Jeff Cox to lead Bay Area Legal Services
The new officers of the Bay Area Legal Services Board of Directors include, from the left, Craig Rothburd, treasurer; Alex Sarsfield, secretary; Jim Thaler, chair-elect; and Jeff Cox, chair.
At Bay Area Legal Services recent board meeting, the nonprofit law firm appointment of Jeff Cox to serve as the 2025 board chair and opened a new Pinellas seat appointed by the St. Petersburg Bar Association.
Cox has served on Bay Area Legal Services’ Board of Directors since February 2020, holding roles such as secretary, chair of the Veterans Committee, chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, and member of the Sustaining Law Firm and Stewardship committees. He is currently the director of global content marketing at vLex and previously served as senior manager of content strategy at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe.
“Being sworn in as chairperson of Bay Area Legal Services’ board is a great privilege in my career,” Cox said. “I’m grateful for the outstanding leadership at Bay Area Legal and the many supporters who help make our work possible — creating pathways to justice through legal services, education, and community partnerships. I’m excited for the year ahead as we launch our Pathways to Justice Campaign and continue leading the charge for change in the Tampa Bay community and across Florida.”
Joining Cox are board officers James D. Thaler as chair-elect (Thaler Law Firm, P.A.); Craig E. Rothburd as treasurer (Craig E. Rothburd, P.A.); and Alex M. Sarsfield as secretary (Paskert Divers Thompson).
J. Coy Stull of Carlton Fields, Bruce Denson of Bruce H. Denson, P.A., and Eladio Ramirez of Mentors for Hillsborough County Veterans were also instated as the newest board members.
Chief Judge Darren D. Farfante of the 13th Judicial Circuit officiated the swearing-in ceremony Judge Farfante, who serves as chair on the 13th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, commended the board members for their service and advocacy.
Returning board members include:
- Michael A. Bedke
- Rebecca C. Bell
- Caroleen B. Brej
- Cynthia Davis-Gryce
- Christine L. Derr
- Vivian Cortes Hodz
- Valorie Hoppenworth
- Yolanda V. Lee
- Evan M. Malloy
- Paul Martinez
- Giesi Oller
- Andrew M. O’Malley, chair emeritus
- Yohance A. Pettis
- Barbara Williams
Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, families, and veterans in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. Through advocacy, education, and direct representation, the organization helps clients navigate issues such as housing, domestic violence, veterans’ benefits, and disaster relief, and more. Supported by grants, volunteers, and community partners, Bay Area Legal Services works to ensure equal access to justice, empowering those who might otherwise face legal challenges alone.
