Keeping one's word & fairness is a daily challenge with insurance companies. We enter into agreements daily, most verbal and, to a large degree, legally inconsequential. However, when you sign a contract, BOTH parties must adhere to the terms. Generally, people do not read long contracts like insurance policies. We rely upon what is verbally explained by the agent. We sign the contract. Make timely payments so that we can legally drive our car on the road or go to the doctor and build a building in reliance on the services for which payments are being made. 

Marilynn, an active senior citizen, was t-boned by a vehicle and transported by ambulance to the hospital. Upon returning home, several voice messages from her insurance company were waiting for her regarding her car, which was a total loss —documents showing over $8,000 damage, not her person. The message told her to contact the other person’s insurance company, insured with Progressive, for payment of her vehicle.  As per her company’s instructions, she contacted Progressive. An appointment was made for her to come in for the check. What she did not expect was the pressure from Progressive to accept the check for $3,500. To sweeten the deal, Progressive also promised to pay all of her medical bills (which exceeded $55,000) as long as she agreed to sign a document called a Release. Feeling undue pressure, Marilynn, distraught and confused, signed the Release. She contacted Attorney Salesia Smith-Gordon for assistance. Though she had signed the Release, she had not signed or deposited the check. She did not understand that the Release was not only for the vehicle but also for her entire case. She had been bamboozled.

The summer has been full of life-changing wins and extraordinary accomplishments for the firm and me. It's astounding to see what one can accomplish when your mind is determined. And just like anything else in life, there are always obstacles and challenges that will arise to test your faith and resolve, but, somehow, we find the strength to carry on. In this issue, we share these wins and show you what we've been up to as a firm. I'm not sure what you're experiencing this season, but "the night is always darkest before dawn." Good always finds a way to triumph even amid chaos and confusion.

On June 30, Salesia completed her term as the inaugural president of the FSU College of Law's Black Alumni Network. The organization was co-founded by Salesia and two other alumni and is the first law school alumni network in the state geared toward black graduates. The organization represents nearly 600 black law alumni.

As a part of her continued efforts to give back, Salesia created The Salesia V. Smith Gordon Endowment. The $200,000 gift will provide scholarships to black law students attending FSU. In honor of her generous gift, the college had a painting commissioned of Salesia, which will be installed in the Rotunda of the law school this fall. Salesia will be the first black woman to have her portrait displayed on the walls of the law school. Watch her final video and read the Annual Report highlighting all of Salesia and BAN's accomplishments this year.

Salesia Smith-Gordon Selected for Leadership Florida

Join us in congratulating Attorney Salesia Smith-Gordon on being selected to the Cornerstone Class 40 of Leadership Florida. Over the next year, Salesia will join an elite group of leaders throughout our state to expand their knowledge and leadership skills.

Smith-Gordon to Serve As 2nd VP for The PBC Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyer's Association

We are pleased to announce that Salesia has been elected as the 2nd Vice President of the PBC Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyer's Association. Salesia previously served as secretary/treasurer of the organization and is a charter member.

Smith-Gordon Joins Law & Crime Trial Network as Legal Analyst

Earlier this summer, Salesia joined the Law & Crime Trial Network as a Legal Analyst. She shares her expertise and provides commentary on criminal and civil trials throughout the country. Watch a clip from the show!

Smith-Gordon Talks Legacy on the Hustler Podcast

Podcast host Beethoven sits down with Salesia to discuss her journey to becoming a pharmacist and a lawyer, as well as community and philanthropic interests in education, arts, politics, animal rescue, and mentoring.

July 19, 2022

Salesia Moderates Park Manor Virtual Candidate Forum

On Tuesday, July 19, Salesia moderated a virtual candidate forum for the Park Manor Neighborhood Association. The forum included candidates for the U.S. House Congressional District, PBC School Board, and the Pot of Palm Beach Group 5. The event took place via Zoom. Watch the replay!

Lawrence Gordon Sworn in as President of the Florida League of Cities

Lawrence Gordon was sworn in as the Florida League of Cities President in May. Lawrence previously served as the 12th District Director as the Vice Mayor of Haverhill. Congratulations, Lawrence! Read the article from the South Florida Times.

Lawrence Gordon Celebrates 70th with Donation to Prime Time PBC

In lieu of presents, Lawrence Gordon opted to use his 70th birthday festivities to raise funds and awareness for a cause near and dear to his heart: PrimeTime PBC. The organization helps children and youth succeed by strengthening and expanding quality in the out-of-school time field. The Law Office of Salesia Smith Gordon matched his generous donation. Lawrence (center) is pictured here with his wife, Salesia (right), and Prime Time president/CEO, Suzette L. Harvey.

Florida Justice Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Reception 

Salesia and other PBC Sheree D. Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association members attend the Florida Justice Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Reception at their Annual Conference in June.

Term of the Month: Release

A Release of Liability is an agreement between two parties in which one gives up the right to hold the other legally responsible for current or future injuries, losses, and damages. Once signed, generally, with few exceptions, the matter is finite.

Will You Refer Us?

Thank you for allowing us to represent you or those you know. My team and I are honored to have earned your trust. We welcome the opportunity to continue to fight for civil justice and ask that you refer friends, family, and co-workers to us. Contact us today.

You have received this newsletter because you are a client, association or business associate, board member, family, or friend. We hope that you wish to continue to receive our newsletter. However, should you wish to unsubscribe, you may do so using the links below.