VHFCNBA kicks off 2025–2026 with blend of law, wellness, and unity
'This retreat reminded us that unity and wellness are not luxuries but necessities in this moment for our profession and our communities'
VHFCNBA members connect on the green during day two of the First Quarterly Membership Meeting and Wellness Retreat at Innisbrook Golf Resort. Day one opened with VHFCNBA’s formal membership meeting, followed by a keynote luncheon featuring L. Chris Stewart, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney. Stewart challenged attendees to stay mission-aligned and reminded them of the critical role Black lawyers play in both courtrooms and communities.
The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association (VHFCNBA) launched its 2025 – 2026 programming year with its First Quarterly Membership Meeting, CLEs, and Wellness Retreat, held September 5 - 6 at the Innisbrook Golf Resort.
The two-day event brought together lawyers, judges, students, and community leaders from across Florida for a blend of professional development, wellness, and fellowship. The retreat marked the first in a series of four quarterly meetings designed to advance VHFCNBA’s annual theme, “Strengthening Our Power Through Unity.”
Day one opened with VHFCNBA’s formal membership meeting, followed by a keynote luncheon featuring L. Chris Stewart, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney and the first lawyer to secure a billion-dollar jury verdict in U.S. history for a sexual assault victim, according to the organization. Stewart challenged attendees to stay mission-aligned and reminded them of the critical role Black lawyers play in both courtrooms and communities.
The afternoon CLE programming featured three panels focusing on professional wellness:
- Staying on Course: When Burnout Impacts the Rules of the Game – addressing the intersection of ethics and lawyer well-being, with panelists Judge Barbara Twine Thomas, Lanse Scriven, and Shari Warner.
- The Business of Being Black in Law: Owning Your Swing, Setting Your Price – exploring financial wellness, pricing, and building sustainable practices, with panelists Karla Jones Wilson, Charis A. Campbell, and Financial Advisor Joseph Melhado.
- Clearing the Rough: Using AI and Automation to Reclaim Your Time – highlighting responsible adoption of legal tech, with panelists Kara Vaval, and Vanessa Ferguson.
VHFCNBA members participate in a guided yoga and meditation session during the wellness portion of the Innisbrook retreat.
The day concluded with a networking reception that brought together VHFCNBA members and students, fostering connection and collaboration with the next generation of future lawyers.
Day two shifted the focus to personal wellness, offering attendees a choice between golf with a pro or guided yoga and meditation, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to sustainable leadership and balance.
“Our goal is to create intentional spaces where Black lawyers can sharpen their skills, care for their well-being, and amplify our collective voice,” said Brendalyn Edwards, president of VHFCNBA. “This retreat reminded us that unity and wellness are not luxuries but necessities in this moment for our profession and our communities.”
Next up, VHFCNBA will continue its quarterly series with the Inaugural Florida Black Lawyers Summit at Florida A&M College of Law in Orlando on November 21.
For more information about VHFCNBA’s programs, visit https://virgilhawkinsnba.com/.
The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association was founded in the 1950s by a group of Black lawyers who fought against injustice in Florida. Today, VHFCNBA consists of a network of nearly 1,000 attorneys statewide with 16 affiliate chapters throughout Florida.
The goals of VHFCNBA are:
- To promote the administration of justice
- To preserve the independence of the judiciary
- To uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession
- To encourage economic empowerment for all American citizens
- To protect the civil and political rights of the citizens of the United States of America as guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Florida
- To promote legislation and initiatives to further this mission
