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"In selecting Brevard first, we wanted a community with a strong local bar and an established pro bono culture. We feel that Brevard is an excellent starting point for building excitement for the campaign statewide."-- Adrianne Davis, Florida Legal Services staff
Nearly 100 people from the legal community gathered at the Brevard County Legal Aid offices in Rockledge for the official kick-off and launch of Florida's one campaign (to see pictures, go to the Special Events page).
18th Circuit Court Chief Judge Preston Silvernail addressed the group, emphasizing the importance of performing pro bono service. Private practitioner James Torres related his positive experiences of doing pro bono work; he stated that "these cases and the people I have helped have changed my life in such a good way."
As guests approached the offices, they couldn't help but notice the one Campaign banner hanging to welcome them to the launch. 
During the celebration, guests had the opportunity to: watch the campaign video featuring Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice, Peggy Quince, first district court of appeal Judge William Van Nortwick and others; review printed materials; sign-up for scheduled trainings; sign-on to take one case; and enjoy a networking lunch. Stephen Koons, a BCLA board member, signed up for a case. After reading a short prepared review of the case, he said, "I"ll take this one, is sounds a lot like what I do everyday."
Lane Cofer, BCLA's new pro bono coordinator, was pleased with how many new names she saw on the sign up sheet. In the end, more than 50 attorneys signed up for trainings and cases. As guests departed the luncheon they were offered goodie bags that included a hot-off-the-press one campaign coffee mug and an attractive one campaign T- shirt.
For a list of trainings being held at the BCLA offices in Rockledge, please note the following dates: Children's Law Training - November 18, 2009 Employment Law Training Ð December 11, 2009 Family Law Training - December 4, 2009 Mortgage Foreclosure - Webinar Trainings available anytime.
When Florida's Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services took on the issue of declining pro bono participation, retaining the respected firm of Carmody and Associates to conduct a detailed study was just the first step. With the support of the Florida Bar Foundation, the resulting study, along with its report and recommendations, underscores the need for Florida's legal community to "take a fresh look" at our pro bono system to address the steady decline in participation, particularly through organized programs like Brevard County Legal Aid.
What the Standing Committee could not have anticipated was that, as a result of the study, they would be charged with coordinating a statewide marketing campaign to recruit pro bono attorneys.
Their answer is Florida's One campaign.
For more information or to sign up for training, contact: Amanda Hudson at (321)631-2500 ext. 11.
Brevard County Legal Aid recently hosted their Annual Pro Bono Awards and Recognition Gala at the Suntree Country Club in Melbourne. Fifth District Court of Appeal Judge Bruce W. Jacobus was the evening's special guest speaker. The Annual Gala recognized attorneys who have gone above and beyon
d to help the poor in Brevard. Attorney James L. Torres was deservedly named Attorney of the Year. BCLA's Recognition Gala is considered one of the most important events in Brevard's Legal Circle. A strong judicial presence filled the room as 15 judges attended the Gala.. The event's presenting sponsors were PNC Bank and the Brevard Bar Foundation.
In summarizing BCLA's activities from the past year, BCLA Executive Director Rob Johnson said "Legal Aid continued to provide the highest quality legal assistance in family law cases involving
the best interests of children and to survivors of domestic violence while expanding programs in the areas of housing and Pro Bono." He also noted that BCLA's Children's Project had been recognized for it's excellence by the Florida Bar, receiving the Michael Roffino Award at the Bar's annual meeting in June.
In his remarks, Judge Jacobus noted that BCLA had been selected as the launch site for Florida's ONE Campaign, a statewide effort to expand pro bono participation. Legal Aid's pro bono project is already making gains by offering interesting alternatives for attorneys seeking to volunteer. 
He also discussed the importance of the "rule of law" as an essential element of democracy. Jacobus presented awards to 22 attorneys for distinguished and outstanding service.
Len Farias, President of CMIT Solutions received a Special Service Award. CMIT donates top quality information technology services to Legal Aid, greatly improving their ability to serve clients effectively.
James Torres, Attorney of the Year, is a board-certified trial lawyer specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance disputes, consumer law and small business issues. He attended Florida State University both as an undergraduate and for law school, where he graduated with honors. In 2007, when he established his own firm, James L. Torres, P.A., he branched out into the field of consumer law. In doing so, he recognized a unique opportunity to provide pro bono service. In representing his Legal Aid clients, he brings considerable experience as a trial lawyer to help those most in need. In the past two years, Torres has represented over 250 clients through Legal Aid.
In addition to PNC Bank and the Brevard County Bar Foundation, other sponsors included: Allender & Allender, Cianfrogna, Telfer, Reda, Faherty and Anderson, GrayRobinson, Ken Tworoger, Molletiere & Torpy, Nance Cacciatore; Koons & Gigliotti and Vance, Lotane & Bookhardt.
