The latest news and updates |
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Thanking Attorney Robert W. Murphy for his Contribution of a Cy Press Award |
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We are very thankful to be the recipients of a sum of $34,544.08 for the Cy Press Award pursuant to the Class Settlement Agreement. This award will allow us to continue to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of our community by helping them gain access to the justice system and obtaining financial stability. We appreciate Attorney Murphy's support and generosity -- last year he contributed a Cy Press Award to the Florida Bar Foundation. His continued dedication and commitment to the legal aid's mission of serving the legal needs of the indigent is admirable. |
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Thank You Seminole County CARES |
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We want to thank Seminole County for providing us with the Seminole CARES Nonprofit Grant. The grant reimbursed us for expenses related to covid-19 which, in return, enhanced our ability to focus on our mission to assist financially vulnerable resident with their significant legal needs such as retaining affordable housing, escaping domestic violence and strengthening their families and financial stability.
We are beyond appreciative.
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A Message From Attorney Nancy S. Freeman - President of Our Board of Directors - to the Pro Bono Award Winners |
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Showing Our Appreciation to Our Board of Directors |
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We are very thankful for our board's commitment and leadership, specially during a year such as this one that brought such challenging times. We value their continued dedication. |
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President Award
Nancy Sue Freeman, Esq.
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In recognition for Outstanding Dedication, Commitment, and Personal Leadership in Assuring Greater Access to Legal Services For all in the Community Despite Economic Circumstances. |
Attorney Freeman has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1992. She attended the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and is board certified in Tax Law and Wills, Trusts and Estates. She is a dedicated member of the Seminole County legal community and has been a marvelous President during this incredibly challenging year. |
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Pro Bono Service Award
Richard Louis Mamele, Esq.
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Attorney Mamele receives this award for his continued service to the underprivileged residents of our community. Attorney Mamele provided free legal service to numerous victims of violence including a 78-year-old man. He also provided critical help to a young father so he could enforce his parental and time-sharing rights. His clients speak highly of his dedication to his work and the meticulous manner in which he approaches every case. |
Attorney Mamele has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1975. He attended the University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law and has been board certified in Marital and Family Law since 1992. He provides exceptional Pro Bono services. |
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Pro Bono Service Award
Michael Adam Sasso, Esq.
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Attorney Sasso is presented with this award because of his outstanding Pro Bono service. He represented a senior citizen that was being taken advantage of by an unlicensed contractor who was suing her for her nonpayment of shoddy repairs. Attorney Sasso won the case for the client and obtained monetary compensation for the client. The client was very grateful, she says “Attorney Sasso and his staff are very nice people who took me in when I needed it most and helped me resolve my issue.” |
Attorney Sasso is a member of the Florida Bar since 2011. He attended Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. |
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Pro Bono Service Award
Thomas R. Peppler, Esq.
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This year we present Attorney Peppler with this award due to his continued assistance to multiple vulnerable Seminole County residents through our Family Law Legal Advice Clinic. Attorney Peppler also provided full representation to assist a senior member of our community in obtaining a divorce from his abusive wife. |
Attorney Peppler has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1979. He attended Florida State University's College of Law. Attorney Peppler is a trial lawyer with more than 35 years of experience. He is AV Preeminent peer-review rated through Martindale Hubble, a national lawyer reference service -- it is the highest peer rating available. |
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Pro Bono Service Award
Denisse Carolina Ilabaca, Esq.
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Attorney Ilabaca receives this award for assisting Domestic Violence victims with Immigration Cases. Attorney Ilabaca has provided free legal full representation to a 37-year-old Domestic Violence victim from Seminole County for the past two years – she is consistently generous with her time and her talents. |
Attorney Ilabaca attended Florida State University's College of Law in 2014 and after that she has dedicated her professional career to the practice of Immigration Law and regularly defends clients who are compelled to face the immigration court. Denisse has served as a board member of Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida, as well as an intern at the Orlando Immigration Court, where she had the privilege of working closely with Judicial Law Clerks and Immigration Judges. She takes great joy in helping the community and contributes her spare hours to pro bono service. |
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Young Lawyer Pro Bono Service Award
Michael Anthony Mendoza, Esq.
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Attorney Mendoza is the 9th Young Lawyer to receive this award for his dedication to helping the most vulnerable residents of our community. Attorney Mendoza has helped multiple residents including a 24-year-old mother who was seeking a safe time-sharing schedule for her 3-year-old daughter as the father was neglectful and dangerous.
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As a solo practitioner and owner of Mendoza Law, P.A., Attorney Mendoza devotes his passion and legal training to help families find their footing in times of crisis. Michael graduated from Barry University School of Law and was admitted into the Florida Bar in 2019. While at law school, he served as chief justice of the Moot Court Honors Board and competed in several national competitions. Off campus, he clerked at a local family firm where he gained experience working hands-on in all aspects of family law. |
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A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Staff & Pro Bono Attorneys |
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We gratefully acknowledge the exceptional dedication of our legal community. The unwavering support has led to an 11% increase in pro bono donations when compared to last year. Generous and continued assistance ensures that the most in-need residents of Seminole County have access to justice and can continue on to a path of self-sufficiency, escape domestic violence and avoid homelessness.
To put it into perspective:
- 956 Seminole County residents received free legal advice or legal representation this year
- 1036 children in households assisted this year
- 244 Seminole County residents this year that were assisted with housing issues to prevent homelessness
- $272,740.14 in total court ordered financial support this year
It is not lost on us that this pandemic has brought economic hardships to everyone which is why we want to say a profound thank you to every Pro Bono Attorney.
"The practice of law is a privilege that carries with it certain responsibilities and obligations to our society. We thank you for giving freely and unselfishly.”
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Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser Event Canceled |
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Due to the circumstances brought on by the covid-19 pandemic, and out of an abundance of caution, we made the decision of canceling our annual fundraiser event. It was a hard decision to make given that the annual silent auction provides us with significant funds to be able to deliver essential free legal services to underprivileged and marginalized members of the Seminole County Community. |
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Virtual Veteran's Clinic
Written by Denice Garza, FRP.
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We are partnering with Heart of Florida United Way’s Mission United to be able to provide Veterans with legal advise regarding housing or family law matters.
Veterans interested in meeting virtually with an attorney can sign up by clicking here, or they can call (407) 834-1660, extension 113, or email [email protected] for more information.
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The Sharing Center Virtual Advice Clinic |
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We Want To Wish You a Happy and Peaceful New Year |
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Upcoming Events
December 31, 2020 - New Years Eve
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352, WITHIN THE STATE OR ONLINE AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR REGISTRATION NUMBER IS 1944. |
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