Becoming a Fellow Q&A
Q. Who should apply?
A. Applications to become a Fellow of the Academy are open to all Florida Bar members in good standing. Applicants with some history of leadership or involvement within The Florida Bar, their community, offices, and/or the legal profession are encouraged to apply.
Voluntary and specialty bar associations, Florida Bar sections and divisions, members of the judiciary, law firms, and bar members are also encouraged to nominate Fellows to the Academy.
Q. Why should I apply?
A. As a Fellow you will be part of a select group of leaders who are provided the opportunity to:
- Develop and enhance leadership skills important to your future in the legal profession.
- Network, interact, collaborate, and build relationships with state and national bar leaders.
- Get an insider’s look at important role the Bar plays within our legal system, while exploring your role in the legal profession.
Q. What should I know before I apply?
A. Participation in the Academy as a Fellow requires a commitment of time and resources. Meetings typically will be held Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon at various locations around the state. Attendance at meetings is mandatory and Fellows may be dropped from the program for nonattendance. Fellows who complete the program will graduate and may receive CLE credit for their participation. The Academy meets approximately every other month for a total of six meetings, plus graduation. Meetings are held during The Florida Bar’s Annual Convention in June, The Florida Bar Fall meeting in October, and the January meeting of the Board of Governors in Tallahassee. The three other meetings are held at various locations around the state. At the conclusion of the program, Fellows will participate in graduation at The Florida Bar’s Annual Convention.
Upon becoming a Fellow, you agree that after graduation you will become involved with and undertake Florida Bar committee, section or division service, local or voluntary bar service, other community leadership activity, and/or act as a mentor to a member of the incoming class.
Q. Is there a cost?
A. A tuition fee of $500 is due upon acceptance into the Academy. Fellows will also be responsible for their travel expenses and accommodations while at meetings. A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial need. Some sections and divisions, and other associations offer scholarship opportunities to their members to participate in the Academy. Inquiry regarding those scholarship opportunities should be directed to those entities.
Q. Why should my employer support my application?
A. Fellows need to obtain the approval of their employers to participate in the Academy given the commitment required. With the invaluable leadership skills Fellows will learn from state and national bar leaders, employers should be made aware of the business development possibilities and statewide networking opportunities for Fellows.