2020
Special Committee to Improve the Delivery of Legal Services
The Florida Supreme Court created the Special Committee to Improve the Delivery of Legal Services effective January 1, 2020 to study to find innovative ways and regulations that provide more and affordable legal services for Floridians and more work for Florida lawyers while protecting the core values of the profession. The final report was delivered to the Florida Supreme Court on July 28, 2021.
Task Force on the Distribution of IOTA Funds
The Task Force on the Distribution of IOTA Funds was created October 24, 2019 to examine whether rule 5-1.1(g) should be amended to better ensure the most effective use of interest on Trust Accounts funds. The task force submitted its recommendations to the Supreme Court of Florida by final report (14MB) dated September 15, 2020.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NON-VOTING BOARD APPOINTMENTS
This special committee reviewed Florida Bar Standing Board Policy 1.20-Board Meetings (d) State, Voluntary or Local Bar Associations or Groups to ensure diverse representation and inclusion in the Board’s deliberations from all groups of which the Florida Bar could benefit. The special committee issued a final report.
2019
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGIES AFFECTING THE PRACTICE OF LAW
Mission & Purpose: The special committee will review and analyze current and evolving technologies offered (or likely to be offered) in the marketplace that are impacting or may impact the practice of law. These technologies may provide a means to address gaps in access to civil justice and may provide new opportunities for attorneys to provide representation to clients. These technologies are generally unregulated (or under regulated) presenting a variety of unique challenges and raising concerns regarding the protection of the public. The special committee will analyze these and other considerations and may make recommendations, including any rule amendments, to The Florida Bar Board of Governors. As part of its consideration, the committee will inform and seek input from Florida Bar members and may engage and confer with experts.
The special committee recommended adoption of Chapter 23 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
2018
Final Report of Special Committee on Child and Parent Representation
2017
Special Committee on the 2017 Constitution Revision Final Report
Special Committee on Gender Bias Report
2016
Vision 2016 Commission Comprehensive Study of the Future Practice of Law Final Report
Special Committee on Legal Education and Vision 2016 Legal Education Group Final Report
2013
Task Force to Study Enhancement of Diversity in the Judiciary and on the JNCs
2012
Hawkins Commission on Review of the Discipline System (Completed May 2012)
Special Committee on Lawyer Referral Services (July 2012)
2011
Committee to Study the Decline in Jury Trials Final Report (Dec. 2011)
2010
Special Committee on Medical Lien Resolution (Completed May 2010)
2007
Special Committee on Website Advertising (Completed June 2007)
2006
Special Commission on Lawyer Regulation Final Report (Completed June 2006)
Special Committee on Amendment 3 (Completed June 2006)
Special Committee to Study Paralegal Regulation (Completed June 2006)
Special Committee to Review the ABA Model Rules (Completed June 2006)
2005
Special Committee: Unbundled Legal Services Monitoring Committee
On November 13, 2003, the Supreme Court of Florida adopted new rules which allow lawyers to provide limited legal services to their clients in family law cases. Amendments to the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure (Unbundled Legal Services), 860 So. 2d 394 (Fla. 2003). In adopting the rules, the Court ordered The Florida Bar ‘to monitor the implementation of the rule and any difficulties that arise, and report back to [the] Court within two years from the effective date of [the] amendments with recommendations for improvements or changes, if any.’ Id. at 402. As a result, President Johnson appointed the Unbundled Legal Services Monitoring Committee. The Committee’s report was accepted by the Board of Governors on April 8, 2005, and filed with the Supreme Court of Florida on April 11, 2005.
Report of the Unbundled Legal Services Monitoring Committee
2003
Multijurisdictional Practice of Law (Completed October 2003)
2002
Special Commission on MDP / Ancillary Business (Completed June 2002)
Special Commission on Insurance Practices II (Completed June 2002)
Unbundled Legal Services Special Committee II (Completed June 2002): On August 16, 2002 the Board of Governors adopted the report and recommendations of the Unbundled Legal Services Special Committee II. The report was filed with the Supreme Court of Florida on September 1, 2002.
Commission on the Legal Needs of Children (Completed June 2002)
2001
Unbundled Legal Services (Completed Oct. 2001)
2000
Special Committee on Multidisciplinary Practice (work completed June 2000)