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The Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy is a multi-session training program designed to help selected lawyers become better leaders. Each year a select group of participants are selected from applications submitted to The Florida Bar to become Academy Fellows.
The deadline to apply for class XIII was Jan. 31, 2025.
During their one-year term, Academy Fellows follow a curriculum tailored to enhance their professional development, knowledge base and experience, including attending The Florida Bar events and special educational programs. Academy Fellows are given the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of the Bar and their role in the legal profession, while enhancing their personal leadership skills.
The Academy is administered by the Leadership Academy Committee and the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism.
Mission and Goals
The mission of the Academy is to enhance the skills of lawyers selected from across the state to help them to become effective leaders throughout the Bar, our profession, and the greater community. Goals include:
- To enhance the leadership skills of lawyers,
- To identify, nurture, and inspire effective leadership within The Florida Bar and the legal community, and
- To raise the level of awareness and engagement among lawyers regarding issues facing the legal profession through the study of ethical, professional, and public service issues.
Who Can Apply
The Leadership Academy is open to all Florida Bar members in good standing. Qualified individuals will be sought from different backgrounds, large and small law firms, the private and public sectors, different practice areas, and different geographical areas of the state.
Read the Leadership Academy FAQ.
Fellow Obligations
There will be seven required meetings, which include up to 14 business days throughout the year including graduation at The Florida Bar Annual Convention. Continuing legal education credits are awarded for most sessions.
Tuition Requirement
Academy Fellows are required to pay a $550 participation fee, due in full prior to the first session in June. Fellows are also responsible for their travel expenses and accommodations while at meetings. Limited financial assistance is available with a demonstration of financial need upon completion of a scholarship application. A request for financial assistance will not affect an applicant’s eligibility for participation in the program. Email the program administrator for a scholarship application.
Leadership Projects
As a part of the curriculum, Leadership Academy Fellows are tasked with completing a project every year that relates to the legal profession or community that allows the Fellows to build skills and assist in helping improve the legal profession for Florida attorneys and citizens.
Class XII Project: The Lawyer/Leader Podcast
Here are some recent examples:
Class XI Project
Class XI Project: Class XI Fellows created a digital magazine honoring the past 10 years of Leadership Academy Alums who have made their mark on the on the Florida legal community. The magazine honors the past, embraces innovation, and leads by example.
Class IX Project: Pro Bono Guidebook
Class VIII Project: Limited Liability Leadership Podcast
Leadership Academy in the News
Commentary: Fostering tomorrow’s legal leaders
In this Nov. 7 commentary piece published in the Jacksonville Daily Record, Class XII fellow Tamla Lloyd writes that in the Leadership Academy, professional growth and community service align with the aspirations of many in the legal field.
In The Florida Bar News
Contact Us
Questions regarding the Academy or becoming an Academy Partner should be directed to Rebecca Bandy.