Miami, FL – On Friday, December 9, 2022, Dade Legal Aid/Put Something Back & the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Family Division together with First Family Law American Inn of Court and the Miami-Dade Bar Young Lawyers Section held its first in person seminar of 2022, “The 37th Annual View from the Bench Family Law Seminar,” featuring knowledgeable speakers as Honorable Nushin G. Sayfie, Chief Judge, Honorable Samantha Ruiz Cohen, Administrative Judge, Honorable Victoria del Pino, Associate Administrative Judge, Honorable George A. Sarduy, Associate Administrative Judge, Honorable Judge Diana Vizcaino, Honorable Judge Ivonne Cuesta, Honorable Judge Veronica Diaz, Honorable Judge Marlene Fernandez-Karavetsos, General Magistrate Carlos Fernandez, Erika Ruiz , Family Court Services, Maria Gonzalez, Esq., of Maria C. Gonzalez, P.A. and Moderated by: Gerald I. Kornreich, Esq., Kornreich & Associates. The speakers covered exciting topics such as: Tips for Preparing for Your Case Management Hearing, Using CourtMAP to Its Maximum Potential, Laying the Foundation for the Admission of Videos & Photos, Updates on Family Court Services, Introduction of New Judge & Hot Tips from Administrative Judges, Family Law Rules Update, Family Lase Case Law Update, and the Ray Pearson GAL Awards Presentation & Pro Bono Awards to Judges.
The Courts presented the Ray Pearson Outstanding GAL of the Year Award to Katushca “Kathy” Grass for exemplary service. Past honorees were present and recognized by Nushin G. Sayfie, Chief Judge Chief and the Honorable Samantha Ruiz Cohen. “Thank you so much for all of your hard work in putting this event together and thank you for inviting me to participate. It was an honor. You may not know that I began my judicial career in Dependency Court. I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous benefit a GAL or AAL has on a case. When I was a judge in Dependency I said, almost daily, that I would not want to do my job without the GAL. I have no doubt that my judges & GMs in the Family and DV divisions feel the same way,” said Nushin G. Sayfie, Chief Judge, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. “Gerald “Jerry” I. Kornreich was recognized for decades of service to this seminar and to Legal Aid and received the first annual Burton Young Exceptional Service Award. “I was thrilled to look out at a courtroom full of 140 people, including 22 Judges, all there to help children and families that can’t afford legal representation. It was overwhelming to be handed an award bearing the name of a legal icon who had been President of the Florida Bar and a board-certified lawyer but more importantly an example of professionalism and civility throughout his career,” said Mr. Kornreich. Also recognized was Madelin Diaz for her generous toy drive effort for Legal Aid client’s children.
The seminar had an excellent turn out and all who attended will be receiving Continued Legal Education credits. The training was FREE for all attorneys who accept a family law case from Put Something Back. Kornreich & Associates generously sponsored the featured breakfast.
“Thank you for reaching and for hosting such an amazing event, it was a privilege to be asked to participate. You folks are incredible,” George A. Sarduy, Associate Administrative Judge. “It is an event I make sure to attend every year! thank you for your hard work helping to put it all together!” Diane M. Trainor, Esq., Law Offices of Diane M. Trainor.
We are so grateful to our supporters, sponsor, and speakers. Thank you all for giving your time and talent and for making this year’s seminar a success. We hope to see you all again next year!