Geoff S. Stahl of Liggio Law, Foundation board member David Prather, Foundation President Juliette E. Lippman, Foundation board member Gregory W. Coleman and Jeffrey M. Liggio

The Florida Bar Foundation has received a $500,000 cy pres award from a class action settlement in a case involving rental fees for propane tanks. Jeffrey M. Liggio of Liggio Law in West Palm Beach represented the class against Heritage Operating L.P., now AmeriGas, through more than 12 years of litigation. Philip M. Burlington of Burlington and Rockenbach, P.A., Scott Johni of the Law Office of Scott Johni, P.A., Erin Whittemore Lohmiller and Kent G. Whittemore of the Whittemore Law Group, P.A. and Geoff Stahl of Liggio Law also represented the group.

Criminal Law Section members David Rothman and Hon. Angelica D. Zayas, Foundation President Juliette E. Lippman and Section Chair Oliver David Barksdale

Judge Pamela Campbell of the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County approved the cy pres distribution. The Foundation will use the funds to support legal aid organizations throughout Florida. Courts can approve a charitable donation out of unclaimed class action funds.

“There’s a whole segment of Florida’s society, good folks in distress,” Liggio said. “Legal aid is one of the last places they can turn to. It’s inspiring to watch these folks help people who have nowhere else to turn.”

The case involved propane tanks that were buried in homeowners’ yards. When Fred Williams, the first class representative, realized he was being charged rent for a propane tank he owned, he sought legal help. His lawsuit ended up affecting more than 65,000 Florida customers.

Historical Society President Edward G. Guedes with Foundation President Juliette E. Lippman

In June, the Florida Bar Criminal Law Section donated $25,000 to the Foundation to support the Loan Repayment Assistance Program, which helps lawyers employed at Florida legal aid organizations reduce their student loan debt. The section has donated $325,000 since 2012.

Also in June, in honor of Jack Harkness, the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society donated $2,000 to the Foundation. Its Board of Trustees individually contributed an additional $2,500 for a total gift of $4,500. The donation is earmarked for the Foundation’s Children’s Legal Services program.