Details, schedule and registration are available on the Annual Convention web page. The Solo & Small Firm Section will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony during the convention. Details coming soon.

Live video webcast with 90-day, on-demand access and live (in-person) at The Boca Raton (register through Annual Florida Bar Convention). Don’t miss it! This course will cover the latest updates for the following key practice areas:  Business Litigation; City, County, & Local Government; Criminal Appellate; Criminal Trial; Elder Law; Labor and Employment; Marital & Family Law; Wills, Trusts, & Estates. Course number 7395 is approved for 8 CLE; 1 certification credit in each practice area.

• Live (in person) registration through the Annual Florida Bar Convention (Register for the $350 All Access Pass to attend Florida Law Update 2023 at The Boca Raton):  REGISTER
• Live video webcast with 90-day, on-demand access (Solo & Small Firm Section members $295; non-members $340):  REGISTER

SCHEDULE & PRESENTERS

7:55 AM – 8:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, Program Chair

8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Family Law Update
Magistrate Diane Kirigin, 15th Judicial Circuit, Delray Beach

8:50 AM – 9:40 AM
Employment Law Update
Nick Andrews, FordHarrison, Tampa

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Real Estate
Patrick Neale, Patrick Neale & Associates, Naples

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Break

10:45 AM – 11:35 AM
Elder Law
Collett Small, Slater & Small PLLC, Pembroke Pines

11:35 AM – 12:20 PM
Estate Planning
Amy Fanzlaw, Osborne & Osborne, P.A., Boca Raton

12:20 PM – 01:45 PM
Lunch

1:45 PM – 02:35 PM
Business Law
Clay Roesch, ShuffieldLowman, Orlando

2:35 PM – 03:25 PM
Government Law
Chris Hand, Hand Law, Jacksonville

3:25 PM – 03:35 PM
Break

3:35 PM – 04:25 PM
Traffic
Rick Silverman, Rick Silverman, P.A. Tampa

Please join us during the Annual Florida Bar Convention for the Solo & Small Firm Section’s 2023 Annual Meeting at The Boca Raton in the Yacht Club’s Santa Margherita room. We’ll present our annual awards; present and elect the slate of new officers, Executive Council members, and the CLA Representative; and the gavel will pass to 2023-2024 Section Chair Cristina Alonso. We hope to see you there.

12–1 PM InReach Zoom by Tim Chinaris, Belmont Law, Nashville, and moderated by Michelle Adams Gumula, Hoyt & Bryan, Oviedo. Course number 7674 is approved for 1 CLE, all of which may be applied toward Ethics. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50. REGISTER

Keeping abreast of Florida legal ethics requires monitoring rule changes, ethics opinions, case law, and disciplinary actions. In this webinar, Timothy P. Chinaris, law professor, legal ethics lawyer, and former Florida Bar Ethics Director, will help busy lawyers by highlighting ethical developments that may be important to them.  Learn what’s new in conflicts of interest, confidentiality, attorney’s fees, disciplinary sanctions, and more.  This session will also take a peek into the future, especially nonlawyer practice and artificial intelligence.

Tim Chinaris is a Professor of Law at Belmont University College of Law in Nashville, Tennessee, where he teaches courses in legal ethics, torts, insurance law, and other subjects.  Professor Chinaris was Ethics Director of the Florida Bar from 1989-1997, where he ran the popular “ethics hotline” service that answers more than 25,000 calls annually from bar members.

Professor Chinaris holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University and received his J.D. With Honors from the University of Texas School of Law.  He is admitted to practice law in Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas.  Professor Chinaris has served on state bar ethics and UPL committees in four states, including chairing both the Florida Bar Professional Ethics Committee and the Committee on Professionalism.  He currently chairs the Tennessee Bar Association Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee.

Professor Chinaris consults with and represents lawyers and others on professional responsibility issues, including lawyer advertising and bar admission matters.  His legal ethics website is “sunEthics.com.”  He co-authored the authoritative treatise Florida Legal Malpractice and Attorney Ethics (ALM 2017) (with Warren Trazenfeld and Robert Jarvis). He has served as an expert witness in various legal ethics matters, including in the first case decided under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Free Wednesday Wisdom CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Mark Doble, CEO and founder of Alexsi, a software company that uses artificial intelligence (A.I.) to produce legal research memos on demand. Moderator:  Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin. Course number and Technology CLE credit pending approval. REGISTER

It is commonly noted that “AI is not here to replace lawyers, but lawyers who use AI will replace lawyers who don’t”. AI is being used by solo lawyers and small firms across the USA to help them compete with larger firms, without the need for significant overhead or an army of associates. It can increase their output, while minimizing their non-billable time spent on repetitive tasks like legal research. Mark Doble, will outline some of the benefits of leveraging AI in your practice.

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

Mark Doble is the CEO and founder of Alexsei, a software company that uses AI to produce legal research memos on demand. Mark received his J.D. from Queen’s University in Canada, where he split his time between building software and completing the requisite law school readings. During his brief stint in a law firm, Mark became convinced that software would positively impact the legal profession in ways not yet seen due to the rapidly evolving nature of AI, so he quit his job to start Alexsei.

Live Zoom InReach webinar by Amanda Barton, Esq., of Mr. Cannabis Law and Dr. Michelle Weiner, Director of Integrative Pain Management at Spine and Wellness Centers of America. Moderator:  Stephanie Cagnet Myron. Course number 7869 is approved for 1 CLE; 1 Mental Health & Wellness credit. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50. All registrants will have 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER

Description:  Florida’s voters overwhelmingly approved the legalization of medical marijuana in 2016.  Yet, for attorneys, there is still a lot of uncertainty as to whether compliant use of medical marijuana could compromise their licensure or legal practice. Join Amanda Barton, Esq., a Partner in Mr. Cannabis Law, Dr. Michelle Weiner, a pain management physician and medical cannabis expert and a Florida Lawyers Assistance representative as they discuss the considerations of legally recommended medical marijuana use on a lawyer’s health & wellness and their practice of law.

Dr. Michelle Weiner is double board-certified in Interventional Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is the Director of Integrative Pain Management at Spine and Wellness Centers of America. Dr. Weiner completed her residency and fellowship training at the University of Miami. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Weiner is a member of Florida’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee. Dr. Weiner’s unique approach to personalized integrative pain management allows her to treat the root cause of one’s pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, providing comprehensive and durable relief. She uses a biopsychosocial model including lifestyle and plant medicine to empower her patients to cultivate health and optimize quality of life. Dr. Weiner was trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy by the Ketamine Training Center and incorporates a multidisciplinary patient-centered approach. Her cannabis research focuses on using cannabis as a substitute for opioids in chronic pain patients and cannabis’s effect on seniors with chronic pain. Her research at the University of Miami compared psychedelic vs psycholytic doses of ketamine to treat chronic pain and depression. She is the Vice president of Mr. Psychedelic Law, a not-for-profit with the mission of responsible legal reform of psilocybin in Florida. Dr. Weiner is a clinical advisor for Iter investments, a psychedelic fund, and is passionate about exploring new paradigms.

Amanda Barton, Esq. is a partner in Mr. Cannabis Law. She is an active member of The Florida Bar and is admitted to practice in all U.S. District Courts and U.S. Bankruptcy Courts within the State of Florida. Ms. Barton has over thirteen years of legal experience handling complex corporate matters, with a strong focus on corporate governance, corporate finance, and regulatory compliance. As someone who loves written language, she excels in drafting and negotiating a vast array of legal documents.  At Mr. Cannabis Law, Ms. Barton applies her extensive experience as a corporate attorney exclusively to the niche cannabis and psychedelic industries.

Prior to joining Mr. Cannabis Law, Ms. Barton had unique legal opportunities that have made her a well-versed, seasoned transactional business attorney.  Previously, she led the transactional department at a boutique Fort Lauderdale firm, where she assisted business clients with strategic business structuring, mergers and acquisitions, asset protection, business succession planning, and contract drafting. She served as senior in-house counsel for Knight Capital Funding, a fintech company, where she built a legal department that leveraged technology, data analysis, and innovative resolution and recovery strategies. Ms. Barton also served as in-house counsel to a private investment firm, where she handled all in-house transactions with a concentration in Debtor-in-Possession financing for Chapter 11 debtors, secured lending transactions, fund management, and various aspects of municipal bond financing.

Ms. Barton currently serves on the Executive Counsel of the Solo and Small Firm Section of the Florida Bar.  She also volunteers her time to serve on the leadership board of CannabisLAB, a networking and education group for professionals who are in or are looking to get involved in the cannabis marketplace.

About Mr. Cannabis Law:

Mr. Cannabis Law is a full-service law firm focusing on the unique and highly regulated cannabis and psychedelic industries, from startups to established businesses. The firm stays abreast of current legal developments and helps clients understand and comply with regulations in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. It advises and consults in myriad areas of the industries, including corporate formation and asset management, licensing and registration, regulatory compliance, financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, intellectual property, supply chain management, and employment matters. The firm is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information about Mr. Cannabis Law, visit mrcannabislaw.com, call 786-526-1155, or email info@mrcannabislaw.com.

UPDATE: Due to a schedule conflict, Rebecca J. Bandy is unable to serve as a presenter.

Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Don Blackwell, Lake Mary, and moderated by Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin. Course number 7911 is approved for 1 CLE and 1 Mental Health & Wellness credit.

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed. REGISTER

A candid and intimate look at some of the mental health challenges confronting our profession, including reflections on a ground-breaking panel discussion highlighting the lived experiences of several highly-accomplished legal professionals, aimed at inspiring attendees of the webinar to be more attentive and responsive to the mental health and wellness of their colleagues and loved ones.

Don Blackwell is a trial lawyer at Bowman and Brooke, LLP, in Lake Mary. Read his full bio here.

Live InReach Webinar by Justin Petredis, Petredis Law, Tampa, and moderated by Paige Greenlee, Greenlee Law, Tampa. Course number 7914 is approved for 1 CLE credit and 1 certification credit each in Criminal Appellate and Criminal Trial. All registrants will have 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER

DESCRIPTION: Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer Justin Petredis will discuss the legal aspects of a DUI including your rights when you are pulled over as well as what is required of you. He will also explain the typical police investigative tactics and several new State Attorney DUI diversion programs.

Justin Petredis was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Miami (OH) for undergrad and Tulane for law school. Justin moved to Tampa, his wife’s hometown, after graduation and worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the 6th Circuit (Dade City branch) from 2004 until 2012.  In 2012 he opened his own practice where he practices almost exclusively in Criminal law. Justin became Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law in 2013. He handles all types of criminal cases, although approximately half of his practice involves handling 1st-degree homicide cases as conflict counsel for the State of Florida, through the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel.  As an Asst. State Attorney and private defense attorney, Justin has handled nearly 100 jury trials, including 8 first-degree homicide cases, of which he prevailed in 4. He has been chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Criminal Section for 7+ years, current chair of a Florida Bar Grievance Committee and was recently appointed to the Florida Bar Criminal Procedure Rules Committee.

You’re invited to the Solo & Small Firm Section’s inaugural book club! Join us on September 21 for a discussion about the book “Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine”  by Mike Michalowicz. In the book, which is available on Amazon, Michalowicz shows that by taking profit first and apportioning only what remains for expenses, entrepreneurs will transform their businesses from cash-eating monsters to profitable cash cows. REGISTER HERE

Our discussion leader is CPA Kelley Brubaker, the founder of Profit Scale Thrive, author of the book, “Stop Struggling and Start Thriving: A Guide To Transform Your Law Firm,” and a Certified Mastery-Level Profit First Professional. All details and the Zoom information are online at bit.ly/SSFS_9-21BookClub.

Upcoming sessions will be SSFS members-only and will be held on third Thursdays every other month. We hope to see you at book club!

Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Megan Murray, Underwood Murray, P.A., Tampa, and moderated by Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin. Course number and CLE credit pending approval. *Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed. REGISTER

This seminar will provide an introduction to bankruptcy nondischargeability and why it matters in state court. Megan Murray will discuss the framework surrounding nondischargeability and relevant bankruptcy laws, how to identify nondischargeable debts early in a case, how to manage the risks of a judgment debtor filing bankruptcy, and eliminating a judgment through the bankruptcy process. Judgment creditors who do not consider dischargeability in state court risk losing their judgment in bankruptcy if the debt is of a kind that may be subject to nondischargeability. Careful advance consideration is key.

Megan Murray, a founding shareholder of Underwood Murray, has over twenty years of reorganization and workout experience advising individuals, business owners, debtors, trustees, creditors’ committees, secured and unsecured creditors, and asset purchasers and sellers.  She has experience both on the legal side and on the business side in a global financial institution.  She counsels individuals and businesses and owners in a wide variety of disputes and industries including but not limited to real estate, hospitality, pharmaceutical, medical services, construction, insurance, transportation, logistics, aviation, and financial services.

In addition to her broad range of representations in core bankruptcy matters, Ms. Murray counsels her clients in making critical business decisions, while prosecuting and defending complex business disputes.  She has been involved in director and officer liability litigation, bondholder disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, court-appointed receiverships, assignment proceedings, recovery of large and small business assets, and lien priority disputes related to a variety of collateral including real property, equipment, aircraft and logistics-related assets.