STFBC's Community Involvement

36th Annual American Red Cross Ball

In April 2018, our firm sponsored the 36th Annual American Red Cross Ball: A Masquerade in Red. Julia Bianchi, the wife of Attorney David W. Bianchi, serves as Board Chair for The Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Attorney Dax Bello serves on its board. We are so proud of both their efforts and commitment to helping our community—both during times of disaster or otherwise.

Blue Chip Kids

Attorney David W. Bianchi is the author of “Blue Chip Kids, What Every Child and Parent Should Know About Money, Investing and The Stock Market.” Throughout his work with Blue Chip Kids, David helps donate thousands of books to local schools and frequently gives presentations—all in the hopes that he will help to promote and improve financial literacy in the youth of Miami-Dade and nationwide.

Cuban American Bar Association

Attorney A. Dax Bello has been an integral member of the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) since 2011, serving as a board member and chairing nearly all of its committees. He has spent years helping represent the Cuban-American community through his hard work and his professional legal counsel. In January 2019, we sponsored the 45th Annual Installation Gala for the Cuban American Bar Association. We were particularly proud to sponsor this important non-profit’s event as our friend and colleague, Attorney Dax Bello, was inducted into the 2019 Board as their Vice President for the second year in a row. CABA provides vital services to South Florida’s legal professionals and the Hispanic community, providing scholarships, mentoring for law students and young lawyers, and pro bono legal services for the indigent.

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind

Attorney Gary D. Fox is involved with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, which was founded in 1931 as an organization to serve the blind throughout Florida. Although it has changed its name several times throughout its 85+ year history, Miami Lighthouse remains as committed today to serving the blind community through outreach and education programs as it did the day that it was founded.

Kiwanis Club of Little Havana

Attorney A. Dax Bello is actively involved in the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, an affiliate of Kiwanis International. Kiwanis is a global organization that seeks to change the world one child and one community at a time, helping at-risk youth. Every year, Kiwanis Club of Little Havana puts on the Calle Ocho Festival, Miami's largest street festival in Miami and the nation's largest Hispanic festival.

Jewish Community Services of South Florida

Attorney Michael Levine is a member of the board of directors of Jewish Community Services of South Florida which seeks to improve quality of life and self-sufficiency of communities. These services include, but are not limited to: assistance to Holocaust survivors; employment assistance; counseling; support for the LGBTQ community; and the operation of the 2-1-1 switchboard which works to prevent suicide.

Fight Like a Kid

Several members of the firm are actively involved with the “Fight Like a Kid” organization, a nonprofit started by a Florida teenager Bianca Maderal. After being diagnosed with brain cancer, Bianca founded Fight Like a Kid to raise money for childhood cancer research, raise awareness, and inspire those fighting the same fight as herself.

Attorney Stephen Cain led the firm’s involvement with the organization as the Cain family has been friends with the Maderal family ever since Bianca and Stephen's daughter were in the same dance troupe. Stephen and his wife have attended numerous fundraising events since the charity was formed. One of our paralegals, Carol Goraczko started attending events with her daughters this past year. The firm is proud to support Bianca's efforts.

Polycystic Kidney Disease Fundraiser

In May 2018, Attorneys Stephen Cain, Michael Levine, and Dax Bello participated in a fundraiser to raise money and awareness for PKD. Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition that causes fluid filled cysts to form in the kidneys. During the event, the first treatment approved by the FDA for people with PKD was announced. PKD currently has no cure and until now no treatment was available for the disease. Patients with PKD live with the knowledge that one day their kidneys will fail and require dialysis and transplants. Stephen has been a vocal advocate for PKD awareness at our firm ever since learning that one his closest friends was living with the disease.

American Red Cross Sound the Alarm

In May 2018, Attorney Dax Bello and one of the paralegals on our team, Carol Goraczko, were part of American Red Cross’ Sound the Alarm event. Thanks to the effort of thousands of volunteers, 100,000 free smoke alarms are installed throughout at-risk communities in more than 100 cities. Volunteers also replace batteries and provide fire prevention and safety education. Our firm is proud to support the American Red Cross in events such as this, helping our community stay safe and whole.

37th Annual Miami Red Cross Ball

On March 16, 2019, Dax and Janine Bello co-chaired the 37th Annual Miami Red Cross Ball along with Amanda Altman at the Intercontinental Hotel. The Ball, which recognizes the lifesaving services provided by the Red Cross, raised funds for disaster preparedness as well as response and recovery programs in Miami and the Keys. David Bianchi's wife Julia is the Board Chair for The Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross. That evening, David stepped up to the mic to honor Bernard Darty, one of David’s closest friends who donated $1 million total to the Red Cross and Wounded Warrior Project just weeks before he passed away. David spoke in memory of Bernard and was able to help raise $91,000 from the podium for the Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces—money that will go toward supporting both veterans and active-duty members.

Coffee & Bagel Breakfast for Young Attorneys

Attorney Michael Levine, who currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Dade County Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Section, helped organize a coffee and bagel breakfast with 30+ local lawyers and three federal court judges, giving young lawyers an opportunity to meet members of the judiciary in a less formal setting.

Michael Levine Receives CFF "40 Under 40" Award

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation held a prestigious event recognizing 40 outstanding attorneys throughout South Florida. The lawyers were chosen by a panel chaired by Joseph Ankus, Christopher Drury, and Amber Kornreich in collaboration with the CF Foundation. Attorney Michael Levine was one of the exceptional lawyers selected to receive the award during an evening that included a dinner, a silent auction, and other events to raise money for cystic fibrosis research.

Lecturer at the American Association for Justice

AAJ is a nationwide professional network founded to give trial lawyers the support, resources, and mentoring they need to promote a fair and effective justice system. AAJ’s mission is to ensure that any person who is injured by the misconduct or negligence of others can obtain justice in America’s courtrooms. In February 2019, our very own Gary Fox was invited to speak at the AAJ’s Winter Convention on Miami Beach where plaintiff attorneys from around the country gathered to expand their skills. Gary was happy to lend his time and share stories of his experiences in the courtroom.

Florida International University's Honors College

When attorneys invest into the lawyers of the future, all of us benefit. In February 2018, Attorney Michael Levine took an afternoon to speak to the pre-law students at Florida International University's Honors College. For three hours, Michael talked about the civil justice system, civil law, and his experiences as a trial lawyer. Small but powerful contributions like this pay dividends for the legal community and for the country at large by helping shape the future of legal practice. We look forward to continuing to invest into the future lawyers of the world!

Deposition 360: Preparation, Strategy, & Execution

Attorney Michael Levine served as a moderator alongside Attorney Marianne Curtis for “Deposition 360: Preparation, Strategy, and Execution of Taking an Effective Deposition,” a legal workshop for young attorneys. The Dade County Bar Association and the Miami Dade Florida Association of Women Lawyers co-sponsored the event. At the workshop, 30 young lawyers seeking to refine their legal practice had the opportunity to hear Attorney David Bianchi on a panel with two other experienced litigators, James Gassenheimer and Mycki Ratzan. The group shared practical tools for taking effective depositions. Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A. was honored to have contributed to the event and to have helped the next generation of lawyers sharpen their tools as trial attorneys.

2019 DCBA Bench & Bar Conference

At the 2019 Bench & Bar Conference for the Dade County Bar Association, our firm helped present a panel titled "Preparing for Trial in a Personal Injury Case." Attorney Stephen Cain was one of the panelists while Attorney Michael Levine served as the moderator. The panel included a host of accomplished trial lawyers from both the plaintiff and defense bars, with Schuyler Analise Smith, Amanda G. Altman, and Todd Michaels speaking alongside Stephen. Our firm knows how important it is to contribute to the legal community and to the Dade County community at large, and we are honored to continue offering our guidance and experience to our colleagues and fellow attorneys.

9th Annual Kidney Casino for a Cure

In May 2019, Stephen and Marni Cain sponsored the 9th Annual Kidney Casino for a Cure. They were joined by Michael and Sari Levine. The proceeds from the event went to the PKD Foundation, an organization whose mission is to give hope by funding research, advocating for patients, and building a community for all those impacted by polycystic kidney disease. PKD, a genetic condition that causes cysts to form in the kidneys, has no cure and until recently had no treatment. Stephen Cain has been a vocal advocate for research and awareness ever since he learned his friend was living with the disease. Our firm is proud to partner with the PKD Foundation and support treatment and research for the millions worldwide suffering from PKD.

2019 Hazing Prevention Summit

In May 2019, David Bianchi was an invited speaker at the Hazing Prevention Summit, an annual gathering of public university administrators from all over Florida. David was asked to address “Andrew”s Law,” Florida’s new and improved anti-hazing statute that he wrote and the Florida Legislature passed earlier this month. The bill is awaiting signature by the Governor. The purpose of the summit was to discuss the changes made by “Andrew’s Law,” programs that can be implemented to stop hazing and to talk about ways to better control Greek life on campus. David was joined by three special guests: Tom and Sandra Coffey, our clients whose son Andrew was killed in a fraternity hazing event at Florida State University in 2017 and the namesake of the new legislation, and Lianne Kowiak, whose son Harrison was killed in a fraternity hazing incident at Lenoire Rhyne University in North Carolina in 2008.

CABA Pro Bono Project

In May 2019, Dax Bello and the Cuban American Bar Association hosted a family night at Marlins Park to raise money for the Pro Bono Project, which is dedicated to providing indigent Hispanic/Cuban communities with quality legal counsel. Thanks to their efforts, the Pro Bono Project raised $24,000 to help indigent individuals and families get the Spanish-speaking legal services they need. Dax was joined by his wife Janine, our paralegal Carol Goraczko and her family, and hundreds of CABA supporters. Visit to learn more about the Pro Bono Project.

Kiwanis Club of Little Havana Fishing Tournament

On 18 May 2019, Dax Bello chaired the Carnaval Miami Fishing Tournament in support of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. Aboard a 30-foot Yellowfin named Freedom, Tony Bello (Dax's father) and the Team Tamarin Bay Club won the tournament and graciously donated all $4,000 of the prize money back to the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. All of the proceeds from the tournament, including the prize money, will fund programs to benefit the underprivileged children in our community. After 11 years of serving the community through Kiwanis, this event was a milestone for Dax and for the organization.

Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition

Attorney Michael E. Levine co-chaired the Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition with Dwayne A. Robinson for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division. Law schools from all over Florida were invited to participate. Moot court proceedings are a centuries-old method for training lawyers in the art of advocacy and legal argument. By supporting and facilitating moot court competitions, our firm is able to invest in the next generation of lawyers and jurists, giving them the tools they'll need to represent their clients in the future.

Investiture of Hon. Luis Perez-Medina

Attorney Dax Bello had the honor of giving the personal remarks at the judicial investiture of the Honorable Luis Perez Medina. Dax and Judge Perez-Medina met when they both were in the same division at the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, working closely before the late Honorable Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat.

“You see, Luis never ever toots his own horn. And he has a lot to toot about. To be here today before all of you—his friends, family and members of the judiciary—and to have the opportunity to toot that horn for him, is a tremendous honor,” Dax said of his dear friend.

He continued by thanking Judge Perez-Medina, calling him the name he and the rest of their division knew him by: Uncle Luis. Dax thanked him for the guidance and mentorship Dax and dozens of other young lawyers had received from him over many years. Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A. with Judge Perez-Medina a long and illustrious career on the bench. As Dax said, "May he preside with strength and dignity, and use his gift of reason and humility to make our County a better and safer place for our children."

Director on the Board of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana

In August 2019, Dax Bello was voted in as a Director on the Board of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. Kiwanis Club is known as the organizers behind Carnaval Miami and the Calle Ocho Music Festival. He's been serving as a member of the Kiwanis Club for over a decade, helping co-chair numerous Carnaval events in Miami. For his faithful and valuable work on behalf of the community, Dax was elected to serve in a broader leadership position, allowing him to impact the underserved children of South Florida in more powerful and positive ways.

2019 Bahamian Relief Efforts

In September 2019, Dax and Janine Bello, joined by firm paralegal Carol Goraczko and her daughter Madelyn, volunteered their time and sweat to the Bahamian Relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. As many members of our firm are regular donors to hurricane relief efforts, we were happy to contribute what we could to helping the people of the Bahamas get the supplies and support they needed. We encourage everyone to donate supplies, money, and time to help our tropical neighbors recover from massive hurricanes.

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

As attorneys, we take our role as community leaders and advocates seriously. Dax Bello, for instance, is the Vice President of the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA), an organization that not only advocates for the Cuban-American community here in Miami, but for the people of Cuba as well. In September 2019, he and other leaders from the CABA Committee on Cuba met in Washington D.C. with commissioners from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to discuss the human rights violations committed by the Cuban government. Dax has worked and will continue to work closely with leaders in efforts to create positive change on the island.

Dax Bello Receives CFF "40 Under 40" Award

In October 2019, Attorney Dax Bello received the “40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida” award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, an organization devoted to finding a cure for and funding treatment of cystic fibrosis. Dax was recognized by the CFF for his passionate advocacy for his clients, his community, and CF patients. We look forward to seeing the CFF succeed in its mission to cure cystic fibrosis and provide relief to tens of thousands of people.

Jewish Community Services of South Florida's Centennial Kickoff

In November 2019, our firm sponsored the Centennial Kickoff for Jewish Community Services of South Florida. JCS is one of the oldest, largest, and most renowned human service agencies in Miami, serving a wide range of people of all races, religions, ages, genders, and sexual orientations. Firm partner Michael Levine serves on their board of directors. The services offered by JCS are divers, including the 211 crisis intervention hotline, assistance for Holocaust survivors, and counseling for LGBTQ youth.

Cuban American Bar Association President

In November 2019, Attorney Dax Bello was recognized as both an incredible leader and advocate for the Cuban-American community when he was elected president of the Cuban American Bar Association. Anyone who knows Mr. Bello knows that he has spent years supporting, serving, and mentoring CABA, raising tens of thousands of dollars for its causes and serving as a chairperson for nearly all of its committees. Mr. Bello has previously served two terms as the association's Vice President. We look forward to seeing what he accomplishes as its President-Elect.

Students Hosted from Pre-Law Class at FIU Honors College

In February 2020, STFBC hosted pre-law students from Florida International University's Honors College. The students are currently enrolled in a year-long course designed around foundational topics in the law, often taught in law school. Kristen Corpion of CORP Law is teaching the class. Our own Michael Levine guest-lectured on tort law, covering the basics of negligence and how our firm builds cases to get the best possible result.

Hosting the students was a pleasure, as they were engaging and asking sharp questions. If this is the future of Florida's lawyers, we're in good hands. Thank you to Kristen Corpion for joining us and bringing her students.

Dax Bello Sworn In as President of the CABA

In February 2020, our own Dax Bello was sworn in as the new President of the Cuban American Bar Association. Attorney Dax Bello has been a major player in CABA for nearly a decade. He has served as a board member and chairman on nearly every committee in the organization, served as Vice President for two terms, and was most recently elected as the next President of CABA.

Our firm is proud of the tireless advocacy Dax provides to the Cuban-American community in Miami, and we're proud of the work he has done (and will continue to do) as part of the Cuban American Bar Association.

David Bianchi Speaks to Florida Gulf Coast University Students

In February 2020, Attorney David Bianchi gave a presentation to students at Florida Gulf Coast University about Andrew’s Law, the anti-hazing statute he and Michael Levine wrote that was signed into law in 2019. The law is the first of its kind in Florida, offering immunity from hazing prosecution to the first students who administer aid or calls 911 on behalf of a victim of hazing. Spreading awareness about Andrew’s Law is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of college students who may be victimized by hazing. We’re grateful to the students and faculty of Florida Gulf Coast University for giving us their time and attention, and we hope our presentation remains a vital resource for incoming students for years to come.

Florida Southwestern State College Blue Chip Kids Presentation

In February 2020, David Bianchi from our firm gave a presentation to students at Florida Southwestern State College in Naples, Florida on his book “Blue Chip Kids”. David's book is an easy-to-understand guide to money, investing, and the stock market, designed to help parents teach financial literacy to their children. Shortly after publication, it became the #1 book on Amazon in the category of Kids and Money (it has 165 cartoons!). As a part of his presentation, David donated an autographed copy of Blue Chip Kids to each student.

Florida Bar Certification Review Seminar

In February 2020, Attorney Gary Fox spoke at the Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review on "Recent Developments in Personal Injury & Wrongful Death." Board certification is a rigorous process by which an attorney can prove they possess specialized "knowledge, skills and proficiency." The seminar was a success, and Gary was honored to speak with many of his colleagues and peers about recent developments in the practice of personal injury and wrongful death law.

Florida Justice Association Legislative & Case Law Update 2020

In April 2020, Attorney Stephen Cain presented for the Florida Justice Association the legislative and case law update for medical malpractice law. His webinar was attended by his colleagues and peers all over the state, who learned firsthand about the pressing issues affecting plaintiffs after the conclusion of the Florida 2020 Legislative Session. The information he presented will be used by attorneys to better serve their clients, ensuring they get the resources they need to recover from the effects of medical malpractice.

“War Stories with a Lesson” Trial Seminar for BCBA

In May 2020, Gary Fox was the featured speaker in a virtual event titled “War Stories with a Lesson” organized by the Broward County Bar Association. Gary spoke to more than 300 attendees, sharing his trial experience with attorneys all over South Florida. Though the event had to be organized around the COVID-19 pandemic, Gary remained as committed as ever to passing along his knowledge and experience.

Reelection to Board of Directors for Young Lawyers Section

In May 2020, Attorney Michael Levine was elected unopposed to another two-year term on the Board of Directors for the Dade County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section. The YLS serves attorneys aged 36 and under practicing in Dade County as well as the community at large. Mr. Levine’s reelection is a testament to his leadership and commitment to the legal profession.

Led Deposition Webinar for 100+ Attorneys

In June 2020, Attorney Michael Levine joined Marianne Curtis of the law firm Berger Singerman and Abbie Waxman of the Miami-Dade County Public Defender's Office to offer a three-part webinar series called "Deposition 360." The first session was attended by more than 100 lawyers and provided valuable training on preparing for and taking a deposition. Webinars like this help improve and sharpen the legal profession, particular when it comes to the protection of the rights of individuals. The event was sponsored by the Miami-Dade County Bar Association and the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.

Dax Bello Helps Give Away 1,000 Meals with Kiwanis Club

In September 2020, Dax Bello organized a day of community generosity in partnership with the Miami Dolphins Foundation and local hispanic-owned restaurants. As a volunteer leader for the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, he spearheaded the effort to make sure families in our community got the food they needed while supporting local businesses.

“It was a tremendously heartwarming experience to help those in most need today. Every volunteer saw the surge of emotion and appreciation in each recipient’s face. That makes every minute spent away from our families and our jobs organizing these events worth it,” Dax says. “The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana is incredibly thankful to Miami Dolphins Foundation for providing us with the means to continue pursuing our mission of helping the underserved in the community!”

Hosted Webinar with Bar Leaders for Young Lawyers

In November 2020, Attorney Michael Levine organized a Virtual Lunch & Learn webinar for young lawyers titled “Professional Development Through Bar Involvement.” He recruited numerous prestigious legal professionals to serve on the panel, including Dori Foster-Morales (President of the Florida Bar), Iris Elijah (Governor of The Florida Bar YLD, GSCBWLA Board Member and MDFAWL Foundation Board Member), Marianne Curtis (Governor of the Florida Bar YLD and MDFAWL Board Member) and our own A. Dax Bello (CABA President-Elect). The event allowed these leaders to offer their extensive knowledge and wisdom to young attorneys throughout Florida, further investing in the newest generation of attorneys in our communities. Our firm continues to support efforts like these that build strong relationships within the legal community between professionals of all experience levels.

Dax Bello Sworn In As 47th President of CABA

In February 2021, Attorney Dax Bello was officially sworn in as the 47th President of the Cuban American Bar Association. In a heart-warming act of generosity and grace, Dax was sworn in by his hero and mentor—his dad. The 2021 CABA Board was sworn in by the Honorable Gina Beovides. In addition to his new duties, Dax also spent February 2021 preparing for the CABA REGALA, the annual fundraising gala for the CABA Foundation, hosting two CABA CLEs, all in addition to advocating for his clients and preparing for the arrival of his first child. His unceasing commitment to the Cuban-American community, his clients, and his family further confirm why he was elected President for the 2021 term.