n The law firm of Icard Merrill has renewed its long-standing pro bono program for the 13th year , continuing the firm ’ s legacy of service by providing vital legal services to those in need . Ten of the firm ’ s attorneys were recently honored for “ exceptional pro bono service ,” contributing over 20 hours each of pro bono work in 2019 : Drew Clayton , Tom Icard , Bob Lyons , Tony Manganiello , Bianca Manos , Lindsey Meshberger , Nicole Price , Stephen Rees , Jordan Riccardi , and John Waskom . Program Coordinator Attorney Nicole Price was recognized for donating an astounding 100-plus hours of pro bono work .
FACE
n Shutts & Bowen announces that Sarasota attorney Ashley S .
Hodson has been elevated to Partner . Ashley focuses her practice on estate planning , estate and gift taxation , and estate and trust administration . She designs her clients ’ estate plans to meet their specific personal and financial goals with an emphasis on family wealth transfer planning . She received her J . D . from Stetson University College of Law , her LL . M . in Taxation from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law , her Master of Accountancy ( M . Acc .) from the University of North Flor-
Continued from Page 9 initiated a statewide pro bono project to assist tenants facing evictions . Florida Attorneys Counseling on Evictions , or “ FACE ” as it is most commonly called , has mobilized attorneys throughout the state to join forces with legal aid organizations to conduct intake interviews , provide counsel and advice on evictions or pre-eviction matters , assist with the preparation of pro se pleadings and , if the attorney wishes to get more involved , to represent the tenant by attempting to negotiate a settlement or provide representation in court .
Legal Aid of Manasota , and our community , has a desperate need for attorneys to assist with this looming crisis . Although there are short term pro bono opportunities , there is an even more pressing need for full legal representation of these families . No
NEWS OF NOTE
LEGAL AID
ida , and her B . S . in Accounting from Florida State University .
n Dickinson & Gibbons , P . A . announces that Christopher M . Nigro and Mark A . Wilson have been named partners of the firm . Nigro primarily represents clients in the areas of personal injury , auto , premises liability , and criminal defense . He is admitted in state and federal court . Wilson practices in marital and family law , with a focus on equitable distribution , alimony , parenting plans , paternity , child support and prenuptial agreements . He is admitted in state court in Florida . Founded in 1937 , the Sarasota-based trial law firm holds the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell AV rating .
n Shumaker , Loop & Kendrick , LLP announces that Jade Davis was selected to be a mentor for The Bridge Builders Esq . National Mentorship Program for Aspiring Black Lawyers . The program is open to black college students , graduates , and working professionals who are interested in attending law school and could benefit from additional guidance , support , and accountability to stay on course to accomplish their goals .
These cases are typically time limited because of the short court process in eviction matters , but the impact the attorney has can often be life changing for the client , their family , and the community .
one should have to lose their home without a legal advocate on their side . These cases are typically time limited because of the short court process in eviction matters , but the impact the attorney has can often be life changing for the client , their family , and the community .
Attorneys interested in learning more or volunteering for FACE may contact Pamela Fields , Esq . at 941-366-0038 x 101 or visit our website at :
www . legalaidofmanasota . org
CLERK ’ S CORNER
Significant shift in responsibility ahead
BIG change ! Effective July 1 , 2021 , for most Circuit
Civil , all County Civil and Small Claims case types , the clerk will no longer be responsible for reviewing filings for confidential information . These filings will be immediately available to the public and news media via the Sarasota Clerk ’ s court records access application ,
Clerknet . The responsibility to
CLERK ’ S CORNER
Karen E . Rushing Clerk of Court and County Comptroller
protect confidential information is now placed squarely on the shoulders of the filer , you the attorney . In SC20-1765 , the Supreme Court emphasized that any party , non-party , or attorney who does not comply with the requirement may be subject to sanctions .
In order to appreciate the impact of SC20-1765 of the Amendments to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 , it is important to understand the current Clerk review practice that will be ending . As documents are filed , the Clerk reviews for any confidential information listed in Rule 2.420 and take steps to redact accordingly . The Sarasota Clerk has adopted a policy of redacting documents as they are filed regardless of case type , in contrast to other jurisdictions where many court documents are redacted only upon a request to view by the public . As your Clerk I have been diligent in undertaking the responsibility to safeguard confidential information . I am concerned about this change . I , along with Clerks around the state , have already expressed concerns with the potentially increased chance in release of confidential information that could result in harm to individuals . Consider the following data for cases filed in 2020 : n Of the 2540 circuit civil cases , 127 Notices of Confidentiality were filed . However , 842 documents were redacted . This reflects that 85 % of required redactions were done by the clerk absent a Notice of Confidentiality . n Of the 2166 county civil cases , 347 Notices of Confidentiality were filed . However , 1,069 documents were redacted . This reflects that 68 % of required redactions were done by the clerk absent a Notice of Confidentiality . n Of the 4051 small claims cases , 1,429 Notices of Confidentiality were filed . However , 3145 documents were redacted . This reflects that 55 % of required redactions were done by the clerk absent a Notice of Confidentiality . n Overall , of the 8757 total documents , 3,153 required redactions , 62 % were performed by the clerk , which will become the responsibility of the filer .
Because I recognize the significant impact to our stakeholders I , along with Clerks across the state , will work through the formal comment process to ensure these concerns are brought to the attention of the Court within the 75 day response time frame .
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