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Sep
15
Thu
Lessons from “50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers: Boost wellness. Build resilience. Yes, you can!” @ Live GoToWebinar
Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Live GoToWebinar presented by Nora Riva Bergman, JD, Tarpon Springs; and Chelsy A. Castro, JD, MA, AM, LSCW, Chicago. Course number 6245 is approved for 1.0 General; 1.0 Mental Illness Awareness CLE credit. Section members register for only $50. REGISTER

Join Nora Bergman and Chelsy Castro, authors of the new book 50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers, as they share research-based strategies that will help you increase your personal and professional happiness. The lessons in this book—written by lawyers for lawyers—will show you how to take small steps each day to boost your wellness, well-being, and resilience to live a happier, healthier life.

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 well-being, and your effectiveness as a lawyer. And you’ll learn things you can do right now to get happy and stay happy.

Nora BergmanNora Riva Bergman is the creator of the 50 Lessons for Lawyers book series designed to support lawyers throughout every stage of their careers. A licensed attorney since 1992, Nora has been a Certified Atticus Practice Advisor since 2006. She has coached lawyers across the country and brings a deep understanding of the practice and business of law to her work with lawyers, law firms, and bar associations. Before her work as an author and business coach, she 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.

Chelsy A. CastroChelsy A. Castro is CEO and Founder of Castro Jacobs Psychotherapy and Consulting (CJPC), a firm specializing in lawyer well-being. An attorney-turned-psychotherapist and performance coach, Chelsy counsels individuals and the organizations they work for on how to achieve their goals in healthy and productive ways. Chelsy’s publications and trainings focus on science-based skills and strategies for improving performance and increasing well-being in high-pressure professions.

After practicing law as a multilingual attorney in the field of international regulatory compliance, Chelsy later earned her clinical degree at the University of Chicago and shifted her focus to lawyer well-being. Prior to launching CJPC, Chelsy designed, developed, and managed clinical programs for the legal profession, and provided evidence-based psychotherapy and training for lawyers, judges, and law students.

Oct
21
Fri
The Fascinating Field of Crop Insurance
Oct 21 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

October 21, 12 – 1 PM Live GoToWebinar.  Presented by Professor Chad G. Marzen, J.D., American General Insurance Associate Professor of Insurance Law, Florida State University College of Business, Tallahassee. Moderator: Dr. Michael T. Olexa, Professor & Director Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources Law, University of Florida, Gainesville. Course number 6337 is approved for 1 General CLE credit. REGISTER

The federal crop insurance program is a significant one for America’s agricultural producers. This webinar provides a brief overview of contemporary legal issues with crop insurance that some producers and practitioners may encounter. This webinar will review recent caselaw from courts throughout the United States as well as Final Agency Determinations (FADs) of the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency.

Chad G. MarzenLearn more about Professor Chad G. Marzen here.

Oct
28
Fri
Annual Ethics and Professionalism Update 2022: Navigating the Future – The Expertise for Changing Times (Virtual) @ Live GoToWebinar
Oct 28 @ 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

October 28, 8 AM – 12:30 PM live GoToWebinar. Course number 6247 has been approved for 5 General CLE credits, 3 of which may be applied toward Ethics; 1 of which may be applied toward Professionalism; and 1 Technology credit. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $250. REGISTER

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Welcome
John Maceluch
Stephanie Cagnet Myron
Image of a smiling man (John Maceluch)      Image of a smiling woman (Stephanie Myron)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:10 AM – 9:00 AM
Maintain Heading: Ethical Impacts of Recent Lawyer Advertising Decisions, Opinions, and Rule Changes
Jonathan Grabb, Director, Ethics & Advertising Department of The Florida Bar
Image of a smiling man in front of a bookcase (Jonathan Grabb)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
Secure Your Mooring: Effective Strategies to Boost Technology and Maintain Security
John Stewart, Melbourne
Image of a smiling man (John Stewart)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9:50 AM – 10:05 AM
Break

10:05 AM – 10:55 AM
Stay Aboveboard: Compliance Requirements Resulting From Recent Rule Changes and Ethics Opinions
Tim Chinaris, Nashville, TN
Image of a smiling man (Tim Chinaris)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10:55 AM – 11:45 AM
Retain Your Bearing: Ethical and Professional Obligations of Practicing Virtually and in the Courtroom
Moderator: John Maceluch, Panama City
Panelists:
Judge Jessica Goodwin Costello, Tampa
Judge Keith Meyer, Clearwater
Judge William Dyer, Panama City

Image of a smiling woman in judicial robe (Jessica Costello)Image of a smiling man in judicial robe (Keith Meyer)Image of a man (William Dyer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:45 AM – 12:35 PM
Follow Your Compass: Professionalism and Civility in Trying Times and Difficult Situations
Elizabeth Hunter, Palm City

Image of a smiling woman (Elizabeth Hunter

Nov
15
Tue
Tech Options for a More Efficient Practice @ Live GoToWebinar
Nov 15 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Live GoToWebinar presented by Marck Joseph, The Joseph Firm P.A., Miami.  Moderator:  Chris Johnson. Course number 6338 is approved for 1.0 General; 1.0 Technology credit. REGISTER

This seminar is intended to provide detailed information on various software, programs, and subscriptions to help streamline your practice from start to finish. From schedules and calendars to billing and invoicing, this CLE is here to make your practice efficient as well as successful. Attendees will leave with a great understanding of how technology can help us serve our clients while balancing work/life balance and keeping a team in sync.

Marck Joseph

Marck Joseph, Esq., is the founder and owner of The Joseph Firm, a South Florida-based practice focusing exclusively on Marital and Family Law. His strong passion for justice has resolved hundreds of cases for clients, involving divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, paternity (establishment and disestablishment), time-sharing (custody/visitation rights), child support, and domestic violence. He is also a Florida Supreme Court-certified family mediator and collaborative law practitioner. Marck also serves on various committees, including the 11th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee, the Family Law Rules Committee, and The Florida Bar Family Law Sections Legislative Committee.

 

An experienced litigator who is dedicated to delivering his clients the results they deserve, Marck has a solid familiarity with each of the South Florida courts and agencies. The Joseph Firm has been trusted by national celebrities and maintains an established record for resolving high conflict cases and high net worth litigation.

 

Nov
29
Tue
Practice Without Borders: Using Technology to Efficiently Run Your Practice From Anywhere @ Live GoToWebinar
Nov 29 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Live GoToWebinar presented by Liz McCausland, Liz McCausland, P.A., Orlando, and Legal Tech Consultant, Law Tech Partners. Moderator: John Maceluch, Sunshine Legacy Law, PLLC, Panama City. Course number 6246 is approved for 1.0 General; 1.0 Technology CLE credit. Section members register for only $50. REGISTER

Today’s legal technology has given lawyers the ability to work from anywhere. They can gain a competitive edge and improve legal services to their clients without being in the room. Technology and remote work also have opened the doors to hiring and training staff members who are not “in our backyards.”  In this presentation, Liz McCausland, attorney and legal tech consultant, will explore opportunities for today’s lawyers to deliver service and value to their practice, clients, and cases while working remotely.

Liz F. McCauslandLiz McCausland has been practicing law for over 20 years after graduating from the University of Florida with both her Bachelor of Arts and JD degrees. She practiced civil litigation representing both individuals and national corporations before starting her own firm. Ms. McCausland now concentrates in bankruptcy and mediation. She is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. She served on committees to establish both the Orlando Bankruptcy Division’s Mortgage Modification Mediation Program, as well as the Orange County Mortgage Modification Program.

She has conducted over 4,000 Mortgage Modification Mediations in every district in Florida, as well as in Indiana, California, Nevada, and Arizona. She travels throughout the US to teach other attorneys and mediators how to successfully obtain and mediate mortgage modifications in bankruptcy.

Liz has served in leadership positions in many voluntary bar associations and has won awards for her devoted service including being recognized with the Lawrence G. Matthews Professionalism Award. She is a past president of the Orange County Bar Association and serves on the executive council of the Florida Bar’s Solo and Small Firm Section. She has also previously served on the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section, The Florida Bar’s Leadership Academy Committee, and on the executive board of the Central Florida Association For Women Lawyers.

Liz is a self-proclaimed gadget geek and has never met an app she didn’t try.

Jan
24
Tue
Taking an Effective Adverse Party Deposition @ Live GoToWebinar
Jan 24 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Live GoToWebinar by Bill Curphy, William E. Curphy Law, Palm Harbor. Course number 6914 is approved for 1.0 General CLE credit. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50. Webinar registrants have 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER

There are many reasons for taking a deposition; the person is out of the jurisdiction of the court, preserving the testimony, gathering facts to support your case and learning about the other side’s position. One of the most important depositions is of the opposing party. Opposing party’s deposition can form the basis of a summary judgment or at least eliminate some of the issues for trial. It is getting key admissions without a judge ruling on an objection although everyone knows an objection can be made to the form of the question. But do you leave it there? The session will discuss the objection to form and how to deal with opposing counsel who tries to interrupt your flow as well as getting the key information you need.

Image of a smiling man (Bill Curphey)

Bill Curphy started his own practice in 1999 after decades of litigation experience, including work in the government sector for the U.S. Department of Labor, as in-house counsel at a Fortune 200 company, and as a partner at a large law firm.  Bill has tried hundreds of cases over the course of his career. Clients seek him out for his formidable trial skills and keen instincts. His experience encompasses jury trials for corporate defendants and plaintiffs alike, in both federal and state courts, in cases including complex business disputes, breach of contract including employment contracts, covenants not to compete, sexual harassment, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and other employment-related matters. He has also successfully handled numerous appeals.

In addition to his active litigation practice, Bill also assists client outside of the courtroom, advising businesses on regulatory compliance, and responding to EEOC, OSHA and other government investigations of the workplace.  An accomplished and engaging speaker, he has traveled around the United States and as far as India, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines speaking on such topics as regulatory compliance, how to avoid employment litigation, supervisory skills and negotiation. He has also served as an adjunct professor on labor and employment law at Stetson College of Law and the University of South Florida Graduate School of Business.

Jan
25
Wed
The Law is Local (Free CLE for All Florida Bar Members) @ Zoom
Jan 25 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
12–1 PM live on Zoom. Course number 6917 is approved for 1.0 General CLE credit. Free CLE, open to all Florida Bar members. REGISTER

In “The Law is Local,” Florida government law attorney Chris Hand will discuss some of the legal challenges and opportunities that clients may encounter with Florida county and city governments. Hand, a former Chief of Staff for the City of Jacksonville, will highlight the stakeholders and processes available to help Floridians use their effective citizenship skills in making local government respond.
For all of the attention focused on the federal government in Washington and state government in Tallahassee, local government has the most significant and immediate impact on our lives—including our lives as attorneys.
Image of a smiling man

Chris Hand has a long record of public, civic, and legal service. He currently leads Hand Law, a firm that helps clients throughout Florida seek opportunities and solve challenges with government.

From 2011 to 2015, Hand served as Chief of Staff at the City of Jacksonville — the largest city by area in the contiguous United States, 12th largest by population in the nation, and most populated city in Florida. Following his service at City Hall, Hand authored the 50th Anniversary update to the chronicle of Jacksonville’s historic city-county consolidation: A Quiet Revolution–the Consolidation of Jacksonville-Duval County and the Dynamics of Urban Political Reform.

From 1996 to 2000, Hand served as speechwriter, campaign press secretary, and Senate press secretary for U.S. Senator and former Governor Bob Graham. With Senator Graham, Hand is co-author of America, the Owner’s Manual: You Can Fight City Hall – and Win, a guide to helping Americans use their effective citizenship skills to make government respond.

In 2008, Hand served as one of 27 Florida electors in the U.S. Electoral College. Ten years later, Hand helped to lead the bipartisan Groveland Four Clemency Coalition, which worked to achieve justice for four Floridians unjustly accused of crimes. On January 11, 2019, the Florida Cabinet unanimously pardoned the Groveland Four. On November 22, 2021, the Fifth Circuit Court restored their legal innocence.
Hand graduated from the Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs. He was honored with the Daily Princetonian Award for efforts to reform the university’s then century-old Honor Code. Hand later graduated from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. The law school student body elected him as president of the student bar association.

In addition to his government law practice, Hand is an author, speaker, and commentator who provides political, legal, and governmental analysis for Northeast Florida media. An enthusiastic hiker who loves the outdoors, Hand lives in Jacksonville with his wife and two children.

Feb
22
Wed
POSTPONED: Creating a Law Firm You Love (Free CLE for Section Members) @ Zoom
Feb 22 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

FREE Wednesday Wisdom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Jordan Ostrow, a visionary entrepreneur, President of LegalEase Marketing, Managing Partner of Jordan Law FL, and host of multiple Facebook live shows. Course number and CLE credit pending approval.

Course Description: How to come up with the right idea for a law firm you love, and then make decisions toward that while following ethical rules, being profitable, etc.

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

Feb
24
Fri
Levitate & Automate: Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference @ Live GoToWebinar
Feb 24 @ 8:00 AM – 12:35 PM

Live GoToWebinar. Course number 6826 is approved for 4 General; 2 Technology CLE credits. Webinar registrants have 90-day,on-de,and access; Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $245. REGISTER

Thank you to Conference Chair Camara Williams of Orlando.

This seminar will cover automating your practice; simplify on boarding and collections; from lawyering to leading: knowing the numbers that matter most; funding your law firm and how to get financing; website best practices and educating different customer groups.

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Welcome
Camera Williams, Program Chair
Gary Lesser, The Florida Bar President

8:10 AM – 9:00 AM
Automating your Practice
Conti Moore, Conti Moore Law, PLLC, Orlando

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
Simplify On Boarding and Collectons
Marko Skarica, Conti Moore Law, PLLC, Orlando
Nikie Lomax, Conti Moore Law, PLLC, Orlando

9:50 AM – 10:40 AM
From Lawyering to Leading:  Knowing the Numbers That Matter Most
Leticia DeSuze, Elite Wealth Enterprises, LLC

10:40 AM – 10:55 AM
Break

10:55 AM – 11:45 AM
Funding your Law Firm – How to get Financing
Scott Leitner, SVP, Centeral Counsel, Climate First Bank

11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Website Best Practices and Educating Different Customer Groups
Robin Cardella, Titletap

Mar
28
Tue
Bona Fide Technology Barriers: Principles for the Layered Protection of Your Practice @ Live GoToWebinar
Mar 28 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Presented by G.C. Murray II, Esq., President of Global Cyber Management, an AGC Division; and Rob Blackwell, PMP, CISSP, CISM, MSCS, President of CyTech Services LLC. Moderated by Stephanie Cagnet Myron. Course number 7234 is approved for 1 CLE; 1 Technology CLE. Section members register for only $50. All registrants have 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER

Are your firm—and your clients—fully protected from intrusion? Did you know that the weakest link in any digital security is the human element, and not firewalls and anti-virus software? This webinar aims to educate Florida Bar members about technology security controls and steps to protect their practices and clients from intrusion. We will discuss data and security protection fundamentals, including the CIA, DAD, and DiD models, and best practices for law firms to protect their businesses and clients. We will also discuss the ethical and legal requirements in case of a breach. We finish with laying out the best tools in the tech space to help create barriers that protect the public.

Image of a smiling man (G.C. Murray II)

G.C. Murray II, Esq., DPL, is a nationally recognized lawyer, leader, and lobbyist who has received numerous awards for his legal acumen and his philanthropy. He focuses on all aspects of nonprofit management including Federal and State compliance, organizational leadership, and high-level fundraising. He is also the President of Global Cyber Management, a division of Association GC. In this capacity, he focuses on helping businesses with compliance with cybersecurity, privacy, and consumer laws.

 

Image of a smiling man (Robert Blackwell)

Robert Blackwell is an experienced IT professional with a wide array of experience in his career spanning over 16 years. Mr. Blackwell specializes in cybersecurity compliance, engineering, and management. Mr. Blackwell is the CEO of an IT Consulting Firm, CyTech Services LLC, based in Washington DC. Mr. Blackwell prides himself in educating others in the ever-changing field of cybersecurity. He holds several industry certifications, including CISSP, CISM, and PMP. He received his education from the University of Maryland majoring in BS: Information Technology and MS: Cybersecurity Management and Policy.