THE ADVISOR
Fall Edition 2018, Vol. 38, Issue 1    
A message from the President   


Dear members & friends,

One of our critical missions is to advance women in the law. Despite graduating from law schools at the same rate as men for over two decades, according to the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, women still only constitute 18% of equity partners, 26% of Fortune 500 general counsel, and 27% of state and federal judges. That means our voices are still absent from the top echelon of firms, private companies, and government.

We cannot address this gap without amplifying one another's voices. We have a talented pool of female attorneys in this community. I know because I practice with you, volunteer with you, and serve our community with you. But for some reason, we do not recognize our own talents and are not applying for leadership positions at the same rate as men. Why?

One reason may be the confidence gap--that is, women consistently undervalue their worth, qualifications, intelligence, abilities, etc., as compared with men. For example, in a 2003 study by Cornell University psychologist David Dunning and Washington State University psychologist Joyce Ehrlinger, males and females were given a quiz on scientific reasoning. Women rated themselves more negatively than men when assessing how they performed, despite actually performing at almost the same rate. Then, when invited to participate in a competition for science prizes-not yet knowing their performance scores-the women were more likely to turn down the opportunity. Only 49% of women signed up compared with 71% of men. "Because [women] are less confident in general in their abilities, that led them not to want to pursue future opportunities," Ehrlinger shared in an article titled "The Confidence Gap" for The Atlantic.

As the article reports, in another study by Hewlett-Packard, it became clear that "[w]omen working at HP applied for a promotion only when they believed they met 100 percent of the qualifications listed for the job. Men were happy to apply when they thought they could meet 60 percent of the job requirements." That study demonstrated that "women feel confident only when they are perfect. Or practically perfect."

Although there are a number of institutional barriers barring us from breaking the proverbial glass ceiling, we too are holding ourselves back. So I write to tell you that we will be calling on you to serve. We will be calling on you to apply for one of the Florida Supreme Court judicial vacancies. To apply for the Third DCA vacancies. To apply for Judicial Nominating Commission vacancies. We will call on you to apply for awards recognizing your leadership, legal skills, and pro bono service. So when I call (or more likely email in this day!), please answer. Although we may not be perfect, I am confident that more of you are qualified to hold leadership positions in the legal community and we are simply are not going for it. Perhaps all it takes is a call to amplify our voices and elevate more women.

-Lara
#iamMDFAWL
A LOOK BACK ON MDFAWL'S SIGNATURE EVENTS     
The 38th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner
June 7, 2018 | Four Seasons Hotel Miami

By Amy M. Bowers-Zamora

On June 7, 2018, members, supporters, and friends of Miami-Dade FAWL attended the annual Installation and Awards Dinner at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Miami on Brickell Avenue. The annual ceremony--the 38th of its kind since Miami-Dade FAWL's founding--featured retrospective video interviews from Miami-Dade FAWL's Past Presidents about the progress made during their respective years at the helm and a stirring speech from the Chapter's newly-elected president, Lara Bueso Bach.

Ms. Bach, who briefly was accompanied on the dais by her young daughters, offered praise for past accomplishments made by Miami-Dade FAWL's leadership and members, including elections and nominations to positions in the judiciary and legislature and improvements in pay equity and management positions in private practice. But Ms. Bach reminded the audience that there is still important work to do. A vocal supporter of a proposed rule governing parental-leave continuances for expecting litigators, Ms. Bach inspired attendees of the dinner to stay motivated, support one another, and continue to strive to make the practice of law, and the world at large, a better and more just place for women and girls like her daughters.

Another highlight of the night was the swearing-in of the 2018-2019 Miami-Dade FAWL Officers and Directors, who swore to uphold the ideals of the organization. After the oath was delivered, the Mattie Belle Davis Award was presented to The Florida Bar's recently-elected president, Michelle Suskauer, who is also a past president of the Palm Beach County Chapter of FAWL. Ms. Suskauer was introduced to the audience by Deborah Baker-Egozi, who preceded Ms. Bach as a president of Miami-Dade FAWL. The Mattie Belle Davis Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by Miami-Dade FAWL, is named for Judge Mattie Belle Davis, a founding member of FAWL and, famously, the only woman admitted to The Florida Bar in 1936, when women could not yet even serve as jurors in Florida.

Attendees of the 38th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner enjoyed a sumptuous meal; decadent cocktails, wine, and champagne; and a silent auction of generously donated items ranging from jewelry and autographed sports memorabilia to weekend getaways at the chicest of Miami's hotels. Funds raised by the silent auction will support the Miami-Dade FAWL Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and ensure that it is able to provide scholarships to law students in need in the upcoming school year.

Once again, Miami's legal community showed its unwavering support by sponsoring the Installation and Awards Dinner. The title sponsor of the event was Weil, Gotshal & Manges--where Ms. Bach practices--and grand benefactors included DLD Lawyers; Cole, Scott & Kissane; DLD Lawyers; Greenspoon Marder; Greenberg Traurig; Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr; Shubin & Bass; Shutts & Bowen; Greenspoon Marder; Greenberg Traurig; Shubin & Bass; and RCC Family Law.


The Suskauer Power Hour
September 12, 2018 | Trulucks

By Lara Bach

Why are women leaving the profession when they should be at the highest points in their careers? Florida Bar President Michelle Suskauer posed this question to a group of 100 lawyers at the Suskauer Power Hour on September 12, 2018, hosted by Miami-Dade FAWL. As Ms. Suskauer walked around the room, asking for insight from those in the audience (which may have had some reminiscing about the Socratic method used in law school), guests expressed their views on the issue, how to rectify it, and lamented that women still only comprise 18% of equity partnerships. In response, Ms. Suskauer shared her plan to launch a Gender Tool Kit for firms to implement in addressing gender bias.

Ms. Suskauer also explained her vision for her year as president, addressing issues such as criminal justice reform and mental health. Ms. Suskauer is the first criminal defense attorney to have ever served as a Florida Bar President. Separately, she noted that lawyers are three times as likely to suffer from depression and two times as likely to attempt suicide, in comparison to the general population. These numbers have Ms. Suskauer continuing the Bar's focus on mental health and championing the vital role of the Florida Lawyer Assistance (FLA) program. The FLA provides confidential services to those attorneys suffering from "substance abuse, mental health, or other disorders which negatively affect their lives and careers."

Audience members were engaged in the discussion, sharing their concerns with ensuring females apply for judicial vacancies (especially the Florida Supreme Court), mentoring, and the status of the proposed Parental Leave Rule.

Miami-Dade FAWL thanks its generous sponsors for this event including: Boies Schiller Flexner; Greenberg Traurig; Greenspoon Marder; JAMS; Kenny Nachwalter; and Shutts & Bowen. Miami-Dade FAWL also thanks former Florida Bar President Edith Osman and Florida Bar Board of Governors Steve Davis and Jay Kim for attending.



FAWL IN THE NEWS  
MDFAWL Starts a Scholarship Foundation
July 13, 2018 | Miami, FL

On July 13, 2018, Miami-Dade FAWL proudly announced the the official formation of the Miami-Dade FAWL Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity, created to support law student scholarships. Each year at its signature Women Making History event, Miami-Dade FAWL presents a select number of law students with scholarships for their commitments and achievements as future leaders in the law. With this new foundation, Miami-Dade FAWL hopes that even more students will benefit.

Are you interested in making a contribution to a student's future? Contact the Miami-Dade FAWL Foundation for more information.
FAWL Receives Public Service Award for Courthouse Lactation Rooms
August 3, 2018 | Chicago, IL

On August 3, 2018, the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations honored the Florida Association for Women Lawyers with the prestigious Public Service Award for their Nursing Rooms in Courthouses initiative at the 2018 Women's Bar Leadership Summit: Sparking a "Change" Reaction.

MDFAWL proudly took the lead on this issue back in 2016, organizing and supporting the opening of several courthouse lactation rooms here in South Florida. These lounges promote gender equality in the legal profession, enabling nursing mothers to continue their busy practices in the courtroom.
NETWORKING & CLE PROGRAMMING  
Judicial Candidate Forum
August 13, 2018 | Stearns Weaver Miller

By Adriana Collado-Hudak

On August 13, 2018, MDFAWL, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA), South Asian Bar Association (SABA), Caribbean Bar Association (CBA), Haitian Lawyers Association, and Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association presented a Miami-Dade Judicial Candidate Forum at the offices of Stearns Weaver Miller. Judicial candidates for circuit and county court introduced themselves and answered questions about their judicial philosophies, case management plans, dealing with international litigants, and access to the justice system, among others.

Alice Sum, Adriana Collado-Hudak, and Jennifer Ruiz, Co-Chairs of MDFAWL's Federal and State Court Liaison Committee, were thrilled with the forum's success. "I'm glad that most of the Miami-Dade judicial candidates participated--I know that some voters' minds certainly were changed this evening," said Collado-Hudak. In a few months, MDFAWL's Federal and State Court Liaison Committee will host a "New Judges Reception" to welcome the newly elected members of the bench.

 
The Roles of Trial Counsel and In-House Counsel in Mediation
August 29, 2018 | CitiGroup Center Building

By Lauren Brunswick

On August 29, 2018, Ricardo J. Cata (Mediator and Arbitrator with Upchurch, Watson, White & Max) and Gill S. Freeman (Retired Judge 11th Judicial Circuit and JAMS Neutral) presented an informative and well-attended CLE program to Miami-Dade FAWL members entitled "The Roles of Trial Counsel and In-House Counsel in Mediation." The 90-minute CLE focused on the unique roles of trial counsel and in-house counsel in mediation, and provided a host of considerations and tips for both classes of counsel.

Among the tips for trial counsel, Cata and Freeman emphasized the importance of coordinating with in-house counsel on selection of the "right" mediator for the case (e.g., by providing in-house counsel will as much information as possible about the style of the mediator, whether he or she will ask tough questions and probe the position of both parties, and his or her reputation and record) and of pre-mediation preparation, including the preparation of a confidential mediation brief.

As for in-house counsel, among the many topics covered were the host of questions to be discussed with both outside counsel and the internal team during the pre-mediation phase. They also discussed the importance of selection of a corporate representative at mediation; specifically, the choice should be a fairly senior representative who is familiar with the facts. They noted that, generally speaking, the more senior the representative, the more likely the case is to settle. 

MDFAWL is thankful to Allison J. Leonard, Iva Ravindran, and Lara Bach for organizing the event, and extremely grateful to Cata and Freeman for their time and valuable guidance.
ISSUE SPOTTING: PARENTAL LEAVE & CONTINUANCES   

THE PARENTAL LEAVE RULE

At the end of July, The Florida Bar Board of Governors recommended a parental leave continuance rule to Florida Supreme Court: Rule 2.570.  This Rule would create a presumption for lead counsel to obtain a three-month parental-leave continuance so long as it would not substantially prejudice a party in the case.  

Since that time, MDFAWL members have come forward with their own insights and perspectives on parental leave, continuances, and civility in the courtroom.

Continuance Requests: Where Do We Go From Here?

By Brian L. Tannebaum

Recently, Florida's legal profession had the opportunity to weigh with its (very different) thoughts on a lawyer objecting to a continuance requested by a pregnant lawyer. Although that was an important moment for us to pause and evaluate our discourse with opposing counsel, this article is not a debate about that case. It's about where we can go from here.

The quick, simple response is: "He just shouldn't have objected." But it's not that quick, and it's not that simple. A motion was filed, it was reviewed, and a response was thought out - maybe not well-thought out as we've seen by the response(s).

As an ethics lawyer, I have to start with the obvious: refusing to agree to an extension of time is not unethical. I often have discussions with lawyers about the difference between an ethics violation and business acumen. Or, in other words, the difference between being a lawyer and being a human being. As an example, there may not be a conflict, ethically, but there may be a personal conflict, or the extension will affect the lawyer's business. The same goes for the difference between an ethics violation and your reputation. Something may be ethical, but not in your best interest. Once you lose the trust of judges and lawyers, you can be as ethical as you want, it won't matter. Once you're seen as a lawyer who puts "winning" above collegiality, that will be your legacy--regardless of whether you win.

When I was a young lawyer, a judge told me to "never object to a lawyer's vacation, or event with their kid." Agreeing to a continuance is not just something to do for opposing counsel--it's something to do for you and your future request for the same courtesy (and, truth be told, I've been in situations where my agreement didn't result in the same courtesy from opposing counsel).

Cases are not just facts and evidence; they involve human beings with personal and professional issues. I've needed enough continuances in my career to know that my agreement today (hopefully) comes back to me when I need one.

And I understand that there are lawyers who chronically seek delay. I understand that clients have demands to resolve their cases--often quicker than the system permits. I understand that lawyers default to "my client won't agree."

But I insist that I practice law my way--not the way my opposing counsel operates. I advise my clients that reasonable and necessary extensions of time are part of the process. If I have a concern about a position I'm going to take, I run it by a few people. My concern is not simply whether it's ethical pursuant to the Rules of Professional Conduct, but whether it's the right thing to do. It's not enough to hash it out with the team working on--and possibly emotionally invested in--the case; the better move is to run it by someone not involved.

When it comes to continuances, but for a unique situation, cases can be heard on another day. A case is not a career, and lawyers who fail to understand that risk losing sight of the big picture.

Being reasonable and human is not the enemy of zealous advocacy.

Brian L. Tannebaum is General Counsel and Chair of the Ethics, Professional Responsibility, and White Collar Defense Group at Bast Amron, LLP in Miami. He represents lawyers before The Florida Bar and in state and federal courts.
An Update on the ABA's Parental Leave Rule Resolution

By Ingrid Benson-Villegas

The American Bar Association resolution regarding the Parental Leave Rule has been designed to promote young lawyers in our profession, as well as a more balanced lifestyle for working men and women lawyers with families. Each jurisdiction is urged to adopt this resolution. Anecdotal evidence from Florida constituents indicates that many firms do not support parental leave, and lawyers have reported that courts do not uniformly grant continuances for parental leave to young lawyers. The Parental Leave Rule provides:

A motion for continuance based on parental leave of the lead attorney in the case shall be granted if made within a reasonable time after learning the basis for the continuance unless substantial prejudice to the opposing party is shown. Three months shall be the presumptive length of a continuance granted for parental leave absent good cause for a longer time. If the court denies the requested continuance, the court shall state on the record the specific grounds for denial.

If the motion for continuance is challenged by an opposing party proffering a basis for a claim of substantial prejudice, the attorney seeking the continuance shall have the burden of demonstrating the lack of substantial prejudice to the opposing party.

The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division delegation presented the resolution at the ABA's Young Lawyers Division Assembly at the ABA's Midyear Meeting in February 2018 in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, where it was passed despite some opposition. The Florida Bar YLD Past President Zack Zuroweste, Stephanie Cagnet Myron (who is in The Florida Bar YLD Board of Governors in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit) and MDFAWL Director Ingrid Benson-Villegas argued in support of the resolution as Florida delegates.

The resolution will be presented once again at the ABA's Midyear Meeting in January 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada before the House of Delegates. If it is passed, then the ABA will formally adopt the resolution. It is currently in the Drafting Committee, to expand the resolution and make it more applicable to all states. Once the Drafting Committee completes its approval, the goal is to garner as much support from other sections within the ABA, such as the Judiciary Committee and Litigation Committee.

The resolution puts the burden on lead trial counsel to move for a continuance within a reasonable amount of time preceding his or her trial, which shall be granted, unless substantial prejudice to the opposing party is shown. It is a common sense rule that protects the parties, the case, and lawyers.

Click Here to learn more about the ABA's Parental Leave Rule.
MDFAWL MEMBER INSIGHTS    

BOOK CLUB WITH INCARCERATED WOMEN

MDFAWL's Pro Bono Committee and the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) have been leading a series of interactive book club sessions with women living in the Homestead Correctional Facility.  Women in prison, most of whom are mothers, face unique challenges.  One volunteer has chosen to share her experience from a meeting.  We hope you find her insights as informative and moving as we did.

By Circuit Court Judge Bronwyn Miller

Language ...has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone. -Paul Tillich

As I drove through the gates of Homestead Correctional Institution, I experienced a wave of despondency, prompted at once by the barren landscape, desolate outbuildings, and lines of visitors waiting to be searched. I had agreed to co-facilitate, with Ingrid Benson-Villegas, a book club discussion with female prisoners at the facility through a program instituted by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers and coordinated by my colleagues, Lisa Walsh and Andrea Wolfson. Despite having served in the criminal justice system for many years, first as a prosecutor and then as a circuit court judge, when I received an email about the book club, I felt compelled to participate. I thought that perhaps engaging in an intellectual exercise with inmates would expand my horizons and enhance my judicial perspective. Nonetheless, it was impossible for me to know that a mere two hours of discussion would be entirely transformative.

Six inmates entered the room wearing outfits that resembled hospital scrubs. Although many were serving life sentences, they were not restrained in any way. Each prisoner quietly and respectfully took her seat and produced a hardcover copy of "An American Marriage," by American author Tayari Jones, selected by Natalie Rico. In the fictional account, Jones chronicles the deterioration of the marriage of Roy, a wrongfully imprisoned African-American man in Louisiana, and Celestial, his talented and, ultimately, successful wife. Jones writes with an aching clarity and an understanding of the human condition that is impossible to replicate.

The women introduced themselves, at first reticently, and perhaps a bit warily. It became apparent that they hailed from all walks of life. Some were mothers, I dared not ask about their children. Others were grandmothers and others were childless. Every race and religion was represented. There were women from Jamaica, Wisconsin, Haiti, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Despite their differences, they spoke cooperatively and cohesively, weaving a beautiful tapestry representative of our diverse community.

As we spoke about the book, they grew animated and were effusive. Each of them felt that Jones had written about their challenges, both inside and outside of prison. They reflected on their circumstance and they easily wielded questions suggested in the "Oprah's Book Club" post-mortem, ultimately raising much more sophisticated points of discussion. Their intelligence was readily evident. One inmate spoke four languages fluently. Another was a prolific news reader immersed in political events. All of them spoke with relish about the "outside," and used sophisticated language.

As time ebbed away, several spoke about the disparity in visitation between male and female prisoners. One even tried to assign the statistic that "men are 70 percent more likely" to receive visitors. A few expressed regrets in their choices and how their perception of time had changed radically following incarceration. The interaction drew to a close and we said goodbye, knowing we would most likely never meet again. I was stricken with the knowledge that, but for fate, I could easily be one of them, watching from the "inside." Their faces were etched with loneliness, but they were dignified. The faces were marked by separation from loved ones, failed relationships, lack of visitors, and, in many respects, tedious boredom. On the outside, we all remain instantly connected to our friends and family through the use of technology. At any moment, we can make a connection with mere keystrokes. For prisoners, they must wait for someone to connect with them. Although I left the facility that day feeling the weight of the circumstances of each of the inmates, my life will be forever enriched from those two hours in prison.

CHARACTER AND FITNESS   

The mission of the Character and Fitness Committee is to host activities that improve MDFAWL members' physical and mental well-being.  MDFAWL recognizes the importance of health and wellness in the legal profession and offers monthly events to benefit its members.

Back-to-School Barre
August 25, 2018 | OptimalFit

By Ileana Garcia

On August 25, 2018, the MDFAWL Character and Fitness Committee hosted "Back-to-School Barre" at OptimalFit Pilates Studio in Doral, Florida. Attendees enjoyed a fun yet challenging 25 minute barre class, which featured a choreographed mix of ballet, pilates, and yoga set to upbeat music that kept the ladies motivated. Attendees then took a 25 minute Pilates class, where they were instructed on the use of the Pilates Reformer machine to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and body awareness.

The ladies worked up a good sweat and, afterwards, enjoyed light refreshments and conversation. Attendees commented that they enjoyed trying two different classes in one hour and meeting each other-from newly-minted attorneys to longtime MDFAWL members. The MDFAWL Character and Fitness Committee hopes to see more members at their next event!
 
MEMBER MILESTONES   
Spotlight on Our Members*
News and Accomplishments of the People Who Make MDFAWL 

Julie Braman Kane Becomes First Woman to Receive B.J. Masterson Award for Professionalism


Julie Braman Kane, a partner with Colson Hicks Eidson, was honored by the Florida Justice Association (FJA) with its prestigious B.J. Masterson Award for Professionalism. 

This aw ard is presented once per year to an attorney with demonstrated ethics and professionalism. 

Kane was honored at FJA's annual convention at The Breakers in Palm Beach, becoming the first woman to ever receive this award.

"I am incredibly thankful to the Florida Justice Association and outgoing President Dale Swope for honoring me with the B.J. Masterson Award," said Kane, who serves on FJA's board of directors. "It is an honor to be the first woman to ever receive this award and I am grateful to my fellow women trial lawyer warriors for their support and all that they do to protect the civil justice system." MDFAWL congratulates you on this incredible achievement!

Click here for more on this story.
Amber Kornreich Honored as Most Productive Young Lawyer of the Year

In June 2018, MDFAWL Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair Amber Kornreich was honored with the 2018 Lynn Futch Most Productive Young Lawyer of the Year award at The Florida Bar Annual Convention. According to The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, this award is given each year to one young lawyer "who has worked most diligently in the past year in Bar activities or law related public activities and who has an excellent reputation for legal abilities and integrity."

MDFAWL commends you for your commitment to public service and the legal profession!
MDFAWL Members to be Honored as Top 40 Under 40 Lawyers in South Florida

MDFAWL Members Ingrid Benson-Villegas, Stephanie Casey, Marissa Glatzer, Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman, Freddi Mack, and Schuyler Smith have been selected by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as 40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida. They will be honored on November 10, 2018 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The 40 Under 40 event will feature an awards presentation recognizing the honorees, dinner, a Bid for a Cure, and a silent auction. Click here for more information about the event.


Ingrid Benson-Villegas
Stephanie Casey
Marissa Glatzer

Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman

Freddi Mack
Schuyler Smith

Alice K. Sum is Appointed to the JNC

MDFAWL State and Federal Court Judicial Liaison Committee Co-Chair Alice K. Sum was recently appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission ("JNC") for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit by Governor Rick Scott for a term ending July 1, 2022. As part of the JNC, she will be responsible for the selection of nominees to fill judicial vacancies within the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Sum currently serves on The Florida Bar's 17th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee "I", and the Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee.

MDFAWL congratulates you on this appointment!
Elisa D'Amico Selected to Co-Chair ABA Forum
                 

MDFAWL President-Elect  Elisa D'Amico was selected to co-chair the American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on Communications Law's Digital Communications Committee.

The ABA Forum on Communications Law encourages discussions about 
problems relating to legal counseling and representation of the print media, the telecommunications industry, and the electronic media. The more than 2,200 members work to promote the exchange of information among practitioners in the field; to support and promote research, forums, and publications focusing on communications; to keep abreast of developments in the law and to discuss evolving issues; and to preserve and develop professional competence and integrity in the practice of law.

The ABA Forum on Communications Law presents CLE programs and other activities, and publishes the Communications Lawyer, a quarterly newsletter. Each year, the forum also awards two or three full-ride scholarships to law students to the Forum's Annual Conference. The Forum also holds an annual First Amendment and Media Law Diversity Moot Court Competition.

The Digital Communications Committee focuses on legal and policy issues of particular relevance to digital communication services including apps, websites, and related offerings. The Forum's 24th annual conference will be held in on January 31 - February 2, 2019 at Nobu Eden Roc Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida.
MD FAWL Members Honored as Leaders in the Law

On June 13, 2018, Amber Kornreich, Kristin Drecktrah Paz, and Stephanie N. Moot were honored as members of the 2017-2018 Class of Leaders in the Law at FAWL's 2018 Awards and Installation Gala in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations on this impressive achievement!


Amber Kornreich


Kristin Drecktrah Paz

Stephanie N. Moot
*Have something to share or know someone who does? Email us at newsletter@mdfawl.org. We want to put you in the spotlight!
PHOTO GALLERIES   
MDFAWL 38th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner
June 7, 2018 | Four Seasons Hotel Miami


 











The Judicial Candidate Forum
August 13, 2018 | Stearns Weaver Miller












































The Suskauer Power Hour
September 12, 2018 | Trulucks

























THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS    
Greenberg logo


ABOUT MDFAWL   
MDFAWL is a voluntary bar association dedicated to actively promoting the 
advancement of women in the legal profession, expanding the  l eadership role 
of its members  in the community at large, and promoting women's rights.    
Our Leadership (2018-2019)


Officers

Directors

President

Lara Bueso Bach

President-Elect
Elisa D'Amico

Secretary
Ardith Bronson

Treasurer
Kristin Drecktrah Paz

Newsletter Editor
Kelly Peña


Ingrid Benson-Villegas
Lauren Brunswick
Dana Chaaban
Allison Jade Leonard
Diana C. Mendez
Stephanie Moot
Cristina Pérez Soto
Julissa Rodriguez
Jennifer V. Ruiz
Jody Shulman
Schuyler Smith

Immediate Past President  
Katie Phang


Committee Chairs



Giovanna Abreu O'Connor
Claire Armagnac-Rodriguez
Yvette Ayala
Angela Benjamin
Amy Bowers-Zamora
Tammi Calarco
Stephanie Casey
Gabriela Castillo
Diana Castiov
Stephanie Chaissan
Adriana Collado-Hudak
Carmen Contreras-Martinez
Marianne Curtis
Rachel Curtis
Liana de la Noval
Tiffany-Ashley Disney
Iris Elijah
Ileana Garcia
Neda Ghomeshi
Keri Joseph de Freitas


Amber Kornreich
Christie Louissaint 
Freddi Mack
Melissa Madsen
Vannessa Mari-Milhem  
Liana Matthews
Sheila Oretsky
Tamara Pallas
Carolina Piñero 
Iva Ravindran
Laura Reich
Melissa Roca Shaw
Tiya Rolle
Deborah Ross-Ocariz
Jessica Saiontz
Jessica Shraybman
Carter Sox
Alice Sum
Sylmarie Trujillo 
Alicia Welch
Trisha Widowfield




Kelly Pe ña, Newsletter Editor | MDFAWL
www.mdfawl.org | newsletter@mdfawl.org
@MDFAWL #MDFAWL #IAMMDFAWL