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THE FLORIDA BAR TO HOLD 2021 ANNUAL CONVENTION AS HYBRID EVENT

TALLAHASSEE, FLA – Jacksonville attorney Michael G. Tanner will be sworn in as The Florida Bar’s 73rd president and West Palm Beach attorney Gary Lesser becomes president-elect at the hybrid 2021 Annual Florida Bar Convention, to be held June 9-11. The in-person events, including the General Assembly and social functions, will take place at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria. The Bar will be monitoring CDC guidelines and will be following safety requirements for the hotel and for in-person events.

“Here Comes the Sun: Brighter Days Ahead,” is the theme of this year’s convention, in acknowledgment of the challenges of the last year and in anticipation of what’s to come. The hybrid convention promises a make-it-your-own, versatile experience for attendees with 16 virtual continuing legal education (CLE) seminars, committee meetings, a State of the Judiciary address by Chief Justice Charles Canady, the annual 50-Year member luncheon, a Presidential Showcase seminar featuring Justice Jorge Labarga, and the installation of the new officers.

“We’re thrilled that we’re working our way back to in-person events and also providing our members options that suit their level of comfort as we approach the other side of the pandemic,” said Florida Bar President Dori Foster-Morales. “Last year we had record levels of registrations and by offering members both live and virtual options, I’m sure we’ll once again exceed our expectations and hopes for the convention.”

Convention highlights include:

General Assembly: This centerpiece event, held on June 11, will feature a State of the Bar address by outgoing president Dori Foster-Morales and a State of the Judiciary address by Chief Justice Charles Canady. There will also be an installation of incoming Bar officers Michael G. Tanner, incoming president, and Gary Lesser, incoming president-elect.

50- and 51-year Member Luncheon: The Florida Bar will honor nearly 447 attorneys for 50 years of dedication to the practice of law during a luncheon at the convention on Friday, June 11. Another 398 attorneys from the law school class of 1970, who were unable to be recognized at a luncheon last year, will also be honored. Former Supreme Court Justice Rosemary Barkett, a 50-year honoree, will be the featured speaker. The program portion of the event will also be available to be viewed virtually for honorees unable to attend the in-person luncheon.

Presidential Showcase Seminar:  Look Out Below! Blunders, Landmines, and the Consequences of Poor Attorney Performance in the Preservation of Record Error seminar, featuring Florida Supreme Court Justice Jorge Labarga and presented in the President’s Showcase by The Florida Bar CLE Committee, Appellate Practice Section, Criminal Law Section, and Trial Lawyers Section will be held on June 11.

President’s Reception: Celebrating Silver Linings: The live event will be hosted by President Dori Foster-Morales and will celebrate the silver linings from the past year. Members’ silver linings will be shared during the reception and on the Bar’s website.

The convention web page details the schedule of meetings and events, all CLE programs, and other important information, including media coverage guidelines.

About The Florida Bar

Founded in 1949, The Florida Bar serves the legal profession for the protection and benefit of both the public and all Florida lawyers. As one of the nation’s largest mandatory bars, The Florida Bar fosters and upholds a high standard of integrity and competence within Florida’s legal profession as an official arm of the Florida Supreme Court. To learn more, visit FloridaBar.org.

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