Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society Presents Julianna Groot With President’s Award

Posted on January 6, 2020, by Massey Law Group

(left to right) Silvia McLain, SCBALAS Executive Director; Julianna Groot, SCBALAS President; The Honorable Judge Donna McIntosh, Circuit Judge for the 18th Judicial Circuit Court

For Julianna Groot, senior counsel with Massey Law Group, providing legal services to those in need has been a long-time priority. While attending the Florida State College of Law, Juliana received the Distinguished Pro Bono Service award. 

Fast forward to 2020, and Julianna continues to lead this charge and be recognized for her vision and example. Now the president of Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society (SCBALAS), she was recently chosen by the association’s Board of Directors to receive the President’s Award. The Honorable Judge Donna McIntosh, circuit judge for the 18th Judicial Circuit, presented the award to Juliana at the annual December fundraiser for the Legal Aid Society.  

Founded in 1975, SCBALAS is supported by attorney and student volunteers and donations to fulfill their mission to protect and improve the well-being and safety of clients and families by offering legal services for Seminole County’s economically disadvantaged persons. SCBALAS provides free services in family law and civil cases to low-income veterans, families, disabled, and senior citizens.

Julianna previously served as SCBALAS vice president and is a member of the 18th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee. She is also a faculty member and program manager for Seminole State College’s ABA approved Legal Studies Program. Previously, she served as the college’s interim in-house counsel. 

“In giving and in leading an organization committed to making a difference in the lives of others, I receive far more than I give,” said Julianna. “When you help a homeless person get off the street, restore the self-esteem of an elderly fraud victim, and witness a child in foster care discover they’re capable of success — the feeling is beyond words. I am grateful to the association for this award and for every member and volunteer’s service.”