Firm: Silver, Bass & Brams
Year admitted to practice: 1999
Law School: Nova Southeastern University – Shepard Broad College of Law
Year joined PBCBA: 2020 

As a Board Member of your Palm Beach County Bar Association, I will strive to continue the tradition of fostering excellence in practice and ethics, a sense of professionalism and camaraderie amongst members of the Bar, increasing civility amongst lawyers, and community outreach. As an Emeritus member of the Craig S Barnard Inns of Court here in Palm Beach County, including being on their executive board for several years, I have been most rewarded by three things: (1) watching opposing counsel on cases become friends after realizing that we have more in common with other lawyers, even those we have adversarial interactions with, than we have differences; (2) participating in community outreach programs which educate people about the law and practice of law, but, more importantly, those outreach programs which HELP people – food banks, holiday toy drives, literacy campaigns, etc.; (3) and fostering an atmosphere where we can have fun. I have always said that I take what I do seriously, but I try not to take myself too seriously. This three-pronged approach encompasses so much of what our local Bar Association does and should continue to do – education, mentoring, service to members of the bar and the community in general, particularly those of our neighbors who need help – all in an atmosphere of respect for differences of opinions and a celebration of our diversity, that I would seek to bring to the membership if I am so honored to be elected to the Board of Directors.

Firm: Personal Injury of Florida
Year admitted to practice: 2015
Law School: Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University – College of Law
Year joined PBCBA: 2014

As a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association since 2015, I am eager to serve on the Board of Directors and further contribute to our organization. My leadership roles have strengthened my connection to our legal community and allowed me to make a meaningful impact. During my time on the YLS, I fostered professional development, mentorship, and camaraderie among young attorneys. I also successfully increased sponsorship funding, enabling greater support for YLS causes. As past Chair of the Law Week Committee, I promoted public legal education and access to justice. If elected, I will bring leadership and collaboration to advance the Bar Association’s mission. My priorities include: member engagement, professional growth, access to justice and collaboration. I am committed to our association’s success and confident in my ability to contribute as a Board member. Thank you for your consideration.

Firm: Rabin Kammerer Johnson
Year admitted to practice: 2016
Law School: University of Florida Levin College of Law
Year joined PBCBA: 2014

As a Board member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, I have and will continue to be dedicated to increasing benefits for and addressing concerns of our members, maintaining the strong relationship between our Circuit’s bench and bar, and finding new ways to enhance the Palm Beach County community’s knowledge of the legal profession. I believe my past leadership position on various committees and sections of PBCBA have helped me further these goals, including serving as Co-Chair of the Judicial Relations Committee from 2022-2023 and 2024-2025, President of the Young Lawyers Section from 2021-2022 (on the YLS Board from 2016-2021), and Co-Chair of the Bench Bar Conference in 2021.

Firm: Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Florida Injury Lawyers
Year admitted to practice: 2014
Law School: University of Florida
Year joined PBCBA: 2014

I have had the honor of being on the Board for 3 years and a part of PBCBA for over 10 years. Born and raised in Palm Beach County. Former YLS President, President- Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. Also have served on countless bench bar subcommittees and YLS subcommittees. Currently a Florida Bar Young Lawyer’s Division Board of Governor. I really enjoy my service, especially interacting with our members and judiciary, working with our PHENOMENAL bar staff, fostering professionalism and cultivating camaraderie within our legal community. I attend and am approachable at any event to all members, both new and old, to encourage and promote involvement, exchange stories and laughs, offer advice and listen to thoughts and opinions on how members and judiciary feel the PBCBA should be run. If you have any questions or comments, my cell phone number is 561-758-9973 and email is mkranz@smithball.com. Getting the opportunity to run again is a true blessing, and I really appreciate your consideration and your vote!

Firm: Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley
Year admitted to practice: 2010
Law School: St. Thomas University School of Law
Year joined PBCBA: 2014

As a dedicated member of the PBC legal community, I am eager to continue bringing my skills, experience, and passion for service to PBCBA as a board member for a second term. My commitment is driven by a desire to enhance the association’s mission and support all of our members in their professional endeavors and their quality of life. I am a firm believer of the strength that comes from different perspectives and will continue to advocate for programs and initiatives that promote inclusivity within our membership, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.

I will continue to support our committees and our staff in their endeavors to enhance the professional development of our members while also strengthening our community engagement that not only engages our members but also gives back to the community. It’s been an honor to serve the PBC legal community as President of other voluntary bar associations including PBC FAWL and PBC Hispanic Bar Association and as Board Director of PBCBA. I have also been privileged to serve as Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for two years as well as an active member of other committees including Employment Law, Personal Injury and our inaugural Health and Wellness Committee. Our bar association is in great hands! I hope I can count on your support and continue serving you.

Firm: City of Delray Beach
Year admitted to practice: 2009
Law School: Nova Southeastern University – Shepard Broad College of Law
Year joined PBCBA: 2009

I am proud to run for re-election to the Board of Directors after two terms of dedicated service. Throughout my time on the Board, I have consistently worked to advance our mission and support our members. I am eager to continue this work, building on the progress we’ve made and driving the strategic growth of our Bar.

In my previous terms, I co-led key initiatives, including the development of the Request for Proposal for the Bar’s audit and the successful update of the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. I have also contributed to CLE panels, mentored DIP interns, and helped launch the Bar’s initiative to increase public interest and government attorney membership.

In my current role as Director (2021-present) and through my past leadership positions, including Past Bench Bar Co-Chair, Past CDI Co-Chair, and service on the Professionalism Committee and Judicial Campaign Practices Commission, I have collaborated on impactful initiatives and programming to enhance member engagement, promote professionalism, and engage with our community. My leadership experience extends beyond this Bar as well, having served as Past President of the F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association and in various roles with the Palm Beach County Chapter of FAWL and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

If re-elected, I will continue to focus on strengthening our Bar, ensuring it remains dynamic, responsive, and aligned with the needs of our members. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to continue serving.

Firm: Xenick Lebedeker Pepin
Year admitted to practice: 2010
Law School: University of Florida Levin College of Law,
Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center
Year joined PBCBA: 2010

I first visited PBC in 2010 and was so charmed, I decided to move here after graduating.  Now looking back on these nearly fifteen (quick) years, it’s clear how integral the PBCBA has been to my professional and personal growth and well-being.

Through being a member of the YLS and participating in innumerable Bar events/CLEs, I have met the people I now call my colleagues, mentors and friends.  By serving on the Judicial Relations and Professionalism Committee, and being involved in the Bench Bar, I have gained invaluable insight to our profession, membership needs, local Bench, as well as the Association’s role in the community at large. 

Having practiced on both sides of the civil arena – first at a state-wide defense firm and, for the last six years, at a boutique firm doing complex commercial and plaintiff work – I understand the challenges our members face.  If elected, I will be a resource for our members navigating the sweeping changes to the Civil Rules.  I will also monitor AI’s impact on our profession, and ensure the public is educated on these changes while reinforcing the irreplaceable role of attorneys and the Bar.

I am running for a Board position to give back to the organization that has done so much for me.  The PBCBA thrives when new voices bring fresh perspectives, and I welcome the opportunity to contribute my experience, advocacy, and dedication to our profession.  I would be honored to earn your vote.