page 13 for the complete schedule of events. Be sure to make plans to attend some or all the events we have planned.

As the demands of our profession continue to increase, it is more important than ever that we come together as a legal community. I encourage each of you to reach out to your colleagues and offer support where you can. Whether it be through mentorship, networking, or simply offering a kind word, we all have a role to play in ensuring that our profession remains strong and vibrant.

Announcements

Executive Council

Officers President

Aaron T. McCurdy

Vice President

Christine A. Kelly

Secretary

Joseph A. Passeretti

Treasurer

Rebecca Gilliland

Immediate Past President

Garrett P. LaBorde

Executive Council

Ryan Cardoso

Jessica Etherton

Patrick Jennings

Joe Kirkland

Stephen Luongo

John Mahoney II

Alexis Mays

Rachel Thomas

Andrew Spencer

Aaron Watson

Young Lawyer

Representative

Michelle Nguyen

Don’t forget that members save 40% on our ever expanding library of CLEs

Scan this QR code to check out our current selection of great CLE programming!

Stay current on everything going on with the Escambia – Santa Rosa County Bar Association

Be sure to check out the ESRBA website for all upcoming events.

U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Florida

Clyde Roger Vinson, 83, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer. A well-respected, long-serving United States District Court judge, beloved family patriarch and devout Christian, he proudly served his country as a U.S. Naval Aviator and had a passion for growing camellias.

Throughout his 40-year tenure on the bench, Judge Vinson consistently rendered non-ideological, scholarly decisions with meticulous attention to the rule of law, and he presided over many of the Pensacola area’s significant cases. From 1997 to 2004, he was chief judge of the 23-county Northern District of Florida, stretching from Escambia to Alachua. He also served on the highly secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court from 2006 to 2013.

Board of Directors

Officers President

Shekka Drayton

Vice President

D. Steve Traylor, Jr.

Secretary & Treasurer

John “Buz” Windham

Directors

Sheldon Bernau

Jeremy Branning

Jodi Dubose

Stephen Echsner

Cameron Townes Gore

Heather Lindsay

Patrick Martin

Aaron T. McCurdy

(ESRBA President)

Adrianna Spain

Warren Todd

Mikaela Ziko

Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

Young Lawyers Division

Board of Directors Officers President

Michelle Nguyen

Vice President

Brooke DiSalvo

Treasurer

Logan Sliva

Secretary

Alexandra Messmore

Directors

J. Mitchell de Kozan

Will Hahn

Travis Morock

Sarah Papantonio

Andrew Spencer

Mikaela Ziko

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation

On the Move

The Law Firm of Wilson, Harrell, Farrington, Ford, Wilson, Spain & Parsons, PA, is pleased to announce that as of January 1, 2023, Megan Hall is a partner at the firm. Ms. Hall graduated from the Florida State University College of Law with her juris doctorate, and attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree. She has been practicing defense litigation with our firm since 2015, and previously practiced in the area of insurance bad faith defense since 2007.  Ms. Hall’s practice includes insurance coverage, first party property defense, and first and third party liability defense.

Governor DeSantis appoints Steven Warrick to the First Judicial Circuit Court. Warrick has been a partner at Brooks, Warrick & Associates, P.A. since 2008. Previously, he was an associate at Fitzgerald & Brooks, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama and his law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Warrick fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mary Polson.

Jessica Etherton has joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, as an Assistant United States Attorney. She was previously with the Office of the State Attorney. Jessica’s new email is Jessica.etherton@usdoj.gov.

Manuel F. Alvarez has joined the Pensacola office of Dutton Law Group where he is part of the firm’s First Party Property team in the panhandle. Mr. Alvarez has also focused on workers’ compensation defense for over 24 years. He can now be contacted at (850) 390-4040 ext. 805 or via email, at malvarez@duttonlawgroup.com.

At this year’s Florida Bar Construction Law Institute held in Orlando, FL, Bruce D. Partington, a shareholder with the Clark Partington law firm, was honored with the Institute’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Each year, the Institute recognizes one Florida construction lawyer for “his or her lifetime of exemplary dedication and mentoring, and their commitment to maintaining the very highest level of professional reputation and integrity.” This special honor was magnified for Bruce when his father and Firm founder, Don H. Partington, was invited to be the surprise presenter of the award at the ceremony.

Katarina R. Hamburg has joined Wade, Palmer, Shoemaker, P.A. as an associate attorney. She was previously an assistant state attorney in the first judicial circuit of Florida. Katarina can be reached at (850) 429 – 0755 or by email at khamburg@ wpslawyers.com.

ESRBA New Members

Melissa Onacki Legal Services of North Florida Monacki@lsnf.org

Brandi Ullrich

Office of the Public Defender Brandi_ullrich@pd1.fl.gov

Petya Pucci USDC Northern District of Florida petya_pucci@flnd.uscourts.gov

Brandon Shelley

Office of the Public Defender Brandon_shelley@pd1.fl.gov

Now Launching: the ESRBA App!

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association is excited to announce the launch of our new app! Our app will give our members instant access to upcoming events, exciting news, court updates and our publications. Never miss another meeting or CLE event, our app will make is even easier to register and stay informed. Scan the QR code to download it today and be just one click away from all the updates you need from your local bar association.

ESRBA Directory Now Available

Copies of the 2023 ESRBA Directory are now available for purchase. All members should have received their copy in the mail. Additional copies can be purchased by emailing the office (stephen@esrba. com), for $35. The 2023 Directory has all the information you might need to reference, from member listings to court contact information. Make sure you get your extra copy of this handy reference guide before we run out!

Ryan Stoner The Watson Firm rstoner@watsonfirm.com

Jasmine Green

Office of Regional Conflict Counsel Jasmine.green@rc1.myflorida.com

Carly Falgout Clyde & Co carlymariemiami@gmail.com

Legal Legends

ESC Celebrates Bookman and Marsh

by Shekka Drayton, Dutton Law group Photos courtesy of Christy Emmanuel.

On February 28, 2023, Emmanuel, Sheppard, & Condon held a reveal and dedication for the addition of Alan Bart Bookman and William Douglas “Doug” Marsh to the Wall of Honor. The Wall of Honor, created and established by the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Foundation, is a memorial wall commemorating deceased attorneys and judges of The First Judicial Circuit. The ceremony was well attended by judges, court staff, former colleagues, friends, and family.

Over fifty observers filled the corridor of the M.C. Blanchard building. Notably present were the spouses of the honorees, Connie Bookman and Kay Marsh. The occasion began with opening remarks from H. Wesley “Wes” Reeder, acknowledgements by the ESRBA President Aaron McCurdy, and closing remarks from the Foundation President Shekka Drayton. A moment of silence was held in their remembrance. The ceremony proved solemn yet joyful, each guest trading cherished memories. The dedication concluded with a reception at Emmanuel, Sheppard, & Condon.

The joint dedication brought into focus the many similarities

of Bookman and Marsh. Each one incomparable, yet similar in many respects. Both Bookman and Marsh were born in 1947. Both men led a life defined by faith, family, and service. Fate landed the Louisiana and Missouri natives at Emmanuel, Sheppard, & Condon. Both Bookman and Marsh enjoyed successful careers at the firm, specializing in real estate and personal injury, respectively.

Bookman and Marsh earned reputations of being community leaders and advocates for the disadvantaged. They were held in high regards by their peers, each being a Past President of The Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association. Both men passed in 2021, survived by their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Ultimately, Alan Bookman and Doug Marsh left a lasting impact and a legacy worth preserving and celebrating. Their names are prominently displayed on the Wall of Honor, forever etched in the commemorative glass and in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.

For more information about the Wall of Honor, please visit ESRBA.com.

News from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

pam Childers

Property Fraud Alert Service

Each year, the Clerk, as the County Recorder, indexes thousands of deeds, mortgages, and other instruments in the Official Records. If a document, like a deed, meets the minimum requirements set forth in Florida law, the Clerk will record that document in the Official Records. While infrequent here in Escambia County, some recorded instruments may make an unauthorized transfer of real property, or create an unauthorized lien against real property. Sometimes, these unauthorized transactions are an intentional act leading to property or mortgage fraud.

Criminals engaged in such fraud may use false identification, forged signatures, and fake notaries to carry out their crime. As we move into an electronic world full of digital signatures and electronic recordings, it is no surprise that scammers are finding new ways to perpetuate their crimes. A simple Google search will return dozens, if not hundreds, of recent articles on property and mortgage fraud, especially here in Florida.

Once a fraudulent instrument is recorded, it may go undetected for lengthy periods of time. To help with this problem, the Clerk’s Office is now offering a new

recording activity notification service to help property owners monitor the Official Records in Escambia County for any recording activity. The new service, called “Property Fraud Alert,” notifies registered users upon the recording of potentially fraudulent documents.

The Property Fraud Alert service works by monitoring the Official Records index for registered names. If there is recording activity matching a registered name, an email is sent to alert registered users of the recording activity. Users can then view the newly recorded document online to determine if the recorded document is indeed fraudulent.

Notifications will only be sent for the exact name(s) registered, so be sure to register all possible names, including middle names, middle initials, nick names, and suffixes. For example, if your name is Pamela Lynn Childers be sure to register for all variations of your name (i.e. Pamela Lynn Childers; Pamela L Childers; Pam L Childers; Pam Childers; P L Childers; etc.). Avoid punctuation marks when abbreviating names. Also, the more variations the better. It is better to start out with too many notification emails.

The Property Fraud Alert service is free of charge and can be modified or cancelled at any time. There is no limit on the number of names that can be monitored. It is important to understand that this service does not eliminate property fraud. The goal of the Property Fraud Alert service is to provide an early warning to enable an early response.

Citizens receiving an alert who believe they may be the victim of property fraud should inspect the document in the Official Records and contact their local law enforcement agency if there is illegal activity. A legal consultation with an attorney may also be necessary if a fraudulent document is recorded in the Official Records

To sign up for the Property Fraud Alert service, or to learn more about it, please visit our website by scanning the QR codes below.

Submitted by Heather Mahoney, Official Records Manager, on behalf of Pam Childers, Clerk of the Circuit Court

News from the Court

Chief Judge Miller

Mock trial events, from a legal perspective, offer students an opportunity to learn about courtroom roles and procedures, the rules of evidence, and legal strategy. On a broader scale, students learn how to examine both sides of an issue, practice critical thinking, and hone advocacy and public speaking skills in a “real world” environment, all of which will benefit students as they progress in their educations and ultimately, in their chosen careers.

Recently teams from eight schools within the First Judicial Circuit participated in such an event involving the hypothetical case of State vs. Casey Overstone. Several dozen students from across the First Circuit competed at the M.C. Blanchard Building over the course of three days, including students from Walton High School, South Walton High School, Pensacola High School, Navarre High School, Tate High School, Pace High School, Trinitas Christian School, and Ohana Institute. Two preliminary rounds were held, followed by a semi-final and then a final round. I would like to congratulate the winning team from Navarre, who took first place and who represented the First Circuit at State competition. Congratulations are also due to the second-place team from Pace, which had a team participating for the first time.

In the proposed scenario, Casey Overstone stood accused of the attempted second-degree murder of a former high school romantic partner, Reese Brooks, and the second-degree murder of Reese’s new significant other, Shelby Pryce. The students argued the case in teams of six (three attorneys and three witnesses) before the presiding judge. Each student was judged individually from zero to ten points on performance. It is encouraging to know how seriously the students took preparation for the competition. The groups were professionally dressed, courteous, and intent on performing to the best of their abilities.

Like most events of this kind, many agencies came together to make the competition a success. Assistant State Attorney Molly Snyder did an outstanding job organizing the event. Other attorneys from the Office of the State Attorney, the Office of the Public Defender, the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel and the private bar served as judges and coaches for the teams. A federal magistrate judge, two judges of compensation claims and several judges from the First Judicial Circuit served as presiding judges. Volunteers from the University of West Florida also acted as timekeepers for the event.

Events such as these take place throughout the circuit and indeed, statewide. Classical Conversations, a homeschool group, is currently planning two mock trial events in April – one in Crestview and one in Ft. Walton Beach. The Classical Conversations group will be presenting Commonwealth v. Zillias, the case of a developer intent on building a sustainable public housing structure in an abandoned trench left by the remains of an old railway line. The construction results in a crane collapse during a storm, which causes two deaths. Zillias, the developer, is charged with third-degree murder. Preparation began in January, with the students familiarizing themselves with the case materials, then moving to developing legal strategies, preparing questions, memorizing witness statements, and writing opening statements and closing arguments.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who gives of their time and energy for these opportunities, and would encourage each member of the bar to consider participating in these events and others like it as time permits. To do so is to invest in the children of our communities, and hopefully to encourage the legal professionals of tomorrow.

Law Week 2023

by Jeff nall

Access to the courts is a challenge that permeates all levels of society. However, access to courts presents a unique

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association is excited to welcome its members and the judiciary to Law Week 2023 presented by Atlas Financial Strategies April 29 through May 5. “We look forward to expanding on the success and enthusiasm surrounding last year’s event,” said Law Week Chair John Mahoney. “We are pleased to see Law Week grow each year and this one should be no exception.”

The theme selected by the American Bar Association for Law Day 2023, “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration,” has been adopted for the week-long local commemoration. As described on the ABA website, “We invite all the people of the United States to join us in rebuilding trust in our institutions, respect for one another, and our willingness to collaborate to address the challenges that face our nation.”

The week will kick off with the annual Law Week Free Legal Clinic offered by Legal Services of North Florida. The Legal Clinic will be Saturday,

April 29 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail in Pensacola. Attorneys interested in volunteering should contact Beth Blake at beth@lsnf.org.

The Judicial Reception, co-sponsored by the Northwest Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and our Young Lawyers Division, will be held in the private Governor’s Room at Jackson’s Steakhouse on Tuesday May 2 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. This highlight event of Law Week event honors our local judiciary and provides an opportunity for ESRBA members to mingle and network with local judges in an informal after-hours social setting. Tickets are $25 per person.

The Law Week Luncheon, co-sponsored by Aaron Erskine and Zarzaur Law, P.A. will be held at the Heritage Hall on Friday, May 5 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The luncheon will feature a panel discussion surrounding this year’s theme “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.” The discussion will be moderated by County Judge Robert Hilliard. Participating as panelists will be State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden, Public Defender Bruce A. Miller and U.S. Magistrate for the Northern District

of Florida Zachary Bolitho. The Liberty Bell Award recipient will also be announced at the luncheon. The Liberty Bell Award is presented annually to recognize community service that has strengthened the American system of freedom under law and to accord public recognition to men and women, particularly non-lawyers, for outstanding service. Additionally, the Northwest Florida Paralegal Association will recognize the winner of its theme-related high school essay contest at the luncheon. A plated meal will be served. Tickets are $30 per person.

Tickets to the Judicial Reception and the Law Week Luncheon must be purchased in-advance by April 24th at esrba.com/calendar-events/ law-week or by emailing stephen@esrba.com. We look forward to seeing everyone at all the events this year to celebrate our local legal community. A link to Law Week sponsorship opportunities can be found on the webpage as well. Please contact Jeff Nall, executive director, at jeff@esrba.com if interested.

We would like to thank our Presenting Sponsor Atlas Financial Strategies as well as all those responsible for ensuring Law Week 2023 will be a success.

THE SANTA ROSA COUNTY COURTHOUSE A New Beginning

by Brooke Jones, Court Operations Manager, Santa rosa County Courthouse

January 17, 2023, was a long awaited, momentous day for Santa Rosa County. After many years of debate, planning, design, delay and discussion, the new Santa Rosa County Courthouse on Avalon Blvd. finally opened its doors. You may have even heard the cheers of excitement in Escambia County and elsewhere throughout the circuit. The previous courthouse on Caroline Street in downtown Milton opened in 1927; nearly a century later, the Santa Rosa County Courthouse has a new home.

The courthouse is a three-story building which houses the First Judicial Circuit judiciary in Santa Rosa County, Offices of the Clerk of Court and Comptroller, Court Administration, the Court Security division of the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office, Facilities courthouse staff, and staging areas for the Offices of the State Attorney and Public Defender. Court proceedings will now take place in one of the

building’s seven courtrooms, two hearing rooms, and/or judges’ chambers.

The new courthouse provides more options available for the public, attorneys and staff. Turning into the premises from Avalon Blvd., there is ample parking available, including many more accessible parking spaces, for those visiting the courthouse. There is a circular drive for

persons being dropped off at the front door, as well as a covered walkway at the entrance. One courtroom frequently used for dependency and delinquency matters has a family room adjacent to it for those who may need space for children while waiting during proceedings. There is also a comfort room, a dedicated space separate from restrooms with chairs, a table, and electrical outlets, for new mothers who may need privacy. A baby changing facility is also located in every public restroom. Visitors are able to travel the courthouse through wide, spacious hallways.

Citizens summonsed for jury duty will now report to a jury assembly room on the ground floor at the new building, a feature absent at the old courthouse. During a jury trial, those individuals selected to serve on a jury will occupy jury rooms during breaks and deliberations. Each jury room includes a set of restrooms adjacent to that jury room’s vestibule.

Members of the public may access the Office of the Clerk of Court and Comptroller and utilize the Law Library for legal research, both conveniently located on the ground floor. Another feature of the new courthouse is a mediation suite with four mediation rooms, one also serving as a child witness testimony room with video capability to all courtrooms. Witness conference/ attorney conference rooms are adjacent to each courtroom.

Judge Robert Hilliard, who has spent the last 18 years on the bench as a County Judge, shared his thoughts on the new courthouse. “As a Judge and as a citizen of Santa Rosa County, I am grateful to the taxpayers who made this facility possible. It is important to remember that this courthouse was constructed to serve the people of the county through our system of justice. With the occupation of this new facility, the justice system can run more efficiently, ensuring that citizens are served in a timely and fair manner. This modern and secure courthouse is a vast improvement from our previous one and will provide a much safer and more convenient environment for all who come through its doors. This courthouse represents an investment in the safety and well-being of our community, and I am proud to serve in it.”

Judge John L. Miller, Chief Judge of the First Judicial Circuit, previously served as a Circuit Judge in Santa Rosa County and expressed his thoughts on the new courthouse. “Santa Rosa County just went from having a less than desirable courthouse in the state to having one of the best courthouses in the state. The new technology in the courthouse is amazing.” The technology in the courthouse is, indeed, state-of-the-art. For attorneys and pro se litigants, attorney tables in each courtroom are equipped with technology enabling laptops/equipment to be hardwired in using either HDMI or USB-C cables. Each courtroom also has a technology loaded podium with HDMI and USB-C cables, a document camera,

Blu-ray/DVD player and a touch screen monitor for annotations. TV walls in every courtroom include six 55” monitors, including another monitor for the gallery. Wireless capability is available in all courtrooms for casting content to the wall monitors. Wireless microphone packs and assistive listening devices are also available. A touch panel is located on every bench allowing each judge to control all A/V equipment. Digital signage is now available with scrolling defendant lists, wayfinding signage and courtroom schedules. Those who may need assistance or training on courtroom technology may contact Court Administration MIS at mis@flcourts1.gov.

In addition to technology, the security equipment is just as state-of-the-art and security measures have seen great enhancements. Members of the public now pass through one of two walkthrough magnetometers available in the

large lobby and two x-ray machines are present for scanning personal belongings and deliveries. Security monitoring capabilities inside and outside the building far exceed those at the old facility. One of the most significant improvements at the new courthouse is the secure pathway of travel/access for incarcerated individuals. As many know, those incarcerated individuals transported to the old courthouse walked the same hallways simultaneously with the public, staff and judges.

The consideration for the safety and security of those visiting the courthouse and those working within the courthouse was significant. Santa Rosa County has provided a much needed, safe and secure courthouse for its citizens.

Young Lawyer’s Division

by Michelle nguyen, YLD president

ESRBA Young Lawyer’s Division continues to spring forward! We have had some successful events this past quarter that continue to support our mission of providing opportunities to network with fellow lawyers and engage in community service events.

This past quarter members participated in a fun shopping event benefitting Operation Santa to fulfill the wish lists of local children during the holiday season. Additionally, YLD participated in organizing and sorting through diapers and other baby products at Gulf Coast Kids House.

Additionally, YLD is excited to announce that it will be holding a panel event in May catered towards local high school students. YLD will be collaborating with Teen Court, where many of our members have continued to volunteer this past year as judges. The panel event will be comprised of young lawyers and aims to provide the opportunity for teens to learn about different

areas of law, what lawyers do, and potentially make connections to the legal field.

On the topic of the May panel event, YLD is also excited and proud to announce that we were able to send to two representatives to the Affiliate Outreach Conference in Daytona Beach, FL in February. Our Vice President, Brooke DiSalvo and board member, Mikaela Ziko provided an amazing grant presentation, which resulted in YLD receiving $1200.00 for our upcoming panel event from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division.

YLD continues to hold its all-time favorite monthly happy hours. In January, members enjoyed happy hour at The Establishment, sponsored by Emmanuel, Sheppard and Condon. In February, YLD had its first ever joint networking event with Pensacola Young Professionals. It was a great event bringing together two professional organizations and allowing members to meet other

non-legal young professionals in the local community. In March, YLD had happy hour at 5Barrel, sponsored by Zarzaur Law. Members enjoyed staying after the happy hour to compete in lawyer movie trivia.

It is never too late to join and be a part of all our events! YLD has continued to gain new members throughout the year so join and come out to our next event! If you are a

young lawyer 35 and under, or a lawyer with five or fewer years of practice you are eligible to join YLD so long as you are an ESRBA member. If you have any questions about joining please contact me at mtn@ meadorjohnsonlaw.com.

Need a Lawyer?

It is always a good idea to check with a lawyer before you make an important decision—whether you are buying a house, making a business deal, or settling a dispute. A short talk with a lawyer often tells you all you need to know—how serious a problem is, how to handle it swiftly and how to make sure it is settled for good.

Get Answers to Legal Questions Such As...

• Marriage, Divorce & Family Matters

• Business Problems

• Criminal Charges of Juvenile Hearings

• Wills, Trusts & Property of Decreased Relatives

• Tax Problems & Planning

• Credit or Collection Problems

• Corporation & Partnership Matters

• Real Estate Purchases, Sales or Disputes

• Consumer Problems

• Landlord/Tenant Relations

• Injuries to Yourself or Family Members

• Property Damage

• Workers’ Compensation

• Job Discrimination or Employer/Employee Disputes

• Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights

• Wages & Benefits

• Social Security Disability

• Labor Law

With over 50 participating local attorneys experienced in many different areas of law, we can help you find an attorney to handle your case.

Your call is free. When you meet with your lawyer, there will be a small fee of $40.00 for the first half-hour consultation. Fees for additional services after the first half-hour are arranged between you and your lawyer.

We do not have attorneys who accept pro bono or contingency cases.

Argo Corner

Argo Legal Advocacy Championship Returns April 25, 2023

by Mikaela Ziko, Adjunct professor

For a lot of newly barred attorneys, the first time they are in the hot seat representing a client in court may very well be the first time they find themselves inside an actual courtroom arguing before a sitting judge. The University of West Florida stands to change that by providing students with a unique opportunity in advocacy. Due to the support of many judges from the First Judicial Circuit, who graciously volunteer their time to preside over final arguments, the UWF Legal Studies department will host a bi-annual Argo Legal Advocacy Championship.

As part of the Legal Advocacy class, a required course for Legal Studies majors, students are tasked with writing a trial brief and preparing an oral argument on a chosen fact pattern. For the Fall 2022 semester, the case involved a dog bite and the facts are as follows:

The Plaintiff is a U.S. postal worker who worked the same route for the last four years and has a fear of dogs due to previous run-ins. The Defendant is a pure-bred pit bull owner who recently moved into the neighborhood

and posted a “Pit Bull on Premises” sign on his property. The dog is a 50-pound “mostly outside” dog tethered to a 15-foot leash with access to the mailbox, located on the front porch. The case arises from an incident where the Plaintiff was bitten by the Defendant’s dog as he approached the front porch to deliver mail. The Defendant filed a motion for summary judgment in response to the Plaintiff’s claim for compensatory and emotional distress damages.

Students argued the motion for summary judgment in teams of two before Adjunct Professor Mikaela Ziko and Associate Professor Charlie Penrod in late November as part of their Legal Advocacy grade. The top four students were selected to argue the same motion in the Championship round with one small twist: the students would have to represent the opposite client.

On November 29, 2022, four students from the University of West Florida participated in the 6th Argo Legal Advocacy Championship at the Escambia County Courthouse. Three judges from the First Judicial Circuit, County Court Judge Kerra A. Smith, Circuit Court

Judge Stephen A. Pitre, and Circuit Court Judge Thomas H. Williams, presided over oral arguments. Students Nadia Bernal and Max Schmidt won the award for Best Team and Max Schmidt won the award for Best Advocate. Congratulations to students Josh Goldman and Keyaundra Mobley who advanced to the Championship round.

The Spring 2023 Legal Advocacy class is set to have oral arguments mid-April and the 7th Argo Legal Advocacy Championship will be held in the Escambia County Courthouse on April 25, 2023.

For more information about UWF’s legal studies program, visit uwf.edu/legalstudies.

From left to right: The Honorable Judge Thomas H. Williams, Max Schmidt, the Honorable Judge Kerra A. Smith, UWF alumni Nadia Bernal, and the Honorable Judge Stephen A. Pitre, at the 6th Argo Legal Advocacy Championship held at the Escambia County Courthouse.

The Bottom Line

Announcing the 2023 NWFPAESRBA Law Week Essay Contest

The Northwest Florida Paralegal Association (NWFPA), in partnership with the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association (ESRBA), is excited to announce our annual Law Week Essay Contest. Each year the NWFPA and ESRBA partner to bring the essay contest to our local high schools.

Law Day was created in 1969 by the American Bar Association to celebrate the role of law in our society and cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal system. The ESRBA dedicates an entire week to Law Day and partners with attorneys, judges, paralegals, and many others in the legal profession in our community. Our contest is a great way to encourage students from local high schools to learn more about the legal profession, meet other professionals in our area, and discuss current issues we face today. The 2023 Law Week Essay Contest prompt is:

Discourse is a cornerstone of democracy. Participating in civic discussion assists people in increasing political knowledge and efficacy. The marketplace of ideas is an essential part of American democracy. Technology and social media have promoted a surge in discourse around civics and political affairs. A growing concern around discourse on social media include its potential threat to democracy, promotion of terroristic content through algorithms, and the increasing polarization of society which arguably has and may very well lead to social conflict and violence.

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects social media companies from being responsible for users’ comments and posts while also granting them the power to decide what should be removed

and what should be allowed to stay up. What responsibility, if any, do social media companies bear in promoting freedom of speech while encouraging civil discourse and limiting certain content in the name of public safety? In your answer, consider the many cases being considered by the courts in our country today and discuss where the line of responsibility should be drawn to ensure that civics, civility, and collaboration are prominent features of social media discourse.

Students that enter the contest will have the opportunity to earn cash prizes and receive awards and recognition at the Law Week Judicial reception on May 5. Our organizations will award over $700 in prizes for the top three essays and the teacher of the first place winner will also earn a monetary prize. Please share the news of our contest with high school students in our area that you know!

The deadline for submission is April 21, 2023. For complete details and contact information, visit www. nwfpa.com/Law_Week

That’s the Bottom Line!

2023 ESRBA Holiday Party

Photos by Guy Stevens

Photo ©David Schrichte