Professionalism Update for Lawyers

Professionalism Update for Lawyers: Ways to Avoid the Disciplinary Process

March 15, 12–1 PM Live GoToWebinar presented by F. Scott Westheimer of Syprett Meshad, Sarasota, and moderated by Cristina Alonso.

The need to improve the level of attorney professionalism continues to be expressed by members of the bench and bar.  Join Scott Westheimer, Past Chair of The Florida Bar Board of Governors Disciplinary Review Committee (2020-2021) to hear about more recent professionalism initiatives, to look at how professionalism is regulated and to discuss ways to avoid the disciplinary system.

Course number 5723 is approved by The Florida Bar for 1 General CLE credit, all of which may be applied toward Professionalism. Section members register for only $50. REGISTER

2022 CLE Trip to Hawaii

Annual “Out-of-Country” CLE Planned May 27 to June 5 in Hawaii

Join your colleagues from the Solo & Small Firm Section May 27–June 5, 2022, for our annual “out-of-country” CLE trip, this year an in-country visit to the beautiful islands of Hawaii and Oahu.

The May 31 CLE program will offer specialty credits in technology, professionalism, ethics and well-being with a local perspective. Group tours include Big Island Grand Circle Island, Volcano National Park, Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial and a luau at Paradise Cove.

Instead of going through a travel agent, guests will make reservations directly with hotels, airlines and group tours. Excursion and airport transfer details will be provided as they become available. Flight destinations are Kona International Airport and Honolulu International Airport.

The itinerary, activities and hotel reservation links are online at flsolosmallfirm.org/hawaii-2022. For more information, please contact Program Administrator Ricky Libbert at rlibbert@floridabar.org or 850-561-5631. LEARN MORE

Views fromthe Bench CLE

*FREE CLE* Views from the Bench:  How to Put Your Best Foot Forward in Motion Practices

March 23, 12 – 1 PM free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* Presented by Judge Lody Jean, Circuit Court Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami; and Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock, Circuit Court Judge for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Fort Lauderdale. Moderated by General Magistrate Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin. Course number and CLE credit pending approval.

Join us to hear from Circuit Court Judges Jean and Fahnestock as they share their experiences and observations on how attorneys can most effectively appear before the court to cultivate a stellar reputation. You will hear about what sets the most successful attorneys apart from those who are less skilled as well as sources of irritation for judges, so you will never find yourself being identified as THAT lawyer. REGISTER

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

Avoid Zoom Background Fails

Zoom Background Fails to Avoid at All Costs

We’ve all seen the terrifying Zoom fails of live-feed bathroom trips and unmuted rants about the host. We’re not those people. We’d never show up unclothed or allow our untethered howling spawn to step into the frame. But even professionals make mistakes, and holding the audience’s attention during a presentation is a tough competitive business.

Your background is especially fertile ground for flubs. From oblivious roommates walking into the frame to poor green screen choices, here are some (really funny) Zoom background distractions to avoid at all costs.

Image of a coffee mug, laptop, and paper clips on a desk with text overlay

Upcoming  CLE (Some Free for Section Members)

April 19 @ 12 – 1 PM—Exploitation Recovery Law: What Non-Elder Law Attorneys Need to Know About Protecting Vulnerable Adults (registration opens soon)

April 27 @ 12 – 1 PM—Free CLE for Section Members. Pandemic Parenting While Lawyering: Elevating your Priorities and Thriving in a Post-Covid Legal Environment

May 17 @ 12 – 1 PM—Hot Topics in Florida Legal Ethics (registration opens soon)

May 18 @ 12 – 1 PM—Power your Firm by Understanding your Numbers: From Financial Statements and Budgets to Goal Setting

June 23 @ 8 AM – 5 PM—2022 Florida Law Update (live and live webcast during The Florida Bar Annual Convention; registration opens soon)

Thank you to our 2021-22 section sponsors.