April 1 Live Wednesday Wisdom Zoom Webinar, 12-1 p.m. Free CLE. Join the Solo & Small Firm Section for “Do Law Firms Need Those? – Creating an Employee Handbook in the Legal Industry.” This live Zoom webinar will be presented by Chris Johnson and Colby Ellis of Johnson Jackson PLLC. As lawyers, we tend to think that we know the rules and can make decisions about our employees when they arise. And what is there to worry about – these are our employees – they love us! But, notifying employees of the rules and available benefits ahead of time and making consistent decisions based on those rules is paramount to avoiding potential liability and allegations of unfair treatment. Join us on this webcast on creating a workable Employee Handbook that will identify the must-have policies along with the potential landmines that various statutory schemes create. 1.0 CLE. Course number TBA. Registration will be approved when Solo & Small Firm Section membership is confirmed. REGISTER

“Merging Law Firms and Promoting Associates to Partners: How to Handle the Legal Structure of Law Firm Ownership” is a live audio webcast by Laurie Lee of The Legal Department for Service Professionals, P.A. in Jacksonville. Many solo practitioners and small firms run into particular issues when looking to expand. Some expand by merging practices with another lawyer or firm and some expand by promoting associates to partners.  In both scenarios, there are business concerns that need to be understood and addressed that will be discussed during this program. Course number 3413. 1.0 CLE credit. REGISTER NOW

Laurie Lee, The Legal Department

Laurie Lee started her career as a history teacher but after a conversation with an advisor reawakened her childhood passion for law, she switched focus going all in on her pursuit of a law degree. Her love for creativity, independence and optimistic life-view made practicing law on behalf of the small, service-based business a perfect fit.

The Legal Department evolved out of her desire to occupy an uncommon space in the legal industry. She wanted to share knowledge and create long-term relationships with clients as their trusted advisor changing the narrative of attorney-client relationships. Laurie’s deep understanding that relationships are essential to the success of the business owner; whether it’s relationships between owners, clients and customers, or community partners, a business must develop and adopt good business practices.

In an industry where making money and winning are prime objectives, Laurie’s singular focus on serving businesses that serve others through the exchange of information and relationship building is a revolutionary concept. Focusing on this type of client drives her continued pursuit of innovative ways to educate and serve her clients.

Laurie graduated from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law with honors in 2003 and has practiced business law since becoming a member of the Florida Bar that same year.

The SBA awarded Laurie Lee the 2019 North Florida Woman-Owned Business of the Year; an award recognizing her work supporting and advocating for small businesses. She is an AV Preeminent® Peer-Rated by Martindale-Hubbel®, the highest possible rating for professional ethical standards and legal ability. This honor is achieved through reviews and recommendations from members of the bar and judiciary. She also has a 10 out of 10 Superb AVVO® Rating.

Bar Involvement

• Member of the Jacksonville Bar Association
• Vice-Chairman of the Jacksonville Bar Transactional Section (2016-2017)
• Chairman of the Jacksonville Bar Corporate & Business Law Committee (2014-2015, 2015-2016)
• Member of the Florida Bar Business Law Section

Business Involvement

• President of the Small Business Resource Network (2019-2020)
• Small Business Resource Network, Program Chair (2016, 2017, 2018)
• Small Business Resource Network, Steering Committee (2008, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
• Member of the Women Business Owners of North Florida

“Florida’s Newly Enacted Remote Online Notarization (RON)” is a live Zoom webcast by Michelle Garcia Gilbert of  Gilbert Garcia Group P.A. Free Wednesday Wisdom CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* Join Michelle to learn what solo and small firm attorneys need to know about how this new law (effective January 1, 2020), can impact their practices. 1.0 CLE. Course number TBA. Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed. REGISTER

Michelle Garcia Gilbert

Michelle has been admitted to the following practices and courts: Florida Bar, 1986; Middle District of Florida; 1988, Northern District of Florida; 2005, Southern District of Florida, 2006; U.S. Supreme Court, 2000; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2003. She matriculated at the University of South Florida (B.A., 1982, cum laude), and the University of Notre Dame (J.D., 1985). She is a member of the following groups: Greater Tampa Association of Realtors; Bay Area Real Estate Council, Inc.; Hillsborough County Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section; Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Business Sections; American Legal and Financial Network; Legal League 100 (Advisory Board Member, 2014-15); REOMAC; MBA; Attorney Agent, Attorney’s Title Insurance Fund/ Old Republic; Fidelity National Title agent, and Stewart Title agent.

May 27 Wednesday Wisdom Zoom Webinar, 12-1 p.m. Free CLE. Join us for “Stay Sane—Practice Better” by Solo & Small Firm Section Chair Lee E. “Pete” Muschott to learn about the art of relaxation and the benefits it can have for your practice. Pete Muschott has devoted much time and energy to the study and practice of relaxation since he started practicing law. He finds that relaxation becomes more and more important as his practice matures. Hear pro tips from an attorney who says this about the importance of mental health and wellness for lawyers: “I have survived 45 years in the practice of law with my marriage intact, reasonably good relationships with my daughters and grandchildren, and my addictions limited to black coffee and things with two wheels that make a lot of noise. Also, and perhaps most important, I am still having a good time practicing law.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Do yourself a favor and register for this important wellness CLE. Course number 3845. Approved for 1.0 General; 1.0 Mental Illness CLE credit. REGISTER NOW

Whether you’re learning a new practice area or keeping your practice on the cutting edge, Florida Law Update 2020 is an incredible CLE opportunity. 8.0 hours of credit. Solo & Small Firm Section members register at a discount.

Florida Law Update will provide statutory updates for the following areas: Business and Litigation Law, Labor and Employment Law, Animal Law, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Family Law, Criminal Law, and Real Property Law. Approved for 8.0 hours of CLE credit, 1.0 each in Business Litigation, Criminal Appellate, Criminal Trial, Elder Law, Labor and Employment, Marital & Family Law, Real Estate, and Wills, Trusts & Estates. Course number 3353.  REGISTER NOW

Special thanks to Program Chair Peggy Hoyt for her hard work in recruiting an excellent group of presenters and producing another outstanding CLE event.

On Friday, June 19, the Solo & Small Firm Section will host its first-ever virtual Annual and Executive Council meetings on Zoom. Section members: Please join us from 1 – 3:30 PM for the meetings to learn more about section business, get to know your EC members and learn how you can get involved. Registration details will be emailed to you prior to the meetings.

Section members: Join us on Friday, June 19 at 4 PM for the section’s first-ever virtual networking happy hour! The Summer Solstice starts on June 20, so our theme is “Celebrate Summer.” Theme participation is optional, of course, but if you want to have some fun with it, you can dress “summer” and toast with your favorite summer-time beverage. This is an excellent networking opportunity and might become a regular section event! Registration details will be emailed to you prior to the event.

July 8, 12-1 PM Wednesday Wisdom free CLE on Zoom. Registration is open to all; reserve your spot quickly. REGISTER NOW. Approved for 1.0 General, 1.0 Bias Elimination CLE Course No. 4048. Special thank you to section annual sponsor LexHelper.

Join the SSF Section for this important webinar to learn more about ways to invoke change within our diverse communities both professionally and personally. Topics will range from implicit bias, racial injustice, having uncomfortable conversations, ways to make a difference and much more. We ALL can play a part in being the change we want to see to achieve equality!

• Moderator Jacina Haston, Solo & Small Firm Section Chair-Elect; Senior Assistant County Attorney, Pinellas County; former director of The Florida Bar Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism.
• LaShawnda Jackson, Partner, Rumberger l Kirk; first African-American president of the Orange County Bar Association; immediate past president of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association.
• Camara Williams, Partner, Smith & Williams Trial Group; community organizer.
• Shenika “Nik” Harris, LGBTQ Consumer Advocate, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services; attorney; activist; speaker.
• Diriki Geuka, Assistant County Attorney, Pinellas County, representing county agencies including the Office of Human Rights; former federal staff attorney.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 live InReach webinar by Nora Riva Bergman of Real Life Practice. Join Nora as she shares lessons from her upcoming book, 50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers: Boost wellness. Build resilience. Yes, you can. The statistics are clear. Lawyers are challenged with depression, stress, anxiety, and alcohol abuse at levels much higher than the general public. But there are things we can do to increase our happiness quotient and avoid burnout. In this interactive webinar, you’ll learn why happiness, wellness, and resilience are essential to your health, your wellbeing, and your effectiveness as a lawyer. And you’ll learn things you can do right now to get happy and stay happy. Course number 4013. Approved for 1.0 General, 1.0 Mental Illness Awareness CLE. Section members register for only $50. REGISTER NOW

Nora Riva Bergman is a law firm coach and author. She is the founder of Real Life Practice and a certified Atticus Practice Advisor. A licensed attorney since 1992, Nora brings a deep understanding of the practice and business of law to her work with lawyers and law firms across the country. She has practiced as an employment law attorney and certified mediator and has served as an adjunct professor at both Stetson University College of Law and the University of South Florida. Nora is a graduate of Villanova University’s Lean Six Sigma Program. She is the author of 50 Lessons for Lawyers: Earn More – Stress Less – Be Awesome and 50 Lessons for Women Lawyers – From Women Lawyers.

Contact:

• 866-662-0993
• nora@atticusadvantage.com
• nora@reallifepractice.com

Aug. 26, 12 – 1 PM Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar, free CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members, by Joy Lutz of Aligned CPA, LLC. “Power Your Firm by Understanding Your Numbers: From Financial Statements and Budgets to Goal Setting.” Learn how your financials can help you make better decisions, get a hold on your cash flow and use metrics to achieve your goals. CLE approval pending. REGISTER NOW.

Joy Lutz is a CPA, certified tax coach, and owner of Aligned CPA, LLC in Lake City, FL, where she helps solo and small law firms with accounting, tax prep and planning, and advisory services. Joy is a certified Tax Coach with the American Institute of Certified Tax Planners and was named a top “40 Under 40” CPA in the accounting profession for 2015 by the CPA Practice Advisor, as well as earning the Small Business of the Year award in 2016 by the Lake City‐Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

She is involved in many organizations and has held leadership positions with the Lake City Chamber of Commerce, Ronald McDonald House, Happy House and Altrusa.