Leadership & Recognition

In response to your question regarding my involvement with the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (BACDL), I began as a liaison between Miami Criminal Lawyers and BACDL in 2005. I served as a director for several years before serving as President from 2012 to 2014. I continue to serve as a past president and director, and for many years, I acted as the MC for the annual Gulkin Award dinner.

For context, BACDL’s mission is to support Broward County criminal defense practitioners in the zealous defense of individuals and their constitutional rights. The organization provides continuing legal education, networking, and professional resources to its members. We also work to educate the public on the importance of an independent, ethical criminal defense bar in protecting the rights of everyone within the justice system.

Originally founded in the mid-1960s as a social group for local attorneys, the SBBA eventually became inactive. I revived the association in January 2008 after a thirteen-year hiatus, serving as President from 2008 to 2010. I continue to serve on the board as a past president and advisor.

Since its revival, the SBBA has grown into a thriving Voluntary Bar Association (VBA) with over one hundred members across southern Broward County. As a grassroots organization, we prioritize professionalism and communication to enhance business opportunities for our members. With the support of our sponsors, we provide consistent value through monthly professional and social meetings with local judges and attorneys.

In the late 1990s, I served as a Director, Treasurer, and Vice President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Miami Chapter. I then served as President from 2003–2004, later acting as the liaison between the Miami and Broward criminal defense bar associations. I am a Life Member of FACDL-Miami.

The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Miami Chapter was founded in 1963 and is part of the only statewide organization in Florida dedicated to criminal defense attorneys and their clients. The organization focuses on preserving the adversarial justice system, protecting the rights of the accused, and promoting the zealous representation of all clients.

The Criminal Law Section of the Broward County Bar Association provides a forum for attorneys, judges, and legal professionals to foster professionalism, ethics, and education within the criminal justice system. The section offers specialized CLEs, networking opportunities, and updates on case law and legislation, while hosting judicial panels to improve legal practice in the 17th Judicial Circuit.

During my 10 years as chairperson, I managed meetings between defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges. I also coordinated Continuing Legal Education seminars to ensure these professionals could gather and learn together in a neutral setting.