The Florida Bar

Nothing like a little good news to top off your week! The Florida Bar Solo & Small Firm Section awarded the 2024 L. Michael Roffino Pro Bono Award to the Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc., which comes with a $4,000 grant to be used for its Pro Bono Legal Assistance Program. Other finalists included the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. and the Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society, Inc., both of which received $2,000 grants. Read more about the amazing projects that earned these organizations the SSF pro bono awards in the Bar News! https://lnkd.in/ed5v8KzQ

You really know it's almost fall when Reporters' Workshop nomination time rolls back around! Now when are these sweltering days going to chill out!? 😉😆 Jokes aside, nominations ARE open! If you are a news editor, publisher, or director and have a reporter on the legal beat who would love to spend two days in our state's capital learning the ins and outs of Florida's legal system from experts working within and alongside the judiciary, then please fill out a nomination form for your deserving reporter! The Reporters' Workshop is an established tradition that gives reporters the chance to learn about our state's judiciary and even get the opportunity to chat with selected members of Florida's legal system (including some Florida Supreme Court justices 👀). The 2024 Annual Reporters' Workshop will take place in Tallahassee on October 7 and 8. Nominations will be accepted until September 6. Nominations for print, digital, television, and radio journalists are encouraged. Learn more about this year's workshop and complete a nomination form today! https://lnkd.in/evkmha33

We are sad to hear of the passing of former Florida Bar President Patrick Emmanuel. His life was marked by service to others, both in Florida's legal community and, notably, as a distinguished WWII veteran. In his 20s, he was assigned to the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion, which was primarily attached to the 28th Infantry Division, the “Keystone” Division. His unit helped liberate France, Belgium, and Luxembourg on the front lines in August 1944. After becoming an attorney in 1946, he made partner in 1947 and was elected to the BOG for the first time in 1968 to 1974, again in 1982 until he became president in 1985. He also served as president of the Florida Bar Foundation (now FFLA) for two years and spent much of his time giving back to his community. It would be impossible to sum up his storied life and experiences in one social media post, so please read his outstanding obituary in the Bar News to see just how much of an incredible impact he had. https://lnkd.in/eRXyKJE4

Ready to join a new team? Whether you're in Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee, The Florida Bar has opportunities for you. From entry to senior level, there is a little something for everyone. So what are you waiting for?! Apply today and start a new career with us! Visit FloridaBar.org/Employment to see all available positions. 💪⚖️✨💼

It is so hard to believe, but it's almost fall once again, which means it's time for pro bono awards nominations! ⚖️ Every year in January, in a ceremonial session of the Florida Supreme Court, more than two dozen lawyers are honored for their pro bono service. 🏆 This year the ceremony will be on Thursday, January 16. Read the Bar News Article to learn more and start thinking about some amazing lawyers always freely giving their time and expertise to those who otherwise may not have access. 💪 https://lnkd.in/eyXKdv5r

Congratulations to the 129 lawyers who earned board certification! These 129 lawyers — alongside the over 5,000 lawyers who have already obtained certification — are recognized for their special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in different areas of law. The Bar News article has the full list of newly board certified attorneys — check it out and congratulate the newly board certified attorneys in your community! If you are interested in becoming board certified or are curious about the program, visit the Florida Bar website! There are currently 27 (and counting) practice areas for board certification. https://lnkd.in/eXKaKieg

⚠️ANNOUNCEMENT⚠️ The Florida Supreme Court, in recent orders, disciplined 13 attorneys, disbarring six, revoking the license of one, suspending five, and reprimanding one. Read the full release on the Bar's website. https://lnkd.in/dPZMQDnB

HUGE news for potential Florida Registered Paralegals! The new rules allowing paralegals to qualify for the FRP Program based on work experience have officially kicked in! Now, a supervising or employing attorney may attest to work experience that may designate them an official FRP! ⚖️✨ https://lnkd.in/e8X9-RBT

Congratulations to Jeffery D. Harvey, CEO of CLS of Mid-Florida, on graduating from the Army War College Distance Education Program! Harvey was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, where he completed training as a Ranger. He has completed multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, leading hundreds of combat missions without loss of life. Harvey has been the CEO of CLSMF since 2020 and has led a legal career marked by service and leadership. Thank you for your service, and congratulations on this honor! https://lnkd.in/eBBxc4KH

The Bar Exam is next Tuesday and Wednesday! This is the last weekend of studying before test takers meet in Tampa, sit down, and take the exam! If you have any words of advice for test takers, drop them in the comments! ⚖️✨💪 *The Florida Bar exam is administered by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners*