Latest News & Updates from the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. | | Fighting for Those Who Fought for Us | | Pro Bono Spotlight: Keating Gribbon, Esq. | | |
Meet Keating Gribbon, an associate attorney with Maynard Nexsen who focuses his practice on Banking & Finance, Corporate & Business Transactions, Cybersecurity & Privacy, and Real Estate. A finance and contract law expert, Keating approaches legal challenges with a puzzle-solver’s mindset.
He excels in the space between adversarial litigation and collaborative problem-solving, consistently seeking solutions that are both legally sound and practically fair. He describes himself as a “jack-of-all-trades, master of none,” someone with a wide range of skills that can be more valuable than specializing in just one area of law.
Keating brings a strong sense of service and balance to his legal practice, shaped early in life by his father, who instilled a deep respect for community and responsibility, and by stories about his grandfather—a Korean War veteran and firefighter. Although Keating never had the chance to meet his grandfather, his service and sacrifice left a lasting impression, becoming a powerful motivation to give back, especially to veterans. Inspired by mentors and role models who believed in giving back, Keating has carried those values into every facet of his legal journey. Because of these early influences, he believes pro bono work is vital for both legal and personal growth.
While in law school, Keating became deeply involved with the Veterans Law Society, ultimately serving as its President. Through this role, he developed a strong commitment to addressing the legal needs of veterans—work he continues through his volunteer service with the Valor Clinic. There, he assists clients with wills, trusts, and estate planning, often in brief but meaningful sessions that leave a lasting impact.
“It’s important to give back to the community that you are a part of,” Keating says. He emphasizes that we are not separate from the people we serve, but part of the very community we’re working to help. It’s a perspective that shapes how he practices law—never seeing himself as different from those in need, and always treating each client with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Keating is proud to support this work through the Veterans Clinics alongside colleagues like Eric Reed and other pro bono volunteers. Legal Aid is grateful to have volunteers like Keating making a difference in our community. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help, visit our website to explore the different ways to get involved.
By: Kyla Downs-Paprocki
| | LAS Family Law Director Receives Trailblazer Award | | |
Congratulations to Tenesia Hall, our exceptional Family Law Litigation Director, on her remarkable achievements and leadership within The Florida Bar Family Law Section!
Tenesia was recently honored with the prestigious Trailblazer Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions and forward-thinking leadership in the field of family law. In addition, she has been appointed Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, and has achieved the distinguished honor of being elevated from Treasurer to Chair-Elect of the entire Family Law Section.
We are incredibly proud of Tenesia’s dedication, vision, and the positive impact she continues to make in both our organization and the broader legal community.
| | 18th Annual Breakfast of Champions | | Tickets are officially on sale for the 18th Annual Breakfast of Champions fundraiser! Be part of an unforgettable morning where we honor the heroes behind the Legal Aid Society's mission-our clients, attorneys, and community partners. Hear powerful stories, celebrate impact, and learn how you can be a champion for justice. Visit www.legalaidocba.org/boc25 to learn more. | | Because of your support... | | |
Former Legal Aid client Meroy P. Charles-Hudson shares her journey with the Legal Aid Society. When she needed help with her will, our team matched her with an attorney who guided her every step of the way, ensuring that all details were handled with care and compassion. Meroy is deeply grateful for the support and peace of mind she received.
If you or someone you know needs help with Simple Estate Planning, visit www.legalaidocba.org and apply for assistance today!
| | |
The Legal Aid Society offers free, do-it-yourself virtual clinics to help individuals navigate the legal process for paternity and divorce. These sessions provide guidance and resources to empower you to take the next step with confidence. For more information and upcoming dates, visit our website.
Visit www.legalaidocba.org for upcoming dates!
| | 2025 Valor Clinic Schedule | | |
VALOR Clinic offers free civil legal assistance to eligible individuals, with sessions held twice a month at Baldwin Park (Patriot Café, 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, FL 32803) and Lake Nona (Crescent Room off the Main Cafeteria, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827). Clinics run from 3 PM to 5 PM, with no appointment required. Income restrictions and other limitations may apply. Assistance is available on scheduled dates throughout the year. For more details or to confirm eligibility, call Legal Aid at 407-841-8310 or contact Luc Louis-Jacques at llouis-jacques@legalaidocba.org.
Visit www.legalaidocba.org/VALOR for upcoming dates.
| | | | |
August Dates:
Lake Nona
August 6th
August 20th
Baldwin Park
August 13th
| | Beardall's Monthly Legal Presentations | | |
The Legal Aid Society conducts monthly presentations on legal topics for older adults. For more information, contact the Legal Aid Society at 407-841-8310 or the Beardall Senior Center at 407-246-4440.
| | Next Presentation: Thursday, August 28th at 12:00 PM | | |
The Legal Aid Society hosts free Lunch & Learn sessions to help attorneys earn CLE credit while learning about pro bono opportunities and legal topics that impact our community. To register, RSVP is required by emailing both JMason@legalaidocba.org and MErazmus@legalaidocba.org. | |
Date:(Virtual) August 12, 2025
Topic: “Substantive Motions and Pleadings Practice” By: Family Law Staff Attorney Desire Lopez Torres
Summary: Learn to draft substantive motions and pleadings for
family law cases.
CLE: Approved
Date: (Prerecorded) August 26, 2025
Topic: “GAL 101 – Introduction to Courtroom Advocacy” By: GAL Staff Attorneys Vanessa Cox & Cassidy Toro
Summary: Learn the timeline of a dependency case and statutes
related to courtroom advocacy.
CLE: Approved
| | Volunteer Pro Bono with the Legal Aid Society | | Did you know, pro bono service now qualifies for CLE credit, making it easier than ever to give back while maintaining your license? By volunteering your legal skills, you not only support those in critical need, but you become part of the solution in creating a more just and compassionate community. You can access the form here to see your pro bono options! | |
Need some help finding what options work best for you? Take this fast, fun, and easy quiz to help you discover your best options!
| | Want to make a lasting impact? Consider setting up a recurring donation (monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually) at this link. With options starting as low as $10 a month, it’s an easy and affordable way to support our mission year-round. Your ongoing generosity helps us provide critical legal assistance to veterans, domestic violence survivors, foster youth, and others in need. Every dollar helps us build a stronger, more just community. | | |
You can now make a general contribution or pay your in lieu of service fee to the Legal Aid Society by donating your stock. Donations of publicly traded stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other marketable securities are accepted, provided they align with the mission of the Legal Aid Society. Donations are initiated through a form, and stocks will typically be sold within 60 days of receipt. The value of donated securities is determined by market value or an independent appraisal. These proceeds support our organization’s programs, and all donations are acknowledged for tax purposes. Please check with your accountant for the receiptable portion of your donation.
Please contact accounting@legalaidocba.org for more information.
| | |
Did you know you can donate a vehicle to the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA, Inc. through Careasy.org? Well you can, and it's easy! Whether it’s a car, boat, RV, or even farm equipment, your donation helps support our mission, provides tax benefits, and is completely hassle-free. Careasy.org handles everything from pickup to towing, and the proceeds go directly to funding our services. Visit Legal Aid OCBA Vehicle Donations to learn more and drive change today!
Visit www.legalaidocba.org/vehicle-donation for more information!
| | Sponsorship Opportunities! | | The Breakfast of Champions sponsorship packet is now available! This annual event brings together community leaders, legal professionals, and advocates who believe in equal access to justice. By becoming a sponsor, you’ll help support critical legal services for veterans, children, survivors of abuse, and families in need. Explore the sponsorship levels and see how you can make an impact. Visit www.legalaidocba.org/boc25 to learn more or contact Donna Haynes at boc@legalaidocba.org. | | info@legalaidocba.org | 407.841.8310 | | A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 85-8012557303C-7/CH396 AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING THEIR WEBSITE AT www.FDACS.gov. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. | | | | |
