Announcements Support for our Foundation Sponsor Spotlight Young Lawyers Division
p. 6 p. 9 p. 13 p. 16
INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION BETWEEN UWF STUDENTS AND LOCAL ATTORNEYS
WINTER 2023 | VOLUME 12, ISSUE 4 | ESRBA.COM
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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
9
Member Services Coordinator Stephen Hayward stephen@esrba.com Lawyer Referral Service Veronica Porter lrs@esrba.com
Executive Director Jeff Nall jeff@esrba.com Published quarterly by the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association as a service to its membership. 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.
10
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.
16
Summation Committee
From the President
Page 5
Announcements
Page 6
On the Move
Page 7
News from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Page 8
The Foundation: End-of-Year Giving
Page 9
Innovative Collaboration Between UWF Students and Local Attorneys
Page 10
Sponsor Spotlights
Page 13
Young Lawyers Division
Page 16
The Bottom Line
Page 17
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. Jeff Nall Stephen Hayward Jenice Jones
Owner Malcolm Ballinger Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Morgan Cole Art Director Ian Lett
Charlie Penrod Codey Leigh Allison Newton
Shekka Drayton Christine Kelly Alana Cox
Graphic Designer & Ad Coordinator Alana Cox Sales & Marketing Paula Rode, ext. 28 Geneva Strange, ext. 31
Visit our Website at BallingerPublishing.com Editorial Offices: 21 East Garden Street, Suite 205 | Pensacola, Florida 32502 850-433-1166 | Fax: 850-435-9174 Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2023 Ballinger Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
Winter 2023 | 5
From the President Christine A. Kelly Dear Friends and Colleagues: I can’t believe this year is almost over—where did the time go? It was great seeing many of you at the socials we’ve had over the past few months at Casks & Flights in Pensacola, Grover T’s in Milton, and the Islander Beach Bar on Pensacola Beach. It was great learning from many of you at our Friday CLEs and our recent Family Law Symposium. Thank you everyone who donated time to keep us updated on the law! Thank you also for attending the joint event with the C. Roger Vinson American Inn of Court event honoring the Inn’s namesake at the federal courthouse on December 1. What a great event! Special thanks to Judge Pitre for spearheading and overseeing something we will all remember for a long while. As the holiday season approaches, I wish each of you a fantastic holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Yule, something else, or nothing else, I truly hope that the time you spend time with friends and family brings you a wealth of peace, love, and joy. I wish you all a 2024 that is your best year yet, in whatever way is most meaningful to you. It isn’t a secret that the holidays can add stress to people, taxing their mental health. Please remember there is no shame in this or in talking to someone about it. Sometimes, just a talk with a friend can be enough, but if you need more, the Florida Lawyers Helpline (833-FL1-WELL/833-351-9355) is there to help you. Again, there is no charge for calling and you may be referred for up to five free counseling sessions per year. Best of all, Helpline services are completely confidential. Finally, if there is something I can do to make your ESRBA membership more meaningful, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. The fastest way to reach me is by e-mail to christine@caeklaw.com.
6 | The Summation
The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
Executive Council Officers President Christine A. Kelly Vice President Joseph A. Passeretti Secretary Rebecca Gilliland Treasurer Stephen Luongo Immediate Past President Aaron T. McCurdy Executive Council Kristina Cook Patrick Jennings Joe Kirkland Alexis Mays Michelle Nguyen Shelby Savage Jessica Scholl Andrew Spencer Rachel Thomas Angela Trawick Aaron Watson Young Lawyer Representative Brooke DiSalvo
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.
Announcements The C. Roger Vinson American Inn of Court, the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation and the Northwest Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, in partnership with Ballinger Publishing and the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, recently hosted The Profession and Professionalism: In Honor of Judge C. Roger Vinson on Friday December 1st, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. on the fifth floor of the United State Courthouse. This free community seminar was targeted for the practitioner and jurist alike to solidify and exemplify fidelity to the profession and position. The seminar was graciously presented by attorney Bryan Aylstock, U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Miles Davis, attorney Roy Kinsey and retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth M. Timothy and moderated by WEAR ABC3 News Anchor/Public Affairs Manager Sue Straughn. Participating attorneys earned 1.5 CLE credit hours and enjoyed a catered social at the conclusion of the presentation. The law office of Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon are proud to once again be a drop off site for Christmas toys in support of Toys for Tots! Please feel free to drop off your new, unwrapped toys at our office in Pensacola. They are located at 30 S. Spring Street in Pensacola and our hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M-F. Help us make a difference in the lives of children and families who need a helping hand this Christmas. ESRBA members volunteered with The Watson Family Foundation and The Watson Firm, PLLC for its 6th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway, which supports hundreds of families in local Pensacola communities. Go check out their pages for all the awesome photos! Special shoutout to ESRBA members, Stephen Luongo (Clark Partington Attorneys at Law), Angela Trawick (Downs Law Group), and Kristi Cook (Cook Law Firm).
The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation
Board of Directors Officers President D. Steve Traylor, Jr Vice President Jodi Dubose Secretary & Treasurer Cameron Gore Directors Jeremy Branning Shekka Drayton Stephen Echsner Christine Kelly (ESRBA President) Heather Lindsay Patrick Martin Aaron T. McCurdy Adrianna Spain Warren Todd Kasey Watson John “Buz” Windham Mikaela Ziko Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
Board of Directors Officers President Brook DiSalvo Vice President Alexandra Messmore Treasurer William Hahn Secretary Ander Shimek Directors Cassandra Buer J. Mitchell de Kozan Haley Hadden Kreg Jones Madison Leonard Sara Martin Gabe Mueller Michelle Nguyen (Immediate Past President) Craig Wood Mikaela Ziko
WInter 2023 | 7
On the Move The Law Firm of Wilson, Harrell, Farrington, Ford, Wilson, Spain & Parsons, PA, is pleased to announce that as of October 16, 2023, Anna L. Uniacke, Esq. has become a partner in the firm. Mrs. Uniacke graduated from the University of West Florida, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2001 in Theatre, and then from the University of Georgia School of Law, Cum Laude, with her Juris Doctorate in 2005. Mrs. Uniacke has been practicing medical malpractice defense litigation with our firm since September 2019. Beroset and Keene, attorneys at law, have relocated their offices to 1015 N. 12th Avenue, Pensacola, effective September 5, 2023. Barry Beroset continues to practice Criminal Defense and Laura Keene continues to practice Marital and Family Law. Telephone remains (850) 438 - 3111 and email BK@berosetkeene.com.
Stephen Luongo has joined Clark Partington. Stephen was previously with the law firm of Levin Papantonio Rafferty, and is a member of the Florida Bar’s Government Advocacy Committee. He can now be reached at sluongo@clarkpartington.com. Christine A. Kelly has opened her own law firm, CAEK Law, PLLC at 600 University Office Blvd. Ste 10-E. She can now be reached at 850-777-3124 or via email at christine@caeklaw.com.
ESBRA New Members Rebecca Radd
Nicole Goheen
James Taylor Ballack
Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon
Legal Services of North Florida
Attorney at Law
rradd@esclaw.com
ngoheen@lsnf.org
Jimballack.law@gmail.com
Jeremy Dubyak
Ann Marie Puente
John Gallagher
Southtrust Law & Title
Legal Services of North Florida
jeremy@southtrustlaw.com
ampuente@lsnf.org
Savannah Green
Hannah Hempstead
Aylstock, Witkin, Kries & Overholtz
Wicker Smith
sgreen@awkolaw.com
hhempstead@wickersmith.com
Margaret Zinsel
Blake Radford
Beggs & Lane
Taylor, Warren, Weidner & Hancock
mez@beggslane.com
bradford@twwlawfirm.com
Rebecca Taylor
Lauren Pride
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. Rebecca.taylor@csklegal.com
Leuchtman Law lmp@leuchtmanlaw.com
Office of the State Attorney jtgallag@bellsouth.net Isabella de Barros e Vasconcellos Calves
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. Isabella.calves@csklegal.com
8 | The Summation
News from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Clerk’s Technology Update Pam Childers
STATUTORY CHANGE LEADS TO AMENDMENT OF RULE 2.420 Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420 (the “Rule”) governs public access to and the protection of judicial branch records. The Rule was amended by the Supreme Court of Florida in response to a 2023 statutory change making certain cases with sealed criminal history records confidential. Since 2019, section 943.0595(3)(a), Florida Statutes, has allowed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (“FDLE”) to seal criminal history records for cases meeting specific criteria. This provision affected records held by FDLE, but not judicial branch records. In 2023, the Legislature expanded section 943.0595 to include court records. New paragraph (3)(b) provides that clerks of court must be notified by FDLE upon the sealing of the criminal history record. The statutory amendment continues by providing that “[u]pon such notification [by FDLE] the clerk of court must automatically keep the related court record in the case giving rise to the department’s sealing of the criminal history record confidential and exempt…” This amendment to the statute became effective on July 1, 2023, but statutes alone do not affect the confidentiality of court records. Under the separation of powers doctrine, court records are under the control of the judicial as opposed to the legislative branch. However, on November 6, 2023, the Florida Supreme Court adopted the new statutory confidentiality provision in 943.0595 when it amended the Rule to add new subparagraph 2.420(d)(1)(B)(xxiv). This new court rule amendment, effective immediately, requires clerks of court to designate as confidential those court records in the case that gave rise to the sealed criminal history record. The confidentiality is triggered upon receipt of notification from FDLE that the criminal history record has been sealed. Clerks of court are working with FDLE representatives to determine the best and most expedient way for the notice from FDLE to be provided to clerks of court. There have been a lot of questions raised in light of the amendment to the statute and rule. Below are responses to some of the most frequently asked questions. Frequently Asked Questions: How does the automatic sealing process by FDLE occur? The statute provides that FDLE will automatically seal the criminal history when FDLE receives a qualifying certified disposition from the Clerk.
Does the automatic sealing process in 943.0595 include the sealing of law enforcement records at the local level? According to FDLE’s website, the automatic sealing process does not seal any law enforcement records at the local level.
How does FDLE receive the disposition from the Clerk? The disposition of each case is transmitted electronically from the Clerk to FDLE.
Is automatic sealing retroactive? No.
How does the Clerk know to keep the court records in the associated criminal case confidential? The statute provides that FDLE will notify the Clerk that the criminal history record has been sealed. At this time, however, the method of notification from FDLE is undetermined. What action will be taken by the Clerk? Upon notification from FDLE that a criminal history record has been sealed under 943.0595, the Clerk will designate and maintain as confidential those court records in the case giving rise to FDLE’s sealing of the criminal records.
What if a defendant meets the requirements for automatic sealing, but the record is not confidential? Contact FDLE to inquire about automatic sealing. The Clerk cannot make the associated court record confidential until FDLE notifies the Clerk that it has sealed the criminal history record. Can a defendant still petition for sealing/expunging of a record even if the criminal history record maintained by FDLE has been sealed? Yes, if a defendant wants to have the record sealed or expunged at the local level, he/she will have to go through the normal sealing/expunging process. Authored by Cassie Gilmore, Director of Court Services, on behalf of Pam Childers, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
Winter 2023 | 9
The Foundation: End-of-Year Giving
T
he Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation, established in 1985, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. As the philanthropic arm of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, the Foundation’s mission is to foster greater accessibility to the judicial system, improvements to the overall quality of the administration of justice, law-related education, increased public awareness of the judicial system, and improved management and operation of the court system. What began as a small organization with a modest endowment has grown into a community resource with a six-figure endowment. The Foundation’s longevity and success is a testament of the dedicated efforts of its past leadership and the financial contributions of EscambiaSanta Rosa Bar Association members. All contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible. Over the years the Foundation has done so much more than just grow its endowment. It has also awarded grants for various endeavors, including support of John Appleyard publications for Middle Schools, Law Week, High School Mock Trial competitions, and collegiate scholarships. Education is a central pillar of the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation has also elevated the aesthetic of local courts through the “Art in the Court” project. The Foundation continues to fulfill its mission. Recent grant recipients include Santa Rosa Teen Court, Jazz for Justice, Pensacola Kappa Charity Foundation, and Pine Forest High School. A grant application can be found at www. esrba.com/bar-foundation/donate/. Another source that aided in the rebuilding of the Foundation’s endowment is The Wall of Honor. In 2007, The Wall of Honor, a memorial wall honoring and commemorating deceased attorneys and judges of the First Judicial Court, was established. For a set contribution to the Foundation, the honorees’ name is etched on the Memorial Wall. The Wall of Honor
Steve Taylor, Foundation President
is prominently displayed on the first floor of the M.C. Blanchard Center. This funding, alongside annual individual donations, ensures The Foundation has the ability to carry out its mission. If you are interested in honoring these efforts with a year-end contribution, checks can be sent to the Escambia Santa-Rosa Bar Foundation at 260 S. Tarragona Street, Suite 160, Pensacola, Florida 32502. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLLFREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www. FloridaConsumerHelp.com, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” REGISTRATION #: CH12356
10 | The Summation
INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION BETWEEN UWF STUDENTS AND LOCAL ATTORNEYS By: Jennifer L. Brinkley
O
n Saturday, September 16, 2023, the University of West Florida Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies and the UWF Department of Theatre presented the James Meredith Trial Reenactment at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Pensacola Campus. The performance included Theatre students, Legal Studies students, and seven local attorneys.
The attorneys involved were Charlie Peppler, Michael Wyatt, Alice Harris, Christine Kelly, Valerie Prevatte, Will Dunaway, and Angela Trawick. It was followed by a brief question and answer session and tea and cookies sponsored by the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Foundation. The reenactment was directed by Marci Duncan, Assistant Professor of Acting, and produced by Jennifer L. Brinkley, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies. This was the first time the Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies has collaborated with the Department of Theatre. It also marked the first time a trial reenactment has been performed at UWF. In 1961, James Meredith applied for admission to the University of Mississippi but was denied as the university had never admitted a Black student. Though James had served honorably in the United States Air Force and had taken college courses, his application was rejected. He was represented by Constance Baker Motley, a lawyer working with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, in a federal lawsuit. It alleged Ole Miss had denied him admission because of race. Meredith was ultimately successful and was the first Black student registered at the University of Mississippi. The trial reenactment followed the litigation from filing through implementation of the court ordered integration of the university. Meredith graduated from Ole Miss in 1963. Motley would go on to be the first Black women to sit in the New York State Senate and would be appointed a United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York. William J. Dunaway, a Shareholder at Clark Partington, participated in the reenactment. When asked why he wanted to participate in this first trial reenactment, he expressed a personal connection. “As a graduate of Ole Miss (BSCS ’86; JD ’92) and the son of a graduate of Ole Miss (BS ’61), this reenactment was personal for me because I benefited from the sacrifices of Judge Motley and James Meredith. I wanted to be a part of this important event because it reminds us (or educates for the first time) that justice is not without struggle and while they all may not rise to the level of importance of the Meredith trials, those struggles occur in courtrooms across our Country every day.”
WInter 2023 | 11
Legal Studies student Emma Coley played two parts during the reenactment and found it to be an educational experience. She said, “I didn’t know anything about the case beforehand so I thought it would be fun to take part in this event. It was interesting to see the impact it had on the audience members. During the question and answer session, a civil rights attorney from the audience spoke about desegregation cases that are still ongoing. It shows that this is still an important fight.” After graduation, Emma plans on attending law school. The trial reenactment script was provided by Denny Chin, United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, and Kathy Hirata Chin. They have also written a law review article about the trial for the Columbia Law Review titled, “Constance Baker Motley, James Meredith, and the University of Mississippi. The James Meredith Trial Reenactment has been performed across the country. It is part of other trial reenactment initiatives provided by Justice for All: Courts and the Community. Reenactments are an important way to educate the public about landmark cases. The reenactment was an important event for the audience members who attended but also benefitted the students and attorneys on the stage. UWF students were able to interact and talk with members of the local legal community during the rehearsals prior to the Saturday performance. They were also able to learn more about how federal cases are actually litigated. The event was free and open to the public. The Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies and the Department of Theatre plan to collaborate again in the future for another trial reenactment.
Winter 2023 | 13
Sponsor
Spotlights:
The Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association (ESRBA) proudly welcomes the following to our sponsorship team. Please take a moment to learn more about them and their products and services.
Vivid Bridge Studios Vivid Bridge Studios, renowned for their adroit handling of visual storytelling, proudly sponsors the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association. They specialize in crafting compelling videos for law firms and legal services that encapsulate the potency of advocacy and legal expertise. Their Vivid Creative Process transforms your firm’s message into a visually striking tool that resonates profoundly with clients and colleagues. Through our comprehensive discovery process, our team works to understand your firm’s immediate needs and long-term goals to provide informed guidance on how to find success with video. Vivid Bridge offers a complete range of services to produce commercial and corporate communication videos that mirror your values and identity with authority and trust, effectively demonstrating your firm’s strength. Our videos enable your firm to reach the right clients with a message of solutions for their legal needs, fostering your future relationship with them. Vivid Bridge’s high-impact corporate communication videos are a remarkable asset for enhancing your firm’s B2B PR and marketing presence. These videos provide a dynamic platform to educate clients, showcase your team’s prowess, and highlight landmark cases, thereby becoming a critical component of your firm’s digital presence. Legal complexities are no longer challenging to communicate effectively with Vivid Bridge’s explainer videos. They simplify intricate laws and legal procedures into clear, understandable content, enhancing the client experience and making legal education easily accessible. Vivid Bridge also produces brand profile videos showcasing your legal acumen and client dedication. These videos explore your firm’s culture and values, illuminating the unique approach that distinguishes you in the legal landscape and fostering a deeper connection with potential clients.
Vivid training and educational videos translate the intricacies of law into engaging narratives. They are crafted with precision and clarity, making them an ideal tool for onboarding new associates, continuing legal education, or presenting a legal framework to clients. Our proprietary educational content development framework is designed from the ground up to make educational video production simple for our clients to build deep, practical resources for clients and staff alike. Lastly, Vivid Bridge’s branded video content delves into the heart of legal triumphs and tribulations, offering authentic human perspectives. These videos echo the emotional gravity of your work, showcasing your commitment to justice and ensuring your brand’s story is told, felt, and remembered. With Vivid Bridge Studios, every frame is a step towards greater understanding, empowerment, and connection. Please contact us at hello@ vividbridge.com. Pensacola Certified Divorce Agents: The Leavenworth Team Christina Leavenworth and her team, the exclusive certified divorce real estate agents in the region, bring a comprehensive approach to divorce-related property transactions. What sets them apart is their proactive approach to conflict resolution. The Leavenworth Team skillfully addresses potential issues upfront, tackling crucial aspects such as defining showing times, response times, and price reductions. By meticulously addressing these details early in the process, they eliminate ambiguity, fostering a transparent and cooperative atmosphere for both parties involved in the divorce. Unlike the conventional practice of a single agent handling the sale, The Leavenworth team offers a unique advantage by assigning two dedicated realtors to every transaction, all at no additional cost. This approach is designed to ensure that
14 | The Summation
both parties involved in the divorce receive personalized, individualized representation. By fostering this more equitable and cooperative atmosphere, they mitigate potential conflicts, creating a smoother experience for everyone involved. This commitment to dual representation speaks to their understanding of the emotional and financial complexities inherent in divorce. Through this approach, they not only facilitate the logistics of property division but also prioritize the well-being and fair treatment of each party. The team’s dedication to fostering cooperation is evident in their results, as they consistently guide clients through challenging transitions with proven success. The team goes the extra mile by collaborating with experienced lenders specializing in divorce scenarios. This strategic partnership facilitates a smoother refinancing process, addressing a crucial aspect of property division. By seamlessly integrating the expertise of lenders familiar with the intricacies of divorces, the team enhances the overall transaction experience for their clients. Christina Leavenworth and her team’s expertise extends beyond market knowledge; their certification, unique dual representation model, and commitment to a cooperative atmosphere make them the foremost choice for those navigating divorce-related real estate transactions in the region.
Hixardt Technologies Founded in 2001 by a retired, service-disabled Navy pilot, Hixardt has a profound understanding of service and commitment. Headquartered in Pensacola, Florida, with an office servicing the DC Metro area, Hixardt is uniquely positioned to understand the local challenges and opportunities facing our members, as well as the intricacies of state and federal legal requirements. The partnership with ESRBA marks a significant step in integrating advanced IT, cloud services, cybersecurity, and compliance training into our legal community. Hixardt’s expertise in IT solutions offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and law practice. Hixardt is prepared to be an active participant in the ESRBA Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program. These programs will now include sessions on cybersecurity, data privacy, and ethical considerations in legal tech, enhancing ESRBA members’ ability to adapt to the dynamic demands of modern legal practice.
Hixardt’s involvement with the ESRBA is not just about providing educational content. Hixardt will also serve as a resource for ESRBA members—lawyers, judges, and legal staff—offering insights into the latest IT developments and requirements. This collaboration aims to empower legal professionals with the tools and knowledge to navigate and leverage technology effectively in their practices. This partnership is a testament to Hixardt’s and ESRBA’s shared dedication to continuous learning and adaptation. Together, we are set to explore new horizons in legal technology to ensure ESRBA members remain at the forefront of this dynamic field. Hixardt Technology’s collaboration with ESRBA is more than a sponsorship—it’s a synergy of values and visions. The Hixardt team looks forward to supporting ESRBA members along their journey through the ever-evolving landscape of law and technology, equipping them with the resources they need to excel. For more information on Hixardt Technologies, visit hixardt.com.
Lexitas Since 1987, we have built our company upon a belief that having strong personal relationships with our clients, and providing reliable, accurate and professional services is the driving force of our success and continued growth. Lexitas offers an array of services including local and national court reporting, medical record retrieval, process service, registered agent services and legal talent outsourcing. Our reach is truly national as well as international, and our hundreds of outstanding full-time staff and expert service providers are ready to deploy customized, high-quality solutions to our clients at virtually any time or place. For legal, insurance, and corporate leaders responsible for vital outcomes, Lexitas delivers highly responsive professional services paired with powerful technology to help move your practice, and your business, forward. Accuracy, timeliness, and reliability are the cornerstones of Lexitas service, which is why we are entrusted with mission imperative support functions by organizations of all sizes. For more information visit https://lexitaslegal.com.
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CHECK OUT OUR LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE TODAY! 850.434.8135 | ESRBA@ESRBA.COM | ESRBA.COM Lawyer Referral Service is a public service provided by the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
16 | The Summation
Young Lawyer’s Division by Brooke DiSalvo, YLD President
I
n the spirit of furthering legal camaraderie and community engagement, the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association Young Lawyers Division has been abuzz with recent activities to foster both professional development and community service.
Coffee & Courthouse Tour Series In November, members of our YLD group were welcomed into Pensacola’s United States District Courthouse for Coffee & a Courthouse Tour with U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary Bolitho and Resident Deputy in Charge Allison Hunnicutt. Our YLD members were offered the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the judicial process and receive invaluable insight about federal practice. Allison Hunnicutt then led our group on a thorough tour of the Federal Courthouse, including several courtrooms and jury empanelment areas. Judge Bolitho’s candid discussions and willingness to share his wealth of knowledge allowed attendees to deepen their understanding of courtroom proceedings and foster connections with the judiciary.
Volunteering at Zarzaur Law’s Zalloween Continuing our commitment to community service, our members enthusiastically participated in Zarzaur Law’s Zalloween event in October. Young Lawyers enjoyed handing out Halloween treats to local youth and hosting a ‘make your own mask’ station. Volunteering at such events not only reflects our dedication to support community initiatives but also allows us to engage with the public in a more relaxed setting, strengthening our bonds outside the courtroom.
Mindfulness, Meditation & Brews at Odd Colony Brewing YLD is proud to support the furtherance of mental health and physical wellness initiatives in the legal profession. In November, members of our YLD group gathered at Odd Colony Brewing for a guided mindfulness, yoga, and meditation session hosted by attorney Alexandra Echsner-Rasmussen, recipient of the 2023 Young Lawyers Division William S. Meador Award. The gathering provided a platform for our members to decompress, focus on well-being, and learn about resources available through the Florida Bar’s Mental Health and Wellness Center. Each recipient received a free yoga mat to encourage future mindfulness practice.
Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon Happy Hour To ring in the holiday season, Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon hosted our YLD members for happy hour at The Establishment in downtown Pensacola. This is the second annual holiday happy hour at The Establishment hosted by ESC, and YLD is grateful for this partnership which provides wonderful networking opportunities for our local young lawyers.
Grant Success and Future Events We are delighted to share the exciting news of securing two grants from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division. These grants will not only allow us to continue our successful Coffee & Courthouse Tour series into 2024 but also enable us to make a sizable donation of supplies during February’s Yappy Hour event. In partnership with Law Offices of Daniel R. Sanders, February’s YLD happy hour will be a donation-drive and fundraiser for the Pensacola Humane Society. This grant will allow our YLD group to provide much-needed supplies for the animals waiting to be adopted from our local Humane Society. ESRBA YLD is grateful for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division grant programs, which allow our YLD group to continue supporting local organizations and making a positive impact on local nonprofits. As we conclude a year filled with engaging events and meaningful collaborations, ESRBA YLD remains dedicated to empowering young lawyers, fostering professional growth, and serving our community. We extend our gratitude to our members, sponsors, and community partners whose support continues to drive our endeavors forward. Looking ahead, we are excited about the prospects of the coming year and the opportunity to further strengthen our bonds, both professionally and within the communities we proudly serve. Sincerely, Brooke DiSalvo President, Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
Winter 2023 | 17
Bottom Line By: Kimberly Thomas
W
hat is a Paralegal? A paralegal is the right hand to their overseeing attorney and yet, so much more. The Florida Bar describes a Paralegal as follows: ”A paralegal is a person with education, training, or work experience, who works under the direction and supervision of a member of The Florida Bar and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a member of The Florida Bar is Responsible.”
Do you need a positive change in your professional career? Would you like to make new connections, get FREE continuing legal education credits on multiple subjects and law types, and learn pros and cons and how to work as a team member on our many community projects? Then the Northwest Florida Paralegal Association (NWFPA) can be the change you need to boost your career. Right NOW is the time to check it out! The Northwest Florida Paralegal Association is governed by an elected Executive Team consisting of seven officers each serving a two-year term. To accomplish the mission of The Northwest Florida Paralegal Association the executive team is assisted by seven standing teams, providing multiple spaces and opportunities to engage in the profession and community. Active participation in a team is essential to the success of our association.
Our association offers teams in community service, membership, bylaws, and more. We thrive with the engagement from our membership. Northwest Florida Paralegal Association is a NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) affiliated association that seeks to bring more opportunities to the paralegal community in Northwest Florida. To maintain our affiliation with NALA we must provide our membership with the opportunity to earn approximately ten to fifteen FREE continuing legal education (CLE) credits annually. Continuing Legal Education classes are offered to the membership once a month, either in person or via zoom. We have historically held in-person meetings for our membership but have shifted to a combination of live and remote meetings to accommodate those that cannot attend in-person meetings and those that live in other counties in our circuit. The Northwest Florida Paralegal Association hosts an annual seminar that provides our membership (and non-members) the opportunity to earn multiple legal education credits during a half-day or day-long seminar. Our most recent seminar, held on beautiful Pensacola Beach, offered six legal education credits, and consisted of five speakers. We held a social prior to our seminar and great fun was had by all who attended. Be on the lookout for the next Seminar, as it is already in the works! Membership in the Northwest Florida Paralegal Association also affords our members the opportunity to further their professional careers and gain
legal experience. Members will have opportunities to participate in local events, such as the Naturalization Ceremony of new citizens of the United States and Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association Law Week. Making professional connections will keep you updated on the laws governing cases or situations, charitable & community projects, local opportunities and keep “in the know” with the latest and most updated information. Membership is now open to new and returning members. Returning member renewals will be accepted through January 31, 2024, but new member applications are always accepted year-round. We offer memberships for active paralegals, associate membership for legal staff and attorneys, as well as discounted student membership. As a not-for-profit organization we strive to keep the annual dues as affordable as possible so that we can provide services and opportunities to as many professionals as possible despite their financial situations. For more information, check us out at https://nwfpa.com/ The Northwest Florida Paralegal Association affords their membership strength through diversity and assists in developing strong leaders, team growth, fundraisers, charitable projects, job opportunities, and assists students build better relationships with their schools. WE WANT YOU and that is The Bottom Line. Join now at https://nwfpa.com/.
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