Immediate-Past President Deborah Baker-Egozi (center) presents "Friend of FAWL" awards to 2014-2015 recipients

Next, Deborah presented President-Elect Rebecca Ocariz with the President's Award. Rebecca was recognized for her unwavering commitment to Miami-Dade FAWL and to supporting the President. The organization also presented awards to certain of its supporters who deserved recognition for their commitment to Miami-Dade FAWL's mission. Law firms K&L Gates LLP; Leesfield Scolaro, P.A.; SMGQ Law; Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.; Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.; and Wargo French LLP received "Friend of FAWL" awards.

 

When asked, Daniel Casey, managing partner of K&L Gates had this to say:

 

We are extremely honored to receive this special recognition from Miami-Dade FAWL, an organization that has provided so many of our lawyers, and the lawyers of so many other firms, the tremendous opportunities to be mentored by highly respected senior lawyers, judges and in-house counsel, to build so many beneficial networks in this extremely competitive marketplace, and to be challenged to exercise their innate leadership abilities for the benefit of our community. I think that it is we who should be recognizing Miami-Dade FAWL for all that you do for us.

Miami-Dade FAWL then presented its Service Awards to the Honorable Beatrice A. Butchko, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the Honorable Gill Freeman, Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco, and Edith Osman. The organization's Platinum Sponsor, FTI Consulting, was presented with the Platinum Sponsor Award, and Miami-Dade FAWL Director Lauren Brunswick was presented with the Rising Star Award. Lauren was recognized for her hard work and dedication to mentoring our younger lawyers, founding the Young Lawyers Committee and organizing a number of large successful events this past year.

The Honorable Nushin Sayfie addressed the crowd to present the 2015 Mattie Belle Davis Award to her longtime friend and colleague, the Honorable Lisa S. Walsh. The Mattie Belle Davis Award is given each year to a female Miami-Dade FAWL member in the legal profession who exemplifies the ideals of professional achievement, perseverance, and dedication that were demonstrated by the late Judge Davis -- the first female judge of the Metropolitan Court of Dade County. Judge Sayfie treated attendees to a "top ten" list of the jobs that Judge Walsh would have held if she was not on the bench. (Watch out Khaleesi)! Ultimately, Judge Sayfie remarked, and we agree, that Judge Walsh -- incoming president of the National Association of Women Judges -- is truly suited for the life of a judge, in light of her intelligence, drive, and commitment to truth.

Miami-Dade FAWL President Ileana Cruz (right) and her mother Liliana Cruz in a warm embrace

For most of us, though, the highlight of the evening was the incredibly moving inaugural speech by President Ileana Cruz, who advocated "justice, fairness, equality, and community" as guideposts of her past, present, and future. Moreover, she spoke to Miami-Dade FAWL's members and supporters about how fundamental these four principles are to those of us in the legal profession. She reminded us how important it is for us to provide a voice to those who have none, to foster meaningful relationships between the business and legal communities, and to support each other in times of hardship. Ileana's speech was a call to action, a reminder about the value of life, and a reminder about how privileged we are as members of the Bar to represent and help others. 

Thank you to Ileana, to all of our current and future members, and as always, to our supporters and Installation sponsors. We are looking forward to an amazing year.

On June 10, 2015, Miami-Dade FAWL hosted a members-only Table for 8 lunch honoring the Honorable Monica Gordo. The lunch, which was held at Steak Brasil Churrascaria in downtown Miami, was at capacity with eight Miami-Dade FAWL members in attendance to enjoy an intimate lunch with Judge Gordo who is a Circuit Judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit Civil Division.

From left to right: Giovanna Abreu, Salina Jivani, Judge Monica Gordo, Alicia Welch, Martha Dezayes, Kristen Reynoso, Deborah Baker-Egozi, Elisa D'Amico, and Matthew Jones

On May 28, 2015, Miami-Dade FAWL's Young Lawyers Committee and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of South Florida ("APABA") joined forces to sponsor a joint happy hour at Doraku in Brickell. At the event, the 30+ lawyers and judges in attendance had the opportunity to not only reconnect with friends, but also to make new connections, all while enjoying delicious drinks and sushi.

Betty Koltis, SVP and Deputy General Counsel for Elizabeth Arden

During a delightful dinner, Ms. Koltis recalled how she became part of the small and highly select team of attorneys who manage the majority of the legal work of the internationally recognized beauty products company. An accomplished student, Ms. Koltis graduated from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, in 1990. During her student years, Ms. Koltis met Elizabeth Arden's current Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Oscar E. Marina. Their friendship and professional relationship continued to grow while working together at Steel, Hector & Davis LLP in Miami. Having personal knowledge of Ms. Koltis's legal and leadership skills, Mr. Marina asked Ms. Koltis to join his legal team in the fall of 2006.

Ms. Koltis currently handles Elizabeth Arden's SEC reporting and compliance, corporate acquisitions, financing transactions, executive compensation and international tax support, among other matters. She also provides support for operational functions including North America sales, supply chain, logistics, IT and distributor markets, as well as support for some of the company's international affiliates. These demanding functions often result in Ms. Koltis having to work long days - very similar to her days in private practice.

According to Ms. Koltis, one difference in working in-house is that you can plan for time off without being concerned about losing a potential client. Although Elizabeth Arden's legal department handles much of the company's legal work in-house, when it's time to select outside counsel, Ms. Koltis admits that it often comes down to responsiveness - taking a long time to respond may cause Ms. Koltis to find legal counsel elsewhere. Ms. Koltis is not fond of ".1" time billing entries either. She believes that attorneys are service providers and shouldn't "nickel and dime" their clients with ".1" time entries, but instead should focus on the value of their substantive work.

Miami-Dade FAWL's Corporate Counsel Liaison Committee is grateful to Ms. Koltis for taking the time to meet with our members and for candidly sharing her experience and perspective with us. To learn more about our upcoming Corporate Counsel Table for 8 event with Grace Mora, Vice President and General Counsel of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, a breakfast being held on July 8, 2015, please click here.

Most attendees were trying out paddle boarding for the very first time, and some of the attendees were also able to enjoy some tandem kayaking.

Judge Dimitris and his daughters enjoying some tandem kayaking together.

Following the fitness portion of the event, participants shared a healthy, informal lunch at the marina from "The Last Carrot" in Coconut Grove, trying out some vegan and vegetarian fare.

Lauren Brunswick, shows off her paddle-boarding skills