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Professionalism seminar set for April

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Panel discussions and talks on professionalism and management skills and an assessment of “why you think and act the way that you do” will be part of the first “Putting the ‘Pro’ in Professionalism” seminar, sponsored by The Florida Bar’s Standing Committee in Professionalism and the Bar’s Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism.

The seminar is set for April 21 at the Hilton West Palm Beach from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

“The Standing Committee on Professionalism has put together a dynamic seminar covering topics of interest to any Florida lawyer,” said committee Chair Tim Chinaris. “Those who attend will be able to interact with leaders in the legal profession, hear helpful insights from experienced judges, and learn about some very practical tools that can help manage the daily stresses of law practice. Professionalism has never been more important than it is today, and we encourage everyone to attend.”

The seminar will open with an address by former Bar President Eugene Pettis on “Reconnecting With Your ‘Why.’” That will be followed by three breakout sessions:

• Waking Up to What Matters: Mindfulness, Professionalism, and Reciprocal Practice led by University of Miami School of Law Prof. Scott Rogers.

• Communicating Professionalism: An Introduction to Impression Management for Lawyers led by Stetson University College of Law Prof. Kirsten Davis.

• We Finally Know: What Makes Lawyers Happy led by Florida State University College of Law Prof. Larry Krieger.

Next up is a panel discussion on “You’re Out of Order: Dealing With Incivility in the Courtroom.” Moderated by West Palm Beach attorney John M. Howe, the panel features 11th Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel, Fourth District Court of Appeal Judge Dorian Damoorgian, U.S. District Court Judges Robert Scola, Jr., and Robin Rosenberg.

Then will come a session on “Understanding Your DISC Behavioral Style to Become a More Professional Leader” led by Dr. Mimi Hull.

Participants will have the chance to fill out a 20-plus page DISC (dominance, influence, steadiness, conscientiousness) assessment form. According to the seminar information, “During the DISC facilitation, you will discover your behavioral style, why you think and act the way that you do, and learn strategies using your assessment to better lead and work with others who may be different than you.”

The working part of the program will conclude with a panel discussion, moderated by Chinaris, on Great Expectations: Professionalism Expectations for Florida Lawyers. Panelists are former Bar President Greg Coleman, former Board of Governors member and former Professional Ethics Committee Chair D. Culver Smith III, and Professionalism Committee Vice Chair Kara Berard Rockenbach.

The seminar will finish with a cocktail reception room 5 to 7:30 p.m. which will include the presentation of professionalism awards.

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