05/28/2026
74 years ago, 20 attorneys met at the Gables Elk’s Lodge and resolved to form the CGBA, citing a “definite need for this type of organization now that there were 40 attorneys practicing within the city limits.”
Thomas C. Mayes. Paul Brinson, and Sidney Kass were tasked with preparing a charter, which was approved by Circuit Judge Vincent C. Giblin at our very first monthly luncheon on December 17, 1951…and thus the CGBA was born.
Among those in attendance was Coral Gables legal icon, Ed Russo, the father of CGBA Past Presidents Laura (89-90) and Rex (00-01). Laura recently discovered these new clippings among Ed’s cherished belongings.
With its 75th Anniversary approaching this year, there’s a lot more lawyers practicing within the city limits, but not much else has changed. The CGBA is still bringing lawyers and judges together every month for lunch, where it all began, and resolving to build a stronger and more connected Coral Gables legal community.
