Here are the platform statements for the 2010 candidates for The Florida Bar Board of Governors. Ballots for the election will be mailed on March 1, and must be returned no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 22. Bar members will have the choice of voting by the mailed paper ballot or voting online by following instructions with the mailed ballot. The winners will be sworn in during the Bar’s Annual Convention in June.

Second Circuit
Seat 2

William Howard Davis
For over 30 years, I have answered “yes” when asked to serve our profession in a volunteer capacity; and I have worked long and hard for the improvement of our system of justice. All the while, I believe I have demonstrated effective, nonpolitical and occasionally courageous leadership; as well as a knack for consensus building. Now, I want to put that experience to work for you on the Board of Governors.

I haven’t made a resume since law school. But because I seek your support, you should know that your fellow lawyers, in consideration of my capacities and instincts, have repeatedly entrusted me in matters of continuing concern to the Board of Governors and to us all. For example,

• The Board is concerned with enhancing the system of justice. I have served as President of The Florida Bar Foundation; and as a Member of the Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism (and the local committee); and I serve on the Bar’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and on its Civil Rules Committee .

• The Board appoints the Grievance Committee and reviews its actions. I have twice been selected to Chair the Grievance Committee; and, since then, I have been retained to defend lawyers there.

• The Board nominates lawyers for appointment to the Judicial Nominating Commissions. I have been appointed to and served on this Circuit’s JNC (nominating numerous judges), and I have since chaired the Circuit’s Judicial Poll Committee.

In addition to experience in these key areas, you deserve the kind of bold, creative, and nonpolitical leadership that I believe I have demonstrated here and elsewhere. For example, locally, under my leadership as President of the Tallahassee Bar Association, we

• Initiated a Bar campaign to secure funding for the new courthouse; and secured space for Legal Aid, for the Tallahassee Bar, and for the Lawyer’s Commons; and

• Instituted legal-aid options for Leon County’s many government lawyers and secured insurance coverage for those doing pro bono; and

• Initiated the Lawyer Referral Service (raising thousands of dollars for the TBA) and restored the monthly Bulletin.

Honestly, the relevant resume of local and state-wide initiatives could go “on and on,” if space and time permitted. Professionally, I also find time to enjoy a diversified law practice, with a case load encompassing civil, criminal and administrative litigation; and I have had the honor of representing lawyers and their firms or family members in each arena. Thus I know and carry, along with you, the burden of being trusted. Now, I want to be entrusted with your vote.

If elected I will endeavor to do the work, to identify and ask the tough questions, and to bring my conscience to bear on the issues of the day. Thus, I humbly ask for your trust and for your vote for Board of Governors representative. Additionally, I hope that you will share your thoughts in this regard with your colleagues, as they will also be receiving a ballot soon. Thank you.

Kelly A. O’Keefe
I have had the honor of representing lawyers’ interests for many years through Bar service, and currently serve as president of the Tallahassee Bar Association. As a Bar leader, I have worked to make the legal profession better for those within it and those it serves. I would like to continue representing the interests of the lawyers in the Second Circuit, and am requesting your support.

My history of Bar service demonstrates the level of commitment I will make as a member of the Board of Governors. Over the course of my career in Tallahassee, I have dedicated countless hours to local and statewide bar associations, including the Tallahassee Bar Association, Tallahassee Women Lawyers, the William H. Stafford American Inn of Court, the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, and The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors.

I also served on various Florida Bar committees, including the Appellate Court Rules Committee; the Judicial Administration, Selection and Tenure Committee; The Florida Bar Advertising Task Force; and The Florida Bar Special Committee on Website Advertising Rules.

I rose to leadership in Bar organizations because of my passion to promote their purposes — continuing education, professionalism, mentoring, community service, and ensuring equal justice for all. During my six years on the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors, I served on the Executive Committee and headed several other key committees. I served as a FAWL officer, and I was elected by my peers to lead Tallahassee Women Lawyers, and now the Tallahassee Bar Association.

My legal experience has prepared me to represent the diverse group of lawyers in the Second Circuit. I am a shareholder in the Florida law firm Berger Singerman, concentrating in real estate litigation and administrative/governmental litigation. I started my career as a government lawyer, clerking at the Florida Supreme Court. I have litigated in a variety of practice areas and worked within national and statewide law firms. My experience with differing management and partnership structures has taught me the importance of balancing the business and practice of law.

My community service further demonstrates my commitment to our profession and those it serves. Throughout my career, I have led mock trial and moot court programs to educate our youth about the law. The Florida Law Related Education Association recognized me as its 2005 Attorney of the Year for my work with these programs. Through the Legal Aid Foundation, I also serve as a guardian ad litem for children. I take very seriously my obligation to represent those who would not otherwise have a voice.

I encourage you to contact me about your position on issues before the Bar. High on the Bar’s agenda are court funding, advertising, judicial independence, lawyer regulation, and member services, including programs addressing Florida lawyers’ underemployment. With your support I will work to address these issues. I will be responsive to the many challenges lawyers face, and I will continue my career-long efforts to advance the profession for those within it and those it serves.
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Seventh Circuit
Seat 1

K. Judith Lane
The uncertainty facing the marketplace as we head into 2010 is having a profound effect on our profession. With an economy reliant in some measure on tourism, travel, and construction, the Seventh Circuit has seen some of the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates in our state which intensify the pressures we face attempting to meet the needs of our clients.

These same challenges are affecting lives of lawyers in our community who are seeking employment in a tightening job market, facing unemployment, or no longer have clients coming through the door. Over the next few years, The Florida Bar must take affirmative steps in creating programs and opportunities addressing these issues.

While The Florida Bar is responsible for addressing the needs of all of our state’s lawyers, I worry that the Seventh Circuit runs the risk of being overlooked. Our demographic composition and unique geography have given rise to a professional bar much different than those found in Jacksonville, Orlando, or Miami. Our circuit, for example, does not have a single law firm with more than 30 lawyers. Practicing in Palatka, in rapidly growing West Volusia or St. Johns counties, or in one of our other towns, cities, or suburban communities, presents our lawyers with professional, career, and commercial challenges that are quite diverse from those found in a more urban setting.

Two things became clear to me as I decided to run for the Board of Governors. First, I want to ensure the state Bar does not overlook the Seventh Circuit practitioner in 1) deciding what our dues should be or how they should be spent; 2) in regulating our profession; or 3) in planning for our collective futures. Second, I want to ensure that the 10 years of dedicated service by our current representative to the BOG, Chobee Ebbets, does not lose momentum. Chobee’s shoes will be very hard to fill, but I commit to you that I will do my best to fill them.

As a former associate and shareholder with one of the larger law firms in the circuit, having recently opened a two-lawyer practice, and having worked in the public sector both as a law student and as a young lawyer, I feel that I am aware of many of the diverse issues facing lawyers today, depending upon the job, firm, or position in which they may find themselves. I have also come to know that understanding the business of law is critically important to creating a successful practice of law.

My decision to run for the BOG was not made in haste, or without considerable thought and reflection. Fulfilling the obligations of the position requires a significant commitment of one’s time and personal resources. I am willing to commit both my time and my personal resources to serve you as your representative to the BOG. I would be honored to receive your vote of confidence in return.

Sandra C. Upchurch
I am a mom, a wife, and an attorney. I have been a member of The Florida Bar since 1994. I am also the daughter of an attorney, the wife of an attorney, the niece of attorneys, and the daughter-in-law of an attorney. I am proud beyond words of my profession and what it represents; and, I want very much to represent the Seventh Circuit on The Florida Bar Board of Governors.

My professional experience…
My professional experience is primarily in the governmental sector. I represented the State of Florida as an assistant attorney general in Tallahassee. I represented the City of Tallahassee as an assistant city attorney, and most recently I represented the City of Ormond Beach as the deputy city attorney. These positions exposed me to a wide variety of issues and practice areas, including class action litigation, employment law matters, law enforcement matters, land use and environmental concerns, contract and procurement disputes, negligence cases, appellate issues, civil rights cases, regulatory issues, and administrative matters.
I am practicing now as a full-time mediator with the Upchurch Watson White and Max Mediation Group which provides me with a broad perspective.

What I can offer to the Board of Governors…
I am interested in many facets of membership on the Board of Governors. Perhaps the most important to me is continuing the board’s efforts to improve the image of attorneys in the eyes of the general public. Furthermore, I believe it is essential for attorneys to have a civilized and professional demeanor with their clients and their colleagues, and that mentorship programs are necessary to introduce inexperienced attorneys to this essential trait. At the same time I recognize the importance of protecting the public by working to prevent the encroachment of non-lawyers into areas traditionally served by attorneys and ensuring that the judicial branch is adequately funded.

As I run for the Board of Governors, I am meeting many of the attorneys in the Seventh Circuit for the first time. I am a member of the Volusia, Putnam, Flagler, and St. John’s counties bar associations. I commit to attending the bar meetings of these associations no less than once each quarter so attendees can share their bar-related thoughts, concerns, and suggestions directly with their representative on the board. I want to know what Bar issues are important to the Seventh Circuit attorneys so that I can specifically work to address those needs.

A little about me…
When I am not at the soccer fields or the beach with my husband, John, and two sons (ages 2 and 10), I serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia and as a member of the coalition’s Executive Committee.

My promise to attorneys in the Seventh Circuit…
I hope to offer much to the Board of Governors on behalf of the Seventh Circuit. Above all, I commit to contributing to the board enthusiasm, compassion, vibrancy, and a strong work ethic.


10th Circuit
Seat 1

C. Richard “Rick” Nail
The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors should have one distinct role: advancing the interests of Florida’s lawyers.

That role has various facets, such as negotiating vendor benefits, proposing rules of procedure and professional conduct for consideration by the Florida Supreme Court, providing opportunities for CLE, overseeing board certification programs, disciplining lawyers who engage in unprofessional conduct, etc. But, at its core, the Board of Governors should never lose sight of its constituents: members of the Bar.

I’ve practiced in Florida for 37 years, and I’ve been honored to have primarily practiced the last eight years in the 10th Judicial Circuit with some of the finest attorneys in our state. I’ve had opportunity to observe and be part of the workings of The Florida Bar through various state and local bar committees and boards. The Bar does a good job, but sometimes perhaps they lose sight of their primary mission.

I’m uncomfortable with the Bar taking on political (or moral) issues outside the scope of its mission. Although there are times the Bar should get involved in political issues (e.g., ensuring regulation of our profession remains with the Florida Supreme Court as outlined in the Florida Constitution, rather than the Department of Business and Professional Regulation), I think such instances are few and far between, and such lobbying is best done through voluntary bar organizations or individuals.

I do think the Bar should assist in promoting programs such as CLE and certification; I do not think the Bar needs to spend dues on political lobbying or advertising campaigns designed to “better the public’s perception of lawyers.” I’m convinced maintaining a positive public opinion of lawyers is through lawyers practicing ethically and professionally. In that regard, I believe the Bar does a good job with attorney discipline. If elected as your representative, I will make every effort to ensure the Bar specifically addresses only attorneys who engage in unprofessional behavior, leaving the rest of us alone.

Perhaps you are not overly concerned with either the Bar’s issues or politics. You are busy working hard, building practices, and representing clients. But you receive an annual invoice from the Bar for dues. If you elect me, I promise to do all I can to ensure your dues don’t increase every year. 

Since we are required to be members of The Florida Bar, in my view, the Bar has an affirmative obligation to keep costs and expenses down, which requires discipline and constant prioritization.

Finally, I assure you, if you elect me, I will keep an “open door” and be available to assist with any needs you may have regarding The Florida Bar.

Election ballots will be sent out by the Bar on March 1, 2010, and must be returned no later than March 22 to be counted. I would greatly appreciate your support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail () or phone (863-284-2280). Thank you very much.

Brandon J. Rafool
Accessibility is key.

The Board of Governors determines policy for The Florida Bar. It sets Bar dues; it determines regulations and restrictions for Florida lawyers.

It governs Bar programs such as continuing legal education, lawyer discipline and regulation, and lawyer ethics.

The Board of Governors should think first of YOU!

I am both willing and accessible to make your voice heard in the 10th Judicial Circuit. That is why I want to be part of the solution to the problems facing Florida lawyers, and the lawyers of the 10th Judicial Circuit.

I have lived here since 1971 and know exactly how to advance the profession of the Florida lawyer. I want to make certain that your needs are met.

I will be the face for the 10th Judicial Circuit, a familiar face. Many of you see me daily at the Bartow Courthouse working on civil cases, family law cases, and criminal cases. I am easily accessible and available to discuss matters with you.

As a sole practitioner, I have experience in law firm practice, business management, and, like you, balance practice, family, and quite a bit of community service. I have experience working with The Florida Bar on the Committee on Professionalism for many years.
In 2008, I was appointed by our current Board of Governors member, Robert Brush, to serve as a member of the 10th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee 10A. I have enjoyed serving as a grievance committee member in its review of ethical issues that arise in our circuit.

I plan on carrying my accessibility forward if I am elected as your Board of Governors member for the 10th Judicial Circuit.

Big or small, I will hear you; now let the Board of Governors hear me.

Ballots will be sent out March 1, voting closes March 22.

Recognized for Service:
• Stetson College of Law, St. Petersburg, Fl – Honor Court Justice.

• Florida Bar Committee on Professionalism from 1998 through 2004.

• 10th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee 10A member since 2008.

Qualifications:
• Winter Haven, FL, resident since 1971.

• Attended University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, from 1985-1989.

• Attended Stetson College of Law, St. Petersburg, FL, from 1990-1992.

• Partner of Straughn, Straughn, Turner, & Rafool.

• Sole Practitioner of Brandon J. Rafool, LLC – Founded in 1994

11th Circuit
Seat 3

Michael B. Feiler
When I first ran, you decided it wasn’t my time. In stepping aside for Dori Foster-Morales, I decided it wasn’t my time. Hopefully, the third time is the right time.

I write to let you know why I am running, to let you know I believe I am the most qualified candidate, and ask for your support.

I will be the voice of the everyday, working lawyer. I want to make sure our Bar serves us so that we may better serve our clients and the public.

Recent rule changes have severely limited the information lawyers can have on their Web sites, regardless of the fact consumers go to the sites looking for information. That’s wrong and out of touch with the reality of the electronic age.

I will work to repeal these changes and to develop Internet rules that protect the public without unfairly restricting our ability to share information.

I will also fight for more transparency in the disciplinary process and more support designed to help lawyers avoid getting in difficult situations to begin with. That means more access to LOMAS (Law Office Management Assistance Service) and better member benefits.

I will strongly advocate for better lobbying by the Bar for access to the courts for our clients.

In today’s climate, the courts are always the first budget cut in Tallahassee. That’s wrong.

To know me, first you should know what I am not. I am not representative of, or beholden to, any group other than my fellow lawyers and clients. I have no special interest agenda. I have represented David, and I have represented Goliath — both have the same rights.

Since my first legal job over 20 years ago, service to the community and to the profession have been integral to my career. I am a courtroom lawyer; my life’s work is helping the average person get his or her measure of justice. Over the course of my nearly 50 civil jury trials, I have worked to build a reputation in state and federal courts as a lawyer who will fight fairly, honestly, and diligently.

I think my background shows I am well qualified to do the same for you.

Let’s work together to improve The Florida Bar.

Bar and Community Experience:
American Board of Trial Advocates

Board of Directors, Florida Justice Association

Florida Bar Judicial Evaluation and Administration Committee

Southern Trial Lawyers Association

National Board of Directors, Seminole Boosters

Board of Directors, Margaux’s Miracle Foundation

Citizen Buddy, Best Buddies International

Past YLD Governor, American Association of Justice

Past President, Miami-Dade Justice Association.

Past Chair, Florida Bar Grievance Committee 11 “I”

Past Member, Florida Bar Committee on Professionalism

Education:
B.S., Political Science, Florida State University

J.D. with honors, University of Florida College of Law (President, Phi Delta Phi; Outstanding Graduating Senior)

Professional:
Partner, High, Stack, Lazenby, Palahach & Feiler

Founding Member, Feiler & Leach, P.L.

Miscellaneous:
“AV” rated

Florida Trend Legal Elite

Florida SuperLawyers

Frequent pro bono service as GAL

Frequent lecturer on ethics issues

Personal:
Born and raised in Miami-Dade County

Married 19 years, two daughters

Leslie J. Lott
I am running for the Board of Governors, and I ask for your support.

The Board of Governors should always ask first: “What would Florida lawyers want?” The Board of Governors determines issues that affect our practice: dues, regulations, ethics, CLE requirements, and restrictions on Florida lawyers. The board should think first of YOU, the lawyers of The Florida Bar. That is why I want to be a part of the conversation.

I understand the problems that face attorneys. I began practice with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. I have worked for large firms in New York, Saudi Arabia, and Miami. I started my own firm as a sole practitioner; that firm has grown into Lott and Friedland, an intellectual property boutique. I balance practice, family life, and community service. I am married to Michael Moore, also a lawyer, and we have two sons, Michael, Jr., and Emmett.

I believe in service. I was 2009 Excellence Honoree for the Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program. I sit on the University of Florida Regional Council and the Law Center Association Board of Trustees. I am a founding member of the O’Connell Society of Florida Blue Key. I have served St. Stephen’s Church on the vestry and school board; and have served my community on the Coral Gables Charter Review Committee, the Youth Center Board of Trustees, and the Historical Museum Board of Trustees. My firm has donated many hours of pro bono work to charitable and cultural organizations and to individuals.

I have experience on other boards which deal with the kinds of financial, administrative, and policy issues that come before the Board of Governors. I was appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to the Public Advisory Committee of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which reports annually to the President of the United States and to the secretary. I served on the International Trademark Association Board of Directors, and chaired its Management Committee. I served on The Florida Bar Business Law Section Executive Council and as Intellectual Property Law Committee chair, and I actively participate in law firm management.

I have been recognized for my work as an attorney. Best Lawyers has named me Miami Area Lawyer of the Year for 2010 for Intellectual Property Law. I am board certified in intellectual property. I have been in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995; South Florida Legal Guide “Top Lawyers in South Florida” since 2001; Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite since 2004; Florida Super Lawyers since 2005; Guide to the World’s Leading Trademark Attorneys since 1998; and World Trademark Review “Trademark Experts’ Experts” since 2007.

I will represent Florida lawyers. I will communicate with lawyers in the 11th Circuit, making certain you know about issues before the Board of Governors, and invite your input. I have done this on other boards and it works.

“The client comes first.” Our firm lives by this rule. If I am elected to the Board of Governors, YOU will come first. I humbly ask for your vote and your support. Thank you.

Jason M. Murray
I have had the pleasure of serving members of The Florida Bar through my work on numerous voluntary bar committees and court committees. I am excited about this opportunity to expand my service. Together, we can meet the challenges facing our courts, our profession, and our communities. As we move forward, we can give back.

I would like to represent you as we continue the work of improving professionalism, ensuring judicial independence, making our court system more efficient, and addressing the current funding crisis facing our courts. Some of the committees I have served on to improve our profession include:

• Florida Supreme Court Task Force on Management of Cases Involving Complex Litigation (2006-09).

• Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida Ad Hoc Committee on Complex Business Litigation Section (2006-08).

• Eleventh Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “B” (2009-Present).

• United States District Court, Southern District of Florida Ad Hoc Committee on Attorney Admissions, Peer Review and Attorney Grievance (2003-05).

• Chair of Judicial Issues Committee of the Dade County Bar Association (2000-01).
I would like to be your advocate as we continue the efforts to improve the legal profession through mentoring young lawyers and working for the inclusion of diverse talent. Through the following leadership roles, I have worked with and encouraged lawyers in the pursuit of the highest ethical and professional standards:

• The Florida Bar Business Law Section Executive Council (2002-present), chair of Antitrust, Franchise & Trade Regulations Committee (2003-04, 2009-10), chair of Business Law Section Diversity Committee (2009-10).

• Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr., Bar Association, president (2000-01), Executive Committee (1999-02).

• Dade County Bar Association, Board of Directors (1998-01), Executive Committee (1998-99, 2000-01).

I have chaired my firm’s Diversity Committee since 2002. As president of the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr., Bar Association, I forged alliances with numerous bar associations to achieve common goals. The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division honored me with its 2003 Diversity and Gender Sensitivity Award. Diversity Best Practices awarded me its 2008 Diversity Officer Leadership Award. In 1999 and 1995, I was awarded Pro Bono Service Awards from “Put Something Back.” My peers have given me an AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell®, and I have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, Florida Super Lawyers®, Florida Trend magazine’s Florida Legal Elite™, and Miami Metro magazine’s South Florida Legal Guide® for Top Lawyers.

I am a Miami native and a product of our public school system. I graduated from Duke University in 1988 with a B.A. degree in History, Political Science, and English. I received my law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1991. After graduating from law school, I served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Joseph W. Hatchett on the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit from 1991-92. I am a shareholder with Carlton Fields, P.A., practicing complex commercial litigation, franchise, intellectual property, real property, securities, and insurance matters. My wife Dale and I are the proud parents of two little boys. We ask for your vote.

Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr.
In my almost 18 years as an attorney in private practice, I have had the opportunity to work at large firms, medium-size firms, as a solo practitioner, and now as one of the founders of a small firm. In addition, I have committed a significant amount of my time, energy, and resources throughout my professional career to service and leadership in voluntary bar activities and other civic and community organizations. I am uniquely qualified to represent the interests of all the lawyers of the 11th Circuit on the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar, and am honored to have received the endorsements of 11 Florida Bar presidents, and presidents from numerous voluntary bar associations in Miami-Dade County, including the Dade County Bar, Miami-Dade Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Miami-Dade County Chapter), Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr., Bar Association, League of Prosecutors, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Miami-Dade County Chapter), Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association, Puerto Rican Bar Association, Colombian Bar Association, and South Asian Bar.

I was born in Cuba but grew up in Miami. I graduated from the University of Miami, received a J.D. from Boston College Law School, and an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University Law School, and returned to start my professional career in Miami. My professional career has been dedicated to a transactional practice, and I have achieved an AV rating by Martindale-Hubble, as well as recognition as a member of Super Lawyers, Florida Trend’s Legal Elite and the South Florida Legal Guide. While I am proud of this recognition, I have consistently looked for avenues to demonstrate my passion for service to the legal community and ways to improve the lives of attorneys.

I have been involved in several committees of The Florida Bar, including serving on a grievance committee, the Annual Convention Committee, and committees of the Business Law Section. Also, during the past nine years I served on the Board of Directors of the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA), and recently completed my term as its president. During my tenure as president of CABA, I made a concerted effort to work with The Florida Bar and other voluntary bar organizations in advancing the interests of attorneys, working together to understand the issues that ail our profession and actively participating in a leadership capacity to solve those problems. In these endeavors, I have committed a tremendous amount of passion to improving the lives of those in our profession, and take great pride in being a lawyer, never forgetting the importance of our role as agents of change and justice in South Florida.

My record of service for nearly two decades is a reflection of the dedication and enthusiasm I bring to the table to serve the best interests of our legal community. I would be privileged to be allowed to continue to serve our profession as a member of the Board of Governors, and humbly ask for your vote and support.


15th Circuit
Seat 3

Theodore J. Leopold
I am running for The Florida Bar Board of Governors, 15th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3, because of my strong commitment to serving our legal community statewide. My experience, character, and ability to lead make me well-qualified to meet the challenges that I will face as the 15th Judicial Circuit’s representative on the Board of Governors.

For over 20 years, I have seen the changes and challenges the practice of law has had to offer. These natural and evolutionary changes will continue. As a member of the Board of Governors, I want to be an integral part of the process in addressing the changes facing Florida’s legal practitioners and finding solutions to the challenges presented by these inevitable changes.

The issues facing The Florida Bar are numerous. They range from budget issues affecting court funding and access to the courts to the need for the implementation of standard electronic filing in the court system statewide. We also have to address the continuing struggles of professionalism among our members and the important issue of diversity.

My background and experience make me uniquely qualified to help tackle the difficult issues facing The Florida Bar and to develop solutions by working constructively with the other members of the Board of Governors. I have years of experience being involved with The Florida Bar, the Palm Beach County Bar Association, and various community charitable organizations. I am a current member of The Florida Bar’s Professional Ethics Committee and a past member of its committees on professionalism, advertising, and long-range planning. I am also the past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and the Palm Beach Justice Unit of B’nai B’rith. I have years of experience with other organizations, including presently being an executive board member of the Public Justice Foundation; board member of the Florida Justice Association; board member of More Life; board member of Hospice of Palm Beach; board member of Attorney Information Exchange Group; and an advisory board member of Cumberland School of Law. I am the past president of the American Association of Justice Product Liability Section; past chair of the Social Action and Intergroup Relations Task Force of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County; and the inaugural president of Rebekah’s House.

Over the next few years, The Florida Bar is going to be facing several interesting and important issues. The role of The Florida Bar and, more particularly, the role of the Board of Governors, will be to address those issues and determine how best to proceed for the benefit of all Florida’s attorneys. If elected, I will be a strong and powerful voice in advocating for you and the entire Florida Bar on the issues that affect and concern us all.
I would greatly appreciate your vote in support of my election as the next representative to hold Seat 3 for the 15th Judicial Circuit on The Florida Bar Board of Governors.

Michelle R. Suskauer
I am so excited to be running for The Florida Bar Board of Governors, Seat 3. Throughout my 18-year career, I have been dedicated to improving our Bar by promoting professionalism and diversity, increasing pro bono participation and forging relationships with community partners.

If elected to the Board of Governors, I will use my energy, creativity, and leadership experience to be a strong advocate for all members of our circuit.

If given the opportunity to serve, I will work to (1) implement innovative programming aimed at improving the image of lawyers; (2) enhance communication amongst all voluntary bars; (3) expand the use of technology to improve all practice areas; and (4) increase the diversity of the Bar and its leadership on a statewide level. Most important, I will make sure your voice is heard.

My broad practice experience will ensure your concerns are understood and well represented. I am AV-rated and Florida Bar Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law. I began my career as an assistant public defender, spent several years practicing personal injury law at a mid-sized firm, and have been at my own firm since 1997 focusing on state and federal criminal defense. I can relate to the everyday challenges all lawyers face, regardless of the size of their firm or area of their practice.

As current president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, we have created a Facebook site and a Twitter page, communicating to a new generation of attorneys. Under my leadership, we held the first countywide diversity symposium with over 250 in attendance. I believe that The Florida Bar must continue to be a strong advocate for the legal profession. We must educate the public about the judicial system, and assist with civics education in our schools. Under my leadership, we created an “interactive” field trip about the judicial system that is used in all Palm Beach County Schools. Additionally, we instituted a volunteer network of attorneys who are available to both educate and mentor students in elementary, middle, and high schools in our county.

As past president of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Palm Beach County Chapter, I created innovative and meaningful programming such as the “Adopt-A-Case” program promoting pro bono participation and the nationally recognized “Breakfast and Books” mentoring program.

The Florida Bar currently has 88,000 members, and it is predicted to increase to 115,000 in 2020, and with that, we will see increased challenges to professionalism. We must have a set commitment to excellence through CLE, mentoring young attorneys, and in-firm training.

Diversity, mentoring, and professionalism will be key issues for our Bar in the coming years. I would be honored to have the opportunity to represent your interests in addressing these issues as a member of the Bar’s Board of Governors.