Annual Ethics Update 2021:  Back to the Future – Re-imagining the Practice of Law

The “re-imagined” practice of law changes how we interact with clients, other attorneys, and the judiciary—and impacts our obligations as officers of the court to continue to practice in an ethical and professional manner.

Join us on Oct. 22 for the 2021 Annual Ethics Update to explore ethical considerations of virtual offices, data confidentiality, client complaints, and more. Live GoToWebinar. Course number 5562 is approved for 1 Technology; 5 General CLE credits, 3 of which may be applied toward Ethics and 2 of which may be applied toward Professionalism. Section members register for only $250. REGISTER

Get Involved:  Join a Section Committee

Committee service is an excellent way to make a difference in the section, build your resume and network with colleagues from around the state. Solo & Small Firm Section Chair Jacina Parson is accepting applications for these committees:
•  CLE
•  Marketing & Public Relations
•  Outreach & Expansion
•  Publications
•  Sponsorship
If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the committee web page to learn about the responsibilities of each committee and download the preference form. Submit forms to Jacina Parson at FLSoloSmallFirm@gmail.com. There is no deadline to apply; we welcome your participation at any time during the 2021-2022 Bar year. Note that committees generally meet by Zoom.

Online resources for your solo or small firm.

Free Resources for Your Firm

If you practice solo or in a small firm, fresh content, practice tips, and emotional support can be hard to find. Looking for free legal forms or information on trust accounting? How about some solid marketing advice? From practice management podcasts to wellness resources, here are several websites to check out:
•  LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar
•  New Solo Podcast – Legal Talk Network
•  Thrive Global
•  The Florida Bar Mental Health & Wellness Center
•  Law Practice Tips – Jim Calloway
•  Attorney at Work Daily Practice Tips
•  Florida Trend Small Business

October 27 FREE CLE:  How to Become a Legal Advocate for Your Own Special Needs Child or Clients and Their Families

Oct. 27, 121 PM, free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* Presented by Diana Abril. Course number and 1.0 General CLE credit pending approval.

Learn the art of disability rights advocacy from a corporate lawyer-mom with first-hand experience. Diana Abril is a proud graduate of the Florida Developmental Disability Council’s Florida Partners in Policymaking program, a leadership and advocacy training program for individuals with developmental disabilities and caregivers focusing on becoming community leaders and catalysts for systems change, and a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). REGISTER

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

Seven Ways You May Be Sabotaging Your Business Development Efforts

Whether it’s informal conversations with referral sources or formal presentations with prospects, lawyers often are their own worst enemies. There are many things you should—or shouldn’t—do when faced with a business development opportunity. Avoiding missteps will vastly improve your odds of success.

Here are seven of the most common errors lawyers make in their business development efforts.

Upcoming CLE (Some Free):  Register Today!

•  Medical Marijuana & Hemp:  Status in Florida of the Laws and Ethics, Oct. 19, 12 – 1 PM by Tara Tedrow.
•   2021 Annual Ethics Update: Back to the Future – Re-imagining the Practice of Law, Oct. 22, 8 AM – 12:30 PM by Peggy Hoyt (Program Chair), Scott Westheimer, Judge Barbara Leach, Judge Diana Tennis, Daniel Whitehouse and Casey Fernandez.
•   Free CLE for Section Members: How to Become a Legal Advocate for Your Own Special Needs Child or Clients and Their Families, Oct. 27, 12 – 1 PM by Diana Abril and moderated by Joshua Hertz and Paula Black.
•   Malpractice & Ethical Perils for Law Firms to Avoid, Nov. 16, 12 – 1 PM by Cathy M. Sargent and Margaret “Peggy” Hewitt, and moderated by Renée E. Thompson.
•   Free CLE for Section Members: Meaningful Mediation: Ethical, Mindful, and Strategic, Nov. 17, 12 – 1 PM by Patrick Russell and moderated by Joshua Hertz and Paula Black.

Thank you to our 2021-22 section sponsors.