blikiCksoffClassof2022proGraMwitHveteraNstreatMeNtCourt bar leadership Institute Chairs : AshleyGallagher – JohnsonJackson , KendraLyman – HillWardHenderson & JouniceNealy-Brown – Gunster
thegoalofthevtCistorehabilitate non-violentcriminaloffenders , particularlythosewithmilitary-related mentalhealthissues .
In September , the Hillsborough County Bar Association ’ s Bar Leadership Institute ( BLI ) kicked off the 2021 – 2022 class year with the program ’ s first in-person event since the pandemic began . Sitting at socially-distanced tables , new class members graced the Chester H . Ferguson Law Center with introductions , laughter , and friendly smack talk about rival alma maters . Signaling a return to a former sense of normalcy , this year ’ s program combines in-person and virtual modules to provide members with unique opportunities to connect with fellow attorneys and learn more about the Tampa Bay community and the HCBA .
On October 8 , 2021 , BLI ’ s first module took place . BLI members filled the front row of Judge Michael J . Scionti ’ s courtroom in the Annex of the George Edgecomb Courthouse for a morning of graduations and status reports for participants in the Veterans Treatment Court ( VTC ), a criminal diversion program for former servicemembers .
The goal of the VTC is to rehabilitate non-violent criminal offenders , particularly those with military-related mental health issues . Each veteran is matched with a team of community members , who work together to provide the veteran with resources such as mentorship , housing , employment , and financial support . Veterans who successfully
complete the program have their criminal charges dismissed .
BLI member Alex Sarsfield was impressed by the collaborative nature of the VTC , particularly the cooperation between the prosecutors and defense attorneys . “ The VTC works the way all court systems should work ,” said Sarsfield . “ To help people .”
Before court began and during the mid-morning break , BLI members were given an opportunity to speak with Judge Scionti about the program and ask questions . Once in session , court began with graduation ceremonies for three veteran participants . BLI member Diego
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