Joanna Palmer - Judge Palmer's daughter; 5th District Court of Appeal Judge William D. Palmer; 18th Circuit Court Judge Lisa Davidson

SUNTREE, FL (March 28, 2006)--- More than 150 guests attended the Brevard County Legal Aid (BCLA) Annual Pro Bono Awards and Recognition Gala at Suntree Country Club.  Fifth District Court of Appeal Judge William D. Palmer was the evening’s special guest.   In speaking of the importance of pro bono service, Judge Palmer said "Have no doubt that what you do will be appreciated, but have no doubt that the more you do will be appreciated even more." Judge Palmer helped recognize attorneys who have gone above and beyond in their pro bono contributions by generously giving free legal counsel to Legal Aid clients. The Gala event included a networking cocktail hour; a delicious dinner, door prizes and party gifts were given to everyone who attended.  “I am always impressed by the number of Judges who attend Legal Aid’s Gala, this year there were 14, it’s a complement to the attorneys,” said Rob Johnson, BCLA Executive Director. 

Attorney Deborah Smith was recognized as Brevard’s “Attorney of the Year.”  Deborah has donated hundreds of hours staffing bi-weekly family law pro se clinics at the Legal Aid office.  Deborah’s selfless dedication to the poor and disadvantaged is a shining example for the legal profession.

 
Judge Davidson presenting an "Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award" to Attorney Stephen R. Koons

The Gala was generously sponsored by: Nance, Cacciatore; Platt, Jacobus, Fielding & Torres; Jerry Spangler; Kenneth F. Tworoger; Childress & Charpentier; Frank Pound, PA; The Glover Group at Morgan Stanley; Fidelity Bank; William Johnson, PA; Graham, Moletteire & Torpy, P.A.; Dean Mead; Funk, Szachacz & Diamond; Caruso & Swerbilow, P.A.; Cianfrogna, Telfer, Reda, Faherty & Anderson, P.A.; Gray Robinson; J.W. Edens & Company; Rhonda L. Hinds; Vance, Lotane & Bookhardt; and Nash, Moule & Kromash.

Legal Aid will hold it’s 3rd Annual fall fundraiser, “Sunset at the Beach” dinner dance on Saturday, August 26th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Indialantic.  BCLA is a non-profit organization that provides free legal counsel to the poor in Brevard County. For more information about BCLA please call Rob Johnson at 639-2933.