December Newsletter

News and Updates |December 2021

Thank you to our 2021 Executive Board

Erin Jackson

President

Johnson Jackson PLLC

Anitra Raiford Clement

Treasurer

Shook, Hardy & Bacon

Jordan Maglich

President-Elect

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

Ashley Gallagher

Secretary

Johnson Jackson PLLC

Jason Stearns

Vice President

Freeborn & Peters, LLP

Lauren Pilkington-Rich

Immediate Past President

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

Upcoming Events

1/11/22 – Joint TBCFBA and TBBBA Federal Practice CLE Luncheon

See what's happening this month.

Announcements & Court Vacancies

The Middle District of Florida has approved amendments to the Bench Bar Plan (see below)
Opportunity for Comment on Amendments to the Eleventh Circuit Rules | Middle District of Florida | United States District Court (uscourts.gov)
New Pro Bono Plan and New Forms | Middle District of Florida | United States District Court (uscourts.gov)
The Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to existing and new rules and forms: Request for Comments on Proposed Amendments to the Federal Rules and Forms | Middle District of Florida | United States District Court (uscourts.gov)
Winner Announced for the 2021 High School Essay Content - Tampa | Middle District of Florida | United States District Court (uscourts.gov)
Judicial Law Clerk Vacancy in Tampa | Middle District of Florida | United States District Court (uscourts.gov) (Scriven)

Annual Membership Luncheon

The TBCFBA was honored to welcome Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan, Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Caryl Delano, Acting U.S. Attorney Karin Hoppmann, and Federal Defender Alec Hall as they gave remarks on the State of the Middle District at the 2021 Annual Membership Luncheon on December 2, 2021.

Judicial Investiture of District Judge Mizelle

In October, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle was honored with a reception following her investiture ceremony.

Featured Mentoring Pair

The chapter’s annual Mentoring Program launched in April of this year. As part of the program, mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet once a month, either in person or virtually, to discuss topics provided by co-mentoring chairs Soma Nwokolo and Michelle Moretz-Smith. Below is a snapshot from one of our mentoring pairs of their experience in the program thus far.

From mentee, Ed Gruchacz

Ellen has been an extraordinary mentor. Although we haven’t been able to meet in person due to the covid pandemic, she has provided support every time I reach out through email and when we talk over the phone. It has been invaluable learning from her how to best navigate my legal career. She’s been an amazing resource and I’m very grateful for all the help she’s provided. I look forward to meeting and sharing laughs with her face to face sometime in the near future.

From mentor, Ellen Lyons

I’ve enjoyed getting to know Ed. He’s savvy and accomplished and ready to do great work as a lawyer. He’s been receptive to my advice about how law firm recruiting works and how to leverage the help of mentors wherever he may find them. I’ve really enjoyed serving as a mentor for the FBA’s mentoring program and working with Ed has been particularly nice.

Revisions to the Court's Bench Bar Fund Plan

The Board of Judges for the Middle District of Florida recently approved revisions to the Court’s Bench Bar Fund Plan and Bench Bar Fund Request Form and created a dedicated email for Bench Bar Fund requests and questions: [email protected]. The revised Plan and Form included changes that simplify the processing for Bench Bar Fund requests.

Below is a summary of important changes to the prior BBF Plan:

Updated references to the Local Rules for the District and Bankruptcy Court

Increased the disbursement amount requiring two signatures (II. D.)

All check disbursements in excess of $2,500 require two authorized signatures (prior limit was $1,000)

Increased expenditure authorizations (Section V. C. (1), (2), (3), and (4))

The Custodian (Clerk of Court) is authorized to approve expenditures not to exceed $2,500 (prior limit was $1,000)
The Committee Chair is authorized to approve expenditures not to exceed $10,000 (prior limit was $1,000)
The Committee is authorized to approve expenditures not to exceed $35,000 (prior limit was $10,000)
The Board of Judges must approve BBF Committee-approved expenditures in excess of $35,000

Increased payment authorizations under the Plan for Pro Bono Representation by Appointment in Civil Cases to reflect the revised Plan’s increased limits (Section V. D. (1) and ((2))

The presiding judge may approve total reimbursement up to $20,000 (prior limit was $5,000)
The presiding judge and the BBF Committee must approve total reimbursement in excess of $20,000 (prior limit was $10,000)
The requirement for Board of Judge approval was eliminated (prior requirement was to approve in excess of $10,000)

Funding from the Bench Bar Fund is available for a variety of educational programs, outreach efforts, support of CLE programs sponsored by voluntary bar associations, preservation of the Court’s history and other court-related projects. Both the Plan itself and The First Amended Parameters for Use of Bench Bar Funds provide examples of eligible uses of Bench Bar Funds. Anyone may make a request for funding from the Bench Bar Fund.

The revised Plan, new Bench Bar Fund Request Form, and related information are now available on the Court’s website for immediate use. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

For questions or to submit announcements or other content,

please contact Erik Johanson.