MLG Attorneys Serve in New Leadership Roles With the Florida Association for Women Lawyers

Posted on July 2, 2026

Advancing Women in the Legal Profession Through Leadership and Service

MLG’s Starlett Massey, Jordan Baer, and Omote Ekowtafia-Thelin are active members of the Pinellas County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (PFAWL) and the statewide organization FAWL. PFAWL is devoted to actively promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession and furthering the common interests of its members by encouraging camaraderie and learning. PFAWL is committed to issues concerning our legal community, especially to challenges women encounter within it. PFAWL seeks to promote women’s opportunities and rights by enhancing the visibility of women within the legal profession and within communities by creating and maintaining supportive networks among women in the legal and other professions. President Jennifer Codding is leading the 2026-2027 year with the theme: STARS, STRIPES, & EQUAL RIGHTS, in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday.

Starlett Massey Continues Her Longstanding Commitment to FAWL and PFAWL 

Starlett has worked extensively with the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) and PFAWL, their Pinellas County Chapter.  She has represented PFAWL on its Lobby Days delegation in Tallahassee and enthusiastically spearheaded PFAWL’s participation in the St. Pete Pride Parade. In 2024, Starlett was recognized with the FAWL President’s Award for her work in forming the non-profit FAWL Support Organization Inc. (FSO), increasing FAWL’s impact and service projects to support women lawyers. In 2025, Starlett was named PFAWL’s Lawyer of the Year for her contributions, service, and for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and her community.  In 2026, Starlett transitioned out of her three-year term as PFAWL’s DEI Chair, with MLG attorney Jordan Baer stepping into this community-activating role.  Starlett currently serves as PFAWL’s Director of Membership Recruitment and Chair of the 2027 Judicial Reception Committee.

Jordan Baer Expands Her Leadership Role as DEI and Socials Chair

MLG Attorney, Jordan Baer, previously served on the PFAWL board as the Young Lawyers Division Chair for the 2025-2026 year. Now, Ms. Baer will be taking over the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Chair from Starlett and will continue her work to promote equality across race, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. As DEI Chair, Ms. Baer will lead initiatives designed to foster a more inclusive legal community and strengthen PFAWL’s outreach to historically underrepresented groups within the profession. Ms. Baer will also be taking on the role of Socials Chair. As Socials Chair, Ms. Baer will coordinate and plan periodic social events for PFAWL members throughout the year. These events are designed to foster meaningful professional relationships, encourage mentorship opportunities, and strengthen connections among women lawyers at all stages of their careers. As both DEI and Socials Chair, Ms. Baer seeks to encourage equality, camaraderie, and community across all women practicing law in Pinellas County.

Omote Ekowtafia-Thelin Takes on New Leadership Roles Following Rising Star Recognition Supporting a Diverse Legal Community

MLG Law Clerk Omote Ekwotafia-Thelin joined PFAWL leadership in 2025 as Creative and Social Media Chair. In that role, she worked to raise awareness of the work of PFAWL members both in the legal field and within the community. Omote also served on the Webinar Committee at the statewide level, supporting FAWL’s efforts to provide quality continuing legal education, with the committee placing a special focus on mental health, ethics, and navigating the use of AI in the legal field. At the close of her term, Omote was unanimously selected as the recipient of PFAWL’s 2026 Rising Star Award. This term, Omote will take on new roles within PFAWL and FAWL, serving as Membership Drive Committee Chair and Webinar Committee Chair, respectively.  Omote states, “I believe that the FAWL community is a diverse one. As Membership Drive Committee Chair, I look forward to welcoming new members that build upon that diversity. I am also excited to continue the work of the FAWL Webinar Committee and provide educational programming that focuses on the issues that are critical in today’s legal practice.”