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Jul
26
Wed
A.I. & Legal Research: How Solo and Small Firm Practitioners Use New Technology Tools to Benefit Their Practices (Free CLE for Section Members) @ Zoom Webinar
Jul 26 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

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.

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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.

Aug
23
Wed
When ‘Powering Through’ Is No Longer An Option (Free CLE for Section Members) @ Zoom Webinar
Aug 23 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

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.

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

 

 

 

 

Sep
27
Wed
How to Minimize the Impact of a Bankruptcy on Your State Court Judgment (Free CLE for Section Members) @ Zoom Webinar
Sep 27 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

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.

Smiling woman wearing glassesMegan 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.

Oct
25
Wed
OSHA Enforcement Relating to Heat Related Illnesses & Injuries in the Workplace (Free CLE for All Florida Bar Members) @ Zoom Webinar
Oct 25 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Free Wednesday Wisdom live Zoom webinar by Michael Prendergast of FordHarrison, and moderated by Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. Course number 8083; 1 General CLE. Open to all members of The Florida Bar. REGISTER

While the Occupational Safety & Health Administration has not yet issued regulations specifically addressing heat-related injuries and illnesses, OSHA has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing an OSHA standard specifically related to these hazards. In the meantime, OSHA continues to address these issues through inspections, citations and enforcement proceedings under the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s “General Duty” clause. This course addresses the current and anticipated impact of these general industry enforcement procedures and regulations on agricultural employers and their workers in the Sunshine State.

Smiling man in business attireMike Prendergast is a partner in the Jacksonville, Florida office of FordHarrison LLP. Mike and his firm represent and counsel employers in litigation, administrative proceedings, and other matters related to employment law. Mike’s practice includes advising employers concerning their obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Mike also represents clients during OSHA inspections and in response to citations and enforcement proceedings brought by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Nov
15
Wed
Ways to Thankfully Enjoy a Less Stressful Holiday Season (Free CLE for Section Members) @ Zoom Webinar
Nov 15 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Rebecca J. Bandy, Director of The Florida Bar’s Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism, and moderated by Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin. Course number 8084 is approved for 1 CLE, 1 Mental Health & Wellness. REGISTER

While the holidays can be a beautiful time, many attorneys struggle with stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Please join Rebecca Bandy as she gifts you with tangible ways to brighten your holidays and add cheer to your life so that you can be your best professional self during the season’s celebrations.

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed. Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members.

Smiling woman in blue dressRebecca J. Bandy serves as the Director of The Florida Bar’s Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism. She joined the Center as Assistant Director in March 2017.

Prior to joining The Florida Bar, Ms. Bandy was an associate attorney at the Law Offices of Thomas L. Powell, PA in Tallahassee, where she litigated in the areas of family and criminal law. She most recently taught college-level courses at Lawton Chiles High School, where she helped establish the school’s award-winning mock trial team along with The Honorable Mark Walker, The Honorable David Frank, and attorney David Grimes.

Ms. Bandy previously served as the Director of Alumni Relations at the Florida State University College of Business and as the Assistant Director of Alumni and Development at the Florida State University College of Law.

She earned her Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law. A native of the tiny town of Hilliard in Nassau County, Florida, she earned her Bachelor’s in Communications with Honors from Jacksonville University and her teaching credentials at Georgia Southern University.

Since becoming director, Ms. Bandy has attended the National Legal Mentoring Symposium in Columbia, South Carolina; the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute at Georgetown University; the National Mindfulness Summit in Washington, DC; resilience training at Johnson and Johnson’s Human Performance Institute; and has received a Mental Health First Aid certificate. She currently serves on the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Professionalism. She regularly speaks to legal professionals, law school students, and Florida Bar staff on general professionalism, mindfulness-based emotional intelligence, the impacts of loneliness, mentoring, networking, gratitude, resilience, interpersonal communications skills, active listening, implicit bias, and team building.
She is the 2021 recipient of the Champion of Professionalism Award given by the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, 2nd District Court of Appeal.

Ms. Bandy is active in her church, is a community volunteer at an area elementary school, and she has supported causes including the March of Dimes, Epilepsy Association of the Big Bend, the Holocaust Education Resource Council (HERC), the Kearney Center, and Honor Flight Tallahassee.

Jan
31
Wed
Practice Tips from Successful Solo & Small Firm Attorneys @ Zoom
Jan 31 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by John Maceluch, Jr., Panama City; Chrissy Davis, Tallahassee; and Zack Zuroweste, Clearwater. Moderator: Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. Course number 8248 is approved for 1 CLE credit. Members may self-report credit through their Florida Bar member portals.

Image of a smiling man wearing business attireJohn Maceluch, Jr. operates an Estate Planning and Elder Law firm along the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast with offices in Panama City and Tallahassee. His experience covers a wide variety of practice areas with clients from every background. He appeared in almost all the 67 counties in Florida with over 70 jury trials.  John has presented numerous CLEs and seminars on professionalism and productivity. He has served as Secretary of the Tallahassee Bar Association, on the 13th Circuit Grievance Committee, and the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors. He is currently on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 14th Circuit of Florida, is the President of the St. Andrew’s Bay Inn of Court, and Treasurer of the Solo & Small Firm Section of the Florida Bar. He is a graduate of Florida State University with dual degrees in Political Science and Economics and received his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in New Orleans.

 

Smiling woman with blonde hairChristine Davis is a Florida Bar board-certified appellate specialist who handles civil appeals and extraordinary writ proceedings in state and federal courts in all areas of civil law. She also regularly prepares amicus briefs in high-profile, precedential cases for industry groups and associations.

In addition to her traditional appellate work, Christine’s practice includes extensive participation at the trial court level. In this role, she has participated in lengthy, high-profile trials throughout the state during which she strategizes with trial counsel; ensures the record is properly preserved for appeal; prepares and argues legal motions; and handles post-trial issues, such as post-trial briefing and argument and securing stays through supersedeas bonds. Christine began her legal career in 2002 at the Florida Supreme Court through a clerkship with Justice Charles T. Wells. She then spent 17 years at a large, national law firm specializing in appellate practice before opening her own firm—Davis Appeals, PLLC—as a solo appellate practitioner.

Smiling man wearing business attireZack Zuroweste is Shareholder and Managing Partner at Persante Zuroweste, P.A., in Clearwater. He practices probate and trust litigation, business litigation, and securities litigation and arbitration.

Mr. Zuroweste graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2006 with a joint degree in Law and Master in Business Administration. He is a Graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, Senior Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America, and Member of the Trial Law Institute.

Mr. Zuroweste maintains an AV Rating from Martindale Hubbell, and is named in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, Florida Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America.

Mr. Zuroweste has been very active in voluntary bar associations and other professional organizations across Florida, including The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors, Clearwater Bar Association, Barney Masterson American Inn of Court, Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association, and The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section. He served as the 2017-2018 President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors and is the Immediate Past President of the Clearwater Bar Association.

Feb
28
Wed
A.I. Threats To Solo And Small Law Firm Practitioners In 2024: Understanding And Mitigating Risks @ Zoom
Feb 28 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Free Wednesday Wisdom live Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Ron Frechette, CEO, GoldSky Security, and Bob Cohen, MidAtlantic Practice Director, GoldSky Security. Moderator: Margaret S. Hewitt, Esq., Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company. Host/moderator: Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. Course number 8272 is approved for 1 CLE; 1 Technology. REGISTER

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

DESCRIPTION:  The rapid pace of A.I. integration into internal operations and the development of A.I.-based products and services has surpassed expectations in today’s digital world. Security leaders have voiced apprehension that amidst the enthusiasm for A.I.’s potential, essential security and assurance factors are being disregarded. In this one-hour session, we will delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the legal industry and explore the potential threats it poses to law firms. From A.I.-generated deepfakes that challenge client confidentiality to the implications of A.I. bias and fairness in legal decision-making, we will address the risks head-on. Our expert speakers will highlight real-world examples of AI-driven attacks and data breaches, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by law firms in the current digital age. Moreover, we will share practical strategies and best practices to secure A.I. systems and data, ensuring your firm is well-prepared to safeguard against emerging A.I. threats. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and explore cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions tailored to protect your law firm from AI-related vulnerabilities.

Smiling man with beard wearing glassesRon Frechette, CEO & Managing Partner, GoldSky Security. Ron Frechette serves as CEO (Chief Evangelist Officer) and Managing Partner for GoldSky Security. Frechette is a seasoned entrepreneur who has over 30 years of experience building service-based businesses from concept to cashflow across various industries. Ron was introduced to the information security industry in 2009 when he was contracted by a former colleague to build a healthcare security and compliance practice for Coalfire Systems. Under his leadership, he set up offices across the region while recruiting, hiring, and managing a team of Regional Sales Managers selling IT Governance, Risk and Compliance services throughout the Southeastern US and Caribbean. In 2015. After five years and fulfilling his obligation to Coalfire, Ron saw the need and had a passion to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) build formal cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance programs.  He founded GoldSky Security in 2016 with the core purpose of educating, transforming and protecting SMBs from the onslaught of cyber-attacks we see in today’s Digital Age.  Ron is a proud US Coast Guard veteran and served as an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years.  He enjoys giving back to his community through various charitable organizations.

Smiling man wearing business attireBob Cohen – CBCP, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, ISO 22301 Lead Auditor & Implementer Mid-Atlantic Practice Director for GoldSky Security. “Commander” Bob Cohen brings over 2o years of experience in all aspects of information assurance, and all security disciplines. Some of Bob’s expertise includes ISO 27001 consulting support, ISO Internal Audits, Security Risk Assessments, Recovery Strategies Analysis, Recovery Plan development as well as recovery and cyber incident response training for public and private sector clients. Additionally, he assisted cloud service providers in obtaining their federal government certification under the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), and conducted gap assessments under ISO and federal government frameworks.  Bob is a proud Navy veteran who served as a Naval Intelligence Officer.

 

 

Smiling woman wearing glassesMargaret S. “Peggy” Hewitt. Peggy Hewitt is the Resources and Services Manager for the Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, providing risk management and continuing legal education materials to FLMIC members and the Florida Bar.  Before coming to FLMIC, Ms. Hewitt was a 20+ year partner of Jones, Hurley & Hand, P.A., a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar, and was designated an “AV” Peer Review Rated Lawyer.  Prior to JH&H, Ms. Hewitt was in-house litigation counsel for the Walt Disney Company, Assistant General Counsel for the Sheriff of Orange County, and an Assistant State Attorney for the 9thJudicial Circuit.  Ms. Hewitt has an extensive library of articles and advisories for legal and risk management publications; her Florida Bar CLE manuals and presentations include “Trying a Difficult Liability Case in Florida.”  She has been an accredited CEU presenter for the Florida Department of Finance since 2002 and has presented legal topics at the ABA Annual Conference and numerous NRRDA National Conferences.

Mar
27
Wed
FREE CLE for Section Members: Big Firm Talent on a Small Firm Budget: How to Hire & Retain Top Talent @ Zoom
Mar 27 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Chelsie M. Lamie, Florida Injury Attorneys, Valencia, Spain; and moderated by Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, Suwannee County Judge. Course number 8338 is approved for 1 CLE. REGISTER

DESCRIPTION: Florida personal injury attorney Chelsie M. Lamie believes two things have been instrumental in the success of her law firm: having the right processes and the right people on her team. In this information-packed, one-hour CLE, learn how to hire and retain top talent without blowing your firm’s salary budget. Chelsie will walk you through her best hiring tool, working interviews, and share how she created a culture that has kept her employees happy and loyal.

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

Smiling woman in navy blouseChelsie M. Lamie is a former claims adjuster and insurance defense attorney turned personal injury attorney. For the past fifteen years she has exclusively represented the injured.    In 2016, with two kids under two, Chelsie opened her own personal injury law firm in Clearwater, Florida.  In 2018, she closed her brick-and-mortar office and took her six-person law firm virtual.  In early 2019, she moved her family to Mexico.  Recently, her family has decided to relocate from Mexico to Spain.  Chelsie has been able to run her law practice 100% from abroad since 2019 and plans to continue to do so for decades to come.  Chelsie is as passionate about law firm culture and team building as she is about fighting for the rights of injury victims.  She has perfected a working interview system that she credits with weeding out ill-fitting potential employees and has mastered retaining her firm’s talent by creating and implementing innovative perks. She is most proud of the culture that she has created within her law firm.  On top of running her successful personal injury practice, Chelsie dedicates a few hours each month to coaching other law firm owners on launching and scaling their practices and for those interested, in learning personal injury to add as a practice area. Chelsie’s greatest joy is being a mom to her two young boys.  Her hobbies include reading for pleasure, scuba diving, and international travel.

Apr
24
Wed
FREE CLE for Section Members: Assessing the Impact—Florida Tort Reform’s Influence on Personal Injury Law @ Zoom
Apr 24 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Brandon Sapp, Brandon Sapp Law PLLC, Orlando, (Plaintiff’s Perspective); Charise Morgan, Zurich North America, Miami, (Defense Perspective); and Jamie Billotte Moses, Holland & Knight LLP, Orlando, (Appellate Perspective). Moderator: Rebekah Taylor, RT Mediation and Consulting, LLC, Lake Mary. Host: Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. View the presenter and moderator bios here. Course number 8342 is approved for 1 CLE. REGISTER

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

DESCRIPTION: This program is a panel discussion that will be educational and practical. The panelists will discuss the new law changes and how attorneys have adapted. The panelists will share real-life insights and examples of how attorneys have worked cases differently based on tort reform changes. The panelists will address statute of limitations, bad faith, boarding medical bills, and fault, among other topics. Jamie Moses will discuss appellate challenges that are forming and their implications that are developing in the legal community.

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Brandon Sapp, Brandon Sapp Law PLLC, Orlando, (Plaintiff’s Perspective); Charise Morgan, Zurich North America, Miami, (Defense Perspective); and Jamie Billotte Moses, Holland & Knight LLP, Orlando, (Appellate Perspective). Moderator: Rebekah Taylor, RT Mediation and Consulting, LLC, Lake Mary.

May
29
Wed
FREE CLE for Section Members: Immigration Primer—What Lawyers Need to Know in Practice and to Take Pro Bono Cases @ Zoom
May 29 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Masimba Mutamba, West Palm Beach, and Ashley Sybesma, Key West. Moderator: Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. Course number 8343 is approved for 1 CLE; and 1 Immigration and Nationality Law certification credit.

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

Smiling man wearing a blue shirt, gray coat, and purple tieMasimba M. Mutamba is a seasoned civil rights and immigration attorney with over a decade’s worth of experience handling complex issues for individuals and businesses alike.

Prior to being a Founding Partner with the firm, Masimba was the Human Rights Defense Center (“HRDC”)’s inaugural William A. Trine Fellow. In that role, he litigated civil rights cases all over the country, including filing petitions with the U.S. Supreme Court. Masimba advanced the civil rights of media organizations, individuals, and classes of individuals imprisoned in the nation’s jails, prisons, and federal immigration detention centers. He filed First Amendment lawsuits around the country challenging censorship policies that greatly curtailed the rights of book and newspaper publishers and family members to contact people in custody. He also brought federal and state consumer class action claims, and appealed lower court decisions, to fight against the predatory schemes of some private companies targeting prisoners or the families who sought to maintain contact with them. Furthermore, Masimba litigated Eighth Amendment lawsuits against corrections and medical staff who subjected prisoners to cruel and unusual punishment that resulted in their catastrophic injury or death. Masimba now employs his extensive expertise on these issues as a civil rights consultant around the country.

Masimba has also represented clients across the country and beyond U.S. borders in obtaining a wide array of non-immigrant and immigrant visas, including but not limited to: student (F) visas; cultural exchange (J) visas; religious worker (R) visas; crewmember (D) visas; exceptional talent (O) visas; performing athlete, artist, entertainer (P) visas; specialty occupation (H-1B) visas; intracompany transferee (L) visas; and treaty trader/treaty investor (E) visas.

In addition to assisting clients with visa applications, Mr. Mutamba has also filed administrative appeals with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and, when necessary, filed federal district court lawsuits and Circuit Courts of Appeals Petitions for Review against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its subordinate agencies, including the USCIS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He is also experienced in advancing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and lawsuits in furtherance of his client’s immigration cases.

Mr. Mutamba is currently a representative of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit on the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division’s Board of Governors, and is member of the Florida Bar’s standing Committee on Media & Communications Law. In his local community, Masimba is actively involved in the F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association, the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s standing Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, and that Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.