Family Law Section rolls out new agenda
Family Law Section rolls out new agenda
After wrapping up a four-day, oversold Trial Advocacy Seminar in July, it might seem logical that the Family Law Section’s leadership would take a breather. But plans are in full swing for fall committee meetings, an out-of-state CLE trip to Colorado, several CLEs, and the 2018 certification review course — which last year attracted more than 1,600 participants.
According to Chair Nicole L. Goetz of Naples, section involvement fosters collegiality and networking and this year will focus on “appropriate advocacy.”
“The section has expanded its committee structure over time and now offers 29 operational, substantive law, and ad hoc committees,” Goetz said. “Our committee agendas relate directly to improvement of the practice area and the profession — and most have open membership. The ‘appropriate advocacy’ theme will be part of our committee work, CLEs, legislative agenda, and the certification review course. Our goal is to further promote mastery of the substantive, procedural, and ethical rules that are unique to family law.”
The Family Law Section’s fall committee meetings are October 6 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, and Goetz said that any attorney or paralegal who is interested in learning more about the section is welcome to attend.
“If you are not already an active member of the Family Law Section, we encourage you to get involved this year,” said Goetz. “We have a lot that we can accomplish together.”
2017 Family Law Section awards presented by immidiate past Chair Laura Davis Smith during the section’s annual luncheon included:
• The Unsung Hero Award: Kathryn Beamer, Sheena Benjamin-Wise, Ron Bornstein, Anthony Genova, Carin Porras, Robin Scher, and Eddie Stephens.
• Spotlight Award: Alicia de la O, Sandy T. Fox, Anastasia Garcia, Joseph D. Hunt, Michelle Klinger Smith, and Reuben Doupe.
• Alberto Romero Making a Difference Award: Eddie Stephens
• Above and Beyond Award: Aimee Gross, Amy C. Hamlin, Amy Hickman, Sarah E. Kay, Andrea Oyola-Reid, Bonnie Sockel-Stone, and Eddie Stephens.
• Honorable Raymond T. McNeal Professionalism Award: Jorge Cestero and Scott Rubin.
• Trail Blazer Award: Elisha D. Roy.
Upcoming Family Law Section events
• Fall Committee Meetings — October 6 — Bonita Springs
• Parenting Plan: A Judicial Roundtable Discussion — October 19 — Webinar*
• Practice Tips in Domestic Violence Litigation: How to Effectively Represent Clients in Domestic Violence Cases — November 17 — Live (Tampa) and Webcast – approved for 8.0 General / 8.0 Marital & Family Law Board Certification CLE Credits
• Mechanics of Board Certification – November 30 — Webinar*
• Family Law Case Update — December 7 — Webinar*
• 2018 Midyear Committee Meetings — January 25 — Orlando
• 2018 Marital & Family Law Certification Review Course —January 26-27 — Orlando (presented in conjunction with the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers)*
(*approval pending).
For more information, please contact Section Administrator Gabrielle Tollok at [email protected] or 850-561-5650. Follow the Family Law Section on Twitter and Facebook: @FamilyLawFla
