15th Judicial Circuit Launches OLS Text/Email Notification Messaging Services Pilot Program

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The 15th Judicial Circuit has launched a pilot program within its Online Scheduling (OLS) system designed to improve access to hearing availability and streamline scheduling communications for attorneys and parties.

The pilot will begin Monday, November 2^nd in select Circuit and County Civil divisions. Additional divisions will be added soon, after the pilot project ends. Additional information regarding participating divisions is available at  https://15thcircuit.com/scheduling-systems-project .

This project introduces several new features to registered OLS users:

• Text and Email Notifications when new special set hearing times or Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) dates become available.
• Priority Standby Lists that allow attorneys to be notified of earlier hearing opportunities resulting from cancellations.
• Downloadable Calendar Appointments compatible with Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, and other popular calendar applications.

Attorneys participating in the Priority Standby List program may receive notifications when an earlier hearing slot becomes available. If approved by the Court, users will receive a one-time scheduling link allowing them to accept or decline the available hearing date. Declined opportunities do not remove a case from consideration for future openings.

The enhanced calendar feature enables users to download hearing appointments directly from OLS, including key scheduling details such as case information, hearing type, scheduling confirmation number, division assignment, motions to be heard, and Zoom information when applicable.

How Attorneys Can Enroll

Attorneys with an active OLS account may enroll in the pilot program by logging into OLS. Detailed instructions are available on the Circuit’s website. Standard messaging and data rates may apply to text notifications.

Training Resources

Training resources and instructional videos are available through the CourtHelp4U YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/c/courthelp4u.

Because the pilot program remains subject to modification, attorneys should continue to review divisional instructions regularly for current procedures, requirements, and updates.

The project is a collaboration of the Palm Beach County Bar and the 15^th Circuit’s judiciary. Circuit Judge Joseph Curley, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Civil division, explained this project “was designed to improve communication, reduce scheduling delays, and provide attorneys with faster access to available hearing opportunities”.  Additional information about the pilot project is available at https://15thcircuit.com/scheduling-systems-project or by emailing [email protected]

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am thrilled to share that Candice Disorbo has been selected as our next Executive Director, effective November 3rd, 2026. Candice joins us after sixteen years with the Orange County Bar Association. She brings a wealth of experience in bar leadership, programming, and member service to our Association.

As we prepare for this transition, we extend our sincere gratitude to Carla Tharp-Brown, who is retiring after a decade of service to PBCBA. Carla’s leadership has strengthened our Association in countless ways, and we wish her a well-deserved retirement.

Please save the date for a meet-and-greet reception on November 19th to welcome Candice. Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Below are a few reflections on this transition from a few familiar faces and from Candice herself:

• Carla Tharp-Brown, Outgoing Executive Director: “As I prepare to retire, I do so with absolute confidence in the future of PBCBA. Candice Disorbo possesses the leadership qualities and experience needed to guide this organization into its next chapter. I could not be more pleased to pass the torch to such a capable leader.”

• Patience Burns, Former Executive Director: “Having been at the OCBA for sixteen years, Candice will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the PBCBA. My colleagues and friends have shared that the PBCBA will be lucky to have her as its next Executive Director.”

• Julia Wyda, Past President: “Candice is a well-respected bar executive and leader who received national recognition before and during her time as Executive Director of the OCBA. She is an engaged leader, devoted mother, and outstanding human being. She will bring her enthusiasm, experience with award-winning programming, and focus on organization and growth to the PBCBA. I look forward to seeing our Palm Beach Bar community unite in a new period of modernization and advancement.”

• Candice Disorbo, Incoming Executive Director: “I am truly excited and honored to join the Palm Beach County Bar Association as its next Executive Director. I look forward to getting to know our members, building meaningful relationships, and working alongside the leadership and staff to continue strengthening the Association and the value it brings to our legal community. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited for what we will accomplish together.”

Please join me in thanking Carla for her years of dedicated service and in extending a warm welcome to Candice as she begins this new chapter with the PBCBA.

Sincerely,

Jack Rice
President

The Palm Beach County Bar Association is pleased to share the upcoming Gratitude Gathering – Champions of Hope and Healing, hosted by the Center for Child Counseling on November 4, 2026.

This special event brings our community together to recognize individuals who make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Join us in honoring Bob Bertisch, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, for his contributions to our community and celebrating the champions who help make Palm Beach County a stronger, more compassionate place for children and families.

Event Details

• Event: Gratitude Gathering – Champions of Hope and Healing
• Date: November 4, 2026
• Time: 5:30–8:00 p.m.
• Location: Center for Child Counseling, Greenwood campus
• Tickets: $35 drawing ticket, with drinks, crepes, and hors d’oeuvres

Register here: https://www.centerforchildcounseling.org/events/gratitude-gathering/

We hope members of the legal community will join us in celebrating Bob and recognizing those who champion hope and healing for children and families.

West Palm Beach, FL – The 24^th Annual Cup of Justice Golf Classic, hosted by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County on October 12, 2026, raised almost $100,000 to support the organization’s mission to provide free legal assistance to community members.

The 24^th annual event was held at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club and chaired by Attorney Robert Shalhoub. First Horizon Bank was the presenting sponsor, and Florida Crystals Corporation and Taft Law Firm were the luncheon and dinner sponsors, respectively.

Other major sponsors included GrayRobinson; Dailey Janssen Architects; Beebe Law; Kudman Trachten Aloe Posner LLP; and Smith, Stohlman, James & Gardere, P.A.

The golf tournament committee members included Paul Shalhoub, Esq., Scott Perry, Esq., Grier Pressly, Esq., Benjamin Hartman, Devin Krauss and Gary Woodfield, Esq.

One of the highlights of the event was the “Beat the Amateur” contest, where participants played against local standout junior golfer brothers Luciano and Giuseppe Puebla and Rocco Kolkowski.

The team representing Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. consisting of golfers DJ Ward, Chappell Brown, Michael Rieman, and Devin Crisman won the “Cup of Justice” trophy after an outstanding round of golf.

Other winners included (Flight A – 1^st Place) Michael Kranz, Phil Keck, Ryan Reif, and Robbie Wight of Team Smith, Ball, Baez, & Prather; (Flight B – 1^st Place) Matt Smith, Lee Heaton, Tove Haueisen, and Christian Dempsey of Team Smith, Stohlman, James & Gardere, P.A.; and (Flight C – 1^st Place) Shane Barr, Adriana Darwish, Frank Dowling, and Ilan Kaufer of Team Florida Power & Light Company. 

The men’s Longest Drive winner was Kristian Bie, representing The Palm Beach County Justice Association, and the women’s Longest Drive winner was Jessica Shapiro, representing Gunster. 

“We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors and participants” said Robert Bertisch, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. “The funds raised from this event will help us continue to provide essential legal services to those who need them most.”

Link to Dropbox Photos Click here

Link to Facebook Photo Album Click here

All Photos by Tracey Benson Photography

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., founded in 1949, is a private nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to providing free legal services to disadvantaged children, families, elders and individuals living in Palm Beach County.  Projects include the Domestic

Violence Project, Juvenile Advocacy Project, Foster Children’s Project, Ryan White Project, Fair Housing Project and Elder Law Project.

Please click here to view the AO. 

Please click here to view the AO. 

The following job posting is provided by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (LASPBC) and shared as a courtesy.

LASPBC seeks a motivated and creative Philanthropy and Communications Associate to help present Legal Aid’s work and client impact to donors, supporters, and the broader community. Serving as a key writing and project-support resource, this position contributes to fundraising initiatives and coordinated external communications.

JOB SUMMARY

The Philanthropy and Communications Associate is an excellent writer who is comfortable interacting with donors and community partners and capable of independently managing multiple projects and deadlines. The position combines persuasive writing, relationship support, and careful project coordination across print and digital channels.

Working closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and Director of Annual Fund and Events, the Associate contributes to the timely completion of fundraising priorities and helps maintain consistent messaging and engagement with Legal Aid’s donors and supporters.

The standard schedule is generally,  Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Communications and Philanthropy Support

• Draft donor correspondence, acknowledgments, stewardship materials, appeals, impact stories, campaign content, and other communications.
• Prepare prospect research, briefing materials, talking points, and meeting support for Philanthropy leadership.
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship by coordinating recognition, personalized follow-up, and special projects that strengthen ongoing relationships.
• Interact professionally with donors, sponsors, Board members, volunteers, law firms, and community partners.
• Support annual giving, Campaign for Equal Justice, sponsorships, donor outreach, event communications.
• Assist in maintaining accurate donor and prospect information to track cultivation and stewardship activity in Raiser’s Edge.

Marketing, Communications, and Website Management

• Write and edit newsletters, email communications, website content, social media posts, articles, fundraising materials, impact stories, and organizational communications.
• Coordinate email campaigns, including content, lists, scheduling, testing, and deployment.
• Maintain Legal Aid’s website by keeping content accurate, current, accessible, and aligned with organizational messaging.
• Coordinate social media content and maintain a communications calendar for web, email, social media, fundraising, events, programs, and organizational priorities.
• Develop basic graphics and digital materials for email, social media, web, events, and donor communications.
• Coordinate and oversee outside designers, printers, web developers, photographers, and communications vendors.
• Troubleshoot routine website and digital communication issues and coordinate vendor support when needed.

Event and Campaign Support

• Support fundraising campaigns and signature events led by the Director of Annual Fund and Events.
• Draft and produce invitations, sponsorship materials, donor communications, programs, signage, scripts, presentations, and follow-up materials.
• Prepare committee materials, correspondence, prospect information, and follow-up.
• Assist with event-day responsibilities and interact professionally with donors, sponsors, and guests.
• Coordinate post-event acknowledgments, communications, photos, impact information, and stewardship materials.

Philanthropy Operations and Project Coordination

• Maintain project calendars, deadlines, files, and supporting materials for assigned initiatives.
• Coordinate information and approvals across departments to keep communications, campaigns, events, and projects moving forward.
• Assist with donor database updates, reports, mailing lists, proofreading, and record keeping.
• Provide writing, research, and support for fundraising and donor engagement projects.
• Work collaboratively with Philanthropy leadership, program staff, and other departments, and perform related duties consistent with the position.

SUPERVISION

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS

The position requires frequent collaborative interaction with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Director of Annual Fund and Events, Chief Executive Officer, donors, community partners, and stakeholders.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in nonprofit development, communications, marketing, donor relations, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with email marketing, social media platforms, website management, and digital communications.
• Experience maintaining and updating website content using a content management system such as WordPress or a comparable platform.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or another fundraising database preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to write clearly, persuasively, and appropriately for different audiences.
• Ability to translate complex programs, client outcomes, and organizational information into compelling cases for support.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and competing deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Basic graphic design skills and experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor activities.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling donor, prospect, financial, client-impact, and other sensitive organizational information.

WORK SCHEDULE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities.
• Must work the established schedule and occasional additional hours as operationally necessary.
• Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Regular use of computers, office technology, and virtual communication platforms to perform essential job functions, including typing.
• Frequent writing, reading, hearing, and speaking verbal communication.
• Long periods of sitting, regular standing and walking, occasional pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, and safely lifting, carrying, or moving up office materials of up to 15 lbs.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

Employment with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is at will. Nothing contained in this job description creates or is intended to create a contract of employment or guarantee employment for any specific duration. Either the employee or LASPBC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. LASPBC reserves the right to modify, add, remove, or reassign duties and responsibilities as organizational needs require.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Our Total Rewards Philosophy

At the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, we are committed to providing a competitive and rewarding total compensation package that goes beyond salary. Our excellent benefits that include generous paid leave, retirement savings opportunities, wellness support, professional development opportunities, and additional perks designed to attract and retain exceptional professionals committed to advancing the organization’s mission.  These benefits promote financial security, work-life balance, and career advancement—because we believe investing in our people is essential to fulfilling our mission. Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Salary Range

Competitive salary of $62,500 – $67,500 per year, depending on qualifications.

Additional Benefits

• Vacation leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks per year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment) and increases to 3 weeks per year after two years of employment.
• Sick leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks per year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment).
• 13-15 paid holidays per year (depending on court schedule).
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (beginning first of the month after 30 days of employment).
• Employer paid short-term disability/long-term disability and life insurance (beginning first of the month after 30 days of employment).
• Employer matches up to 5% of 401K plan contribution (eligible after one year of service).
• Salary paid bi-weekly by direct deposit.
• Mileage and reimbursements processed weekly.
• Law school student loan repayment assistance for eligible individuals.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility based on current Federal guidelines.
• Many other rewards include work-life balance, employee engagement activities, professional development opportunities and an exceptional work culture!

OUR COMMITMENT

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is committed to fostering a workplace where integrity, respect, inclusion, collaboration, and service define our culture.

We value diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and seek those who demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community with excellence.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To express interest in joining our great team, please send your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to [email protected].

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE ADA.

Please click here to view the AO.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal, with deep sadness, mourns the passing of our colleague, friend, and brother, the Honorable Frederick A. (“Fred”) Hazouri.  Judge Hazouri’s life was defined by integrity, service, and an unwavering commitment to justice.  Beyond his distinguished career, Judge Hazouri’s greatest legacy lies in the many lives which he touched though mentorship, education, and kindness.

Fred received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 1965, and his law degree, with Honors, from the University of Florida in 1967.

In 1967, Fred began his career working as a law clerk on the Fourth District Court of Appeal.  He then worked in private practice for twenty-seven years, first with a longstanding West Palm Beach civil litigation firm, before launching his own successful civil litigation firm.  He became a board-certified trial lawyer who earned a reputation for demonstrating the highest level of skills and professionalism throughout his career.  He was a longtime member of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, serving as its President from 1980-81.  He also was chosen for membership in the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and as a Diplomat of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

In 1995, Fred was appointed to serve as a Circuit Court Judge for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County.  In 1998, Judge Hazouri was appointed to serve as an Appellate Judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeal, returning to where he had begun his public service thirty-one years earlier.  He served on the Fourth District Court of Appeal for fifteen years until his retirement from public service in 2013.  He spent the remainder of his career serving as a civil litigation mediator in South Florida.

During his service on the appellate bench, Judge Hazouri authored nearly 500 opinions.  He was a valued Trial Skills instructor at both the Florida Judicial College and the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies.  He also served as a mentor to appellate judges, trial judges, law clerks, and attorneys throughout Florida.  He spent many years volunteering as an instructor and mentor in the Palm Beach County public schools system, teaching the virtues of the American justice system to students of all ages.

Judge Hazouri received the Florida Justice Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, and received the Craig S. Barnard American Inn of Court’s Outstanding Jurist Award in 2012.

Above all, Judge Hazouri was an admired and trusted colleague, friend, and brother to the judges and staff who had the honor of working with him, and a well-respected judge to the attorneys who had the privilege of appearing before him.  His wisdom, compassion, and devotion to public service will carry forward through the lives which he shaped and the lasting impact which he made on the community which he loved.

Judge Hazouri is survived by his beloved wife, former Fourth District Court of Appeal Judge and Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente, their children, grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In tribute to Judge Hazouri’s honorable life and devoted public service, the Fourth District Court of Appeal’s flags were flown at half-staff from Monday, September 28, through Friday, October 2.  May Judge Hazouri’s memory be a blessing.