On May 8, 2026, Judge Vaughan presented the Pro Bono Committee’s Senior$mart$ Program at the German American Society in Orlando. She had a great turnout with about 50 people. It was a very successful event! View the full albumRead More

From The Orlando Sentinel By Judge Lori Vaughan A few days ago, I received a text from someone claiming to be with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. According to the text, I have unsettled traffic penalties and to avoid my license and vehicle registration being suspended immediately, I must pay them...Read More

By: Judge Laurel Isicoff and Tara Trevorrow, Law Clerk Meet the newest joint initiative of the Bankruptcy Bar Association for the Southern District of Florida (BBA) and the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar (BLS): Senior$mart$. Built on a platform originally created by the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ), the Senior$mart$ program hopes...Read More

With almost four years on the federal bankruptcy bench, I have now seen hundreds of pro se parties in bankruptcy and observed how much Court time and resources are needed to address issues in their proceedings. When I was in private practice, I had a different lens and, when I saw someone who needed help...Read More

The Starfish Story by Loren C. Eiseley One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked “Young man, what are you doing?” The boy replied, ” Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up...Read More

This week, we celebrate Pro Bono Week, a time to recognize and amplify the incredible work our members do to expand access to justice across Florida. The Pro Bono Committee remains committed to achieving 100% participation in pro bono service and creating opportunities that fit every practice area. I encourage each of you to find...Read More

Reprinted with permission from University of Miami School of Law After years of effort, the Eleanor R. Cristol and Judge A. Jay Cristol Bankruptcy Pro Bono Assistance Clinic recently successfully completed the longest-pending case in the clinic’s history. Since 2010, students of the clinic have lent their time and expertise to assist a client in his effort...Read More

Through a referral from Dade Legal Aid – Put Something Back, I had the privilege of representing an individual in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The client had accumulated significant unsecured medical and credit card debts she could no longer manage, and with her limited resources, she was desperate for a way out. With the assistance...Read More

Providing pro bono services becomes a passion for those who do it. The following are remarks from our newest bankruptcy judge in the Middle District of Florida, the Honorable Luis Rivera.  You too can feel good about what you give back to the community in which you work. Please read Judge Rivera’s words and consider...Read More

The CFBLA and US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida are both seeking nominations for their pro bono awards. Criteria is below. The Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association is pleased to announce the return of the Kevin E. Mangum Memorial Pro Bono Excellence Award for 2025. This meaningful recognition celebrates attorneys who demonstrate exceptional commitment...Read More