13th Annual Barristers Bash - Legal Aid Services of Collier County

Join us on Thursday evening, May 4, 2023, at the Hilton Hotel in Naples for the 13th Annual Barrister’s Bash event. The Barrister’s Bash event honors those who have made significant contributions to the success and mission of Legal Aid and to the cause of equal justice in our local community. This fundraiser event features cocktail hour, dinner, silent auction, and a community awards ceremony. Tickets information coming soon. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. To learn more check out our event FAQ section.

Legal Aid’s 2019 Award Winners:

Law Firm of the Year – Grant Fridkin Pearson, P.A.

Attorney of the Year – Otto Immel, Esq.

Leadership Award – Tina Nash

Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award – Charles Hayes, Esq.

Volunteers of the Year – Frank Wyman

Champions of Justice Award – ART AID event contributing Artists of Naples

Legal Aid’s 2016-2017 Attorneys of The Month:

Attorney of the Month, September 2018 – William Pearson, Esq.

Attorney of the Month, October 2018 – Matthew Devisse, Esq.

Attorney of the Month, November 2018 – Anthony Cetrangelo, Esq.

Why support Legal Aid? To protect the safety and well being of the poor and vulnerable when they face a civil legal matter of life changing significance and cannot afford an attorney. Our clients include:

Learn why our prior honorees support Legal Aid and the importance of civil legal aid to secure fairness, equality and equal justice for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Barrister's Bash Event?

The Barrister’s Bash is an annual fundraising and community awards event benefiting Legal Aid Service of Collier County. Over the last decade, the Barrister’s Bash has become the signature annual social event on the calendar of the local legal community and is also well attended by Collier County community leaders, businesses, philanthropists and other supporters of the organization. The Barrister’s Bash is Legal Aid Service of Collier County’s main annual fundraising event and attracts approximately 300 patrons, honorees, dignitaries and other special guests each year. This special event has three primary goals: (1) to raise awareness about the mission of Legal Aid and the life changing impact the program generates for clients in need; (2) to raise funds critical to the ongoing work of the program; and (3) to honor those who have performed outstanding pro bono work through Legal Aid and/or who have provided extraordinary support to our mission and the community. Legal Aid Service of Collier County is a private, non-profit law firm providing free civil legal services to needy residents of Collier County when they can’t afford an attorney and face a legal matter of great importance – such as securing the custody of a child or attempting to save their home from foreclosure. Particular priority is placed by Legal Aid on legal services addressing the safety, health or minimum economic security (including shelter) for those in need. Legal Aid Service of Collier County is a Division of Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Inc., a 501 c 3 non-profit corporation. All funds raised by Legal Aid Service of Collier County are utilized fully to support the work performed by Legal Aid in Collier County.

where do the proceeds go?

All net proceeds from the Barrister’s Bash go 100% to supporting the mission of Legal Aid Service of Collier County.

what does legal aid service of collier county do for the community?

Legal Aid Service of Collier County provides free civil legal services to more than 3,500 clients and residents of Collier County annually on vital civil legal matters. Legal Aid does not do any work involving criminal law. Legal Aid levels the playing field for those with a serious legal issues who cannot afford an attorney. In many cases, the opposing party is represented by an attorney, including abusive spouses, lenders, landlords, government agencies, schools and corporations. Legal Aid protects the rights, safety and economic security of abused children, victims of domestic violence, families facing eviction or foreclosure, struggling working families in debt, Veterans, seniors and the disabled, low income taxpayers who need help dealing with the IRS, children with special educational needs, and members of other vulnerable populations.

who should attend this event? is it only for lawyers?

All members of the public are cordially invited to attend. We welcome the support of all who believe in our work and mission, attorneys and non-attorneys alike. Typically, more than 1/3 of all attendees of the Barrister’s Bash are not attorneys.

what is the format of the event?

The Barrister’s Bash begins with cocktail hour, followed by a three course meal, which includes a complimentary glass of wine. The event includes a silent auction, community awards ceremony during dinner, and a live appeal. The community awards are presented to those individuals or firms who have performed outstanding pro bono service through Legal Aid and/or have made significant contributions to the success of our mission to serve those in need. The dress code for the event is Business Formal.

i am interested in sponsoring the event. what are the details and who do i contact?

Sponsorship levels for the 2019 Barrister’s Bash are as follows:

Visionary Sponsorship ($3,500): Includes 1 full table at the event (10 tickets), with company name and logo on table (8” x 10” display); full page ad in written event program; listing on event sponsor board; recognition in pre-event promotional materials and on Legal Aid’s website and social media sites; table location priority; and 10 free drinks tickets.

Ambassador Sponsorship ($2,500): Includes 1 full table at the event (10 tickets), with company name and logo on table (8” x 10” display); full page ad in written event program; listing on event sponsor board; recognition in pre-event promotional materials and on Legal Aid’s website and social media sites; and table location priority.

Leadership Sponsorship ($1,500): Includes 1 full table at the event (10 tickets), with company name and logo on table (8” x 10” display); full page ad in written event program; listing on event sponsor board; recognition in pre-event promotional materials and on Legal Aid’s website and social media sites.

Partner Sponsorship ($1,000): Includes 4 tickets to the event, a ½ page ad in the written event program; listing on the event sponsor board; and recognition on Legal Aid’s website and social media sites.

Advocate Sponsorship ($500): Includes 2 tickets to the event, a listing on the event sponsor board; and recognition on Legal Aid’s website and social media sites.

For more information call (239) 298-8138 or email us.

for those who cannot attend the event, are there other ways to support legal aid?

Yes! There are many ways to support Legal Aid if you are unable to attend the Barrister’s Bash, including:

are there volunteer opportunities available pertaining to the event?

Yes! Legal Aid is looking for volunteers willing to join the 2019 Barrister’s Bash Steering Committee or provide other efforts directed toward the event. We need volunteers to assist with securing silent auction items, assisting with day of event logistics, packaging and creating displays for silent auction items, contacting prospective sponsors, decorating and setting up the ballroom and cocktail hour reception room, promoting the event through social media, and much more. For more information call (239) 298-8138 or email us.

how can i learn more about legal aid?

Our Mission Statement and Vision and Values statements are contained on our website, as is an overview about the work we perform. We would love to give you a tour of our Legal Aid facility, and meet with you in person. For more information about our program for those interested in making a gift, serving on a Board or Committee, or becoming a formal Ambassador for Legal Aid call (239) 298-8130 or email us.

Learn why our prior honorees support Legal Aid and the importance of civil legal aid to secure fairness, equality and equal justice for all: