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Rosemary Armstrong, co-founder and director emerita of Crossroads For Florida kids, received FFLA’ s 2026 Jane Elizabeth Curran Distinguished Service Award in June for her decades of unwavering pro bono service, her steadfast advocacy for vulnerable children and families, and her leadership in expanding access to justice across the state of Florida. The Jane Elizabeth Curran Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual who, over his or her career, has achieved meaningful, effective and lasting increases in access to civil justice for the poor in Florida.
Ceci Berman of Brannock Berman & seider participated in a panel discussion on the topic“ From Pretrial to Appeal: Navigating Charge Conferences, Jury Instructions, and Preservation of Error” at the 18th Annual Civil Seminar presented by the Federal Bar Association’ s Tampa Bay Chapter.
Congratulations to Amy Casanova-ward with the Florida department of Financial services, who has been appointed to serve on The Florida Bar Journal / News Editorial Board Committee, which advises and assists the editorial staff. The committee works closely with the Journal and News staff to develop articles of current interest and concern to the profession and selects manuscripts for publication.
Hill ward Henderson is pleased to announce that shareholder Mark J. Criser was sworn in in June as a member of The Florida Bar Board of Governors. The Florida Bar Board of Governors provides leadership and policy direction for the more than 110,000 members of The Florida Bar.
Congratulations to Joe Eagleton of Brannock Berman & seider, who was elected Immediate Past Chair of The Florida Bar’ s Appellate Practice Section.
Congratulations to thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judge katherine Essrig, who received the William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award at The Florida Bar Convention in June. This distinguished honor recognizes
a judge who exemplifies exceptional strength of character, professional competence, unwavering commitment, and civility in service to the judiciary, the legal profession, and the public.
Barnes & thornburg LLP welcomes Matthew F. Hall to its team, expanding the firm’ s Florida presence. Hall will add to the firm’ s complex insurance recovery and commercial litigation practices throughout the state.
tate Healey webster is pleased to announce that managing partner Erica t. Healey has been appointed Vice Chair of the Adoption Law Certification Committee for The Florida Bar.
Hill ward Henderson congratulates shareholder david L. Luikart III, who has been selected to participate in Leadership Tampa’ s Class of 2027. Luikart’ s practice focuses on general and complex commercial litigation. He also serves as Hill Ward Henderson’ s General Counsel. continuedonpage63
Attorneys Needed for HCBA Lawyer Referral Service
The HCBA would like to extend an invitation to all attorneys to join the HCBA’ s Lawyer Referral Service. Bilingual attorneys are especially in need as the local Spanish-speaking population is underserved in the following practice areas: probate, consumer protection, immigration, landlord / tenant and business.
To learn more and to join the HCBA’ s Lawyer Referral Service, visit www. hillsbar. com / page / JoinLRIS..
Contact Lupe Vazquez-Mitcham at 813 221-7783 or lupe @ hillsbar. com for further information.
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