Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County Newsletter Fall 2013

LEGAL ...And Justice For AllAID THE NEWSLETTER OF THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY FALL 2013SOCIETY OUR MISSION: To provide high quality civil legal advice, representation and education to the disadvantaged of Palm2P0a1l2m-2B0e1ac3h County Beach County so as to protect their personal safety, enhance their opportunities and living conditions andBOARD OF DIRECTORS promote self-sufficiency.OFFICERS Saving Maria:Jeffrey A. Devore, Esq. Legal Aid’s Medical Legal lived on whatever table scraps English skills, eventually provedPresident Partnership project was she could find and dressed in too much to overcome and she established because of a ill-fitting hand me downs. Maria dropped out. At 17, she foundMiriam Acosta-Castriz, Esq. growing body of research over hoped that life in Florida would herself pregnant and completelyFirst Vice President the past decade that has shown be better. She had food to eat dependent on a boyfriend who a direct correlation between and clothing that fit. However, was as abusive and controlling asMatthew H. Triggs, Esq. access to legal services and unbeknownst to her mother, the men of her past. By 20, sheSecond Vice President an increased quality of life for Maria’s stepfather began sexually had two children and was living patients. Having a safe place to abusing her almost immediately. precariously at a friend’s house.Michelle R. Suskauer, Esq. live, water, electricity, food and This abuse continued for years, Without legal status she couldSecretary access to health care, are among until Maria’s mother found her not get a job. She was too afraid the key elements to maintaining journal and read about what was to apply for food stamps or renewJerald S. Beer, Esq. one’s health-both mental and going on. Under a judge’s order, her children’s Medicaid. Her lifeTreasurer physical. Across the country Maria’s stepfather was deported was spiraling downward and she health care providers for low and Maria and her mother was desperate for help.Mariano Garcia, Esq. income individuals and families relocated to Palm Beach County.Immediate Past President are turning to a new specialist to Even after court intervention, Maria’s luck began to change help keep their patients healthy Maria’s mother never fully with a visit to the Lantana/LakeDIRECTORS and safe-lawyers who practice believed that the abuse had Worth Health Department for poverty law. occurred and to a certain extent, a minor health issue. She wasLeslie Artsis Adams blamed Maria for what transpired. treated by a nurse who had beenRichard M. Benrubi, Esq. The effects of an early life filled Suffering from this adversity at trained by Legal Aid’s MedicalPatience Burns with abuse can be inescapable. home, Maria found it impossible Legal Project, and, who uponRobin Bresky, Esq. For Maria, a journey scarred by to focus on school work. The hearing about Maria’s situationVincent F. Cuomo pain and suffering left her with a years of physical and mental recommended that she meetRobert H. Friedman, Esq. fear so great that she was afraid abuse, along with her poorJoseph G. Galardi, Esq. to seek help. At the tender age continued on page 3Lorie M. Gleim, Esq. of 10 years old Maria’s motherRichard D. Greenfield brought her to Florida from FALL 2013 • 1Jack P. Hill, Esq. Mexico. By the time she cameJohn M. Howe, Esq. here, Maria had already enduredDenise Rappaport Isaacs, Esq. years of neglect and abuse at theW. Hampton Keen, Esq. hands of her extended family.Carole T. Klein, CPA Her uncles had sexually abusedNancy Lambrecht her. Her grandmother acceptedEllen S. Malasky, Esq. the money sent by her motherScott C. Murray, Esq. for her care, but refused to buyJames Grier Pressly III, Esq. Maria food and clothes. MariaDevin S. Radkay, Esq.Lawrence P. Rochefort, Esq.Matthew Sackel, Esq.Robert M. Shalhoub, Esq.Grasford W. Smith, Esq.Pamela F. SternRebecca Mercier Vargas, Esq.Gary Woodfield, Esq.Gregory T. Zele, Esq.TRUSTEESDavid Ackerman, Esq.Claire ArnoldF. Greg Barnhart, Esq.Bill Bone, Esq.Patrick J. Casey, Esq.Howard K. Coates, Jr., Esq.Melinda Penney Gamot, Esq.David M. Gaspari, Esq.Garry Glickman, Esq.Carey Haughwout, Esq.Thomas Kingcade, Esq.Jane Kreusler-Walsh, Esq.Richard Lubin, Esq.Rafael J. Roca, Esq.Michael Salnick, Esq.Victoria Vilchez, Esq.

Letter from the President and Executive Director K Dear Friends and Supporters, T While there appears to be some indications of an upturn in our economy, the past number of years of adv challenging economic times has left low and moderate income individuals and families with insufficient fre financial resources to meet their most basic needs for food, shelter, healthcare, income and safety. As a Bea result, the number of people seeking Legal Aid’s services has significantly increased. At the same time, on funding for legal assistance from federal and state governments and Lawyer’s Interest on Trust Accounts pro (IOTA) programs have substantially decreased. In spite of these challenges, the Legal Aid Society of edu Palm Beach County is deeply grateful to the funders who help us to establish new, innovative ways to hot expand and continue our services, reaching those residents who most need our assistance. to sec Since its inception in 2008, Legal Aid’s Medical Legal Partnership Project (MLP) has made great wh strides in contributing to the health and well being of low-income patients being served by the County’s Mr an Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHC) and community health centers. Initial funding from Mo inRobert A. Bertisch, Esq. the Quantum Foundation ensured the presence of an attorney one day a week at four FQHCs. With of additional funding in 2010 from the United Way of Palm Beach County, MLP services were expanded toExecutive Director wh to Foundcare and Genesis. Most recently, a 3 year grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries expanded me abl MLP’s services to the Caridad Center and the West Palm Beach Community Health Center. The MLP is SSD his a true partnership requiring the skills of both medical and legal professionals. Healthcare providers who fac hel take care of low-income individuals now turn to MLP attorneys to help keep patients healthy and safe. Ms adv At the height of the housing crisis in 2008, Legal Aid began receiving an increase in cases involving to issues such as predatory lending practices, truth-in-lending violations, foreclosure rescue scams, and S’s unfair and deceptive trade practices. Although there was no funding at the time for these services, her Legal Aid staff knew they had to respond to this emerging need in our community, and therefore for began providing services, with the assistance of attorneys from FP&L and Office Depot, to individuals bad and families who were facing foreclosure of their primary residence. Legal Aid’s Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Project currently receives funding from the United Way of Palm Beach County, On the Town of Palm Beach United Way, the Florida Bar Foundation and the State of Florida Office of Sum the Attorney General to provide outreach, education and representation to low and middle income S re individuals and families facing foreclosure. SaJeffery A. Devore, Esq. Legal Aid’s Guardian Advocacy Project (GAP) was created in response to the overwhelming needBoard President for guardianship and legal services for youth with special needs aging out of foster care and young wit adults with special needs who have no family or friends to care for them. Through funding provided Ka by the Financially Assisted Agencies program of the Palm Beach County Department of Community Services, our GAP clients are treated with respect and dignity. We are their family, working to serve Ms their best interests and acting as their advocates to ensure their health, safety and well being. sec her In order to combat the impact of underemployment or nonpayment of wages to low and moderate tha income wage earners in our community and to help stabilize local economies, Legal Aid, in jeo partnerships with the Palm Beach County Commission, the 15th Judicial Circuit, the County’s reli business community and local wage earner advocacy groups, has established the Palm Beach County He Wage Dispute Project. The goal of the project is to adopt the most effective and efficient means to imm protect wage earners from the underpayment or nonpayment of wages. Ne find The four projects cited above clearly demonstrate the commitment of the Board and staff of Legal If Aid, pro bono attorneys and our funders to serving the most vulnerable members of our community in these challenging economic times. Thank you for your continued and most valuable support, Robert A. Bertisch, Esq. Jeffrey A. Devore, Esq. Executive Director Board President2 • LEGAL AID SOCIETY

Keeping their Home: The Legal Aid Society’s Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Project provides advice, counsel and direct representation,ent free of charge, to homeowner’s in Palma Beach County who are facing foreclosuree, on their primary residence. The projectnts provides community outreach and education and maintains a foreclosure hotline. Project Staff are dedicated to keeping people in their homes and securing loan modifications for clients when appropriate.’s Mr. R. and Ms. S. came to Gina Grandinette, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society’sd Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Project, d in December 2012. Ms. S. had Power efforts to deal with the bank themselves the bank never cancelled the foreclosure is of Attorney for Mr. R. who was confined had been futile. Attorney Grandinette sale that was set for July 2, 2013. Ms.ho to a wheelchair following a medical crisis accepted them as clients, appeared at the Grandinette prepared a motion to cancel. which severely impaired his physical and hearing, and was able to get them 120 the sale and dismiss the case as a resultg mental capabilities. Since he was no longer days to work out a modification before of the modification. She won her motiond able to support himself, Mr. R relied on the home could be sold. Ms. Grandinette one week before the sale was scheduled to SSDI, which was insufficient to cover called the bank daily for two weeks until, take place. With the loan modified and the his mortgage payments and he was now finally, an agreement was made to grant foreclosure case dismissed, Mr. R’s homeals facing foreclosure. Attorney Grandinette a trial loan modification for three months was saved. helped them draft a Pro se Answer that beginning on April 1, 2013. After payingy, Ms. S. could file for Mr. R, and Ms. S. was the restructured mortgage payment for the Not only did Ms. Grandinette successfully advised to work with the bank immediately three month period, the bank agreed to a guide Mr. R and Ms. S through the arduous to obtain a loan modification. Despite Ms. permanent modification. Under this new foreclosure and loan modification process, S’s efforts, the lender was unresponsive to modification the bank forgave a staggering she also helped them complete applications her modification requests. They were facing $168,569 from the principal of Mr. R’s for food stamps, guardianship and other foreclosure on a home that they wanted so mortgage and his monthly payments public benefit assistance. Mr. R’s and Ms. badly to keep. were reduced from $1200 to $819 which S’s lives have been greatly improved thanksd included taxes and insurance. to the legal skills, tenacity and caring ofy On March 4, 2013, on the eve of the Legal Aid Attorney Gina Grandinette ande Summary Judgment hearing, Mr. R and Ms. However, Ms. Grandinette’s fight for Mr. the staff of Legal Aid. S returned to LegalAid in desperation. Their R was not over. Despite the modification, Saving Maria continued from page 1ty with the Medical Legal Project Attorney, or a GED program, she could receive Now, Maria has a brighter outlook on life Kate Watson, for assistance. benefits from DACA (Deferred Action for and the future for herself and her children. Childhood Arrivals). Marie chose a GED In approximately two to three months, pend- Ms. Watson immediately helped Maria program and Ms. Watson helped her through ing approval for DACA, Maria will have ac- in secure Medicaid and Food Stamps for the enrollment process, which required a cess to a work authorization and a driver’s her two children. Ms. Watson explained call to the Mexican Embassy to get Maria a license, and access to Palm Beach County that receipt of these benefits would not Mexican passport (her only form of photo Healthcare District insurance. She will then jeopardize any potential immigration identification). Ms. Watson also helped her be able to financially support herself and her relief and assisted her with re-enrollment. to gather the necessary documentation to two children. Additionally, Maria plans on Her children, being U.S. Citizens, were prove her Florida residency, which reduced taking the GED course this winter. While immediately eligible for both benefits. her enrollment fee in the GED program recovering from her experiences is a slow Next, Ms. Watson worked with Maria to significantly. Finally, Ms. Watson helped her process, Maria feels like she is on a path to find sources of potential immigration relief. access much needed psychological services. self-sufficiency. If Maria would re-enroll in high school FALL 2013 • 3

Guardianship for Lillian: WLegal Aid’s Guardianship Advocacy Advocacy Project received a referral from for residential placement. This transition T Project (GAP) was initiated in Legal Aid’s Juvenile Advocacy Project process had to be managed very closely byresponse to an overwhelming need for for Lillian, a developmentally disabled Ms. Deason to ensure that Lillian was able aguardianship and legal case management young lady who was about to age out of to receive housing with the proper funding coservices for two currently underserved the foster care system on her 18th birthday sources in place. Papopulations in Palm Beach County: in January. Lillian had no placement, no 15young people (ages 18-24) with special income, no family member who would be On January 25, 2012, Legal Aid became anneeds who have recently aged out of able to care for her and was not eligible to Lillian’s court appointed guardian. At this cofoster care and individuals over 25 apply for benefits because of her resident time, Ms. Deason began working with effiyears of age who have a developmental alien status. Blanca Deason, the social Legal Aid’s Immigration attorney, Shane clidisability or are incapacitated and are worker for the GAP project immediately O’Meara, to apply for citizenship and pawithout family or friends to care for them. began the process whereby Legal Aid establish her eligibility for Social SecurityOur Guardianship Advocacy Project would become Lillian’s legal guardian. benefits. Mr. O’Meara and Ms. Deason had Inprovides safe living and the prevention of Obstacles presented themselves from her to navigate many obstacles in this process, nohomelessness for this group of 20 special very first visit due to Lillian’s unwillingness such as waiving Lillian’s citizenship test locyoung people. to speak to strangers. Once trust and to accommodate for her disability, but on pa dialogue were established, Ms. Deason November 1st, Lillian became a US citizen. anAging out of the foster care system can met with DCF/Transition specialists to find Their tireless work continued the very next tobe a daunting task, even for the most an appropriate group home for Lillian and day with an application for Social Security towell adjusted of these young adults. In then worked with the Agencies for Persons benefits. These funds would allow Lillian InDecember, 2011, Legal Aid’s Guardian with Disabilities (APD), to secure funding to have the income she needed for personal ord items and upkeep. This arduous process of was finalized on January 30th. One Di problem remained. Throughout these of months, Lillian was having issues at the ye school she was attending, which required ha that she take a long ride on a school bus wa every day. Ms. Deason, together with Pro Lillian explored various options that could inc help prepare her for vocational training 20 and a job. Lillian began attending a new an program and is thriving in this environment pre and is quite happy in her group home. The be GAP program continues to watch over the Lillian as her guardian, and provides her with spending money, extra curricular activities, and most recently a new TV. Lillian now has a place to live, a group of peers and the opportunity to succeed and live a happy, productive life. This is an outcome that would not have been possible without the combined effort and dedication of the staff of Legal Aid, which is often the case with members of our community who have nowhere else to turn.4 • LEGAL AID SOCIETY

Wage Dispute Program: ition The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach a unique docket created by former Chief living paycheck to paycheck and was y by County’s Wage Dispute Project is Judge Peter Blanc, which is dedicated to barely getting by. He had continuous issues able a collective initiative created out of hearing wage disputes on the last Friday with his employer including improper ding collaboration and cooperation with the of every month. With these procedures payments and a hostile work environment. Palm Beach County Commission, The in place, the Project is able to obtain The employment relationship finally ame 15th Judicial Circuit, local interest groups, wrongfully withheld payments quickly ended, but his last paycheck was never this and pro bono attorneys. The goal is to and prevent the devastating impacts of issued. Jorge called his former employer with continue adapting the Project for more underpayment or nonpayment of wages. and was met with obstinate denial of hane efficient and effective methods to protect payment. Meanwhile Jorge was notified of and clients from the underpayment and non There are numerous individuals working the imminent repossession of his vehicle. urity payment of wages. many different jobs who have received Jorge was referred to the Project by the had assistance from this Project. Janet, a Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office. Legal cess, In order to combat the impact of middle-aged woman who found a job Aid attorney, Lance Cornick, was able to test nonpayment of wages and to help stabilize cleaning commercial properties, worked contact the employer directly and reach a t on local economies, Miami-Dade County for an employer for a one month period of settlement for approximately double what zen. passed a Wage Theft Ordinance in 2010 time. She was to be paid at the end of the the client’s last paycheck would have been. next and Broward County did likewise in 2012, month. When payday arrived, Janet could Jorge was then able to make the car payment urity to expedite proceedings for wage earners not contact the employer; her phone calls and retain possession of his vehicle. llian to resolve disputes with their employers. were not returned and she did not know onal In December of 2012, in lieu of passing an the location of the business. Janet had very cess ordinance, the Palm Beach County Board little information about the employer-only One of Commissioners voted to fund a Wage the first name of the person who hired hese Dispute Project at the Legal Aid Society her and a t-shirt with a fictitious corporate the of Palm Beach County for a period of one name. Janet was referred to Legal Aiduired year. Since its establishment, the Project through a local community center. With the bus has recovered approximately $200,000 in help of a pro-bono investigator the Project with wages for low-income wage earners. The was able to find the employer and set a date ould Project is designed specifically for low for mediation. Even before the mediation, ning income individuals (those earning less than the employer called and settled the case for new 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines) more than the agreed upon salary.ment and includes intake, investigation and The pre-suit mediation. If the dispute cannot Jorge, a young professional, suffered a over be resolved pre-suit, it may be filed with layoff and took a job waiting tables while her the Clerk to be placed on the Docket WD, looking for another opportunity. He wascularV. p of and s an sibleation n the who FALL 2013 • 5

“Celebrating Justice” “25th Annual Pro Bono Recognition Evening 2On May 18, 2013, at Legal Aid Society’s 25th Annual Pro Bono Recognition Evening, the following individuals/ firms were honored for their outstanding pro bono work for our clients.Abigail Beebe, Esq. Front row: Kai Li Fouts, Alan Ciklin, Gary Woodfield, Jessica Callow Mason,Family Law Award Robert Friedman, Tina TalarchykKaleb Bell, Esq. Back row: Jeffrey Garber, Ellen Morris, Amy Hickman, Abigail Beebe, Kaleb Bell,Bankruptcy Law Award Robert Crane, Jackie Reeves, Leslie Rose, Garry Q. LewisBrooks BrothersCorporate Partner AwardCiklin Lubitz Martens &O’ConnellFirm AwardKai Li Fouts, Esq.And Justice For All AwardRobert H. Friedman, Esq.Civil Litigation AwardSteven N. GlennSpecial Services AwardAmy Hickman, Esq.Child Advocacy AwardJunior League of Boca RatonCommunity Service AwardGarry Q. LewisSuzanne Foley“Serving Justice Award”Leslie RoseEmeritus AwardThe Bankruptcy BarAssociation of the SouthernDistrict of FloridaPro Bono CommitteeVoluntary Bar Association AwardGary A. Woodfield, Esq.Civil Litigation AwardMatthew Zimmerman, Esq.Consumer Law Award Jennifer & Gary Lesser, Jeffrey Devore, Robert Bertisch, Hampton & Joette Keen6 • LEGAL AID SOCIETY

“Celebrating Justice”25th Annual Pro Bono Recognition EveningJudge Jonathan Gerber & Tracy Gerber Richard & Karen Benrubi, Jill & U.S. Congressman Ted DeutschLawrence & Heidi Rochefort and Adam Rabin Rachel & Blair Hyman FALL 2013 • 7

“Celebrating Justice”3 Wonderful GIFT GATHERING GALAS Three Gift Gathering Galas, which were hosted by Abigail & Hampton Beebe, Denise & Sam Isaacs together with Linda & Donald Lyman, and Gerald & Gwen Richman, provided wonderful social evenings where guests brought over 300 gifts for Legal Aid’s 25th Annual Pro Bono Auction.Abigail & Hampton Beebe Donald & Linda Lyman and Sam & Denise Isaacs Gwen & Gerald Richman D R10th Annual Holiday Bookfest & Luncheon The 10th Annual Holiday Bookfest & Luncheon at Barnes & Noble CityPlace was presented by FAWL, Palm Beach County Chapter and sponsored by F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr., Bar Association and Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, LLC. It was a great opportunity for both holiday shopping and gift donations for Pro Bono Evening.Jean Marie Middleton, Chioma Deere, Colleen Farnsworth Leora Freire & Michelle Suskauer Ruth & Rob Friedman with son, Max Nancy Lambrecht, Harreen & Bob Bertisch8 • LEGAL AID SOCIETY with author, Annie Falk

“Celebrating Justice” 12th Annual Cup of Justice Golf Classicht Tournament Champions Greg Zele, Colin Holloway, Jason Dollard, Greg Huber (sponsored by the Law Office of Benjamin T. Hodas, LLC)Dr. Mark Rubinstein, Evan Frederick, Zachary Berg, Joe Girvin Tournament Chair The 2012 Cup of Justice Golf Chris Winterling, Aaron Schwarzberg, Carlos Curbelo,Robert M.W. Shalhoub with Classic raised $49,000 to support George Winterling Legal Aid’s Educational Advocacy son Paul Shalhoub Project which strives to support equal access to public education for disabled children in Palm Beach County. Board member, Robert M.W. Shalhoub, the Chair of this event for the past 12 years, was pleased to have Sabadell United Bank as Presenting Sponsor, Florida Crystals as Lunch Sponsor and Caler, Donten, Levine, Porter & Veil, P.A. as Dinner Sponsors. Special appreciation is extended to each of the 120 golfers who participated.2nd Annual Pankauski Pour Nearly 200 wine lovers enjoyed a wine tasting event hosted by noted wine connoisseur, Attorney John Pankauski. With participation from Southern Wine & Spirits, Virginia Philip Wine Shop, The Capital Grille and Hot Pie, the event raised $9,000 from ticket sales and matching grants to benefit The Legal Aid Society. Judge Martin H. Colin, Betsy Savit, John Pankauski FALL 2013 • 9

“Celebrating Justice” LBig Crowd @ Brooks Brothers Event Mr.Brooks Brothers in the Gardens Mall has been kind Jason & Nicole Guari, Ashley & John Shutz disc enough to partner with the Legal Aid Society for join this fabulous event for the past 6 years. of hThank you to Brooks Brothers and the following membersof the Host Committee for this successful event:Miriam Acosta-Castriz, Leslie Adams, Edrick Barnes,Abigail Beebe, Hampton Beebe, Richard Benrubi, FlynnBertisch, Robin Bresky, Lawrence Buck, Paul Burkhart,Patience Burns, Vincent Cuomo, Amy Devore, JeffreyDevore, Joseph Galardi, Shelley Garcia, MarianoGarcia, Jason Guari, Bradley Harper, John Howe, PhillipHutchinson, Hampton Keen, Theodore Kypreos, NancyLambrecht, Patricia Leonard, Gary Lesser, JonathanMann, Rebecca Mercier-Vargas, Ryon McCabe, ScottMurray, Ronald Ponzoli, Jr., David Prather, KristyPressly, Grier Pressly, Adam Rabin, Devin Radkay,Cater Randolph, Heath Randolph, Cary Sabol, GrasfordSmith, Carl Spagnuolo, Mandell Sundarsingh, MichelleSuskauer, Scott Suskauer, Matthew Triggs, Colin White,Gregory Yaffa, and Greg Zele. Richard Jarolem, Flynn Bertisch, Michael LoganChristian Searcy, Jr., Patricia Leonard, Ellen & Bruce Malasky in g app bee Jennifer Galardi, Alice Randolph, Amy Triggs Shelley & Mariano Garcia into10 • LEGAL AID SOCIETY and

Legal Aid Welcomes New Board Members Vincent Cuomo is Vice President the country. Mr. Cuomo is very active in the community and has and Relationship Manager of Grand served on the Board of Directors of numerous different non-profit Bank and Trust of Florida. Mr. Cuomo organizations within Palm Beach County. He is currently the provides comprehensive financial advice President of the Attorney At Law Magazine Advisory Board for Palm to attorneys and law firms practicing Beach County, the President of the Florida Italian American Council throughout the nation. He has been in and sits on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association. the financial services industry for over He is also the creator of Vincent Cuomo’s Networking Group, which 15 years. Mr. Cuomo holds numerous has a membership of over 400 professionals throughout Palm Beach licenses and accreditations including County. Mr. Cuomo was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Certified Financial Manager. Previously, Palm Beach County over 25 years ago. Mr. Cuomo resides in JupiterMr. Cuomo worked for the largest investment advisory team in with his wife of 14 years and has two young daughters. Lorie M. Gleim works in the area associate between her second and third years of law school, and of complex commercial and securities returned as an associate in 1995. She was named shareholder in 2002. litigation. Her experience spans state Ms. Gleim graduated with honors from the University of Florida and federal courts, as well as before Levin College of Law, after having earned both a B.S. in Economics the American Arbitration Association, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a National Association of Securities B.A. in History from the University of Pennsylvania. For the past 15 Dealers and New York Stock Exchange. years, she has held various leadership roles with the YMCA , serving Lorie has litigated matters involving two terms as Chair of the Board of Directors and as a member of the commercial and contract disputes, Executive Committee for the past 8 years. Ms. Gleim has been listed securities class actions, employment in the South Florida Legal Guide as one of the “Top Up and Comersdiscrimination, trade secrets and non-competition agreements. She in South Florida”. Lorie is married to Dr. Steven Fuhr and they livejoined Greenberg Traurig’s West Palm Beach office as a summer with their two children in Palm Beach. Jack P. Hill, Esq. played football at response on behalf of newly admitted lawyers before the Fourth District Yale University while earning his B.A. Court of Appeals at his induction ceremony. A native of Palm Beach Degree in political science, earned all-Ivy County, Mr. Hill handled dozens of jury trials as an Assistant State and all-American academic honors, and Attorney, prosecuting crimes ranging from DUI to violent felonies. As served as a felony prosecutor in the Palm an SDSBS shareholder, Mr. Hill’s practice focuses on personal injury, Beach County State Attorney’s office product liability and medical malpractice. Mr. Hill has been named in before joining Searcy Denney Scarola the Best Lawyers in America publication and he has been recognized Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. He received his by both South Florida Legal Guide and Super Lawyers as a rising law degree from the University of Florida star in the field of personal injury. Mr. Hill is also a member of The College of Law, with honors. As a result National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 40 under 40” for Florida. Mr. Hill livesof his score on the Florida Bar Examination, Mr. Hill delivered the in Jupiter with his wife, Michelle, and their two children. Matthew Sackel is a partner in the The Florida Supreme Court and the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Litigation Department of Shutts & Bowen’s Association for his volunteer pro bono efforts. He also serves on the West Palm Beach office, where he counsels Regional Cabinet for Washington University and as Co-Chair of the financial institutions, corporations and Washington University Alumni and Parents Admissions Program individuals in a variety of commercial for South Florida. Mr. Sackel is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of disputes, ranging from real estate Washington University in St. Louis undergraduate School of Business litigation and partnership disputes to and Washington University School of Law, where he was Executive guardianship proceedings. Additionally, Mr. Notes editor of the Global Studies Law Review. While in law Sackel handles complex Landlord/Tenant school, Matthew volunteered at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. matters and frequently represents clients Matthew and his wife Joanna, an attorney who is currently the Studentin general commercial litigation matters. He has extensive trial and Development Director at the University of Miami School of Law, liveappellate experience, and is AV Peer Review Rated. Mr. Sackel has with their son in Boca Raton.been recognized by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, servicing the Midwest. Ms. Stern subsequently secured a Vice President Pamela Farthing Stern has spent position with Brougher Insurance Group where she set up a Mexican more than 25 years at major firms in the subsidiary to market an international medical network. Living in Palm financial services industry. She attended Beach County for the past 23 years, Pam has held senior management Purdue University where she managed the positions and is now a registered representative for Primerica. Ms. Stern grants for Applications of Remote Sensing, has served on the Boards of Junior Achievement, 211 Palm Beach/ a NASA funded research center, and then, Treasure Coast, the Rotary Club of Boca Raton, Zonta International, joined the staff of the NASA Goddard Women in International Trade, the Boca Raton Republican Club, and Institute of Space Studies in New York the Republican Executive Committee for Palm Beach County. She City. Ms. Stern began her financial career is currently on the Board of the Estahakee Chapter, Daughters of the in NYC as one of the first women invited American Revolution, Boca Raton. Pam is married to Palm Beachinto The Equitable Life Assurance Society Management Program, County Senior Judge Kenneth D. Stern. They reside in Delray Beach.and within one year was promoted to National Marketing Consultant FALL 2013 • 11

LEGAL Legal Aid Society Nonprofit Org. of Palm Beach County, Inc. U.S. PostageAID 423 Fern Street, Suite 200 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 PAIDSOCIETY www.legalaidpbc.org West Palm Beach, FL.Palm Beach County Permit No. 1445 Fighting for Fairness Promoting JusticeThis newsletter is published by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. at 423 Fern Street, Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. TEL (561) 655-8944. No part of thispublications may be reproduced in any form without the express consent of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. Copyright 2012, all rights reserved. SAVE THESE DATES Special thank you to Raymond James for providing uniforms, Tuesday, November 5, 2013 shoes and school supplies for Brooks Brothers Event at Town Center Mall over 60 of Legal Aid’s youngest clients this year. They were Wednesday, November 13, 2013 thrilled to be so prepared for school! Thank you for your Brooks Brothers Event at Palm Beach Gardens Mall kindness and generosity. Raymond James really cares! Saturday, November 23, 2013 “SHAKEN, 11th Annual Holiday Bookfest at Barnes & Noble NOT STIRRED” in Palm Beach Gardens A Bond Affair Friday, February 21, 2014 Pankauski Pour Wine Tasting Event - Downtown West Palm Beach Saturday, May 10, 2014 26th Annual Pro Bono Recognition Evening & Auction “SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED” A Bond Affair For more information about these events, please contact Harreen Bertisch at 561-822-9763 or Devin Krauss at 561-822-9791.12 • LEGAL AID SOCIETY