(Pictured) - Tunala Connell, Pro Bono Coordinator

At the heart of our success lies our dedicated Pro Bono program, supported by our exceptional Pro Bono attorneys. Their tireless efforts have enabled us to extend a helping hand to countless individuals and families in need. We want to thank them for their expectational work. We also thank the Solo and Small Firm Section for this recognition and for their commitment to pro bono services. 

By Kellen Mathews, Rollins College Intern

The new “Cassi Carli Law” bill gives courts the power to require parents to use “neutral safe exchange” locations when parties share custody of children. Judges would require parties to use neutral safe locations if there is a threat of harm toward one party or the child during exchanges. These locations would be in parking lots of sheriff's offices and must have adequate lighting and continuous video surveillance. These parking lots would include purple lights identifying these areas as safe exchange locations. The measure was put into place after a Florida mother disappeared and was later found dead, after meeting with her child’s father to make a timesharing exchange. DeSantis hopes to reduce further tragic incidents and help protect parents and children during custody exchanges.

Effective July 1, 2024

To view Click Here

By Sommer Brokaw, Law Student Fellow

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1203 to relieve homeowners of stringent homeowner association practices and to require more transparency. The new law goes into effect on July 1st, 2024. Under the new law, homeowners will not be fined for failing to bring in their trash can within 24 hours of collection time. Also, homeowners will have to receive written notice if they are fined for leaving holiday decorations up too long. Congress unanimously approved the bill in March. 

For more information, Click Here

Floridians will no longer be permitted to intentionally release balloons at group events such as memorials

or parties. Following the recent enactment, individuals found deliberately releasing a balloon after July 1st, 2024, may be subject to a $ 150 fine, as outlined in the legislation; however, the legislation includes a provision to ensure that children 6 years or young are exempt from penalties.

Effective July 1, 2024

For more information, Click Here

Chloe is a paralegal for Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society. From a young age she has a had a passion for philanthropy work & advocating for underserved communities. Chloe is a Lake Brantley High School graduate & received her B.A. in Political Science from Valdosta State University. After college, she was excited to move back to Central Florida & serve her community by working in the legal field. Chloe is an alumni of Chi Omega Fraternity & enjoys volunteering for Seminole County Public Schools in her free time.



Welcome, Chloe !

Audyn is a conscientious individual who values hard work and community engagement. He has recently joined Seminole County Legal Aid, eager to contribute his skills and learn from experienced colleagues. Contributing his time to volunteer work with Teen Challenge since 2023 and his local church from 2022 to 2023, Audyn is grateful for the opportunity to give back to his community. Graduating high school ahead of schedule in 2024 at the age of 16, Audyn achieved a respectable 3.65 unweighted GPA and a 4.00 weighted GPA, reflecting his commitment to academics. With a Windows certification and experience in the Police Explorers program, Audyn is eager to pursue further education. Planning to undertake an accelerated college course load, Audyn hopes to eventually attend law school, guided by his passion for learning and service to others.

Welcome, Audyn !

(Pictured) - Tunala Connell, Pro Bono Coordinator

We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Healthy Start Coalition of Seminole County and to connect with families. It was wonderful engaging with parents and sharing valuable resources and information about our Seminole County Legal Aid services.

It is never too early to save the date for our annual Pro Bono Recognition Luncheon and Silent Auction. This year we will be holding our event on December 13th at 11:30am at the Heathrow Country Club (1200 Bridgewater Dr., Lake Mary, FL 32746). We look forward to seeing you all there!

Help us close the justice gap for your community. Please consider donating your time and talent to help underprivileged clients with their legal needs or making a monetary donation in lieu of service.

To get involved as a Pro Bono Attorney, complete the following form Click Here

To donate Click here

Our staff attorneys will be on campus July 11th from 11:00am-2:00pm in order to support students on their path to graduation address any legal concerns which may be an obstacle.

Location: 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32771, Student Center Building, Room: SC260

Upcoming Dates:



July 11th

September 12th

October 10th

November 14th

For more information email Tunala Connell at tunalac@scbalas.com

Don't let that arrest on your record prevent you from getting the job of your dreams. Our office holds a workshop to learn from our experienced volunteer attorneys how to seal or expunge your record.

You may qualify if you had:

• Adjudication withheld or charges dropped
• AND never previously sealed or expunged your record

To check the list of disqualifying crimes, click here.

Upcoming Dates:



July 17th at 5:30pm via Zoom

August 7th at 5:30pm at the Sanford Library (150 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL 32771)

For any questions or more information, contact Tunala Connell, Pro-Bono Coordinator at (407) 834-1660 ext. 114 or tunalac@scbalas.com

Our next legal advice clinic is on July 18th, 2024. Come see us at the Central Library from

1:00-4:00pm. No registration is required, we just ask that you check in before 3:00pm.

Location: 215 N. Oxford Rd., Casselberry, Florida 32707

Also, Senator Marco Rubio's office is participating in the clinic to serve our communities.

For more information on the program and how to get involved, please contact Denice Garza at deniceg@scbalas.com

The Bureau of Victim Compensation's brochure provides useful information for those within our communities that have fallen victim to such crimes. The resources provided are:

1. Toll-Free Victim Services Information and Referral Line 1-800-226-6667
2. Benefits Available
3. How to Apply
4. Qualification Guidelines for Applying
5. Information Need to Apply
6. Next Steps after a Claim is Submitted

To view the full brochure and get complete information please click here.

Also, to view a list of other resources available to victims of crime please click here.

Upcoming Events

July 11, 2024 - Legal Advice Clinic at Seminole State College

July 17th, 2024 - Zoom - Sealing and Expungement

July 18, 2024 - Veterans Free Legal Advice Clinic

August 7, 2024 - In-Person Sealing and Expungement