Subcommittees/Focus Groups
The Senior Lawyers Committee (SLC) addresses the needs and interests of Florida’s senior lawyers through the work done by its standing subcommittees. We are always looking for subcommittee members and co-chairs of subcommittees to bring their ideas, talents and energy to our projects and later, if desired, to become part of the SLC leadership team, which includes the SLC chair, vice chairs, and subcommittee chairs and co-chairs. Subcommittees communicate by email and meet remotely, as necessary; no travel is required. Time commitments are flexible, so you can tailor your level of participation to your own schedule and to your interests.
Does one of the areas listed below match your interests? Email the subcommittee chair or contact person to learn more.
Special Subcommittees
RETIRED LAWYERS INCLUSION SUBCOMMITTEE
Co-Chairs: Maria Antonatos and John Roman
This special subcommittee is exploring ways that lawyers who have retired from The Florida Bar can continue to serve in the legal community.
ACCESSIBILITY SUBCOMMITTEE
Chair: Andromeda Monroe
This special subcommittee identifies and advocates for improvements to The Florida Bar to assist senior lawyers with physical or other limitations that relate to ADA disabilities or other medical conditions that may not rise to the level of ADA disability but for which some accommodations should be made, such as closed captions on all Florida approved CLE, remote attendance at Bar meetings for those unable to attend in-person meetings due to health or limited walking/standing ability, unique dietary needs at Bar functions, and similar issues.
Standing Subcommittees
CLE SUBCOMMITTEE
Chair: Randi Starrett
This subcommittee plans the free CLE’s offered by the SLC. Members of this subcommittee work to identify topics, invite speakers, and organize program agendas for upcoming programs.
NEWSLETTER SUBCOMMITTEE
Chair: Susan Healy
This subcommittee develops and organizes the official SLC newsletter, “Experience Matters” that is distributed to SLC members 2-3 times per year to update members on key issues impacting senior lawyers and to share articles, poems, book reviews, and book excerpts written by senior lawyers.
WEBPAGE SUBCOMMITTEE
Chair: Colleen Sachs
This subcommittee locates and vets material for posting on the SLC’s webpage, arranges for updates to the webpage, and will develop a Senior Lawyers Resource Center page where senior lawyers can go to locate governmental and other information helpful to their practices, downsizing, career changes, and their mental and physical well-being.
MEMBERSHIP FOCUS GROUP
Co-Chairs: Andromeda Monroe and Sharon Langer
This focus group explores ways to increase SLC membership by determining additional ways to join the SLC other than through a once a year appointment process and is researching the benefits of, and requirements for, division status.
50-YEAR MEMBER AND SENIOR COUNSEL LUNCHEON ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE
Chair: Arlene Udick
This subcommittee assists in advising The Florida Bar, upon request of Bar staff, on the planning of this luncheon, including arranging for program emcees and other details surrounding the event.
Non-Subcommittee Involvement
You can also get more involved in the work of the Senior Lawyers Committee without joining a subcommittee. The 50 Year Members’ Luncheon uses volunteers to coordinate with law school alumni organizations and to greet the honorees. The Newsletter is always looking for articles, stories, features, poetry and reminiscences; you don’t have to be a member of the subcommittee (or even a member of the Senior Lawyers Committee) to submit your work for publication in Experience Matters. If you know someone who would be a great CLE presenter on a topic of interest to senior lawyers, let our CLE Subcommittee chair know.
Also, we are always open to new ideas for subcommittees, focus groups, or areas that you think we should address and are willing to listen to any concerns that you may have. Just contact the SLC chair or vice chairs.
Need more ideas about ways to get involved and want to keep abreast of our activities? Attend our next Senior Lawyers Committee business meeting to hear about all the work we are doing.
