Bar President-elect Candidate Michelle Suskauer’s Platform Statement
Bar President-elect Candidate Michelle Suskauer ‘s Platform Statement
I have spent the past year traveling over 15,000 miles across Florida, visiting 19 of 20 circuits to listen to Florida lawyers talk about our profession: their triumphs, issues, frustrations, and challenges. I’ve met with lawyers at solo, small, and large firms. I visited with public interest attorneys, state attorneys, and public defenders, and addressed over 40 voluntary bars to learn about what matters most to Florida’s lawyers.
Quality of Life. As managing partner of a small two-person West Palm Beach criminal defense firm, I know what it is like to balance and manage a firm, handling administrative duties like payroll, advertising, and rainmaking, while integrating my responsibilities at home along with volunteer work. I have been married to Scott for 23 years, and we have two daughters, Talia, 20, a junior at Penn State, and Becca, a high-school senior. Although my life is vibrant and full, I’ve experienced many struggles along the way. Lawyers do not want to admit they are unhappy, stressed, or don’t have the tools necessary to cope with the pressures of practice. While technology has transformed our profession for the better, it has increased stress, mental health and addiction issues, and dissatisfaction. Being connected 24/7 with little or no time to recharge has become a lifestyle for many. Two-thirds of us are solos or work in small firms. However, we have not had a Bar president from a one- or two-person firm in 15 years. It is important to have leadership that is reflective of the Bar’s demographics.
Mentoring for Young and Transitioning Lawyers. I began my career as an assistant public defender 25 years ago, before opening my firm with my husband, who was appointed a circuit judge in 2015. There are lawyers across the state searching for employment and transitioning into different practice areas, and many are starting their own firms without guidance and mentoring. Our Bar must continue to offer free CLEs in technology and other practice areas and promote training through our Practice Resource Institute. I have a passion for Bar service and was fortunate to have mentors who steered me toward involvement in voluntary bars. I applaud the efforts of the Young Lawyers Division for launching the technology platform for “Lawyers Advising Lawyers” and “How to Start Your Own Law Firm.” Programs like these help our members navigate their practices at any stage of their careers.
Constitution Revision Commission — Strong and Effective Communication. Every 20 years, the state empanels a commission to review and revise our constitution. This is an opportunity to build important relationships with our legislative and executive branches. We must have a proactive leader and effective communicator to advocate for the judiciary and the profession. I’m in court almost every day and must be a passionate advocate and strong negotiator for my clients. At this important time, we must have the right leader. I have both a communications background and over 15 years of experience appearing on multiple media platforms. I am comfortable communicating with the media, our committees, voluntary bars, sections, the judiciary.
Increase Member Involvement. Participation in Bar service offers opportunities for leadership, professionalism, and practice expertise. As a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar and the Palm Beach County FAWL Chapter, I’ve seen how involvement connects you to your legal community and improves the perception of lawyers. During my travels, I am often asked my position on reciprocity. While the proposal was voted down and is no longer before the BOG, I was a vocal opponent, speaking out against the Vision 2016 Bar Admission Subcommittee reciprocity recommendation. Through that engagement, lawyers’ voices were heard through letters, calls, and resolutions. I will continue to work with the membership on important issues impacting our profession.
Technology. Technology is revolutionizing the practice, and lawyers must compete in this new marketplace by learning to use technology to improve the delivery of legal services. Some online service providers are filling voids lawyers have not traditionally filled and are not bound by our rules, and the Bar needs to find a way to help brand what it means to hire a “Florida Lawyer.” When I served as the BOG’s Communications and Annual Convention chairs, we were able to use different technology platforms to communicate, such as the first convention app. Technology allows us to communicate with every generation of our Bar, and I will continue to harness relevant technologies.
Funding for the Judiciary and Government Attorneys. Our Bar must continue to advocate for a well-funded and independent judiciary and build strong relationships with the legislative and executive branches. It’s crucial our Bar leaders effectively communicate our positions. I’m passionate about retaining quality government attorneys. Dedicated government lawyers with significant institutional knowledge are leaving state jobs, because there has not been a cost-of-living increase in 10 years and they simply cannot afford to keep their jobs.
Access to Justice. The Bar should continue to support the efforts of the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice to find ways to expand access for low- and moderate-income individuals, including developing user-friendly forms and instructional videos in noncomplex matters. The Bar should work with the clerks to establish self-help centers similar to the one in Palm Beach County, where litigants may purchase approved forms and speak with an attorney for a nominal fee. We should also consider expanding the use of unbundled legal services and establish programs within firms that would operate on a sliding scale. The Bar must continue to support The Florida Bar Foundation and encourage the membership to support local legal aid programs. I have volunteered at the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County for 12 years and currently serve as the president of the board of directors.
If elected, I will use my energy, creativity, communication skills, and leadership experience to be a strong and passionate advocate to make sure the voices of all lawyers are heard. We need solutions, and our Bar needs a proven leader. I ask for your vote on March 1 through March 21.
