Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Foundation: Championing Justice and Education
The Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Foundation (FACDL) plays a vital role in promoting excellence, disseminating knowledge, and providing education to the criminal defense community. Through various initiatives, including webinars, seminars, and advocacy efforts, the Foundation supports criminal defense lawyers in their pursuit of justice and protection of constitutional rights. In December 2023, The Florida Bar Foundation changed its name to FFLA.
Recognizing Excellence: The Florida Bar Foundation's Medal of Honor Award
The Florida Bar Foundation recognizes outstanding contributions to the legal profession through its annual awards. In 2023, Miami attorney David B. Rothman, Esq., received The Florida Bar Foundation’s Medal of Honor Award, the Foundation’s highest honor. Rothman's dedication to ethics, professionalism, and advocacy has earned him the respect of his peers and the gratitude of the legal community.
Jason B. Blank, a partner with Haber Blank, LLP, and chair of The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section, lauded Rothman as "a strong voice, to lawyers young and old, for the notion that we must keep the prestige and honor in our profession intact." Blank emphasized that Rothman’s commitment begins with an ethical practice and consistent support of the Bar through volunteering and engagement.
Warren W. Lindsey of Lindsey, Ferry and Parker, P.A., echoed this sentiment, stating that Rothman is "truly a champion of our profession and is deserving of this award." Rothman's efforts in lobbying and building relationships behind the scenes have significantly benefited the courts and the Bar.
Michelle R. Suskauer, past president of The Florida Bar, praised Rothman's institutional knowledge, selflessness, and mentorship, noting his passion for the profession and the Bar. Scott N. Richardson, a West Palm Beach lawyer, highlighted Rothman's expertise in ethical issues, stating that he has "indisputably become the lawyer to whom other lawyers turn when faced with ethical issues."
Read also: Explore CFK
Rothman's extensive service includes roles on the Foundation’s board from 2011-17 and The Florida Bar Board of Governors from 1999-2011, where he chaired its Disciplinary Review Committee for more than 10 years. His prior experience includes serving as Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County and, since 1995, he has been an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law. Rothman received the Dade County Bar’s David W. Dyer Professionalism Award in 2014 and the Criminal Justice Award in 2017. Two years later, he was awarded FACDL’s highest honor, the Steven M.
Championing Community Legal Aid: Kimberly L. Rodgers
Kimberly L. Rodgers, Esq., executive director of Community Law Program in St., has also been recognized for her exceptional work. After earning her law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1998, Rodgers worked as a law clerk for the city of St. District Court, Middle District of Florida.
Under Rodgers' leadership, the Community Law Program (CLP) has expanded its reach and impact, serving over 3,500 clients each year. Lynn E. Hanshaw praised Rodgers for her tireless efforts, noting that CLP has "grown, thrived and continues to expand at a time when funds are at a premium and needs are overwhelming."
Judge Lorraine M. Kelly emphasized Rodgers' energy and compassion for the underdog, stating that her "tireless efforts on behalf of the indigent community are singular and remarkable." Jeannine Smith Williams, St. Petersburg Chief Assistant City Attorney, highlighted the Community Counsel Program implemented under Rodgers' leadership, which provides pro bono transactional services to community-based nonprofit organizations.
Melissa R. Byers, executive director of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, affirmed that "Kimberly is committed to the goals and vision of CLP and to the needs of the overall St. Petersburg community." Rodgers' dedication has been recognized with the Kay B. Myers Pro Bono Coordinator Award by the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association in 2017 and the INSPIRE! Iconic Woman of the Year award by the St.
Read also: NCAA Tournament: Florida Gators
Educational Initiatives: Webinars and Seminars
FACDL offers a variety of webinars and seminars designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of criminal defense lawyers. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from restorative justice to forensic science to legislative updates.
Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy and practice that invites those affected by a harmful incident to collectively decide how to repair the harm, restore trust, and build or rebuild a sense of community. Gretchen Casey, a speaker with over three decades of experience in victim services and restorative justice, leads a webinar on incorporating RJ practices into criminal defense work. The Florida Bar has approved this webinar for one hour of general education credit and one hour of certification credit in either Criminal Trial Law or Criminal Appellate Law.
Technology in the Workplace
Jaime, a training and development professional, conducts an interactive virtual training to increase confidence in navigating Zoom in the workplace.
Legislative Updates
Wayt, FACDL Legislative Chair, provides a legislative update on the bills passed in the 2024 Florida Legislative Session relevant to Criminal Law. He routinely speaks in House/Senate Committees for and against legislation.
Trust Account Management and Firm Operations
Christine, the Director of the Florida Bar's Practice Resource Center, hosts a webinar on effective and compliant trust account management, the importance of a firm's structure and operation, and practical tech advice.
Read also: Florida Atlantic University Dates
Sentencing Guidelines
Jason Kreiss and, attorneys with extensive experience in federal criminal defense, present on the new sentencing guideline amendments promulgated by the United States Sentencing Commission.
Trial Preparation
Jason Kaufman, a criminal trial attorney with 18 years of experience, leads a presentation on putting together tools for success at trial, including Jury Selection Notebooks, Trial Notebooks, Discovery Notebooks, and witness Folders.
Ignition Interlock Devices
Deb Stein, an attorney with a background in insurance defense and prosecution, provides insights into ignition interlock devices, including their benefits, requirements, and technical aspects.
First Appearance and Bond Issues
discusses the law on first appearance and bond issues. Aaron, a criminal defense attorney at Pumphrey Law, shares his expertise in defending DUI cases.
Juvenile Justice
Jordan T. Beard, Nicole Martin, Belkis Plata, and Diana L. Johnson discuss juvenile justice issues. Belkis Plata was unanimously selected to receive the Young Lawyer’s Division (YLD) Pro Bono Award at the Florida Supreme Court in 2020.
Forensic Science
Christian D. Vizcaino and , expert in Criminal Appellate Law, present on challenging forensic pathology opinions in cases involving homicide, child abuse, and drug deaths. is the Executive Director of the Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences.
Reporting Requirements for Licensed Professionals
T.A. discusses the reporting requirements for persons licensed in Florida and the impacts of criminal dispositions on their careers.
Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice
This 1-hour program shows defense lawyers how to use AI to tame heavy caseloads while staying ethical.
Cross-Examination Techniques
This compact handbook brings together over 20 of Larry Pozner’s most powerful cross-examination articles, covering core principles and advanced strategies for witness control, impeachment, chaptering, and framing reasonable doubt.
Detecting Deception
This program delivers a courtroom-ready system to detect deception, dismantle false testimony, and turn credibility attacks into acquittals or favorable pleas.
Objections in Criminal Trials
This program delivers practical strategies for making effective objections in criminal trials, especially drug cases.
Challenging Psychological Testimony
This program, based on a real trial, gives defense attorneys a practical roadmap to challenge and exclude biased psychological testimony.
Cross-Examination in Digital Forensics Cases
This guide provides ready-to-use cross-examination questions, categorized by artifact type and case theme-from cell phone towers to deleted texts to smart devices and cloud forensics.
AI Support for Attorneys
This training is designed specifically for attorneys-busy professionals who need fast, accurate, and case-relevant AI support.
Dismantling Prosecutorial Narratives
This comprehensive training program provides defense attorneys with a rigorous, science-backed approach to dismantling prosecutorial narratives, exposing unreliable testimony, and ensuring that juries are properly educated on the complexities of memory, intoxication, and consent.
Arguing Reasonable Doubt
This program will discuss proven methods to argue and define reasonable doubt persuasively to a jury.
Understanding DNA Evidence
This presentation blends real-world storytelling with clear, practical instruction-making DNA evidence finally feel accessible, even to non-scientists-while inspiring attorneys to dig deeper, ask smarter questions, and approach forensic science with newfound confidence.
Supporting Legal Aid Organizations
FFLA conducts a review of certain information submitted by these organizations to reasonably ensure they are non-profit entities primarily offering civil legal aid to individuals of limited means. However, FFLA does not assess or warrant the quality, effectiveness, or specific nature of the services provided. FFLA supports numerous legal aid organizations throughout Florida, including:
- Bay Area Legal Services
- Brevard County Legal Aid
- Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida
- Community Justice Project
- Community Legal Services
- CABA Pro Bono
- Dade County Legal Aid Society
- Emerald Coast Legal Aid (Northwest Florida Legal Services)
- Florida Legal Services
- Florida Rural Legal Services
- Florida's Children First
- Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society
- IDignity
- Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
- Lee County Legal Aid Society
- Legal Aid Service of Broward County
- Legal Aid Service of Collier County
- Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
- Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association
- Legal Services of Greater Miami
- Legal Services of North Florida
- (SLC)
- St. Michael's Legal Center for Women and Children
- St. Thomas University Benjamin L.
- Stetson University College of Law Veterans Law Institute
- Three Rivers Legal Services
- United Way of Indian River County
- University of Miami School of Law
These organizations provide crucial legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in a variety of civil matters.
Advocacy and Defense of Constitutional Rights
FACDL actively advocates for the protection of constitutional rights and the interests of criminal defense lawyers. The Foundation monitors legislation, testifies in committees, and files amicus briefs in important cases.
FACDL joins amici in supporting victims of the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee. FACDL sounded the alarm and testified in committee on how HB 1049 could chill zealous advocacy or even criminalize the actions of defense attorneys.
Honoring Legal Professionals
FACDL mourns the loss of one of its most esteemed members, Roy Black. Maria Pavlidis, Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law, began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. She worked in the Major Crimes Bureau, a specialized division of the office reserved for the most experienced and skilled attorneys. Maria was honored with the Attorney of the Year Award in 2009 and 2011 by her peers and supervisors at the Public Defender’s Office. In 2019, she received the James H. Kynes Memorial in the Trenches Award for excellence in criminal trial practice.
tags: #florida #criminal #defense #lawyers #educational #foundation
