RPPTL Section accepting applications for Fellowship Program
The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section is accepting applications for its Fellowship Program, a leadership development initiative designed to attract and retain young lawyers in the section.
Now in its 17th year, the fellowship provides selected participants with opportunities to work closely with section leaders, serve on committees, and gain hands-on experience in the substantive work of the section, with the goal of developing future leaders within the RPPTL.
The program is open to lawyers who are members of the RPPTL Section and who have been admitted to The Florida Bar for fewer than 12 years or are younger than 36. Applicants must demonstrate that a substantial portion of their practice focuses on real property, probate, or trust law. A maximum of four fellowships are awarded each year.
Fellowships are awarded for a two-year term. During that time, fellows are expected to be actively engaged in section leadership and committee work. The RPPTL Section has more than 50 active committees and an Executive Council of more than 225 members, which meets quarterly at locations throughout Florida beginning each June.
Each fellow is required to attend at least two Executive Council meetings per year, serve on the Membership Committee, and actively participate in at least one substantive committee. Fellows must also complete an annual substantive work project, which may include writing an article for the section's publication, Action Line, chairing a subcommittee, or drafting proposed legislation on behalf of the committee.
To support participation, fellows receive a subsidy of up to $3,500 annually, not to exceed actual out-of-pocket expenses, to help offset the costs of attending section meetings. Each fellow is also paired with a committee mentor to help guide professional development and maximize involvement in section activities.
Fellows must submit a work plan to the Fellowship Committee by October of each year outlining their proposed project, as well as a year-end report documenting completed work.
Section leaders say the program is designed to provide meaningful professional and leadership development while strengthening the RPPTL Section’s long-term pipeline of volunteer leaders.
Applications are also available through the RPPTL Section website at www.RPPTL.org. Completed applications may be submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to the RPPTL Fellowship Program, Attn: Hilary Stephens, The Florida Bar, 651 E. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee 32399-2300.
The fellowship committee is co-chaired by Bridget Friedman and Taniquea Reid Wolliston, who are available to answer questions about the program. Friedman can be reached at [email protected], and Wolliston at [email protected].
