(FORT MYERS, Fla.) – On Friday, April 4, 2025, Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) hosted a successful and well-attended family law seminar in partnership with Lee County Legal Aid Society, Lee County Bar Association, and the 20th Judicial Circuit Court. The event, held as part of the 20th Judicial Pro Bono Subcommittee’s efforts, provided opportunities for professional development and Pro Bono involvement.
Event Highlights:
- Judicial Panel – 11 Judges and Magistrates from Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties joined us for a Q&A session moderated by Judge Designate Amanda Levy-Reis. The Judicial Panel offered valuable insights and guidance for Pro Bono attorneys involved or interested in family law, highlighting opportunities for collaboration between the Bench and Bar to streamline legal processes.
- Family Law Evidence Segment – Christy O’Brien, Esq. and Kayla Richmond, Esq. presented a segment about family law evidence including the effectiveness of statements from children, anticipating objections, and knowing what documents you will need to prove the case at trial.
- Family Law Form Review and Instruction – Blair DeMinico, Esq., Judge Designate Amanda Levy-Reis, and Magistrate Christopher Whitney presented a break-out session reviewing Supreme Court approved family law forms. This session provided guidance and advice about utilizing these forms and how best to modify them based on unique facts and circumstances of a specific case.
- Appellate Section - Stacy Haverfield,Esq. presented the Appellate Section which offered insights about Sixth District jurisprudence and some notable Sixth District cases. This was valuable to attorneys who are interested in knowing about the new court’s affirmance/reversal rate and how long decisions usually take.
- CLE Credit for Attorneys – Attendees were able to earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, supporting their professional development while encouraging Pro Bono work in family law.
- Shared Commitment to Access to Justice –Throughout the seminar, Judges and attorneys alike shared their personal stories of how family law cases have had successful outcomes due to Pro Bono counsel, including impactful Pro Bono stories from Karla Campos-Andersen, Esq. and Kati Calvo, Esq. The overall theme throughout the seminar stayed consistent – Pro Bono work remains essential in helping Florida families get access to justice.
FRLS is proud to work alongside dedicated Judges, attorneys, and legal professionals alike who give their time and expertise to serving those who need it most. We continue to stay committed to supporting Pro Bono efforts through events like this and our meaningful partnerships across the legal community.
Thank you to everyone who made this seminar possible- and to those who continue to champion Pro Bono service every day.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.