Skip Navigation

 
The Florida Bar
www.floridabar.org
   
Public Interest Law


Section Members

Organized 1989
      Welcome to the PUBLIC INTEREST LAW SECTION. The purpose of the section is to provide an organization open to all who have a common interest in advocacy and enhancement of constitutional, statutory or other rights that protect the dignity, security, justice, liberty, or freedom of the individual or public, and a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas leading to increased knowledge and understanding of the areas of public interest law.

    OFFICERS 2012-2013:
        T Lorraine Johns Caldwell, Chair
        Office of the Public Defender, 6th circuit
        7530 Little Rd Ste 202
        New Port Richey, Florida 34654
        Phone: 727 8478155
        Email: rainejohns@wearethehope.org

        Mr. Anthony Charles Musto, Chair-elect
        P.O. Box 2956
        Hallandale Beach, FL 33008-2956
        Phone: (954)336-8575

        RESOURCES: PUBLICATIONS: COMMITTEES:
            For more information on each committee, please contact the chair.

          AWARDS:
              The Public Interest Law Section presents two awards on an ad hoc basis. The Terl award is given in recognition of excellence in advocacy on behalf of individual rights and responsibilities. The Honorable Hugh S. Glickstein Award is given in recognition of the child advocate of the year.

              The Jane Shaeffer Outstanding Homeless Advocate Award is given biennially by PILS, and was established to honor the memory of distinguished attorney and advocate Jane Hunter Shaeffer, who died in September, 2009. Ms. Shaeffer was the founder and former Chair of the Public Interest Law Section’s Committee on Homelessness and was a long-time advocate for homeless persons. Ms. Shaeffer was a driving force in the founding and continued success of Tallahassee’s main homeless shelter (The Shelter), established in 1989, and also served as the first statewide director of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem Program, in addition to her many other accomplishments. The inaugural award was presented post-humously in Ms. Shaeffer’s name, in January 2010, to her family.

            UPCOMING MEETINGS:
                  TBA
                MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:
                    Florida Bar Member Dues: $35.00
                    Affiliate Member Dues: $35.00
                    Application PDF document opens in new window

                    All members receive section publications, are encouraged to participate in the committees, and are offered an opportunity to network with legal professionals with similar interests. All Florida Bar members in good standing are encouraged to join. Additionally, legislators and legislative staff members, agency staff, public interest advocates, and representatives of for-profit and non-profit private sector initiatives are encouraged to join as an affiliate member.

                  [Revised: 04-10-2013]