The Florida Bar's LegalFuel Podcast

Many attorneys rely heavily on their nonlawyer staff to assist with the extensive workload that comes along with running a practice.  It is very easy to begin to lean on competent and experienced staff members to handle significant components of cases, but it is critical that attorneys have a clear understanding of the Bar Rules that address the appropriate roles of nonlawyers. In today's episode host Jamie Moore welcomes back Florida Bar Ethics Counsel, Jonathan Grabb, to discuss guidelines for the roles of nonlawyers and the attorneys that supervise them. The Florida Bar Professional Ethics Committee has created the Legal Assistants and Nonlawyer Employees Ethics Informational Packet that addresses proper and improper activities of nonlawyer staff. If your questions or issues are not addressed in this episode, you can contact The Bar's Ethics Hotline. Jonathan Grabb graduated cum laude from Florida State University's College of Law in 2008 and became the Ethics Counsel for The Florida Bar in November 2021, after serving in the Ethics & Advertising Department for 8 years as an Assistant Ethics Counsel. Jonathan has fielded more than 20,000 calls on the ethics hotline, reviewed thousands of lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff opinions. Prior to working at The Florida Bar, Jonathan was a Senior Attorney at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 6870.REFERENCED RESOURCES: Rules, Ethics & ProfessionalismLegal Assistants and Nonlawyer Employees – Ethics Informational PacketSubject Index of Ethics OpinionLawyer RegulationABA Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services 

Have you ever considered starting your own law practice? It's an appealing question – imagine being your own boss, setting your own schedule, and only accepting cases that you are excited about. There are certainly a lot of pros to starting your own practice, but for every pro, there are also several cons to consider.In today's episode, host Jamie Moore welcomes Cristina Alonso of Alonso Appeals to discuss what it's like to start and manage your own law practice.Cristina Alonso of Alonso Appeals is Board Certified in Appellate Practice by The Florida Bar. She handles appellate litigation in state and federal courts. She has handled over 100 appellate matters, including matters before the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, the Florida Supreme Court, and all Florida district courts of appeal. She also works as an integral part of trial teams, having served as counsel at over 25 trials. Her work includes providing litigation support, including ensuring that issues are preserved for appellate review, and drafting and arguing complex pre-trial motions, case dispositive motions, jury instructions, and post-trial motions. Her work also includes developing innovative strategies for new and evolving theories of liability, representing individuals and corporations in high-stakes litigation, managing national and statewide litigation, and providing appellate consulting services to trial counsel. Her experience spans various practice areas such as complex business litigation, constitutional and civil rights, mass tort litigation, and products liability. She was honored by the Daily Business Review as the “The Most Effective Lawyer” in Appellate Practice of 2014 and as one of “The Most Effective Lawyers” of 2009 in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. She was recognized by The National Law Journal as one of the 40 Minorities under 40 of 2011. She also received the Florida Diversity Council's 2012 Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award, was named a Top Lawyer in the South Florida Legal Guide 2013-2022, and was selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers 2013-2022. Cristina currently serves as the Chair-Elect of the Solo and Small Firm Section of the Florida Bar, and as an appointed member of the Board of Governors.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course #6784.REFERENCED RESOURCES:Alonso AppealsLeadershipBlogPublicationsSolo & Small Firm Section of The Florida BarSection WebsiteNew Law Practice/New Office ChecklistChoose a Corporate StructureMember BenefitsStart a Law Firm TopicsABA Article: I'm Ready to Start My Own Law Practice – What Are the Pitfalls?Join the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral ServiceWixLegalFuel

We all know that the practice of law can be extremely stressful, and unfortunately, lawyers have consistently experienced higher rates of depression and substance abuse. Because of this, The Florida Bar's Mental Health & Wellness of Florida Lawyers Committee continues to strive to bring awareness to the resources available to Bar members. One of the resources, Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., or FLA, provides confidential assistance through assessments, referrals, education, and support groups. In today's episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore, welcome Dan McDermott and Carol Parks, of Florida Lawyers Assistance. We discuss programs and services available to assist attorneys, judges, law students, and other legal professionals who may be impaired in their ability to function in a legal setting. Dan McDermott was appointed Executive Director by the Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc Board of Directors, effective June 15, 2020. Dan graduated from Yale University and The University of Iowa College of Law. Following a two-year clerkship with the Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Dan practiced law in Cedar Rapids for 5 years before moving to Washington, DC. He then began what is now a more than three decades-long stint as a lawyer in recovery. Dan worked in government relations in the financial services and technology sectors, before becoming Head of US Government Relations of Visa, the world's largest electronic payment network. At FLA, Dan is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations. The foundation of his work is assuring that members of Florida's legal community receive compassionate interaction and appropriate counseling. Carol Parks received her B.A. in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University. She then became a Florida Certified Health Professional, received a Master of Science in Counseling from Nova University, and a Master of Business Administration from St. Leo University. She has worked tirelessly to educate and treat those suffering from addiction and mental health issues. From behavioral health technician to Chief Executive Officer of a 100-bed dual-diagnosis facility, Carol has the advantage of understanding all aspects of treatment from evaluation to aftercare, and from discovery to recovery. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Illness Awareness CLE credit. Course #6704. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Florida Lawyers AssistanceMeetings & EventsCLEFlorida Bar Mental Health and Wellness CenterMember Benefits Program: Mental Health and WellnessFlorida Bar News: Group Provides Support for Working MothersLegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida BarLegalFuel: Free CLE

Most of us at one time or another might have heard the saying, “great minds think alike.” Perhaps our colleagues have said it when collectively the same decision is made, or an exceptional idea is brainstormed in a group. But do great minds think alike, or do great minds think differently?In today's episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Haley Moss, author of Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals. We discuss how having a better understanding of neurodivergence can help lawyers foster positive relationships with their colleagues and help them work more effectively with the clients they serve.  About Haley Moss:Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, Haley Moss's parents were told that she might not ever finish high school or earn a driver's license. Today she is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, keynote speaker, educator, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. Haley is a consultant to top corporations and nonprofits that seek her guidance in creating a diverse workplace, and a sought-after commentator on disability rights and the Americans With Disabilities Act.The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley's books include “Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals” (ABA Book Publishing; June 2021), “The Young Autistic Adult's Independence Handbook” (Jessica Kingsley Publishers; November 2021), “A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders” (Jessica Kingsley Publishers; October 2014), and “Middle School — The Stuff Nobody Tells You About: A Teenage Girl With High-Functioning Autism Shares Her Experiences” (AAPC Publishing; March 2010) Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, GQ, Bustle, Fast Company, Law 360 Pulse, and the ABA Journal.Haley earned her law degree from the University of Miami School of Law with numerous honors. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2019, she is the recipient of awards including the American Bar Association Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice Division's Breaking Barriers Award (2021), D-30 Disability Impact List (2021), Road Less Traveled Award from Ms. JD (2020), Outstanding Self-Advocate Award from University of Miami — Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (2018), and Publix Self-Advocate of the Year from the Palm Beach County Special Needs Advisory Coalition (2018).This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Illness Awareness CLE credit. Course #6579. 

The Florida Bar's Lawyer Referral Service was created in 1972 to bridge the gap for individuals in need of legal services by referral method with licensed attorneys. The Lawyer Referral Service serves an important purpose in providing clients with an unprejudiced referral to a licensed attorney who has the experience and knowledge in the area of law suitable to the client's legal needs. In today's episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Christine Bilbrey, to discuss how attorneys can become a member of the Bar's Lawyer Referral Service to serve Floridians and grow their client base. Christine Bilbrey is the Director of The Florida Bar's Practice Resource Center, and one of the hosts of The Florida Bar's LegalFuel podcast series. In addition to the Practice Resource Center, Christine oversees all things related to the Lawyer Referral Service and is also the staff liaison for The Florida Bar's Standing Committee on Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers. Christine holds a master's degree in Business Administration and a bachelor's degree in Legal Administration. She previously served as the principal firm administrator at area law firms in her hometown of Pensacola, Florida. Prior to joining The Florida Bar, Christine was a certified HR classroom and virtual trainer for the world's largest credit union.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 6473. REFERENCED RESOURCES: The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral ServiceLawyer Referral Service Office: 800-342-8011LawyerReferral@FloridaBar.orgJoin the Lawyer Referral ServiceLawyer Referral Service Membership ApplicationCoverage AreasLawyer Referral Service RulesThe Rules Regulating The Florida BarChapter 8LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not new concepts for law firm managers, however the pandemic resulted in more firms acknowledging that remote and hybrid models do work and are worth investing in long-term.  According to a recent American Lawyer survey, “80% of firms have completed, or are currently developing, formal assessments of roles and individual workers to see if they were eligible for full remote work in perpetuity—beyond the pandemic.”In today's episode host Karla Eckardt welcomes Garima Goswami and Andreas Becker, of Lawyaw, a Clio company, to discuss their eBook on managing remote and hybrid law firms.Garima Goswami is the Content Manager at Lawyaw. She is in charge of studying the current state and upcoming trends within the legal industry and creating content based on the findings. Previously, she worked as a content marketer in the finance automation industry focusing prominently on the digital payments sector; led crisis management and communication projects; and, worked as a journalist for print media before transitioning into SaaS marketing.  Andreas Becker is the Director of Business Development of Lawyaw at Clio. He has spent the last three and a half years working closely with thousands of legal professionals across the country to help streamline their practices. Prior to Lawyaw, Andreas practiced for several years as a personal injury and real estate attorney. He received his J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and a B.A. in Legal Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course #6243.REFERENCED RESOURCES:Lawyaw, part of ClioeBook: Tips for Managing Remote and Hybrid Law FirmseBook: How to Implement Process Optimization at Law FirmsArticle: How Law Firms Can Reinvent Talent Acquisition and Retention StrategiesThomson Reuters: 2021 Report on the State of the Legal MarketThe American LawyerArticle: Most Lawyers and Staff Are Now Eligible for Hybrid WorkArticle: For Hybrid to Work Longterm, Law Firm Processes Need Refresh ALA Legal Management Magazine: Let's Make a DealABA Formal Opinion 483

Back in the 1960s, doctors were not yet aware that physical exercise could improve cardiovascular health. Flash forward to today and scientists are proving that with the right mental training, we can change the structure of our brains resulting in improved memory, strengthened focus, better decision making, and even reduced stress and anxiety.Many of these studies have been conducted on groups of people who work in what are identified as “High-Demand” professions including soldiers and athletes. We know that the practice of law easily falls into this high-demand designation, so today we have brought in an expert to educate us on how we can integrate brain training into our lives in the same way we use a regular exercise program to strengthen our bodies. Dr. Amishi Jha is a professor of psychology at the University of Miami. She serves as the Director of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative, which she co-founded in 2010. She received her Ph.D. from the University of California–Davis and postdoctoral training at the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center at Duke University. Dr. Jha's work has been featured at TED, NATO, the World Economic Forum, and The Pentagon. She has received coverage in the New York Times, NPR, TIME, and Forbes. She is also the author of the national bestseller, Peak Mind, Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Mental Illness CLE credit. Course #­­5975.REFERENCED RESOURCES:Amishi.comamishi.com/books/peak-mind

In 2021 The Florida Bar Board of Governors launched a three-month beta test of a tech support helpline. After much success, the non-emergency Florida Bar Tech Helpline was added to the Member Benefits catalog in February 2022. The Tech Helpline offers routine remote services, including basic troubleshooting, operating system support, and technical setup for home and remote offices.In today's episode host Christine Bilbrey welcomes Adriana Linares, owner of LawTech Partners, operator of The Florida Bar Tech Helpline.Adriana Linares is a legal technology consultant and trainer. She is a frequent speaker at national technology conferences and a regular contributor to legal blogs, publications, and podcasts. In 2013 she was selected as a Fastcase 50 honoree, recognizing “the law's smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries, and leaders.” She served as Chair of the American Bar Association TECHSHOW 2017 and was profiled as a Legal Rebel Trailblazer by the ABA Journal in 2018. She is also the Technology & Practice Management Advisor of the San Diego County Bar Association. She has served as a technology consultant the Florida Bar Board of Governors and operates The Florida Bar Tech Support Helpline.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for .5 hours of General CLE credit including .5 hours of Technology CLE credit. Course #­­5911.REFERENCED RESOURCES:The Florida Bar Tech HelplineLegalFuel Technology ResourcesTechnology CLEs 

The Florida Bar's Practice Resource Center gets a lot of questions about trust accounting and technology, but one of the most popular topics members contact us about is Continuing Legal Education (CLE). They want to know how to find our free CLEs, or they are having trouble posting credits, or they are confused about the CLE requirements. New attorneys have questions about the Basic Skills Course Requirements (BSCR) and more experienced attorneys are looking for courses to maintain their Board Certification status. So, to help us bring clarity to all things CLE, we have brought in the expert.In today's episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome Director of The Bar's Legal Specialization and Education (LSE) Department, Maritza McGill, to discuss all things CLE.Maritza McGill is the Director of the Legal Specialization and Education (LSE) Department of The Florida Bar. Maritza graduated from The Florida State University and was a Program Administrator at The Florida Bar from 1982-1997. She returned to the Bar in 2012 as Assistant to the Director of LSE and in 2015 she was promoted to Certification Specialist. In 2018 Maritza became the Assistant Director of LSE and then in 2022, was named Director.  As the LSE Director, Maritza has oversight of the certification program, course accreditation and CLE/BSCR compliance of members.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course #­­5877.REFERENCED RESOURCES:Florida Bar Member PortalYour CLE RecordsFlorida Bar Continuing Legal EducationOn-Demand CLE CatalogGeneral CLE Info & RequirementsCLER Forms and ApplicationsPetition for Removal of CLER DelinquencyCLER FAQsOrder CLE CD/DVD ProductsBasic Skills Course Requirement (BSCR) FAQsBSCR Forms and PetitionsBSCR Phase 1: Practicing with Professionalism (PWP)BSCR Phase 2: Basic CoursesArticle: ABA CLEs Ineligible for FL CLE CreditLegalFuel Free CLEs

Disciplinary Actions are likely the most closely read section of each edition of The Florida Bar News. However, total discipline cases are actually on the decline. According to the Bar's website, in a typical year, the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) receives over 16,000 requests for assistance; and only about 25% of those inquiries result in the opening of a disciplinary file. Last year 3,364 files were opened which resulted in only 318 Supreme Court Discipline cases.In today's episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome back Deputy Director of Lawyer Regulation, Patricia Savitz, to discuss The Florida Bar's lawyer discipline process. If your questions or issues are not addressed, you can contact LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar for guidance.Patricia Savitz has been with the Bar since 1997 and was previously Bar Counsel with the Orlando Branch of The Florida Bar where she handled all aspects of Bar disciplinary proceedings. She was recently promoted to Deputy Director for the Lawyer Regulation Department of The Florida Bar. Patti received both her undergraduate and her law degree from the University of Miami. Prior to working at the Bar, Patti was an Assistant Public Defender in the 20th Judicial Circuit in Fort Myers and was a Senior Attorney with the Department of Children and Families. She has done extensive appellate work including oral argument before the Fifth District Court of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course #5838­­. REFERENCED RESOURCES:The Florida Bar – Attorney DisciplineFlorida Bar Attorney Consumer Assistance (ACAP) Hotline 866.352.0707 The Rules Regulating The Florida BarChapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Every year, there are updates and changes to the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar and new Ethics Opinions. We are fortunate to have knowledgeable attorneys standing by on the Ethics Hotline responding to calls from our members. Because it's a new year, we are going to discuss some of the changes that have recently gone into effect as well as review other important ethics and advertising rules.In today's episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome back Florida Bar Ethics Counsel, Jonathan Grabb, to review rules and opinions that members frequently have questions about. If your questions or issues are not addressed, you can contact The Bar's Ethics Hotline or LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar for guidance.Jonathan Grabb became the Ethics Counsel for The Florida Bar in November 2021 after serving the Ethics & Advertising Department for 8 years as an Assistant Ethics Counsel. Jonathan has fielded more than 20,000 calls on the ethics hotline, reviewed thousands of lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff opinions. Prior to working at The Florida Bar, Jonathan was a Senior Attorney in the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Jonathan graduated cum laude from Florida State University's College of Law in 2008. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys going to the local rock-climbing gym with his wife and two daughters.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course #­­5771.REFERENCED RESOURCES: Florida Bar Ethics Hotline 800.235.8619LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida BarThe Rules Regulating The Florida BarChapter 1Chapter 4Florida Bar Ethics OpinionsProposed Advisory OpinionsSubject Index of Ethics OpinionsList of Florida Ethics Opinions by NumberOpinion 20-1Opinion 21-1Ethics Informational PacketsInterstate Law FirmsFlorida Bar Unlicensed Practice of Law ProgramUPL Formal Advisory Opinions

The Florida Supreme Court has partnered with the Bar to declare November “Legal Professionalism Month” and is asking members to rededicate themselves to the highest ideals of professionalism and civility in all they do.  To close out the month and as reference going forward, we thought we'd discuss how to navigate the new normal as it pertains to our virtual or socially distanced workplace interactions with colleagues and clients. In today's episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt are joined by Mr. Manners himself, Thomas Farley, to discuss all our modern professional etiquette dilemmas.Thomas P. Farley is a keynote speaker, workshop leader, syndicated columnist, and TV commentator. His clients have included the United States Department of Commerce, the Estée Lauder Companies, JPMorgan Chase, the Walt Disney Corporation, Bank of America, the American Automobile Association (AAA), the U.S. Army, Viacom, Toyota, and UPS. Thomas is a regular and popular guest on the NBC Today show, where he fields questions on modern-day manners issues. In 2017, he debuted “Manners on the Move,” a special multi-part Today show series that examined incivility in America. His syndicated weekly column, “Ask Mister Manners,” appears in Tribune publications throughout the United States. His insights appear regularly in other media as well, including the Rachael Ray show, Inside Edition, Dr. Oz, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Wired and Money magazines, USA Today, CNN, VH1, and ABC. Thomas is a graduate of New York's Fordham University. He has been a guest lecturer at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and he edited the anthology “Modern Manners: The Thinking Person's Guide to Social Graces.”This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Professionalism CLE credit. Course #5680.REFERENCED RESOURCES:Thomas P. Farley - Mister MannersWorkshopsAsk Mr. MannersThe Florida Bar's Henry Latimer Center for ProfessionalismLegal Professionalism in the Electronic AgeBest Practices for Professional Electronic Communication

Don't let popular headlines fool you into thinking that only large firms with enormous bank accounts and ties to potentially criminal activity are at risk of cyberattacks. The reality is that firms small and large store client files full of confidential and personally identifiable information making them valuable targets to cyber criminals. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month so this month's episode will focus on one of the tenants of cybersecurity, protecting your files.    In today's episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt are joined by Rick Stiles to discuss and demystify secure file storage and file sharing. They'll also discuss basic cybersecurity practices that even solo and small firms can implement to secure the data they store and share in the cloud. If your questions or issues are not addressed, you can anonymously contact LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar for guidance. Rick Stiles is a communications technology veteran with decades of experience, Rick was Vice-President of some major telecom companies like HyperEdge and NA Communications, where he spearheaded and led the development of many innovative communications technologies, some of which are still commonly used today. As senior VP of Products and IP at AXEL, Rick brings real-world implementation and deployment experience with a deep understanding of networking disciplines. Rick has extensive expertise in the creation of intellectual property and is named in several significant U.S. patents including four current blockchain-specific pending patents. *CLE-eligble episode, course number pending. Check back soon.REFERENCED RESOURCES: LegalFuel Cybersecurity Resources FTC's Cybersecurity for Small Business AXEL.org AXEL Go, a secure cloud storage and file-sharing application 20% off Florida Bar Member Discount 

Here at the Practice Resource Center, we frequently get calls from lawyers who are thinking about starting their own firms and we explain that they will be doing two jobs: practicing law and running a small business.  In this latest episode, host Christine Bilbrey speaks with Amie Remington to discuss why law firms should consider outsourcing some or all their human resource functions. Amie Remington is the Chief Legal Officer for Transport Leasing Contract Inc. of the TLC Companies, a 57,000-worksite employee Professional Employer Organization. Prior to this, she was General Counsel for fifteen years at a professional HR organization where she advised businesses on employment-related legal issues. Amie was a partner at the law firm of Bozeman, Jenkins & Matthews in Pensacola where she represented employers, management, and the State of Florida in all types of employment-related matters. Amie serves on the National Association of Professional Employer Organization's Legal Advisory Committee and on the Florida Association of Professional Employer Organization's Board of Directors.  This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit. Course #5585.  REFERENCED RESOURCES: https://www.napeo.org/ https://www.fapeo.org/ Can Your Law Firm Work with a PEO? Why Law Firms Should Outsource Human Resources Functions Florida Lawyers Helpline Call 833-351-9355 

Today, practicing law requires a lot more technology know-how than in the past. Back in 2016, The Florida Supreme Court increased the number of mandatory CLE hours to include 3 in technology. We know that members are taking advantage of our large library of free CLE courses to get technology credit, but some lawyers have managed to successfully avoid actually using technology either by having support staff deal with it or by being very dependent on an IT specialist.In today's episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt discuss frequently asked tech questions as well as the answers, solutions, and tips they would offer in response. If your questions or issues are not addressed, you can anonymously contact LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar for guidance.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course #5559.Visit www.legalfuel.com/podcast for referenced resources.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg received her B.A. from Cornell University, attended Harvard Law School, and, in 1959, went on to graduate top of her class at Columbia Law School. Despite these impressive accomplishments, she didn't receive a single job offer upon graduation. She persevered and eventually became the second woman to ever serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. We've come a long way since the days where, like Justice Ginsburg, women lawyers were offered lower salaries because their husbands had high paying jobs or when they wore loose clothing to hide their pregnancies for fear of losing their jobs. However, studies suggest that the progress has been rather slow.    In today's episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with Anne Brafford to discuss what the studies are telling us about the current state of women in the law, how firms can successfully retain and engage female lawyers, and how doing so improves the profession for everyone. Anne Brafford is a former equity partner at Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP and the founder of Aspire, an education and consulting firm for the legal profession. Anne is the Vice President of the Institute for Well-Being in Law, formerly known as the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being. She is the Chair and founder of IWIL's Well-Being Week in Law. She was the Editor-in-Chief and co-author of the 2017 report of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being. Anne is a past Chair of the ABA Law Practice Division's Attorney Well-Being Committee. She created the ABA Well-Being Toolkit for Lawyers and Legal Employers and is the author of an ABA-published book titled Positive Professionals, which provides science-based guidance to law firm leaders for boosting work engagement for lawyers. Anne is nearing completion of her doctoral work in positive organizational psychology. Her research focuses on lawyer thriving, positive leadership, workplace well-being, work engagement, motivation, mental health, inclusion, and the retention and advancement of women lawyers. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Mental Illness Awareness credit. Course #5467.REFERENCED RESOURCES: New Strategies For Engaging and Retaining Women Lawyers Building Workplace Well-Being Workplace Well-Being Handbook For Law Firms 2021 ($100.00)Review the Table of Contents to see all the helpful information that's included.ABA Well-Being Toolkit for Lawyers and Legal Employers Positive Professionals: Creating High-Performing Profitable Firms Through the Science of Engagement Aspire: Helping Law Firms & Lawyers Thrive 

Helping others gives a lawyer's work meaning but carrying the weight of their client's stress and trauma can also exact a heavy toll on a lawyer's well-being. Secondary trauma is caused when one is indirectly exposed to someone else's trauma, and it can develop into secondary traumatic stress which manifests itself in ways that mimic PTSD. Secondary Trauma can especially affect lawyers, judges, and child advocates like Guardian ad litem that work in juvenile justice, criminal justice, and family law. The Florida Bar's Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers Committee has been tirelessly working to destigmatize mental illness, recommend best practices and remedies, and help bring more balance into lawyers' daily professional lives. In furtherance of this Bar-wide initiative, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with Dr. Erika Tullberg about the signs, symptoms, and causes of secondary trauma as well as ways to alleviate its impact on legal professionals. Dr. Erika Tullberg is an Assistant Professor at NYU's Langone Health's Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, where her work focuses on the trauma-related needs of children that have experienced maltreatment, and the related needs of their parents and the caretakers, staff and systems that serve them.  She is currently serving as the Associate Director of NYU's NCTSN Center for Child Welfare Practice Innovation, which is developing and implementing trauma-informed child welfare practices in partnership with child welfare providers around the country. Dr. Tullberg earned her PhD at the City University of New York School of Public Health, her MPH at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, her MPA at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, and her BA at Columbia College.  She is also a foster and adoptive parent. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Mental Illness Awareness CLE credit. Course #5313. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Understanding Secondary Trauma: A Guide for Lawyers Working with Child Victims The Florida Bar's Health and Wellness CenterSecondary Traumatic Stress Scale Proqol.com Pocket Card Pocket Card PDFNCTSN: Secondary Traumatic Stress NCTSN: The Resilience Alliance: Promoting Resilience and Reducing Secondary Trauma Among Welfare Staff – Participant Handbook Relevant articles by Dr. Erika Tullberg Taking an organizational approach to addressing secondary trauma in child welfare settings The Essential Role of Supervisors in Addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress 

Social media platforms have become ubiquitous marketing tools. According to a report by the Interactive Advertising Bureau and conducted by PwC, social media advertising revenues reached $41.5 billion in 2020, which is nearly 30% of all internet advertising revenue. So, how can Florida lawyers leverage social media to create impactful advertisements while ensuring compliance with Florida Bar ethics rules? To help answer this question, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with Jesse R. Butler about The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division's (YLD) Social Media Pocket Guide, a handbook created in collaboration with the Ethics and Advertising Department of The Florida Bar in an effort to assist Florida lawyers in complying with the rules governing lawyer advertising. Jesse R. Butler has served as the Chair of the YLD Technology Committee since 2019. He graduated from the University of Florida Law School and is a partner at Dickinson & Gibbons in Sarasota. He is Board Certified in Appellate Practice and has handled appeals throughout Florida, in Federal court, and he is also admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court. Jesse was a member of the inaugural class of The Florida Bar Leadership Academy. He previously served as President of the Sarasota County Bar Association's Young Lawyers' Division after serving for several years on the board as a director and he is also the Chair of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. In 2020, Jesse was re-elected to his third term on the Board of Governors for The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, where he represents the Twelfth Judicial Circuit.  This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course #5027. REFERENCED RESOURCES:  YLD's Social Media Pocket Guide Advertising Regulation and Information Page of The Florida Bar Handbook on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation Quick Reference Checklist – Targeted Social Media Advertising Guidelines for Networking Sites Florida Ethics Opinions Search 

In March, The Florida Bar announced the launch of a test program—The Florida Bar Tech Support Helpline—to assist solo and small firm lawyers with technology issues and assistance. The three-month beta initiative is an experiment to see if solo and small firm lawyers could benefit from a non-emergency IT helpline. It runs through June 11th. The program, operated by LawTech Partners, is intended to serve solo and small-firm lawyers who typically can't afford full-time IT departments or managers; it offers remote computer, software and related tech support via phone, live chat, email, or virtual appointment. If successful, the Tech Support Helpline could eventually be added to the Bar's Member Benefits program.On today's bonus episode, guests Adriana Linares, Jay Kim, and Scott Westheimer join host Karla Eckardt to promote the Tech Support Helpline and go over some important FAQs. Adriana Linares, owner of LawTech Partners, is a legal technology consultant and trainer.  Jay Kim has served on The Florida Bar Board of Governors since 2016 and is currently Chair of the Board Technology Committee.  Scott Westheimer has served on The Florida Bar Board of Governors since 2013 and is currently a member of the Board Technology Committee. Note: This bonus episode is NOT available for CLE credit. REFERENCED RESOURCES: The Florida Bar Tech Support Helpline (BETA)Florida Bar Member Benefits

In 2020 the Florida Supreme Court adopted a presumptive three-month parental leave rule for many court cases that would require judges to grant a lead attorney's request for leave for the birth or adoption of a child. More recently, The Florida Bar's YLD published an excellent resource entitled, A Practical Guide to Parental Leave for Employers: What to Expect When Your Employee is Expecting. In this episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with Iris Elijah and Anisha Patel about the YLD Guide and the shifting landscape of parental leave in the legal profession.  Iris Elijah is the Associate General Counsel for FIU. Iris is the President-Elect Designate of the YLD and Chair of its Inclusion and Equality Committee. She serves on the Board of the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Assoc., is a Miami-Dade FAWL Foundation Board member, and a member of the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Anisha Patel is a commercial litigation attorney at Hill Ward Henderson in Tampa, where she represents individuals and firms in a variety of business-related disputes. Anisha currently serves an ex-officio board member of the HCBA YLD and as a governor on The Florida Bar YLD BoG, where she is the Vice Chair of the Inclusion and Equality committee. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit. Course #4800. REFERENCED RESOURCES: YLD's A Practical Guide to Parental Leave for Employers Florida Courthouse Lactation Room Inventory FAWL Courthouse Lactation Room Handbook Mamava Lactation Room Locator App In Re: Amendments to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration – Parental Leave, SC18-1554 Sample Parental Leave Policy Article: Drafting a Personal Leave Policy Article: Is a Parental Leave Policy Right for Your Business? DoL – Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Guide Congressional Research Service – Guide to Paid Family Leave in US 

Pre-COVID, legal professionals operated in a world centered around in-person interactions; meeting with clients, colleagues, appearing in court, attending mediations, the list goes on. COVID took all human interactions virtual and now even happy hours happen on Zoom. While we are cautiously optimistic that soon we'll slowly start making our way back into the office and gathering in-person, some firms are permanently integrating the tech-centered changes that worked well for them during COVID. In this episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with Rochelle Birnbaum Chiocca about shifting from traditional in-person methods used to recruit, hire, and onboard new employees to accomplishing it all in a virtual setting. They discuss the benefits, and some of the pitfalls, of the virtual process and offer some practical tips and resources available to solo, small, and large firms alike.  Rochelle Birnbaum Chiocca is a partner in the West Palm Beach office of Cole, Scott & Kissane.  For the past twenty years, her practice has focused on construction defect litigation, premises liability matters, and insurance coverage disputes. Rochelle became Cole, Scott & Kissane's Director of Recruiting in February 2020.  She is responsible for the hiring of law clerks and attorneys at all fourteen offices of Florida's largest law firm.  This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit. Course #4673. REFERENCED RESOURCES:  FSU's Career Services and Professional Development Office  UF's Office of Career and Professional Development  FIU's Ovadia Career Planning and Placement Office  UM's Career Development Office  FAMU's Career Planning and Professional Development Office  Stetson's Office of Career and Professional Development  Nova's Office of Career and Professional Development  Cole, Scott & Kissane CSK's LinkedIn  CSK's Facebook 

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal system links all of the 20 judicial circuit courts, the 5 District Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court – all through one single, integrated Portal website. Usage of the E-Filing Portal has grown significantly since it first began accepting documents in 2011. According to its 2019-2020 Annual Report, almost 300,000 registered filers use the system, sending over 25 million documents to the Florida's Court System annually. Still, the Portal remains a confounding topic for many practicing attorneys.  In this episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with Carolyn Weber about the Portal. They cover portal basics, FAQs, and discuss upcoming updates. Carolyn Weber joined the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers [FCCC] organization in November 2012 as the Portal Program Manager and has helped in the design and implementation of the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. She has worked with the Courts and Clerks both Federal and State for the past 38 years in a variety of roles. She was instrumental in the design and implementation of the Federal Court's e-Filing application CM/ECF. Carolyn has her MBA in Computer Information Systems.  This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit including 1 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course #4550. REFERENCED RESOURCES:  LegalFuel E-Filing Resources for Florida Lawyers Portal FAQs for Filers Portal Training Videos Portal Training Manuals & Materials Procertas - Florida State e-Filing Module Note: To request e-filing support, submit a support request form, email support@myflcourtaccess.com, or call (850) 577-4609 and leave a message.

Many of our listeners are new, solo, or small firm attorneys, so we like to explore and demystify as many topics as we can to help them in their practices. In this episode we explore the court reporting and captioning industry. Court reporters have long played a crucial role in the legal world, but there is a lot more to this industry than quietly recording testimony for the record. Hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with Christine Phipps about a court reporter's unique skills; the important role court reporters play before, during, and after trial; and how the court reporting and captioning industry is adapting to pandemic related challenges. They also discuss qualifications, certifications, and other practical considerations attorneys should evaluate when choosing a court reporter in Florida. Christine Phipps is a Registered Professional Reporter, the President of Phipps Reporting, Inc., and the current President of the National Court Reporters Association. She received her degree in court reporting from Broward State College. She spent the first two years of her career as an official court reporter and then the next 15 working all over the world as a freelance court reporter. Christine then opened her own court reporting and litigation support agency, Phipps Reporting. In addition to reporting, she is also an Eclipse Trainer and has served as Chair of the NCRA's Technology and Freelance Committees. Christine has received numerous awards including the 2014 Most Enterprising Woman of the Year and her company has made the Inc. 5000 list every year since 2014. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE credit. Course #4472. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Florida Courts: Court Reporting Florida Court Reporters Association FPR Certification Course National Court Reporters Association Making the Record: A Guide for Attorneys 2021 Court Reporting & Captioning Week (2/6-2/13) Phipps Reporting Remote Litigation Academy LegalFuel Resources Free CLE: Conducting Depositions Online – What You Need to Know Video Conference Toolkit Video: How To Conduct Remote International Depositions Florida Bar NewsTaking Effective Remote Depositions

2020 has been an unprecedented time of change for everyone and needless to say, there is a lot to talk about. So, for this final episode of 2020, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt discuss the year's greatest hits, including the most frequently asked questions at LegalFuel, some new Rules and Ethics opinions, a few tips on technology and working from home successfully, as well as some free Member Benefits that you may not be aware of including the new Lawyer Helpline.  Thank you for joining us today and throughout the year, for fitting us into your busy schedules, and welcoming us into your spaces. We understand that for many the holidays will look a little different this year. Nonetheless, we hope everyone has a chance to spend time with loved ones this holiday season, even if it's via Zoom. May the New Year bring health, happiness, and prosperity to you and yours.  This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.5 hours of General CLE Credit, 0.5 hours of Ethics Credit, and 0.5 hours of Technology Credit. Course #4374.  REFERENCED RESOURCES:  Visit the episode page on LegalFuel.com for referenced resources: https://www.legalfuel.com/the-greatest-hits-of-2020/

Back in 2006 when the idea of a Florida Registered Paralegal program was being considered, Judge Ross Goodman who was chair of the Special Committee to Study Paralegal Regulation stated “I think lawyers are going to realize the benefits of having this program is that they are going to have better trained paralegals; they are going to be able to identify the better paralegals in the hiring process; and the paralegals that they do have are going to get continuing education that is going to be a benefit to the lawyers and the law firms.” In this episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with CEO of Law Office Support Services and Chair of the Florida Registered Paralegal Enrichment Committee, Margo Valenti about what is required for a paralegal to become an FRP and the real value an FRP can bring to your firm. Margo Valenti is the Founder and CEO of Law Office Support Services: a virtual paralegal and legal support service for Solo Practitioners and Small Firms, and proud Member Benefits Provider for the Florida Bar. During a career that spans 30 years, Margo has held numerous positions with well-established law firms; from humble beginnings as a legal assistant trainee, to attaining Florida Bar Registered Paralegal status at the program's inception, to serving in the all-encompassing role of law firm administrator. Margo's last post before starting her own company was as a Senior Member of an IPO team charged with taking companies public on the New York Stock Exchange. Margo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Margo has had the honor of serving as the Vice-chair for The Florida Bar's newly formed FRP Enrichment Committee in 2019, as the Chair of its Communication Subcommittee. Currently, Margo serves as the Chair of the FRP Enrichment Committee. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Florida Registered Paralegal Program A Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) is a paralegal who has met the education, training, certification and work experience required for voluntary registration as set forth in Chapter 20 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. The Florida Registered Paralegal Eligibility and Compliance Committee is charged with assisting in the implementation and administration of the Florida Registered Paralegal program.  The Florida Registered Paralegal Enrichment Committee is charged with developing education programming, creating networking and social events to foster camaraderie among FRPs, and raising awareness of the FRP program and the benefits of FRP membership.  Law Office Support Services is a virtual paralegal and legal assistant subscription service that is designed around the specific needs of your practice. Whether working in your practice management software or on our team site, our time is tracked incrementally, and narratives of the work that we have performed are provided monthly for billing directly to your clients. Law Office Support Services is an approved Florida Bar Member Benefit.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit. Course #4331. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic has forced practitioners to quickly adopt new technologies, such as video conferencing. But there are serious privacy and security obligations that must be considered when utilizing these technologies and handling the information created through their use. In this episode of The Future of Florida Law, host Jonathon Israel welcomes attorneys Robert “Beau” Blumberg and Ronald “Ron” Hedges to speak on the impact of video conferencing on the practice of law in Florida including providing practical tips on how to navigate privacy and security considerations. Ronald J. Hedges, J.D., is a Senior Counsel with Dentons US LLP. He served as a United States Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey from 1986 to 2017. Mr. Hedges is a frequent writer and speaker on various topics related to, among other things, electronic information and is the lead author of Managing Discovery of Electronic Information: A Pocket Guide for Judges, Third Edition (Federal Judicial Center: 2017). He is also the Co-Senior Editor of The Sedona Conference Cooperation Proclamation:  Resources for the Judiciary, Third Edition. His full biography is available at https://www.dentons.com/en/ronald-hedges. Robert E. (Beau) Blumberg is a partner in the Miami Trial Law Firm of Deutsch Blumberg & Caballero, P.A. A Miami native he received his undergraduate and law degrees from the College of William and Mary and has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2014. Beau Blumberg currently serves as Vice Chair of The Florida Bar Standing Committee on Technology and is a current member of the Rules of Judicial Administration Committee of The Florida Bar, and Florida Bar Grievance Committee “A.” Beau is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Young Lawyers Section of the Dade County Bar Association. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hours of General CLE Credit including 1.0 hours of Technology Credit. Course #4428.

Practicing law was stressful enough before COVID-19 exacerbated the anxiety and depression that can come from worrying about finances, job security, or the health of loved ones. In response, The Florida Bar fast tracked the debut of the free, 24/7/365 mental health helpline. The Florida Lawyers Helpline is exclusively for Bar members to call and speak to mental health professionals, and if needed, receive up to three free in-person therapy sessions with licensed mental health counselors. Members can also call the helpline to receive financial consults or get assistance from caseworkers to locate eldercare and childcare providers, all at no charge. In this episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with CorpCare Vice President, Lisa Hardy, to discuss the Helpline and its confidentiality and independence from The Bar and to explain what members can expect when they call. Lisa Hardy is VP of Clinical Operations at CorpCare. She has over 35 years of experience in mental health, substance abuse and human resources and has been with CorpCare EAP since 2000 where she oversees all aspects of the program delivery systems and quality control. As a certified leadership coach, Lisa is a recognized international speaker on leadership development, corporate team building, resiliency and emotional health, employee wellness, substance abuse/addiction, workplace issues and anti-bullying. REFERENCED RESOURCES: The Florida Bar's Mental Health and Wellness Center Florida Lawyers Helpline The Florida Lawyers Helpline (1-833-FL1-WELL) is a 24/7/365 confidential service that connects Florida Bar members with mental health counselors and provides up to three in-person or telehealth counseling sessions per year at no cost to the member to help develop strategies to better deal with professional pressures and personal life challenges. The Florida Board of Bar Examiners The Florida Bar YLD's Supervised Practice Program WebpageThis podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit and 1 hour of Mental Illness Awareness Credit. Course #4260. 

While many lawyers likely credit much of their success to their high IQ's, studies have shown that the happiest and most successful people also possess high emotional intelligence (EI or EQ).    In this episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with Ronda Muir to discuss how attorneys can understand, use, and raise their emotional intelligence to increase their happiness and be more successful in their law practices.  Ronda Muir is the founder of Law People Management, which is one of the country's leading authorities on lawyer personalities and on integrating behavioral science into the legal workplace. For more information about this episode's guest visit https://www.lawpeopleblog.com/. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit and 1 hour of Mental Illness Awareness Credit. Course #4197. Visit the episode page on LegalFuel.com for referenced resources:  https://www.legalfuel.com/elevating-happiness-and-increasing-success-with-emotional-intelligence

Some attorneys have been using alternatives fee arrangements for years while others have staunchly held on to the traditional billable hour model. In the face of the current pandemic, many in the billable hour camp have been forced to innovate and transform their practices to ensure they continue to attract and retain clients.  In this episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk with Jim Mullaney to discuss how he's implemented alternative fee arrangements and other client-centered tools to build and grow his practice. A. James Mullaney III is a Jacksonville mediator and attorney who has been handling family law cases exclusively for over 20 years. Mr. Mullaney is a member of The Florida Bar's Solo & Small Firm and Family Law Sections. For more information about this episode's guest visit https://www.jimmullaney.com/. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit and 1 hour of Ethics Credit. Course #4151.REFERENCED RESOURCES:LegalFuelAlternative Pricing ModelsAlternative Fee Arrangements May Help You Attract ClientsCLE: How Lawyers Can Easily Offer Alternative Fee ArrangementsCLE: How to Optimize your Billing and Collections to Make your Practice More ProfitableCLE: Conducting Depositions Online – What You Need to Knowo   FL. Supreme Court Administrative OrdersFlorida Bar Rules & EthicsRRTFB: Rule 4-1.2 Objectives and Scope of RepresentationEthics Hotline: 800.235.8619Florida Bar Member BenefitsPractice ResourcesTrustBooksLawPayFlorida Supreme Court Family Law ResourcesFamily Courts Information pageFamily Law Forms Lawyerist.comLaw Firm Pricingo   Alternative Law Firm Pricing ModelsUnbundled Legal ServicesOtherClio Legal Trends Reporto   COVID-19's Impact on the Legal IndustrySmartVault Client Portal

Wondering about the difference between a qualifying provider and a lawyer referral service? Are you interested in becoming a qualifying provider or participating with one? Are you familiar with The Rules Regulating the Florida Bar that specifically address the division of fees between lawyers in different firms and the sharing of fees with nonlawyers? In this episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk with returning guest Jonathan Grabb to discuss the Qualifying Provider Rule, effective 2018, that amended rules regulating referral services. They also delve into which referral and fee splitting arrangements are permissible under the rules, finally putting to rest some long-held myths. Monica Burkes, of the Bar's Lawyer Regulation Department, is also on to talk about Qualifying Provider requirements and reporting procedures.  Jonathan Grabb is Assistant Ethics Counsel for the Ethics and Advertising Department at The Florida Bar. Monica Burkes is a legal secretary for the Bar's Lawyer Regulation Department. She manages the Qualifying Provider Service (QPS) database and handles all QPS annual reporting. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit and 1 hour of Ethics Credit. Course #4093. REFERENCED RESOURCES: EthicsQualifying Provider Rule: Changes, requirements, & Q&A Ethics Informational Packets – incl. Interstate Law Firms, Referral Fees, Of Counsel, Legal Assistants and Nonlawyer Employees, etc. Rules Regulating The Florida Bar Ethics Hotline: 800.235.8619 The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service https://lrs.floridabar.org/ Lawyers Apply: https://www.floridabar.org/member/lrs/ LegalFuel Practice Tips: Referral Fee Basics 

As we've discussed in previous episodes and articles, COVID-19 has prompted law firms to reassess their business continuity plans with many lawyers facing challenges that will permanently impact their careers. While some are going solo, others have opted for retirement. In this episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk with The Bar's own Jessica Malloy, Nathan McClure, and Jonathan Grabb to discuss the rules, processes, and best practices lawyers should consider when closing a firm, electing inactive membership status, or formally electing to retire from The Florida Bar. Jessica Malloy is the manager of the Membership Records Department at The Florida Bar.Nathan McClure is a specialist for the Membership Records Department at The Florida Bar.Jonathan Grabb is Assistant Ethics Counsel for the Ethics and Advertising Department at The Florida Bar.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit and 1 hour of Ethics Credit. Course #4053.REFERENCED RETIREMENT RESOURCES:Membership RecordsMembership Records Forms – incl. Petition for Retirement, Petition for Removal of Retirement Status, Petition for Removal of Inactive Status, etc. Contact: 850.561.5832 or membershiprecords@floridabar.org EthicsEthics Informational Packets – incl. Notifying Clients of Change in Firm Composition, Of Counsel, Closed Files, etc.Rules Regulating The Florida BarEthics Hotline: 800.235.8619LegalFuelChecklist for Lawyer Retirement, Law Office Closure, or Law Firm DissolutionCLE Podcast: Can I Afford to Retire?Document Library: Lawyer Changing Firms

Working from home has been thrust upon us all, and every part of our legal system has been deeply affected by the need to operate online. How should you navigate these changes? To help lawyers understand the new landscape created by COVID-19, Florida Bar Podcast hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome three guests, Judge Robert Hilliard, Rebecca Bandy, and Jack Newton, to hear their valuable perspectives on remote work for the legal profession.First, Judge Robert Hilliard of Florida's First Judicial Circuit shares how the judiciary has operated in the era of social distancing and what technology they have used to make the shift to virtual court proceedings. Judge Hilliard offers lawyers insights on how to navigate online court appearances and discusses what judicial operations may look like in the future.Following this conversation, Christine and Karla are joined by Rebecca Bandy, director of the Florida Bar's Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism, to discuss strategies for maintaining high professionalism standards while working from home. Rebecca shares common lawyer mishaps in virtual legal practice and offers best practice tips for maintaining privacy, confidentiality, proper video conference etiquette, and more.For their final interview, Christine and Karla talk with Clio CEO Jack Newton about how new, tech-driven processes can improve client experiences and make legal services more efficient. Jack also outlines Clio's resources for helping lawyers deliver legal services from home and digs into what the COVID-19 Impact Research Briefing shows about the current state of the profession.Finally, make sure your workspace is working for you! Christine and Karla share their tips for creating a comfortable, productive workspace in your home office.This episode, The Science of Working from Home (Course # 4041), has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for the following CLE credits:General - 2.0 hrsTechnology - 1.0 hrsMental Health Awareness - 1.0 hrsLinks Mentioned in Today's Podcast:Florida Courts Florida Courts Technology Commission Workgroup on the Continuity of Court Operations and Proceedings During and After COVID-19Henry Latimer Center for Professionalismhttps://www.floridabar.org/prof/Legal Professionalism in the Electronic Age (PDF Download)Clio Resources:Clio.comLegal Trends Reports

The Florida Bar's Rule 1-3.8 requires every member to designate an inventory attorney. Why? Your clients need to be protected in the event you are suddenly unable to practice law, and your inventory attorney will contact your clients and ensure the proper handling of their files. To help members understand how this process works, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk with Patricia Savitz about the details of Rule 1-3.8 and how to designate an inventory attorney through the Florida Bar member portal.Patricia Savitz is staff counsel for the Lawyer Regulation Department at the Florida Bar.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit and 1 hour of Ethics Credit. Course #3936.REFERENCED RESOURCES:LegalFuel Document Library: Inventory AttorneyFlorida Bar main site: Information Regarding Inventory Attorneys

The ever-evolving role of technology in records and information management has left many lawyers with a lot of questions. What do you need to know about on-site versus off-site data storage? How do you migrate from physical to electronic files? And what about record retention rules and document disposal practices? Together with records management expert John Montaña, Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckart explore best practices and discuss what members should do to ensure compliance with bar rules. John Montaña, J.D., F.I.I.M., F.A.I., is vice president of advisory services at Montaña & Associates.

The Florida Bar continues to seek to lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues and offer more support to its members in the future. To bolster these goals, it has been working to develop a partnership with CorpCare Associates, Inc. and their employee assistance program. Hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome George Martin and Lisa Hardy, both of CorpCare, to outline the many services offered through their program and explain how they have worked with other bar associations to provide 24/7 mental health help and extensive support for members.George W. Martin, Jr., is president and CEO of CorpCare Associates, Inc., a national employee assistance program company.Lisa Hardy is vice president of clinical operations at CorpCare Associates, Inc.The Florida Lawyers Helpline (1-833-FL1-WELL) is a free and confidential service that connects Florida Bar members with professional counselors. There's no cost for calls to the Helpline and you may be referred for up to three free telehealth counseling sessions per year to help you develop strategies to overcome life's challenges, balance priorities, and better handle both personal and professional pressures.In addition to mental health support, the Helpline's licensed and certified counselors can assist with other stressors members might face during or after the pandemic – such as providing a case manager to help find long-term care facilities for family members or financial consulting to help members with debt management, budgeting, and retirement planning. All these services are completely confidential and available at no cost to eligible Bar members.Florida Lawyers Helpline is provided through an agreement with CorpCare Associates Inc., which has over 200 professional counselors across Florida and 11,000 nationwide.Florida Bar members may reach the helpline by calling 1-833-FL1-WELL.Please note: this number is for Florida Bar members and is not a referral service to find a lawyer or make a complaint against a lawyer.Tenga en cuenta: Este número es sólo para miembros del Colegio de Abogados de la Florida (The Florida Bar). No es servició de referencia para asesoría legal ni es donde se presenta una queja en contra de un abogado.

Attracting new business is important to your legal practice, but there are many questions you should consider when marketing your firm. What type of content can your ad contain? How should you interact with potential clients online? Which marketing materials must be submitted to the Bar for review? From online campaigns to tv ads to social media posts, lawyers must follow advertising regulations and be aware of best practices. In this Florida Bar Podcast hosted by Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt, Elizabeth Tarbert of the Bar's ethics department offers guidance for ensuring compliant advertising and avoiding marketing violations.Elizabeth Tarbert has been ethics counsel for the Florida Bar since 1997.Find more information in the Florida Bar's Handbook on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General or Ethics CLE Credit. Course #3829

Why are millennials leaving their careers in law? Generational differences and breakdowns in communication often broaden the disconnect between the career goals of millennials and the traditional legal practice models of law firms. Florida Bar podcast host Christine Bilbrey talks with consultant JP Box about the millennial mindset and his recommendations for creating a culture that motivates young associates. JP encourages law firms to engage millennials in meaningful work early on and gives perspective on the work-life blend that fuels this new generation of lawyers.JP Box is the founder of JP Box Consulting LLC and author of, “The Millennial Lawyer: How Your Firm Can Motivate and Retain Young Associates,” published by the American Bar Association in 2018.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit. Course #3789.

Legal professionalism continually evolves alongside changes to the practice of law and advances in technology. What should be done to help lawyers maintain necessary and even exceptional levels of professionalism? In this edition of the Florida Bar podcast, host Jonathan Israel welcomes Mike Tanner to moderate a panel discussion between Ashlea Edwards, Judge Paul Huck, Judge Nelly Khouzam, and Kara Rockenbach on lawyer professionalism. They review the current definition of professionalism per the Florida Bar's Professionalism Expectations and give their take on what teaching strategies would encourage optimal professional behavior in Florida lawyers. To close out their conversation, they also discuss best practices for handling instances of unprofessional behavior. Ashlea Edwards is an associate attorney at Akerman LLP. Paul C. Huck is a Senior United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Judge Khouzam is a judge for Florida's Second District Court of Appeal. Kara Rockenbach is a founding partner of Link & Rockenbach.

Employment law violations happen in all businesses— even law firms. How can you protect your firm and, more importantly, your employees from harassment and other workplace issues? In this edition of the Florida Bar Podcast, Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome employment law expert Deborah Minnis to help lawyers understand the applications of Title VII and other antidiscrimination statutes within the law firm setting. They share examples of misconduct in law firms, offer advice on preventative training, and discuss the elements of harassment claims. Deborah also surveys current employment law trends to help law firms stay up to date on developments in this area of the law.Deborah Minnis is an attorney and shareholder at Ausley & McMullen in Tallahassee, Florida.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit. Course # 3732.

The Florida Bar wants you to get the most out of your membership, so tune in for this second installment in this series focusing on member benefits! Podcast hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt spotlight three prominent services available for free or with discounts through the Bar's member benefits program: Fastcase, ROSS Intelligence, and LegalFuel.  Segment 1: Fastcase - Ed Walters and Damien Riel share the driving forces behind the creation of Fastcase and offer insights into their ongoing goal to make legal research easily accessible for all lawyers. They also explain how to gain free access to Fastcase with your Florida Bar membership. Segment 2: ROSS Intelligence - Andrew Arruda discusses how ROSS's artificial intelligence features come alongside lawyers to offer faster, easier legal research processes. Andrew also highlights the value of ROSS's document analyzer. Florida Bar members can take advantage of a 14-day free trial and then receive a 10% discount.  Segment 3: LegalFuel - Jonathon Israel, director of the Florida Bar's Practice Resource Center, gives members an in-depth look at the programs available to them, including LegalFuel and its free practice management CLEs, the Lawyer Referral Service, and Lawyers Advising Lawyers.

The episode offers 1.0 hour of General or 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit and it is course number 3694. Did you know the Florida Bar offers its members over 70 free or discounted products and services? Check them all out, including its newest member benefit: TrustBooks. In part one of this two part series on member benefits, podcast hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk with Tom Boyle, CPA and TrustBooks co-founder, about what led him to develop trust accounting software tailored to lawyers' needs. They discuss the importance of ensuring your accounting is compliant with current state bar rules and how TrustBooks helps lawyers avoid common pitfalls. Tom also shares details on how TrustBooks can seamlessly integrate with both Clio and LawPay.

Is your practice in need of a firm administrator? You may be reticent to pass the baton, but it could help your firm become significantly more efficient and profitable. Florida Bar podcast hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt sit down with Debra Elsbury, president-elect of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), to discuss what lawyers need to know about the successful management of their law firms. They talk about how legal administrators save attorneys time and money and describe what the relationship between an administrator and managing partner should look like. Debra shares many of her personal experiences and offers insight into how administrative roles may differ from firm to firm.Debra Elsbury is the firm administrator for Threlkeld Stevenson in Indianapolis, Indiana.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit. Course # 3672.

In this special edition of the Florida Bar Podcast recorded at the Annual Convention in June, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt sit down with Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson to hear about her personal journey in the legal profession. She describes the path she took to eventually become Leon County Judge and shares valuable wisdom for lawyers on breaking through self-imposed barriers and creating personal meaning in the practice of law.Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson has served as a Leon County Judge in Tallahassee, Florida since 2008. Prior to her election, she spent the majority of her career representing teachers and university faculty as in-house counsel with the Florida Education Association and as adjunct faculty at Barry University's Tallahassee campus. She has distinguished herself as a first in many categories, including as the first Ethiopian-American judge in the United States and the first African-American elected president of the Tallahassee Women Lawyers and the Tallahassee Bar Association. She is also a former president of the William H. Stafford American Inn of Court. The Conference of County Court Judges of Florida awarded her the Distinguished Leadership Award in 2016, and she was also the recipient of the Florida Bar's 2019 Distinguished Judicial Service Award.

When we talk about technology, we like to focus on the innumerable benefits afforded to us, our businesses and our clients, but it's worth remembering that technology is a double-edged sword. Joining host Laurence Colletti at this year's Florida Bar's Annual Conference, victim's rights attorney Stephanie Cagnet Myron provides a chilling portrait of the dangers technology poses not only to our children but to all of us, in the form of cyberstalking, harassment, and more. They also discuss ways we, and parents especially, can work to protect ourselves and the ones we love from the potentially lasting impacts of bad actors online. Stephanie Cagnet Myron is an attorney and founder of Cagnet Myron Law.

Do you have any sense of how the law will address the testimony of a conscious AI? The panelists from the Florida Bar's eDiscovery committee and the Digital Currency Taskforce have been, as well as exploring and educating on issues related to technologies like blockchain. Zachary Catanzano, Daniel Maland, and Darren Spielman join host Jonathon Israel at the Florida Bar's Annual Convention to talk about their work and the impacts these cutting edge technologies could have on the practice of law. Zachary L. Catanzaro is a small business and entrepreneurship lawyer who focuses on intellectual property and emergent technologies, including cryptocurrency and blockchain. Daniel Maland is a member of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton's complex litigation department. Darren Spielman is a shareholder of Kain Spielman, P.A.  

Data breaches are a regrettably routine occurrence in our increasingly digital economy. Yet, many companies are still woefully underprepared to respond to a breach of their own data. At this years Annual Convention of the Florida Bar, host Laurence Colletti hears from Chris Dix and Ryan Bilbrey about who is at risk (everyone), how much a breach costs (more than you think), and the first steps to recovery (hint: don't keep your digital breach incident plan only on your computer). Tune in to learn how to protect yourself, your business, and your clients. Ryan Bilbrey is the founder of Reckoning Consulting Partners. Chris Dix is a technology-focused lawyer and CPA working at Smith Hulsey & Busey

The future of any state bar rests in the hands of the next generation. At the Florida Bar's Annual Convention, Jason Silver, outgoing chair of the Student Education and Admissions to the Bar committee, shares with host Laurence Colletti a bit about what his committee has been doing to help law students achieve their best in law school, while taking the bar, and when they start their practices. Jason Silver is an associate at Greenspoon Marder in their Financial Services group.

Following a Judicial Luncheon with Governor DeSantis at this year's Florida Bar's Annual Convention, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles T. Canady joins host Renee Thompson to discuss the recent appointment of three new justices to his court, the influx of funding to help the court attract and retain a talented staff, and the steps the court is taking to better serve the community through new technology programs. Charles T. Canady is the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court.

Host Laurence Colletti is joined by the Florida Bar's departing president Michelle Suskauer to discuss her path to the presidency and accomplishments during the past year. She emphasizes the priorities her presidency held including supporting small/solo firms through LegalFuel, continuing support of lawyer mental health and wellness initiatives, and encouraging gender equality and diversity in leadership. Michelle also highlights her favorite accomplishment–the bar's summit on criminal justice at which the bar collaborated with stakeholders in the criminal justice system on important issues to encourage much needed reform.

Continuing with updates on case law in this series from the Florida Bar Annual Convention, host Laurence Colletti talks to Denis deVlaming about his presentation on criminal law. Together, they review some of the noteworthy cases from 2018 and 2019 and discuss how they affect the practice of criminal law. They survey a wide variety of cases, including Madison vs Alabama, which dealt with a defendant suffering from dementia on death row and Carpenter vs United States, a case on privacy rights relating to warrantless searches of cell phone location data. Tune in to hear Denis's full inventory of interesting criminal cases. Denis deVlaming is a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Florida.

Leadership of the Florida Bar is changing! In this episode from the Annual Convention, host Christine Bilbrey talks to Dori Foster-Morales about her role as president-elect in the year ahead. Dori talks about her support of bar president John Stewart's planned focus on technology and then shares goals for her own presidency beginning in June 2020. They also discuss how she maintains a healthy work-life balance when managing multiple commitments. Dori Foster-Morales is a board certified marital and family lawyer and partner at Foster-Morales Sockel-Stone.