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The Florida Bar
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Equal Opportunities Law


Section Members

Section Website

Organized 1999-2000
    Statement of Principle

    Statement of Principle Signatures

    The Diversity in the Legal Profession page contains 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.

OFFICERS 2011-2012:

Mr. Harley Herman, Chair
DeBeaubien, Knight, Simmons, Mantzaris & Neal LL
332 N Magnolia Ave
Orlando, FL 32801-1609
(407)422-2454
Fax: (407)420-2092
Email: hsh54@dbksmn.com

Mr. Aaron Carter Bates, Chair-elect
631 W. Morse Boulevard, Suite 200
Winter Park, FL 32789-3730
(407) 839-0866
Fax: (407) 425-7958
Email: acbates@maherlawfirm.com

Ms. Jessica Kui Len Hew, Treasurer
Burr & Forman, LLP
369 N. New York Avenue, Suite 300
Winter Park, FL 32789-3124
(407) 647-4455
Fax: (407) 740-7063
Email: jessica.hew@burr.com

Ms. Stephanie Wellen Melia, Secretary
DeBeaubien, Knight, Simmons, Mantzaris & Neal
332 N. Magnolia Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801-1609
(407) 422-2454
Fax: (407) 849-1845

Mr. Larry Dean Smith, Immediate Past Chair
Southern Trial Counsel, PLC
PO Box 1926
Orlando, Florida 32802
(407) 422-6100
Fax: (407) 488-1550
Email: lsmith@southerntrialcounsel.com

General CLE information and section administrator phone number.

PUBLICATIONS:


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: 12-02-2011]