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Equal Opportunities Law


Section Members

Organized 1999-2000

Statement of Principle

Statement of Principle Signatures

See the Member Outreach committee page for the Diversity in the Legal Profession Final Report and Recommendations

The Equal Opportunities Law Section of The Florida Bar was established in 2000 to fulfill the need for a forum committed to fostering diversity in the legal profession in Florida.

Diversity is an inclusive principle encompassing race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, age, disability and marital and parental status. Through increased diversity, the legal profession can more effectively address societal and individual needs by increasing the variety of perspectives, experiences, and understanding in the administration of justice. Inclusion and full participation of all elements of society in law firms, government and corporate law departments, courts and law schools will better serve the ends of equal justice to which the legal profession is dedicated.

The Equal Opportunities Law Section is the section of The Florida Bar dedicated to making the profession and the judiciary accessible to minorities, women, and the physically and mentally challenged. This section is open to all who are dedicated to achieving a diverse legal profession within Florida through discussion, networking, education and improving the administration of rules and regulations within the profession. The members of this section share the following objectives for achievement of our purpose:

      1) To further the knowledge and practice of lawyers involved in equal opportunity law, and develop standards for ethical and competent practice of diversity matters in the state.
      2) Provide a networking forum for minorities in corporations and law firms to increase the opportunities for minorities in the profession, and to develop the health, welfare and financial security of minorities, women, and the physically and mentally challenged.
      3) Influence changes in the legislature and community relevant to fostering the growth, and retention of minority participation in the profession.
      4) Educate and serve the Florida legal community with regard to the importance and state of diversity in the workplace, by assisting the Florida Bar in identifying and meeting the public and professional needs of minorities in the profession.
      5) To enhance the professional growth of young minority lawyers and law students through education, support, and networking opportunities.

Ms. Pamela Guerrier, Chair
Palm Beach County Off of Equal Opportunity
215 N. Olive Ave., Ste. 130
West Palm Beach, FL 33401-4713
(561)355-4883
Email: pguerrie@pbcgov.org

Mr. Larry Dean Smith, Chair-elect
Cabaniss Smith Toole Wiggins P. L
P.O. Box 4924
Orlando, FL 32802-4924
(407)246-1800
Fax: (407)246-1895
Email: lsmith@cabaniss.net

See CLE information and the section administrator.

PUBLICATIONS:

January 2008 Minutes (Word)
June 2008 Minutes (Word)

BUDGET DISCLOSURE:
Year End Statement

COMMITTEES:
Education Committee, Disabilities Committee, Information Committee, Legislative Committee, Budget Committee, Coordination and Liaison Committee, Public Agencies Committee

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:
    Florida Bar Member Dues: $30.00

    Affiliate Member Dues: $25.00

    Law Student Dues: n/a

    Membership Form (.pdf)

All members 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, law school students and graduates, legal assistants and members of agencies, firms or companies dealing with or affecting minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to join as affiliate members.


[Revised: 07-20-2009 ]