The Florida Bar

With the recent extension for submissions for the 2025 High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition, students are working extra hard to polish those briefs and begin preparing arguments for a chance to argue a case in front of the Supreme Court! ⚖️💪 As they prepare their briefs and get ready for oral arguments, though, some teams are still looking to be matched with an attorney-coach to lead the way through this exciting competition. Coaches can meet with teams virtually, so you can still help these students prepare even if you're not nearby. Sign up to be paired with a team on the Bar’s website! ✨🤝💯 https://lnkd.in/eDDwYBuz

Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Jack Tuter has spent the past several months leading seminars, meeting with the local trial lawyers, and working with colleagues to develop proposed orders. New rules that frame the Supreme Court’s civil justice reforms take effect January 1, and Tuter expects a sea change. “I think it’s one of the biggest changes I’ve seen in my 43 years practicing civil law, and the lawyers need to adjust, they need to get on board,” Tuter said. https://lnkd.in/ezptCxFT

Jacksonville veteran BOG member Michael Fox Orr has become the President-Elect Designate of The Florida Bar. "I am humbled by this opportunity to lead more than 113,000 Florida Bar members," he said. "This honor would not have been realized without the tremendous support of my friends and colleagues throughout Florida." Michael has years of leadership experience within Florida's legal community. He previously served as president of the Jacksonville Bar Association in 2022 and the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division in 2014. He was first elected to the Board of Governors in 2017. He also chairs the Program Evaluation Committee and serves on the Executive Committee and the Special Committee for Artificial Intelligence, Tools & Resources. Michael also serves as board liaison to the Civil Procedure Rules Committee. Congratulations, Michael! Looking forward to your leadership! 🎉 https://lnkd.in/eQUfdf7p

DBR: After nearly a quarter century of donning the black robe, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge David C. Miller will hang it up at the end of the year. Attorneys who appeared before Miller in court, say the state court is losing a devoted judge. https://lnkd.in/e-ffnFhW

It's lunchtime on Tuesday, and we're willing to bet some guilty parties are enjoying a sack lunch at their desk. 🤫 You earned a break! Even if it's just a quick one ... maybe ten minutes to enjoy Briefs? 👀😉 Take a breather and catch up on Florida's legal news before clocking out for the holidays! 🎙️🎧 https://lnkd.in/eQRr33-J

The Lake County, Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Office participated in Bay and Lake Pharmacy’s “Santa Loves Seniors” gift donation program supporting LovExtension, a nonprofit, volunteer organization founded by former Lake County Deputy Clerk Linda Krupski to support underserved elderly and disabled communities in Lake County and The Villages. “It is always heartwarming to see the generous amount of thought and care taken by our clerk family to ensure that someone’s Christmas will be a bit brighter,” said Lake County Clerk Gary Cooney. https://lnkd.in/eEgRJ4-B

Looking for a fresh start in 2025? Look no further than The Florida Bar! 💪 We have openings available statewide for positions from entry to senior level and everything in between. 💼 Check out FloridaBar.org/Employment for all opportunities and get your 2025 started on the right foot! ✨⚖️🤝

ICYMI, there is a new episode of "On Civility" from The Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism at The Florida Bar available, where First DCA Judge Ross Bilbrey advises that zealous advocacy on behalf of a client is fine — but he says true professionals work with their opponents to settle as many issues as possible without court intervention. Bilbrey has some advice for lawyers who test the limits of zealous advocacy — “Don’t fight the extraneous stuff,” and remember the “Cowboy Code.” “You fight over what matters, you don’t fight just for the purpose of fighting." https://lnkd.in/en4xnfXZ

Komal Mirza likens her experience with The Florida Bar’s Wm. Reece Smith, Jr., Leadership Academy to the spark that launches a rocket — propelling professionals to new heights in their careers. Since graduating from the Academy’s Class VI in 2019, Mirza’s journey has taken her across the state and beyond, where she leveraged the connections and leadership skills gained through the program. If Komal’s story resonates with you, that’s great news because the deadline for Leadership Academy applications has been extended to January 31! https://lnkd.in/dnTJN2ki

Every year, the Florida Supreme Court releases a certification opinion naming the number of judges they anticipate the need for at the county, circuit, and appellate levels. This year, the Court has certified the need for 23 additional circuit court judgeships, 25 for the county courts, and two more on the Sixth DCA. Read about the specifics in the Bar News. https://lnkd.in/etfy5nvJ