The Florida Bar Honors Two Hillsborough County Bar Association Members
The Florida Bar Honors Two Hillsborough County Bar Association Members
the florida bar recently recognized two members of the hillsborough County bar association for their exceptional dedication to public service and pro bono advocacy. the honorable darren d. farfante of the 13th Judicial Circuit was honored with the 2026 distinguished Judicial service award, while daniela estefany Mendez received the florida bar president’ s pro bono service award for the thirteenth Judicial Circuit. the distinguished Judicial service award honors judges who demonstrate sustained commitment to the public, particularly in support of pro bono legal services. appointed to the bench in 2017, Judge farfante has been a consistent advocate for access to justice throughout his judicial career. he serves as committee co-chair of the hCba’ s annual 5k pro bono river run and actively supports the volunteer Lawyers program at bay area Legal services. his involvement also includes participation in the Judges Joining forces initiative and the Legal services Corporation forum on disaster Legal services.
Judge farfante currently serves as executive chair of the 13th Judicial Circuit professionalism Committee, is an executive committee member of the wm. reece smith Jr. inn of Court, and is a past president of the stann givens family Law inn of Court. through his leadership as chair of the circuit’ s pro bono Committee, he has helped secure thousands of pledged pro bono hours while fostering a strong culture of service within the local legal community. beyond his committee work, Judge farfante is widely recognized for his public advocacy for legal aid and pro bono services on both a statewide and national level. he consistently emphasizes the vital role legal aid organizations and volunteer attorneys play in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. daniela estefany Mendez with tampa general hospital has been awarded the
Hon. Darren D. Farfante florida bar president’ s pro bono service award for the thirteenth Circuit, which recognizes attorneys who demonstrate outstanding dedication to providing free legal services to those in need. since 2019, Mendez has contributed more than 900 pro bono hours representing vulnerable children in hillsborough County through Crossroads for florida kids, inc.
Mendez is known as a critical resource for the organization’ s most challenging cases. drawing from her personal experiences growing up in a public housing community in puerto rico, she brings empathy, resilience, and determination to her advocacy. she is deeply committed to building trust with her clients, frequently meeting them in group homes, correctional facilities, and other placements to ensure their voices are heard.
Daniela Estefany Mendez through her compassionate and tireless advocacy, Mendez continues to achieve meaningful outcomes for the children she serves.
Congratulations to Judge farfante and daniela Mendez for their well-deserved recognitions!
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