News and Events

Sat., April 14 – Save the date for the OCBA's 2012 Annual Gala at the Amway Center North Club Bar!  If you haven't been to the Amway Center yet, now's the time to go! We'll enjoy an evening to fine hors d'oeuvres and desserts, beverages to please any connoisseur, music, dancing and more – all to benefit the Legal Aid Society.  For details, contact Gala co-chairs Nicky Mooney at nmooney@deanmead.com or Gavin Mackinnon at gmackinnon@wickersmith.com.

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Wed., February 29 - Join the YLS from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at the Winter Park Civic Center, 1050 W. Morse, Blvd, Winter Park. Meet and mingle with the judges at this "Escape to the Islands" event - with plenty of food, drinks, music and fun!  Fees: $30 (solo/government/law students); $35 (private practice); $35 (guests); Free (judges); $40 (at the door). For RSVP to be confirmed, payment must be received by Karen Persis by February, 24. See flyer for ALL details, including how to make payment. Payments will be accepted at the YLS luncheon on February 15 and at the OCBA luncheon on February 22!

The following individuals have been nominated for offices with the OCBA, Legal Aid Society and Young Lawyers Section. Bios will be posted shortly. Ballots will be mailed on March 1, 2012. Voted ballots must be returned to the OCBA office no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 30, 2012.

OCBA OFFICERS (vote for no more than 1 per office): Vice President/President Elect: Paul J. Scheck; Treasurer: Nicholas A. Shannin; Secretary: Jamie Billotte Moses

OCBA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (vote for no more than 3): Michele A. Biecker; Philip K. Calandrino; Richard S. Dellinger; Shawn L. Demers; Jerry Lee Hanbery; LaShawnda K. Jackson; Kristopher J. Kest; Nichole M. Mooney; Gary S. Salzman; Kimberly D. Webb; Esther M. Whitehead

THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY BOARD (vote for no more than 1): Krista M. Bartholomew; David E. Cannella; Marc A. Consalo; Richard S. Dellinger; Scott A. Livingston; Charles R. Stepter, Jr.

YLS BOARD (vote for no more than 5): Jonathon C.A. Blevins; Amber N. Davis; Lindsey C. Gergely; Jerry Lee Hanbery; Skinner Louis; W. Doug Martin; Karen Lynn Persis; Jacquelynne J. Regan; Brett R. Renton; Brian E. Smith

The Florida Bar will have one lawyer vacancy on each of the 26 JNCs in 2012. Three lawyers may be nominated for each JNC. Details and applications can be found on The Florida Bar website at www.floridabar.org. Nomination deadline: February 22, 2012.

Have you or someone you know made a New Year's resolution to get in shape? For a donation of at least $50 to the Legal Aid Society, Florida Fitness Concepts is offering area attorneys and residents an opportunity to feel better physically, mentally and emotionally with a post-holiday special offer. Offer ends February 29. Read more about it here! 

The 22nd Annual Florida High School Mock Trial State Finals Competition is coming to the Orange County Courthouse March 8 -10, 2012. Judges and trial attorneys to serve as presiding and scoring judges for the event. Students from throughout Florida will represent their respective judicial circuits and will be vying for the state title and the opportunity to compete nationally. In the past, Florida students have been very successful, often finishing in the top ten. Please read about the mock trial competition and download an application to participate as a judge! Deadline: February 24, 2012.

Barry University will host its 2012 Law Review symposium, "Guantánamo’s Legacy: Reflections on a Decade of Detention," on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, from 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. on the Barry campus on East Colonial Drive. Nationally prominent legal scholars, including Jordan Paust and Peter Jan Honigsberg, will conduct panel sessions. Please download registration form or go to the Barry University website for more information. CLE: 6.5.

The First Central Florida American Inn of Court is accepting nominations for the 2012 Arnie Wilkerson Memorial Court Service Award. This award honors individuals (excluding lawyers and judges) working in the judicial system who display the highest standards of character, integrity, and ongoing dedication to the judicial system. The recipient of this award will receive $500 and have his/her name added to a plaque hanging outside the Roger Barker Memorial Courtroom at the Orange County Courthouse. For details, contact Roger B. Handberg at handberg@mindspring.com. Download nomination form.

Be sure you're ready to rock and roll into the new year by purchasing and receiving your Courthouse Access Card today! Don't wait - and don't wait in line! See the application form or contact Karen Fast, membership manager, at 407-422-4551, ext. 225. 

The United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, is currently accepting applications for a full-time magistrate judge position to be resident in Ocala, Florida. Magistrate Judges are selected for a particular division and should expect to remain there for the duration of tenure. Applicants must use the official application form. The application form may be obtained at the intake counters of the Clerk’s Office in Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, Ocala, Orlando and Tampa or at the Court’s internet website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Application deadline: Monday, February 27, 2012. Contact: Cheryl Loesch, Clerk of Court, U.S. Middle District. Please review full notice.

Order the DVD of this groundbreaking seminar today! Members of the Casey Anthony trial prosecution and defense teams meet for the first time in a unique education forum to explore, discuss and learn more about the ethical and professionalism issues stemming from this remarkable trial. DVD order form

The OCBA has discounted its CLEs to prices you won't be able to beat! In addition to individual courses, we're offering 30- and 15-credit packages, including ethics, to help you meet your state requirements. What a great way to start the new year! Take a look at our CD and DVD list and order your CLEs today. It's easy, it's quick, and it's a bargain! Download CLE list.

The OCBA's Leadership Law 2012 Inaugural Class begins January 20, 2012. To read more about the program, view a list of participants and presenters, and find out how to sign up for the next class, see details here!