News & Notes

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 37^th 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!

It was a wonderful event with a great turn out. I think that people really appreciated that both Dade Legal Aid's Domestic Violence and Family Departments were present to show support for the cause, and that we are always there to provide much needed services for the community. We care and give our continuing support to our partners and to the many survivors of domestic violence

30th Annual Nuts and Bolts of Family Law Seminar

Miami, FL – On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, Dade Legal Aid - Put Something Back presented the 30th Annual Nuts and Bolts of Family Law Virtual Seminar to recruit pro bono attorneys.  The seminar is generously sponsored by Truist Bank and Family Law Software, in conjunction with Miami-Dade Bar Family Court’s Committee and Young Lawyers Section. “We at Truist are proud to support Dade Legal Aid and believe in their mission,” said Erik C Alexander, Vice-President, TruistWealth Legal Specialty Group, an annual sponsor of Legal Aid programs. Featured Speakers include Welcome Remarks by Chief Judge Nushin G. Sayfie of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit; An Update on Family Court Proceedings - Honorable Samantha Ruiz Cohen, Administrative Judge, Family Division; Professionalism - Honorable Christina Marie DiRaimondo, Family Division; Motions for Contempt - Jordan Abramowitz, Esq., Abramowitz & Associates; New Alimony Statute - Maria C. Gonzalez, Esq., Maria C. Gonzalez, PA; Attorney's Fees -  Jacquie Valdespino, Esq., Valdespino & Associates PA and Catherine Rodriguez, Esq., Filler Rodriguez, LLP.  Bar Family Court Committee Co-Chairs Brittany Bonner, Esq., Filler Rodriguez, LLP and Amber Kornreich, Esq., Kornreich & Associates, and  Vice-Chair: Marck Joseph, Esq., The Joseph Law Firm, will be moderating. Those who attend will earn 4.5 CLE Florida Bar CLE (4.5 General, including 1.0 Ethics & .5 Professionalism). Attendance is free for all attorneys who agree to accept at least one pro bono family law case from Dade Legal Aid/Put Something Back. 

Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to gain experience and from the experts! For more information, please email psb@dadelegalaid.org.

Congratulations to Dade Legal Aid on receiving a grant from The Florida Bar Foundation to provide greater access to justice for those in need in our circuit. The Administration of Justice grant began on April 1, 2022 and will expand resources to make an even greater impact in our community, providing many more opportunities to be of service. Thank you to the Foundation for funding this worthwhile project!

I support Legal Aid because...

"It is so important to have a resource for all people in our community to have legal representation. Legal Aid makes a big difference in the lives of people, who without them would not have a voice! I have been sponsoring the Probate & Guardianship Committee of DCBA for over 15 years. I am amazed by how many Attorneys from our community make a difference with Pro Bono cases to help individuals who really need help handling Estates & Guardianship issues. Legal Aid and our Local Attorneys are unsung heroes in our community that deserve more recognition for the good they are doing to help regular citizens navigate complex legal issues."

All my best,

Melanie Hyer

Miami, FL - On November 5, 2021, it was a “family affair” with over 150 attorneys, judges, general magistrates, bar leaders, and court employees participating in the 36^th Annual View from the Bench Family Law seminar. In his welcoming remarks, Gerald I. Kornreich shared his excitement with the new format and was grateful for all of the effort and innovation that went into planning the event.  Kornreich, along with his daughter and Partner Amber Kornreich, Esq., spent many hours planning, recording and formatting the event.  Former Chief Judge Joel Brown expressed his gratitude for the dedication spent putting this seminar together for the past 36 years and the importance of accepting pro bono cases. “By accepting pro bono cases from Put Something Back you provide valuable services to the legal profession, enhance the opinion of the legal profession, and provide access to the courts and much needed representation to those who cannot afford it. You also obtain tremendous personal satisfaction by accepting a case.” Eleventh Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie and the Honorable Samantha Ruiz-Cohen, Administrative Judge of the Family Division, presented the Ray Pearson Guardian ad Litem Awards to Nora Rotella, Esq., (2020) and Amber Glasper, Esq. (2021). Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie recognized the previous 31 Ray Pearson GAL Award Winners and thanked everyone present for taking pro bono cases. “Congratulations to all who participated in a truly wonderful CLE.  It was not only well done, there was such a spirit of friendship and collegiality. I can’t wait for next year’s program!” said Sayfie.  Judge Scott Bernstein, former Administrative Judge of the Family Division, gave his congratulations and encouraged all attendees to take a pro bono Guardian ad Litem or Family case from Put Something Back and described the impact that pro bono attorneys make when they accept cases. “There is always the need for more attorneys to take cases,” said Bernstein. Gerald I. Kornreich, Esq., who has been organizing the seminar with Dade Legal Aid for the past 36 years, moderated the new judges panel featuring Judge Christina DiRaimondo, Judge Marlene Fernandez-Karavetsos, Judge Spencer Multack, Judge Victoria del Pino and Judge Veronica Diaz.  Additional speakers included former Administrative Judge Sandy Karlan, Court Administrator Eugene Carral, Nancy St. Phard of Family Court Services, Karen J. Ladis, Esq. of Legal Aid, Judge Samantha Ruiz-Cohen, and former Chief Judge Bertila Soto. The last presenters were Maria C. Gonzalez, Esq., who provided the annual Case Law Update and former General Magistrate Robert Jones on Legislative and Rules Update.  This seminar was free to all attorneys who agreed to accept a pro bono case from Dade Legal Aid - Put Something Back and would not be possible without the leadership and support of Gerald I. Kornreich, Esq. and Amber Kornreich, Esq., of Kornreich and Associates, the Family Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, the First Family Law American Inn of Court and the Miami Dade Bar Association.

36th ANNUAL VIEW FROM THE BENCH FAMILY LAW SEMINAR

Dade Legal Aid in Miami-Dade County has received a generous grant from Peacock Foundation, Inc. to support its Guardianship Protection Project for Youth and Elderly People with Disabilities. Throughout its distinguished history, Peacock Foundation, Inc. has assisted hundreds of non-profit organizations like Dade Legal Aid in their missions to improve the lives of South Floridians. Kristen Feuer, Esquire, will serve as the Lead Attorney for Dade Legal Aid’s Project. Feuer joined the organization in 2006 as a Child Advocacy Attorney representing teenagers in the foster care system. In addition to handling complex guardianship cases for older foster teens and adults in need of guardianship legal representation, she will recruit and mentor countless pro bono and staff attorneys. A thoughtful and dedicated champion of the rights of those unable to speak for themselves, she is a member of the Dade County Bar Association Probate and Guardianship and Juvenile Courts Committees. Feuer is a frequent lecturer and has received numerous awards and accolades for her innovative legal strategies and excellence. In 2013, Feuer was a recipient of the “Circuit Team Award” from the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office for exemplary teamwork and advocacy.

Erik C. Alexander, Vice-President, TruistWealth Legal Specialty Group, is a Miami native with over 27 years of private banking experience and decades of community service. In addition to supporting the mission of Dade Legal Aid - Put Something Back, his service includes devoting countless hours on the Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America, South Florida Council, and on the Disaster Workforce for the  American Red Cross where he aids in disaster and humanitarian relief. We are truly grateful to Mr. Alexander and Truist for constant support and participation in pro bono recruitment seminars, programs and events.

Last October, we lost one of our biggest supporters and champions - Terrence Biddulph of IberiaBank First Horizon. “Terry” spent over 35 years attending and promoting Dade Legal Aid and PutSomething Back events and was a true friend and supporter to everyone he encountered. To honor his legacy, we proudly present Idalberto “Bert” DeArmas, Senior Vice President, Iberiabank First Horizon, with the Terrence Biddulph Citizenship Award. Mr. DeArmas has over 35 years of financial planning and banking experience and has supported Put Something Back and the legal community for years. Bert is always there to lend a helping hand to support initiatives such as Battle of the Legal Bands and Speeding Lawfully Spin Challenge. We are so grateful to him and to IberiaBank First Horizon for their exceptional commitment.

Alexander Maza, a second-year law student at St. Thomas University School of Law, volunteered 180 hours during his summer internship at Put Something Back assisting with screening and referring pro bono cases, conducting legal research, and updating status of ongoing pro bono cases. The work that he performed was exceptional, and we are honored to present him with the Outstanding Law Student Award. Maza received his Bachelor's of Business Administration in Finance from FIU and is grateful to have an internship at Dade Legal Aid - Put Something Back and the opportunity to help people in need, especially those impacted by the pandemic who are enduring additional hardship.