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Area Dignitaries Gather To Celebrate Rule Of Law

    Law Day was marked in Umatilla on Monday, May 18.  The Umatilla Kiwanis Club, which has hosted the annual celebration of the law since 1965, once again hosted area legal professionals for a special luncheon and program.
    The Kiwanis club meets at the First Presbyterian Church of Umatilla, and on Monday, the church’s fellowship hall was filled with a large crowd that enjoyed a catered lunch from Umatilla’s 9North restaurant and a program featuring Jeffrey Harvey, chief executive officer of Community Legal Services.
    Harvey spoke about CLS, which operates 11 offices in 12 counties throughout Central Florida, including Lake.  CLS offers a host of civil legal services to individuals and families meeting income eligibility requirements, free of charge.
    In the organization’s Central Florida service area, nearly 1 million people qualify and are eligible for a host of services, including foreclosures and evictions, fraud, court processes, bankruptcy, consumer protection, and much more.
    “Legal Aid For All,” is the firm’s motto, with Harvey sharing testimonials from people the organization has assisted.
    CLS services are free, with operations supported from a variety of sources and in 2025 operated on a budget just under $21 million.
    Several CLS officials attended the luncheon, including Mount Dora attorney Matthew Frey, who sits on the organization’s board.
    Law Day is a national celebration of the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and the law’s place in America.  Established in 1958, Law Day is officially May 1.  Umatilla’s event is organized by club member and former Lake County Public Defender Skip Babb.