George Edgecomb Bar Association

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

The George Edgecomb Bar Association was proud to host its 2026 Know Your Rights Community Workshop at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, bringing together attorneys, judges, and community members for an afternoon dedicated to education, service, and access to justice.

There could not have been a more fitting location. Named in honor of civil rights leader Robert W. Saunders, Sr., the library stands as a symbol of advocacy, opportunity, and community empowerment. Likewise, GEBA proudly carries the name of Judge George Edgecomb, the first African American judge in Hillsborough County. Together, they represent a legacy of leadership and service that continues to inspire our work today.

GEBA board members and volunteer attorneys from across the Tampa Bay area donated their time to provide free legal information and answer questions on a wide range of legal topics. Community members had the opportunity to engage directly with legal professionals and gain a better understanding of their rights and the resources available to them.

We were also honored to welcome an outstanding judicial panel featuring Judge Daryl Manning, Judge Catherine Peek McEwen, and Judge Kelly Ayers. Their discussion provided valuable insight into the judicial process, their respective courts, and the justice system as a whole. We thank each of them for sharing their time, knowledge, and perspective with our attendees.

Special thanks to Suzanne DeCopain for her continued dedication to organizing and supporting this event year after year. Her commitment has helped make the Know Your Rights Workshop a meaningful and impactful resource for our community.

We also extend our appreciation to GEBA President Chemere for her exceptional leadership. The success and continued growth of this program are a testament to her vision, dedication, and ability to bring together a team committed to serving both the legal profession and the community.

Thank you to all of the attorneys, Judges, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who helped make this year’s workshop one of our strongest and most well-attended events to date. We look forward to continuing our mission of advancing the legal profession while expanding access to justice throughout our community.

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.

05/20/2026

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