Stephen C. Shenkman, lawyer and Board President of the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. died on December 31, 2007 following a brief illness. "Steve was the kindest, most noble man I have ever had the pleasure of working with," stated Annette Boyd Pitts, Executive Director of the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. "This is a huge loss to his family, his friends, our organization, and the entire State of Florida," Pitts added.

Steve Shenkman had served as a volunteer and board member for The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. for approximately 15 years and previously chaired The Florida Bar Law Related Education Committee. "He was the very essence of this organization," Pitts stated. "He embodied the professionalism and ethics that he wanted to see in the future of the legal profession," Pitts added.

Steve had a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of students throughout Florida. He participated actively in every program administered by the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc giving selflessly of his time and money to support these efforts. Many of these students went on to become lawyers, citing Steve as the reason for their choice. "He was a quiet and private man with no need or desire for public recognition," commented Noel Lawrence, fellow FLREA board member. "He did this work for all the right reasons......it was the right thing to do", Lawrence continued.

One of Steve's most beloved programs was the Florida High School Mock Trial Competition. Steve de-emphasized the competitive nature of the program and emphasized the importance of professionalism. He encouraged the students to be respectful to each other and build relationships among other team members. "Steve was the foundation of the Mock Trial Program," Pitts commented. "Parents, teachers, students and coaches would honor him annually with a standing ovation because of his commitment."

Steve was a native Miamian. He received his law degree from the University of Miami and was a practicing attorney in civil law. Steve also served on the Traffic Court Rules Committee for many years. Staff at the firm of Stephen C. Shenkman and Associates are like family as well. Hildi Mueller has served as Steve's legal assistant for 17 years. Her husband, Steven Mueller is the in-house adjuster. Other staff include Raquel Lascano, Legal Secretary; Janise Hassanos, Bookkeeper; Elma Fagundo, Clerk; and Karen Bunnell, back up bookkeeper. Steve also served as a hearing officer for traffic court within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.

"When I first met Steve I remember how excited he was about roller coasters," stated Annette Boyd Pitts. "I think he rode every roller coaster there was to ride," Pitts added. "I thought it was so interesting how someone so quiet and gentle-natured would have roller coasters as a hobby."

Vikki Henderson, office manager of FLREA will miss his warm smile and kind demeanor. "He always had a smile and hug for you when he saw you," commented Vikki. "I cannot imagine mock trial without Steve Shenkman," Vikki added.

Blogs appeared shortly after Steve's death with comments from friends and people he had impacted through his service. One blogger, Janet Peralta Ochoa, wrote, Steve Shenkman will truly be missed. He was my mentor when I was in high school and now, 18 years later, I am practicing law in large part because of his influence in my life. He was a good man and treated everyone with respect. I truly hope he is reading all of these comments from up above and sees he was appreciated during his time with us.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Sandy, adoring step-children Scott Nelson (wife,Tina), Kristin Siron (husband, Don) and grandchildren John Ryan, Hannah Maree, A.J., Brianna Collette, Emily Lynn and William Donald. In addition, Steve is also survived by his father Bernard Shenkman and wife Anna, brother Craig Shenkman and wife Chris of Texas, and sister Mindee S. Bulbin and husband Neil.

The Florida Law Related Education Association Inc is accepting contributions in honor of Steve to establish a scholarship fund for mock trial and moot court students. Additionally FLREA will name its professionalism awards in Steve's honor for the High School Mock Trial Competition. FLREA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality law related and civic education programs for Florida students. Contributions can be sent to the following address. Receipts will be provided.

The Florida Law Related Education Association Inc
2784 Remington Green Circle Suite A
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Attention: Annette Boyd Pitts

Steve's wife Sandy will attend this year's Florida High School Mock Trial Competition to help present the Professionalism Awards in his honor.


Annette Boyd Pitts
Executive Director

The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc.
www.flrea.org
ABPflreaED@aol.com