Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County Newsletter Winter 2011

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY WINTER 2011OUR MISSION: One Smile for HaitiTo provide high quality civillegal advice, representation and Gesnel Seide was born in an Worth, to the Legal Aid Society of legal guardianship from the courteducation to the disadvantaged isolated village in the Palm Beach County. and a three-year visitor’s visa.of Palm Beach County so as mountains of Haiti with a Regretfully the visa had condi-to protect their personal safety, very rare and extreme deformity of At first, Ms. Frederick secured a tions, including his return to Haitienhance their opportunities his right arm and hand. Following passport and visa for Gesnel for every six months.and living conditions, and his birth his father abandoned the one year, during which time shepromote self-sufficiency. family, leaving his mother to care sought medical opinions across the Gesnel’s first surgery was January for Gesnel and his six brothers country. Without treatment, it was 2009. He recovered and in July2010-2011 and sisters in a one-roomBOARD OF DIRECTORS thatched hut. The children 2009 Ms. Frederick took him were in various stages of mal- back for his 6-month visit,OFFICERS nutrition and one son died. timed with one of her of mis- sions. Inadvertently, a seriousMariano Garcia, Esq. mistake took place as shePresident As Gesnel’s mother needed to mistimed the visit. GesnelJeffrey Devore, Esq.Vice President survive in a village where had overstayed 10 days in theMiriam Acosta-Castriz, Esq. there were no jobs and no United States.Secretary sources of income, she feared The US Embassy told her toJerald S. Beer, Esq.Treasurer that the people of the village return to Miami and the mat-Gary Woodfield, Esq. would shun Gesnel and per- ter would be resolved. WhenImmediate Past President haps the entire family because she and Gesnel landed onTRUSTEES of her son’s deformity. Many July 22, 2009 and voluntarilyDavid P. Ackerman, Esq. children in Haiti with deformi- Attorneys Melissa Duncan and Shane O’Meara told officials the problem,Claire Arnold ties are socially ridiculed, they were detained and ques-F. Gregory Barnhart, Esq.Bill Bone, Esq. ostracized and are often forced with Gesnel tioned for hours. Gesnel’sPatrick J. Casey, Esq.Howard K. Coates, Jr., Esq. to beg for survival. determined that his condition visa was cancelled. He was givenMelinda Penney Gamot, Esq. would likely kill him. six months in the U.S. and Ms.David Gaspari, Esq. Meanwhile, Gesnel’s grandpar- Frederick was told to find a lawyer.Garry Glickman, Esq. ents, feeling desperate broughtCarey Haughwout, Esq.Thomas Kingade, Esq. him to an orphanage in Port au Eventually, Dr. Paul Dell and Ms. Frederick came to Legal AidJane Kreusler-Walsh, Esq.Richard Lubin, Esq. Prince run by World Harvest Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Society.Rafael Roca, Esq.Michael Salnick, Esq. Mission under the direction of took on Gesnel’s complicated med- Adoption was not an answer as it Miriam Frederick, a trained inten- ical care on a pro bono basis. would take two years to conferDIRECTORS sive-care nurse who has served Gesnel required a series of six to immigration benefits and in the missions in Haiti for more than 30 eight intricate surgeries over atLeslie Artsis Adams years. least a five year period. Each sur- Continued on page 4Jerald Beer, Esq.Richard M. Benrubi, Esq. Ms. Frederick immediately took in gery would be risky, requiring sur- Upcoming Events: 2011Robin Bresky, Esq. Gesnel, age 6 and sought medical gical pins, splints, casts and six-Patience Burns help to correct his debilitating month recovery periods during Feb 9 Brooks Brothers EventMiriam Acosta-Castriz, Esq. deformity. All the doctors consult- which time he would be vulnera- at Gardens MallJeffrey Devore, Esq. ed in Haiti recommended an ble to life-threatening infections.Robert H. Friedman, Esq. amputation. As Ms. Frederick Shands doctors felt physicians in Feb 12 Gift Gathering Gala atJoseph G. Galardi, Esq. would not accept that she began Haiti would not be able to treat the home of ChristineMariano Garcia, Esq. her long drive to secure Gesnel the Gesnel and ultimately the surger- & Michael HanleyRichard D. Greenfield medical care he needed to survive ies would fail. His doctors recom-Rosemarie Guerini, Esq. as well as obtain legal status in the mended that he not return to Haiti Mar 26 Gift Gathering Gala atJohn M. Howe, Esq. United States. This drive for help until all of his surgeries were com- the home of Jane &Phillip H. Hutchinson, Esq. and assistance brought Ms. pleted. Michael WalshDenise Rappaport Isaacs, Esq. Frederick, a resident of LakeHank Jackson, Esq. Ms. Frederick sought and secured May 7 23rd Annual Pro BonoW. Hampton Keen, Esq. Recognition EveningCarole T. Klein, CPA and AuctionNancy LambrechtScott C. Murray, Esq. WINTER 2011 | 1James Grier Pressly III, Esq.Lawrence P. Rochefort, Esq.Robert M.W. Shalhoub, Esq.Grasford W. Smith, Esq.Michelle R. Suskauer, Esq.Matthew H. Triggs, Esq.Victoria A. Vilchez, Esq.Gary Woodfield, Esq.Gregory M. Yaffa, Esq.Gregory T. Zele, Esq.LEGAL AID SOCIETY

Letter from the President and Executive DirectorRobert A Bertisch, Esq. Dear Friends,Executive Director We hope that you and your families are enjoying the beginning of a happy and healthy new year.Mariano Garcia, Esq. As we enter 2011, the staff and board at Legal Aid are enthusiastically facing the many challengesPresident that lay ahead for us and our clients as a result of the financial crisis that has gripped our country and community for the past four years. Palm Beach County continues to have one of the highest rates of foreclosures in the state and the number of families requesting our assistance with saving their homes continues to grow. Fortunately, two new groups of volunteers have come to our assistance to help Legal Aid’s Defense of Mortgage Foreclosure Project. Corporate Counsel for both Florida Power & Light and Office Depot has recruited their in-house attorneys to be trained to provide legal advice and con- sultation to families facing foreclosure of their primary residence. Thanks to the commitment of FP&L and Office Depot attorneys, we were able to serve an additional 250 families in 2010. Both FP&L and Office Depot have committed to continue this program into 2011 and beyond, if needed. The economic upheaval has also created an increase in the number of women and children caught in the cycle of domestic violence. In October of 2010 we were fortunate to have received a two year grant from the Department of Justice’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to hire an additional attorney and paralegal for our Domestic Violence Project to provide comprehensive legal assis- tance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence and sexual assault. In addition, the grant provided funding to AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence) to hire an advocate to partner with our office in providing this service. Another partnership funded by the Department of Justice in December 2010 to provide “culturally and linguistically specific” services, including legal assis- tance, to survivors of abuse, was the Legal Aid and Community Assistance for Sexual and Domestic Violence Project (LA CASA). LA CASA is a collaborative project between the Legal Aid Society and the Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County. This past year also showed a sharp increase in the number of foster children in Palm Beach County who were aging out of the dependency system and needed education, employment and legal assistance to help with their transition to independence. The Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, being acutely aware of this issue and the large number of children waiting for tran- sition services, provided funding for Legal Aid’s Juvenile Advocacy Project to hire an additional attorney to advocate for these young people to help them receive such services. Additionally, it has been reported that over one fourth of children in foster care suffer from severe emotional or behav- ioral problems and struggle with developmental disabilities. When these young people age out of foster care they often have no one willing or able to care for or assist them. In order to respond to this need, Palm Beach County provided Legal Aid with funding to establish a Guardian Advocacy Project to provide a full range of guardianship and legal case management services for this vulner- able population. On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Legal Aid Society we want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Your dedication to our community enables the Legal Aid Society to continue its mission of providing free civil legal advice and representation to the needy in our community, who would otherwise have no voice in our judicial system. Sincerely, Robert A. Bertisch, Esquire Mariano Garcia, Esquire Executive Director President, Board of Directors www.legalaidpbc.org2 | LEGAL AID SOCIETY WINTER 2011

Legal Aid Welcomes New Board Members Leslie Artsis Adams has been with Richard M. Benrubi is a partner with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney since 1994 Liggio, Benrubi P.A. A Board Certified and is currently a Vice President, Wealth Civil Trial Lawyer since 1995, Mr. Advisor and Investment Consultant. She Benrubi specializes in areas of insurance, has been a Financial Advisor for 33 years bad faith and personal injury litigation. and works with high net worth families His representation of plaintiffs spans all and small businesses. With her clients, she aspects of these areas of the law, includ- routinely deals with complex wealth man- ing coverage disputes, bad faith actions, agement issues such as investments, declaratory relief lawsuits and claims for insurance and liability concerns as well as insurance benefits. In addition to his estate planning, concentrated stock posi- expertise as a plaintiffs’ attorney, Mr.tions, business succession plans, gifting to children, descendents Benrubi has significant experience in the practice of insuranceand charitable legacies. Leslie has served on a number of local defense. Having previously served as a managing attorney of ancharitable boards, including the West Palm Beach Library in-house counsel office of a major insurance company, he has lec-Foundation, Wheels for Kids, and the American Lung Association tured locally, statewide and nationally on the topics of insuranceof Southeast Florida. bad faith, disability and homeowner's insurance and trial advoca- cy. Mr. Benrubi served as the President of the Palm Beach County Joseph G. Galardi, Esq., a sharehold- Justice Association and as Insurance Committee Chair of the Florida Justice Association. er with Beasley Hauser specializes in commercial and securities litigation. Joe W. Hampton Keen specializes in has handled a variety of complex com- mercial litigation matters, including class products liability and catastrophic injury actions for plaintiffs and defendants in cases. Many of the cases he handles state and federal courts, as well as in var- involve automotive design and manufac- ious commercial and securities arbitra- turing defects, defective tires, vehicle tion forums. Joe has significant experi- rollovers and 15-passenger van acci- ence in a broad range of disputes, includ- dents. Mr. Keen has successfully litigated ing breach of contract, trade secret claims, against almost every international auto-partnership breakups, trust and estates, and defense of malprac- motive and tire manufacturer. He hastice claims against a large international law firm. Prior to joining achieved numerous multi-million dollarBeasley Hauser in 2005, Joe worked for a large, nationally-recog- verdicts and settlements for his clients.nized South Florida law firm, and served as a judicial intern for Prior to moving to West Palm Beach in 1999, Mr. Keen worked atthe Honorable Kenneth L. Ryskamp, U.S. District Court, Southern the law firm of Hill, Ward and Henderson in Tampa, FL. Before hisDistrict of Florida. Joe earned his juris doctorate with honors from legal career, he worked in corporate finance and securities man-George Washington University Law School and his Bachelor of agement where he worked on Wall Street. Mr. Keen, his wife, andScience degree from Pennsylvania State University. three children reside in West Palm Beach. Both Mr. Keen and his wife are fifth generation Floridians. Grasford W. Smith, attorney with Gregory T. Zele concentrates his Richman Greer, P.A. in West Palm Beach, practice in the areas of personal injury, focuses his practice on complex commer- wrongful death and products liability. He cial litigation. He has successfully repre- has handled a wide range of product lia- sented Fortune 500 clients in state and bility claims against major manufactur- federal proceedings in Florida, New York, ers of sport utility vehicles, automobiles, and Washington D.C. on matters ranging tires, child safety seats, bicycle helmets from government enforcement actions to and children's toys. Greg has successful- hostile takeover bids. Before joining ly tried to verdict and negotiated multi- Richman Greer, Mr. Smith was a General million dollar settlements on behalf of Litigation Associate in the New York and clients in cases involving wrongful deathWashington D.C. offices of a Wall Street law firm and the West and serious injuries. He is among the elite group of personalPalm Beach Office of an international law firm. As a law student injury attorneys who have won multi-million dollar jury verdicts.at New York University School of Law, Mr. Smith was named a Greg earned his juris doctorate with honors from StetsonDean’s Scholar and awarded the Vanderbilt Medal for outstand- University College of Law, and his undergraduate degree in jour-ing contributions to the School of Law. Mr. Smith graduated nalism from Arizona State University. The law firm of Zele Hubersumma cum laude, second in his major, from the College of represents injured people and their families throughout the StateBusiness at Florida State University and received the College of of Florida.Business Achievement Scholarship. Mr. Smith serves as thePresident of the F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association ofPalm Beach County. Mr. Smith is admitted to the bar in Florida,New York, and Washington D.C.LEGAL AID SOCIETY WINTER 2011 | 3

Benny Holmes has led a hard life. were considerably low, only $250 In and out of jail for years, due to a drug problem, he was per month, which made it quite dif-released in 2006 at the age of 64 afterhaving served 9 years on a violation ficult for Mr. Holmes to both eatof probation. He returned to PalmBeach County, without prospects for a and find a place to rent. Monthsjob due to his age and lack of skills,no money, no family and was sleep- later, when he turned 65, withing on a friend’s couch and spendinghis days on the streets. But, Mr. Bonnie’s assistance, Mr. HolmesHolmes did have a passion in life -his abstract art, which he referred to was able to qualify for SSI benefitsas “Ghetto Soul.” Mr. Holmes wouldcreate “one of a kind” art projects which increased his monthlyfrom shattered bottles, burned match-sticks, cast off pieces of broken glass, income to $674. With that amountshattered mirrors, pictures from oldmagazines and clothing remnants of income he was able to rent athat he found on the street. As hewanted to pursue his art beyond the small apartment in a newly reno-couch and streets, he needed a placeto serve as his home and studio. He was vated area of West Palm Beach. Inaware that he was eligible for SocialSecurity benefits, but he needed a valid addition, through the “Elders onpicture identification and birth certificatein order to apply. Since 9/11, government the Edge Fund,” a collaborativeagencies had tightened controls on therelease of birth and death records; Mr. project between Legal Aid and theHolmes was born in Pennsylvania, but helacked the valid picture identification and Vicker’s House, a program of thecredit card required to obtain a certifiedcopy of his birth record. It was at this City of West Palm Beach whichpoint in his life when he came to the ElderLaw Project at the Legal Aid Society. assists seniors in crisis, Bonnie wasParalegal Bonnie Cohen was able to suc- able to provide Mr. Holmes withcessfully request his birth certificate whichenabled him to apply for and receive Benny Holmes $1,000 to cover his first month’sSocial Security benefits. Unfortunately, rent, security and deposit and thedue to a limited work record, his benefits Elder Law deposit needed to establish an account with Florida Power and Light, as well as essential household items (refriger- Project Helps ator, toaster oven and a chair). Bonnie was also successful in retrieving $500 for Mr. Holmes from a local art dealer who had Artist Find a sold a piece of his art while he was serv- Home ing time in prison. Now that Mr. Holmes has a home and a GShoetutlo studio; he is able to pursue his life’s pas- sion. His art fills his small apartment and he is constantly working on new projects. In gratitude for Bonnie Cohen’s help he cre- ated a beautiful piece that hangs in her office. Some day, if efforts are rewarded fairly, Mr. Holmes’ art will be famous and he will no longer need his SSI benefits.Contiued from page 1 granted, he could seek a green card through would place him with a non-relative such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Frederick. Gesnel had learned Englishmeantime immigration officials insisted he and regarded Ms. Frederick as his mother.return to Haiti. Gesnel’s doctors feared he Duncan and O’Meara were confident Gesnelwould contract infections which might force would qualify because he was in need of Once Gesnel was declared a dependent ofthe need for an amputation. urgent medical care. Shands was providing the court, O’Meara planned to use immigra- all of his medical care pro bono, but, unfortu- tion law, which would allow Gesnel, as anLegal Aid Immigration attorney Shane nately, there was no hope of Gesnel reuniting unaccompanied minor, to apply for a greenO’Meara and Juvenile Advocacy Attorney with his family. card. At 18, he could choose to apply for U.S.Melissa Duncan, formed a legal strategy Citizenship.employing a humanitarian law for aban- The attorneys and Ms. Frederick hoped thedoned, neglected or abused children that court, acting in the best interests of the child, There was a hitch in the strategy to getwould place Gesnel under the protection ofthe state juvenile court as a dependent. If4 | LEGAL AID SOCIETY WINTER 2011

Public Guardianship Project Second SeasonExpands Services to Youth of ServiceAging Out of Foster Care Beginning in the spring, Legal Aid’sLegal Aid’s Public Guardianship first move was to immediately remove AJ Pro Bono Project will be launching Project, funded by Palm Beach from his present surroundings. She used a new emeritus attorney pro bono County and the State of Florida’s her knowledge of the system to place AJ in program for retired, retiring and non-Department of Elder Affairs, has been pro- a small assisted living home with a care- practicing lawyers living in Palm Beachviding comprehensive guardianship and taker she had previously worked with and County, entitled “The Encore Project”.legal services to indigent, incapacitated whom she knew would be compassionate This program is modeled after the ABAelders in our community since 1994. The and understanding of his needs. Although Second Season of Service and seeks toProject has become expert at protecting the he was still the youngest in a small group recruit attorneys to help the Legal Aidrights of its elderly wards and providing of elders, Kathy knew that he would not be Society carry out its mission of providingthem with a highest possible quality of life. abused or exploited at this facility. much needed civil legal services for vul-Therefore, supervising attorney, Rena nerable, low-income families, childrenTaylor, and senior social worker, Kathy Kathy’s next job was to deal with AJ’s and individuals living in our county.Morakis, were truly challenged when they behavioral issues as she realized that he Significant numbers of attorneys arewere requested to represent AJ, a young had some mental disabilities that would expected to retire or modify their practiceman aging out of the foster care system. prohibit him from thriving now that he in the coming years and the Encore Project was out of foster care. When Kathy first will offer these attorneys an opportunityAJ was brought to the Public Guardianship filed for AJ to receive educational and to practice pro bono legal services, rein-Project’s attention by Melissa Duncan, a health benefits from the Agency for vesting Palm Beach County’s civil justicestaff attorney with Legal Aid’s Juvenile Persons with Disabilities, a licensed psy- system with their vast legal skills andAdvocacy Project. Melissa had been chiatrist found that AJ did not meet the experience. In addition to direct represen-appointed by the juvenile court as AJ’s requirements to receive benefits. tation, there will be many other opportu-attorney when he was taken away from his However, Kathy was not deterred and nities available to emeritus attorneys suchmother by the Department of Children and after spending more time with AJ she as conducting client intake interviews andFamilies (DCF) after she continually neg- observed what she felt were symptoms of screenings, both in the office and at out-lected to care for his needs. AJ demonstrat- autism. She applied for benefits again and reach locations, providing advice anded a number of behavioral problems and the new psychiatrist assigned to AJ’s case brief services on a hotline, presentingmost foster parents found him too difficult agreed. AJ is now receiving health benefits community legal education programsto handle, thus, he was passed from one and attending the Gulfstream Goodwill with Legal Aid staff and mentoring lessfoster home to another until he was eight- Academy. experienced attorneys, to mention a few.een. The Legal Aid Society will be hosting an In October, 2010 Palm Beach County’s Open House in the early spring to provideWhen Kathy first visited AJ in order to Financially Assisted Agency Program interested attorneys with informationassess his situation, he was residing in an provided additional funding to Legal Aid about the Encore Project, the eligibilityadult assisted living facility with much to serve other youth aging out requirements for certification under theolder men. Kathy discovered that AJ was of the foster care system like AJ. Florida Bar Emeritus Rule and the oppor-being exploited at the facility and she and tunity to meet with Pro Bono Project staffattorney Rena Taylor filed an emergency and retired attorneys who are currentlypetition to have Legal Aid’s Public providing pro bono services for clients ofGuardianship Project appointed to become Legal Aid.AJ’s guardian. Upon appointment, Kathy’s For more information please contact KimGesnel declared dependent. Ms. Frederick tion that would guarantee he stayed in the Rommel-Enright at 561-822-9769 or atalready had secured an order of guardian- country until all of his care was completed. [email protected] over Gesnel prior to contacting the Fortunately Palm Beach County JuvenileLegal Aid Society. Why would the court Court Judge Karen Martin agreed and “ThPe rEonjecoctr”eprotect a child who is already protected? declared Gesnel a dependent. WINTER 2011 | 5Duncan argued that Gesnel’s medical con- On April 7, 2010, Gesnel was issued adition was a long-term problem. The green card. Today, Ms. Frederick is home-guardianship, she argued, was a limited schooling him in Lake Worth as he readiesterm that would end before his treatments for his next surgerywere concluded. She argued that makinghim a dependent was a longer-term solu-LEGAL AID SOCIETY

Celebrating Justice The 10th AnnualSaveDthaet2e0s11 Cup of Justi Please join us for one or more of the events below for great socializing and fun while helping Legal Aid continue to serve the less fortunate families, children and individuals living in our county.WEDNESDAY Committee Members: Paul Shalhoub, Michael Spillane, Devin Krauss,Victoria Vilchez, Bob Bertisch, Joyce Conway andFEBRUARY 9 Chairman, Bob Shalhoub6 TO 8 PM Tournament Champions: Chappell Brown, Michael Scheve, Mark Luttier, and Matthew SmithBrooks Brothers Event an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres andshopping at Brooks Brothers at the Gardens Mall. Enjoy a 15% dis-count on purchases made through the event.SATURDAYFEBRUARY 128 TO 10 PMDecadent Desserts & Delicious Drinks, a Gift Gathering Gala atthe home of Christine and Michael Hanley in West Palm Beach.SATURDAYMARCH 266 TO 8 PMWine Tasting Fun , a Gift Gathering Gala at the home of Jane andMichael Walsh in North Palm Beach.SATURDAYMAY 76 TO 10:00PMLegal Aid’s 23rdAnnual Pro BonoRecognition Evening and AuctionMark your calendar now and plan to join us for a spectacular“celebration of justice.” We are pleased to announce that Dr.Kenneth and Robin Bresky together with Grier and Kristy Presslywill co-chair the event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.Details about sponsorship opportunities, gift gathering galasand auction gift registries (Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma andCrate & Barrel) are available online at www.legalaidpbc.org.For more information, please feel free to contact Harreen Bertisch,Director of Development, at [email protected] or byphone at (561) 822-9763. To receive event invitations Art Menor, John Blunk, Scott Butler, Kevin Probel please contact Devin Krauss, Special Events Coordinator, at WINTER 2011 [email protected] or by phone at (561) 822-9791.6 | LEGAL AID SOCIETY

ice Golf Classic The 8th Annual Holiday Bookfest & Shopping SpreeThe 2010 Cup of Justice Golf Patricia Christiansen and Jessica CallowClassic raised $40,000 to supportLegal Aid’s Children’s Advocacy Patti Leonard, Michelle Suskauer & Kristy PresslyProject which works to ensureequal access to public education The 8th Annual Holidayfor disabled children in Palm Beach Bookfest at Barnes & NobleCounty.Attorney Robert Shalhoub – CityPlace was sponsoredchaired the October 11th tourna- by FAWL, Palm Beachment at Bear Lakes Country Club. County Chapter, with Lesser,The Presenting Sponsor of the Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC,event was Sabadell United Bank. F. Malcolm Cunningham Sr.The “Cup of Justice” Award was Bar Association, Palm Beachawarded to the accounting firm County Hispanic Barof Moore, Ellrich & Neal, P.A. Association and Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A. Kristy & Grier PresslySam Bereson, Peter Broberg, David Scaff and Keith Austin Dana Pickard, Gary Woodfield and Antoinette Theodassakas Chris Larmoyeux, Michael Walsh, Eric Hewko Judge Meenu Sasser, Michael NapoleoneLEGAL AID SOCIETY and Samantha Schosberg Feuer WINTER 2011 | 7

P22roBonoCelebrating Justice nd Annual &Recognition Evening Auction22nd Annual Pro Bono Recognition Evening “MUSICAL MAGIC”on May 8, 2010, Legal Aid honored the following nine attorneysAlan Crane Bankruptcy Law AwardTammy Fields Non-Profit AwardGary Kovacs Real Property AwardTerry Resk Appellate Law AwardMoria Rozenson Juvenile Law AwardMichael Stern Emeritus AwardAllen Tomlinson Civil Litigation AwardC. Debra Welch FRONT ROW: C. Debra Welch, Ellen Malasky, Victoria Vilchez,Tammy K. Fields and Christine D. Hanley. BACK ROW: Charles E. Sieving, Michael Stern, Robert Sendler, Gary W. Kovacs, Family Law Award Matthew Stohlman, Alan R.Tomlinson and Alan CraneVictoria Vilchez “And Justice for All” AwardChristine D. Hanley & Associates, P.A. In addition, the Annual Suzanne Foley “Serving Justice Award” was given to former staff member David Begley, Firm Award who was recently appointed a Social Security Administrative Law Judge.Matthew Stohlman, CPA Special Service AwardFlorida Power and Light Group Corporate Counsel Award – for their outstanding pro bono contribution during 2009.Rick & Karen Benrubi and Susan & Jeff Liggio Matt & Amy Triggs Anita & Jack Scarola Greg & Laura Zele, Greg Huber and Heidi & Larry Rochefort Ron & Rachel Ponzoli Chairs: Scott & Jamie Murray and Robin & Ken Bresky8 | LEGAL AID SOCIETY WINTER 2011

Three wonderful Gift Gathering Galas, hosted by Celebrating Justice Marjorie Gadarian Graham, Christine & Michael Hanley and Lisa & Rick Roselli, provided over 300 gifts for Legal Aid’s 22nd Annual Pro Bono Recognition Evening and Auction. Michael & Christine Hanley Gift Gathering Gala Michael & Christine Hanley Michael & Carole NotoMichael & Jane Walsh Theresa Lemme and David & Amanda St. John Meryl & Lloyd ComiterRick & Lisa RoselliGift Gathering Gala Lois Burns and Tom & Patience Burns Rick & Lisa Roselli More Gala Gatherings Ted & Rita DiSalvo and Don Londree on page 10 County Court Judges Gregory & Janis Keyser Fran & Seth MarmorLEGAL AID SOCIETY WINTER 2011 | 9

Marjorie Gadarian GrahamGift Gathering Gala Stuart & Marjorie GrahamScott & Meredith Devore and Jeff Devore and daughter, Ashley Jason & Heather LazarusJennifer & Joe Galardi From the Legal Aid Society Mariano Garcia, Harreen Bertisch, Shelley Garcia and Bob Bertisch Thanks to all!Lighting the Way for Teen Moms hand, a minor who has a baby legally remains a child herself. However, as a minorAs a law student during the summer Greenberg Traurig, LLP and the Florida Bar mother, she is no longer a “child” in the of 2008 Ashley Ortagus worked as a Foundation. She was accepted for the pro- sense that she can contract freely and act as Fellow with Legal Aid’s Juvenile gram that she developed entitled, Legal an adult as it relates to her child. To furtherAdvocacy Project and came to the conclusion Advocates for Minor Mothers Project complicate matters, teen mothers in thethat teen mothers in Palm Beach County (LAMMP). Ashley now serves teen mothers delinquency and dependency systems havewere in need of a legal project of their own. that are either pregnant or mothering and an additional layer of rights as they pertainWhile her personal experience of being the are in the dependency or delinquency sys- to parenting their child. Through litigationdaughter of a teen mother provided some tem. She is appointed by the courts to repre- Ashley works to holistically protect the legalinsight, her summer internship clarified her sent these teens or they are referred to her by rights of her clients by ensuring that theirdesire to help teen mothers in Palm Beach school guidance counselors, social services rights as both a child and a parent are notCounty. agencies or Florida’s Department of Children violated. and Families (DCF).Attorney Ashley Ortagus rejoined the Legal Ashley represents teen mothers to ensureAid Society in September, 2010 as an Equal Teen mothers under the age of 18 are faced that they access appropriate treatment if nec-Justice Works Fellow, sponsored by with a challenging conundrum. On the one essary, are placed at appropriate placements10 | LEGAL AID SOCIETY WINTER 2011

LEGAL AID STAFF NEWSKudos to… William Booth, Esq. Recipient of the “Steven M. Goldstein Award for Excellence 2010” from the Florida BarSara Alijewicz, Esq. Appointed to the Florida Supreme Court’s Foundation Steering Committee on Family and Children inAppointed General Magistrate for the 15th the Court Kimberly Rommel-Enright, Esq.Judicial Circuit Appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Elected 2010-2011 Co-Chair of the Ad Hoc PublicAbigail Beebe, Esq. Children and Families to serve on Independent Recognition Committee and the Ad Hoc Living xServices Advisory Council Mentoring Committee of the Florida BarElected 2010-2011 Co-Chair of the Adoption,Paternity/Dependency Children’s Issues Elected 2010-2011 Chair of the Juvenile Rules Elected 2010-2011 Chair of theCommittee of the Committee of the Florida Bar Pro Bono Committee for the Palm Beach CountyFlorida Bar Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Jill Mahler, Esq. LawyersDavid Begley, Esq. Recently gave birth to a baby girl, Alana, with Ferris Solomon, Esq.Appointed Administrative Law Judge for Social husband Josh Koehler, Esq.Security in Fort Worth, Texas Recently celebrated his marriage to Kristen Judith Migdal-Mack, Esq. Larsen, Esq.Robert Bertisch, Esq. Elected 2010-2011 Co-Secretary of the Adoption, Michael and Libby SpillaneRecipient of the “Statewide Friend of FAWL Paternity/ Dependency Children’s IssuesAward 2010” from the Florida Association for Committee of the Florida Bar Recently became grandparents of grandsonWomen Lawyers Sheppard Michael Tequisha Myles, Esq.Robert and Harreen Bertisch Recipient of the “First Annual Rosa Parks SpiritPresented at the Management Information and Award” from Mount Hermon AME ChurchExchange (MIE) Fundraising ConferenceWelcome! New & Returning Staff Members STAFF DEPARTMENT CHANGESLegal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. Amy Alberghini has joinedSally Apgar Tasha Evans Terri Kinack Laika Sanchez the Armed Services Advocacy Investigator/Intake & Social Worker Intake Specialist/Screener Paralegal Project and the Medical Legal Outreach Specialist Pro Bono Department Fair Housing Project Partnership Project from the Fair Housing Project Foster Children’s Project Family Law Project as a Jo Kaur Amanda paralegal.Rabin Armogan Victoria A. Giller Thompson Attorney Patty Alcantara has joined the Social Worker Grants Development Juvenile Advocacy Project Attorney Public Guardianship Manager Foster Children’s Project Family Law Project from the Fair Project Darnesha McComb Housing Project as a paralegal. Development Department Vicki TucciPaula Carvajal Paralegal Rhona Altomari has joined Christelle Jean- Fair Housing Project Attorney Paralegal Felix Ryan White Legal Project the Pro Bono Department from Juvenile Advocacy Project Ashley Ortagus the Domestic Violence Project Paralegal/Project Wilson as the Pro Bono Coordinator.Blanca Deason Assistant Equal Justice Works Ramona Hupp has joined the Social Worker Immigration Advocacy Fellow Guardian Advocacy Project Juvenile Advocacy Project Immigrant Advocacy Project Project from the Foster Children’s Project as a Staff Attorney. with their child and that toward self-sufficiency, thus preventing another Emma Keller has joined the they receive all benefits to cycle of dependency. Medical Legal Partnership which they are entitled Prior to Ashley’s arrival at the Legal Aid Society Project from the Family Law there was no program offering this kind of support Project as a Senior Attorney. (parenting classes, educa- and service in Palm Beach County. While she began with a caseload of a few, it rapidly grew to Elaine Martens has joined the tion during postpartum 25 teens from ages 13 to 18. At this time Ashley has learned that there are from 400 to 600 young Foster Children’s Project from period, extra money for women in Palm Beach County who might be in the Armed Services Advocacy need of her services. The Legal Aid Society is Project as a Staff Attorney. clothing vouchers, etc.). grateful to the law firm of Greenberg Traurig and the Florida Bar Foundation for their support of Angelia Patterson has joined Listening to the shared this project. the Family Law Project from theAshley Ortagus stories of her clients’ indi- Juvenile Advocacy Project as a vidual experien ces with Staff Attorney.family dysfunction and delinquency, she under- Sandra Powery has joinedstands the hardship of being a teenager while also the Armed Services Advocacy Project from the Fostertrying to be a concerned and caring mother. Children’s Project as a Senior Attorney.Besides providing them with the legal support Andrea Reid has joined thethey need, LAMMP is developing a network of Domestic Violence Project fromservice providers to help clients become able to the Family Law Project as a Staff Attorney.both provide for their child’s needs and workLEGAL AID SOCIETY WINTER 2011 | 11

Legal Aid Society Nonprofit Org. of Palm Beach County, Inc. U.S. Postage 423 Fern Street, Suite 200 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 PAID www.legalaidpbc.org West Palm Beach, FLFighting for Fairness Promoting Justice Permit No. 1445This 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 this publication may bereproduced in any form without the express consent of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. Copyright 2009, all rights reserved.Featured Funder SponsorsMike Fields, Florida State President, Jeff Devore, Michael Spillane, Gary Woodfield, Patience Burns, Bob Bertisch, Michelle Suskauer, Mariano Garcia and Fabiola Brumley, Palm Beach County Market President.The Legal Aid Society was fortunate to February, 2011, which is a unique and inno- be selected as a Bank of America 2010 vative leadership development program led Neighborhood Builder award recipi- by The Center for Leadership Innovation, aent. As part of this award we received a long-time partner of the bank, designed to$200,000 grant over two years to continue address issues including leadership succes-providing high quality, free legal assistance to sion, financial management and board devel-disadvantaged children, families and individ- opment - tools and resources to enable ouruals living in Palm Beach County. organization to develop further. We thankAdditionally, our Executive Director and an Bank of America for its generosity and itsemerging agency leader will participate in commitment to the nonprofit organizations inBank of America’s Neighborhood ExcellenceLeadership Program commencing in Palm Beach County. Thank You!12 | LEGAL AID SOCIETY WINTER 2011