The Florida Bar

FULL TEXT SideBar November 2019

November 2019

The SideBar provides monthly highlights of the incredible work of
Florida’s voluntary bars.

AI in the Practice of Law: A Unique Perspective

For an insider’s perspective, we asked an artificial intelligence program about using AI in the practice of law.

So, What Do You Want to Do Now That You Have Grown Up?

Links to articles of interest for senior lawyers during this contemplative times in their lives.

Morning in America

Our senior lawyer/poet Rick Georges shares his poem “Morning in America.”

Notable Quotes: Inspiring Words from Mahatma Gandhi

Inspiring words from Mahatma Ghandi, who practiced law for 25 years before becoming a pacifist warrior against British colonialism.

Book Review: Breaking the Age Code: How Your Age Beliefs Determine How Long and Well You Live

Becca Levy’s book shows how our own ageist attitudes can affect our health.

Wesley E. Brown, Oldest Judge in U.S. History

Judge Brown was still hearing cases as a senior judge when he died at the age of 104.

My MBTI® Experience in Law Practice Organization: Judging vs. Perception

Personality is a life-long process of developing interdependent patterns of behavior.

Never Too Late: 93-Year-Old Champion Proves the Benefits of Starting to Exercise at any Age

He now has the heart, muscle mass and metabolism of a healthy man half his age.

I Remember Whatchamacallit

We all have those “tip of the tongue” moments when a word or fact is just beyond our reach. Should we be worried?

Five PowerPoint Tips for Engaging Presentations

Death by PowerPoint has become the butt of jokes across social media; people complain about endless rows of text on nearly every slide, and speakers who drone on and on. In this Forbes.com article, award-winning entrepreneur and leadership expert Rachel Wells gives five skills you need to master so you can craft and deliver slide…

How to Flex Your Spontaneous Speaking Skills

Improvisation — the art of saying or doing something relevant to the moment, yet completely unplanned — is a great way to get people laughing. Learn how to combine the basic foundation of public speaking with a fast-thinking improv to improve your presentations.

How to Handle Presentation Misfortunes and Mishaps with Grace

Sometimes no matter how prepared you are for a speech—no matter how much you memorize, rehearse your material, exercise your voice, or map your movements—things go awry.

Avoid Reading From Your Presentation Slides

If you want to keep your audience members engaged, look at them! That may require breaking yourself of the habit of reading from your presentation slides.

How to Give a Good Presentation That Captivates Any Audience

There’s no one-size-fits-all template for giving an effective presentation, but this bog post from the professional coaching organization Better Up provides a solid overview. Plus: the value of incorporating silence into your presentations.

Elevate Your Presentation Skills by Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Also this month: How to tame your inner critic and tips for writing a good speech.

Did You Miss Our Last Issue?

Somehow it slipped through the cracks and last quarter’s newsletter wasn’t emailed to our members. Don’t worry, you can still read it here.

How I Became an Associate Producer

How Maria Antonatos became an associate producer on “A Single Mother’s Struggle to Survive the Housing Crisis – Eviction, a Social Impact Film.”

Poet’s Corner: Obituary

This issue’s poem is written by Richard M. “Rick” Georges, a solo law practitioner in St. Petersburg and a published poet.

Notable Quotes From Lawyer Movies

Movie lawyers always know what to say! Here is a sample of some of the best lines from lawyer movies.

Book Review: Badass Advocate

Book Review – Badass Advocate: Becoming The Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves

Free CLE – Join Us on Zoom October 20

Free CLE: Transitioning to Retirement — When Should a Lawyer Stop Being a Lawyer? Live Oct. 20 on Zoom or later online.

More Free CLE

Looking for more free CLE? Senior Lawyers Committee has just what you need!

Get Involved!

We are always looking for subcommittee members and co-chairs of subcommittees to bring their ideas, talents and energy to our projects.

Common Bonds Between Yoga and Public Speaking

It took a comment from a workshop participant for Toastmaster and yoga practitioner Christine Clapp to realize how the basic tenets of yoga are helpful practices at the lectern, too. In this Toastmasters International article (and companion podcast), Clapp shares the four habits that benefit practitioners of both yoga and public speaking.

Use Feedback to Improve Your Public Speaking

The key to successfully elevating your public speaking skills is inviting someone to watch your talks and presentations, and asking them to give you feedback afterwards.

How to ‘ACE’ Virtual Presentations

Virtual speaking has taken on a whole new dynamic, moving simply from presenting online to an art all of its own. In this Toastmasters International Podcast, Lindy MacLaine, second runner-up at the first ever Toastmasters International Virtual World Championship of Public Speaking, explains the “A.C.E.” method —Authenticity, Camera and Eye Contact — her model to help presenters…

How to Make Your Presentations Pop

In many years of making dynamic presentations for all kinds of hearings and audiences, Nextpoint – a Florida Bar Member Benefit provider – has learned that there are a few important steps that will ensure your slides have the weight and power they deserve.

How to Deal With Last Minute Nerves Before a Presentation

It’s natural to feel nervous before speaking in public. However, if you allow your nerves to go unchecked, they can build up and lead to tension in the body, making you feel even more anxious and even panicked right before the presentation begins.  In this Public Speaking with David Murray podcast, Murray shares a technique…

Tone it Up: How to Use Your Voice for Powerful Effect

If the expression “it’s not what you say, but how you say it” resonates, you’ll want to check out this Toastmasters International article and companion podcast with vocal coach Jillian Mitchell. Plus, how to use your camera to communicate with confidence.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The act includes important prescription drug pricing reforms that will affect how Medicare Parts B and D will pay for drugs.

What are the Top 10 Lawyer Movies?

Help us pick the Experience Matters best lawyer movie of all time.

When I Am Old

A senior lawyer/poet has been ruminating a lot about death and dying lately. This poem is the result.

Notable Quotes: If at First You Don’t Succeed…

Words of wisdom from those who have learned that failure can be the first step on the road to success.

Neurolaw: Law and Personality Type

Learn how Myers-Briggs Personality Types can help lawyers better understand and serve their clients.

Looking for Free CLE?

Looking for Free CLE? The Senior Lawyers Committee has just what you need!

Book Review – Independence Day: What I Learned About Retirement from Some Who’ve Done It and Some Who Never Will

A review of “Independence Day: What I Learned About Retirement from Some Who’ve Done It and Some Who Never Will”

Vietnam War 50th Anniversary

March 29, 2023, was the 50th anniversary of National Vietnam Veterans Day. Florida Bar Senior Lawyers are among those who served

Help for the Unhappy Lawyer

Resources for lawyers who worry they may be sacrificing their happiness for a legal career.

Want to Improve Your Presentation? Learn How to Read the Room

You’ve practiced your presentation and are ready to go. You know what you want to say, but do you know what your audience wants to hear? It turns out you have another job: reading the audience. Reading the room using basic techniques from The Accidental Communicator – ask questions, make eye contact, watch for inattention…

Breathe Life Into Your Slide Presentations

In this Toastmasters International podcast, Dave Henson, known as The Slide Presentation Man, explains how he teaches people how to step up their presenting game and become effective visual communicators. Sharing tips from his 30-plus years of slide design, he can help you turn a nightmarish deck into a dream. Better Presentations: How to Stop…

Why Lawyers Need Good Presentation Skills

A contract, a successful tender or a referral may depend on a lawyer’s ability to address an audience. If your intention is to persuade, motivate, or educate so that people learn something new, change their view or answer your call to action, your words not only have to be heard, they have to be received. So,…

The Three Keys to Public Speaking

Public speaking is a skill involving elements available to all who work on them, writes Ian Hu in Slaw, Canada’s online legal magazine. Read about his three keys to public speaking.

Withholding of Removal

To be granted withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person must demonstrate that if returned to the country of origin he or she is more likely than not to be persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. There is…

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought by the survivors or the estate of a person who died due to the negligence or intentional actions of another. Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim? Each state has a specific set of rules governing wrongful death claims, including rules identifying who can file a…

Workers’ Compensation

If you are injured on the job, you may choose to hire a lawyer to make sure you are awarded proper benefits. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file a claim, answer your questions, and represent you at hearings. There are often disputes in workers’ compensation cases about what injuries were work-related, the level…

Wills, Living Wills

A will is a set of instructions that lists what will happen to your property once you die, names a guardian for your children and for your children’s property, how your debts and taxes will be paid, and what will happen to your pets. The core difference between a will and a living will is…

Water Law

Water law in the United States deals with the ownership, use, and protection of water as a natural resource. Some common issues all jurisdictions deal with include: Public regulation of waters and water bodies, including flood control, environmental regulation, and public health. The dichotomy between public and private rights in water, which include elements of…

Unemployment Compensation

Unemployment Compensation deals with unemployment insurance, which provides temporary benefits to a person who loses their job through no fault of their own. Similar to workers’ compensation, if you are seeking unemployment compensation you should make a claim for unemployment benefits during your first week of total or partial unemployment. Typically, to receive unemployment insurance…

Trusts and Estates

Everyone can benefit from estate planning. This is because your estate plan is more than just a list of who you want to give your property to. The plan includes additional documents such as a power of attorney, which gives someone the authority to make decisions on your behalf, and a medical directives guide, which…

Transportation Law

Transportation law deals with public transportation on public highways and airspace, and is governed by both state and federal laws. Transportation laws can apply very broadly at the transport system level (such as laws pertaining to highways generally) or more narrowly to the transport of specific things (such as moving of highly flammable materials). The…

Traffic Violation

There’s nothing great about traffic violations, but unfortunately they’re something most divers will face in their long driving careers. With that said, it is important to have a broad understanding of the severity of traffic violations and what your options are. In most instances, if you’re convicted of a traffic violation the following things can…

Trade Secrets

A trade secret is a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, commercial method, or compilation of information which is not generally known to the public or reasonably ascertainable by others. By definition, a trade secret must confer an economic advantage over competitors or customers upon the business. Trade Secret Criteria In most jurisdictions, a trade…

Trademark

A trademark is a recognizable sign, design or expression which serves as a source identifier for consumers. A trademark is a form of intellectual property that can be owned by an individual, a business organization, or any other legal entity. Trademarks can be located on packaging, labels, vouchers, or on the product itself. Companies often…

Trade Dress

Trade dress describes all of the elements that a company might use to promote a product or service. Trade dress may include the packaging, labeling, the way a display appears on store shelves, and even the design of the product itself. Statutory Source In the United States, similar to trademarks, a product’s trade dress is…

Torts

“Torts” are personal injuries caused by civil wrongs. Among other accidents, torts can cover the following: Slip and fall injuries Assault and battery Defamation, libel, and slander Emotional distress Privacy issues Dignitary torts Nursing home abuse Dog bites and other animal attacks Wrongful death Travel and aviation accidents There are generally two types of torts:…

Telecommunications Law

Telecommunications law pertains to the systems of electronic communications and broadcasting across the United States. This area is heavily regulated by federal law and the Federal Communications Commission. Media law encompasses all legal issues affecting the media and telecommunications industries. These issues include free speech issues, defamation, copyright, and censorship. There are also issues involving…

Taxation

The U.S. has a progressive tax system. That means each level of income is taxed at a progressively higher rate. For the purposes of taxation, “income” typically includes any earnings, tips, commissions, dividends, alimony, capital gains, unemployment benefits, IRA distributions, and Social Security benefits received during the tax year. Deductions are expenses that may be…

Sports Law

Sports law covers both professional and amateur sports. An attorney who practices this area of law typically provides legal services such as contract negotiation, agent representation, labor law, merchandising, and licensing. This is a broad practice area encompassing both state and federal laws across several legal disciplines, including: Copyright: A person’s exclusive right to reproduce,…

Social Security

Social Security is an earned benefit, funded through payroll taxes. To qualify for benefits later in life, you have to pay into the system, usually through working ten years or more. The size and availability of your benefits are impacted by how much you paid into the Social Security system when you were working, and…

Slip and Fall Accidents

“Slip and Fall” is a term used for a personal injury case where a person slips or trips and is subsequently injured on another’s property. These cases are a subset of premises liability claims or torts claims. Slip and fall accidents can arise from things such as torn carpeting, wet flooring, poor lighting, narrow stairs,…

Sexual Harassment

In the United States it is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or an employee) because of that person’s sex. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 puts sexual harassment into two groups: Quid pro quo Hostile work environment Quid pro quo sexual harassment is where a manager asks or hints to…

Sex Crimes

Every state has laws against prohibiting the various types of sex crimes and each state has its own statute of limitations in which victims of sex crimes may file a lawsuit against the alleged offender. The following is a common list of sex crimes: Indecent Exposure: It is illegal for a person to expose their…

Securities Law

A security is an instrument that evidences the holder’s ownership right in an organization. The most common instruments are stocks and bonds. Securities law are the laws and regulations governing the financial instruments mentioned above. The rules are designed to prevent fraud, insider trading, and market manipulation. There is a focus on promoting transparency via…

Real Property Law

Real Property Law governs who can own and use land, and the rights and obligations related to ownership. This practice area covers a wide range of legal areas. Real estate can either be residential or commercial, and it can be owned by one person or by many. Based on the unique setup of a particular…

Public Utility Law

A public utility is a business or service, which may be publicly or privately owned, engaged in supplying the public with electricity, gas, water, transportation, or telephone or telegraph service. The individual states’ various public utilities commissions oversee electric companies, while electric utility boards are delegated power by the state legislature. Public utility law attorneys…

Professional Malpractice

Professional malpractice is an act or continuing conduct of a professional that does not meet the standard of professional competence and results in provable damages to their client or patient. Such an error or omission may be through negligence, ignorance (when the professional should have known), or intentional wrongdoing. Except in cases of extremely obvious…

Product Liability

Product liability laws vary from state to state, and are based on the premise that companies generally have a duty to protect consumers from potential hazards. Generally, a product is typically required to meet the ordinary expectations of a consumer: when a product has an unexpected defect or danger, the product cannot be said to…

Probate

Probate is the process of administering a decedent’s estate. This includes settling the decedent’s debts and legal title to the decedent’s property. If the decedent had a will, and the decedent had property subject to probate (i.e., property not held in a trust), the probate process begins with the executor presents the will for probate…

Privacy

An invasion of privacy occurs when there is an intrusion upon your reasonable expectation to be left alone. The four main types of invasion-of-privacy claims are as follows: Intrusion of Solitude: Intruding upon another’s solitude or private affairs is subject to liability if the intrusion is considered highly offensive to a reasonable person. Examples include…

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint a person or organization (your proxy) to manage your affairs if you are unable to do so. With that said, there are many different types of power of attorney that each grant your proxy different powers. General Power of Attorney A…

Personal Injury Law

“Personal injury” cases are legal disputes that arise when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. Lawsuit A formal personal injury case typically starts when a private individual files a civil complaint against another person, business, corporation, or government agency , alleging that…

Pension and Profit Sharing

A profit sharing, or stock bonus, plan is a defined contribution plan under which your employer may determine how much will be contributed to the plan annually. Such plans contain a formula for allocating to each participant a portion of each annual contribution. A profit sharing plan or stock bonus plan may include a 401(k)…

Patent Law

Patents are granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) through the patent application process. They give an inventor the exclusive right to make, use, or offer for sale their invention for a limited period of time. To file for a patent, the inventor must make a detailed public disclosure of the invention….

Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Law

A nonprofit organization is one that carries out a religious, scientific, charitable, literary, or educational purpose. Unlike a for-profit corporation, a nonprofit corporation is not required to pay taxes on its profits. Only profits related to the nonprofit’s purpose and regular services are not subject to taxes. Other than the tax difference, nonprofit corporations must…

Natural Resources Law

Natural resources law often varies by state and governs how people can use the parts of the environment that have some economic or societal benefit. Generally, these benefits include air or wind, light, water, soil and plants, animals that occupy the land, and underground minerals or oil. Natural resources law also helps define how natural…

Military Law

All service members in the U.S. Armed Forces are subject to military law, consisting of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other statutory provisions. While it is similar to civilian law in many ways, such as the right to counsel and full protection under the Constitution, the UCMJ has many provisions and crimes…

Mergers & Acquisitions

The process of two or more companies joining together to form a single business entity is referred to as a merger or an acquisition. Before purchasing a business: Review the financial documents of a business, including balance sheets, tax returns, and schedules of accounts receivable, payable, and inventory. The financial information of a company also…

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is negligence committed by a medical professional. When a physician makes a preventable error that results in injury, the patient may file a medical malpractice suit for damages. The Duty of Care A physician has to owe a duty of care to a patient before their competency in performing the duty can be…

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare Medicare was created to help older Americans and certain disabled individuals pay their medical bills, and the program is paid for by the Social Security contributions you make while working. Most people age 65 or older are eligible for coverage based on their work history or that of their spouse. Medicaid Medicaid differs from…

Mediation

Mediation is usually a voluntary process, although sometimes statutes, rules, or court orders may require participation in mediation. Mediation is common in small claims courts, housing courts, family courts, and some criminal court programs and neighborhood justice centers. The mediation process is generally considered more prompt, inexpensive, and procedurally simple than formal litigation. It allows…

Media Law

Media law encompasses all legal issues affecting the media and telecommunications industries. These issues include free speech issues, defamation, copyright, and censorship. There are also issues involving privacy and whether content may be printed, broadcast over the air, or published online. Media law used to primarily affect journalists, publishers, and large telephone companies. But since…

Mass Torts (Class Action)

Also known as “class action,” mass torts generally happen when a number of people have suffered the same or similar injuries. Often many of the individuals’ injuries were relatively minor, such that they might not pursue legal redress on their own, but together, the value of the claims of the class add up. In mass…

Marriage and Prenuptials

Marriage State laws determine most marriage requirements. There are state laws on age, proof of personal information, fees, waiting periods, and who may marry. In most states, getting married means that your spouse’s income and debt now become yours, and vice versa. Prenuptial Agreements Generally, prenups protect assets that may otherwise be subject to marital…

Litigation

Criminal cases involve a charge prosecuted by a governmental body, seeking punishment for the violation of a criminal statute while civil cases involve private disputes between individuals where damages or some other remedy is requested. Before filing a lawsuit, the plaintiff typically demands that the defendant perform certain actions to resolve the conflict. If the…

Libel and Slander

Elements of Defamation Defamatory statements fall into two categories: libel when it’s written, and slander when it’s spoken. Regardless of which form it takes, in order to be successful in a defamation lawsuit a person must usually show that: A person made a statement. The statement was published. The statement caused injury. The statement was…

Legal Malpractice

Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney fails to perform according to the proscribed standards and codes of ethical and professional conduct. Not getting the expected outcome in a case is not enough to warrant a malpractice claim: attorneys must have been negligent, in breach of a contract, or otherwise in violation of the American Bar…

Land Use & Zoning

Land use and zoning law is the regulation of the use and development of public and private real estate. Zoning is the most common form of land-use regulation, used by municipalities to control local property development. Zoning regulations typically divide a municipality (such as a city) into residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Thus, zoning laws…

Landlord-Tenant Law

Landlord-tenant law is the area of law that covers the rental and lease of residential and commercial property. Residential property is where individuals or families reside, commercial property is where businesses set-up their physical location. For most residential properties, landlords are required to follow rules that apply to your type of housing, and will also…

Labor & Employment Law

Labor and Employment Law covers the rights individuals have at their jobs. It typically covers things such as hiring, firing, employment contracts, employment benefits, working conditions, wages, and overtime. Most employees in the United States are employees at-will. This is a term used in United States Labor and Employment Law for the contractual relationship in…

Juvenile Law

Minors under the age of 18 years, who commit a crime, or otherwise violate established rules and statutes, are identified as juvenile delinquents, juvenile offenders, youthful offenders, or delinquent minors. Laws governing juvenile delinquency are largely enacted and regulated on a state by state basis. Juvenile courts hear cases dealing with juvenile delinquents, incorrigible youth…

Internet Law

Internet Law is a rapidly evolving practice area that currently consists of intellectual property law, contract law, privacy laws, among others. Internet Regulation Aside from censorship of the Internet in some nations, there are four primary modes of regulation of the internet: laws, architecture, norms, and markets: Laws of various states, countries, and international groups…

International Trade

International trade law includes the appropriate rules and customs for handling trade between countries, and is a very complex and an ever expanding practice area. There are four levels of international trade relationships: Unilateral measures (national law) Bilateral relationships (Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement) Plurilateral agreements, and Multilateral arrangements (GATT/WTO). Changes may occur in this…

International Investment

International investment law governs foreign direct investment and the resolution of disputes between foreign investors and sovereign states. The past few decades have seen a dramatic increase in the number of bilateral investment treaties and other agreements with investment-related provisions, followed by a sharp rise in the number of disputes between private investors and sovereign…

International Law

International law is a system of treaties and agreements between nations that governs how nations interact with other nations, citizens of other nations, and businesses of other nations. International law typically falls into two different categories: Private international law deals with controversies between private entities, such as people or corporations, which have a significant relationship…

Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual Property (IP) is a legal term that refers to products of the mind. Intellectual property laws grant intellectual property owners a set of exclusive rights. The law views intellectual property rights as a form of property, commonly referred to as intangible property. The most common types of intellectual property rights are copyrights, patents, trademarks,…

Insurance Law

Insurance law relates to many kinds of insurance coverage. Below is a general list: Auto Insurance is required by almost all states if one has a car. Auto insurance plans offer coverage for property damage and injuries to varying degrees. Boat Insurance offers coverage for recreational boat accidents and liability, including personal injury and property…

Indian and Native Populations

Native Peoples Law governs the Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives who live in the United States. Each tribe may create and enforce its own tribal law. The federal government issued several statutes and treaties that affect the provision of services to people on Native American reservations. Lawyers practice in this area help Native…

Immigration Law

In the United States, federal law governs who may enter the United States, how long they may stay, and what they are permitted to do while in the United States (ex: working). Immigration benefits and enforcement is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prior to 2003 this organization was known as the Immigration…

Health Care Law

With rising cost of quality medical care, prescription drug coverage and the need for long-term health care solutions for an aging population, healthcare law has become big business, and legal matters frequently arise. The following are general issues involved in healthcare law: Patient Rights A number of federal and state laws cover a wide range…

Harrassment

Criminal harassment is usually confined to state law, which has a wide variety of criminal laws forbidding harassment in many forms, including general harassment crimes as well as specific forms of harassment, such as stalking and cyberstalking. Generally, criminal harassment entails intentionally targeting someone else with behavior that is meant to alarm, annoy, torment or…

Guardianship

A legal guardian is an adult who is appointed or chosen by a court to make decisions on behalf of an individual who cannot make their own decisions. Normally, a guardian is chosen for a minor, but sometimes a court will establish a guardian for an adult with special needs or an adult child can…

Government Contracts

Government contracts law is comprised of all the statutes, cases, rules, regulations, and procedures with which any company must comply to do business with the government Businesses contracting with the government face rules and regulations in virtually every aspect of making, performing, and eventually terminating a contract with an agency or department. Many of these…

Government Law

Government law covers a broad area in the legal field. U.S. federal government law addresses government interactions on a national scale, and is largely composed of administrative law and constitutional law, while state and local government law deals largely with how government operates on the state and local level, with state and city governments and…

Gaming

Gaming includes activities such as casinos, racetracks, and lotteries, is regulated under a combination of federal and state laws. States that permit such gaming usually have a commission established to oversee the regulation of the industry, such as licensing of those employed in the gaming industry. States that permit casinos and similar forms of gaming…

Fraud, Civil or Criminal

Fraud is a broad term that refers to the intentional deception of a person or entity by another made for monetary or personal gain. Laws against fraud vary from state to state, and can be criminal or civil in nature. While the exact wording of fraud charges varies among state and federal laws. the essential…

Franchising

A franchise is a legal and commercial relationship between the owner of a trademark and someone who seeks to use that identification in business activities. For example, Wendy’s restaurants all share the same branding and similar menu items, but they’re individually owned by franchisees. Common terms in a franchise relationship are: Franchise Disclosures: state laws…

Foreclosure

When a lender forecloses on a home, it means mortgages have defaulted on and the property must be given up. The lender usually makes efforts to warn that  foreclosure is imminent, usually with certain deadlines. If the home is worth less than the amount remaining on the mortgage, the case may involve a deficiency judgment….

Federal Crime

The United States Constitution provides for a federal government that is superior to state governments with regard to its enumerated powers. These powers include the authority to govern international affairs, interstate commerce, the currency and national defense. After the American Civil War, the Fourteenth Amendment applied the Constitution’s Bill of Rights to state governments. Legislation…

Family Law

Family law encompasses civil procedures and legal matters that involve family members’ financial responsibilities, custodial rights, eligibility, and other obligations. The following is a list of family law topics: Marriage and Cohabitation: Eligibility requirements such as age and gender are primarily governed at the state level. Different states have different laws governing legal partnerships other…

Expungement

Expungement is a court-ordered process where the legal record of an arrest or criminal conviction is “sealed” or erased. The availability and procedure of expungement varies according to the state or county in which the arrest and conviction occurred. Are expunged records removed entirely? Generally, an expungement will still be an accessible part of a…

‘ERISA’ Law

ERISA is the acronym for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, a federal law that provides pensions, insurance companies, and private employers with guidelines regarding the administration of employee benefit plans. Although ERISA doesn’t require private employers to provide pension plans it sets minimum standards for those that do. ERISA Amendments Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation…

Environmental Law

Laws protecting our shared waterways, air, trees and other natural resources intend to ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come. Many federal laws relate to the protection of the environment and the health and safety of U.S. residents. The following are major and preeminent federal regulations: The Clean Air Act sets goals for…

Entertainment & Sports Law

Entertainment, sports, and leisure law covers a wide range of professions and media, including visual entertainment, performing arts, media, and both professional and amateur sports. An attorney who practices this area of law typically provides legal services such as contract negotiation, agent representation, labor law, merchandising, and licensing. This is a broad practice area encompassing…

Energy and Utilities Law

A public utility is a business or service, which may be publicly or privately owned, engaged in supplying the public with electricity, gas, water, transportation, or telephone or telegraph service. The individual states’ various public utility commissions oversee electric companies, while electric utility boards are delegated power by the state legislature. Energy law attorneys specialize…

Election Law

Attorneys specializing in election law handle cases involving election financing and campaigns, such as campaign contribution limits, as well as election fraud and the framework under which political parties may organize. Examples of their work also include cases involving corporate campaign contributions, how lobbyists are regulated on both state and federal levels, and ethics issues…

Estate Planning

Estate planning is a major part of elder law practice. Elder law attorneys can help prepare estate-planning documents to secure benefits. Securing Social Security and Medicare benefits as well as state-based aid can be critical in old age. Advance Care Directives, Power of Attorney, and Guardianship Elder law attorneys frequently help clients prepare advance healthcare…

Elder Law

Elder law focuses on the concerns of older people. It’s a broad area of law that includes attorneys helping people plan for retirement, prepare advance health care directives, file Social Security and disability claims and appeals, help manage property and financial assets, and prepare estate-planning documents. Elder law attorneys also help locate government services and…

Education Law

Compulsory Education Education law is governed by the states. Every state requires all its children to be educated. For most students, this means that parents must send their students to an accredited public, private, religious school or have them home-schooled. Student Rights According to federal law, every student is entitled to a “free appropriate public…

DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other impairing drugs is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, but DUI law varies by state. For the purposes of DUI law, generally you are “impaired” if your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is appreciably affected by having consumed alcohol,…

Domestic Abuse and Violence

The Office on Violence Against Women defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that’s used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner. This behavior can include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and even economic abuse. Stalking and threats may be classified as domestic violence as well….

Divorce and Separation

Reasons for Divorce Most states now offer what is known as a “no fault” divorce, which allows a court to enter a divorce decree without one party having to legally prove the other party did something wrong in the marriage. Here, one spouse may simply allege that the marriage has broken down and there’s no…

Disabilities

Understanding your plan’s definition of disability can be key to qualifying for disability benefits. The definition of disability varies depending on your insurance policy. Many private disability insurance policies provide benefits if injury or illness prevents you from meeting the duties of your current job. Others, like Social Security disability insurance, use stricter definitions of…

Defamation

The term “defamation” covers any statement that hurts someone’s reputation. If the statement is made in writing and published, the defamation is called “libel.” If the hurtful statement is spoken, the statement is “slander.” Defamation is considered to be a civil wrong, or a tort. A person that has suffered a defamatory statement may sue…

Debt Collection

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that provides debtors with protection from abusive debt collection practices. The FDCPA considers any person who regularly collects debts owed to others as debt collectors. This definition includes attorneys who regularly collect debts, but it does not include creditors that collect their own debts….

Custody

There are several types of child custody. Joint custody is where both parents share parental rights and the living arrangements of their child. Courts generally prefer joint custody, but sole custody, where only one parent or guardian has the physical and legal custody over a child, is a possible arrangement as well. Physical custody refers…

Criminal Law

Our legal system is largely comprised of two different types of cases: civil and criminal. Civil cases are disputes between people regarding the legal duties and responsibilities they owe each other. Criminal law broadly refers to federal and state laws that make certain behavior illegal and punishable by imprisonment and/or fines. The U.S. employs a…

Copyright Law

Copyright is an intellectual property right that grants the creator of an original work a set of exclusive rights (generally, to use and distribute the work) for a limited period of time. The purpose of copyright is to encourage and support creativity in the arts and sciences by giving the creator (i.e. the author of…

Contracts

A contract refers to a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties, which can be a person or a corporation) that creates an obligation to do or not do something. Contracts typically involve parties who are competent to enter a contract, and a mutual agreement between these parties. Some contracts must be in writing….

Consumer Law

A consumer is anyone who acquires goods or services for their own use. Consumer law are laws on the rights of consumers and the free flow of accurate information in the marketplace, designed to prevent businesses from engaging in fraud or unfair practices, and to protect individuals from fraudulent behavior by businesses. Many consumer protection…

Construction Law

Construction law involves any legal issue related to the construction of a building or other structure. Legal issues related to construction activities can arise under federal, state, or local laws. Common construction-related legal disputes include workplace injuries and accidents, construction defects, contract issues, and problems with obtaining the proper planning or building permits. Financial issues…

Constitutional Law

Constitutional law refers to rights carved out in the federal and state constitutions. The majority of this body of law has developed from state and federal supreme court rulings, which interpret their respective constitutions and ensure that the laws passed by the legislature do not violate constitutional limits. At the federal level, most constitutional legal…

Commercial Law

Commercial law focuses on the sale and distribution of goods, as well as financing of certain transactions. Commercial law is primarily regulated by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which is a model set of laws regarding the sales of goods, leases of good, negotiable instruments, and secured transactions. All states have adopted some form of…

Class Action

Class actions generally happen when a number of people have suffered the same or similar injuries. Often many of the individuals’ injuries were relatively minor, such that they might not pursue legal redress on their own, but together, the value of the claims of the class add up. In class actions, people are often seeking…

Civil Rights

Civil rights are an expansive and significant set of rights that are designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment. They are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment in a number of settings, including education, employment, housing, public accommodations, and are based on certain legally-protected characteristics. Most laws guaranteeing and regulating civil rights originate…

Civil Law

Civil law is a body of rules that defines and protects the private rights of citizens, offers legal remedies that may be sought in a dispute, and is divided into four main categories: contract law, tort law, property law, and family law. Contract Law Contract law deals with agreements between two or more parties, each…

Child Support

In virtually all divorce or separation cases that involve minor children, the court will set out how the child is to be cared for financially. Child Support is a payment for a child’s care, made to the parent who has physical custody of the minor children. The amount of child support will depend on the…

Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse is broadly defined in many states as any type of cruelty inflicted upon a child, including mental abuse, physical harm, neglect, and sexual abuse or exploitation. The specific crimes charged in instances of child abuse can include assault and battery. Florida prohibits willful or threatened act that harms or is likely to cause…

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy allows an individual or a business to discharge their debts and in exchange they allow the court to sell their property. After the court distributes the debtor’s property to creditors, the debtor is typically no longer responsible for repaying any remaining debt. This is often referred to as “liquidation bankruptcy.” How does…

Chapter 13 Banktruptcy

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy allows an individual or business to keep their property, and they pay most or all of your debts back over a three to five-year period. However, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy isn’t for everyone. Because Chapter 13 requires that you repay your debts, you must prove to the Court that you can meet these…

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy permits businesses, or individuals with substantial assets, to reorganize. It is available to every business, whether it is organized as a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or by an individual. How does Chapter 11 Bankruptcy work? Petitions for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy are typically filed voluntarily, however the creditors can band together to file…

Business and Corporate

Business and Corporate Law focuses on aspects such as forming a company, shareholder rights, and basic commercial contracts. Business and Corporate Law is regulated by both state and federal law. The federal law covers things such as stocks, investments, workplace safety (OSHA), and employment laws. State law adds additional regulations on top of the federal…

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy refers to the legal status of a person or business that cannot repay the debts owed to creditors. The Bankruptcy process normally initiated by the debtor, however formal Bankruptcy proceedings do not begin until there is an official court order by a United States Bankruptcy Court. Generally, Bankruptcy relieves the debtor from their debt…

Banking and Finance

The banking and financial industries are heavily regulated by both state and federal law. These laws impose reporting requirements for banks and other financial institutions, govern securities and other transactions, and regulate taxes. In addition to affecting banks, banking and finance law often plays a large role in mergers and acquisitions of corporations, stock purchases…

Aviation

Aviation law covers legal issues affecting aircraft and airport operations, including aircraft navigation and maintenance, air traffic control safety, and pilot licensing requirements. Aviation law mostly operates at the federal level, with most aviation regulations and standards enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration, The Transportation Security Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board. While states…

Asylum

To be granted asylum, a person must demonstrate that he or she is a “refugee,” that he or she is not barred from asylum for any of the reasons listed in our immigration laws, and that the decision-maker should grant asylum as a matter of discretion. A person who meets the refugee definition may be…

Arbitration

Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside of court. Most arbitrations happen because of an arbitration clause in a contract, in which the parties have agreed to resolve any disputes arising out of the contract through arbitration. Parties refer their disputes to an arbitrator who reviews the evidence, listens to the parties, and makes…

Appeals

An appeal is a request for a higher court to review a lower court’s decision. An appeals lawyer handles cases on appeal when a party loses or wants to challenge a part of a decision made by the lower court. The appeals court reviews the record made in the trial court. In appealing a case,…

Antitrust and Trade Regulation

Antitrust law aims to protect trade and commerce from unfair restraints, monopolies and price fixing through the Sherman Act and the Clayton Act. Most states also have their own antitrust laws patterned on federal laws. The Department of Justice (DOJ) investigates antitrust matters and is authorized to convene a grand jury to indict suspects. The…

Animal Law

Animal law is a combination of statutory and case law in which the nature of nonhuman animals is an important factor, including companion animals, wildlife, and animals used in entertainment, research, and raised for food. Animal law permeates most traditional areas of the law, including tort, contract, criminal, trust/estates, family, environmental, administrative, and constitutional law….

Agriculture

Agriculture law governs legal issues affecting the farming and ranching industries. Typical agriculture law issues include the use of pesticides, land use and zoning, environmental issues, and patents on genetically modified seeds. Because agriculture law focuses on an entire industry, it can affect small family farms as well as large commercial farming operations. Agriculture law…

Adoption Law

Lawyers and judges receive many inquiries from people who wish to adopt a child. Adoption laws and procedures in Florida reflect the interests of the state and the community in protecting the child, the birth parent and the adoptive parents in adoption proceedings. Adoption Steps Home study process: Every state requires a home study process,…

Admiralty and Maritime Law

Admiralty and Maritime Law is a body of law that governs nautical issues and private maritime disputes. This area of law is inherently international because the majority of maritime activities take place in international waters. Typical areas of maritime law include: Marine Commerce Maritime Navigation Maritime Pollution Seafarers Rights Transfer of Goods and Passengers Changes…

Administrative Law

Administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies of government, including rule-making, adjudication or the enforcement of regulations. At the federal level, administrative law encompasses the U.S. Congress. At the state level, it encompasses state representatives. And at the local town council and county commissions level, they can also make rules. Administrative law also includes…

Special Fraud Alert: Telemedicine

The Office of the Inspector General of Health and Human Services has released a special fraud alert about telehealth activities.

Neurolaw: Removing Obstacles

How the principles of neural plasticity and legal reasoning can be used by senior lawyers to “use it, not lose it.”

I Beg Your Pardon. Could You Please Speak Louder?

The story of how a recent development in a 19th century case could serve as a catalyst for 21st century atonement for the racial injustice it spawned.

Update: CLE Credits for ABA Courses

The ABA’s amendment of its diversity speaker policy appears to bring its CLE programs into compliance with The Florida Bar rule.

Get Involved!

The Senior Lawyers Committee addresses the needs and interests of Florida’s senior lawyers through the work done by its subcommittees.

Notable Quotations: Who Are You Calling Old?

These words of wisdom are all about aging with grace, wisdom, and humor, from the smart and funny people who have already been there.

Exercises for Everyone

Try these exercises when your usual routine is disrupted or fails to target specific health issues.

Free CLE Covers Protections and Obligations of the Americans with Disabilities Act

This webinar addresses the obligations of law firms toward disabled lawyers and staff and protections/accommodations for lawyers pursuant to the ADA.

Free CLE – Tech Tips to Optimize Efficiency and Reduce Stress for Senior Lawyers

This course offers simple and affordable tools, services, and apps that can be used to help busy lawyers reduce stress while delivering superlative client service.

Elderly Woman Writes Column

Is it just me, or have you also noticed that more and more “elderly” people seem to be making the news?

How to Grow Your Presence, Reputation and Firm Through Public Speaking

In this episode of the Legal Talk Network’s “Counsel Cast” podcast, Grant Baldwin, founder and CEO of The Speaker Lab, gives listeners actionable tips for cultivating public speaking as a marketing strategy.

October Speaking Tips

Where do you look? What do you do with your notes? How do you keep virtual (literally!) strangers engaged during a remote presentation?

Notice Regarding CLE Accreditation Fees

Dear Voluntary Bar Leaders, During an evaluation of The Florida Bar’s course accreditation process and the transition to the acceptance of online applications, it was determined that the fee for courses 2.0 hours or less was not being consistently applied to voluntary bars. The Florida Bar course accreditation fee schedule has been in place for…

How to Rise Above Onstage Mishaps

Learn how to overcome literal (and figurative) onstage stumbles, add stories to your next speech, and better communicate by tweaking your body language.

How to Make Your Presentation One Worth Listening to

Learn how to deliver an outstanding presentation that keeps your audience engaged, attentive, and eager to hear more.

Workers’ Compensation Section

Supports any changes in the current workers’ compensation law that would: ensure the independence of the judges of compensation claims’ ability to discharge the duties of their office in the adjudicatory process, including a reappointment process that promotes and ensures the independence of the judiciary; and ensure the right of injured workers to have their cases reviewed by an Article V court. …

Business Litigation / Alternative Dispute Resolution

Supports amending Florida Statute 542.335 relating to restrictive covenants in a manner to provide exemptions to employees receiving limited compensation and to provide the court additional discretion in those same cases to interpret restrictions in a manner consistent with traditional contract rules of construction. …

Business Entities / Securities / Financial Services

Opposes legislation to impose income tax on limited liability companies and subchapter S corporations. Opposes legislation that would transfer the functions of the Division of Corporations in the Department of State to the Department of Revenue. …

Bankruptcy / Uniform Commercial Codes / Debtor-Creditor Issues

Opposes any amendment to existing Florida law governing real property foreclosures unless those amendments carefully preserve and protect the property rights and due process rights of the holders of interests in or affecting Florida real property. Supports the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act in Florida, as promulgated by the National Conference on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL),…

Administrative Law Section

Opposes any amendment to Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, or other legislation to deny, limit or restrict points of entry to administrative proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, by substantially affected persons. …

Apple iPhone Update Moved the Safari Search Bar; Here’s How to Revert

On September 20, 2021, Apple released its updated iOS 15. Among its new features was the change in the position of the Safari browser search bar. Before the upgrade, Safari’s search bar was positioned at the top of the browser, resembling the standard desktop view. iOS 15’s Safari’s search bar relocation is one of the…

Simple Steps for Setting Up Apple Watch’s Blood Oxygen Feature

Apple’s latest iterations of the Apple Watch series come with a built-in pulse oximeter — a sensor that can measure blood oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation indicates how much oxygen is reaching the organs in the body and provides insights into your overall fitness. This feature is beneficial to people with cardiovascular and respiratory problems like…

How to Reopen the Last Closed Tab In Any Browser

Whether you’re using a Windows or Mac computer,  you can recover closed non-incognito tabs on any browser. Check out these four quick methods: Using Keyboard Shortcuts On Chrome, you can use keyboard shortcuts to reopen closed tabs. This is, by far, the fastest and easiest method as you can recover tabs by combining special keys….

How to use the Migration Assistant in Mac OS

Getting a new MacBook comes with the challenge of moving precious data from your old Mac. A quick way to overcome this is to use the macOS Migration Assistant, a built-in app designed to transfer files, applications, and any data you have from your old Mac to a new one. With this tool, you won’t…

Back to Basics: Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is that old, trusted friend we have all had to rely on at one time or another. It is suited to a wide variety of tasks and document types and is often included as a mainstay of the Microsoft Office Suite that many businesses rely on. Odds are that you are one of…

Learn How to Receive Feedback, Moderate a Panel, and Market Yourself

In this month’s Speakers Bureau blog post, learn how receiving (and implementing) speaker feedback is harder and more important than you think.

How to use Dropbox Selective Sync

Dropbox cloud storage service helps you keep files safe so they are always available when you need them. You can sync files across devices linked to your account and access them whenever you like. Dropbox syncs all your folders, including large media files and personal files, using Smart Sync. If you use Dropbox at home…

Understanding OneDrive icons

Microsoft OneDrive is a low-cost, user-friendly cloud storage utility that allows you to save space on your computer. The app is available on macOS, Windows, Android, and Web platforms. We explain OneDrive icons for Windows, Mac, Android, and Web versions below. This is a guide for understanding what the many OneDrive icons are trying to…

How to Add Text to PDFs Using Microsoft Edge’s New PDF Editor

Microsoft Edge, the successor to Internet Explorer, now has options for working with text. The browser has a built-in PDF viewer that allows you to open, read and edit PDF files directly in the browser. PDFs are not editable by default, so that PDF editing would require a simple PDF editing software like Acrobat Reader….

Yoink — An Easier Way to Move Files Around Your Mac

Yoink is an app for Macs that allows you to drag and drop files onto a temporary holding area to move them between applications. The app helps you stay organized as you work with files on your Mac. Yoink is like a virtual shelf where you can temporarily drop pictures, text selections, apps, and other…

An Easy Alternative to Scrolling Webpages: Spacebar

Scrolling up and down can sometimes be annoying when scrolling webpages, especially with the mouse or touchpad. However, there’s an alternative to scrolling with a mouse, for which you don’t even need the mouse. It’s the spacebar on your keyboard! Normally, you would use the scrollbar in the browser, scroll heel on your mouse, or…

Public Speaking Tips for May

This month’s post includes tips for what to do with your arms and hands when presenting, and suggestions for improving your oratory skills.

How to Disable Autocorrect One Time on Excel

Autocorrect, whether in Microsoft Office or text messages, can be a double-edged sword. Without it, your text may be riddled with spelling mistakes and could become very time-consuming to finish and correct tasks. On the other hand, with autocorrect on, you may have to manually change technically correct words but not for autocorrect. In Excel,…

How to Quickly Resize Excel Columns to Fit Contents of the Cells

Microsoft Excel is popular globally, especially for organizations and small businesses. Spreadsheets are incredibly useful for recordkeeping, filing, calculations, analysis, etc. Excel sheets open with a standard view where the cells have a default size. When you have different lengths of inputs in a column, some cells may show full text while others will cut it…

HOW TO SET DEFAULT PAGE MAGNIFICATION IN ADOBE ACROBAT TO 100 PERCENT

Here’s a common question that PDF users have: “Every time I open a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, I have to change view settings from ‘fit to width scrolling’ to ‘fit one full page’; can I set the default view settings to 100 percent?” In other words, users often have to manually set the…

How to Enable the ‘Inclusiveness’ Editor in Microsoft Word

Our language is constantly changing, and lately, there has been a lot of focus on “inclusiveness.” When writing any kind of text in Word or otherwise, you want to make sure that you’re using the right terms and avoiding making mistakes that may be offensive to certain people. What if there was an editor that…

Automatically Save and Backup Word Documents to OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive has an automatic backup feature that can assure your document is saved intermittently. Only documents that are saved into OneDrive will automatically save. Open an existing document and click on File, then Save As. Choose OneDrive as the saving location. You can even decide to save the document in a subfolder. Be sure to confirm…

April’s Public Speaking Tips

David JP Phillips spent seven years and studied 5,000 speakers to identify and distill the core skills and subskills of communication, which he shares in this Toastmasters Podcast.

How to Track Changes in Word Online

The ability to track changes has made it possible for people to collaborate on documents without the back and forth of emails that often comes with the process. Begin by going to Office.com, logging in with your Office 365 account and opening Word online. Find or create the document you would like to work on…

How To Download Maps On Google Maps For Offline Viewing

Google maps is a great resource that you can rely on anywhere in the world. The only problem is that you need an internet connection to explore its unique features. Downloading a map of your location on Google maps is one way to work around this problem if travelling off-grid. Here are a couple of…

Three Useful OneNote Tips

OneNote is a great note-taking application that can make your work-life easier; here are three helpful OneNote tips. Linking To Other Notes or Sections An excellent way to keep track of relevant content in your notes is to link it to related notes or sections. This is especially helpful if you collaborate with others. When…

Public Speaking Tips for March

Have you been getting blank stares, awkward silences, and people multitasking during your virtual presentations or meetings? You’re certainly not alone. Getting your audience to participate and stay engaged remotely is a challenge.

How to change the font size on your Android mobile phone

We’re not just referring to wallpapers and theme graphics when we say your Android smartphone has a lot of personalization options. You can adjust the font size in your phone, web applications, and even when writing an email. This is useful if you frequently find the text on your smartphone too tiny to read. Android, like Windows,…

Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams gives you a very collaborative workplace. In Teams, you can share files and information and contact your employees through live video conferencing, creating a faster and more efficient work ecosystem in your office. Teams has become quite popular, with many businesses accessing it due to its never-ending array of features that give it…

Get Someone’s Attention by Using Mentions in Microsoft Office

Working in groups can be tough and challenging. There is always a plethora of messages. So, how do you bring someone’s attention to something really important in this sea of communiques? Microsoft Office 365 allows you to get someone’s attention by “mentioning” that person to give them access to an important document or message. If…

How to Make the Mouse Pointer and Text Cursor Bigger in Windows

Most people are fine with the default mouse settings. These include the shape, size and color of the mouse pointer, mouse cursor, and text cursor. Some people might need to change the settings, while others just need a touch of customization. With that said, here’s how you can change your mouse pointer settings. Change Mouse…

How to use a printer with your iPhone or iPad

If you don’t know how to print using your Apple device, here are some tips! The key to start printing from your iPhone or iPad is knowing how to use the AirPrint wireless protocol released by Apple. It allows quick and easy communication between a printer and an iPhone or iPad, allowing you to print…

February Speaking Tips

This month’s speaking tips include how a lectern can help you give a more powerful presentation and suggestions for speaking more confidently despite feeling nervous.

Mindfulness to the Rescue!

Once you decide it’s time to take better care of yourself, the next step should be a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program.

Navigating The Florida Bar’s Retirement Rules

Retirement under The Florida Bar Rules may not be the best option for every lawyer who wants to “retire” from practicing law.

A Few Minutes With … Odelia Goldberg

SLC member Odelia Goldberg shares thoughts about her firm merger with four lawyers who were thinking about retiring.

Neurolaw: Humane Legal Education

This is the first in a series of articles on applying Neuroscience to law. The author describes his experiences in advocating for humane legal education.

Notable Quotations: People Who Need People

Are they really the luckiest people in the world? These quotes remind us of the joys and frustrations of our interpersonal relationships.

Thinking of signing up for an ABA course for CLE? You may want to think again

A recent decision by the Supreme Court of Florida may affect your credit for that ABA CLE.

Lawyers Living

Senior Lawyers Committee members share photos of their outdoor, athletic, community, and artistic activities when they are “out of office.”

What Has the Pandemic Done to our Brains?

Is it hard to remember even the simplest things, like what day it is? You’re not alone. New studies show that the pandemic is to blame.

Toxic Clients: Lessons Learned

What started as a routine probate case turned into a nightmare. Not just one toxic client – this case had two!

Free CLE – Crossing the Line: Zealous Advocacy or Unprofessional and Unethical Conduct

Need ethics and professionalism credits? This free CLE covers ethical and professional duties of individual and supervisory lawyers under The Florida Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct.

Unlock Hidden TrackPad on Your iPad and iPhone

Apple goes to great lengths to highlight the amazing features iPhones and iPads offer. However, there are several small yet useful features that most users don’t know about. One such feature is the iPhone and iPad hidden trackpad. Here’s how it works: After writing a text, bring up the keyboard, then press the space key…

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up Speech Recognition in Windows 11

Begin by pressing the Windows Key + U on the keyboard to launch the Accessibility settings. Alternatively, you can click the Start Menu > Settings > Accessibility. Next, on the panel on the right, choose Speech under Interaction. From there, toggle on the Windows Speech Recognition switch. You can also use the Keyboard shortcut Windows…

Apple’s App Tracking Transparency Feature: Stop Ad-Tracking and Boost Your Privacy

Sometimes a brief search for jewelry online can turn into weeks of receiving ads for the same product on every website you visit. This is called “ad-tracking.” If you are an Apple-product user, you can avoid ad-tracking by using Apple’s App Tracking Transparency feature. Apples now require all app developers to request the user’s permission…

OneNote Tips on Taking and Using Notes

OneNote is an amazing Microsoft app used for taking notes and organizing information. It comes packed with features that enhance cooperation and preserve your time. It is free on all platforms Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android as a native application and as a web application. You can use OneNote native app while offline, and your…

How to Find the Warranty Status on Apple Devices

For owners of Apple devices, whether an iPhone, Mac, HomePod, or any other, there is a way for you to check if your device is still covered by a warranty. It will likely be the first question an Apple technician asks you, so you might as well be armed with the information. Plus, warranties run…

How To Disable Autoplay On Videos On Facebook

Autoplayed videos can be a nuisance in Facebook, especially if you are looking to surf quietly or privately. Luckily, there is a way you can disable the autoplay feature. Below, are the few steps you need to know to disable – or enable – autoplay in Facebook. You’ll want to do this for each device…

January Speaking Tips

One of the biggest mistakes speakers make is over-focusing on charts, diagrams, and data. If you really want to connect with your audience, look up!

Share a YouTube Video at a Specific Point

Sometimes you get into a long YouTube video and want to share something from that video at a very specific point. YouTube makes that easy by allowing you to get a link that takes someone directly to that point in the video. Here’s how: Click the Share button below the video. Look for a checkbox below the…

Microsoft Word on the Web Offer Voice to Text Transcription

We all know that Microsoft Word is a powerful program for creating legal documents, reports, memos and more. But did you know you can also use it to transcribe audio recordings? Before we get into the how-to there are a few must-haves you need. First, it is only available for “Word on the web” – the…

December Speaking Tips

If you’re like most, the last thing on your mind right before speaking in front of a large audience is vocal exercises. But relaxing your voice is essential if you want to sound confident and in control.

FaceTime from an Android or Windows Phone

A new Apple feature allows anyone to join a FaceTime call from their browser. With FaceTime links in iOS 15 and macOS Monterey, you don’t need an Apple device to chat with someone via FaceTime. You can’t create a FaceTime link without an Apple device, but you can join a FaceTime call when an Apple…

Outlook for Windows – Keyboard Shortcuts

While there are many email clients and services available, Outlook still reigns as king of the information managers. Here are some keyboard shortcuts that should  help you work more efficiently in Outlook. For those  with mobility or vision disabilities, keyboard shortcuts may offer an easier alternative to using a touchscreen and are an essential replacement for…

On Twitter? Consider Creating a Professional Profile for Your Law Firm

A new Twitter option allows businesses to apply for professional profiles. It is an excellent opportunity for smaller firms to expand their visibility significantly. It has been in test mode, and due to its success, it is now available to everyone creating more comprehensive and potentially global opportunities for new connections. Previously, Twitter invited businesses…

November Speaking Tips

At this point in the pandemic, it’s safe to say many of us have Zoom-screen fatigue. Like it or not, virtual presentations are likely part of our new normal. So, why not make the best of it?

Some Items Don’t Belong In the Trash/Recycle Bin

Most of us simply “delete” files when we no longer need or want them — but sometimes that may be a dangerous thing to do. Why? Because deleted files aren’t really deleted; they are moved to the Recycle Bin on Windows and to the Trash Can on macOS. Those locations are no different than any…

Thinking About a New Mac? Data Transfer Made Easy with Apple’s Migration Assistant

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the new lineup of laptops and desktops from Apple. And if you’re a loyal Mac user, chances are you can’t wait to get your hands on a new device. But if you’re like any computer user, you dread the thought of having to set up a whole new machine to look…

PDF Tip: Combine Several Files Into One PDF

There are several ways you can combine multiple PDFs into one PDF file. This tip pertains to Adobe Acrobat DC but is easily applied to other PDF manipulation tools. Open Acrobat DC. Choose File > Create > Combine Multiple Files into a single PDF. You will be presented with this window: You can Click Add Files, include…

October Speaking Tips

Getting ready for a presentation or speech requires focus and concentration, which can be difficult to master. Learn how to avoid distractions, sharpen your mind, and pay attention to what matters.

A New Perspective to Investing From an Investor’s Rights Attorney

The final installment of this 3-part series is for those of you who knowingly want to speculate or take outsized risk.

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Florida Offers Hope, Help, Education, Support and Advocacy for Individuals and Families

NAMI Florida’s mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals and their families affected by mental illness.

Age Related Hearing Loss: It’s Our Issue Now

Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. While it still can’t be cured, it can be managed.

Forgotten Legal History: Mapp v. Ohio

Long before the case of Mapp v. Ohio made it to the Supreme Court, it was making headlines because of its glamorous defendant, Dollree Mapp.

Notable Quotations: Gratitude

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. To get us ready for the holiday, the words of wisdom in this edition of “Notable Quotations” are on the topic of gratitude.

Ready to Get More Involved?

The Senior Lawyers Committee addresses the needs and interests of Florida’s senior lawyers through the work done by its standing subcommittees.

Declutter to Make Room for Your New Improved Life

We all accumulate things we don’t need. We can put off dealing with these unwanted possessions until retirement is on the horizon. Then it’s time to declutter.

Got a Minute? Try These Three Quick Exercise Routines

Confused by conflicting advice about exercise? These three routines target your back, cardio system, and core in just minutes a day.

Free CLE: American With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Have questions about the “ADA”? This CLE explains everything from what is considered a disability under the law to how when and how to make accommodations.

Research Tip: Google News’ Archives Go WAYYYY Back

Did you know that Google News’ archives go back to the mid-1880s? Google News has an option to search over 100 years’ worth of archived news from newspapers around the world. The service provides both free and paid access to scanned archives of newspapers and links to other newspaper archives on the web. Google also manages…

New Microsoft Teams Feature: Present from PowerPoint to Teams

Microsoft added a simple but handy feature to PowerPoint (with a business Microsoft 365 subscription) that allows you to start sharing a presentation from within PowerPoint. Until now, you started in Teams and chose to share the screen that had the presentation open. Now, when you are in a Teams meeting, you can switch to…

New iOS Update Can Help With Email Management

Apple recently released an update to iOS. While not as new-feature rich as past major updates, it does come with two new services geared toward increasing users’ privacy: Private Relay and Hide My Email. This tip will focus on Hide My Email (released in iOS 14 but improved with this update). Hide My Email aims to…

Apple Releases Emergency Update 

Apple recently released an emergency update to address a security flaw that let NSO Group’s (an spyware company) Pegasus spyware infect Apple devices — including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. To Update iPhones and iPads (and Apple Watches): Make sure the device is plugged in and connected to the Internet with Wi-Fi. Then: Go…

September Speaking Tips

This month, read about how visual aids and props are an effective way of supporting and supplementing any speech or presentation and how to speak to diverse audiences.

Windows Tips? There’s an App for That!

There’s a built-in tips app in Windows that can help you discover helpful things you can do in Windows. To find the app, click Start  > Tips or search for “Tips” from the Windows start button. This feature will come in handy as the release of Windows 11 is on the horizon (it works just…

Microsoft Word’s Resume Assistant

Did you know that Microsoft Office 365 has a built-in resume builder within Word (PC and Mac!)? It couples with LinkedIn to help you build a compelling resume by showing you examples of how others describe their work experience and skills. 

Mac Users:  Password Protect a PDF Using Preview

You can easily secure PDF with a password directly from Preview. Open a PDF file in Preview Go to File > Save As. Look for a checkbox labeled, “Encrypt.” Click the box to be prompted to enter a password to protect the file. At this point you can also type in a new name to create…

Web Browser Tab Shortcuts

Reach your virtual destination in no time by mastering shortcuts to switch tabs using your keyboard. Incorporate these shortcuts into your daily web surfing routine and you’ll become a shortcut ninja in no time. Review tips from Online Tech Tips for many different browsers, including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, on Mac or Windows.

August Speaking Tips

Want to prevent yawns and glazed-over eyes? Before you deliver your next speech, pitch or address, learn how to create exceptional slides by following six specific tips from a presentation expert.

Using the Dictation Feature in Microsoft Word (Windows and Mac)

Microsoft added built-in dictation to the desktop version of Word on the Mac and PC a couple of years ago, but you must subscribe to Microsoft 365 to access it. (Sneaky trick: you can use the free Microsoft Word web app or smartphone apps.) Of course, you must have a microphone so Word can hear you and a…

Insert a Signature Image into a Microsoft Word Document

There is an easy and efficient way to enter your signature in a Word document. Typically, you receive an email that you are required to send back by printing, signing and then scanning the document, but here are a few tips to do this much quicker while giving your document a professional and personal touch….

How to Type Letters with Accents

While American English doesn’t use too many accents, there are certainly occasions where we all need to address clients or colleagues with an accent in their names (thinking of all those Renée’s out there!) or write words like résumé, fiancée and née. Well, your keyboard’s got you! It can be a little tricky to get…

System and Software Updates are REALLY Important

Last week’s Tech Tip covered an urgent update released by Microsoft to address a newly discovered security risk. This week’s tip is to remind you that you shouldn’t wait until a critical patch has been served to run updates on your systems and software – whether you are a PC or a MAC. If you…

Be Sure to Apply an Urgent Windows Update Released Last Week

Last week, Microsoft released an emergency update that addresses a recently discovered and serious security risk. It is important for you and any other Windows users in your firm to install this update. Your computer may have automatically downloaded, installed, and restarted all on its own – if it did, great! You can always confirm…

Adding a Gmail Calendar to Outlook

Many of us manage more than one calendar and having to jump from one app or webpage to another can be a hassle. If you use Outlook at the office and a Google calendar for home or family, it’s easy to sync your Outlook and Google calendars to easily access and manage all your calendars…

Outlook: Repurposing, Recycling, Resending an Email

The Window’s version of Outlook has a great but hidden function that allows you to recycle a sent message and easily reuse it. You’ll be able to send it to new or different recipients, change the title and fully edit the text. This does not affect the original sent message. Here’s how: Find and double-click…

Create a Drop-Down List in Excel

If you have repetitive entries in an Excel spreadsheet, using a dropdown list can be a great time saver. And thankfully, they are very easy to create! Let’s say you are working on a list of matter types and you want to limit entries in a column to Litigation, Real Estate or Family – no…

How to Save an Image From the Web To Your Computer

Most images you find on the web can be saved your computer. There may be occasions where a screen shot will be the only way, but give this a shot first: Right click on the image Go to “Save picture as” Navigate to the location you would like. Voila! Like magic, it’s yours. Even easier…

June 2021 Speaking Tips

People are getting more used to giving presentations via Zoom. But they may be reluctant to show personality sitting behind the web camera. Here are tips to liven up a Zoom presentation plus other suggestions for better speaking engagements.

Accessibility Features in Zoom

The use of Zoom for meetings and calls shows no sign of decline even as we start to ease out of the pandemic. So, while we have all (hopefully) become familiar and comfortable with Zoom, here are some accessibility features and tips that will help enhance the meeting experience for those attendees with disabilities. For…

G Suite is now Google Workspace, with new communication tools

Google’s business suite, formerly known as G Suite, has been rebranded and renamed Google Workspace. It is aimed at boosting online productivity and collaboration of businesses and employees. It includes different sets of tools such as Meet, Docs, Drive and Gmail to create a virtual workspace. Since we are always looking for better ways to…

A Hot July Conference With A License to Chill

Not only will the temperature be rising on the outside at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando on July 16-17, but the Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference program inside the conference center …

Increase Your Happiness Level at VBLC

Mark Eiglarsh, a formerly unhappy guy, made a career out of solving everyone’s problems but his own. Now this successful trial lawyer, television and radio on-air legal expert, …

Special “Bouncing Back” Sessions Planned

The upcoming Voluntary Bar Leader Conference on July 16-17 will likely be one of the most important hosted by the Voluntary Liaison Committee on behalf of the Florida Bar in the last decade …

Celebrate Silver Linings With The Bar President

ATTENTION: Share Your “Silver Lining” From The Past Year With Florida Bar President Dori Foster-Morales During Annual Convention
Florida Bar members, there’s no denying …

Air Force Heroes Elevate Black Excellence Series

The second installment of the Becoming Series: Black Excellence provided the T.J. Reddick Bar Association the honor of presenting JAG officers from the United States Air Force. Five outstanding black women …

Rising Stars Honored In Broward

The Broward County Women Lawyer’s Association in partnership with the NSU Shepard Broad College of Law presented recipients of the 2021 Rising Star Scholarship on May 27 via Zoom. …

A NEW PERSPECTIVE TO THE INVESTMENT WORLD FROM AN INVESTOR’S RIGHTS ATTORNEY: PART 2 – AVOIDING “BAD-FIT” INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

Part 2 of a 3-part series on taking control of your investment destiny.

A Look at Evictions and Unlawful Detainers

The South Miami Kendall Bar Association hosted a May 28 CLE Luncheon on “Evictions and unlawful detainers during COVID-19 times.”  The luncheon featured the Honorable Miesha S. Darrough …

Health Insurance Update: American Rescue Plan Options for Health Insurance Lost During the Pandemic

Options for health insurance lost during the pandemic.

Not Yet 65

Early retirement was not her plan, but this lawyer is finding it to be her latest “coming of age.”

Notes from a Medicare Baby

At the threshold of “the big 6—5,” take time to remember the milestones in your life.

Why Can Tony Bennett Still Sing?

There is a link between music and Alzheimer’s, and music could be a key therapy.

Beyond Continuing Legal Education

Life-long learning has proven health benefits. New options make it easy (some are free).

Notable Quotations: Opportunity Knocking

Will you recognize the next big opportunity that comes your way?

Survey: What’s Your Biggest Challenge?

The legal profession has changed a lot since our 2017 survey. Time for an update!

FREE CLE: DETECTING AND AVOIDING INVESTMENT FRAUD – A COMPANION CLE PRESENTATION TO PART 1 OF THE 3-PART INVESTMENT ARTICLE SERIES

Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of investment fraud and what to do if your client may be a victim.

Coffee Court Virtual Edition

Missing that courthouse connection with colleagues, the Polk Association for Women Lawyers hosted a Coffee Court on May 26. The thirty minute virtual coffee break …

Golf and Chat Make for Great Summer Night

A membership drive and social celebration was on tap for the Lee County Association for Women Lawyers on May 25. Members enjoyed drinks, golfing and networking time …

Foster Care Youth Receive Support In Manatee

Through a generous grant from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, the Manatee County Bar Young Lawyers Division delivered “transition kits” to the Safe Children Coalition …

Literally a “Law” Day Celebration

Great day at the Manatee County Bar Association’s Law Day luncheon on May 26 honoring the men and women of local law enforcement. A special shout-out to Sheriff Rick Wells …

Installation Planning and Scholarships

Broadening Horizons is the theme for the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association’s upcoming Brunch Installation on June 5. Lots of planning is going into the in-person event …

Sherriff Leads Palm Beach County FAWL

The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, hosted a virtual installation celebration on May 21. Danielle Sherriff is the group’s new president …

Hanging Out in Lee County

A joint social in Fort Myers brought together members of two local organizations. The Lee County Bar Association and the Lee County Association for Women Lawyers gathered …

Women Lawyers Host Corporate Counsel Summit

The Miami Dade Association for Women Lawyers hosted a Corporate Counsel Summit,  a four-part series featuring in-house counsel and touching on hot topics, May 24-28 …

Gala is Just What Bar Members Needed

According to the members of the Orange County Bar Association, the tri-chairs of the 2021 OCBA Gala & Installation Ceremony, Alisia Adamson Profit, Keshara Cowans and Stephanie Alcalde …

Supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

The Hillsborough County Bar Young Lawyer’s Division hosted its annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay successful Cornhole for a Cause on May 23 with Tampa Bay Club Sport …

Haitian Lawyers Support Protection Status Update

The Haitian Lawyers Association participated in a May 24 press conference at FANM ( Family Action Network Movement)’s headquarters following the Department of Homeland Security’s …

Marlins Cuban Heritage Celebration

The Florida Marlins selected the Cuban American Bar Association for its Heritage beneficiary in May. The Marlins made a donation to CABA for every ticket sold to the May 22 ….

Discussing Peaceful Protest in Florida

The Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association was among several organizations that sponsored an in-depth discussion with prominent attorneys and activists within the legal community …

Interesting and Insightful Latina Leaders Summit

The Tampa Hispanic Bar Association’s Latina Leadership Summit held at the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club on May 21 brought together a panel of Latina women trailblazers …

Honoring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Learning how to make Vietnamese Summer rolls with Mediator, Liz Foshee McCausland and her mother, Cuc, was the perfect recipe to honor Asian Pacific American Islander Heritage Month …

Border Allies Network in Aventura

The North Dade Bar Association shared a great in person kick off Happy Hour at Soho Asian Bar & Grill in Aventura on May 21. NDBA joined in partnership with South Broward Bar Association …

A Return to Outdoor Events in Sarasota

Reconnecting and relaxing sounds like the perfect combination after a year of isolation and stress. The Sarasota Association for Women Lawyers made this the central focus …

Trivia y Abrazos for Hispanic Bar

The Hispanic Bar of Central Florida hosted its members to a night of Trivia on May 20.  Money raised from the event will help support Embrace Families. 

The celebration of Emancipation in Florida

The 20th of May marks the celebration of Emancipation in Florida. The Florida Justice Association took time to recognize this special time with a post of their Facebook page …

First In-person Event In Over A Year

The coronavirus pandemic put in-person social events on hold. Now that vaccinations are on the up-swing, more and more organizations are hosting face-to-face events …

A worthy, determined and resourceful leader

The Fred G. Minnis Sr. Bar Association had a masterful year thanks to the leadership of its 2020 – 2021 President, Danielle Weaver-Rogers.  This year’s organizational challenge …

A Virtual Event on Hate Crimes in Sarasota

In recognition of National Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Sarasota County Bar Association through its Council for Diversity and Inclusion presented an interactive panel …

Tuesdays in May Wellness Focus in Broward

The Happiness Guaranteed in 30 wellness movement is alive and growing for members of the Broward County Bar Association. Participants are learning quick, easy and impactful tools …

A Bootcamp Workout in Tampa

A private, socially distanced bootcamp-style workout was jointly hosted by the Hillsborough County Bar Young Lawyers and the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers at True Grit Fit …

Youth Poster Contest in Clearwater

Elementary School Law Day Poster artwork is on display at the Clearwater Courthouse. The poster competition is sponsored by the Clearwater Bar Foundation. Contestant entries this year …

Year-end Virtual Dinner Meeting

The final George C. Young American Inn of Court dinner meeting on May 18 was fantastic! Judge Margie Schreiber was recognized for leading the Inn during the pandemic …

St. Pete Bar Positioned With Great Leaders

The path for a bright future is evident for the St. Petersburg Bar Association. A group of past, present and future presidents gathered recently to review the past year and discuss …

How to insert a watermark in Word

Looking to slap “Confidential” or “Draft” across your Word document? Here’s how to do it! Open your Word document. In the Ribbon go to the Design tab, find the Watermark button. In Word for Windows, you can select one of the predesigned options or create a custom watermark by selecting “Custom Watermark.” In Word for…

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Judges Honored

Seminole County Florida Association for Women Lawyers was honored to host area judges for a judicial reception on May 14. The social was held at the Lake Mary Events Center …

Celebrating Retired Judge Roberts

Members of the Brevard County Bar Association joined judges, lawyers and others to celebrate the retirement of Judge Charles Roberts. Judge Roberts retired in January …

Equipping Students To Read Better

The Indian River County Bar Association hosted a book drive with a goal of preparing kids for their 3rd grade reading test by getting books in the hands and homes of struggling readers …

A Week Long Salute to Local Bar Members

An entire week of Member Appreciation! That’s what the Hillsborough County Bar Association did on May  10-14 to thank their amazing members for their loyal support this year …

Legislative and Case Law Updates

On May 14, members of the Palm Beach County Justice Association were provided a FREE CLE Webinar:. A panel of members discussed Florida state laws to strengthen and protect …

JUDGE LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION ON GIRL’S TEAM

Judge Greg Green is the president-elect of the Stann Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa. He was featured recently in the Bar News in the following story …

Memorial Trophy Presented to Best Golfers

On May 14, the Palm Beach County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section hosted their 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach. This years’ event …

An Awesome Evening Out in Stuart

Getting out and about was the mission of the Martin County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. A happy hour on May 14 at Cafe Martier in Stuart was just what everyone needed …

Decades of Bar Leaders Gather in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Bar Association gathered five decades of past presidents under one roof on May 14 at the San Jose Country Club. The occasion was an in-person …

Webinar Explores Novel and Juvenile Justice

The Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Committee for Diversity & Inclusion along with the Lawyers for Literacy presented Past, Present, and Future of Juvenile Justice in Florida …

Wiretapping Webinar is Eye Opener

The North Tampa Bar Association’s monthly CLE on May 13 was a intriguing presentation on Illegal Wiretapping by Darrell Dirks from the State Attorney’s Office 13th Judicial Circuit …

Scholarships awarded in Coral Gables

The Coral Gable Bar Association sponsors a scholarship for a deserving student who is about to embark on college. In partnership with the Coral Gable Community Foundation …

Gathering Virtually for Book Club

St Pete author Sarah Penner was the guest host for the Pinellas County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers virtual book club social on May 11 …

Mothers Practicing Law Support Group Available

The Florida Bar and Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. have a pilot program for women lawyer moms. The weekly summer support group, meets each Friday, Noon-1 p.m. (ET).

Virtual Law Day Luncheon in Tampa

The Hillsborough County Bar Association hosted its annual Law Day virtual luncheon on May 11 with special guest speaker former Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince. …

Managing Desktop Notifications on Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows has a feature called the “action center.” Though the action center has lots of excellent features, it may be a nuisance to some. The action center is where you’ll find notifications from programs on your computer and a section called “quick actions.” To open the action center, click on the icon that looks…

Bar President Speaks at Law Day Luncheon

A great event is reported for the Lakeland Bar Association on May 7 in honor of Law Day 2021. In one of her pandemic limited local bar in-person events, Florida Bar President Dori Foster-Morales …

Changing the Way to Think About Mental Health

Suicide Awareness and Prevention was the subject of a webinar event on May 4 hosted by the South Palm Beach County Bar Association. The guest speaker was Frank King, former writer for The Tonight Show …

Cinco de Mayo Hispanic Bar Style

The Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a virtual happy hour on May 5. No words here to describe the fun that was had by all …

Navigating the Mechanics of Trials

Judge Samantha Ruiz Cohen hosted how to safely navigate the mechanics of trials given Administrative Orders from the Florida Supreme Court and Miami-Dade County for members …

Issue No. 3 of the FRP Times

The Florida Bar FRP Enrichment Committee is proud to present to you the Spring 2021 edition (Volume III) of the FRP Times e-newsletter.  

The Fantastic AirPods

Despite the price of AirPods (designed to work with Apple devices), they are a marvel and with each new generation they become more and more the new norm. And with each development the Bluetooth-enabled devices enhance your auditory experience verging on a new era of wireless technology. Here are a handful of AirPods tips. Losing/Finding…

Sponsor Benefits Include Time With Bar Leaders

The 2021 Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference at Margaritaville Resort Orlando on July 16-17 is the voluntary bar leaders’ biggest event of the year! The two-day gathering of Florida’s top …

Offering Everything Under the Sun At 2021 VBLC

Voluntary Bar Leaders attending the Bar Leaders Conference on July 16-17 at Margaritaville Resort Orlando can soak up the rays while enhancing their leadership and …

Reserve A Room at Margaritaville Today!

Accommodations for the 2021 Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando are filling up and the reservation cut-off is June 22. Rooms are available …

Still Time to Apply for YLD Scholarship

The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD) has extended the scholarship application deadline until May 10 for aspiring young lawyers who want to attend the Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference …

Send Us Your Law Day Recap and Photos

Law Day is held on the first of May each year to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. Voluntary Bars traditionally hosts …

FLORIDA FREE LEGAL ANSWERS PIONEERED REMOTE ACCESS

Long before Florida lawyers had heard of “COVID-19,” or imagined participating in a Zoom trial, Free Legal Answers was pioneering the remote access frontier. As the online legal clinic celebrates …

May Speaking Tips

When people are anxious, they tend to take quick, shallow breaths. This so-called “chest breathing” can signal the fight-or-flight response – not the ideal state of mind before making a presentation!

The Next Generation of Voluntary Bar Leaders

The Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee family is growing! We are happy to introduce Natalie Leonor Narbona born on 3/27/21 to Kimberly Lopez-Narbona and Maurico Narbona, and big brother, Gabriel …

2021 In-Person Meetings Favored in Survey

In March, the Florida Society of Association Executives conducted a survey of Executive Members regarding their meetings this year. FSAE gathered data on 2021 …

Resuming Face-to-Face Outings in Sarasota

The Sarasota Yacht Club was the venue for a members-only live networking event for the Sarasota County Bar Association on April 29. Members enjoyed the spectacular …

NEW SUMMARY JUDGMENT ORDER WEBINAR

On April 29, the Florida Supreme Court released an administrative order changing the standard Florida State Judges are to use when ruling on Motions for Summary Judgment …

New executive director at Dade County Bar

Bret Berlin has joined the Dade County Bar Association as its new executive director. Berlin will report to the board of directors and is responsible for the strategy and operations for DCBA’s .

Combating Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia

Four voluntary bars came together on April 28 for the Combating Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders virtual panel …

Black Lawyers Create New Scholarship

The T.J. Reddick Bar Association and Kaplan have developed a partnership to increase the number of Black attorneys by creating a scholarship for Black law students …

New #YLDisME Video Released

In the new release of the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division #YLDisME video, Longwood attorney and Stetson Law School alum Onchantho Am, an attorney with …

Share The Revamped Legal Guide

The Law Related Education Committee has introduced a REVAMPED legal guide for Florida teens and young adults: “Legal Survival Guide: Florida Laws You Should Know.”

Young Lawyers Hosts Nutrition Webinar

The Federal Bar Association – Tampa Bay Chapter YLD, Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers YLD, and Hillsborough County Bar Association YLD teamed up on April 22 …

Thanking Members on Taco Tuesday

April 27 was Taco Tuesday at the Palm Beach County Bar Association and for a good reason. As part of Member Appreciation Week, PBCBA provided a free taco lunch …

Virtual Coffee at the Courthouse

Middle District of Florida judges, practitioners, law clerks and staff connected for (virtual) Coffee at the Courthouse on April 27. The event was hosted by the Tampa Bay Chapter …

Scholarships, Awards at George Edgecomb Bar

Five deserving high school students were among those recognized at the George Edgecomb Bar Association’s 38th Annual Scholarship Banquet on April 26. More than 100 members participated …

Helping Families Eat Healthy in Miami-Dade

The Miami-Dade Florida Association for Women Lawyers Community Outreach Committee has launched a donation drive to help fight food insecurity and limit food waste in Miami-Dade …

Improve Your Mobile Typing with These GBoard Tips

The Google keyboard, Gboard, with more than a billion downloads, is one of Google’s most downloaded apps. Readily available on almost every Android device and an easy download on iOS, it has become one of the favorite keyboards of mobile users. Despite some features not instantly visible there are many hidden gems on this keyboard…

Take Your Child To Work Day

For years, the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers celebrated Take Your Child to Work Day by hosting HAWL members and their children at the George Edgecomb Courthouse …

Pickleball Ready in Jacksonville

What do you get when you combine badminton, ping-pong and tennis? A paddleboard sport that is sweeping the nation! Members of the Jacksonville Bar Association gathered …

Running A Race At Your Own Pace or Place

More than 500 lawyers, judges and staff of the Orange County Bar Association came together during a pandemic to run, walk, or jog for a very worthy cause …

Hate Crimes -See Something, Say Something

Protecting yourself and others against hate crimes, xenophobia and racism was the focus of a webinar on April 22 hosted by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community …

Dance Night Sizzles in Tampa

Members of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association enjoyed Baile dance night with Pablo Robles.  Learning to Salsa was the feature of the event. Both virtual and in-person options …

Live Pics! Live Event in Collier County

Nice to be back in-person was the sentiment expressed by members of the Collier County Bar Association during the group’s April 21 luncheon. The April Family Law event …

Virtual Scavenger Hunt for CFAWL

On April 20, members of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers had a BLAST teaming up with Alley Kat Adventures – City Scavenger Hunts, a woman-owned event …

Professionalism In a Changing World

The Pupilage group for George C. Young American Inn of Court presented on “The Art of Professionalism in a Changing World” at its April 20 meeting. Judge Lisa Munyon advised on …

Strengthening Speaker Diversity in Miami-Dade

In January 2021, the Miami-Dade Florida Association for Women Lawyers Board of Directors unanimously approved memorializing the organization’s expectation …

iPhone Tip: Reverse Image Searches

Reverse image search engines have risen in popularity over the last few years, becoming a new way to find similar images and information. When using this type of searching service you can upload an image (as opposed to text) to search for and display a gallery of the same or similar images. To do this…

Justice Unit Hosts Officer Installation

The B’nai B’rith Justice Unit #5207  is a 40-year old voluntary bar association consisting of attorneys and judges, located primarily in Broward County. On April 18 the group held its officer …

Watch Live Trials and Court Hearings

The Florida Supreme Court launched Florida’s Virtual Courtroom Directory on April 19. Watch live trials and court hearings across the state: https://courtrooms.flcourts.org …

Mental Health Focus in Osceola County

We have all learned during this pandemic that it’s equally important to exercise the mind just as much as the body. The Osceola County Bar’s Virtual Game/Trivia hour held on April 16 …

5K Race to the Courthouse

The Martin County Bar Association reports that April 17 was a beautiful day for the 5K run to the courthouse. The run drew 144 participants of all ages and skill levels …

Returning to Work Questions Addressed

Employment Law Issues in A COVID Era is a popular topic these days. The F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association provided the opportunity for its members to learn more …

A Primer on Civil Rights Law

The Federal Bar Association – Orlando Chapter, the Young Lawyers Section of the Orange County Bar Association, and the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association hosted a CLE for its members …

Members Enjoy Beach Social in Manatee County

The Manatee County Bar Association hosted its members to a Spring Social at The Beach on April 16. An evening of fun, food and sunset was experienced by MCBA members and …

A Food Truck Social (post COVID style)

A post COVID style Food Truck Social is the first in-person, outdoor, socially distanced event in more than a year for the Young Lawyers Section of the Broward County Bar Association …

Wellness Challenge Kicks-off Olympics

Members of the Polk Association for Women Lawyers had a great time on April 1-14 kicking off the YLD Olympics with the “Spring In Your Step” Health and Wellness Challenge …

Thomas recognized for Pro Bono Service

Tallahassee Women Lawyers presented this year’s Catherine Chapman Pro Bono Service Award to Brandi Joyce Thomas, Family Law Practice Group Leader at Akbar Law Firm, P.A. …

Hispanic Bars Host Path to the Bench

The Broward County Hispanic Bar Association joined  forces with the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida
and Tampa Hispanic Bar Association for Path to the Bench …

Estate Planning is Hot Topic in Martin County

Estate Planning took center stage on April 13 for the Martin County Women Lawyers Association. Some hot and some not-no-hot estate planning tips were shared. …

It All Begins With Effective Listening

The Broward County Trial Lawyers Association hosted a Trial Lawyer Tuesday “Build Your Business” program on April 13.  An interactive discussion on “Communication for …

Be Kind to Lawyers Day Recognized

Attorneys are essential to the workings of society and the justice system. Be Kind to Lawyers Day is celebrated annually on the second Tuesday of April to thank all lawyers for their hard work …

Free Tech Support for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys

The Florida Bar Tech Support Helpline, in beta through June 15, is open and available to assist solo and small firm lawyers with technology issues and assistance. The response from Bar members who used the hotline during the first two weeks was very positive. You are encouraged to give it a try for any technology…

Bike Tour for Jax Bar Members

Members of the Jacksonville Bar Association enjoyed a historical tour of Downtown Jacksonville on bicycles. The three-hour tour began at the Duval County Courthouse …

Caribbean Bar Joins Food Giveaway

On April 10, the Caribbean Bar Association had the opportunity to serve with Farmshare Food Giveaway and the African-American Research Library &  Cultural Center. CBA members gave out bags …

A Virtual Trial Advocacy Workshop

Ready, Set, Grow! That was the Trial Advocacy CLE presented by the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association on April 9. Members heard several speakers discuss professionalism …

On the Heels of Women’s History Month

On April 9, the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers had an amazing time at its monthly luncheon celebrating Women’s History with guest speaker, Robert P. Watson, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor …

Surviving 2020 & Thriving in 2021

The Dade County Bar Association hosted its Annual Bench and Bar event “Surviving 2020 & Thriving in 2021” on April 9. The keynote speaker was Mayor Francis Suarez. The virtual event featured …

Spring Social for North Tampa Bar

The North Tampa Bar Association celebrated the return to in-person events with a social on April 8. The law firm of Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace hosted the evening gathering outside …

FAWL President Visits Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association April CLE Luncheon was both In-Person and Virtual to accommodate member needs. Kimberly Hosley, President of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers …

#fawlseesher Challenge Winners Announced

Congratulations to the winners of the #fawlseesher challenge! The social media event was held to recognize Women’s History Month and celebrate women’s achievements …

Diversity Award Presented to Sia Baker-Barnes

At the Palm Beach County Bar Association Bench Bar kickoff on April 6 , Sia Baker-Barnes was presented The Judge Edwards Rodgers Diversity Award ten years after she had the privilege …

Chrome Pro Tip — Tab Grouping

A handy feature in Chrome allows you to organize your related and open tabs into a group. A set of tabs in a group can be collapsed or expanded as needed. Here’s how to create a group: Right-click an open tab, select Add Tab to New Group. Give the group-to-be a name and select a color for the tab if…

Young Lawyers Love Social Media

The Dade County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section hosted a Facebook Live panel on Redefining Happiness and Success as a Young Lawyer Using Social Media …

Health Nut Webinar for Better Work/Life Balance

The Florida Association for Women Lawyers Webinar Committee hosted, “Health Nut: Taking Care of Your Mind, Body, and Soul in the Thick of Everyday Crazy” on April 1 …

Wine and Charcuterie Sweeten Virtual Tour

The April 1 Virtual Happy Hour hosted by Hillsborough County Bar Association was enjoyed by many. The event featured Tampa lawyer turned vintner, Desiree Noisette, a former practicing attorney …

Family Law CLE Offered By Local Miami Bar

Another successful CLE event by South Miami Kendall Bar Association was held last month.  A View from the Bench on the Role of the GAL and Attorney ad Litem …

Great Outdoor Event for Lee County Bar

The Lee County Bar Association hosted its Annual Bench Bar-B-Q & Shrimp Boil.  The event featured Judge Robert Branning and LCBA member Jerry Von Gruben’s Low Country Boil …

Conference Registration Is Open

The 2021 Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference is set for an in-person event on July 16-17 at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando. Join more than 150 voluntary bar leaders from small to large size bars for two days of educational sessions …

YLD To Foot Registration Fee For A Few

The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD) has provided a big splash of support for aspiring young lawyers who want to attend the Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference. As many as 18 registration …

Sponsors – It’s Your Time to Shine!

The 2021 Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference at Margaritaville Resort Orlando July 16-17, is the voluntary bar leaders’ biggest event of the year! The two-day gathering of Florida’s top voluntary bar leaders …

COVID-19 Court Operations and Recovery Town Hall CLE Offered

President Dori Foster-Morales hosted a statewide town hall meeting, “Florida Bar Town Hall: COVID-19 Court Operations and Recovery,” on March 30, to provide Florida lawyers with court …

Important Updates for iOS Devices

Attention iPhone and iPad users! Apple has released an emergency update to patch a serious vulnerability found in iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. The public doesn’t get too many details about these vulnerabilities since Apple is known to keep specifics tight until it has had a chance to do an internal investigation into the issue. Apple claims that…

Bar President’s Leadership Has Been Exemplary

The pandemic has brought a time for us to grow, adapt and change. Probably no one knows that better than Florida Bar president Dori Foster-Morales.  Foster-Morales has demonstrated grace under pressure …

LESSER WINS BAR PRESIDENT-ELECT CONTEST

Fifteenth Circuit Board of Governors member Gary S. Lesser has been elected Bar president-elect for the 2021-22 Bar year. Lesser defeated 11th Circuit board member Steven W. Davis 11,817 to 6,922 in election results …

Legal Leaders Honored in Hillsborough County

The Hillsborough County Bar Association recognized five leaders in the local legal community at a special awards ceremony on March 25. The virtual event honored the following award recipients …

Voluntary Bar Leadership Coaching!

Trying to take your game to the next level? Or, maybe you just need a few tips to guide you to success in specific areas. Whether you’re a rookie or seasoned player, everyone can lean on the support offered the Voluntary Bar …

Knowing Your Value is Focus of Women’s Event

The Palm Beach County Justice Association featured Sia Baker Barnes as a presenter at the group’s Women’s Section Event: ‘Know Your Value’ on March 25. Baker Barnes chose this profession …

Beer Tasting Adds Fun to March Madness

Picking up beer growlers before the event was the beginning of a great time for Polk Association for Women Lawyers March Member Madness. The group hosted a social hour and virtual beer tasting …

Spring Soirée Enjoyed in Tampa

The Tampa Hispanic Bar Association reports that the The Spring Soirée on March 25 was a huge success. President Trish Cvejkus Candamo spearheaded the event that was held at the Palm Ceia and …

Making Students More Aware of Legal Issues

The Tallahassee Bar Association Young Lawyers hosted Adulting 101 for high school students on March 24. The virtual seminar focused on personal and civil rights, money management, employment and driving …

Virtual Ask-A-Lawyer Event in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc., a hosted a Virtual Ask-A-Lawyer event benefiting employees at Rethreaded on March 23 …

A Virtual Field Trip is Possible

If you’ve ever wanted an “inside look” at the Florida Supreme Court, you’re in luck: The Court offers virtual tours for school groups, civic organizations and leadership groups. The 45-60-minute tours …

“Demystifying the Florida Bar Board of Governors”

Events recognizing Women’s History Month continue. The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association is hosting “Demystifying the Florida Bar Board of Governors”, a CLE …

Paralegal and Attorney Online Interaction

The Palm Beach County Bar Association Paralegal Committee presented The Impact of COVID -19 on the Interaction Between the Attorney and the Paralegal in Court or Mediation Hearings …

19th VBAs Join Together for Update

On March 23, three voluntary bar associations in the 19th Judicial Circuit hosted a town hall for Florida Bar members. A panel of bench and bar leaders provided updates including Dori Foster-Morales, President of The Florida Bar …

A Candid Conversation on Civil Rights

The T.J. Reddick Bar Association along with the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association presented Part 2 of The Unboxed Series: Civil Rights with award-winning author, oral historian & professor …

Legislative Advocacy Is Focus of Lobby Days

Florida Association for Women Lawyers had an amazing Lobby Days 2021! One day one, Justice Grosshans, Judge McKinney and Senator Berman participated in an engaging panel discussion on …

Blowing the Traditional Gala Out of the Water

Given the pandemic and the resulting state of the world, a traditional black-tie gala was impractical this year for the Cuban American Bar Association. So CABA reimagined and revamped the installation event …

Virtual Courtroom Settings In Focus In Miami

The Dade County Bar Association Law & Technology Committee hosted a webinar on March 23 focusing on professionalism in virtual courtroom settings. The webinar featured …

The Little-Known But Oh-So Magical Windows Key

If your Windows PC came with a keyboard, it very likely has a special Windows key or two (usually to the left and right of the spacebar). Its purpose is to make moving around your PC faster and easier while your hands are on the keyboard – no need to go to the mouse for…

Man Up Mentoring in the Ninth Circuit

On March 20, the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association and Orlando Alphas – Delta Xi Lambda Chapter partnered for their first Kickball/Fish Fry. The event featured a Man Up Mentoring …

Exploring the Importance of Minority Involvement

The Bar’s Diversity and Inclusion Get Involved Subcommittee will present “The Importance of Minority Lawyers’ Involvement With The Florida Bar” on April 15 from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom …

HELP RECOGNIZE STELLAR LEGAL JOURNALISM

Nominations are now open for The Parker Thomson Awards for Outstanding Legal Journalism in Florida and the Susan Spencer-Wendel Lifetime Achievement Award. The entry deadline is A …

A Must Read Feature on Coping with COVID

Living during the pandemic has taught us all new ways of doing things. For Hershley Ogé, the president of F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association, her adaptable life was captured for all to see in the …

Giving Back in Palm Beach County

Members of our Board of Directors spent the morning volunteering with Feeding South Florida at the Palm Beach Outlets to help pack over 600 cars with fresh and healthy food. It has been more than a year …

Continued Use of Virtual Meetings Likely

Making adjustments was/is the new normal as we continue to live, work and socialize during a pandemic. For associations, the pandemic has caused the biggest transformation in governance in a century …

A Toast to Dori on Her Birthday!

A small group virtual Beer Tasting event was on the agenda at the Florida Bar Board of Governors and the YLD Board of Governors meeting on March 18. This happened to fall on The Florida Bar President’s Birthday! …

Virtual 2021 Officer and Board Installation

Welcoming its new officers and board members, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Tampa Bay installed Alicia Whiting-Bozich as the new President at a virtual installation on March 18 …

St. Patrick’s Night Fun in Jacksonville

Members of the Jacksonville Bar Association and Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association had a great night at the Jacksonville Icemen game. The members got to sit court side …

March Speaking Tips

If you speak on a regular basis, you’ve undoubtedly found yourself in a situation where you have less time left than material to present. You can still get your message across without short-changing your audience.

Time for Coffee With the Court

Great big smiles on March 16 during Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association’s Coffee With the Court! The group was joined by Ninth Circuit Judges …

Microsoft Teams Adds New Features

Microsoft Teams, which has grown in popularity since the pandemic started, is regularly adding new features. Here are three cool new ones:. New Meeting Interactions While in a meeting, use these new keyboard shortcuts to raise your hand in a meeting and find out who else has theirs raised. Ctrl/Command+Shift+K raises and lowers your hand. Ctrl/Command+Shift+L will have your screen…

Backyard Bash Is Outdoor Hit for OCBA

And the Orange County Bar Association does it again! Members report an awesome time attending the OCBA Spring Break Backyard Bash on March 13. Among the crowd favorites were …

Women Leaders Honored in St. Pete

In celebration of Women’s History Month, women leaders of the St. Pete Bar Association were honored with a special Facebook post on March 12.  Feeling proud of their accomplishments …

Women Who Have Made An Impact

Throughout March, the Florida Justice Association celebrated women in law by highlighting FJA members and sharing pieces of knowledge …

In-person Events Return in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Bar Association is ready to get back to in-person events. So much so, they have kicked off an entire series of events and have a webpage so members can keep up with the …

Latinas in the Law Celebration in Broward

The Latinas in the Law program commemorated Woman’s History Month 2021 for the Broward County Bar Association Hispanic Lawyers Committee and Broward County Hispanic Bar Association …

Her Accomplishments Get Noticed

The Florida Association for Women Lawyers commemorated Women’s History Month with a new initiative to put the spotlight on the professional accomplishments of women. Members were invited to …

On A Roll in Hillsborough County

Taking virtual fun to a new level, members of the Hillsborough County Bar Association are on a roll!  Teaming up with Zukku Sushi , HCBA hosted a virtual sushi rolling class on March 11 …

Celebrating Women’s History Month at the Bar

As part of of The Florida Bar celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth, we were honored to sit down with former Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince for our latest “On the Docket with Dori” episode with …

Protecting the Rights of Youth

Navigating the Rotten Orchard: Know Your Rights is a virtual discussion forum hosted on March 10 by the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association. The focus of the discussion was on the importance …

Technology Tips Shared with Women Lawyers

Technology Tips to Help Automate Your Practice is a timely topic for attorneys. The Martin County Women Lawyers Association hosted a CLE to make sure their members were in step with the latest and greatest …

Minnis Bar Leads Effort to Honor Its Namesake

The leadership of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association is proud to announce the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to rename the Pinellas County law library …

Taking Care of Yourself Is More Important Than Ever

The Broward County Bar Association West Broward Section and Broward County Hispanic Bar Association hosted How To Help Yourself –The Importance of Mental Health and Wellness in Your Personal and Professional Life …

Honoring Women of the Bench and Bar in Broward

Recognizing Women Legal Leaders was the way the Broward County legal community chose to celebrate International Woman’s Day on March 8.  The Broward County Bar Association …

Major Security Issues with “On-Prem” Exchange Servers Require Critical Security Updates

A global hack of on-prem Microsoft email server software was discovered in January and February, and the firms and organizations affected run the gamut from mom-and-pop shops to law firms, municipal governments, healthcare providers and manufacturers. While many law firms have moved their Microsoft email platform to hosted Exchange, many have not. If your Exchange…

Women’s Day Celebrated in Ninth Circuit

The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers had an amazing time celebrating International Women’s Day with a virtual courthouse breakfast honoring women and the support systems that …

Miami-Dade Black Women Judges Recognized

Women’s History Month took center stage on March 5 for the members of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association. The Ferguson Bar used social media to mark the occasion by recognizing all of the African American women …

Finding Hidden Gems in “Failure”

The Florida Association for Women Lawyers Thomas M. Cooley-Tampa Bay Chapter celebrated Women’s History Month on March 2 exploring “Why Failures Are Your Hidden Super Power” …

Conference Registration Launch Delayed

Connecting and learning from like-minded leaders is a unique experience that elevates the Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference to a level of its own.  In planning for this year’s VBLC, committee leaders want to preserve …

Word Tip: Preventing Justified Paragraphs from Stretching When Using Manual Line Breaks

We often use justified paragraphs in legal documents – those paragraphs that align both the left and right edges of the text to the left and right margins. If you do this often AND include a manual line break (Shift + Enter), you may notice that Word will push the line to the full width…

FOSTER-MORALES TO HOST STATEWIDE TOWN HALL MEETING MARCH 30

As the pandemic continues and recovery plans progress, President Dori Foster-Morales will host a statewide town hall meeting March 30 to provide Florida lawyers with court operations updates …

Help Recognize Extraordinary Service

The Marshall R. Cassedy, Sr. Award is presented each year to a voluntary bar executive or Florida Bar staff member who has provided extraordinary service to either a voluntary bar or The Florida Bar …

IT’S TIME TO VOTE! BAR ELECTIONS ARE UNDERWAY

From the Bar’s role in public advocacy, to online legal service providers and lawyer discipline, the two candidates for Bar president-elect expressed their views in a February 22 virtual forum. Hosted by President Dori Foster-Morale …

Virtual Start of Law Day is Set for March 3

Law Week is a week-long event centered around Law Day. Law Day is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law and the legal process that contributes to the freedoms that all Americans share …

How Will Your Bar Honor Women’s Month?

As the month of March begins, so do the events and activities honoring the contributions that women have made in history and contemporary society. National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day …

Four Bar Affiliates Win YLD’s Top Honors

The BIGGEST winners of the 2021 (Virtual) Affiliate Outreach Conference on Feb. 6 were four Florida Bar YLD affiliates that worked OVERTIME in 2020 to make a difference in their communities …

Share Your Wellness Events

The Florida Bar Committee on Mental Health & Wellness of Lawyers wants to help spread the word about voluntary bar events focused on all aspects of wellness. The committee’s Facebook page …

YLD Olympics – Register Now For a Healthier You!

The Young Lawyers Division Health & Wellness Olympics Sign Ups Are On! The “2021 Health & Wellness Olympics” -begins April 1 and last TWO months until May 27.
YLD is transitioning from raising awareness of stigmas …

The Year of Ox Will Bring Hope, Strength and Love

The Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association celebrated he Lunar New Year virtually. Shally Wong shared her proud culture and linguistic skills to help members speak Lunar New Year greetings in several languages …

YLD OFFER SOCIAL MEDIA POCKET GUIDE FOR LAWYERS

Social media has made digital networking second nature to the modern lawyer, but the path is strewn with ethical hazards. That’s why the Young Lawyers Division is offering a free, easy-to-follow guide to avoid the potential pitfalls: …

Anti-Defamation League to Recognize Justice Giants

Sia Baker-Barnes, the Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee Board of Governors liaison, and William Schifino, Jr., and Tod Aronovitz, two former Florida Bar presidents, will be honored on March 10 by the Anti-Defamation League …

A Virtual Celebration in Orange County

Two voluntary bars teamed up to honor Black History Month with an online luncheon on Feb. 25. The Orange County Bar Association and Paul C. Perkins Bar Association welcomed CK Hoffler …

Moving the Needle Forward for Change

An online joint bar event celebrating Black History Month was held via Zoom on Feb. 24  The Broward County Bar Young Lawyers Section, Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers, the Caribbean Bar, T.J. Reddick Bar and the Haitian Bar …

Eating Heart-Healthy in Jacksonville

February is American Heart Health Awareness Month! Devoting a little time to make healthier habits can go a long way toward improving your heart health. on Feb. 24, the Jacksonville Bar Association hosted a 30-minute …

A Courts Update in Polk County

Members of the Polk Association for Women Lawyers received a virtual courts update from two chief judges who have helped navigate Florida Courts through the last year.  Chief Judge Nelly Khouzam, 10th Circuit and Chief Judge Ellen Masters …

The Importance of Black Bar Associations

In honor of Black History Month, the George Edgecomb Bar Association and Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association celebrated Back to Our Roots: The Importance of Black Bar Associations on Feb. 24 with a networking …

Past Presidents Share Local Bar Experiences

On Feb. 24, the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association assembled a panel of past presidents for a virtual networking session. Engaging with the experienced leaders, the participants learned what …

Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions

On Feb. 24, the Federal Bar Association – Broward County Chapter had another successful run of the virtual version of Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions program with students from University School of Nova Southeastern University …

School Integration Is Focus in Sarasota

On Feb. 23, Sarasota County Bar Association hosted an interactive panel discussion of the history and current status of efforts to bring racial equality to the Sarasota County school system. Personal testimony was provided from affected students …

Wise Words for FJA Workhorse Participants

“Get just two-percent better every day.” Those were the encouraging words from the 2021 Florida Justice Association Workhorse Seminar keynote speaker, Dr. Myron Rolle! Rolle spoke during the virtual luncheon on Feb. 24 …

Mock Trial Competition in Collier County

The Collier County Bar Association held its Mock Trial 2021 virtually on Feb. 19-20. Members helped out as coaches and judges from the comfort of their home or office to protect the health of the participants and volunteers …

Raising Awareness of LGBTQ+ Workplace Bias

For attorneys to help clients, you must understand them.  South Palm Beach County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and South Palm Beach County Bar Association hosted a seminar on LGBTQ 101 Proficiency and Workplace Bias …

Google’s Built-in Timer and Stopwatch

When you need a timer and don’t have an Alexa nearby, considering using this cool and easy Google Search feature. Like you would typically search for something on Google, input what you would typically say to Alexa or Siri: “set timer for 6 minutes.” You’ll next see an interactive timer. You can start, stop and…

Inn of Court honors Judge Jackie Powell

Judge Jackie Powell, County Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit, has been honored as a 2021 Community Champion by the Stephen R. Booher Inns of Court. The public recognition took place during the group’s latest virtual meeting …

Judicial Cake Wars in Sarasota

On Feb. 18 members of the Sarasota County Bar Association were in for a real treat. Eight judges from the 12th Judicial Circuit showcased their cake decorating skills and members got to vote on the winning creations. The jurists paired off into four dessert-decking duos …

Virtual Learning Over Lunch in Miami

The Miami-Dade Florida Association for Women Lawyers  hosted a virtual lunch on Feb. 17. The event topic was transitioning from a government entity to in-house counsel for a private company …

Trying A Case During the Pandemic

More than 100 members of the Palm Beach County Justice Association joined the Live Jury Trial in the Age of COVID-19 Experiment in Palm Beach County. The CLE webinar provided a behind-the-scenes discussion of a trial during Covid-19 …

So, You Want to Be a Judge in Palm Beach County?

The Palm Beach County Bar Association has a new Road to the Bench Academy program underway. The Academy is a non-partisan training and mentorship program to encourage diversity on the bench …

Honoring Then and Now Black Judges

A Judicial Affair Honoring Our Past and Present Black Judiciary was hosted by F. Malcolm Cunningham and Palm Beach County Bar Association on Feb. 18. The event gave the two voluntary bars a chance to remember past Black judges …

Celebrating Black Female Heroes of History

The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers celebrated Black History Month on Feb. 18 with fellowship and action! The group hosted a virtual happy hour for members and friends to network over zoom and share stories …

Lee County Bar Honors Black History in Law

The Feb. 19 Member Luncheon hosted by the Lee County Bar Association honored Black History in Law. Members enjoyed hearing a panel of Lee County Bar members and moderator Adriannette Williams ,..

Students Learn About Their Rights

F. Malcolm Cunningham Sr. Bar Association was given the opportunity to speak to the high school seniors about “ Interacting with Law Enforcement.”  Destinie Baker Sutton, the chair of the Legal Action and Policy Committee …

Attorney Roundtable in North Tampa

Members of the North Tampa Bar Association gathered virtually on Feb. 18 for its Attorney Roundtable event. Discussing legal issues with other attorneys was the agenda for this monthly noon meeting …

Keeping Connected in a Virtual World

February 18 was a fantastic night of virtual socializing, beer tasting, and a virtual tour of Big Storm Brewing & Distilling Co. for members of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Said Paige Greenlee, HCBA President …

SOME REMOTE CRIMINAL JURY TRIALS AUTHORIZED

Chief Justice Charles Canady has issued an administrative order authorizing some remote criminal jury trials as COVID-19 pandemic conditions persist around the state. This order extends a similar authorization issued in June 2020 for some civil trials …

New Program Recognizes Young Leaders

The Broward County Bar Association has announced the inaugural class of its 40 under 40 recipients. The program was created to recognize the dedication and service of young lawyers to the Broward County community and the legal profession.

Legendary Black Woman Lawyer Honored

On Feb. 17, The Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association hosted a virtual celebration with the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida and the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association honoring the life and legacy of a leader …

Overcoming Obstacles As Black Legal Leaders

The George Edgecomb Bar Association hosted a special Zoom Black History Month CLE on Feb. 16. A panel of Black women pioneers in the legal profession shared their experiences as to how they overcame …

Saluting Frontline Medical Professionals in Broward

More than 110 people joined the Broward County Bar Association, the TJ Reddick Bar Association and the 17th Judicial Circuit Court for a Black History event honoring pioneer African American doctors …

Boy Scouts Earn Law Merit Badge

How do you get a Law Merit Badge if you are a Boy Scout in Manatee County? Bring Judge Gilbert Smith, Jr., Manatee County Bar Association Secretary Brian Iten, FL State Representative Tommy Gregory and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells …

Great parents, great lawyers

The Young Lawyers Division is offering law firms yet another tool for nurturing and maintaining talent: “A Practical Guide to Parental Leave for Employers: …

Windows: How to Easily Remove Metadata from Files via File Explorer

Files on your computer may store information about their source, author, dates, and other details, through metadata (aka “Document Properties”). If you don’t want this information to be available to others who may have access to your files, it’s a good idea to remove all the metadata from a file. While programs like Word (via…

More Important Now Than Ever

The Tallahassee Women Lawyers hosted a Health and Wellness Panel on Feb. 10. Lorri Kercher, MSN, CRNP, discussed how heart health is tied to hormones, gut health, lifestyle, mindset, and genetics …

Heart-to-Heart and Legally in Love

February is the month of love and for the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association it is a reason to celebrate! Members of BCHBA gathered virtually for a heart-to-heart share hour with judges and attorneys about relationships, couples …

Trivia Night for Jax Bar YLS

Two teams competed head to head tonight at the Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Trivia Night on Feb. 10.  Bragging rights go to Team Trivia Newton John!!!

New Source Features Florida Court News

Court News Florida is a collaborative project of the Florida Supreme Court, the Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator, and the Florida Court Public Information Officers. The new publication offers the latest news and information …

Shop Local and Black-Owned To Celebrate

In celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, the Dade County Bar Association – in partnership with the @mia_dadechamber – invites you to shop local and black-owned. Check out these amazing small businesses and tag DCBA while you shop to be featured on the page! …

Brewpalooza! For North Tampa Bar Members

The North Tampa  Bar Association’s Beerpalooza (first annual?) was a massive success! Members served as hosts and brew guides for the evening, Tom and Katie Dorsey Nealon; emcee and event organizer, Jared Krukar …

Test Your Black History Trivia

Happy Black History Month! In the February issue of The Briefs, Orange County Bar Association President LaShawnda Jackson shared Black History Month trivia, which OCBA is sharing on social media …

A Vision for Change Underway In Tampa

The Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Hillsborough County Bar Association, George Edgecomb Bar Association and Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers are hosting a virtual book club …

New Diversity Policy for MDFAWL

Miami-Dade FAWL has implemented a new Policy on Diversity Among Speakers on Sponsored or Co-Sponsored Programs. The policy which was effective on Feb. 3 provides for diversity …

Women on the Bench

The Palm Beach Hispanic Bar Association, F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association and the Florida Association for Women Lawyers Palm Beach County joined the Women’s Foundation of Florida for Women on the Bench: …

Diversity Symposium is Feb. 11

The Caribbean Bar Association is recognizing both Black History Month and Reggae Month with events that inform, educate, and empower! February is also the month that the Caribbean Bar traditionally volunteers …

How To Permanently Delete Files From Your Computer

Windows Method 1 (Two Steps): Delete/Send files into the Recycle Bin then Empty the Recycle Bin Select the folder or file(s) that you want to delete in File Explorer then right-click to show the contextual menu, choose Delete. IMPORTANT NOTE: This action moves the selected file(s) to the Recycle Bin, from which they can be recovered –…

How Did Your Bar Honor Black History Month?

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history. The month was chosen …

Leading A Voluntary Bar Post-COVID

A big part of the 2021 Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference on July 16-17 at Margaritaville Resort Orlando will focus on bouncing back from the impact of the changes brought on …

History, Honor and Hope Fills “A Supreme Evening”

The Florida Supreme Court Historical Society held its annual “A Supreme Evening” fund-raising event virtually on January 28, and nearly 1,500 viewers watched the evening’s festivities …

OPPORTUNITIES FOR NONLAWYER VOLUNTEERS

To involve more Floridians in the state’s legal and justice systems, The Florida Bar’s Citizens Advisory Committee has compiled information, links, and contacts of more than a dozen …

How to Add a YouTube Video in PowerPoint

Depending on what version of PowerPoint you are using, there are different ways to insert a YouTube video into your presentation; this how-to will focus on PowerPoint 2016 for Windows. Learn how to embed YouTube videos in other versions of PowerPoint by way of a simple Google search. How to Embed a YouTube Video in…

CABA Honored for Pro Bono Work

The Cuban American Bar Association Pro Bono Legal Services is the recipient of the 2021 Voluntary Bar Association Pro Bono Award.  The award was presented by Chief Justice Charles T. Canady …

Thank You For Your Service!

The Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar honored the recipients of the 2021 Florida Pro Bono Service Awards in a wonderful virtual ceremony on Jan. 28.  This included honorees for various awards …

February 12 is Nomination Deadline

Members have until Feb. 12 to submit nominations for The Florida Bar Professionalism Committee Awards. There is a Group Professionalism Award that recognizes a program instituted and …

Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year Award

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year Award. This award recognizes a legal services, public interest or private attorney …

CANDIDATES’ PLATFORM STATEMENTS POSTED

Board of Governors members Steve Davis of Miami and Gary Lesser of West Palm Beach have qualified to run for Bar president-elect. The winner will be decided in March balloting and sworn in …

The Intersection of Law and Government

The Caribbean Bar Association hosted a virtual panel of professionals for a discussion on Law and Government on Jan. 29. Panelists provided best practices, solid advice, and hindsight wisdom …

Promoting Literacy in Palm Beach County

On Jan. 27, executive board members of the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association partnered with Freedom Shores Elementary School to read books in Spanish to students …

Law Student Virtual Town Hall

Sharing tips and tools for academic success was the purpose of the Jan. 28 Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter NBA Law Student Town Hall.  Jennifer Duclair, Natalie Jean-Baptiste and Joseline Hardrick …

4th Circuit Update Presented by Jax Bar

Members of the Jacksonville Bar Association got a COVID-19 update on the 4th Judicial Circuit from Chief Judge Mark Mahon on Jan. 27.  Judge Mahon has been leading a group of judges …

New look, new name for Dade County Bar

After 104 years, the Dade County Bar Association will soon be known as the Miami-Dade County Bar Association. Why? For many years, the association resisted changing the name …

Mentor/Mentee Virtual Connection

Connecting mentors and mentees who are interested in making connections was the purpose of the Broward County Bar Association’s Jan. 28 virtual event …

Supporting Combat Veterans

The Palm Beach County Justice Association donated a portion of its Golf Tournament in October, to Warriors Choice Foundation, Inc. The nonprofit was created to help combat veterans who suffer from …

A New Perspective to the Investment World from an Investor’s Rights Attorney

Part 1 of a 3-part series on taking control of your investment destiny.

Reduced Fees for Retired Lawyers?

Could a new Bar membership category for senior lawyers exist? Join our Focus Group to explore this issue.

Forgotten Legal History: The Story behind Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Co.

We all remember the facts of the Palsgraf case from law school, but they don’t tell the whole story.

Notable Quotations: Motivation

Having trouble getting started or staying motivated? Find inspiration in these words of wisdom.

The Cloned Wild Horse

A wild Asian horse is born in Texas, made possible by science and regulation.

PRACTICING DURING THE PANDEMIC: SENIOR LAWYERS FIND BENEFITS IN THE “NEW NORMAL”

We asked readers how COVID-19 restrictions had changed the way they practiced law.

Free CLE: Bridging the Gap to Retirement: Medical Decisions and Issues – What Comes Next?

Miss our live presentation? Here’s your chance to catch up with the recorded version.

A How-To Guide for Reopening Your Law Office

Reopening the office? We have compiled tips to help you plan a successful transition.

Free CLE – Never Too Late: Wills, Trusts and the Art of Wealth Transfer for the Young at Heart

Did you miss our live presentation? Check the SLC webpage for the recording.

Is Retirement on Your New Years Resolution List?

If so, Florida Bar resources can help you navigate the process.

Law Student Relief Fund Assistance

The F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association started off the year with gratitude. Thanks to the generosity of its members, FMCBA provided a financial gift of $500 to seven recent law school graduates …

Advancing A Great Cause

In November and December, the Sarasota County Association for Women Lawyers joined the Gulfcoast Chapter of the UN Women USA in their Virtual Walk Fundraiser. The effort paid off helping to raise more than $18,000 …

COVID and the COURTS IN Broward

On Jan. 12, The Federal Bar Association – Broward County Chapter hosted a virtual brown bag lunch with District Judge Darrin Gayles. Judge Gayles, who provided insight on current virtual court hearings …

SUPPORTING THE WALTON COUNTY GAL PROGRAM

Through the generous support of the Walton County Bar Association, the Guardian ad Litem program received $3.525 for holiday gifts for kids. This exceeds their $1,750 goal by more than double …

How to Force Quit Apps in Windows and macOS

Forcing a frozen application to quit in Windows and macOS is sometimes the only way get out of an unresponsive program. Now, while force-quitting may be the easiest option, it can lead to unwanted consequences. When you close an application in the traditional way, you may be prompted to save your work before closing. However,…

Beach Clean-up in Clearwater

Picking up trash and debris off the sands of Clearwater Beach requires a small army. Volunteers from the Clearwater Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, donned gloves …

I’ll Zoom Ya’ says one Florida Judge

Online court proceedings have come a long way since the early days of COVID forced the use of remote technology to carry on the practice of law. No one knows this better than the …

Getting Your House In Order in Miami

Hosting a free community event is a great way to start the new year. Thanks for the members of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association and The Circle of Brotherhood and other voluntary bar …

Hispanic Bar Helps Fight Human Trafficking

As Tampa prepares to welcome the Super Bowl, the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association is focused on issues surrounding human trafficking. On Jan. 22 THBA hosted a panel via Zoom, to discuss …

Bars Join Together in Feeding Northeast Florida

Jacksonville lawyers and their families joined together for a day of unity and service on Jan. 23, at Feeding Northeast Florida event. Two shifts at the event were offered to help build unity and fight hunger…

St. Johns County Lawyers Recognized

St. Johns County Bar Association Legal Aid recently presented pro bono awards to lawyers who donated the most hours of free legal representation to the residents of St. Johns’ County in 2020 …

A Conversation With Women Bar Leaders

The Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association and the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association teamed up to host a virtual luncheon for bar leaders. The guest speaker was Aurora Austriaco, the incoming president …

Digital Forensics Course is Fifth in Series

The Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers presented “That Wasn’t on My Computer/Phone! Digital Forensics.” The Jan. 21 event was the fifth course in the CLE series …

Everyone Benefits From DEI in the Workplace

A Call to Action: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Law firms! is the latest event hosted by the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association. Nikki Lewis Simon and Joseline Hardrick provided advice …

National Bar Young Lawyers Recognize Sapp

Brandon Sapp, an Orlando attorney, has been recognized as the National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division’s Young Lawyer of the Week! Sapp currently serves as a 9th Circuit Board of Governor …

Orange County Bar Members Honored

Florida Supreme Court Justice Jamie Grosshans joined the Orange County Bar Association for its January Virtual Luncheon. More than 150 members attended the Jan. 21 event.  OCBA President LaShawnda Jackson …

Gender Pay Disparity Gets Attention in Miami-Dade

An all-star panel discussion on Combatting Gender Pay Disparity: Year-end Performance Reviews & Salary Negotiations happened on Jan. 21. Hosted by the Miami Dade Association for Women Lawyers, …

New website enhances member services

The Okaloosa Bar Association, a voluntary bar association serving attorneys, judges and legal professionals who live or practice in Okaloosa county, has launched a new website. Among other features …

Gavel Passes at Miami Lakes Bar

‘Tis the season for new voluntary bar officer installations. Albeit, virtual, leaders from the Miami Lakes Bar Association took the oath and transferred power on Jan. 21. Congratulations to Incoming President Josh Hertz …

Dori’s Docket Includes Yoga Stretches

Florida Bar President Dori Foster-Morales recorded another episode of “On The Docket With Dori” — a series focusing on topics of interest to Florida Bar members, including current events …

Hispanic Bar Gathers for Leader Installation

Working for voluntary bars in gratifying and rewarding. Just ask the new officers and board of the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association. “I love working with everyone on the board and I’m so impressed …

New Vlog Series for Osceola County Bar

The Osceola Bar is looking to implement a new Vlog (video blog) Series featuring attorneys in the community on various legal related topics. The Vlogs will be posted on the groups Facebook page and website …

Asian Pacific Bar Featured on Inauguration Day

When Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office, she became a woman of many firsts. The significance of her swearing in on Inauguration Day was celebrated in the Tampa Bay area …

Membership Surveys Helps Define Direction

Organizations of all shapes and sizes use member surveys to help set a direction in the new year. Do you send a questionnaire to your members? If so, how often and better yet, can we have a copy …

Diversity Celebrated in Tampa

More than 200 members joined the Hillsborough County Bar Association on Jan. 19 for the annual Diversity Membership Luncheon. HCBA chose this occasion to recognize …

Share Voluntary Bar Ideas, Materials, Resources

It’s a new year. How are you reaching out to prospective members? In Manatee County, the bar association is using YouTube to share it’s value message and convey how membership can boost …

Historic Bush v. Gore case revisited

Twenty years after the infamous series of cases that came to be known as Bush v. Gore, Celene Humphries moderated a panel with several key players from the litigation, including …

Celebrating MLK Day in Jacksonville

The D.W. Perkins Bar Association was front and center at the MLK parade in Jacksonville. Here some future judges were inspired by Duval County Judge, Rhonda Peoples-Waters …

How to Convert Excel to Google Sheets

It’s been happening a lot lately — Google users making their way into a lawyer’s day to day. Heck! We can’t all be Microsoft subscribers, right? Well, for the occasional occasion when you want or need to convert an Excel doc to Google Sheets, you will need a Google account, or, you can send these…

New look for Criminal Defense Lawyers in Miami

The Miami Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has undergone a makeover. The brand refresh includes the tweaking of its logo for a more modern appeal …

Awards, Swearing-In and More for ABOTA

It was an evening full of all that is good about the law when The American Board of Trial Advocates – Fort Lauderdale chapter held their virtual recognition evening on Jan. 15 …

Serving the Court and the County in Broward

Over 350 people attended the New Beginnings 2021: 17th Judicial Circuit and Broward County leadership program on Jan. 15. The virtual event was hosted by the Broward County Bar Association in coordination with …

Diversity Is Focus in North and South Florida

On Jan. 15 the Escambia Santa-Rosa Bar Association and the South Palm Beach County Bar Association hosted its members to a virtual conversation on diversity. Arnell Bryant-Willis, Diversity Initiatives Manager,

Overcoming COVID Impacts in Dade

The Dade County Bar Association Health and Wellness Committee hosted its first webinar of the new year on Jan. 14,, featuring Dr. Antonello Bonci. Co-Chair Lindsay Gunia, together with the Russian American Bar Association …

Learning to Be ADA Compliant in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Bar Association has a better understanding of ADA compliance issues of websites.  In partnership with its Solo and Small Firm Committee, JBA hosted Joe Lemire, President and Chief Innovator of ELYK Innovation …

Embracing the Future of Black Women Lawyers

The Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association board of directors is fully engaged in the new year. The leaders met on Jan. 20 and report an excellent board meeting to get the year rolling …

Virtual Hearings Update in Broward

On Jan 12, the Federal Bar Association – Broward County Chapter hosted a virtual brown bag lunch with District Judge Darrin Gayles. Judge Gayles provided insight on current virtual court hearing …

A Voluntary Bar Virtual Connection

The Palm Beach County Bar Association, along with the Broward County Bar Association, the South Palm Beach County Bar Association, South Palm Beach County FAWL and Palm Beach County FAWL …

Caribbean Heritage Comes to Life in Broward

The Caribbean Bar Association was honored to join members of the Broward County judiciary for a sneak peek at the new Island SPACE Caribbean Museum at the Westfield Broward mall toon Jan. 9 …

Out with the Old, In with the New: How to Recycle Old Electronics

Did Santa bring you the latest and greatest robot vacuum? Did your kids get an upgrade to their old Mac? Wonderful right? But what to do with that outdated, defunct or altogether dysfunctional consumer good? Well, you can’t just toss it in the trash because, unfortunately, electronics products can also contain toxic substances – such…

New Bar Leaders in Flagler County

On Jan. 8, the Flagler County Bar held its annual dinner at Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill in Flagler Beach. The guest of honor was Dennis Bayer, Esq. Judge Melissa Distler swore in …

Serving Victims in Orange and Seminole County

On Jan. 8, the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers hosted its first monthly luncheon of the New Year, featuring Lui Damiani, Executive Director of the Victim Service Center of Florida …

There’s Great Value in Committee Service

The Polk Association for Women Lawyers hosted a Zoom event on Jan. 6 relative to the value of serving on a Florida Bar committee. Circuit Judge Peter Estrada, Chair of the Florida Supreme Court’s …

Bar Member is Sheriff in Sarasota County

Members of the Sarasota County Bar Association have among their group newly elected Sarasota Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. Admitted to The Florida Bar in 1998, Hoffman was sworn in …

Retiring Judge Recognized in Pasco County

The West Pasco Bar Association took time before the end of 2020 to honor Judge Paul Firmani, retiring county judge of Pasco County.  Members gathered to thank him for his years of service …

No Outlook? No Problem: How to Open a Windows Outlook .MSG File on macOS

An MSG file is a task, appointment, contact or email message saved or created within Microsoft Outlook on Windows. The file may also contain multiple fields, like the appointment details, contact information, message body, subject, recipient, sender, date,and task description. If you don’t have Outlook for Mac or don’t have Office 365 with access to…

Voluntary Bar Leaders Prepared to Help Each Other

Trying to take your game to the next level? Or, maybe you just need a few tips to guide you to success in specific areas. Whether you’re a rookie or seasoned player, everyone can lean on …

Save the Date – July 16-17, 2021

As you plan for 2021, reserve July 16-17 for the Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference. You want to be there when we find that lost shaker of salt at Margaritaville Orlando Resort …

Deadline for Committee Preference Form is Jan. 15

The annual committee preference form for Bar members seeking appointment for the upcoming 2021-22 Bar year will be available December 1 at floridabar.org and are due no later than January 15, 2021 …

January is Big Month for Officer Changes

In the voluntary bar world, the new calendar year signals a big changeover for officers. With that event, updates will need to be made with The Florida Bar so we have the most current information and contact info …

New Stimulus Package Includes Some 501(c)(6) Organizations

The Florida Bar recognizes the extreme financial hardships endured in 2020 by associations, particularly our voluntary bars. The COVID-19 stimulus package that has been passed by Congress …

Apply By Jan. 31 for Leadership Academy

The Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 Class IX. The program is a multi-session training initiative to assist a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers …

Oh, What Fun for Voluntary Bar Leaders

The Ugly Sweater Bingo event for Voluntary Bar Leaders on Dec. 17, was by all accounts a jolly good time. Not only was it fun, we discovered some favorite drink recipes and after hour …

A Florida Celebration of Women’s Suffrage

The Florida Supreme Court’s 19th Amendment Centennial Ceremony on Dec. 18 featured voluntary bar leaders among its speakers. Several Florida women legal leaders …

“What A Lawyer Looks Like” Campaign Underway

Right in line with the #YLDisME campaign comes THIS from our friends at the Palm Beach County Bar Association!
The PBCBA’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion …

Affiliate Outreach Conference Goes Virtual

The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division is hosting their annual Affiliate Outreach Conference (“AOC”), where local voluntary bar associations from across the state send representatives …

Holiday Magic in South Palm Beach County

On Dec. 22, members of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association held its virtual magical holiday party. The party was filled with festive backgrounds and attire. The event included …

Holiday Parade in Polk

The Polk Association for Women Lawyers (PAWL) held a holiday parade on Dec. 17 benefiting the Women’s Care Center of Bartow. Several members, local law enforcement, the fire department, and Santa drove by …

DAVIS, LESSER VIE FOR BAR PRESIDENCY

Board of Governors members Steve Davis of Miami and Gary Lesser of West Palm Beach have qualified to run for Florida Bar president-elect in the Bar’s 2021 elections …

Spreading the Joy in Miami-Dade

The Miami Dade Association for Women Lawyers, Dade County Bar Association and Dade Legal Aid co-sponsored a socially distant holiday gift drive benefitting the Guardian Ad Litem program …

Reddick Bar Members Give Generously

For the T.J. Reddick Bar Association the holidays were about giving.  Despite 2020 being a trying year, members and partners of the organization donated more than $250.00 to multiple families …

Martin County Bar Supports SafeSpace

On Dec. 17, President, Gloretta Hall and President-Elect Elizabeth Hunter of the Martin County Women Lawyers Association dropped off members’ donations to SafeSpace. The generosity of the membership provided abundantly …

Feeding Families in North Tampa

On Dec. 20, the North Tampa Bar Association volunteered with the Community Food Pantry – Carrollwood / Northdale to help hand out food to those in need. The organization distributed boxes of fresh produce, meats, and pantry goods …

More Support Than Ever Before

Last year the members and friends of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers sponsored 101 children from Rock Lake Elementary for its annual Angel Tree Project. This year …

Fulfilling Holiday Wishes in Hillsborough

Members of the Hillsborough County Bar Association led by the Community Services Committee supported Elves for Elders again this year. The committee donated gifts, toiletries and other items on the wish lists …

Honoring The Arts in Hillsborough County

On Dec. 17, the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, in partnership with the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, recognized art students from Blake High School …

Seniors Get Gifts from Jax Bar

The Jacksonville Bar Association sponsored the 2020 Holiday Project for the benefit of senior citizens in Duval County. Members purchased gifts and dropped off items …

Families Blessed By Women Lawyers

Through the generosity of members and friends, the Tallahassee Women Lawyers raised enough support for Brehon Family Services to fulfill Angel Tree requests of all six residents and their families …

Making Holidays Brighter For Foster Children

Members of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association dropped off toys collected for A Kids Place through the group’s Toy Drive. The gifts were gathered at a socially distanced holiday party on Dec. 10 …

A Virtual Holiday Celebration in Broward

Getting creative during a pandemic to keep members engaged just comes natural to the Broward County Bar Association. On Dec. 16, BCBA celebrated the holiday season while members enjoyed ….

Community Food Pantry Gets A Helping Hand

On Dec. 13, the North Tampa Bar Association volunteered with the Community Food Pantry – Carrollwood / Northdale to hand out food to those in need. The organization distributed boxes …

Virtual Champagne Tasting Evening

The South Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Real Estate Committee hosted a Virtual Networking and Champagne Tasting Evening on Dec. 10. Andrew Lampasone of WineWatch provided …

December Speaking Tips

You’ve all heard the “Seminar Tone” that comes from someone trying to convey the impression “I am a very serious expert in this topic addressing something very important.” It’s what you would sound like if you had to read an excerpt from a textbook on a subject that bores you.

‘Tis the Season for Some R-n-R: Activate “Do Not Disturb” on Macs and PCs

DND on macOS If you are on  macOS Mojave or  earlier, you can  Option-click the notifications icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to temporarily shift into Do Not Disturb mode. If you’re  on macOS Big Sur, Apple moved Do Not Disturb into the Notification pane. Here’s how: Click the Control Center in the system menu…

Making Holiday Meals Happen in Tampa

The Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division is one of more than 1,000 organizations that partner with Metropolitan Ministries each year. The YLD Board …

Crafting With The Court in Tallahassee

The Tallahassee Women Lawyers had a fun, festive time “Crafting with the Court” for its 2020 holiday party on Dec. 9. Judge Rachel Nordby (First District Court of Appeal) led a macramé plant hanger …

Just Add Frosting and Sprinkles

Tis the season for festive holiday treats! Members of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers seasoned their skill set on Dec. 8 with a virtual cookie decorating and recipe exchange …

Spirits High in Hispanic Bar

The Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida & Foundation Holiday Installation was merry and bright. Members donned ugly sweaters and appeared with festive virtual backgrounds …

Great Fun While Making A Difference

On Dec. 5, the Martin County Bar Association partnered with the Palm City Chamber of Commerce for a Drive-In movie night. MCBA members, their families and the public …

A Holiday Hybrid Celebration in Clearwater

Great food, giveaways and fun – all for a Great Cause. On Dec. 8, members of the Clearwater Bar Association gathered in-person at Pour Yours for an open-air event and virtually on Zoom …

Cappuccino and College Football

For a stimulating early morning conversation, just add caffeine. That’s what members of the Palm Beach County Bar Association do when they gather virtually for Coffee Talk …

Weathering the Storm in Dade

Finding the silver lining in this pandemic is the purpose of the Dade County Bar Association’s webinar series “Weathering the Storm.” Three veteran legal professionals ,…

Move Over Alexa and Siri; Make Some Room for Cortana

We spend a lot of time talking about Siri , Google and Alexa — but do you know about Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana? She is Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa. To use Cortana, you may have to activate her on Windows 10.  You may need to enable Cortana, and you certainly want…

Great Outdoor Family Event in Naples

The Collier County Bar Association has the answer for a kid-friendly, socially distanced and festive event that pleases both the young and young at heart. CCBA hosted a holiday themed drive-in movie …

Joint Virtual Ask-A-Lawyer Event

Members of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association and the St. Petersburg Bar Association volunteered their time and knowledge to answer questions from the community in the first joint virtual Ask-a-Lawyer Event …

Zoom Variety Hour for Government Bar

The Florida Government Bar Association’s annual Judicial Reception and Silent Auction looked different this year with a Zoom variety hour featuring crafts, cocktails, and holiday decor …

Law Week Planning Underway

Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Law Week Committee is hard at work. The committee is busy planning programs for May 3 – 7, including Dial-A-Lawyer; educational programs …

Protecting the Constitution in Miami-Dade

The South Miami Kendall Bar held its monthly CLE Luncheon on Nov. 20. Guest speaker was State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, who provided a presentation on …

Siri: It’s Not Just for iPhones Anymore

If you’re a Mac-toting attorney, know that Siri can help you just as much on your laptop or desktop as she/he/they can with your iPhone or iPad. You can summon Siri just as easily on your computer to help with everyday tasks, getting quick information, answering your questions, playing music and so much more!  Siri…

Ugly Sweater Virtual BINGO Set for Dec. 17

Which ugly sweater will take the fruitcake? Here’s your chance to be a judge and have a night of (virtual) fun and games. Your tame or crazy ugly sweater is the only admission requirement …

Exploring Creative Opportunities for Women Lawyers

Working from home to juggle childcare no longer raises a cloud of suspicion, and Zoom is giving women easier access to the board room …

10 Essential Microsoft Teams Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are the easiest way to perform different tasks on Microsoft Teams. Instead of moving your cursor here and there, simply use the keyboard commands to perform specific tasks. This not only saves time, but also makes you more productive and allows you to get the work done faster. The following are some useful…

Speaking Tips for Florida Attorneys: November 2020

Chris Anderson: TED’s Secret to Great Public Speaking There’s no single formula for a great talk, but there is a secret ingredient that all the best ones have in common. TED curator Chris Anderson shares this secret — along with four ways to make it work for you. Do you have what it takes to…

October 23 was 2020 Paralegal Day in Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis declared October 23, 2020 Paralegal Day in Florida.

Android 10: Share and Connect to Wifi Networks with QR Codes

If you have upgraded to the most recent version of the Android operating system, Android 10, then you will love its new Wi-Fi sharing feature. Sharing Wi-Fi passwords can be really daunting, particularly when you are not keen on writing down or texting the information. You can easily and securely share your Wi-Fi connection with…

Adobe Acrobat DC: Extracting Pages from a Bigger PDF

Extracting a single or multiple pages from a PDF file is quite simple with Adobe Acrobat DC (if you use another product, chances are the steps are similar). The steps involved are quite straightforward, but for first-time users, it can be a little tricky. Here is what you need to know: Open the file in Adobe…

Organizing Files in “Stacks”

Attention Mac users: Did you know you can keep files on your desktop neat and organized in groups using the “stacks” feature on MacOS? With stacks, whenever you save a file in the Dock or on the desktop, it will be automatically added to a stack, helping you keep your files organized. Stacks can be…

Customizing the Start Menu in Windows 10

The Start Menu on Microsoft Windows is a central launching point for your computer applications and for performing various tasks. Today, it combines the tiles of older Windows 8 with a stylish, touch-friendly user interface. You can  customize the Start Menu to increase productivity; here are a few tips on doing that. Resize the Start…

Seeking Helpers for FEMA Hurricane Disaster Relief Hotline

The disaster legal services hotline for those Floridians affected by #HurricaneSally is fully activated. The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division needs more volunteer lawyers to answer calls that come into the hotline …

New Features in Zoom Breakout Rooms

Smaller and more focused discussions have been one of the most interesting features of in-person meetings, and Zoom has now made this very element available through its Breakout Rooms. Participants of your meetings can now choose to move between the Breakout Rooms without having to wait for the host to assign them a Breakout Room….

How and Why to Change Your Cursor

“Then, you’ll click here.” “I’m just going to make that edit here.” “Do you see my mouse?” These are just a few examples of comments you’ll hear during online meetings with screensharing during this new work-from-home era. While sharing or collaborating on documents during online meetings, it can be hard for people to follow along…

October Speaking Tips

Great public speakers motivate their audience and inspire them to take action. Here are five powerful TED Talks that touch on everything from the impact of body language, to telling stories, to using your vocal toolbox.

iOS 14: New Privacy and Security Features You Should Know

iOS 14 was released last week and among its myriad new features, a few good privacy enhancements arrived. Better Control Over Apps Access to Your Camera and Mic Ever get a feeling that someone is watching you? Well, in the past, maybe someone has. This is why Apple has made it mandatory for apps to…

Issue No. 2 of the FRP Times

The Florida Bar FRP Enrichment Committee presents the Fall 2020 Volume II of the FRP Times e-newsletter.

Making a Formula in Excel

Just like a calculator, you can create simple formulas in Excel to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.  Simple formulas always start with an equal sign (=), followed by constants that are numeric values and calculation operators such as plus (+), minus (-), asterisk (*), or forward slash (/) signs. Entering a Formula Click into the…

How to use QR codes

As more restaurants, bars, hotels and retailers reopen during the COVID crisis, many have turned to using digital menus or messages. Whether mandated or by choice, they are a great way to solve a cleanliness problem (and an environmental one!). QR codes can be used for many purposes — to show you a PDF or…

September Speaking Tips

If public speaking is part of your legal business development plan and you’re not getting the results you’d hope for, you may be missing a step. …

Understanding the “Status” Icons of Microsoft OneDrive

One of the many helpful services that come along with a Microsoft 365 subscription is that of “Files On-Demand.” It makes the files and folders stored in OneDrive available on your PC without eating up local storage space. What does this mean? Well, let’s say you have a folder called “Closed Matters” with  hundreds of…

A Hat Trick of Google Calendar Tips

Note: While Google Calendar is available for use with major browsers the instructions below are for Chrome and when Google is set as your default search engine. Create Additional Calendars Would a separate calendar be helpful for your child’s school events or as a trial calendar? Google makes adding new calendars a cinch! From the…

Speaker Showcase: Jacob Weil

South Florida attorney Jacob Weil gave a lecture this August to the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club via Zoom. His topic was the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

How to make the most of Microsoft Teams

The legal world is quickly adopting Microsoft Teams as preferred online collaboration platform. Not only does it offer options for chatting, video calls, document collaboration and project management, but it’s also included totally free with Microsoft 365! Many courts are using Teams for online hearings and more law firms than ever are using it to…

Take, annotate and share screenshots on Windows 10

There are many reasons you may want to take screenshots in Windows 10. Perhaps you want to show a coworker how to use a specific program, or maybe you want to show the IT Gal an error on your computer. Whatever your reason, creating screenshots and marking them up is very straightforward on Windows 10…

Use Your Kindle to Read PDF Files

Did you know you can send PDF files to your Kindle via Amazon’s Send to Kindle service? While you can send various types of files to Kindles, today we are going to focus on PDFs. To use the service, you must first tell Amazon to accept email from your email address or addresses. Here are…

How to Hide Photos & Videos on Your iPhone or Android

Sometimes you want to hide, move or archive pictures and videos from your photo album so they don’t appear in your main camera roll. Both popular mobile operating systems make this easy. Here’s how: iOS: Create and Use Hidden Folders Apple lets you scoot images or videos into a separate folder so they are not…

Creating Personal Profiles on Your Favorite Streaming Apps

Between working from home and just having everyone at home, it’s no surprise that watching movies and TV have become more popular than ever. But why do your kids keep seeing recommendations for legal dramas and home improvement shows while you suffer through recommendations for K-pop videos and cartoons? Well, it’s because your TV can’t…

New Microsoft Office App Available on iOS and Android

Microsoft recently released its new unified Office app for iOS and Android. The app conveniently combines Word, Excel and PowerPoint into a single application and links to your Microsoft 365 account so you can easily access your files. It’s designed with some of the more mobile-friendly parts of Word, Excel and PowerPoint in mind. Because the…

June’s Speaking Tip

Perhaps you have had the displeasure of attending presentations where the speakers bored you. You look around the room and everyone is looking at their smartphone.

New Service in Microsoft Word Checks Grammar In Word, Outlook and on Webpages

“Microsoft Editor” is an AI-powered, writing virtual assistant that offers basic suggestions in grammar and spelling as you type. It not only quickly catches typos and mistakes, but it also can help you communicate more clearly. And it does so in more than 20 languages! Editor is a new and constantly developing service that comes…

How to Change Desktop Icon Size in Windows and MacOS

Do you ever feel like you need binoculars to see the icons and text on your desktop? Well, they can be pretty small by default. Strain no more!  It’s easy to increase the size of your icons so they are easier to identify; just know that the bigger you make them, more real estate they…

Special Issue: COVID-19 Social Distancing

This special issue of Experience Matters features Senior Lawyers Committee members’ experiences and reflections during this difficult time.

Caregiving through the Time of COVID-19

Now is the time to shift experiences, practices, and perspective, writes family caregiving expert and attorney Amanda Singleton.

How Has Social Distancing Changed the Practice of Law?

For many senior lawyers, social distancing means rethinking how they practice law. Are you one of them? Tell us how it has affected you.

Senior Lawyers Helping Senior Clients Deal with the Pandemic

The pandemic and resulting economic crisis are powerful financial planning reminders for senior lawyers and their clients.

Catch up on CLE

Social distancing means having more time to catch up on Florida Bar free online continuing legal education.

A Chance to Reflect

How filling out a questionnaire lead one lawyer to reflect on a life in the law.

Gap Year, Interrupted

Social distancing disrupts a lawyer’s gap-year plans, but leads to unexpected discoveries.

Legal Bloopers

You’ll chuckle over these drafting erros. There’s a reason why lawyers need to proofread (see what we just did there?).

Exercising During a Pandemic

A lawyer’s journey to find new ways to stay fit after her gym closes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social Isolation, Again

COVID-19 social distancing is no fun. But, at least it’s not as bad as spending school break quarantined with the chicken pox.

Honoring 2020’s 50-Year Lawyers

The luncheon is postponed, but the Senior Lawyers Committee still has plans to celebrate the 2020 honorees. If you are a 50 year lawyer, help us honor you!

Free Webinar – Retirement or a “Third Act”…What Will You Choose?

Paula Black, one of the world’s leading business development coaches for lawyers and author of the bestselling Little Black Book series, guides listeners in how to create an inspired “Third Act.”

Share a Word Document but Allow Only Comments

Sometimes you may want to send a Word document rather than a PDF for comments. The benefit here would be not having to flip between the PDF doc and the Word doc to make your edits based on those outside suggestions. One of Microsoft’s Word “protect” features allows you to share a document with others…

Group Podcasts on Your iPhone into Playlists

Podcasts have become more popular than ever these days, and if you’re like most, you’ve amassed quite a collection! On the iPhone, you can organize podcasts into playlists – or as they are called on the iPhone, into “stations” that allow you to group them (News, Legal, Self-Improvement, Meditation, etc. – you decide!). Here’s how:…

MAY’S SPEAKING TIP

Relax. Begin your talk with a well-prepared grabber. A relevant personal story is a great start. It establishes your credibility. 

The Complete Zoom Guide: From Basic Help to Advanced Tricks

One of Zoom’s key strengths is its simplicity, but this does not mean that the platform is without a variety of advanced features that remote workers will find useful for improving their productivity. ZDNet has compiled a Zoom guide to help make your meetings more productive.

Fastcase 7

Fastcase provides industry-leading tools to make legal research easier and more intuitive. New, innovative features are offered in Fastcase 7 for smarter legal researching. Sign up for an expert-led tour of Fastcase 7 here to learn more.

How to Show (or “Embed”) a Google Calendar On Your Website

If you would like to share upcoming events like webinars, seminars or social gatherings with visitors on your website, you can easily embed a Google calendar on your website. It’s also free and easy to use. Of course, you’ll need a Google account, which is also free. Log into your Google account and go to…

Happiness Amplified

By Rebecca Bandy Last week, as a tornado traveled through Tallahassee a few short miles from my home, I found myself alone, huddled in a canning cupboard beneath my stairs. For the first time in a long time, I was jarred by raw emotion and found tears streaming down my face, as I began to…

Making a Formula in Excel

Just like a calculator, you can create simple formulas in Excel to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.  Simple formulas always start with an equal sign =, followed by constants that are numeric values and calculation operators such as plus +, minus –, asterisk *, or forward slash / signs. Enter a Formula Click into the…

APRIL’S SPEAKING TIPS

This month’s tips are coping tips and articles for living through a pandemic. Resources cover topics such as anxiety, mental health, office management and leadership.

When Out of Office is On but You Don’t Want to Auto Reply to Everyone (Outlook for Windows)

Out of Office replies can be turned on very easily and even timed to expire at a designated time.  But did you know you can customize your OOF so that some people do not get the auto reply, or that they get a customized reply different than the rest of the group?  The steps below…

A Look at Outlook’s Instant Search

Working at home without others assisting you may have you more curious about features in Outlook.  One that is really helpful is Outlook’s Instant Search. Every folder provides you with an Instant Search window. A simple word or phrase can be typed into the search to find it within that folder. There are ways that…

Essential Zoom Use Tip: Mute

Working remotely has taken the video conference to a new level in the legal field. Zoom has now become the most popular way to connect with co-workers and clients alike. However, not everyone is used to being “on camera” or having “live” audio, so here is an essential tip to follow when you are either…

Five Tips For Running A Law Firm Remotely

With many lawyers working remotely right now due to court and law firm closures over the coronavirus crisis, here are five tips on how to run your law practice from your laptop (or home desktop). These tips will help you work smarter, not harder, while working from home during this stretch from Jonathan Rosenfeld via…

Printing from Your Home Computer While Working Remotely

If you are working remotely, you might be missing all the automatic functions you had such as printing locally. Follow these steps below if you need to print documents (from your home/local printer) for review or prepare for delivery. Notes:  These are typical steps in adding a local printer to a Windows 10 device. If…

What Does a Third Act Look Like to You? Retirement?

Retirement has certainly been redefined. What does that word mean to you?

Creating a Legacy for your Pet: Pet Planning 101

Planning for your four-legged loved ones can be just as challenging as planning for your two-legged loved ones.

A Non-Medicare Lawyer’s Journey into Medicare

As I continued to wade further into Medicare supplemental insurance available in Florida, I discovered a more complicated world.

COVID-19 Information and Resources

The Florida Bar has launched a new webpage for information about court schedules, CLE cancellations and other matters affected by the COVID-19.

Free Online CLE – Florida’s Legal Profession and History: Celebrating the Past and Looking to the Future

In case you missed our wonderful CLE, “Florida’s Legal Profession and History: Celebrating the Past and Looking to the Future,” you are still in luck.

Free Online CLE – Requests for Time Off: How Caregiving is Changing the Workforce and Impacting Your Firms

Amanda Singleton covers the laws affecting employers’ responsibilities and introduces best practices for addressing the needs of caregiver employees.

Free Online CLE – Can I Afford to Retire?

Business valuation expert Gary Trugman and financial advisor Michael Davino discuss common pitfalls in retirement and help you plan for a comfortable future.

Community Service: Take a Break from Lawyering

Find your volunteering match and connect to the community in a whole new way.

Survey Results: What’s Your Real Generation?

The results are in, and they are good news for senior lawyers!

SAVE THE DATE: Senior Lawyers Committee Annual Meeting and Free CLE Presentation.

Make plans to attend our next Senior Lawyers Committee meeting, to be held during the 2020 Annual Florida Bar Convention.

SLC Seeking Motivated Members to Serve in Leadership Positions

Wanted: Experienced Lawyers to serve in Leadership and Committee positions.

How To Archive Outlook SubFolders With Acrobat

Did you know that Adobe Acrobat (the paid version, not free Reader)  includes an email archiving feature that will convert an entire folder of emails into a single, searchable PDF, complete with attachments!? If you are an Outlook user and you subscribe or pay for Adobe Acrobat (or any of it’s many formidable competitors) than…

How To Change Default Programs In Windows 10

Windows is set to default your email client to Windows Mail – but maybe you’re an Outlook lover. It also sets a Windows browser such as Internet Explorer or the new Edge as your default internet browser – but maybe you prefer Chrome or Firefox. Well, let’s make it so those programs step aside and let…

17th Judicial Circuit Black History Month Celebration

The Broward County Bar Association Black History Month “Broward’s Black Mayors” event on Feb. 21 in Fort Lauderdale was a celebration of excellence, public service and the historical significance of Broward County. The event recognized elected officials, including the black judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit and with the support of the local community, churches, schools, media…

How To Scan Documents From Your Phone

  When you need to scan a document but you’re on the road, it’s a real pain to need to go back to the office or use a portable scanner.   That’s why scanner apps have become so popular.   The apps, such as “CamScanner” for Android and “Adobe Scanner” and “Scanbot” for Android and…

What Makes Lawyers Happy?

Take some time to reflect and take action to be fulfilled in your work as a lawyer with this self-assessment tool.

How To Use The New & Improved Windows 10 Feature ‘Snap!’

On Windows 10, the “Snap” function helps you organize the space on your screen more efficiently, improving productivity. Using this feature, you can quickly snap windows to the sides or corners by just using your mouse, keyboard, or touch without the need to resize and position them manually – even if you have more than…

Speaker Showcase: Paula Phillips

Miami attorney Paula Phillips with the Colombian-American Bar Association presented a speech on cyber security Issues.

How To Delete Blank Rows In Excel

If you have an Excel spreadsheet with blank rows, you can delete them all at once rather than having to do them one at time. First, make sure your header rows are on the first row of the spreadsheet. Select the entire column that contains your data by clicking on the letters at the very…

How To Automatically Shut Down a Windows Computer

If you want to automatically shut down your computer, say after 30 minutes, using Run to create the schedule would be the best and quickest way. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Type in the following command into the box and hit Enter: shutdown -s -t 1800 Make sure to…

How To Move Multiple Apps at Once on the iPhone

Sometimes, you want to reorganize your apps on your iPhone — but it’s a process, especially if you have to do it one-by-one. Well, those days are over. And here is how you move multiple apps at once on your device:   1. Long press an app icon until the action menu pops up. Select…

How To Increase Productivity By Using Dual Monitors

Here’s a productivity tip for you: try dual monitors. Much of the time wasted when attorneys work on computers comes when they switch between windows. Not only does it waste time, it can lead to unnecessary distractions. Some try to compensate by putting two windows on one screen, or by various workarounds. But instead, attorneys…

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

The ability to reach a dynamic group of individuals and show your support for the paralegal profession here in Florida is now available. With the recent formation of the Florida Registered Paralegal Enrichment Committee by The Florida Bar, the committee’s agenda is to bring more awareness to the legal community. Avenues of communication to the…

2019 Florida Paralegal Survey

The results are in! The Florida bar emailed an electronics survey to 4,797 Florida Registered Paralegals in June 2019. By the July 24, 2019 cut-off date, 1,361 completed surveys were received for a response rate of 28 percent. Download the results of the 2019 Florida Registered Paralegal Survey.  

Issue No. 1 FRP Times

The inaugural edition of the FRP Times is now available! Download the FRP Times

How to Block Ad Tracking on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

Apple provides ads in the App Store and Apple News that are based on information such as your App Store search history and Apple News reading history. However, if you want to opt out of these interest-based ads, you can choose to turn on the Limit Ad Tracking setting on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch,…

How To Use Chrome’s Built-In Virus Scanner

Google Chrome offers a built-in antivirus scanner that comes with the browser. You can the antivirus scanner to search your device for programs that might be harmful. Here’s how to run Chrome’s Antivirus Scanner: Open Chrome on your device. At the top-right corner of the browser you will see three dots next to your profile…

Message from the 2019-2020 SLC Chair

By: Leslie Reicin Stein, Senior Lawyers Committee Chair

Quiz: What’s Your Real Generation?

Are you a Millennial in a Baby Boomer body? Take this just-for-fun quiz to find out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Including, “How do I join or renew for 2020-2021 before it’s too late?”

Free Online CLE – Tips For Creating A Salable Law Firm Asset

Presented by: Ed Alexander, Alexander Abramson, PLLC, Orlando (recorded at The Florida Bar’s 2019 Annual Convention)

Upcoming Meetings and Events

SAVE THE DATE! Senior Lawyers Committee Winter Meeting is February 7, 2020

Free Online CLE – 10 Tech Tips To Optimize Efficiency And Reduce Stress

Presented by: Adriana Linares, LawTech Partners (recorded at The Florida Bar’s 2019 Winter Meeting)

Family Caregiver Toolkit

Provided by: Today’s Caregiver at caregiver.com

Introducing the Senior Lawyers Committee Website!

By: Andromeda Monroe, SLC Website Focus Group

Calling All Authors

We are now accepting articles, features, reflections, short fiction, how-to tips, and more for our next issue of Experience Matters.

Governor Makes Two Judicial Qualifications Commission Appointments

Lawrence “Larry” Tyree of Orlando and Susan D. Stafford of Tallahassee have been appointed to the Judicial Qualifications Commission. Both are appointed for the remainder of a term expiring December 31, 2022. In other Florida Bar News, a Senate panel reviews fines and fees and an update on the cashier’s check scam that is very much…

Online Career Counseling Available

David Behrend, M.ED., director of Career Planning Services for Lawyers in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and Judith Rushlow, executive director of Florida Lawyers Assistance, will offer a free career counseling program for lawyers via computer or telephone Wednesday, Dec. 4, at noon. Check out the Bar’s Daily News Summary to see what news you missed over the…

How To Fast Forward/Rewind Instagram Live Stories Videos

Instagram is one of the best and the most happening social networks out there. On Instagram you can share videos, photos, replay live sessions and much more. But what if you wish to rewind or fast forward the live stories on Instagram? To fast forward: On the homepage of the Instagram app tap on the…

Groups Want More Time to Comment on Proposed Changes to Speedy Trial Rule

Today’s Daily News Summary features news about proposed changes to Speedy Trial Rule, vacancies on Florida Bar Foundation board, and an overview of the recent Young Lawyers Division government lawyer summit. ENTITIES SEEK MORE TIME TO COMMENT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE SPEEDY TRIAL RULE The Criminal Law Section and the Criminal Procedural Rules Committee…

Fraudulent Email Alert – Nov. 5 2019

Dozens of Bar members are reporting receiving fraudulent emails from spoofed email accounts designed to look like they are from Florida Bar Executive Director Joshua Doyle. The content of the email ranges from interview requests to “urgent” client matters, and subjects have included, “Client Req: BN/109015” and “The Florida Bar Joshua Doyle.” Examples of fake…

Can a Non-Bar Member Remotely Practice Law from Florida?

The Florida Bar’s Unlicensed Practice of Law Standing Committee will consider what constitutes a regular presence in Florida for the practice of law under Rule 4-5.5 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. Meeting at the Bar’s Fall Meeting, the committee discussed a request from a New Jersey-licensed attorney who recently moved to Florida and would…

THE NOVEMBER BAR NEWS: Investiture of Luck and Muñiz, recommendation of Chapter 23, and Veterans Legal Helpline Project

The November Bar News is now available with stories including: LUCK AND MUÑIZ TAKE CEREMONIAL OATHS AS SUPREME COURT JUSTICES Supreme Court Justices Robert Luck and Carlos Muñiz were ceremonially sworn in at a packed Supreme Court September 24 as the 88th and 89th justices in the court’s history. The two had privately taken their oaths when…

First Amendment Foundation Founding President Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Barbara Petersen, the founding president of Florida’s First Amendment Foundation who is retiring after 25 years leading the organization, received the Susan Spencer-Wendel Award for Lifetime Achievement on Monday for her contributions in support of a free press and Floridians’ right to have access to their government. Spencer-Wendel was a longtime Palm Beach Post courts…

Charles T. Canady Reelected Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court

The Florida Supreme Court has unanimously re-elected Charles T. Canady as its chief justice for a two-year term that begins July 1, 2020. It will be his third term as head of the state’s highest court and chief administrative officer of the state courts system. In July 2018, he started a second two-year term as chief…

Marsy’s Law Confidentiality Rule Proposed, Debated at Rules of Judicial Administration Committee

Recent articles from the Florida Bar News include stories on Marsy’s Law and a rule that would place more weight on attorneys to identify protected information. MARSY’S LAW CONFIDENTIALITY RULE PROPOSED, DEBATED AT RJAC Florida’s clerks of courts have presented a plan and associated procedural rule change to implement the Marsy’s Law victims’ rights constitutional amendment…

November/December Bar Journal Now Available

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find in the November/December issue of the Bar Journal: COVER STORY: INDEMNIFICATION IS GOOD, BUT ADVANCEMENT IS EVEN BETTER Indemnification and advancement work in tandem to provide benefits to corporate employers and their employees alike, but they are not the same thing. Make sure you know the difference to…

Recent Bar News: Email Scam Using Tax Section Logo to Solicit Donations

The Daily News Summary features Florida Bar News stories on President John Stewart’s podcast appearance, the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s celebration of Mediation Week and an email scam alert. SCAM ALERT: FRAUDULENT EMAIL USES TAX SECTION’S LOGO IN AN ATTEMPT TO STEAL MONEY The Florida Bar is warning members about a fraudulent email that is…

How Mac Users Can Take Advantage Of A Feature Called ‘Mission Control’

Mission Control is a very cool feature on MacOS that offers a preview of + quick access to all your open windows, desktop spaces, full-screen apps, and Split View spaces, making it easy to switch between them. To open Mission Control use any of these methods: Click Mission Control  in your Dock or search for it using Finder Press…

Bar Examiners Seek ‘Institutional Self-Determination’ with Request to Change Board Nominations Process

BAR EXAMINERS SEEK CHANGE TO HOW NOMINATIONS TO ITS BOARD ARE MADE A verbal request made by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners would reconstitute the joint committee responsible for selecting FBBE members from an even split between representatives of the FBBE and the Florida Bar Board of Governors to four FBBE members and two…

Supreme Court: Jurisdiction Established by Florida Constitution, Not by Federal Law

Today’s Daily News Summary features the following Florida Bar News stories: SUPREME COURT REMINDS APPELLANTS OF ITS LIMITED JURISDICTION The Florida Supreme Court has limited jurisdiction and cannot hear an appeal merely because a party is unhappy with a lower court ruling. That’s the unanimous opinion of the court, which recently dismissed an appeal it had…

RECENT BAR NEWS: Board to Make Appointments at December Meeting

BOARD TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS IN DECEMBER The Board of Governors is seeking applicants applicants to fill vacancies on the Florida Realtor-Attorney Joint Committee, Florida Rural Legal Services, and the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Conference. Completed applications must be received no later than the close of business on Friday, October 25 and appointments will be made at the…

RECENT BAR NEWS: Free Online Career Counseling, Florida Bar History, and More

The Daily News Summary features Florida Bar News stories on appointments to the Florida Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, a free career counseling program, and a project documenting the history of The Florida Bar. GOVERNOR APPOINTS 11 TO FLORIDA WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION Gov. Ron DeSantis recently appointed Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez as chair of the Florida…

Criminal Law Section Member Julie Sercus named ‘Human Trafficking Prosecutor of the Year’

SERCUS NAMED ‘HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROSECUTOR OF THE YEAR’ Assistant Statewide Prosecutor and member of The Florida Bar’s Criminal Law Section, Julie Sercus of Tampa, was named “Human Trafficking Prosecutor of the Year” at the 2019 Human Trafficking Summit held Sept. 30 in Orlando. The summit brought together local, state, and national leaders working together to…

How To Search Multiple PDF Files Using Acrobat Reader

Most computers have Acrobat Reader on them but if you use a different PDF manipulation tool, the steps will likely be similar. If these steps don’t work for the version of Acrobat or Reader you have, or you use another great product Open Acrobat or Acrobat Reader on your computer. Click on the Edit menu…

THE OCTOBER BAR NEWS: Parental leave rule arguments, federal nominations for Lagoa and Luck, and mental health in the criminal justice system

The October Bar News is now available with stories including: SUPREME COURT HEARS PARENTAL LEAVE ARGUMENTS There was no lack of advice when the Florida Supreme Court held oral arguments August 27 on a proposed rule governing parental leave continuances. Nine different lawyers, including Bar President John Stewart, offered counsel on proposed Rule of Judicial Administration…

How To Make Text On A Web Page Bigger And Easier to Read

Web pages sometimes have small text that can be difficult to read. Web browsers support the ability to zoom in and out so you can control the size of the page. You can use your keyboard or the options menu in most browsers to zoom in and out of the page. Using keyboard shortcuts PC:…

How Turn Off Notification and System Sounds in Windows 10

If visual and/or musical notifications cause too many distractions and derail your productivity efforts, consider shutting off or minimizing the alerts, badges and sounds that Windows 10 offers. Here’s how:   1. Press the Windows Key + A to open the “Actions” tray in Windows 10. 2. Select the “All Settings” icon in matrix. 3….

How To Install New Desktop Themes in Windows 10

You can personalize your Windows look and feel with Windows Themes. Themes include elements like desktop backgrounds and images (some rotate/change regularly) colors, fonts and even sounds. You can search for a select themes that suit your mood, your personality or the season. Here’s how: 1. Right-click the Windows Start Menu button and select Settings….

Fully Uninstall Apps on Your Mac

Dragging an app into Trash on a Mac only removes the “.app” file, but that action doesn’t necessarily delete associated data and files – things like preferences, logins, and licensed files. Taking the time to remove that now-unused data will free up space on your computer. Here are 3 options: Uninstall apps using Launchpad Click…

THE SEPTEMBER BAR NEWS: Lawyer advertising, trial court change preparation, and the ‘go-to-guy’ when vets need help

The September Bar News is now available with stories including: BAR REVIEWING MORE LAWYER ADS Unless it’s posted on a billboard, lawyers appear to be losing interest in printed types of advertising, while showing an accelerating interest in internet ads and a continuing preference for TV and radio spots. Ads submitted for Bar review jumped about…

How to Convert a Gmail Email to a Google Calendar Event

Often times, emails would be more useful on a calendar than in your inbox. Emails that contain conferencing details or those related to an appointment or a call are good examples. You can easily convert (or copy and paste, really) the details of an email message to create an appointment or meeting on your calendar….

September/October 2019 Bar Journal

Take a look at the new September/October 2019 issue of the Florida Bar Journal! Features: Simon, A Slave V. The State Of Florida: The Precedent-setting Decision Establishing Confessions Extracted By Threats Or Promises Are Inadmissible At Trial by David C. Hardy New Developments In Inverse Taking Law For Government-incited Public Actions That Impair Private Property Value by…

Hurricane Dorian Information: how you can help; court closures and more

The Florida Bar has updated our 2019 Hurricane Information page for Hurricane Dorian. We have resources for attorneys that want to help and for consumers impacted by the storm. Several special relief efforts are underway through the Florida voluntary bar community to reach out with supplies to assist storm victims in the impacted areas. Local bars…

How To Keep Your Wireless Network Secure

It’s important to make sure your home or office wireless network is secure. This will help keep unauthorized users from using your internet as well as help to prevent hackers from taking control of your computers through your own wireless network. The first and most effective steps you can take is to change the default…

This Free Outlook Add-In Makes Scheduling Meetings Easy

FindTime is an Outlook add-in and website that attacks the age-old problem of finding a meeting time among attendees. Via an Outlook email, it allows you to select and show a set of days and times to a group, allowing everyone to vote and quickly come to a consensus. You, as the organizer, must be…

Excel Tips – Insert a Static Date or a Dynamic Date

Insert a Static Date A static value in an Excel worksheet is one that doesn’t change when a formula or worksheet is recalculated or opened. On a worksheet, select the cell into which you want to insert the current date. To insert the current date, press Ctrl+; (semi-colon). Bonus! Need to insert the current time…

THE AUGUST BAR NEWS: Mental Health and Wellness Committee, restructuring in county courts, and challenges facing women lawyers

The August Bar News is now available with stories including: HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE SETS AMBITIOUS AGENDA An enhanced hotline for distressed lawyers, better member benefits for attorneys looking to boost their well-being, and resources for local bars sponsoring health and wellness events are the priorities this year for the Bar’s Committee on Mental Health and…

Enable Night Mode On All Your Devices

If you often work at night or simply like to read on a screen before going to sleep, you should consider enabling night mode on your devices. The health impacts of screen time have become a major concern, from shortened attention spans, to interrupted sleep cycles, to eye strain. Because of this, developers have started…

How To Change Google’s Background AND Also in Gmail

Google Chrome offers “themes” that allow you to personalize the look and feel of your browser, modifying the appearance of everything from the scrollbar to the background color and graphics of tabs. It’s fun and easy to browse for and apply themes to Chrome (remember this only works in Chrome, but hang tight and we’ll…

Three Popular Services to Curate, Schedule and Manage Social Media

Whether social media is an intentional or accidental component of your firm’s client development and marketing efforts, there are many (free and affordable) tools available to help manage your posts, pictures, and interactions. Social management platforms will help you manage all your social profiles in one place, schedule posts in advance, track performance of your…

How to Quickly Lock Your Computer

Lock it up! A lawyer hardly needs reminding that keeping client communications secure is an expectation and duty. For that, it’s still surprising how many attorneys and/or staff do not lock up their computers when going to be away from their desks for more than a few minutes. While it may seem an annoyance to…

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Change Case Options

WHY ARE YOU YELLING? Well, maybe you’re not, but you accidentally left CAPS LOCK on and your computer is raising its voice. Or perhaps you use a time entry program that requires you to YELL AT IT BY SUBMITTING YOUR NARRATIVE IN ALL CAPS but you forgot to toggle CAPS LOCK off? (And, yes, there…

How To Add Encrypted Storage to Your Office365 Subscription

Another week, another great Tech Tip from our friends at LawTech Partners. And this week, it’s all about a neat Office365 trick. Take it away, LTP … “Between now and the end of the year, Microsoft will be rolling out a new security feature to OneDrive called Personal Vault. It’s a secured / encrypted storage area…

THE JULY BAR NEWS: D’Alemberte remembered, Daubert replaces Frye in evidence rules, and internet advertising tactic regulated

The July Bar News is now available with stories including: D’ALEMBERTE REMEMBERED Talbot D. “Sandy” D’Alemberte, who helped write and push through Article V of the Florida Constitution that modernized the state’s courts and served as ABA president, Florida State University College of Law dean, and president of FSU, died May 20. SUPREME COURT REPLACES FRYE…

John M. Stewart sworn in as 2019-20 Florida Bar President

John M. Stewart was sworn as the 71st president of The Florida Bar at the Annual Convention in June. Stewart is a past president of the Bar’s Young Lawyers Division and has served as the 19th Circuit representative on the Bar’s Board of Governors for 11 years. A third-generation Florida lawyer, Stewart is a partner at…

A Tech Tribute to Summer Travel

It’s that time of the year! So many of us add vacation and leisure travel to our regularly scheduled business travel. Here are a handful of popular and useful apps to help make that planning easier. FlightAware FlightAware lets you track any flight in real-time, receive alerts and see airport delays. It has data for…

Introducing Microsoft To-Do: A Cross-Platform, Device-Agnostic Task Master

Microsoft To-Do, rumored to be replacing Wunderlist, is a handy and universal to-do keeper that helps manage all your tasks and lists in one place. Available on Windows, MacOS, Androids, iPhone and iPads, it allows you to create endless lists and add as many items or tasks as you need to each. With To-Do you can set due dates and reminders…

How To Pin Your Favorite Website/URL to the Windows Taskbar from Chrome or the MacOS Dock From Safari

The Windows Taskbar is so handy that we often reach for it when looking for critical apps – but sometimes those apps are cloud-based and you have to start by going to your favorite browser first. And then, if you are like most of us, the hunt among tens of tabs begins. Perhaps “pinning” those…

Customizing the iPhone’s Control Center

The Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch gives you quick access to certain functions such as taking a picture, turning on the flashlight, recording your screen and more. You can customize Control Center so you have instant access to your favorite functions. Here are the steps: Go to Settings > Control Center….

Mobile Reader View

The Safari browser on Mac, iPhone and iPad offers a “Reader View”  that can hide ads and other visual clutter allowing you to focus on the content  of the article or post. When you turn it on the web page you are looking at will look much cleaner and will be in an easier-to-read format….

THE JUNE  BAR NEWS: Funds address Judicial Branch pay disparities, Justice Lagoa sworn in, and help with ethical issues when leaving a firm.

The June Bar News is now available with stories including: FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO ADDRESS JUDICIAL BRANCH’S PAY DISPARITIES Now that the Legislature has signed off on the judiciary’s most urgent request — a $10.3 million incentive package for court workers — the Florida Supreme Court is saying thanks. JUSTICE LAGOA SWORN IN A daughter of Cuban…

Use the Outlook App for Scheduling

How many times a week, if not a day, does someone ask you to send them your availability for a call or meeting? Now, how many times do you struggle to find a quick and easy way to do that? On your mobile phone? Well, we are here to tell you – there is a…

Amazon: Get Shipment Updates via Text

For those of us who really appreciate up-to-the-minute alerts about packages and deliveries,  there’s Amazon text alerts. You can sign up to receive tracking information via text message for all your orders. Amazon will send a standard text message when your package has shipped and another when it has been delivered. You will also receive…

Emojis – They Aren’t Just for Cell Phones Anymore

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, emojis are here to stay. They’re even turning up as important elements of a case in the courtroom. Your laptops and desktops have been emoji-enabled!  Both Windows and macOS support them just like our cell phones and tablets do. When you’re overwhelmed by the need for an emoji while typing…

Pay your annual Florida Bar Fees Online!

Did you know … Florida Bar members and paralegals can now pay their 2019-20 Florida Bar fees online by signing into the MyFloridaBar Member Portal at member.floridabar.org and clicking the “Pay My Fees” button on your profile page? That’s right! Paying your Bar fees is easier than ever! This electronic fee statement is the easiest way to…

Check it out! Some great new updates to the MyFloridaBar Member Portal!

The Florida Bar Information Technology department has been hard at work improving and upgrading features of the MyFloridaBar Member Portal, including making it easier for members to find meetings, search CLE courses and products, and register for events. In addition, members can now provide an alternate first name in their profile so that they can be…

Good-bye Windows 7! Windows 10 is Taking Over, Here’s How You can Customize the Start Menu

Come January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. This means we gotta go! Time to take Windows 10 seriously and get ready for the transition. Don’t worry though, the upgrade isn’t so bad and we are all going to be just fine with it. With the launch of…

THE APRIL 30 BAR NEWS: Young Lawyers Division kicks off Health and Wellness Month, Bar Examiners will pay for required mental health and substance abuse evaluations, and its time to pay your annual Bar fees.

The April 30 Bar News is now available with stories including: YLD STUDY TRACKS THE CONCERNS OF FLORIDA’S YOUNG LAWYERS YLD President Christian George of Jacksonville said the survey results confirm the Bar is on the right track in making mental health and wellness a top priority. The study was conducted in partnership with The…

May/June issue of The Florida Bar Journal is online

The May/June issue of The Florida Bar Journal is online featuring articles on: Resources for Solo and Small-Firm Practitioners Spoliation of Evidence Law in Product Liability Cases Per Curiam Affirmed Decisions Annual Reports of Committees, Sections, and Divisions of The Florida Bar Visit the May/June issue of the Journal for all the articles.

Your Elderly Loved-One Needs An Apple Watch

The latest Apple Watch – known as the Series 4 – enhances existing, and introduces new features geared toward monitoring health and wellness. It can monitor stress, steps, calories, heart-rates and even falls! Yes, you heard me, the new Series 4 comes with a smart “fall detection” sensor. Here are some key features to know…

Let’s Break the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness #StigmaFreeYLD

Now more than ever, attorneys are facing challenges with stress, anxiety, and mental illness – and this struggle all too often results in substance abuse, depression, or even suicide. To make matters worse, attorneys feel like they are unable to talk about mental illness as it will be seen as a sign of weakness. This…

When you really want a (c) not a © in Microsoft Word. 

Word’s AutoCorrect feature is helpful, most of the time. For instance, if you accidentally type TEH, Autocorrect changes it to THE for you. It also changes a (c) to the copyright. That can helpful, some of the time, but not likely most of the time. You can prevent this from ever happening again by deleting the Autocorrect…

Outlook for Windows: Email Templates Can Help Save Time

For those emails you send often, such as status reports or reminders of due invoices, you can save the email as a template to save time for the next one. Create a new email message in Outlook Enter all the components you want to reuse in the template such as the recipients, subject, body, signature,…

Manage App and Service Subscriptions in iOS

If you’ve been trying to cancel a subscription or end a free trial before you get charged but can’t figure out where or how to do that – we’re here to help! Some apps, Apple’s News+, TV apps like HBO GO, or music subscription services like Pandora Premium, offer free trials and on-going subscriptions –…

Vote for Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Board of Governors

Ballots for runoff elections in 11th circuit Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors in the 7th, 12th and 13th circuits have been emailed/mailed to members in these circuits who are eligible to vote. Bar members may vote online or by paper ballot. Instructions for electronic voting were included with the e-ballots…

Media Awards Entries – Deadline Extended to April 19

The deadline for the call for entries has been extended for The Parker Thomson Awards for Outstanding Legal Journalism in Florida and the Susan Spencer-Wendel Lifetime Achievement Award. The extended entry deadline is April 19, 2019. The Florida Bar’s Media & Communications Law Committee has presented awards for stellar legal journalism for more than 60 years. In…

President-Elect John Stewarts Favorite Tech Tip: Use PassPHRASES Instead of PassWORDS

Passwords: The security measure everyone loves to hate. President-Elect, John Stewart, is a regular speaker for the YLD’s Technology Roadshows that bring a half-day seminar on legal technology to our local and voluntary Bars. He has lots of tips for lawyers on recognizing and addressing common security threats – especially the worst kind of threat…

3 Useful Google Search Tips

Use Google to Search Within a Single Website Sometimes you want to search the ENTIRE Internet. Sometimes you want to search a specific website. This can be easy if you’re using Google to do your searches (that’s most of us). This can be done by using the syntax “Site:”. From within the Google Search box,…

THE APRIL BAR NEWS: Economics and Law Office Survey Results, Early Childhood Courts Bill, and an Effort to Boost the Pay of Workers’ Comp. Judges.

The April Bar News is now available with stories including: Results of the Latest Bar Economics and Law Office Management Survey A full 85 percent of Florida lawyers answering the survey report satisfaction with their job security, and 93 percent of respondents say they are satisfied with their relationships with co-workers. A Bill that Would…

Run, do not walk, to check that Chrome has been updated to the latest version

Over the past couple of weeks we learned about two “zero-day” vulnerabilities from Google –  one affecting Google Chrome and another in Microsoft Windows that were being exploited together. What is a 0-day vulnerability, you ask?  Well, It’s a security flaw in a software program that is discovered or known by the software vendor (in this case Google) but doesn’t…

The March Bar News: Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award, Canady listing the court’s legislative priorities and the YLD launches its #StigmaFreeYLD campaign

The March News is now available with stories including: Redmond winning the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award Patricia Redmond said her parents taught her two great lessons that have stayed with her throughout her life — embrace every opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life and while life is not always fair,…

Put those Artificially Helpful Assistants to Work!

Both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant offer a feature called “Routines” that work with connected smart home devices. They’re like computer macro’s but triggered by a voice command, your location or at a specific time. They are a string or series of events or tasks that execute when you say things like “Alexa, I’m home!”…

The March/April issue of the Journal is now online.

This month features a collection of articles on diversity and inclusion, including: Beyond the Barriers of Bias Implicit Bias and Its Application in the Life of a Lawyer What Does Gender Bias Look Like in Real Life? Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: What Is the Bar Doing Now? Mentoring Matters President’s Page – When Will We…

Vote for Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Board of Governors

Ballots for contested elections for Board of Governors in the 11th circuit and Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors in the 7th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 17th circuits have been emailed/mailed to members in these circuits who are eligible to vote. Bar members may vote online https://www.esc-vote.com/flabar or by paper ballot. Instructions for electronic voting…

How To Utilize These YouTube Keyboard Shortcuts

FINALLY! How often have you wanted to easily skip ahead or backwards while trudging through YouTube videos for that onnnnneeee little thing!? Well here’s a list of useful keyboard shortcuts to enhance that Cat Videos experience.   Play/pause the video|Tap K or the Spacebar Go back 5 seconds|Tap left arrow Forward 5 seconds| Tap right…

Trimming Video’s on Your iPhone or iPad

Have a great video you want to share but it’s too long or too big? Give it a trim! Trimming videos on your iPhone couldn’t be any easier – it’s built right into the Photo’s (and video) app. Here’s how: Open the video you want to edit while in the Photos app. In the upper…

For Real Free Stock Images

We’ve all searched Google > Images for that perfect image to enhance a slide or a presentation. We’ve all probably been a little weary or done the extra research to decide if we could use that image without implications. Chances are we used it regardless because, “Ohhhh, nobody we’ll ever know!” Well, fret and fuss…

Newly Enhanced Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service Launched

The Florida Bar has launched a newly enhanced online Lawyer Referral Service designed to provide users with a modern, easy-to-navigate conduit to more than 600 participating Florida attorneys across 120 practice areas. The service, which is free to use, utilizes artificial intelligence categorization to help guide users from their computer or mobile device and instantly connects them…

Power Point Templates Save Time

Starting a PowerPoint from scratch can be time-consuming and tedious and requires a keen eye for design, color and fonts. But Microsoft doesn’t want us to work that hard so it offers hundreds of professionally designed template designs and individual slide/graphics that you can start with. Of course, you can always customize any element of…

Setting the Initial View of PDF Files Before Sending

There are several methods to set the initial view of a PDF document and this is just one of them. The instructions are intended only as a general description of the process and prepared using Adobe Acrobat. When a user opens a PDF document they see the initial view of the PDF. You can set…

THE FEB. BAR NEWS: CYBER SECURITY TRAINING, COURT CALLS FOR EIGHT NEW JUDGES AND RULE ALLOWS CLIENTS TO PAY CREDIT CARD FEES

The February News is now available online with stories including: Cyber security training offered by LegalFuel. A recent LogicForce survey of 300 American law firms revealed a 41 percent increase in the number of data security audits demanded by their corporate clients. Rules will allow credit card fees to be passed on to clients. Bar…

Must Have App: Get Human

“Please listen closely as our menu options may have changed.” Don’t we all know that message REALLY means, “Good luck getting a human on the line!”? If you’re calling a large, national, or international company, GetHuman may be able to help. It’s a website and app that gets that human on the phone for you…

How To Reverse An All-Caps Error In Word & Outlook Without Retyping

“THERE’S NO NEED TO YELL!” DID YOU ACCIDENTALLY TYPE A WHOLE PARAGRAPH IN ALL CAPS? No need to retype it, says our friends at LawTech Partners! Simply use Word’s “change case” feature to quickly convert text from ALL CAPS to Sentence Case or other. Look for the “Change Case” button on the Ribbon or use…

Handy Dandy Chart of E-Admissibility

Is it relevant? Is it authentic? Is it admissible? Not sure? Well-known e-discovery expert, Craig Ball, can point you in the right direction with a little help from a friend. Check out this “Handy Chart on E-Admissibility” created by U.S. District Judge Paul Grimm and attorney Kevin Brady. Mr. Ball writes, “the chart is handsome…

Check Out The Newly Updated Criminal Justice Summit Page Now With Videos

This past October, a diverse group of stakeholders were convened for the first ever Florida Bar Criminal Justice Summit to provide in-depth education and awareness of key criminal justice related issues, share and discover ideas and potential best practices, and provide state leaders with different perspectives on potential solutions. The summit was convened by Bar…

THE JAN. 1 BAR NEWS: FOSTER-MORALES BECOMES BAR PRESIDENT-ELECT DESIGNATE, HURRICANE MICHAEL RECOVERY EFFORTS, ETHICS OPINION REGARDING FOR-PROFIT QUALIFYING PROVIDERS

The January 1 issue of The Florida Bar News is now available with stories including: Dori Foster-Morales becoming the Bar’s president-elect designate. The Miami family law attorney, a veteran Board of Governors member who leads the high-profile Committee on Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers, was certified as the Bar’s next president-elect. How Hurricane…

Jan-Feb 2019 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal

The Jan-Feb 2019 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal and digital edition are online featuring: The 2018 Florida Bar Criminal Justice Summit: A First Step in Improving Florida’s Criminal Justice System by Ellen S. Podgor This unique forum of diverse constituencies started with a Florida Bar survey of state attorneys, public defenders, and other key Florida criminal…

Don’t Give Up on Dictation – Better Than Ever on Windows and MacOS

Windows and Office 365 Dictation has long been built into the Windows operating system and it’s better than ever on Windows 10. To start dictating anywhere in Windows, select a text field and press the Windows logo key  + H to open the dictation toolbar.  Learn more and pick up dictation commands here. If you’re…

How To Take A Screenshot On Your Mobile Device

On an iPhone X or later Press and hold the sleep/wake button on the right side of your iPhone and immediately click the volume up button on the left side, then release both buttons. A thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the lower-left corner of your iPhone. Tap the thumbnail to add drawings and text…

THE DEC. 15 BAR NEWS: JUDGES ON FACEBOOK, LAWYERS SOUND OFF ON PARENTAL LEAVE CONTINUANCES, SC JNC SEND 11 NAMES TO FILL THREE VACANCIES ON THE SUPREME COURT

The December 15 Bar News is now available with stories including: Facebook is OK for judges, but it is not recommended Judges don’t have to automatically recuse themselves from cases where a lawyer appearing before them is a Facebook friend, according to a majority of the Florida Supreme Court, but a different majority would be…

SCREENSHOTS SEEN ROUND THE WORLD!

Screenshots can be so helpful in sharing or saving information. Here’s how it’s done on a Mac or PC: On a Mac To capture your entire screen, press Shift-Command-3 simultaneously (the image ends up on your desktop). If you want a particular portion of the screen, press Shift-Command-4 and make your selection. For capturing an…

Committee Preference Forms Due January 15

President-elect Stewart will make about 500 appointments to over 70 committees and he wants to make sure he has a diverse group of lawyers from which to choose. Read the committee letter and login to submit the form. The annual committee preference form for Bar members seeking appointments for the term beginning on July 1, 2019…

Google Scholar is a free legal research platform that’s ideal for initial research and secondary sources.

Google Scholar offers state and federal case law from all 50 states. 1. Visit scholar.google.com 2. Select the Case Law button under the search box, select your court/s 3. Search by the terms, parties or by case citation 4. Click on the How Cited link to find related documents Good to know: · Results are…

Convert/open a PDF in Word

In ye’ old days, one would have to purchase a “special” program or device to convert a PDF file to a Microsoft Word file. In these days of’new, that function is baked right into the newest versions of Word (this is one of the great reasons to be subscribed to Office 365 – you always…

The Dec. 1 Bar News: Bar Examiners chair promotes mental-health counseling, annual committee preference forms available Dec. 1, Bar News is set to become a once-a-month publication

The December 1 Bar News is now available with stories including: The chair of the Bar Examiners promoting mental-health counseling As the new chair of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, Miami bankruptcy lawyer Scott Baena has some reassuring news for aspiring attorneys. “No law student should avoid mental-health counseling” because they are concerned about…

Gmail’s Unsend Feature

If you’re a Gmail user and manage your email within a browser (Chrome, Safari, IE not in Outlook) you can enable Gmail’s native “unsend” function. It allows you to “undo” a send by adding a short delay from when you click send to when Gmail actually sends it. Understand this only works within a browser…

Winning with Pinning – Keep Your Favorite Websites Handy

Learning how to “pin” programs, apps and websites can help you quickly access the things you use the most – it’s as easy as a right-click! Pinning is the simple process of adding shortcuts to your most often used programs, or in this case, your most often used websites. Pinned Tabs stay-put to the left…

The Nov. 15 Bar News with stories including Criminal Justice Summit wrap-up, Animal Law Section’s toy therapy dog project, and YLD’s Disaster Relief Hotline needs volunteers.

The November 15 Bar News is now available with stories including: From arrest to reentry, Bar’s Criminal Justice Summit seeks solutions The idea of Bar President Michelle Suskauer who convened it October 16-17 in Tampa as a venue for hashing out problems for a system that has a high incarceration rate, high recidivism, little leeway…

Encrypt Your Windows or Apple Laptop or Desktop

Encrypting your Windows or Mac devices can be easier that you think. And it’s something you should certainly think about if your devices have access to client (or firm!) data. BitLocker (don’t confuse it with BitCoin or Bit.ly) BitLocker is Microsoft’s built-in encryption service for that will encrypt your entire drive (aka “whole disk encryption”)…

Nov. 2018 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal

The Nov. 2018 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal and digital edition are online featuring: Altman Contractors, Inc. v. Crum & Forster Specialty Insurance Company: Balancing the Interests Surrounding Potential Insurance Coverage for Ch. 558 Notices of Claim — by Reese J. Henderson, Jr. The legislature enacted F.S. Ch. 558 in 2003 to provide “an…

Preventing Break-Ups in Word

Sometimes we don’t want to break up – we want “October 23,” to stay on the same line at “2018” and sometimes it’s better for “Id.¶ 27” to stay together not break up like this: The District Court also found that portal websites do not presently host enough applications to induce consumers to switch, nor…

The Nov. 1 Bar News with stories including Hurricane Michael, interviews for Supreme Court vacancies and the toll of addiction on a family.

The November 1 Bar News is now available with stories including: Hurricane Michael Read about the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and how you can help. JNC to interview 59 to fill Supreme Court vacancies The Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission is set to interview 59 Florida lawyers to replace retiring Justices Barbara Pariente, Fred…

Great keyboard shortcuts for Gmail

If you use your Gmail in a browser, you may appreciate some handy keyboard shortcuts. First, you’ll have to make sure you’ve turned them “on.” While in Gmail, click on the Settings gear. From Settings, scroll down to Keyboard Shortcuts, set them to “on” and be sure to Save Changes at the bottom of the…

Hurricane Michael: Resources and Updates

The Florida Bar will be adding information, resources and recent hurricane-related news  for Florida Bar members and the public. Follow social media for additional updates. Several Florida Bar Member Benefits providers are offering assistance to Florida Bar members impacted by the storm, check our Hurricane Information page to see the list of special offers. Please visit The Florida…

The Oct. 15 Bar News: A law magnet school, new “Eldercaring” programs, and comments requested on proposed parental leave rule.

The October 15 Bar News is now available with stories including: A law magnet school in Sarasota is stimulating young minds. The Booker Law Academy at Booker High School in Sarasota has been teaching constitutional law, business law, court procedures, critical thinking, research, and law enforcement operations to select high school students since 2013. An…

MORE FOR MACS: ONE DOZEN KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Windows isn’t the only operating system with some tricks up its keyboard. Here are some keyboard shortcuts that will help save any iMac, MacBook Pro or MacBook users lots of time. To use a keyboard shortcut, press and hold one or more of the “modifier” keys +  last key of the shortcut. For example, to…

MAC SHORTCUTS

By pressing certain key combinations, you can do things that normally need a mouse, trackpad, or other input device. To use a keyboard shortcut, press and hold one or more modifier keys and then press the last key of the shortcut. For example, to use Command-C (copy), press and hold the Command key, then the C…

The Oct. 1 Bar News: Business Law Section study, lawyers rating jurists, young lawyers seeking appointment to JNCs

The October 1 Bar News is available with stories including: Taking a hard look at business courts The Business Law Section asks if the time is right for a statewide business court model. Lawyers rate jurists facing retention vote A poll of Florida Bar members regarding the merit retention election of one state Supreme Court…

Special Appointments by the Board of Governors

The Board of Governors makes several appointments each year. Current openings for special appointments to be made in December include: Florida Realtor-Attorney Joint Committee Five lawyers, one from each state appellate district, to serve two-year terms commencing January 1, 2019. The Florida Bar president receives the recommendations of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law…

How To Find Hidden Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Thanks to our friends at LawTech Partners, we have some great Windows keyboard shortcuts to share with you this week. Keyboard shortcuts are time savers and can make you more productive at work. We all know about CTRL+Z to undo your last action; who doesn’t know that CTRL +X or +C or +V are how…

THE SEPT. 15 BAR NEWS: WOMEN LAWYERS LEAVING THE PROFESSION, A JUDICIAL WELLNESS PROGRAM AND LEGALFUEL’S SPEAKERS SERIES.

The September 15 Bar News is available with stories including: Why women are leaving the profession. In an age when women are graduating from law school at the same rate as men, why are they leaving the profession in such high numbers by age 50 and what can be done about it? A program to…

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FIVE HIDDEN IPHONE TRICKS

Both iPhones and Android devices have their pros and cons, but the general consensus is that iOS is a little easier to pick up and use, while Android offers more in the way of customization and configuration. Still, simple as Apple’s operating system seems, you can find plenty of advanced features hidden below its polished…

How to Find (or Make) Free Ringtones

Our friends at “How To Geek” have our latest Tech Tip – and this one’s all about how to secure an awesome ringtone for your cellphone. If you’ve gotten sick of the ringtones that come with your Android phone or iPhone, it’s easy enough to buy new ones. But before you do that, there are…

New Location for The Florida Bar’s Tampa Branch Office

Effective September 5, 2018, the Tampa Branch office of The Florida Bar will be relocated to the Westwood Center at 2002 N. Lois Ave., Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33607. The Tampa Branch office is comprised of Lawyer Regulation (LR) and the Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) departments. There will not be any changes to the…

Call for Pro Bono Award Nominations!

The time is now to submit your nominations for the annual pro bono service awards! These awards recognize your colleagues, including lawyers, judges, law firms and voluntary bars, that contribute extraordinary pro bono service to many across our state. The deadline for most nominations is Nov. 1, 2018, while nominations for The Florida Bar Young…

How to lock down your Instagram account so it doesn’t get hacked

Thanks to our friends at HowToGeek.com, comes a great security tip this week for Instagram users. Attackers are compromising Instagram accounts and locking out users, so take a moment to lock down your account. A growing number of users are taking to Twitter and Reddit to complain about compromised Instagram accounts, and there seems to…

Sept./Oct. 2018 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal

The Sept./Oct. 2018 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal and digital edition are online featuring: Florida’s 2017-2018 Constitution Revision: It’s Your Turn to Decide by Mary E. Adkins, Guest Editor Thirty-seven Floridians, including 21 law school graduates, completed a task this past May that was awesome in the original meaning of the word. Thirty-seven people…

The Sept. 1 Bar News: Qualifying providers, trust accounting pilot and scammers target labor lawyers.

The September 1 Bar News is now available with stories including: Committee studies how qualifying providers may charge for referrals Addressing the ways qualifying providers can charge for matching clients and lawyers and determining whether services that connect lawyers and clients without charging either are covered by Bar rules are being considered by the Board…

HOW TO FAX A DOCUMENT FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE

Thanks to our friends at HowToGeek.com for another great Tech Tip: How to send faxes from your smartphone. You can sign a PDF document from your phone, tablet, or any other computer and email it to someone. But some organizations still don’t accept documents via email — you may need to fax documents instead. No, you can’t…

HOW TO SYNC YOUR ANDROID PHONE’S NOTIFICATIONS TO YOUR PC

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to give you a series of tips — via our friends at HowToGeek.com — about how to sync features on your phone to your PC, and vice versa. If you have an Android phone, you can sync your phone’s notifications to your PC. This feature is built into…

The August 15 Bar News: Parental leave continuance, military spouse rule and the work of a former public defender in Afghanistan

The August 15 Bar News is now available with stories including: The Board of Governors supporting a position that a parental leave continuance be added to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. The Board of Governors agreed on July 27 to support the position that a parental leave continuance be added to the Florida Rules…

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR EMAIL MARKETING

Thanks to the National Law Review for this week’s Tech Tip on how to improve your email marketing and open rates. The latest statistics show average email open rates for the legal industry are just over 21 percent. If your email campaigns are performing below this benchmark, you have some work to do to boost…

The New LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar Is Launched

The Florida Bar has launched a new resource to assist Florida lawyers in the business of law called LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar. LegalFuel offers law office management and technology support for Bar members, a variety of free CLEs, and assists lawyers in running the business side of their law firms. LegalFuel…

HOW TO REMOVE UNWANTED FOLLOWERS FROM YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

Thanks to our friends at HowtoGeek.com, we have this week’s #TechTip – and it’s all about maintaining control over who follows you on Instagram. Instagram continues to add deeper account management tools, and now you can manually remove followers. This feature has been available for users with private accounts for a while, but now it’s…

The August 1 Bar News: LegalFuel launched, Bar advises attorneys on dealing with reviews and A.I. reaches clerk’s offices

Bar launches LegalFuel, a resource center to bridge the gap between practicing law and running a business The Florida Bar has launched a new online resource to assist Florida lawyers in the business of law called LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar. LegalFuel offers law office management and technology support for Bar…

How to Use The Florida Bar YLD’s “Lawyers Advising Lawyers” Website

Launched by The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division earlier this year, LawyersAdvisingLawyers.com is a free service offered to all members of The Florida Bar who may need advice in a specific area of law, procedure or other legal issue. Currently, the program consists of more than 300 attorney advisors who volunteer to assist other members of the…

HOW TO FIND AND REMOVE DUPLICATE FILES ON WINDOWS

Duplicate file finders scan your hard drive for unnecessary duplicated files and help you remove them, freeing up space. Here are our picks for the best duplicate file finders, whether you’re looking for something easy to use, an application you may already have installed, or a powerful tool with the most advanced filters. You shouldn’t use these tools…

The July 15 Bar News: Rules for stand-in attorneys, Leadership Academy grads lead the program and dogs go to work.

RJA drafting rules for substitute attorneys The Rules of Judicial Administration Committee passed on first reading a proposed amendment to Rule 2.505 that could clarify which attorneys are authorized to represent a party and require stand-in attorneys to file a notice of appearance unless they are from the same firm, company, or agency as the…

HOW TO NAVIGATE ALL THE NEW FEATURES IN OUTLOOK

The Outlook team is adding — and planning to add — a bunch of new features across the many flavors of Outlook starting now and continuing through the summer. In recent blog post on what’s now known as the “Microsoft 365” blog (formerly the Office blog), Microsoft officials detailed the coming updates and provided timing for…

July/August 2018 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal

The July/August 2018 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal and digital edition are online featuring: Michelle R. Suskauer: President of The Florida Bar. Get to know the new president and her goals for this year including helping solo or small firms become more productive and profitable, seeking common-sense criminal justice reform that focuses on rehabilitation,…

How to Find Contacts in the New Gmail

The new Gmail started rolling out last month, and it’s awesome. But many people are asking the same question: where did Contacts go?

The July 1 Bar News: Suskauer president of The Florida Bar, Canady sworn in as Florida’s chief justice and Gala honors trailblazing black lawyers.

The July 1 bar News is available with stories including: Suskauer to be a champion for Florida lawyers Michelle Suskauer, an intensely driven and reform-minded criminal defense attorney from West Palm Beach, was sworn in as president June 15 at The Florida Bar’s 68th Annual Convention at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Canady sworn in…

How to Use the New ‘Snooze” Feature for Email in Gmail

An empty inbox is bliss, but some things you just can’t respond to immediately. Gmail’s new Snooze button lets you get those emails out of your face until it’s time to deal with them. The new Gmail launched last week, and it brings a clean new look to Google’s email service. Some people had trouble finding Contacts,…

The June 15 Bar News: Interim report on Mental Health, 52% of Bar committee leaders for 18-19 are women and the FL Supreme Court rejects automatic discipline for frivolous actions.

The June 15 Bar News is available with stories including: Panel eyes Marchman, Baker act modifications Special Committee on Mental Health Co-Chair Steven Leifman, a Miami-Dade County judge said the traditional legal tools for assessing and treating substance abuse and mental illness — the Marchman and Baker acts respectively — need updating if Florida is…

Bar President Michelle R. Suskauer

West Palm Beach attorney Michelle R. Suskauer is the 70th president of The Florida Bar.  She was sworn in at the General Assembly on Friday, June 15. Vero Beach attorney John M. Stewart was sworn in as president-elect. Watch President Suskauer’s speech at the 2018 Annual Convention here.  Suskauer is the sixth woman to serve as Bar president and…

The Florida Bar Journal – June 2018

The June 2018 Issue of The Florida Bar Journal and digital edition are online featuring: Special Issue: Judicial Nominating Procedures (JNP) Includes five detailed articles about the JNP process and how to address the lack of diversity on the bench, from authors Leslie Scott Jean-Bar, Eugene K. Pettis and Guest Editor Cory J. Pearson. Michael…

HOW TO MAKE OUTLOOK FOR MAC SHOW PICTURES BY DEFAULT

Thanks to our friends at LawTech Partners, via How-To Geek, we bring you this great Outlook tip this week. “For reasons I cannot fully understand, I decided to use Outlook on my Mac. That’s when I discovered that Outlook was making me click “Download Pictures” on every single email, which is really annoying. Here’s how…

HOW TO QUICKLY NARROW YOUR SEARCH RESULTS IN FASTCASE

Want to quickly narrow down your search results? Try sorting using Authority Check, a feature unique to Fastcase, to find seminal cases within your search. In any search, click on Results to pull the most frequently cited cases within your search to the top of your search results. Fastcase’s Authority Check feature displays a hyperlinked…

The 2018 Hurricane Season is here

Our Practice Resource Institute (PRI) has  put together a great article detailing the different steps Florida lawyers should take in preparation for Hurricane Season. If you have been a Florida resident for any length of time, you likely know the drill for hurricane season. Everyone should have 72 hours of food and water on hand…

What to do when you get inappropriate suggestions from the IOS autocorrect feature

You’re tapping along on your iPhone or iPad, and suddenly an ordinary letter or word gets replaced by something bizarre. We’re all used to autocorrect picking up weird expansions, which happens partly because Apple has introduced machine learning into how it predicts what you might intend to type. However, you might also be the victim…

HOW TO DECIDE WHETHER TO BUY A NEW IPAD ─ OR SKIP IT

Thanks to our friends at LawTech Partners and LapTop Mag, this week’s Tech Tip is all about the pluses and minuses of the new iPad. Here’s their advice: “As many of you have heard, Apple is targeting the new 9.7-inch iPad at students, but it’s a viable option for anyone looking for a good tablet at…

The June 1 Bar News : judicial races, the Judicial Campaign Conduct forum and a proposed rule on frivolous appeals.

The June 1 Bar News is now available with stories including: Judicial races set Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson and 17 district court of appeal judges have qualified for merit retention on the November 2018 general election ballot. In trial courts, voters will decide another 34 contests. In the county courts, there are 42 contested races. Forums…

EARN CLE CREDIT AND LEARN ABOUT FEATURES IN FASTCASE THROUGH FREE WEBINARS

Fastcase offers free webinars on how to conduct legal research. These webinars are available for CLE credits, and the upcoming topics in May include: Introduction to Legal Research on Fastcase, Advanced Tips for Enhanced Legal Research on Fastcase, Introduction to Boolean (Keyword) Searches and Ethics and Legal Research on Fastcase 7.

USE SIRI TO TRANSLATE LANGUAGES ON YOUR IPHONE

If your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 11, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, then you’ve got a built-in translation feature through the voice assistant Siri! Using this, you can find out how to say words and phrases in the currently supported languages: German, French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. And while…

The May 15 Bar News includes: how the Access to Civil Justice Commission is working to lower legal costs, a UF event that focused on mental health awareness and much more.

The May 15 Bar News is now available with stories including: The Access Commission works to drive down the cost of legal access. To help pro se and low-income residents access the court system, a committee of the Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Civil Justice is discussing using paralegals with “advanced” training to provide limited legal…

Fraudulent Email Alert – May 7, 2018

The Florida Bar is warning its members that fraudulent emails regarding membership information are being distributed. We advise members not to click on the attachments contained within the emails and to permanently delete them immediately. You should also notify your IT department as soon as possible. We suspect that these emails contain malicious software. The fraudulent emails…

May is Health and Wellness Month for Florida Lawyers

The Florida Bar is proud to be partnering with our Young Lawyer’s Division to recognize May as the fourth annual “Health & Wellness Month.” This initiative is designed to bring awareness to mental and physical issues that affect the quality of life of lawyers in Florida. The Florida Bar worked with local bar associations on town halls,…

How to use five awesome Android features you probably take for granted

It’s easy to become obsessed with the next big update to Android and what we want Google to add, but what about all the great things Android has gained since it debuted nearly a decade ago on the venerable T-Mobile G1? You might be surprised by what we used to go without. So it’s time to…

HOW TO SYNC YOUR FASTCASE ACCOUNT WITH YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

Want to connect your Fastcase iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone, or Android accounts with your member benefit desktop account to sync your favorites and usage history? Well, now you cane. And when you save cases on the go, you can access them through your desktop where it’s easy to print, find expanded search information, and access…

Pay your annual Florida Bar Fees Online!

Did you know … Florida Bar members and paralegals can now pay their 2018-19 Florida Bar fees online by signing into the MyFloridaBar Members Portal at member.floridabar.org and clicking the “Pay My Fees” button on your profile page? That’s right! Paying your Bar dues is easier than ever! This electronic fee statement is the easiest way to…

The May 1 Florida Bar News has the latest on Chief Justice Labarga’s support for lawyer health and wellness, tax law changes and the judicial retirement age.

The May 1 Bar News is now available with stories including: When lawyers need help, let’s make sure they don’t fear getting it Most lawyers work in stressful jobs. It is no surprise, then, that stress-related disease hits attorneys at a much higher rate than other people. It is a normal hazard of the job….

HOW TO LEARN ABOUT FASTCASE AND EARN CLE CREDIT

Did you know that Fastcase offers free webinars on how to conduct legal research? These webinars are available for CLE credit in many jurisdictions. Check this website for the February dates: http://bit.ly/2n7b1kK. The topics of the Fastcase CLEs include: ● Introduction to Legal Research on Fastcase ● Advanced Tips for Enhanced Legal Research on Fastcase ●…

The April 15 The Florida Bar News has the latest on the CRC, highlights a new book on Florida’s trailblazing black lawyers and much more!

The April 15th edition of The Florida Bar News is now online with stories including: The Constitution Revision Commission thinking about increasing the retirement age of judges to 75. Proposal 41, submitted by Commissioner and former Bar President Bill Schifino, raises the age of what has been referred to as “constitutional senility” for judges from…

HOW TO PRINT GROUPS OF STATUTES IN FASTCASE WITH LESS HASSLE

You asked for an easier way to print a group of statutes and Fastcase heard you! To print several statutes at once (“batch print”), follow the steps below: From the Outline View, click on the main group of statutes you want to print. You can get to the outline view one of two ways, either…

Vote now in Run-Off Elections for Bar Board of Governors

Ballots for runoff elections in the 1st and 11th circuits for Board of Governors representatives have been emailed/mailed to members in these circuits who are eligible to vote. Bar members may vote online at https://www.esc-vote.com/flabar or by paper ballot. Instructions for electronic voting were included with the e-ballots and paper ballots. Votes must be received…

HOW TO USE DUAL MONITORS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

Thanks to the fine folks at FindLaw for Legal Professionals, here’s a productivity tip for you: try dual monitors. Much of the time wasted when attorneys work on computers comes when they switch between windows. Not only does it waste time, it can lead to unnecessary distractions. Some try to compensate by putting two windows…

“HOW TO GENERATE A PUBLIC LINK AND SHARE A CASE IMMEDIATELY WITH ANYONE USING FASTCASE”

Sometimes as an attorney, you just need to share a document. Whether it’s a statute that you want a client who is an employer to be aware of, a regulation that a co-counsel needs to review, or a case that a judge wants to see in its entirety, sometimes you just need a copy of…

The April 1 Bar News includes new lawyer referral services rules, Canady as the new chief justice, a panel working on gender and diversity issues.

Court sets new rules for referral services The Florida Supreme Court has accepted Bar-proposed amendments to lawyer referral service rules that widen their application to any “qualifying provider” that links consumers and lawyers. But the court also ordered the Bar to submit a rule within 90 days that prohibits a lawyer from accepting clients from any…

HOW TO REMOVE METADATA FROM A MICROSOFT WORD DOCUMENT

1. Open the document that contains the metadata you need removed. 2. Choose File > Properties. Select the ‘Summary’ tab in the ‘Properties’ box. Clear any content from each text box and press ‘OK.’ 3. Choose ‘Tools’ and ‘Options’ from the toolbar. 4. Select ‘User Information’ in the ‘Options’ dialog box. Clear each field that…

HOW TO USE THE SURFACE PRO’S SURFACE PEN

The Surface Pen is a new and improved design for your Surface Pro. To use it, click the pen top once and it opens Microsoft’s OneNote application. Then hold the pen top down and it will open Cortana (think Microsoft’s version of Siri). Click the pen top twice to take a screenshot and send it…

The March 15 Bar News includes the health and wellness Town Hall in TLH, Fla. Lawyers Assistance updates, and how the Citizens Advisory Comm. provides perspective to the Bar

Town Hall sparks conversation on personal satisfaction Florida State University Law Prof. Larry Krieger, who has spent a generation teaching and researching lawyer satisfaction, was the speaker February 20 at the first of The Florida Bar’s Town Hall meetings addressing the health and wellness of lawyers and getting feedback on what the Bar can do…

Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors Elections

Ballots for contested elections for Board of Governors in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 11th, 13th, 17th 18th and 19th, circuits and Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors out-of-state representative have been emailed/mailed to members in these circuits who are eligible to vote. Bar members may vote online or by paper ballot. Instructions for electronic voting were…

The March 1 Bar News: Top stories include CRC proposals, the court’s focus on security and guardianship issues, and scams targeting lawyers

37 proposals on the way to the full CRC Thirty-seven proposed amendments — only five dealing with Art. V issues — have cleared committee review at the Constitution Revision Commission and are headed for consideration by the full body. It’s still possible that proposals that were defeated in committee could be revived by a majority vote for debate…

New Email Scam Targeting Law Offices

An alert manager at a local bank is the only thing that prevented hackers from stealing more than $120,000 from a small, father-and-son law firm in St. Lucie County. “It was almost a disaster,” said Roger Messer of Messer & Messer in Port St. Lucie. “All I can advise is, know your banker.” The breech occurred…

Need Help or Want Info? New Mental Health and Wellness Web Center Available

Mental health issues touch every facet of our legal community – from sole practitioners and law firm partners all the way down to law school students who feel daily pressure to graduate and become licensed and successful as soon as possible. Under the direction of the Special Committee on Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers,…

The Feb. 15 Bar News: Top stories include Board decision on litigation insurance costs, Mental Health and Wellness Town Halls across the state, pro bono lawyers honored at the Supreme Court.

Litigation insurance costs may be passed to clients. After an intense debate, the Board of Governors has decided it’s permissible for attorneys to ask their clients to pay for “litigation cost protection”, a new type of insurance that fundamentally alters the risk equation in contingency fee cases. Promoters say it gives sole practitioners and smaller…

New Virtual Resource! Take a Look at the Legal Accelerator

The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division (YLD) has launched a Legal Accelerator website to serve as a one-stop hub for obtaining advice on a variety of issues frequently faced by young lawyers (or any Florida Bar member delving into a new area of law or practice). Florida Bar members can enter the site by signing…

2018 Pro Bono Awards

The Florida Bar recognized 21 lawyers for their pro bono service at a Jan. 25 ceremony at the Supreme Court of Florida. Florida Bar President Michael J. Higer presented the 2018 awards. Watch the ceremony on Gavel to Gavel. The awards recognize pro bono service in each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits as well as service by…

The Feb. 1 Bar News is available.

Top stories include the YLD launching a virtual mentor resource, the full CRC considers a proposal to increase the retirement age of judges and the results of the 2017 Membership Opinion Survey. YLD launches its Legal Accelerator Legal Accelerator provides resources including nearly 1000 mentoring videos on more than 500 topics for Young Lawyers. The…

#JustAdulting App Updates

What is #JustAdulting? Once you turn 18 years old, you are legally considered an adult in this country. But what does that actually mean? From the right to cast your vote in the next election to entering into a lease for your first apartment to serving on a jury, you are about to enter a…

THE JANUARY 15 BAR NEWS IS AVAILABLE.

TOP STORIES INCLUDE: The Bar’s CRC education efforts, Court changes to the Bar’s military spouse rule proposal and a Senate bill that gives Judges more discretion in sentencing. Bar’s CRC public education effort is reaching millions As the Constitution Revision Commission’s various committees settle into the nuts and bolts work of considering various proposed constitutional…

The January 1 Bar News Is Available. Top Stories Include John Stewart Being Named Florida Bar President-elect Designate, the Board of Governors Telling Avvo Advisors It Is a Lawyer Referral Service, an App That Provides Family Law Assistance.

JOHN STEWART NAMED FLORIDA BAR PRESIDENT-ELECT DESIGNATE John M. Stewart, veteran Board of Governors member from the 19th Circuit, has become president-elect designate of The Florida Bar. Stewart was unopposed when filing ended December 15. He will be sworn in as president-elect at the Bar’s June Annual Convention when President–elect Michelle Suskauer takes the oath…

The December 15 Bar News Is Available. Top Stories Include the Court Calling for Fewer County Judges, Judicial Branch Funding Priorities, the CRC Discussing Retirement Age and Judicial Qualifications.

COURT SAYS 13 COUNTY JUDGES ARE NOT NEEDED For the first time since courts were reorganized in 1972, the Florida Supreme Court has recommended a net reduction in the number of the state’s trial judges. The court reported that except for civil traffic cases, civil filings are up but criminal filings are down. COURT SETS…

Beware of holiday cyber scams

This may not be at the top of your holiday preparation list, but the Practice Resource Institute (PRI) is reminding all Florida Bar members to make sure you are protected from holiday phishing scams or malware campaigns. A 2017 Cyber Monday Phishing Survey by DomainTools found that 38 percent of respondents had fallen victim to…

THE DEC. 1 BAR NEWS IS AVAILABLE. TOP STORIES INCLUDE THE CRC TAKING UP ARTICLE V PROPOSALS, A FRESH LOOK AT PRE-TRIAL DETENTION, AND RULES CHANGES THAT ALLOW RETIRED LAWYERS TO PROVIDE PRO BONO.

CRC TAKES UP ARTICLE V PROPOSALS More than a dozen proposed constitutional amendments affecting Article V of the Florida Constitution — four dealing with the judicial retirement age and one apparently opening up judicial deliberations to public scrutiny — have been proposed by Constitution Revision Commission members. Several more have been filed that are of interest to…

The November 15 Bar News is available. Top stories include improving lawyer well-being, CLE opportunities on the CRC and the Family Law Section closing the child marriage loophole.

PANEL IDENTIFYING STEPS TO IMPROVE LAWYER WELL-BEING The Special Committee on Mental Health and Wellness for Florida Lawyers works to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues, so Florida lawyers feel comfortable addressing their personal or professional struggles. YLD + CRC = CLE Learn about Florida’s Constitution revision process via webcasts. The courses are…

The Florida Bar News- Nov. 1 Edition: CRC public education campaign, proposed parental leave rule under review, Labarga discusses IRMA challenges

The November 1 Bar News is available. Top stories include The Bar launching its CRC public education effort, a proposed procedural rule dealing with parental leave being revisited and the chief justice detailing the challenges associated with Hurricane Irma. BAR LAUNCHES CRC EDUCATION PROGRAM The Florida Bar launched “Protect Florida Democracy: Our Constitution, Our Rights,…

YLD Pres-Elect Christian George Shares His Hurricane Irma Story and Urges Lawyers to Volunteer

Jacksonville attorney Christian George, YLD president-elect, wrote an impassioned plea for Florida lawyers to assist after the recent hurricanes via The Florida Bar News, sharing his personal story of how Hurricane Irma impacted him and his family: At about 5 a.m. on the morning of September 11, I woke up and realized the water was about one…

The Florida Bar News- Oct. 15 Edition: Puerto Rican Bar of Florida Helps Displaced Law Students, Pro Bono Week, and a Spam Blocker Proves Costly

The October 15 Bar News is available. Top stories include The Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida’s efforts to assist displaced Puerto Rican law students, The Foundation’s social media campaign to promote Pro Bono Week, and how a spam blocker proved costly for one firm. PUERTO RICAN BAR OF FLORIDA WORKS TO RELOCATE DISPLACED PUERTO…

Oct. 31 is the Deadline for CRC Commissioner Proposals

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) held the first of two full commission meetings in which commissioners could sponsor public proposals. During the meeting, commissioners adopted Oct. 6 as the deadline for Floridians to submit public proposals and Oct. 31 as the deadline for commissioner proposals.  Several CRC commissioners have created proposals inspired by ideas submitted by…

Hurricane Recovery Resources Available for Bar members and Floridians

PLEASE VISIT THIS NEW PAGE FOR 2018 HURRICANE INFORMATION.   The Florida Bar will be adding information to this post as it becomes available regarding Hurricane Irma and Maria. For a complete listing of recent hurricane-related news as well as resources for Florida Bar members and the public, go to The Florida Bar’s 2017 Hurricane Information page….

THE FLORIDA BAR NEWS – OCT. 1 EDITION: LAWYERS RESPOND TO HURRICANE IRMA, SYMPOSIUM FOCUSES ON BIASES

The October 1 Bar News is available. Top stories include Florida lawyers riding out the storm, an assistant state attorney feeding first responders and a symposium offering participants a chance to focus on biases. BAR WORKS TO HELP ITS MEMBERS AND FLORIDA CITIZENS The Florida Bar is focused on assisting its members and Floridians in…

July 2017 Bar Exam Results Posted

The Supreme Court of Florida posts the pass/fail results after each General Bar Examination. They will keep the results up on their website for thirty days after the date the Court officially orders their release. In July, 3,247 applicants took the Bar Examination in Tampa, and 1,553 candidates were approved for admission to The Florida Bar. For…

The Florida Bar News – Sept. 15 Edition: Member Benefits Program, Software to Compare Sentences, Guide to Local Lobbying Procedures

The September 15 Bar News is now available. Top stories include a feature on The Florida Bar Member Benefits, a software that can foster justice by comparing and contrasting court cases, and online access to court records. BAR’S MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM IS WORKING FOR YOU Are you getting the most from your Florida Bar membership?…

The Florida Bar News – Sept. 1 Edition: Bass Leads the ABA , Bar’s Effort to Protect Against Identity Theft, and ABA Wellness Report

The September 1 Bar News is now available. Top stories include Miami’s Hilarie Bass becoming ABA president, the Bar’s effort to protect lawyers and the public from identity theft, and an ABA report that addresses lawyers’ well-being. MIAMI’S BASS LEADS THE ABA While serving as ABA president, Bass said the two most critical issues she…

Strategic “Reset” for The Florida Bar Foundation

A year after unanimously resolving to adopt a “strategic reset,” The Florida Bar Foundation’s board of directors June 22 approved a document detailing the approach the organization will take in its future grant making, as well as the rationale for moving the organization in a new direction. The action comes in the wake of eight…

New Mindfulness Series Column: The Mindful Lawyer

One of the main priorities of Florida Bar President Michael Higer for his term is increasing awareness of mental health issues and improving the mental well-being of lawyers. As a part of that initiative, The Florida Bar News introduced a new series on mindfulness aimed at educating lawyers on the issue and on how to…

The Florida Bar News – Aug. 15 Edition: Wellness, Virtual Advice Clinic and Fraudulent Emails

The August 15 Bar News is now available. Top stories include new Bar special committees, a new virtual legal advice clinic for low-income Floridians, and email scams targeting attorneys. PANEL TO FOCUS ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF LAWYERS: The board, at its July 21 meeting in Miami, accepted the recommendation of the Program Evaluation Committee…

The Florida Bar News – Aug. 1 Edition: The Mindful Lawyer, Gender and the Foundation.

The August 1 Bar News is now available with stories including: Gender on the agenda. The Foundation’s strategic reset. The Mindful Lawyer.

Fraudulent Email Alert – July 25, 2017

The Florida Bar is warning its members that fraudulent emails regarding unpaid invoices are being distributed. We advise members not to click on any links or attachments contained within the emails and to permanently delete them immediately. You should also notify your IT department as soon as possible. We suspect that these emails contain malicious software. The…

The Florida Bar News – July 15 Edition: Higer becomes Bar president and longtime Bar ED Harkness honored

The July 15 Bar News is now available with stories including: Michael Higer becoming Bar president. Chief Justice Labarga’s state of the judiciary address. Annual Convention honors for John. F. Harkness, Jr.

New Florida Bar President Sworn-In at Annual Convention

One of the most exciting times of the year for The Florida Bar is the Annual Florida Bar Convention. The four-day event includes engaging CLE discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and critical committee/section meetings. But one of the highlights every year is the swearing in of the new Board of Governor members and especially the induction…

July/August Florida Bar Journal – Michael J. Higer , President of The Florida Bar

The July/August issue of The Florida Bar Journal and digital edition are now available online, featuring articles on: Michael J. Higer: President of The Florida Bar Collateral attacks on class resolutions Resolving disputes by expert determination Defining animal rights and welfare  

Welcome to the new FloridaBar.org!

As you can see, FloridaBar.org has a new look! In addition to an overall new design that includes updated images and an easier-to-read layout, we also streamlined the navigation and added some new features. The main sections remain as About The Bar, News & Events, Public, and Members. A new section with Rules & Ethics…

The Florida Bar News – July 1 Edition: the CRC, cloud computing for lawyers and access to justice

The July 1 Florida Bar News is now available with stories including: An effort to educate lawyers and the public about the Constitution Revision Commission. Questions to ask when thinking of storing client information in the cloud. Business people assisting the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice.  

Are you missing these 10 ways to save money through your Bar Membership?

Right now, Florida Bar members can get free legal research, free CLEs and more than 60 (!) other benefits/services. The categories include insurance and travel discounts, ways to save money for your law practice, and access to specialized legal software, and much more. For example: Log in to access Fastcase, a legal research tool free…

Florida Bar News – June 1st Edition: Legislative updates, Annual Convention preview and more!

The June 1st edition of The Florida Bar News is now online — and headed to your mailboxes soon! First, be sure to check out the cover stories: Florida Supreme Court sees many of its legislative priorities accomplished, but tech funding will have to wait This year’s Annual Convention looks to be the best one…

Meet the 2017-18 Leadership Academy Class!

We are excited to welcome the new class of the  Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy, which officially kicks off at the Bar’s 2017 Annual Convention on June 21-24 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. This class marks the fifth year since the program’s inception and supports the Bar’s mission to broaden diversity within the…

Florida Courts Increasing Social Media Efforts

Florida courts are making big progress on the Court Communication Plan for the Judicial Branch of Florida. Did you know that a list of all of the Florida Courts and their social media accounts is posted on the Florida Office of State Courts Administrator’s website? Find your court here! Read all about their communications plan and…

Read the latest Florida Bar Journal

The June issue of The Florida Bar Journal and digital edition are now available online, featuring: COVER STORY: ** Jason S. Lambert and D. Michael Arendall weigh the discovery and evidentiary value of an opponent’s billing records in their cover article in the June issue of The Florida Bar Journal —http://bit.ly/2qoeJa7 ** Florida Bar President…