where she handled personal injury cases . In 2006 , she became the first African American elected to the judiciary in the Twelfth Circuit and upon taking the bench in 2007 , she became the first African American woman judge in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit .
During her four-year assignment to the juvenile division , she presided over dependency and delinquency cases . Judge Curley characterized youth in the juvenile division as desperately needing purpose and structure , as this is often missing in families where crime or drug abuse is pervasive . Judge Curley encountered youth that need life skills , guidance as a mentor . Her view is that it is rare that anyone comes back better from an experience in the correctional system . True leadership is changing lives for the better and in that respect , and so many others , Judge Curley is one of the finest examples .
Judge Curley has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions . She was recently recognized by Manatee FAWL and Fred G . Minnis , Sr ., Bar Association – Sarasota Manatee Chapter as “ 2022 Path to Unity Champion of Diversity and Inclusion .” Her previous awards include the NAACP Public Service Award ; and the Community Champion for Children , The Florida Center for Early Childhood Court .
Judge Curley has been a member of the Counsel for Diversity and Inclusion for the Sarasota County Bar Association since its inception , and is a member of numerous organizations including the Fred G . Minnis , Sr . Bar Association ; the Sarasota County branch of the NAACP ; Sarasota Women ’ s Alliance ; the International Women ’ s Forum ; the Board of Directors , The Florida Center ; and she also spends time volunteering with the Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto , Florida .
E . Keith DuBose , Esq .: Mr . DuBose was the first African American president of the Sarasota County Bar Association . He also has the distinction of serving two terms as SCBA president . He ’ s a Sarasota native , born and raised . He was salutatorian of his graduating class at
Booker High School and attended Duke University for undergraduate studies .
While at Duke , Mr . DuBose had the privilege of playing football for Coach Steve Spurrier and was a member of the 1989 ACC championship team . Thereafter , he attended the University of Florida for his juris doctorate . After graduating from UF , he returned to Sarasota to practice law .
Aside from his work in the legal community , Mr . DuBose has donated his time to serving on the boards of numerous organizations such as the United Way , the Paddock Foundation , Selby Foundation , Booker High School Foundation , the NAACP , among others . Mr . DuBose is a recipient of the Sarasota County Bar Association ’ s C . L . McKaig Award for his service to our community . Mr . DuBose is a valued and respected member of our bar association and our legal community . Mr . DuBois is currently a shareholder at the law firm of Eastmoore Crauwels , & DuBose , P . A .
We not only honor our firsts , and thank them for their leadership , but all African American firsts who bravely broke barriers in the continued pursuit to create a more just nation .
Gratitude
Dr . Martin Luther King Jr . said , “ Life ’ s most persistent and urgent question is ‘ what are you doing for others ?’” Every year the Florida Bar recognizes the work done for others by lawyers and judges at the annual pro bono awards ceremony . This year ’ s awards were presented on January 26 , 2023 , at the Supreme Court of Florida . Among the attorneys recognized this year was one of our colleagues , Susan A . Byron , Esq ., who was this year ’ s Twelfth Circuit representative and recipient of the President ’ s Pro Bono service award .
See FIRSTS on page 21
DOES THE LAW FIRM HAVE AN ATTORNEY WHO :
� Tries cases several times each year ? � Has the ability to show you recent trial results ? � Has over 20 years of experience working for the insurance companies with gained insight on how to oppose or sue the insurance companies ? � Has the financial strength to take on significant injury cases ? � Pays you a referral fee in accordance with the rules regulating the Florida Bar on every case no matter how big or small ?* � Is Board Certified in civil trial law ? � Is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell ? � Is located in the 12th Judicial Circuit ? � Is available to speak with you at any point during the referral process to give you status updates as you request ?
� Is willing to take on challenging cases that other law firms or attorneys may not be willing to handle , or would turn down due to the amount of work involved ?
� ¿ Se habla español ?
* Rules regulating the Florida Bar permit a 25 % referral fee without any involvement of the referral attorney other than making the introduction to the client . Any additional fees require court approval and involvement of the referring attorney in the handling of the personal injury matter .
OUR ANSWER IS “ YES !” TO ALL 11 QUESTIONS
Damian Mallard , Esq . Alan L . Perez , Esq .
889 North Washington Blvd . Sarasota , Florida 34236 941-952-1682 MallardPerez . com
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