Public Speaking Tips

Seven ‘Public Speaking’ Tips for Online Videoconferencing

In this new landscape of social distancing and virtual work, the idea of “public speaking” may seem irrelevant. But good techniques for public speaking are just as applicable when joining an online meeting. Honing your skills for distance meetings is crucial at a time when so many important decisions are being made online. From making eye contact to positioning your screen so your hand gestures can be seen, this article offers tips that can make your next virtual meeting more effective. LEARN HOW

Join the SSF Section!

SSF Section Membership—A Great Return on Investment

It’s time to renew your Solo & Small Firm Section membership and pay your Florida Bar annual fees. The online portal is open for Florida Bar electronic fee payments, including voluntary section memberships and voluntary contributions. Understanding that these are also difficult financial times for many, The Florida Bar is providing an installment payment plan option that must be elected no later than Aug. 15. Read the Florida Bar News story here.

Why Join?

#1—FREE CLE. The section offers at least 10 free CLE hours each year; that’s a $750 value. Our free Wednesday Wisdom series—one-hour CLEs on practice management, tech and more—is a benefit to our section members. If you miss the webinars, the videos are available 24/7 in the section’s members-only Facebook group.

#2—Great Publications. Looking for great content to benefit your practice? Join the section to gain access to our biannual LINK magazine and biweekly QuickLINK email newsletter. Both publications are free resources for section members. We’re always seeking content, so this is a great opportunity to get published.

#3—Members-Only Facebook Group. The section offers a members-only Facebook group so you can interact with colleagues from around the state to get coverage for hearings, recommendations on vendors, CLE updates and more. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and join our LinkedIn group to stay up-to-date on Florida Bar news, section announcements, practice and tech tips and resources.

#4—Discounts on Outstanding CLE Programming. Take advantage of your section member discount on numerous section-sponsored CLE courses. We make it easy to get your credits by offering monthly live audio webcasts, in-person CLE events and a large inventory of aftermarket CLEs—all at reduced pricing for members. If you attend each seminar we offer and use your section-member discount, your cost savings will be more than $500!

#5—Leadership Opportunities Through Committee Service. Network with colleagues from around the state, make a lasting difference in the section and increase your professional profile by joining a section committee. The value to your practice is priceless! More details and the committee preference form are online; forms are due May 1. We welcome your participation.

Florida Trend Small Business

Florida Small Business—A Free Resource From Florida Trend

The task of launching and growing a small business can leave you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain and wishing you had an expert to call for help. Good news: In Florida, you do. Check out Florida Trend’s Small Business: Tips on starting a business, operating day to day, preparing for the unexpected and growing strong. You can even sign up for a free weekly newsletter to have small-business tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. be discussed during this program. Course number 3413. 1.0 CLE credit. Section members register for only $55. REGISTER NOW

SSF Section Facebook Group

Join the section’s members-only Facebook group to network with colleagues around the state.

One of the most difficult things about working remotely is trying to stay connected. Let the Solo & Small Firm Section’s Facebook group be a resource for you. Find co-counsel, refer a case or ask for recommendations. It’s free. Our Wednesday Wisdom series is live on Facebook each month and the library of past videos is available 24/7 through the Facebook group for free, on-demand CLE. Join today to network with your colleagues from the section. JOIN NOW

Thinking Patterns

12 Common Thinking Patterns That Are Keeping You ‘Stuck’

Most workaholics don’t realize they’re stuck in a mind trap, worsening their addiction. Once you identify the traps you keep falling into, it helps you recover from your addictive thinking. This article describes 12 mind traps that feed work addiction and present in varying degrees in workaholics. Checkmark the mind traps that snare you when you’re working. The key to working smarter and improving your well-being starts with noticing the mind traps that are getting in your way.

COVID-19 Resources

Florida Bar COVID-19 Resources and News

The Florida Bar COVID-19 web page is regularly updated with coronavirus information and resources for the Florida legal community.

The Florida Bar is working diligently to implement work and schedule changes to keep its staff safe and ensure essential functions are carried out on behalf of Bar members. Tallahassee headquarters and branch offices closed Thursday, March 19. Certain Bar staff will be working remotely and essential functions will be continuing.

Deadlines for Florida Bar members scheduled to report three-year-cycle CLE for February, March, April and May have been extended to Aug. 31, 2020. Orders for CDs, DVDs and printed seminar course books will not be filled or shipped during the time The Florida Bar is closed.

  • Online and downloadable CLE programming is available 24/7 from The Florida Bar at tfb.inreachce.com.
  • Use this link to access programming for solos and small firms.
  • Free CLE is available 24/7 in the Solo & Small Firm Section’s members-only Facebook group.

Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co. has created a free COVID-19 risk management checklist and cybersecurity risk advisory for Florida Lawyers.

Pete Muschott

May 27 Free CLE: Stay Sane – Practice Better

May 27, 12–1 PM live Zoom webinar, free for Solo & Small Firm Section members.  Join us for “Stay Sane – Practice Better” by SSF 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. 1.0 CLE credit pending (Mental Illness Awareness anticipated). REGISTER NOW