The Shutts & Bowen, Tampa office’s 2019 “Outstanding Pro Bono and Community Service Awards” Ceremony recently recognized local attorneys and staff who made significant contributions to pro bono and charitable efforts throughout the year. The reception, which was organized by Firm Pro Bono Committee Member, Ella Shenhav, was the first of its kind to be held in the Tampa office.
The individuals honored at the event included Tampa partner, Lauren Stricker, and Juanita Sanchez. The award recipients for 2019 included one attorney and one staff member, both of whom demonstrated exemplary efforts toward community involvement and pro bono service.
Tampa Office Administrator, Lawanna Voci, presented Juanita Sanchez with the award for her altruistic work with a number of charitable organizations and events throughout the year, including: “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” on behalf of the American Cancer Society, the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s Pig Roast 5k Pro Bono Event, the 6th Annual Pirate Plunder Party benefiting a Kid’s Place of Tampa, the Back to School Supply Drive benefiting Tampa Heights Elementary Magnet School, the Best Buddies Tampa Bay Friendship Walk, and the firm wide campaigns “Go Red for Women” on behalf of the American Heart Association and “Friendship Day” benefiting Best Buddies Florida.
Ella Shenhav presented Lauren Stricker with the award in recognition of her invaluable pro bono contributions to the community and the more than 200 hours dedicated to representing an elderly client who nearly lost her house to a fraudster, but with Lauren’s legal aid, was able to recover the house, which constituted her entire life’s savings. Referencing a letter written by the grateful recipient of Lauren’s pro bono services, Ella read aloud the client’s appreciation as she presented the award:
“Given the rate that my stress and blood pressure levels were accelerating, I likely would not have survived without her help, concern, emotional support and kindness, all in addition to her efficient resolution of a problematic situation. Please accept my deepest appreciation and gratitude for your generosity.”
“The Shutts & Bowen Tampa office will continue to have a meaningful, positive impact on our local community and those in need in the greater Tampa Bay area, thanks to selfless individuals like Lauren and Juanita,” says R. Alan Higbee, Managing Partner of Shutts’ Tampa office. “The award recipients and our entire office embody the spirit of community involvement that epitomizes pro bono service.”
About Lauren L. Stricker
Lauren L. Stricker is a Partner in the Tampa office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where she is a member of the firm's Creditors' Rights/Bankruptcy and Business Litigation Practice Groups. Lauren represents individual and corporate clients in bankruptcy cases, commercial and criminal litigation, and government investigations. Her practice focuses on bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring, avoidance actions (including fraudulent and preferential transfer proceedings), corporate fraud, and financial crimes. She represents secured and unsecured creditors, trustees, committees, and corporate and individual clients in complex bankruptcy cases and financial-recovery litigation. Lauren also represents defendants, targets, witnesses, victims, and companies involved in white-collar criminal matters, government investigations, and False Claims Act qui tam actions. Lauren has consistently been recognized by her peers and rating services as a top Business, Creditor's Rights and Bankruptcy attorney. She is currently a fellow of the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar and serves on Florida Bar's Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee.
About Shutts & Bowen LLP
Shutts & Bowen, established in 1910, is a full-service business law firm with approximately 300 lawyers in offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. Learn more about Shutts & Bowen at www.shutts.com.