News and Updates | February 2021
Upcoming Events
Additional details and RSVP below.
See what's happening this month.
New Local Rules
Membership

Questions about Joining or Renewing your Membership?

For assistance, please contact Membership Co-Chairs, Kimberly Koves and Giovanni Giarratana
Middle District Vacancies
Message from the President
Thank you for your support and participation in the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. As we begin the 2021 TBCFBA year, I am grateful to be able to serve our approximately 400 members. We endeavor to be one of the most active and supportive Chapters in the country. In furtherance of those goals, we have implemented a new monthly e-newsletter, providing information regarding upcoming events, important announcements, and recognitions of our members’ accomplishments. Our focus is to ensure that our membership is aware of all of our programs and events and our efforts to fulfill our promises to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the needs of the federal practitioner, the federal judiciary and the public.  

I am honored to follow the line-up of people who have led the Tampa Bay Chapter. I hope when we look back on 2021, we will be able to remember a rewarding year of fulfillment and gratitude. I would like to thank all of our members for your contribution to the Chapter and look forward to the active engagement of our membership this year and for years to come.
For questions or to submit announcements or other content, please contact Erin Jackson or Erik Johanson.
Request for Pro Bono Assistance
Magistrate Judge Philip Lammens (Ocala) has entered an Order seeking pro bono counsel in Rivera v. LeBron, et al., Case No. 5:15-cv-317-OC-37PRL filed by a plaintiff incarcerated at the Coleman Correctional Facility. 

These cases often provide excellent opportunities for courtroom experience in federal court. The appointed attorney is permitted to be reimbursed for certain costs incurred during representation as long as the client satisfies requirements for indigence. Please contact Scott McLaren and his assistant, Alison Diehl if you are interested in this opportunity. Thank you.

 
We need you!

We would love to engage more of our members! We are in particular need of assistance with our Community Outreach and Staying in the Game Committees. For more information on Community Outreach, please contact Ellen Lyons or Erin Jackson. For Staying in the Game, please contact Mamie Wise or Beatriz Miranda.

Questions about joining our Leadership Team? Click here.
Judge Covington Received Distinguished Federal Judicial Service Pro Bono Award
From Florida Bar News
Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa is the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Federal Judicial Service Award. The award, which honors outstanding and sustained service to the public especially as it relates to support of pro bono legal services, was presented by Chief Justice Charles T. Canady in a Jan. 28 ceremony streamed live by the Supreme Court of Florida.
Mentoring Kick Off Event
How to Make the Most of your Mentoring Relationship, Even in a Virtual World

PANELISTS: 
Brielle Bell, Melanie Griffin, Jason Mehta

WHEN: February 17, 2021, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Zoom Webinar

For questions, please contact Co-Chairs Michelle Mortez-Smith or Soma Nwokolo
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