April Newsletter

News and Updates |April 2023

TBCFBA Cultivates Access to the Judiciary with “Roadways to the Bench” Program

On April 3, 2023, the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association assisted with “Roadways to the Bench: Who Me? A Bankruptcy or Magistrate Judge?” The program was hosted live in-person at the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center with virtual panelists also appearing via live-stream from Washington D.C.

Attendees enjoyed a wide-ranging discussion with U.S. Circuit Judges Charles Wilson (11th Circuit), Stephanie Dawkins Davis (6th Circuit), and Carl Stewart (5th Cir.); U.S. District Judges Laura Taylor Swain (S.D.N.Y), Mustafa Kasubhai (D. Or.), and Mary Scriven (M.D. Fla.); U.S. Magistrate Judges Sean Flynn (M.D. Fla.), Amanda Sansone (M.D. Fla.), and Julie Sneed (M.D. Fla.); and U.S. Bankruptcy Judges Kesha Tanabe (D. Minn), Caryl Delano (M.D. Fla.), Denise Barnett (W.D. Tn.), Roberta Colton (M.D. Fla.), and Catherine McEwen (M.D. Fla.).

The “Roadways to the Bench” program is intended to cultivate interest in pursuing federal judgeships and to demystify the judicial application and selection process. The program reached full capacity and received excellent reviews. The TBCFBA thanks Dana Robbins, Board Member for her assistance to the US Courts in spearheading the local portion of this event.

Upcoming Events

May 3 – Law Clerk Committee Happy Hour

May 16 – YLD Appellate Panel

May 25 – Honoring the Legacy of Bankruptcy Judge Michael G. Williamson: A Retrospective of his Most Influential Decisions

May 31 - June 2 – The Honorable Elizabeth A. Kovachevich 32nd Annual National Seminar on Federal Sentencing

Check out our weekly newsletter for more details!

FBA YLD’s Winter 2023 Perspectives

Published three times a year, the Federal Bar Association’s Younger Lawyers Division Perspectives newsletter showcases articles drafted by attorneys from across the country on a variety of different topics. For its Winter 2023 Edition, the newsletter showcased our local YLD’s community outreach efforts pursuant to an article drafted by Communications Chair Michelle Moretz-Smith and Staying in the Game Co-Chair Soma Nwokolo. This edition also features an article by President-Elect Anitra Raiford Clement and her colleague Sarah B. O’Rourke discussing motion practice as it pertains to the first-to-file rule.

You can check out their articles here.

If you are interested in publishing an article in the Summer 2023 Perspectives newsletter, you can contact Ashley Gallagher.

YLD Hosts 2023 Civil Discovery Seminar Featuring “Do’s, Don’ts, and Donuts” with Judge Mac McCoy

On April 20, 2023, the Young Lawyers Division of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association hosted members for its annual Civil Discovery Seminar. The seminar featured a presentation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mac McCoy of “Do’s, Don’ts, and Donuts” of discovery practice, with an emphasis on electronic discovery issues. At the conclusion of the seminar, Judge McCoy treated attendees with a tour of his Chambers and Courtroom. The YLD extends its gratitude to Judge McCoy and those who attended.

Young Lawyers’ Happy Hour at Magnanimous Brewing

On April 6, 2023, the Young Lawyers Division hosted members and guests for a Happy Hour at Magnanimous Brewing. Attendees enjoyed light networking in a relaxed environment. The event was well attended by TBCFBA members and received rave reviews. Thank you to the YLD and those who attended for making the event a success.

YLD Hosts “Just Desserts” at HCBA’s 19th Annual Judicial Food Festival

On Saturday, March 25, 2023 the YLD committee hosted a booth themed "Just Desserts" at the HCBA 19th Annual Judicial Food Festival. Some visitors to the booth opted to answer trivia questions about the federal judicial system and the local federal judiciary---and to get their "just des[s]erts." (Do you know which last name is shared by a Middle District of Florida judge and an 11th Circuit judge?) Others cut straight to the "just desserts" that our committee members brought: homemade cinnamon-sugar cake balls, brownies, and Rice Krispie treats, as well as donuts and muffins. Thanks to volunteers Molly, Christopher, Ali, Paige, and Andrey; everyone who visited the booth to support us; and HCBA for a great day!

Call for Announcements

Starting in May 2023, the TBCFBA welcomes its members to share announcements and photographs of personal milestones, e.g. birth or wedding announcements, in its monthly newsletter. Anyone interested in sharing personal milestones should email Erik Johanson.

For questions or to submit announcements or other content,

please contact Erik Johanson.