George Edgecomb Bar Association

05/29/2026

Thank you so much to Attorney Erik Matheney of Shutts & Bowen LLP and Federal Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli for serving as our panelists on the Anatomy of a Federal Trial CLE.

& Bowen LLP partner Erik Matheney recently spoke during the George Edgecomb Bar Association (GEBA) May CLE event on May 20, 2026, at the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse.

https://www.shutts.com/news-Erik-Matheney-Presents-on-the-Anatomy-of-a-Federal-Civil-Trial

05/21/2026

🚨 CALLING ALL ATTORNEY VOLUNTEERS 🚨

GEBA is seeking attorney volunteers for our 2026 Know Your Rights Community Workshop on June 6, 2026!

This event will provide free legal advice and resources to underserved and at-risk members of the Tampa Bay community. We are looking for attorneys willing to volunteer their time and expertise in the following areas:

⚖️ Landlord/Tenant
⚖️ Criminal Law
⚖️ Appeals
⚖️ Small Claims
⚖️ Fair Housing
⚖️ SSI / Disability
⚖️ Sealing & Expungement
⚖️ Business Contracts
⚖️ Workers’ Compensation
⚖️ Property Insurance Claims

🗓 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
📍 Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library

Your service can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families in our community who may not otherwise have access to legal guidance.

👉 Sign up to volunteer here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FAFA72CABFDC16-62867541-volunteer

Please share with fellow attorneys and legal professionals who may be interested in volunteering!

05/21/2026

🚨 FREE LEGAL ADVICE — ONE DAY ONLY 🚨

Need answers to your legal questions? The George Edgecomb Bar Association is hosting a FREE Know Your Rights Community Workshop on Saturday, June 6, 2026!

Volunteer attorneys will be available to provide brief legal advice and information in areas including:

⚖️ Criminal Law
⚖️ Family Law
⚖️ Bankruptcy Law
⚖️ Personal Injury Law
⚖️ Landlord/Tenant Law
⚖️ Wills, Trusts & Estates
⚖️ And more!

🗓 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
📍 Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library
1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL
Ada T. Payne Community Room

🍽️ FREE lunch provided while supplies last!

No registration required; but come early to secure your place.

Please share with friends, family, and community members who may benefit from free legal guidance.

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

We can’t wait to celebrate Juneteenth with you at GEBA’s Juneteenth Celebration & Happy Hour!

Proudly sponsored and hosted by Swope, Rodante P.A., this special evening will bring us together for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, fellowship, and reflection as we honor Juneteenth — a day of freedom, remembrance, resilience, and joy.

Join us on Friday, June 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Swope, Rodante P.A. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Registration is required at mygeba.com/events.

05/20/2026

Thank you to the incredible committee who helped plan the GEBA Scholarship banquet!

05/20/2026

Another highlight that is especially close to our hearts — congratulations to Jasmine Smith for receiving the Jean-Pierre Coy President’s Award and to Assita Toure Blaire for receiving the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award at GEBA’s Scholarship Banquet.

Jasmine and Assita are exceptional attorneys, dedicated public servants, and shining examples of leadership within our community. We are proud to honor their commitment to GEBA and celebrate their achievements!

05/18/2026

Resharing because the deadline to register has been extended to tomorrow, May 19 at 5PM.

Register here: https://mygeba.com/events/ #!event/2026/5/20/anatomy-of-a-federal-civil-trial

We are just one week away from our FINAL CLE of the bar year, and we are ending with a bang!

Live at the Federal courthouse on May 20, 2026 at Noon, Anatomy of a Federal Civil Trial is designed to offer practical strategies and insights for effective advocacy in a federal trial.

Join veterans of the industry, Hon. Anthony Porcelli, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Middle District of Florida, and Erik R. Matheney of Shuts & Bowen LLP, as they draw on their extensive courtroom experience to break down each phase of federal trial —from evidence presentation to openings, closings, and courtroom conduct. Whether you are brand new to federal practice or seeking a refresher, this CLE will offer valuable information and insight.

Free to all attorneys courtesy of the Middle District of Florida Bench Bar Funds. Registration closes this Friday, May 15. Register here: https://mygeba.com/events/ #!event/2026/5/20/anatomy-of-a-federal-civil-trial

05/15/2026

Following Florida’s new congressional redistricting map, it’s more important now than ever for our communities to stay informed, engaged, and organized about voting rights and fair representation in Florida's democratic process.

Hosted by Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association, GEBA, and others, the town hall will feature attorneys, advocates, civil rights leaders, and community organizations from across Florida for a critical discussion on redistricting, voting rights, representation, and the future of our democracy.

We’ll discuss how Florida's new congressional districts impact our communities, what’s at stake moving forward, and what you can do to protect fair and equitable representation for all Floridians.

📅 Tuesday, May 26, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual via Zoom

Featuring:
• Matletha N. Bennette – Southern Poverty Law Center
• Jasmine Burney-Clark – Equal Ground
• Bacardi Jackson – ACLU of Florida

🔗 Register today: bit.ly/democracytownhall

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Lansing “Lanse” Scriven and Pastor Alan M. Harris, the distinguished recipients of our Delano Stewart Diversity Award and Francisco Rodriguez Award! 🎉

We are proud to recognize these exceptional leaders for their unwavering commitment to service, leadership, equity, and community empowerment.

Lanse Scriven’s remarkable legacy in the legal profession and his dedication to mentorship and diversity have created lasting opportunities for countless attorneys and future leaders.

Pastor Alan M. Harris continues to inspire through transformational leadership, advocacy, and community engagement that uplifts and strengthens underserved communities.

Your impact, vision, and service exemplify excellence, and we celebrate all that you have accomplished and continue to achieve. Congratulations on these well-deserved honors!