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MIAMI-DADE FAWL'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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NOVEMBER, 2015, Vol. XXXX, Issue 6
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JOIN US AT OUR 33RD ANNUAL JUDICIAL RECEPTION TOMORROW! TICKETS & REGISTRATION HERE. |
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Giving Thanks by Giving Back: Miami-Dade FAWL Helps Provide 46,000 Meals for South Floridians in Need
By: Ardith Bronson and Keri Joseph
On Saturday, November 14, Miami-Dade FAWL members and supporters gathered together in the spirit of Thanksgiving at the Feeding South Florida (FSF) warehouse in Pembroke Park. Along with approximately 100 other volunteers, they inspected, sorted, and packed food, to be distributed to food insecure South Floridians. Rather than "hungry," FSF uses the term "food insecure," to describe the 785,040 South Floridians who are uncertain of where their next meal will come from.
Florida is ranked as the 12th highest state in terms of highest rate of childhood food insecurity in the nation. Approximately 871,900 South Floridians struggle with hunger. 1 in 4 children (287,650) in South Florida go to bed hungry, and 1 in 7 older adults (150,000) face the choice between paying rent, utilities, buying medication, or putting food on the table. 50 percent of the families served by FSF have at least one working adult in the household. In Miami-Dade County alone, approximately 384,400 people suffer from food insecurity.
Volunteers learned that FSF receives food and monetary donations from a variety of sources such as retail stores, farmers, government agencies, and individuals. Food donations are inspected to ensure safety. As it turns out, the expiration date listed on food does not always correspond with the date that the food is actually unsafe to eat and/or loses its nutritional value. For example, canned food is safe to eat 3 years past its expiration date! Using "cheat sheets" volunteers sorted through food donated to FSF for distribution through non-profit partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, group homes, and other emergency food service programs.
Miami-Dade FAWL members Amber Kornreich, Freddi Mack, Kristin Drecktrah Paz, Trisha Widowfield, Liana Matthews, and Pro Bono Committee Co-Chairs Ardith Bronson and Keri Joseph worked in the "build" room for 3 hours. In total, the Miami-Dade FAWL team along with the other volunteers inspected, sorted, and packed 55,341 pounds of food, which will provide over 46,000 meals to food insecure South Floridians. In just a few short hours, working as a team, Miami-Dade FAWL volunteers were able to make a significant impact in our community.
If you are interested in volunteering for FSF, the organization welcomes volunteers Tuesday through Saturday during two time slots: 8:30-11:30 AM or 1:30-4:30 PM. More information is available here.
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Ileana Cruz, President
Rebecca Ocariz, President-Elect
Katie S. Phang, Secretary
Lara Bueso Bach, Treasurer
Elisa D'Amico, Newsletter Editor
Deborah Baker-Egozi, Immediate-Past President
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Ardith Bronson
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Stephanie Moot
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Lauren Brunswick
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Kelly Peña
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Stephanie Casey
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Jody Shulman
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Courtney Engelke
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Alicia Welch
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Mallory Gold
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Talia Zucker
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Diana Mendez
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Miami-Dade FAWL's Patently Impossible Team Finishes Fourth Out of Nearly Twenty Teams
by: Lauren Brunswick
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| | Miami-Dade FAWL's Team at the Patently Impossible Project |
On November 5, 2015, Miami-Dade FAWL's Young Lawyers Committee participated in Dade Legal Aid's Patently Impossible Project.
At the event, the team, which was comprised of attorneys and law students, raced to assemble a patented invention. Coming in fourth, the Miami-Dade FAWL team unfortunately lost out on third place (out of approximately 18 teams) on a technicality. The annual event raised money for Dade Legal Aid, which provides critical legal services to at-risk foster teens, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, women, families, non-profits and others in dire need of civil legal services.
Miami-Dade FAWL's team members for the Patently Impossible Project event included: Carter Meader, Salina Jivani, Michelle Nahmias, Amber Kornreich, Alisha Marano, Daniela Perez, Paoulina Bourova, Tiya Rolle, Meagan Sunn, and Lauren Brunswick.
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MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Miami-Dade FAWL member and administrative partner of Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell's Miami office, Scott M. Sarason, was named a finalist for the Daily Business Review's 11th Annual Effective Lawyers Award in the category of products liability. The award luncheon is being held at the JW Marriott on Brickell on Friday, December 4th.
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"Securing the Future for Women and Girls" Celebration at HistoryMiami Honors Judge Lisa Walsh, Incoming President of the National Association of Women Judges
by: Freddi Mack
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| | Hon. Lisa S. Walsh and Newsletter Editor Elisa D'Amico |
On Thursday, November 19, 2015, Miami-Dade FAWL hosted Securing the Future for Women and Girls, a reception to honor Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Lisa Walsh's installation as President of the National Association of Women Judges ( NAWJ). As President, Judge Walsh has committed to address issues affecting women and girls in our community and society at large. The reception, held at HistoryMiami, featured a moving speech by Judge Walsh about the goals of NAWJ and her presidency in particular. Through NAWJ, Judge Walsh has had the opportunity to interact with a diverse array of women judges--not only from across the United States, but also from around the world. Learning from the experiences of women throughout the worldwide judiciary remains a central goal for Judge Walsh as NAWJ President. Diversity, Judge Walsh emphasized, enriches the bench and furthers the administration of justice. Judge Walsh therefore called on the Miami-Dade citizenry to do its part to ensure that qualified diverse individuals are considered for judgeship and other leadership roles. Over the next year, and throughout her career, Judge Walsh will continue to work tirelessly for the inclusion of women, and especially women of color, in the legal profession and in our communities. Miami-Dade FAWL is proud to support Judge Walsh and NAWJ in these endeavors. Proceeds from Securing the Future for Women and Girls were donated to NAWJ. Additional donations can be made here.
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Miami-Dade FAWL's Annual Speed Mentoring Event is a Huge Success...Again
by: Liana Kozlowski
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Attendees pose for a photograph at the Annual Speed Mentoring Event
at Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP
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Miami-Dade FAWL recently hosted its Annual Speed Mentoring Event at the law offices of Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP. Dozens of practitioners from the private and public legal sectors were in attendance to provide one-on-one guidance to law students from local universities, including Florida International University, the University of Miami, Saint Thomas University and Nova Southeastern University.
Led by the sounding of a gong, the law students spent the evening circulating a room as they met with and posed questions to a varied selection of respected practitioners from the South Florida legal community. The program, now in its sixth year, is aimed at providing law students with a mentor best suited to meet that student's needs throughout law school and the early part of the student's career.
This year Miami-Dade FAWL was honored to have several esteemed members of the judiciary in attendance, including Judge Sarah Zabel, Judge Richard Hersch, Judge Gill Freeman, Judge Fred Seraphin, and Judge William Altfield.
For more information about this annual event or to learn about other mentoring opportunities within the organization, contact Miami-Dade FAWL Mentoring Committee Co-Chairs Liana Kozlowski and Chanel Rowe at mentoring@mdfawl.org.
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Miami-Dade FAWL and FBA South Florida Chapter Co-Host "Sold-Out" CLE Program on Important Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
by: Alicia Welch
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| From left to right: U.S. Magistrate Judge Chris M. McAliley, U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga,
and U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Robert A. Mark |
On November 5, 2015, Miami-Dade FAWL and the South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) held a CLE lunch for over fifty attendees on the newly enacted amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules for the Southern District of Florida. The amendments, which take effect today, December 1, 2015, and which represent the most significant changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in ten years. Distinguished panelists U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Robert A. Mark, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Chris M. McAliley commented on some of the most important amendments for practitioners, and graciously answered questions from attendees.
Judge Altonaga began the panel discussion with an overview of the rule changes and emphasized Rule 1's focus on cooperation between the parties and the court. Judge Altonaga also spoke about the change to Rule 4(m), which changes the time to serve a defendant with the summons and complaint from 120 days to 90 days. Additionally Judge Altonaga emphasized early case management, as well as changes to our local rules, including the new process for filing sealed pleadings electronically. Further, Judge Altonaga noted that the Magistrates handle most discovery disputes.
Judge McAliley discussed the changes to the discovery rules and, in particular, the incorporation of the proportionality standard into the definition of the scope of discovery, which may serve to narrow the scope of discovery. Judge McAliley also noted that Rule 34 now requires parties to state their objections to document requests with specificity and to state whether documents will be withheld pursuant to each objection. Additionally, Judge McAliley commented on the levels of sanctions set forth in Rule 37 if electronically stored information is not preserved.
Judge Mark gave an informative presentation on the important changes to the appellate rules in Bankruptcy Court. Judge Mark also discussed the authority the Bankruptcy Court retains during the appellate process. Additionally, Judge Mark commented on his inclination to issue stays pending appeals to the district court and discussed issues with designating the record for appeal.
Miami-Dade FAWL thanks Holland & Knight for its generosity in offering its conference room and equipment for the CLE, the Judges for taking time away from their busy dockets to serve as panelists, the FBA South Florida Chapter for co-hosting the event with us, and all those who attended.
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Miami-Dade FAWL Hosts Intimate Lunch with Judge Otazo-Reyes
by: Claire Armagnac
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| | From left to right: Stephanie Casey, Alicia Welch, Claire Armagnac, Kristen Reynoso, Sheila Oretsky, Judge Otazo-Reyes, and Deborah Baker-Egozi |
On October 22, 2015, the Miami-Dade FAWL Federal Court Liaison Committee hosted a lunch with U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes at Ristorante Fratelli Milano. Judge Otazo-Reyes met with six Miami-Dade FAWL members and discussed the career choices that led her to the bench. Specifically, prior to her appointment, Judge Otazo-Reyes served as a career law clerk to the Honorable Shelby Highsmith and practiced law at two Miami law firms.
Judge Otazo-Reyes also gave valuable advice for attorneys practicing in federal court, including: - Remember that choosing to have your case heard by a magistrate judge has many benefits, including increased availability of hearing times in some jurisdictions;
- Be aware of changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules for the Southern District of Florida, which take effect today, December 1; and
- Become familiar with your judge's preferences regarding the length and style of written motions prior to filing.
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Broadway in Miami: Behind the Curtain with Kinky Boots U.S. Tour Ensemble Member and Miami Native Juan Torres-Falcon
by: Freddi Mack
The Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical,
Kinky Boots, is hitting the stage at the Arsht Center beginning on December 8 through December 13. We were lucky enough to sit down with ensemble member Juan Torres-Falcon, a Cuban-American who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NYU and hails from Miami!
Q: What is the story and the message of Kinky Boots?
A: The show is about Lola and Charlie, two diametrically different people with totally different backgrounds. Charlie is a rich boy who inherits his father's shoe factory. They make beautiful traditional men's bespoke shoes. It's a blue collar town, he's trying to find a way to save the factory and save the family. He meets the fabulous transgendered Lola, and they decide to save the factory by making sexy high heeled boots for drag performers. And they save each other in the process.
Cyndi Lauper, the show's lyricist, is a poet, and there are two lyrics that really encapsulate the show. The first is: "You can change the world when you change your mind." That lyric is so important because the message is about growth, and finding the magic in our differences. When different people intersect with different values and beliefs, and they can acknowledge and respect each other, that's the alchemic moment. The second lyric is when Lola says to Charlie: "We're the same, Charlie, you and me." And that's really what it's all about. Lola and Charlie may look different and have differences, but together they've empowered each other.
Q: How has America received Kinky Boots?
A: This is not a retelling of a story that America already knows. We are a true original musical with a very original message. It's a hard sell, and yet our company has been so overwhelmed by our incredible reception across the country. We were afraid of how we would be received throughout the country and it's been amazing to see how warmly we have been received. It's because Cyndi and Harvey Fierstein have made this audience friendly; everyone has something to get from it. This is not a story about gay people or just about a transgender performer. It's about encountering people in our lives and seeing through their differences to see their hearts.
You can always see which audience members have been dragged there unwillingly, people who are not excited to hear about sexual and gender issues, but by the end of Act One, they are leaning forward -- physically, mentally, and spiritually. The audience JOINS us. The show is Inclusive with a capital "I." It's not only about inclusion, it actually includes the audience, makes them a part of the storytelling. Those audience members lean in. Beyond the glitter, eyelashes and fashion, there's a really big heart in the show. That's what makes it so special, and that's why people connect. Plus, the show is sweet and heartwarming, but never preachy or condescending. It's genuine and sincere, and people respond well to that.
Q: How do you feel about performing Kinky Boots in your hometown of Miami?
A: I am so excited. It means so much to do this show in my hometown and share this message with my family and the people who have supported me. I also feel a great responsibility because the show has such a thoughtful and important message.
I am so proud to be from Miami. Miami is a very progressive city, and it has changed so much since I grew up here. It has become this great epicenter of art, culture, fashion, and food. But, it still has a far way to go as far as acceptance of what are considered subcultures. This is a message that Miami really needs. Miami is a city of the world now. There isn't just one "minority." But, there is an unfortunate lack of diversity of ideologies. There needs to be a diversity of ideas, a diversity of power in politics, and in our communities. Sexism and homophobia still exist, even though it is getting better. We need a sense of acceptance and togetherness -- we need a Team Miami!
Q: Can you tell Miami-Dade FAWL about any strong female role models in your life?
A: I was raised by strong, powerful women. My mother, Alina Falcon, works harder not than any other woman, but than anyone, PERIOD. She became a powerful television executive while raising a family as a single mom. She ran Univision for many years and now she works for Telemundo. She has had a magnificent career. I see her as a beacon of what is possible. Her advice has always been: "Show up early. Leave late. Know your material cold. And dress for the occasion." She has pushed through in an industry that is very much a "boys' club," and people didn't think it was appropriate that she was a single mother and a woman in power. But, she has defied all the rules.
And my grandmother, who is 85 years old now, raised me. She made it possible for my mom to build the career she has. My grandma was so much more than just a "housewife." She would cook, clean, mow the lawn, but she's a warrior. Without my grandma, my mother could not be who she is. My mom went to the University of Miami on a full scholarship, as a young Cuban-American woman. My grandma empowered her to do that. It's that kind of teamwork, that level of selflessness that is so important.
In fact, the reason I'm on this tour is because my grandma and my mom worked really, really hard so that I could go to NYU. My mom has supported me blindly. The reason I have her support like that is because my grandmother gave it to her. My grandmother said to my mom, "I'm not going to teach you how to cook or clean. You will go to school and you will be anything you want. If you want to be a housewife, you can learn that later. Now, I will empower you with education and independence." So I grew up with a sense that women can do anything. I hate the expression about the woman who "has" it all -- it should be the woman who "can do" it all! Women can do anything. It's not to say that they have to do everything, but they are empowered to do anything, and so what they choose to do or not to do is up to them. It's like the song "What a Woman Wants" from Kinky Boots: there isn't just one thing that a woman wants, there is a very real diversity of desires and personalities! Women and girls should feel encouraged to try it all and do it all if they want to.
Miami-Dade FAWL has purchased a block of orchestra tickets to see Juan and the rest of the cast in Kinky Boots on December 9th. Former Judge David Young is hosting a pre-show cocktail reception and group discussion. We hope you'll kick off your boots and join us! Tickets are on sale now but they are limited so get 'em before they're gone. To connect with Juan, follow him on Twitter: @JuanTF.
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LISTEN TO THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
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James Barbour as "The Phantom" on Broadway
at the Majestic Theater
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This season the Arsht Center celebrates its 10th anniversary, and the calendar for the 2015-2016 season for Broadway in Miami is better than ever.
The Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running show in Broadway history and it's coming our way!! The Phantom of the Opera is stopping in Miami as part of its North American Tour and as part of the Arsht Center's 2015 "Broadway in Miami" season. Tickets are available for purchase now, but performances don't begin until February 24th, and run through March 6th. In the North American Tour of The Phantom of the Opera, The Phantom is being played by Chris Mann (The Voice) and the lovely Christine Daaé is being played by Katie Travis (and at times Celia Hottenstein).
With several months until the show hits the Arsht Center stage, get warmed up by listening to "Music of the Night" as sung by James Barbour, currently starring as The Phantom in the Broadway production. If you can't get enough, there's plenty more where that came from.
Email newsletter@mdfawl.org and tell us your favorite song or scene from The Phantom of the Opera and why, and you will be entered to win an autograph from The Phantom, the star of Broadway's production, playing 8 shows a week at the Majestic Theater in NYC!
Fun fact: Phantom overtook the previous record set by Cats with its 7,486th performance on January 6, 2006; it opened in London's West End in 1986 and on Broadway in 1988 winning the Tony Award for "Best Musical" that year!
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Leave Self-Deprecation Behind to Become More Confident
by: Lauren Brunswick and Elisa D'Amico
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| | Yuliya LaRoe, Co-Founder & Advisor with 20/20 Leadership Group, LLC |
Following the Speed Mentoring Event last month, Yuliya LaRoe, Co-Founder and Advisor of 20/20 Leadership Group, LLC, was moved to blog about something that caught her attention. Many students she met at Speed Mentoring Event seemed to be dealing with issues she describes as "negative self-talk and lack of confidence."
Yuliya explained to us that these self-confidence challenges are not limited to law students and that all of us have been affected by a lack of confidence at some point in our lives. After leaving the Miami-Dade FAWL Speed Mentoring Event, Yuliya blogged about her experience and shared her feelings in an attempt to help those struggling with self-confidence.
In her blog post, Yuliya helps others determine if they are in fact struggling with self-confidence and offers several tips to start leaving those negative thoughts behind. She shares that "The average person has around 60,000 thoughts every day and about 80 percent of them are negative." She encourages people to step outside of their comfort zone and to take risks. And, she passes on advice that once was given to her by one of her mentors: "step outside of yourself."
Yuliya's blog post is available here and her company, 20/20 Leadership Group, LLC is a national coaching firm that can help lawyers, law firms, and industry leaders reach their full potential.
Yuliya LaRoe, Esq. is an experienced attorney, professional speaker, and certified business and leadership coach, who helps lawyers accelerate promotion to partnership, get and keep more clients, become more effective law firm leaders, and achieve a more fulfilling synergy between life and law. She is co-founder of 20/20 Leadership Group, LLC, a national coaching firm focused on "seeing" lawyers, law firms and legal industry leaders to new levels of success.
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COMMENT CORNER:
NAWL's Ninth Annual Survey on the Retention
and Promotion of Women in Law Firms
In last month's issue of The Advisor, we included a piece about the 2015 Report of the Ninth Annual Survey on the Retention and Promotion of women in Law Firms released by The National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL).
We welcomed comments from our readers, and received the following note from one of our Past Presidents, Sherrill Colombo, Shareholder with Littler Mendelson:
One way to try and equalize law firm compensation at the equity partner level and to increase the number of women equity partners is to offer women leadership positions within the firms. Another way is to include women partners in client-development and origination activities. Women who run practice groups or manage regional offices often get many more opportunities to participate in client origination than their female colleagues who do not hold such positions.
In my experience, the separation that results in a lower number of women in equity positions is caused, in part, from women not having as much in client origination. In that regard, there is a frequent criticism that women are not good business generators and/or they choose to attend to family matters rather than networking. At least part of the problem can be solved by making certain firms present women with the client-development, networking, and leadership opportunities that they need. Law firms need to be very aware and active in this area; otherwise, there will continue to be a lack of diversity at the equity partner level.
The entire NAWL Report of the Ninth Annual Survey on the Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms is available for download here.
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Voting for Florida Legal Elite Ends Today!!
Deadline: December 1, 2015
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Voting is now open for all members of the Florida Bar actively residing and practicing in Florida. Voters should consider lawyers from large and small firms around the state that they have personally worked with or would recommend to others. Learn more here.
Miami-Dade FAWL does not suggest campaigning or soliciting votes for Florida Legal Elite. We are merely informing you of the upcoming deadline and providing you links to the webiste for informational purposes.
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Miami-Dade FAWL is a volunteer bar association dedicated to actively promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession, expanding the leadership role of its members in the community at large, and promoting women's rights.
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Elisa D'Amico, Newsletter Editor | Miami-Dade FAWL
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