Michael D. Barber Michael Barber currently practices criminal defense and personal injury law at the Umansky Law Firm. Michael is a former Assistant State Attorney who litigated sixty trials in his two years working for the State of Florida. Michael has been an active member of the since the beginning of his legal career. He became Chairman of the Great Oaks Village Project shortly after joining YLS and served in that capacity for two years. Currently, Michael is serving on the board of YLS and is also chairing the 2014 YLS Charity Golf Tournament. Michael also serves on the board of directors for both the OCBA Criminal Law Committee and the Downtown Orlando YMCA. Michael graduated from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law in May 2011. While studying at Levin, Michael served as President of the International Legal Honors Fraternity Phi Delta Phi and Vice President of the UF Music Law Conference. Michael s experiences in leadership and community involvement provide him with the skillsets necessary to serve competently, and with distinction, on the board of the of the Orange County Bar Association. Amber N. Davis I am a shareholder at the law firm of Beusse Wolter Sanks Mora & Maire, P.A., specializing in Intellectual Property litigation. I have had the privilege and honor of serving on the YLS Board of Directors for the past four years, and I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Board for another term. My involvement with the YLS has included serving as the Secretary of YLS from 2012-2013 and serving on various committees throughout the years, including, but not limited to the Annual Scholarship Committee, the Golf Tournament Committee, Relay for Life, Law Clerk s Reception and Evening with the Judiciary. I am currently the Co-Chair of the OCBA- Intellectual Property Committee as well as an active member in the Federal Bar Association. If I am privileged to serve another term, I will continue to carry on the positive endeavors of the YLS and do so with the utmost enthusiasm. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Thomas S. Dolney After graduating Cum Laude from the University of Florida, I earned my Doctor of Jurisprudence a semester early from Florida Coastal School of Law. While in law school, I served as a first year mentor, as well as a Certified Legal Intern in the Predatory Lending Unit at the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. Since transitioning back home to Orlando at the Calandrino Law Firm, I have become highly involved in the OCBA and local community. I volunteer as a Guardian Ad Litem, as well as a mediator in the Citizen Dispute Resolution Program. I am also a member of the Business Law Committee, and the Real Property Committee. Finally, I am a Barrister through the George C. Young First Central Florida American Inns of Court. My experiences have taught me the importance of community involvement, contribution, and volunteerism. As an at-large Board member of the YLS, I will respectfully fulfill the duties entrusted upon me and continue the OCBA s goal of community service. Vincent Falcone It would be my great privilege and honor to serve as a member of the YLS Board. I am an associate at King, Blackwell, Zehnder & Wermuth, P.A. and focus my practice in the area of complex commercial litigation. I have served on the YLS lunch speakers committee (2013-14) and the editorial board of the OCBA s The Briefs (2012-14). I have participated in the YLS mentoring program (2012-14) and the Legal Aid Society s GAL program (2012-14). I look forward to continuing my involvement in YLS and appreciate your consideration for an opportunity to serve on the Board.
Charity J. Johnson Charity Johnson is an Assistant State Attorney in the 9th Judicial Circuit. Ms. Johnson earned her Juris Doctorate from Barry School of Law in 2012 where she graduated with Honors in Trial Advocacy and Honors in Children & Family Law. During law school, she received Book Awards in Florida Criminal Procedure and Popular Culture & the Law. She was also a Certified Legal Intern and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator. She received her undergraduate degree, with honors, from Schreiner University. Ms. Johnson has served on the OCBA Young Lawyers Section Committee of the Holidays All Year Long event since 2010, including as the Co-Chair (2012-2013) and the Chair (2013-2014). Ms. Johnson joined CFWAL in 2010 and is currently serving as the Young Lawyers Co-Chair. She is also a member of the Orange County Bar Association, the Osceola County Bar Association, and the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division. Ms. Johnson enjoys giving back to the central Florida community by volunteering her time with the Promotions Committee of the College Park Partnership and is an active member of Dining for Women and the Junior League of Greater Orlando. Steven Kahana Experience Steven Kahana graduated from Rollins College magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English in 2007. Mr. Kahana received his Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law in 2010. While attending law school he served on the Moot Court Board and competed as part of the Mock Trial Team. Mr. Kahana received a Book Award for earning the highest grade in Securities Regulation. He is admitted to practice before the State and United States District Courts of Florida. Practice Areas Automotive Dealership Law Corporate and Business Law Commercial Litigation Collections Education Juris Doctor, Florida A&M University College of Law, 2010 Bachelor of Arts, English, Rollins College, magna cum laude, 2007 Bar Admissions The Florida Bar, 2011 United States District Courts for the Middle, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Middle, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida Professional Organizations Florida Bar Association Orange County Bar Association,
Heather M. Kozlowski I would be honored to serve as a member of the OCBA s YLS Board and I need your help! I am an associate at the law firm of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. and a graduate of Barry Law School. I have served as Chair or Co-Chair of several committees and events, including Chair of the Young Lawyers and Law Clerks Reception held at The Abbey, which hosted over 300 attorneys, law clerks, and judges. I also Co-Chaired the Annual YLS Dodge Ball Tournament and have served on other committees and programs, including the YLS Golf Tournament Committee and as a YLS Mentor in the Mentor/Mentee program. I look forward to continuing my active involvement in the, and I hope to do so as your Board Member! I am also very involved in the Orlando community as a Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a Moot Court Coach for Barry Law School. I am driven and passionate about the Central Florida legal community, and I believe that my diverse leadership roles will make me a good resource for the YLS Board. Please give me your vote and the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm and leadership to the YLS Board this year. Rachel A. Lowes I am an associate at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A. I practice commercial litigation, products liability defense, and insurance defense. I joined YLS in the fall of 2012. I have since served on the YLS Judicial Reception committee, chaired the Gator Bus Trip committee, and volunteered with several YLS projects in the community, including serving as a mentor in the YLS Mentoring Program. I am incredibly grateful for all the doors YLS has opened for me, and I would love the opportunity to serve on the Board. I am also involved in the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers, and I like taking cases from the OCBA Legal Aid Society. I am originally from a small cattle farm in Missouri, so I am extremely glad I was in sunny Florida this past winter! In my spare time, I like kayaking the rivers around Orlando and playing with my two dogs, Tucker and Logan. My hidden talents are my baking and cattle-showing skills. I have enjoyed becoming more involved in YLS since I began practicing, and I would appreciate your support in electing me to the Board. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask. Thank you very much for considering me.
W. Doug Martin It has been my honor to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the of the Orange County Bar Association. I deeply respect the professionalism and commitment to philanthropy that characterizes this organization. Since joining YLS, it has been a privilege to serve as Secretary, Social Chair, New Member Liaison and the YLS-Legal Aid Society Liaison. Thank you for considering me for another term of service so that I can continue to work hard at serving this great organization. Pamela G. Martini Pamela Martini is a Staff Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in Lake County and plans to practice in the areas of Elder/Disability Law and Estate Planning in the future. A Central Florida native, Pam graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), worked for one year on a major TV series, and then entered the pre-press graphics industry, eventually starting up and running a very successful family business in that field. Pam and her husband of 24 years, Bill, live in Windermere with their 3 awesome kids: Noah is a Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering student at UF, Charley is a high school junior/lacrosse player, and Haley is in 6th grade and a member of the OARS middle school crew team. Advocating for her intellectually disabled brother and probably watching too many Judging Amy reruns led Pam to pursue her law degree. Over the years, combining her passions for horses and serving the disabled community, Pam volunteered for both the Woodlands Horses for the Handicapped Program and FreedomRide, in addition to various activities at her children s schools. Pam received her J.D. with honors from Barry Law School in 2012, serving as Editor-in-Chief of Barry Law Review, on Moot Court, and as a teaching/research assistant. She interned with Judge John Antoon II of the Middle District and was a student member of the George C. Young Central Florida Inn of Court. Currently, Pam volunteers with Lake County Teen Court and the OCBA Legal Aid Society s Teen Parent Education Program. Pam is a member of the Elder Law and General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Sections of the Florida Bar. Pam is also a proud member of CFAWL, Florida Trial Court Staff Attorney Association, and OCBA Elder Law Committee. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to serving the Young Lawyer s Section!
Stephen C. Oakley Stephen C. Oakley is a Central Florida native who graduated from Winter Park High School. He is the managing partner of The Oakley Law Firm, P.A. which focuses on Criminal and Family Law. Stephen is active in the OCBA s and this has been a cochair of The Oak Ridge Project as well as the Mentoring Committee. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Law Clerk s Reception Committee and currently volunteers his time as a Guardian Ad Litem through the Orange County Bar Association. Prior to opening his practice, Stephen served as an Assistant State Attorney in Lake County, FL and also worked for a large statewide insurance defense firm in Orlando. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law. Prior to practicing law, Stephen served his community as a Police Officer and in his spare time he enjoys running and flying airplanes. Mr. Oakley strongly desires to continue to serve the members of the as a member of its Board of Directors and respectfully requests your vote. Lorraine N. Pitre Lorraine Pitre is an attorney and works for Florida Hospital in their Human Resources Department. Ms. Pitre earned her Juris Doctorate from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University in 2011. She received her undergraduate at the University of Phoenix. Ms. Pitre enjoys giving back to the Central Florida community, and is active in community work through memberships in the Orange County Bar Association and Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She has participated in the following volunteer events (for 2013): Chair of the Law Week luncheon; Runway for Justice; Feeding Children Everywhere; Beta Center Program; Citizenship Day; Haitian Flag Day; Church of Christ of West Orlando Community Day/Health Fair. She is currently serving in the Orange County Bar Association Law Week Committee as Co-Chair of the 2014 Law Week luncheon.
Brett R. Renton I have extensive experience and have dedicated a substantial amount of time to help make the of the Orange County Bar Association what it is today. I have been a member of the YLS for seven years and I am currently a Board Member, Co-social Chair and Treasurer. I have served on and been chairs of various committees for the YLS which have helped me understand the core mission of this organization. As we move forward, I will continue this organizations mission to develop young attorney s practices, to provide developing attorneys a safe and secure environment to share ideas and experiences, and to offer opportunities to enhance our professional skills, knowledge, and ethical development. I hope you will re-elect me to the YLS Board so I can continue to help make this organization the best Young Lawyer Section in the state of Florida. Rafael O. Rodriguez Rafael Rodriguez has been an Assistant State Attorney for over four years with the State Attorney s Office here in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Rafael is originally from the Orlando area and received his dual bachelor degrees from the University of Florida, and attended Barry University Law School. During his time as an Assistant State Attorney, Rafael has tried over fifty jury trial and dozens of nonjury trials. He was elevated quickly in his office from handling Misdemeanors to Felonies and has been a member of the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse unit for the last two and a half years. In his free time, Rafael enjoys practicing and teaching martial arts, being involved in local bar associations, and participating in church activities. Rafael and his wife Sarah Rodriguez recently welcomed a baby girl, Arianna.
C. Andrew Roy C. Andrew Roy is a third-year attorney with Winderweedle, Haines, Ward and Woodman and is a member of the firm s bankruptcy and litigation departments, focusing primarily on bankruptcy, creditor s rights and appellate work. Andrew was born in Orlando and grew up in Lake Mary where he attended Lake Mary High School. He received a Bachelor of Music in French Horn and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biochemistry from the University of Florida. After graduating, he also received a Master of Science in Management from the University of Florida. Andrew attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law where he served as President of the Florida Moot Court Team and the Corporate Securities Litigation Group. Currently, Andrew is the Vice President of the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association; he previously served as secretary in 2013. Andrew is also a co-chair for the YLS Relay for Life Event, a co-chair for the Big Bad Wolf Trials for the OCBA Law Week program, and has served on a number of committees for YLS, including the Lawyers for Literacy Event, Relay for Life, Evening with the Judiciary, and the New Lawyer Swearing-in Ceremony. Andrew is also active with the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar, and serves a vice-chair of the Social Media Task Force as liaison to the Bankruptcy/UCC Committee. Brandon M. Sapp Brandon Sapp is an attorney at the Law Offices of Robert Wesley, Public Defender of the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Brandon was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He earned both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Florida. While attending the University of Florida College of Law, he served as the President of the Black Law Students Association and later served as President of the Law College Council. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee for the of the Orange County Bar Association.
Christina N. Scelsi Christina (Chrissie) Scelsi is the principal of Scelsi Entertainment and New Media Law, P.L., with offices in Orlando and Port Charlotte, Florida, where she focuses her practice on entertainment, intellectual property, internet, technology, and business law. She has served as in house counsel for an international game based-simulations company, where she was responsible for advising on software licensing matters, trademark, copyright, and corporate issues. Ms. Scelsi has written and spoken extensively about matters at the intersection of law and new technology for The Entertainment and Sports Lawyer, as well as The Science and Technology Lawyer. Christina served as an editor of the book Computer Games and Virtual Worlds: A New Frontier in Intellectual Property Law, which was published by the ABA Section of Intellectual Property Law, is a chapter contributor to The American Bar Association s Legal Guide to Video Game Development, and serves as a member of the Landslide magazine editorial board. Ms. Scelsi currently serves as Co-Chair of the OCBA YLS Award Committee, and is Awards Editor for the Editorial Board of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She also serves as Secretary of the Executive Council of the Florida Bar Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section. Christina received her B.B.A. in marketing from Loyola University New Orleans, a J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law, and an LL.M. in entertainment and media law from Southwestern School of Law. Ryan Paul Scordato Ryan Paul Scordato is civil trial lawyer with O'Connor & O'Connor, LLC, focusing mainly on construction litigation, personal injury litigation, and commercial/corporate litigation representing clients throughout Florida. Prior to joining O'Connor & O'Connor, Mr. Scordato worked for two Florida litigation firms, and obtained vast experience in a variety of types of litigation. He is licensed to practice before all Florida state courts. Mr. Scordato attended Louisiana State University for law school, graduating from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2010. In law school, he competed in the Tullis Moot Court and the Flory Criminal Trial competitions, while also serving as the Vice Justice for the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity and helping to re-establish the chapter at LSU. Currently, Mr. Scordato is a member of the Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, and is co-chair of the New Membership Committee. He is a Board Member at the Christian Service Center, a well-established service organization that helps those in need throughout Central Florida. In 2012, he served on the Committee for the Make-A-Wish Foundation Golf Classic, helping organize sponsors for the event that raised substantial funding for the organization in Central Florida. Further, in the fall of 2013 Mr. Scordato participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Lock-Up" program, raising nearly $2,000 to support the MDA. Mr. Scordato is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Mr. Scordato was born on June 19, 1985 and was raised in Ellington, Connecticut. He attended the University of Connecticut for his undergraduate degree, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2007. While at the University of Connecticut, Mr. Scordato was a four year member of the men s lacrosse team, and served as team captain his senior year. Mr. Scordato is an avid sports fan, and his other hobbies include golfing, hunting, and fishing.
Jennifer A. Smith As a six year litigator, I concentrate my practice in the areas of commercial litigation, creditors rights, and business litigation. Over the past few years, I have become particularly active in leadership roles within YLS, including chairing the 2013 Relay for Life and its associated Pub-Crawl and this year s Evening with the Judiciary. I am also active in the Florida Bar, serving my second threeyear term on the Student Education and Admissions to the Bar Committee. As a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, I am a passionate college football fan. While the practice of law is often busy, I am committed to a leadership role within YLS and the Central Florida legal community. I look forward to your vote as a healthy alternative to the adoption of another cat.