E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R ’ S M E S S A G E J o h n F . K y n e s – H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
Left : Rosemary Armstrong , winner of the HCBA ’ s 2023 Margaret D . Mathews Mentoring Award , Katherine Yanes and Jacqueline A . Simms-Petredis . Right : The Annual Law Day Luncheon was held on May 9 , 2023 at the Downtown Hilton Tampa .
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“ Jerry has been a strong advocate for the rule of law and has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that justice is accessible to all ,” Simms-Petredis told the 400 or so luncheon attendees .
Undoubtably , Divers ’ many personal and professional contributions have helped to build a stronger , more vibrant legal community in Hillsborough County .
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Also at the luncheon , attorney Katherine Yanes introduced Rosemary Armstrong as the winner of the HCBA ’ s 2023 Margaret D . Mathews Mentoring Award .
Yanes said Armstrong “ truly exemplifies ” the criteria of the prestigious award .
The award recognizes an individual who has achieved excellence in his or her own legal career ; has served as a mentor ; has demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of young lawyers ; and who encourages meaningful involvement in the Tampa Bay community .
It was established in 2021 by the HCBA and is named for beloved former HCBA and Bar Foundation President Margaret Mathews .
Armstrong was nominated for the mentoring award by the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers ( HAWL ) and others .
In her remarks , Yanes highlighted Armstrong ’ s work to recruit and train numerous volunteer attorneys to help with Crossroads for Florida Kids , the nonprofit organization Armstrong created in 2012 that provides pro bono legal services and guidance for teens in the foster care system .
“ Rosemary has devoted her career to advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable of our citizens , and particularly on behalf of children .” Yanes said .
Yanes said Armstrong has made it possible for many other attorneys , over the years , to advocate on behalf of children , and , in doing so , providing them with mentoring and other professional opportunities to help them develop and advance as lawyers .
“ Through Crossroads , over 100 attorneys have had the opportunity to represent more than 1,000 children over the course of the past decade ,” Yanes said .
“ Collectively , Crossroads attorneys have donated over 45,000 hours of pro bono services ,” Yanes added . “ Rosemary ’ s vision and efforts have made this tremendous service to the community possible .”
Congratulations to both these deserving HCBA award winners . n
Law Day Luncheon photos on pages 12-13 .
M A Y - J U N 2 0 2 3 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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