On June 22, 2017, the YLD honored five individuals who excel in their field of practice, mentor young lawyers, and advocate on behalf of others. Congratulations to the award recipients:
Diversity Award was presented to Javier Lopez, a partner at Kozyak, Tropin, Throckmorton. He was nominated by John Kozyak, primarily for his achievements while serving as the President of the Cuban American Bar Association. Under his leadership, CABA generated a three-fold increase in funds for the organization’s diversity-related initiatives. Sixty thousand dollars will be dedicated to the CABA pro bono program. One hundred thousand dollars will be awarded in scholarships for Hispanics to attend Florida law schools. CABA has also added a full-time staff member to its pro bono program, which has already provided over $2 million in free legal services.
Lynn Futch Most Productive Young Lawyer Award was presented to Alexandria Hill, counsel for Maple Street Biscuits. She was nominated by the Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, primarily for generating record donations for local charities and increasing the good will of attorneys in the community. Ms. Hill was the driving force behind the Ribault Program, a program that pairs mentors with high school students from impoverished communities. The program also provides one-on-one mentoring, field trips, and mock trials.
Michael K. Reese Quality of Life Award was presented to Deborah Baker-Egozi, a partner at Greenspoon Marder. She was nominated by the Miami-Dade chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, primarily for her courage in running for the Florida Bar Board of Governors and strenuously advocating for the Parental Leave Rule. The Rule allows trial counsel to obtain up to a three-month continuance for parental leave, as long as it does not cause substantial prejudice to the opposing party. The Florida Bar Board of Governors recently passed the proposed procedure unanimously.
Most Outstanding Jurist Award was presented to Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judge Claudia Isom. Judge Isom was elected to the bench in 1991 and has served in every division. She dedicates significant time to educating youth in the Hillsborough community. As an example, for the last six years, Judge Isom has organized mock trials for children visiting the courthouse. She is also involved with the Kinship Center, a program that connects families with legal services and resources. She actively promotes attorney participation in pro bono services and organizes charitable events that support pro bono legal services. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to the community, promoting community service, educating our youth, and promoting professionalism.
Most Outstanding Woman Lawyer of Achievement Award was presented to Katherine Yanes, a partner at Kynes, Markman & Felman P.A. She was nominated by the Hillsborough chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She practices criminal defense and is revered as one of the best appellate attorneys in Florida. Ms. Yanes maintains an active pro bono practice, dedicating over 500 hours to the Clemency Project, where she has assisted with obtaining clemency for 30 clients. Ms. Yanes also recognizes the importance of educating and mentoring young women lawyers. She created a year-long CLE series that focuses on addressing how to retain female talent in the legal profession and how to obtain leadership positions.