The Florida Bar's LegalFuel Podcast

As AI Allows Lawyers to Better Serve Clients, Firms Must Prepare for the Post-AI World

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:43 +0000

The legal industry has reached a pivotal turning point where the integration of artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a daily operational reality. Recent industry insights suggest that over 80% of legal tasks ranging from contract review and research to client intake now have the potential to be automated or significantly altered by AI. As these technologies begin to handle the routine work traditionally assigned to junior associates, the profession faces a critical shift. Survival in this post-AI landscape requires practitioners across all firm sizes to actively level up their skills to navigate a world where traditional task-based legal work is rapidly evolving.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Jordan Furlong, to discuss what firms should be doing to successfully prepare for the reality of the post-AI world is Jordan Furlong.

Jordan Furlong is a forecaster and analyst of trends and developments in the global legal market, a strategic consultant to law firms and legal organizations, and a globally renowned author and speaker in the field of legal services evolution. He is widely considered to be North America’s leading “legal futurist.”

A lawyer by training and a legal journalist by experience, Jordan has been studying critical new developments and discerning emerging patterns in the legal services ecosystem for the last 25 years. Since the launch of his award-winning “Law21” blog in 2008, he has provided incisive commentary and practical guidance to the legal profession worldwide. His 2017 book, Law is a Buyer’s Market, presented a template for the law firm of the future; his upcoming book, The Lawyers We Need, sets out a new lawyer formation system for the post-AI legal sector.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 9777.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Law Is a Buyer's Market: Building A Client-First Law Firm (Jordan Furlong book)
JordanFurlong.Substack.com
Jordan Furlong LinkedIn
ABA Techshow keynote, Furlong says lawyers need to level up to survive in post-AI world
The Claude-Native Law Firm (article) Zack Shapiro
How To Create a Claude- Native AI Law Firm with Zack Shapiro (YouTube video)
2026 AI and the Practice of Law Summit ABA Center for Innovation
AI: Miracle and Menace for the Law Firm Business Model (Crunched Credit by Rick Jones)
What specifically are Articling Students? (Article by Kooner Priddle Law Group)
The Role of Intuitive Reasoning in Lawyering and Legal Education (St. Thomas University Law Review)
What skills do new lawyers need? Lawyers asked to provide answers in new survey (ABA Journal)
LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

The Florida Lawyers Helpline: Help is Just One Call Away

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:00:32 +0000

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Nicole Browning, of CuraLinc, to discuss the Florida Lawyers Helpline and the additional wellness benefits and resources available through the program.

The practice of law can be extremely stressful. When stress becomes overwhelming, it can affect an attorney’s ability to deliver the best service to their clients. Proactively taking care of mental health issues including stress, anxiety, and depression helps attorneys better serve their clients and can even reduce potential disciplinary actions caused by missed deadlines and unhappy clients. To assist members with these issues, The Florida Bar began offering a 24-hour Helpline and five free therapy sessions back in May of 2020. Florida lawyers, judges, and Florida Registered Paralegals can call 833-FL1-WELL or 833-351-9355 to access it.

Nicole Browning is the Director of Client Success at CuraLinc Healthcare and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health. She began her career providing direct clinical care to young adults and individuals navigating addiction and recovery, and she continues to hold her LPC today. Nicole now partners with organizations, including state bar associations, to deliver accessible, high-quality mental health programs, bringing together clinical insight and strategic leadership to help remove barriers to care, and support wellbeing.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 9719.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Florida Bar Mental Health and Wellness Center
Florida Lawyers Helpline 833-351-9355
Online Helpline Web Portal
Mindfulness and Secondary Trauma (Florida Bar News)
Five Things Attorneys Should Know About Vicarious Trauma (American Bar Association)
LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Florida Bar Member Benefits: Valuable Tools to Improve Your Practice

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:00:48 +0000

The Florida Bar Member Benefits Program is comprised of more than 60 free or discounted products or services that are only for Florida Bar members. These benefits range from discounts on hotels and rental cars, legal research, helpful trust accounting software, free counseling sessions, discounted insurance, and more. We get calls every day from attorneys looking for services that our Member Benefits provide but may not be well known.

In today’s episode hosts Autumn Chadwell and Jamie Moore are speaking with Rob Saravia to highlight some of the available member benefits that can help improve the day-to-day of a Florida Bar member and may even help keep you out of the discipline system.

Rob Saravia is the Marketing Manager for The Florida Bar, driving growth and engagement across the Bar’s Programs Division. He brings over six years of experience in marketing. Rob is a graduate of Florida State University, where he earned a double major in Marketing and Economics.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE Credit. Course #9654.

REFERENCED RESOURCES

Florida Bar Member Benefits and Discounts
Member Benefits At a Glance
NOTA Trust Accounting
vLEX Fastcase (through the member portal)
Procertas
Member Benefits Inc.

Florida Bar Departments and Services: The Many Ways We Can Assist Members

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:00:10 +0000

In 2025 The Florida Bar turned 75 and we now serve over 115,000 lawyers around the state. Comprised of six divisions, and twenty departments, the Bar has numerous services to assist members, but it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look or who to reach out to.

Often confused with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, The Florida Bar does not administer the bar exam or review applications to become an attorney. A member’s relationship with The Florida Bar begins after they have passed the bar exam and have been sworn in.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey, Jamie Moore, and Autumn Chadwell will be discussing the departments and services available to Florida Bar members and how each can help you maintain your practice, help you understand the rules and requirements to keep you out of the discipline process, and even save you some money.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 9634.

REFERENCED RESOURCES

Inventory Lawyers 850-561-5839
Membership Records 850-561-5832
The Florida Bar Member Portal (For assistance logging in 850-561-5820)
Legal Specialization and Education Department (CLE) 850-561-5842
vLex Fastcase (access through your Member Portal)
Nota trust accounting
Sections
Ethics & Advertising 800-235-8619
Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) 850-561-5840
The Practice Resource Center (LegalFuel.com) 850-561-5616
Lawyers Advising Lawyers
The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service 800-342-8011
The Florida Bar Career Center and Career Benchmark Dashboard
Florida Bar Member Benefits
The Florida Lawyers Helpline 833-FL1-WELL (833-351-9355)

The Florida Bar’s Lawyer Regulation Department: Common Issues, Misconceptions, and Best Practices

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 07:00:17 +0000

The Florida Bar’s Lawyer Regulation Department plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession in Florida. Yet many attorneys have little interaction with the department until they’re faced with a question, a complaint, or a compliance issue of their own. Today, we’re taking a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how the Lawyer Regulation Department works and what every Florida lawyer should understand to stay compliant and avoid preventable problems.

In today’s episode hosts Autumn Chadwell and Jamie Moore welcome Karla Eckardt, Legal Administrator in The Florida Bar’s Lawyer Regulation Department, to discuss processes within Lawyer Regulation.

Karla Eckardt, a Miami native, moved to Tallahassee in 2007 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and criminology at Florida State University. She began her career as a paralegal and later became a legal administrator at a local law firm. Although she initially expected the experience to lead her to law school, she soon realized that her strengths and professional interests aligned more closely with legal administration than with the practice of law.

Instead of pursuing a J.D., Karla earned a Juris Master’s degree from Florida State University, concentrating in legal risk management and HR compliance. In 2017, she joined The Florida Bar as a practice management advisor in what was then the Practice Resource Institute (now the Practice Resource Center).

In June 2023, Karla became the legal administrator for the Bar’s Division of Lawyer Regulation. In this role, she assists the Division Director with administrative and strategic oversight, manages operations and non-attorney personnel within the Division’s Headquarters Department, oversees many of the Division’s financial functions, evaluates and maintains operating and information systems, and serves as the primary liaison to key vendors and contract partners.

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 # 9586.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Board Certification: Elevating Your Firm (And You!)

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 07:00:38 +0000

Board certification recognizes an attorney’s special knowledge, skill, and experience in a specific area of law. Established in 1982 by the Florida Supreme Court, board certification helps consumers identify specialists in 27 different areas of practice. Although the certification program has been an option for over four decades, only around four percent of Florida Bar members are Board Certified.

In today’s episode hosts Autumn Chadwell and Jamie Moore welcome Lisa McNelis, Chair of the Civil Trial Board Certification Committee, to discuss the requirements and benefits of board certification.

Lisa McNelis is a partner at the South Florida law firm of Roselli & McNelis. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame and attended law school at Nova Southeastern College of Law. She has been Board Certified in Civil Trial since 1996. For more than 40 years, Lisa has represented the injured and their families, initially becoming the first female partner at a well-respected law firm in Ft. Lauderdale and thereafter opening her own law firm with her husband. Lisa has served on various Boards and committees over the years, including Family Central, Broward Legal Aid, and Florida Legal Aid. She is currently serving as Chairperson of the Palm Beach Grievance Committee and The Florida Bar Civil Trial Certification Committee.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course #9542.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

The Ethics of File Retention: Rules, Risks, and Practical Guidance for Lawyers

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:25 +0000

When you're a lawyer, keeping accurate records is crucial. It's not just about good business; it's about protecting yourself from potential disciplinary action and ensuring you can deliver the best service to your clients. A bad record-keeping system can lead to lost files, missed deadlines, and a host of other issues that can land you in trouble.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Jeff Hazen, Assistant Ethics Counsel at The Florida Bar, to discuss records retention Rules and best practices.

Jeff Hazen serves as the Assistant Ethics Counsel for the Florida Bar, with over 16 years of dedicated service. Throughout his tenure at The Florida Bar, Jeff has handled thousands of inquiries on the Ethics Hotline, assessed numerous lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff Ethics Opinions. Jeff is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

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 # 9506.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

LegalFuel Article: How long should I keep closed file?

LegalFuel: Records Management, Retention, and Destruction Guide

LegalFuel Document Library

Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – View the Full Set

Rule 4-1.6 Confidentiality of Information
Rule 4-5.8 Procedures for Lawyers Leaving Law Firms and Dissolution of Law Firms

Ethics Hotline – 800-235-8619

Ethics Informational Packets

Ethics Opinions by Subject

Unclaimed Trust Account Funds

LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

When Lawyers Become Targets: Protecting Law Firms from Scams and Fraud

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:00:16 +0000

Attorneys and law firms are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated scams, including phishing schemes, fraudulent check scams, wire fraud, and even identity theft. These scams can cause devastating financial losses, erode client trust, and damage professional reputations.

In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Steve Weisman, lawyer and nationally recognized expert on scams, to discuss why lawyers are such attractive targets and what can be done to protect the legal profession from these threats.

Steve Weisman is a lawyer and nationally recognized expert on scams, identity theft, and cybersecurity. Steve holds a JD from Boston College Law School and a BA from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He is also a professor at Bentley University and is the author of more than ten books, including The Truth About Avoiding Scams, which Smart Money Magazine recognized as one of the year’s ten best money book. Steve earned a Certificate of Merit for excellence in legal journalism from the American Bar Association and he has written columns for USA Today, Bankrate.com, the American Institute of Economic Research, and the Saturday Evening Post.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 9386.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Running a Virtual Law Firm: How to Build Efficiency and Deliver Outstanding Client Service

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:00:59 +0000

Many attorneys have now been working fully virtual for years. During the pandemic most firms experimented with different levels of remote or hybrid work models. For some it worked well, and they continued, but other firms chose to return to the office. While supporters of remote work point to increased flexibility, autonomy, and efficiency, critics worry about the loss of mentorship opportunities and the potential impact on productivity and quality.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Marelize Dingman, of Florida Appeals, to discuss the key to running a successful law firm without a physical office.

Marelize Dingman earned her BA in Social Work from the North-West University in South Africa. After moving to the United States, she was hired at the firm Palmer and Palmer P.A. Following Bill Palmer’s appointment to the Fifth District Court of Appeal, Marelize joined another well-respected Orlando law firm and began managing large corporate events and promoting South African musical artists. When Bill Palmer returned to private practice, Marelize was thrilled to join him and the whole Florida Appeals team as their Firm Administrator.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course #9354.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Early Succession Planning Protects Your Clients and Secures Your Future

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:58 +0000

Succession planning is vital for any law firm, but it's about more than just retirement. It ensures business continuity through the expected transitions and the unexpected ones like incapacity, death, or disaster. For solo and small firms, it is critical to uninterrupted client service, while also maximizing firm value.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Tom Lenfestey, of The Law Practice Exchange, to discuss succession planning.

In his role as the Founder & CEO of The Law Practice Exchange, Tom’s goal is to guide lawyers through the next chapter of their legal career, whether that’s succession planning, exit planning, or strategic growth through law firm acquisition. As a respected leader in law firm sales, Tom has guided The Law Practice Exchange to be the leading marketplace and expert team specializing in aiding attorneys and law firms in buying and selling law firms through continuation, exit and succession strategies. Its mission is to provide education and essential services to facilitate seamless law firm sales and acquisitions and lawyer transition planning.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE. Course # 9312.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Agentic AI: Impacting The Business of Law and the Future of Law Practice

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:00:34 +0000

The use of generative artificial intelligence by lawyers has shown enormous potential for efficiency, quality, and improved client service, but it also requires the careful consideration of ethics, data security, and an understanding of the degree of human supervision needed. Agentic AI is now emerging and could further transform the business of law.

In today’s episode host Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcomes Tom Martin, of LawDroid, to discuss the impact of Agentic AI on the business of law and the future of law practice.

Tom Martin is a Generative AI expert who serves as CEO of LawDroid, Principal of Deep Legal, and Adjunct Professor at Suffolk Law School, where he literally wrote the textbook on AI and legal services. As an ABA Legal Rebel and Fastcase 50 Honoree appointed to the ABA Center for Innovation, he's transforming the legal industry through his companies, teaching, and speaking at major conferences like ABA TechShow and LegalWeek.

A Yale and UCLA Law graduate, Tom hosts the LawDroid Manifesto podcast and conference while making a dent in the universe from his home in Vancouver, Canada.

You can follow Tom's writings and podcast at: lawdroidmanifesto.com.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 9290.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Cyber Insurance for Law Firms: What Attorneys Need to Know

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Handling sensitive client data and funds has always come with some risk, but now with cyber threats on the rise, attorneys need to be even more proactive in protecting their practice and clients. Maybe you have already considered getting cyber insurance but don’t know what you need to look for in a policy? In addition to covering the costs associated with data breaches and ransomware, having cyber insurance protects your firm and clients and can even improve the delivery of legal services by offering attorneys some peace of mind.

In today’s episode host Christine Bilbrey welcomes Cathy Agacinski, attorney and insurance expert, and Troy Riley, a cybersecurity consultant, to discuss all things cyber insurance.

Cathy Agacinski graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and earned her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. She has been licensed as an attorney in Florida since 1992, and she is Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation and a Florida Bar Certified Circuit Court Mediator. She is also licensed in New Jersey and has experience as both a practicing attorney and insurance agent.

Cathy is a shareholder at Silver & Agacinski, P.A., where she focuses on insurance disputes, representing injured workers and handling personal injury cases. She is also an agent and owner of 3 Generations Insurance Agency, specializing in professional liability and cyber insurance. Cathy also serves on the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Technology and the Workers’ Compensation Rules Advisory Committee.

Troy Riley is a cybersecurity consultant with over 22 years of experience. He holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of South Florida. Troy holds many professional certifications including the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Project Management Professional (PMP). He has expertise in legal liability, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive & transportation, incident response readiness, security program assessments, and vulnerability management.

Troy is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the SANS Institute for Cybersecurity training, and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 9232.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Avoiding Trust Accounting Pitfalls with Nota: A Smart Solution for Attorneys

Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Trust accounting is one of the biggest compliance challenges for attorneys, and mistakes can lead to serious consequences—including disciplinary action. But what if there was a way to simplify the process, ensure compliance with Florida Bar Rules, and give attorneys peace of mind? Today, we’re exploring Nota trust accounting solution, a free Florida Bar member benefit designed specifically to help lawyers stay compliant with Florida Bar Trust Accounting Rules.

In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Tim Jakubowski, Attorney Banking Consultant and Assistant Vice President at Nota, and Christina Potter Bayern and Mike Bayern, attorneys and Nota power users, who will share how Nota has helped them maintain compliance and avoid common pitfalls.

Tim Jakubowski has worked with M&T Bank and small business clients for nearly 10 years. He prides himself on passion and partnership – understanding how his clients operate their businesses and providing the best-suited banking solutions to help achieve their goals. In 2022, Tim joined the Nota Division of M&T to help solo and small law firms become more efficient with Nota’s platform and the benefits it offers.

Christina Potter Bayern is the founder of Potter Bayern Law, a firm focused on business litigation and personal injury. She currently serves as President of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association and was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2024.

Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Christina advocates for individuals and families impacted by negligence, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries. She also represents businesses in breach of contract and commercial litigation matters. Before launching Potter Bayern Law, she handled high-stakes litigation at a multi-state law firm in Tampa.

Christina earned her Juris Doctor from American University - Washington College of Law, where she served as President of the Latin Law Students’ Association and Co-Editor-in-Chief of a legal publication. She is also a graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa where she double majored in Economics and International Studies.

Aside from her legal work and community service, Christina enjoys spending time with her husband and family and finding new places to eat.

Michael Bayern is a co-managing member at Potter Bayern Law, where he represents business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors in complex business, commercial, and real estate litigation. He was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2023 and 2024.

Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts in Crime, Law, and Justice, with a minor in Sociology, from Pennsylvania State University. He then obtained his law degree cum laude from American University Washington College of Law, where he served as Vice President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Honor Society and was a national semi-finalist in the American Bar Association Arbitration Competition—showing his skill in negotiation and dispute resolution.

Michael has extensive litigation and courtroom experience, including starting as an assistant public defender in Orlando, then transitioning to insurance defense work, insurance coverage work, and his current litigation practice in commercial and real estate litigation and disputes. Michael counsels clients on a wide range of commercial, business, and real estate disputes, including contractual disputes, partnership and shareholder disputes, business torts, and real estate disputes. He prides himself on being able to help clients mitigate risk and achieve favorable outcomes.

Beyond his legal practice, Michael is committed to supporting business owners and entrepreneurs in protecting their investments and ensuring their businesses thrive. In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife (and law partner), family, and dog. They enjoy time outdoors, taking their dog to the park or hiking on the weekends.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 9194.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

How Vicarious Trauma Can Impact an Attorney’s Ability to Practice Law

Mon, 05 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Practicing law is stressful, but lawyers and judges who are involved in cases where the parties have experienced trauma may find themselves deeply affected by the individual’s trauma and can even experience post-traumatic effects themselves. Just as a victim experiences trauma in a way that can leave long-term post-traumatic effects, their lawyer’s ability to provide competent legal assistance can also be affected. The cumulative effect of this secondary trauma experience on lawyers or judges over time is known as vicarious trauma.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Libby Clark and Dr. Kerry Murray O’Hara, the co-founders of The Humanized Lawyer Project, to discuss Vicarious Trauma and the impact on attorneys.

Elizabeth Clark is a passionate advocate for systemic transformation in the legal profession and is a co-founder of The Humanized Lawyer Project, a groundbreaking initiative created with Dr. Kerry Murray O’Hara aimed at helping lawyers reclaim autonomy and resilience in a profession prone to burnout and systemic dysfunction. Ms. Clark served as the Co-Chair of the landmark New York Attorney Well-Being Task Force from 2021 to 2022 and as the inaugural chair of the New York State Bar Association Standing Committee on Attorney Wellbeing. She received her JD from Albany Law School and is a member of the New York State Bar. She specializes in real estate development, finance, and operational strategy.

Dr. Kerry Murray O’Hara is the Clinical Director & Founder of DBT Wellness & Psychological Services in Saratoga Springs, NY. She has over 25 years of Clinical Psychology experience in various settings including inpatient, residential, forensic, outpatient, and academic. Dr. O’Hara’s area of expertise is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, a highly researched and evidence based psychological treatment. Dr. Kerry received her doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology and has held clinical positions at Boston University School of Medicine and McLean Psychiatric Hospital, Harvard Medical School. During the past 8 years, Dr. O’Hara has focused on the mental health crisis and wellness related to the field of law and has been named as a clinical consultant to the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Taskforce for Lawyer Wellbeing. She currently sits on two working subcommittees for the Wellbeing Taskforce addressing Occupational Policy and Wellness Programing.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit and 0.5 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 9087.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Enhancing Efficiency and Client Service with Legal Tech Tools

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

As we step into 2025, technology continues to reshape how law firms operate and serve their clients. From advanced case management systems to cutting-edge artificial intelligence, which innovations will be essential for boosting efficiency and enhancing client interactions?

In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Paul Unger, of Affinity Consulting, to explore the top tech tools transforming legal practices. He’ll share actionable insights on integrating these advancements into your firm, helping you improve operations and deliver exceptional client service.

Paul Unger is the founding partner of Affinity Consulting and holds a degree in Political Science from Capital University and a law degree from Capital University Law School. A national speaker and author, Paul specializes in coaching lawyers how to be more efficient with time management by offering customized workshops. When he isn’t speaking or writing, he is usually performing technology assessments throughout the United States and Canada. Paul began his career working for the Governor of Ohio, and then went on to law school. He practiced law for six years, specializing in litigation and bankruptcy, before starting a legal technology consulting company with partner Barron Henley in 2000. Paul’s superpowers are cleaning up messes and turning digital chaos into well-organized machines. His favorite part of his job is helping people get organized and focused so they can find more enjoyment in their lives and jobs.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 8933.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Solutions for Solo and Small Firms: Inside the Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Running a law practice involves more than just handling cases—it comes with a unique set of challenges, from growing your client base to finding reliable advice on complex issues and streamlining daily operations. Every solo and small firm attorney has faced these hurdles. Today, we’re diving into resources designed to assist members with these challenges. From the Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center, the Lawyer Referral Service, Lawyers Advising Lawyers, to the Career Center and more, we’ll explore tools that can help you deliver exceptional legal services while making practice management easier and more efficient.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore will discuss programs and tools designed to assist members in managing their law practices, available through The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 8877.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Navigating the Future of Legal Writing: Generative AI’s Impact and Ethical Considerations for Attorneys

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, few innovations have sparked as much curiosity—and controversy—as generative AI. Imagine a tool that can pass the bar exam, draft legal briefs, and redefine the very process of legal writing. But as we look to the future of AI in law, we're faced with profound questions: Can a machine truly understand the law? What happens to concepts like authorship, ethics, and attorney-client privilege in a world where AI is a co-author?

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Dr. Kirsten Davis, Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law, and an expert in generative artificial intelligence in legal writing to explore these questions.

Kirsten Davis is a Professor and Provost's Faculty Fellow for Generative Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education at Stetson University College of Law. She earned her JD from Ohio State and a Ph.D. in Human Communication from Arizona State University. Prior to joining the faculty at Stetson Law, she was a federal judicial clerk, an attorney at Jones Day, and a faculty member at the Arizona State University College of Law.

Dr. Davis has served on the board of the Association of Legal Writing Directors and the Legal Writing Institute. She is a past Chair of the Florida Bar's Standing Committee on Professionalism, serves as the Program Co-Chair for the Association of American Law Schools Section on Technology, Law, and Legal Education; as a member of the Legal Writing Institute’s AI Committee; and as a member of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Technology.

Dr. Davis’s work focuses on the intersection of legal communication and legal ethics. Most recently, she has been studying the impact of generative artificial intelligence on legal communication, legal ethics, and higher education. She is currently leading a group of over 400 law professors who are exploring the impacts of Generative AI on legal writing education and practice. Her course, Legal Writing with Generative AI, was one of the first of its kind to be offered to law students.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Technology CLE credit and 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8875.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Raising the Bar: Professionalism and Conduct in the Courtroom

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:40:45 +0000

Professionalism, ethics, and courtroom presence are vital tools for every attorney striving to deliver exceptional service and build a strong reputation. Today, we’ll explore how these qualities can elevate an attorney's practice, enhancing credibility with judges, clients, and colleagues. Organizations like the American Inns of Court play a key role in promoting these standards, helping attorneys navigate the challenges of a demanding profession while upholding the values of integrity and civility.

In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Judge Ross Bilbrey, to share insights on courtroom decorum, oral argument tips, and the value of the Florida Inns of Court.

Judge Bilbrey has been on the First District Court of Appeal since 2015. Prior to this, he was a Circuit Court judge in Pensacola beginning in 2012 and was appointed to the Santa Rosa County Court in 2006.

He received his B.A. and his J.D. from the University of Florida. Before taking the bench, Judge Bilbrey was in private practice where he focused on civil and commercial litigation. He also served as a legal assistance attorney for the JAG Corps at the Naval Legal Service Office at NAS Pensacola.

Judge Bilbrey is active in the American Inns of Court and previously served as president of the Pensacola Chapter as well as president of the First DCA Appellate Inn, here in Tallahassee.

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 # 8824.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Beyond the Basics: How vLex Fastcase Transforms Legal Service Delivery

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Every day, lawyers work diligently to solve their clients’ legal issues, but finding the right information in the most efficient manner can be a challenge. Enter vLex Fastcase, an innovative tool built to change the way legal work gets done. From AI-driven insights to seamless integration into daily workflows, this platform offers new ways for lawyers to work faster and smarter, and ultimately enhance the delivery of client services. Today, we’ll explore how this game-changing resource can assist attorneys and how Florida Bar members can benefit from it at no additional cost.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Alex Shaffer, a Customer Success Manager of vLex, to discuss the vLex Fastcase platform features.

Alex graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and went on to litigate cases in the trial division of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. While balancing a fast-paced litigation schedule, he quickly came to appreciate the need for quick and reliable research.

Now, Alex leverages vLex's innovative solutions to eliminate the many research roadblocks that stand between attorneys and successful results. His work is centered on reducing attorneys' research hours so that they may redirect their focus to where it matters most— their clients' success.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 8825.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Law, Stress, and Resilience: Balancing Well-Being and Professionalism

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The legal profession is known for its intensity and constant pressure. But what happens when personal challenges and mental health struggles start to affect those who uphold the law? Today, we’re diving into the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by attorneys, judges, and courtroom staff, exploring how these issues impact professional conduct and what steps can be taken to find balance, support, and resilience in a demanding career.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Judge Alicia Latimore, circuit court judge in the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Florida to discuss strategies for balancing self-care with professional duties.

The Honorable Alicia Latimore was appointed to the 9^th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in 2005. She has also served as the Administrative Circuit Judge for the Unified Problem Solving Court. Prior to her appointment, Judge Latimore was in private practice, specializing in marital, family, and juvenile law and served as an appeals referee and an administrative hearing officer for the Florida State Department of Labor Appeals for Unemployment Compensation. She was also a traffic infraction officer for the 9^th Judicial Circuit Court from 1994 to 1997. Judge Latimore graduated from Duke University in 1985 and received her JD from the University of Florida in 1990.

Judge Latimore gives back to her community in many ways outside of the courtroom, but she has focused on teaching the next generation of lawyers and jurists as an adjunct professor at Barry University's School of Law. Judge Latimore was recently elected as the circuit conference member of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct and disability against Florida state judges. She is also a longtime member of the Florida Bar’s Mental Health & Wellness Committee.

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 Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 8823.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

From Conflict to Cooperation: How Mediation Keeps Attorneys and Clients Moving Forward

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Not every client interaction or legal matter goes as expected. Billing disagreements, unmet expectations, and misunderstandings can quickly escalate, leaving attorneys vulnerable to disciplinary action. Fortunately, mediation provides an alternative—a confidential, informal approach to resolving disputes before they escalate. Through The Florida Bar’s free mediation program, attorneys and clients can engage with a neutral mediator to find common ground, saving time, expense, and stress compared to formal proceedings. Today, we'll explore how this program helps attorneys navigate conflict, protect their practice, and reach resolutions that work for everyone involved.

In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Shanell Schuyler and Christina Magee to discuss The Florida Bar’s mediation program.

Shanell Schuyler serves as the Director of the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) and Intake Department of The Florida Bar. She also supervises the Bar’s Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration Program, the Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs, and Diversion/Discipline Consultation Services. Shanell is a graduate of Florida State University, cum laude, with a B.S. in Finance, and Stetson University College of Law. She began working for The Florida Bar as a senior attorney in 2007. She became director of the ACAP/Intake Department in February 2012. Shanell is an active member of the National Organization of Bar Counsel where she frequently speaks on topics pertinent to lawyer regulation.

Christina Magee received her JD from the NYU School of Law and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil, Appellate, and County Mediator. She is a Qualified Arbitrator and is on the AAA Arbitration and Mediation panel for Commercial and Employment matters. Ms. Magee founded Brevard Mediation Services in 2011 and restricts her practice to mediation, arbitration, and other forms of dispute resolution. She is on the roster of Mediators for the US District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. She is also a member of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators and a diplomate of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. She currently serves on the Florida Bar’s Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee.

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 # 8800.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Navigating Client Fee Disputes Using Arbitration

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

While most attorney-client relationships end without disputes over fees, disagreements can sometimes develop. These disputes often result from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and can occasionally lead to a bar complaint. Fee issues can occur between attorneys and clients or even between attorneys involved in the same case. Although these disputes can be resolved through the courts, alternative solutions are available. The Florida Bar offers a fee arbitration program, which functions like a mini trial. In this program, an arbitrator makes a final and binding decision after reviewing evidence and hearing testimony. This arbitration process is free, voluntary, and can be initiated by either the attorney or the client. By utilizing this program, attorneys can better serve their clients and avoid involvement in the disciplinary system.

In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Shanell Schuyler and Steven Lesser to discuss The Florida Bar’s fee arbitration program.

Steven B. Lesser chairs the national Construction Law and Litigation practice group at his firm. He is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar and focuses solely on construction law and litigation, including governmental construction claims, defense, and hotel/condominium disputes. A Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers, he was elected to the Board of Governors in 2022 for a 3-year term. He has received numerous awards from the Florida Bar and American Bar Associations for his contributions to the construction industry.

Mr. Lesser is a Past-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Construction Law, the largest construction lawyer group globally, known for its scholarly publications and programs on construction law. He also served as Past-Chair of The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education committee, overseeing the Bar’s certification plan and 27 certification committees. Additionally, he has held leadership roles in various Florida Bar and American Bar Association Committees, including Past-Chair of the Florida Bar Construction Law Certification Committee.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8663.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Improving the Delivery of Legal Services by Finding Your Purpose

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Many lawyers struggle with the pressures of practicing law and the impact it has on their mental health and work performance. Finding some satisfaction in your work and even a sense of purpose can go a long way in alleviating the misery that you may be feeling. While you may still not love practicing law, you can learn to adjust your view to see the value that your work brings to your clients or to the community.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Stuart Teicher, to discuss his book, “How to Stop Hating the Law”. He offers actionable strategies for making the practice of law more enjoyable or at least more tolerable.

Stuart Teicher is a professional legal educator who focuses on ethics law and writing instruction. He is a Supreme Court appointee to the New Jersey District Ethics Committee where he investigates and prosecutes grievances filed against attorneys. Stuart teaches Professional Responsibility at Georgetown Law and undergraduate writing at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

A practicing attorney for over 25 years, Stuart’s career is now dedicated to helping fellow attorneys survive the practice of law and thrive in the profession through seminars, in-house training for law firms, CLE instruction, and keynote speeches at conventions and association meetings. Stuart helps attorneys get better at what they do (and enjoy the process) through his entertaining and educational CLE performances. His previous book, “Navigating the Legal Ethics of Social Media and Technology”, was published by Thomson Reuters.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Avoiding HR Issues to Better Run Your Firm

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

As an attorney, you rely on your staff, but HR issues with your staff can catch you off guard and when not handled properly, these issues can completely disrupt the successful delivery of service to your clients. Human Resource management is essential for every business, but in a small firm, the HR department is most likely just you. And like any business, firms must comply with federal and state labor laws on overtime, maternity leave, discrimination, etc. Unless you are a labor and employment law attorney, you may not be aware of all the requirements and best practices. This can result in inconsistent policy enforcement or inadequate documentation of performance issues, ultimately leading to some avoidable headaches.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Kevin Johnson, an employment defense attorney, and Shareholder of Johnson Jackson, to discuss HR best practices for law firms.

Kevin Johnson graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since 2007. For more than two decades, Kevin has represented and advised employers about laws that affect their relationships with employees, helped them solve problems when they arise, and defended them against discrimination charges and lawsuits filed by their employees. His clients range from national restaurant chains, retail employers, and large hospitals, to independent restaurants, medical practices, and other local employers. Kevin has experience litigating cases in jurisdictions throughout the United States, both in single-plaintiff cases and in nationwide class and collective actions. He has been recognized in the field of employment law by various publications, including Best Lawyers in America, Florida Trend, and Super Lawyers. Kevin is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell. He has also been recognized by The Florida Bar for his involvement with promoting technology and practice-management education for Florida lawyers.

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 Labor and Employment Law CLE credit. Course # 8619.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Why Books are Still Relevant in the Practice of Law

Fri, 24 May 2024 19:30:00 +0000

The ABA 2023 Tech Survey highlights that 56% of respondents regularly utilize fee-based online services for legal research, with an additional 21% using them occasionally. Surprisingly, 12% never utilize these resources. Despite the abundance of technological options available for legal research, many lawyers still hold a preference for hard copy books. Research suggests that modern screens and e-readers struggle to replicate the tactile experiences of reading on paper, hindering the natural navigation of lengthy texts. For lawyers, books offer a tangible resource for easy browsing, annotation, and cross-referencing that online research might not offer.

In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Maggie O’Neill, to discuss why books are still relevant in the practice of law.

Maggie O'Neill holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota, and a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.

For over 17 years, Maggie ran a solo practice specializing in family law and dependency cases, focusing on litigation and mediation. Maggie's experience in the publishing industry is extensive, having held key roles including Vice President of Product Management and Vice President of HR Publishing at Thomson Reuters and as Editor in Chief of Professional Publications at Reed Elsevier. Additionally, Maggie worked at Callaghan and Company as a Legal Editor and Project Manager.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 8493.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Best Practices for Utilizing AI in Your Law Firm

Fri, 24 May 2024 19:30:00 +0000

While the legal field has historically been hesitant to adopt new technology, AI is now slowly sweeping into law firms. Integrating AI programs can dramatically boost a firm’s efficiency and reduce costs by assisting with many tasks including legal research, document drafting and review, and even automated client communication. There is a clear upside to implementing AI, but legal professionals must also be aware of the risks and ethical concerns that come with its use.

In today's episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Damien Riehl, to discuss best practices for utilizing AI in the law firm.

Damien Riehl is a lawyer, technologist, and lead product designer at vLex with experience in complex litigation, digital forensics, and software development. A coder since 1985 and for the web since 1995, Damien clerked for the chief judges of state and federal courts, practiced in complex litigation for over a decade, has led teams of cybersecurity and world spanning digital forensics investigations, and has led teams in legal-software development.

Co-Chair of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles, he has helped recommend changes to Minnesota statutes, rules, and policies — all related to connected and autonomous vehicles. Damien is Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association's working group on AI and the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL).

At SALI, the legal data standard he helps lead, Damien develops and has greatly expanded the taxonomy of over 14,000 legal tags that matter, helping the legal industry's development of Generative AI, analytics, and interoperability.

At vLex Group – which includes Fastcase, NextChapter, and Docket Alarm – Damien helps lead the design, development, and expansion of various products, integrating AI-backed technologies to improve legal workflows and to power legal data analytics.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 8473.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Bar Rules You May Not Be Aware Of: Guidance for Avoiding Disciplinary Actions

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar detail the required procedures and the professional conduct of our members. They are designed to protect the public and maintain ethical standards within the legal field. So often when the Bar receives a complaint, it’s due to a lack of understanding or awareness of the rules by the attorney. Here at the Practice Resource Center, we actively try to assist our members with guidance and resources so that they have the tools and knowledge to be compliant with the Rules.

In today’s podcast, Christine Bilbrey, Director of the Practice Resource Center, and Jamie Moore, Practice Management Advisor, will discuss some essential, but perhaps less well-known Bar Rules that every lawyer should be aware of to avoid disciplinary action.

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 # 8346.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Cost Effective Tech Solutions for Budget-Minded Lawyers

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Lawyers often invest in technology but may not utilize it effectively, leading to a missed return on investment. Strategic spending on impactful technology is crucial when you are a solo or small firm on a budget.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Catherine Sanders Reach, to discuss cost-effective technology tools and services you may already have at your disposal.

Catherine Sanders Reach provides practice technology and management assistance to lawyers and legal professionals. Formerly, she was Director of Law Practice Management and Technology for the Chicago Bar Association and the Director at the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Resource Center. Prior to her work at the NCBA, CBA and ABA she worked in library and information science environments for several years, working at Ross and Hardies as a librarian. She received a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Alabama.

Catherine’s professional activities include articles for Law Practice magazine, Law Technology News and GPSolo Magazine, as well as numerous other publications. She has given presentations on the use of technology in law firms for national bar conferences, state and local bar associations and organizations such as the National Association of Bar Council and the Association of American Law Schools.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 8284.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Articles Written by Catherine Sanders Reach

Other Resources

Practical Marketing Tips to Expand Your Legal Practice

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Back in the day, law firms either relied on their reputations and referrals from former clients or they paid for billboards and phone book ads. If you are a solo or small firm practitioner, you likely don’t have a lot of time or a huge marketing budget to compete with larger firms to attract new clients, but a simple, well-crafted digital marketing strategy can be all that you need for maintaining a steady flow of client activity.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Rob Saravia and Jeff Hazen, to discuss practical marketing tips and Bar Advertising Rules.

Rob Saravia is The Florida Bar’s new marketing manager aiding growth in the Programs Department. He brings over 4 years of experience in the marketing field, with a focus on the dynamic realm of retail marketing. Rob is a graduate of Florida State University with a double major in Marketing and Economics.

Jeff Hazen serves as the Assistant Ethics Counsel for the Florida Bar, with over 15 years of dedicated service. Throughout his tenure at The Florida Bar, Jeff has handled thousands of inquiries on the Ethics Hotline, assessed numerous lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff Ethics Opinions. Jeff is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8214.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

• Article: Law Firm Marketing Strategy: Top 8 Ideas to Grow a Legal Practice (by Clio)

• The Florida Bar Advertising Regulation and Information

• Handbook on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation

• Chapter 4 Rules of Professional Conduct

• 4-7.13 Deceptive and Inherently Misleading Advertisements

• 4-7.16 Presumptively Valid Content

• 4-7.18 Direct Contact with Prospective Clients

• 4-7.20 Exemptions from the Filing and Review Requirement

• Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 20-01: Negative Online Reviews

• Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 21-1: Negative Online Reviews

• Ethics Hotline 800-235-8619

• Grow Your Practice – Join the Lawyer Referral Service

• LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

• LegalFuel: Marketing Resources

Microsoft 365 and Copilot: Top Features for Legal Practice Needs

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Microsoft 365 is a must for many legal professionals who rely on its wide range of time saving and regularly enhanced tools. There are also specifically designed features within the software to streamline your daily legal workflow that you may not be aware of. Now artificial intelligence has been integrated across Microsoft 365. It’s called Copilot and it is poised to become your new digital assistant inside of all the Microsoft applications that you are already using. Smart lawyers should take note and ask how Copilot can instantly and fundamentally change how you get work done in your firm.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Ben Schorr, a Senior Content Manager at Microsoft, to discuss Microsoft 365 and Copilot.

Ben Schorr is a Senior Content Program Manager at Microsoft. He is also the author of several books and articles on technology including “The Lawyer’s Guide to Microsoft Outlook,” “The Lawyer’s Guide to Microsoft Word” and “OneNote in One Hour.” He was a Microsoft MVP for 20 years and has been involved in management and technology for more than 30. In his free time, he’s a slow Ironman triathlete and a high school football coach. He currently lives with his family in Redmond, WA.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 8203.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Ben Schorr - LinkedIn

Microsoft

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Are Law Firms Rethinking Their Remote Work Policies?

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Beginning in March of 2020, the pandemic transformed every aspect of our lives. For most of us who had reported to an office every day, this meant a very sudden shift to remote only work. Law firms had to quickly adapt to stay connected to the courts, colleagues, and their clients. We are now more than three years out and while some firms found that remote work was seamless and chose to continue it, other firms have gone to a hybrid model or banned remote work completely. According to a recent ABA report, 89% of lawyers in private practice are allowed to work remotely, with 18% permitted to work out of the office all the time and 45% with the flexibility to choose their own schedule. Here at the Practice Resource Center, we were curious to hear how it’s all working out.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Richard Rivera, Partner at Smith Gambrell Russell, to discuss how the firm’s Jacksonville office has adapted to the new normal.

Richard Rivera received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Florida in 2009 and earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the Florida State University College of Law. Rich works in both the Litigation and the Intellectual Property Practice Groups. His IP practice is concentrated in trademark and copyrights, compliance with state and federal laws governing sweepstakes and other promotional activities, software and internet technology, marketing, and licensing issues. He also prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office. Rich is also the current Chair of The Florida Bar’s Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers Committee.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Smith Gambrell Russell

Intapp Time

Article: How to Work Remotely as a Legal Professional: A Guide (from Clio)

Article: Working remotely is now a top priority, says new ABA report highlighting lasting shifts in practice of law

ABA 2022 Practice Forward Report: Where Does the Legal Profession Go from Here?

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

AI & Chatbots: Embracing Innovative Solutions for Your Law Firm

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Chatbots and AI platforms have the potential to revolutionize the way law firms operate, bringing numerous benefits to both legal professionals and their clients. These technologies can streamline administrative tasks, enhance research capabilities, and provide quick and accurate responses to routine legal inquiries. By automating repetitive and time-consuming processes, chatbots can free up lawyers' time, allowing them to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work. However, it's crucial for legal professionals to be mindful of the ethical concerns surrounding the use of chatbots and AI in the legal field.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Tom Martin, CEO of LawDroid, to discuss how AI and chatbots can automate a firm’s processes.

About Tom Martin:

Tom is a graduate of Yale and UCLA School of Law, and is a legal AI advocate, lawyer, author, and speaker. He is the CEO and founder of LawDroid, a Generative AI Legal Technology Company, and is a co-founder of the American Legal Technology Awards. Clients include ARAG Legal Insurance, Fasken, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, Palace Law, and many law firms.

Tom has been recognized as an ABA Legal Rebel and a Fastcase 50 Honoree. He has presented at the ABA TECHSHOW, LegalWeek, ILTACON, ClioCon, and Legal Innovators. Tom’s writing has been published in the ABA’s Law Practice Today, Law Technology Today, and GP Solo Magazine.

Tom has his own podcast: LawDroid Manifesto on iTunes. He also serves as a mentor at the Yale Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking and ATJ Tech Fellows.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course #7932.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Empowering Change: Cultivating a Resilient Law Firm Culture

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Fostering a thriving law firm culture not only ensures the growth of a successful legal practice but also nurtures a positive and uplifting company environment. Although the legal industry has long held assumptions about the inevitability of a highly competitive, burnout-inducing culture, it is vital to challenge these norms. By doing so, law firms empower their employees, clients, and overall business to thrive. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are naturally more motivated and invested in their work, culminating in increased productivity and success for the entire business. Ultimately, investing in a strong law firm culture becomes a win-win situation for all involved.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Paul Spiegelman, of Small Giants Community, to discuss the benefits of cultivating a positive company culture.

About Paul Spiegelman:

Paul is the co-founder of the Small Giants Community, a peer-group of purpose driven business leaders. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA and received his JD from Southwestern University. He practiced law for two years before starting BerylHealth, where he was the co-founder and CEO. He is also the founder and chairman of The Beryl Institute and was the chief culture officer at Stericycle.

Paul is a sought-after speaker and a New York Times best-selling author on leadership, employee engagement, entrepreneurship, culture, and leading a purpose-driven life. His book, Why is Everyone Smiling? The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity, and Profit, includes low- or no-cost practices that can impact the lives of employees and the success of small or large businesses. He has made numerous radio and TV appearances and his views have been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine. He is currently a columnist for Forbes.com and has been honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Paul Spiegelman

Podcast: Growing with Purpose

Paul Spiegelman Books

Small Giants Community

About

Article: ‘Command and Control’ Leadership is Dead. Here’s What’s Taking Its Place

Article: Modernizing Law Firms’ Work Rules Enables Focus on Employee Well-Being

Is Your Law Firm Ready for a 4-Day Workweek?

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Traditionally, the workweek spans from Monday to Friday, but have you ever questioned the rationale behind this norm and whether it is optimal? Amongst growing anxiety and stress levels worldwide, some companies are envisioning a different approach to work by embracing a 4-day workweek. Not only can a shorter workweek benefit employees’ mental health, but it can also enhance productivity. Research indicates that a reduced workload can lead to lower stress levels and greater job satisfaction, as well as offer more opportunities for leisure outside of work.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome Joe O’Connor, of the Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence, to discuss the 4-day workweek study.

The Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence is a global initiative based in Toronto, Canada, launched in partnership with leading UK and US people-first transformation company Curium Solutions.

Previously, as the chief executive officer of 4 Day Week Global, Joe led the design and implementation of four-day week trials all over the world, supporting hundreds of employers and thousands of employees to make the transition to reduced-hour, productivity-focused working in 2021 and 2022.

Joe holds an MBS in Strategy and Innovation Management and a BBS with Honours in Accounting from the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Employment Law from The Honorable Society of King’s Inns.

Joe recently led a research project on work time reduction as a visiting research scholar with Cornell University in New York City. He is now based in Toronto, where he heads up Canadian operations for Curium Solutions in addition to directing the Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence.

Joe is also formerly the chairperson of the Four Day Week Ireland campaign, having founded the coalition in 2019, where he developed the world's first four-day week pilot program and research project in 2021.

He has been active on the issue of working time reduction since 2018, when he organized a major international conference and research paper on ‘The Future of Working Time’.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Joe O’Connor

· Work Time Reduction | Center of Excellence

· Mission

· Work Time Reduction Assessment

· Contact Work Time Reduction | Center of Excellence

4-Day Week Trial Results

Article: What is Parkinson’s Law and why is it sabotaging your productivity?

Article: The Effect of Long Working Hours and Overtime on Occupational Health: A Meta-Analysis of Evidence from 1998 to 2018

Article: Operational Excellence – Key Principles and How to Implement Them

Article: ABA – 8 steps for creating value-based pricing that works

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Actionable Steps for Balancing Well-Being and Legal Success

Mon, 29 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The legal profession has been grappling with the issue of lawyer well-being for a while now. Unfortunately, too many lawyers are still experiencing chronic stress and burnout resulting in high rates of substance abuse and depression. It is essential to acknowledge the importance of lawyer well-being and take actionable steps towards it. Healthy and happy lawyers provide better legal services to their clients, which improves their satisfaction and trust in the legal system.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Bree Buchanan, Senior Advisor at Krill Strategies, to discuss well-being strategies for lawyers.

Bree Buchanan, JD, MSF, was a founding co-chair of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being and is a co-author of its groundbreaking 2017 report, The Path to Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change. From 2020 to 2023, she served as board president and inaugural executive director of the Institute for Well-Being in Law. Prior to this, Ms. Buchanan served as chair of the ABA Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs (2017-2020). She is currently a member of the newly formed Lawyer Well-Being Committee of the International Bar Association. As Director of the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program from 2013 to 2018, she worked with individual lawyers experiencing these issues, and with legal employers who were seeking resources and support for their staff. Her tenure with that program followed a two-decade legal career which included positions as a litigator, lobbyist, and law professor. She is now Senior Advisor with Krill Strategies, Inc., providing consultation and training on issues related to lawyer well-being and impairment for major legal employers.

Praised for her warm presentation style and engaging presence, Ms. Buchanan is a frequent speaker for international and national law-related organizations, as well as global law firms on strategies for lawyer well-being and impairment. In 2018, she was awarded the “Excellence in Legal Community Leadership Award” by Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Ms. Buchanan is co-host of the podcast, The Path to Well-Being Law, and has shared her own story of recovery as a featured guest on podcasts in the United States, Canada and the U.K. Ms. Buchanan’s writing has appeared in Law Practice Today, Judicature, The American Lawyer, and Family Lawyer Magazine, as well as Lawyer Health and Wellbeing: How the Legal Profession is Tackling Stress and Creating Resiliency (Ark Group, 2020). In 2018, she graduated from the Seminary of the Southwest with a Masters in Spiritual Formation, where she honed a deep interest in the intrinsic link between meaningful work and personal well-being, as well as in assisting individuals with vocational discernment. Based in Austin, Texas, and Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Buchanan tends to her own well-being by engaging regularly in hiking, cycling, weightlifting, and being willing to ask for help when she needs it.

Bree Buchanan can be reached at bree@prkrill.com; 512-797-6118.

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 Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 7534.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

The Value of Client Intake: Practical Tips to Streamline Your Firm’s Workflow

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The client intake process goes far beyond simply having a potential client complete a few forms. It encompasses everything from attracting new clients during the first interaction with your firm to ultimately signing engagement letters. For small firms and solo attorneys, this process can be incredibly time-consuming and typically does not generate any billable hours. However, by implementing efficient processes and utilizing the right tools, the client intake process can be streamlined, enabling your practice to run more smoothly while also leaving a positive first impression on clients.

In today’s episode, hosts Karla Eckardt and Jamie Moore welcome Jordan Turk, a practicing attorney in Texas and legal technology advisor at Smokeball, to discuss the client intake process. Smokeball is a cloud-based legal practice management software and one of The Florida Bar’s newest member benefits.

Jordan Turk’s family law expertise includes appeals, pre and postnuptial agreements, as well as complex property division and highly contentious custody cases. In addition, Jordan has given CLEs across the country on topics ranging from client relationships to proper trust account management. Jordan graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Classics, History, and Religious Studies. She then went on to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law to earn her J.D. After almost four years of practice with a high-asset family law firm in Houston, Jordan discovered the world of legal technology which ultimately brought her to Smokeball.

Jordan has authored and co-authored many articles that you can find in various state bar publications and around the internet. Passionate about giving back to her community, Jordan makes a point of taking pro bono cases whenever possible.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Getting More Done and Increasing Well-Being While Practicing with ADHD

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

A landmark ABA study revealed that 12.5% of lawyers have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, compared to only 4.5% of the general population. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with sustained focus, organization, procrastination, and completing tasks on time. Most lawyers are under a fair amount of stress, which can exacerbate their ADHD symptoms. This can have a profound effect on professional performance, personal relationships, and overall emotional well-being. For attorneys struggling to manage their ADHD symptoms, there are effective strategies that can be used to regain focus.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Casey Dixon, founder of Dixon Life Coaching. Casey is an ICF Professional Certified Coach and CCE-Global Board-Certified Coach that helps high achievers with ADHD learn how to thrive.

Casey Dixon graduated from The University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education with a master’s in educational policy and leadership and is a respected life coach with a unique focus on science-based, innovative, collaborative coaching, advising, and thought-partnering for attorneys with ADHD or executive function challenges.

She has been coaching clients with executive function challenges for over 17 years. Casey works with her clients to develop the tools they need to transform the impact ADHD and executive function challenges have on their productivity and well-being.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Casey Dixon, M.S.Ed., PCC, BCC, SCAC

· Dixon Life Coaching

· The Focused Lawyer - eBook

· The Focused Lawyer Coaching Group

· Contact: info@dixonlifecoaching.com

Article: The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Sharon Nelson and John Simek of Sensei Enterprises, Share Cybersecurity and Technology Advice for Small Firms

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Regardless of practice area, attorneys handle and store a volume of confidential information that can make them attractive targets for hackers. Small firms can be particularly at risk because they are less likely to employ fulltime IT staff. Cybersecurity can feel like an overwhelming topic, but there are actionable steps that a small firm can implement to build data protection and prevent security breaches.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome technology experts, Sharon Nelson and John Simek, of Sensei Enterprises, Inc., to discuss cybersecurity dangers and legal technology software. Sensei Enterprises, Inc. is a nationally known digital forensics managed information technology provider, and managed cybersecurity firm in Fairfax, Virginia.

Sharon D. Nelson, Esq., is the President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc. and is the author of the noted electronic evidence blog, Ride the Lightning and is a co-host of the Legal Talk Network podcast series called “The Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology” as well as “Digital Detectives.” She is a frequent author and speaker on legal technology, cybersecurity, and electronic evidence topics. She was the President of the Virginia State Bar from June 2013 – June 2014 and a past President of the Fairfax Law Foundation, and the Fairfax Bar Association.

John Simek is the Vice President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc. and has a national reputation as a digital forensics technologist and has testified as an expert witness throughout the United States. He holds a degree in engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and an MBA in finance from Saint Joseph’s University.

John holds the prestigious Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification in addition to multiple other technical certifications. He is a past chair of the ABA TECHSHOW and a co-host of the Legal Talk Network Podcast Digital Detectives. He is a frequent author and speaker on legal technology, cybersecurity, and electronic evidence topics.

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 Technology CLE credit and 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 7140.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Sensei Enterprises, Inc. 

About Us
Articles
Podcast – Digital Detectives
Podcast – The Digital Edge
Services
Contact Sensei Enterprises, Inc.: 703-359-0700

The 2020 Solo and Small Firm Legal Technology Guide (eBook)

CISA – Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Tech Expert, Bob Ambrogi, Shares Practice Management and Legal Technology Guidance

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Making the most of your time is probably at the top of your list if you’re running a solo or small law firm. When you’re managing both the business side of your firm while also practicing law, your to-do list may quickly become overwhelming. Reducing repetitive tasks and streamlining your processes can be made easier with legal technology. That’s why choosing the right technology for your needs can be one of the most important decisions you will make.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome legal technology expert, Bob Ambrogi, to discuss practice management software and legal technology trends.

Bob Ambrogi is a lawyer and journalist who has been writing and speaking about legal technology and innovation for more than two decades. He writes the award-winning blog LawSites, is a columnist for Above the Law, hosts the podcast about legal innovation, LawNext, and hosts the weekly legal tech journalists’ roundtable, Legaltech Week. He is also cofounder of the LawNext Legal Technology Directory.

In 2011, Bob was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” In 2017, he received the Yankee Quill award for journalism from the Academy of New England Journalists and was honored by the ABA Journal as a Legal Rebels Trailblazer.

A graduate of Boston College Law School, Bob is a fellow of the College of Law Practice Management and past-president of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation. In his law practice, he represents newspapers and the news media.

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 Technology CLE credit. Course # 6942.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Bob Ambrogi

The Florida Bar Member Benefits – Practice Management Software
LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Other Legal Tech Blogs:

PinHawk
TechnoLawyer
Legaltech news

Attorneys: Is Your Nonlawyer Staff Ethically Supporting you?

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

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:

Pro Tips for Flying Solo

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

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:

Florida Lawyers Assistance: Saving Lives and Livelihoods

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

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:

Understanding Neurodiversity in the Practice of Law

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000

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.

Grow Your Practice with The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

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:

Managing Remote and Hybrid Law Firms: Lawyaw Edition

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

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 Clio
Thomson Reuters: 2021 Report on the State of the Legal Market
The American Lawyer
- Article: Most Lawyers and Staff Are Now Eligible for Hybrid Work
- Article: For Hybrid to Work Longterm, Law Firm Processes Need Refresh
ALA Legal Management Magazine: Let’s Make a Deal
ABA Formal Opinion 483
Rules Regulating The Florida Bar 4-7.12(a)

You Can Strengthen Your Brain, Improve Your Memory, and Elevate Your Mood in 12 Minutes a Day

Mon, 30 May 2022 04:00:00 +0000

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.com
- amishi.com/books/peak-mind

Everything CLE: Requirements, Reporting, Records, Etc.

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0000

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:

The Lawyer Discipline Process from Start to Finish

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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:

New Year, New Rules - an Ethics and Advertising Refresher

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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:

Professional Etiquette in the Zoom Era

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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:

Is It Time to Outsource Your HR and Get Back to Practicing Law?

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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:

All Those Tech Questions You’ve Been Afraid to Ask

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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 the episode page on LegalFuel.com for referenced resources: https://www.legalfuel.com/all-those-tech-questions-youve-been-afraid-to-ask/

The Impact of Secondary Trauma in the Legal Profession

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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:

A Pocket Guide to Social Media

Mon, 24 May 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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:

A Practical Guide to Parental Leave for Your Firm

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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:

Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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:

Note: To request e-filing support, submit a support request form, email support@myflcourtaccess.com, or call (850) 577-4609 and leave a message.

Court Reporting: An Attorney’s Guide

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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

Phipps Reporting

Remote Litigation Academy

LegalFuel Resources

Florida Bar News

Taking Effective Remote Depositions

The Florida Lawyers Helpline 833-FL1-WELL

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 19:00:00 +0000

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 Webpage

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 #4260.

Elevating Happiness and Increasing Success with Emotional Intelligence

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 04:00:00 +0000

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

Alternative Law Firm Pricing Models

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0000

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:

LegalFuel

Florida Bar Rules & Ethics

RRTFB: Rule 4-1.2 Objectives and Scope of Representation
Ethics Hotline: 800.235.8619

Florida Bar Member Benefits

Florida Supreme Court Family Law Resources

Lawyerist.com

Other

The Qualifying Provider Rule, Referrals, and Fee Splitting

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 04:00:00 +0000

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:

Ethics

Qualifying 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

The Rules of Retiring, Going Inactive, or Closing a Firm

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 18:00:00 +0000

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 Records

Membership 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

Ethics

Ethics Informational Packets – incl. Notifying Clients of Change in Firm Composition, Of Counsel, Closed Files, etc.
Rules Regulating The Florida Bar
Ethics Hotline: 800.235.8619

LegalFuel

Checklist for Lawyer Retirement, Law Office Closure, or Law Firm Dissolution
CLE Podcast: Can I Afford to Retire?
Document Library: Lawyer Changing Firms

How to Designate an Inventory Attorney — Rule 1-3.8 for Florida Lawyers

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:05:46 +0000

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 Attorney
Florida Bar main site: Information Regarding Inventory Attorneys

Electronic File Management 101

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 22:16:22 +0000

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.

EAPs and the Bar: Providing Mental Health Services to Attorneys

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 21:35:31 +0000

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.

A Crash Course in Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 20:01:25 +0000

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

Is Your Firm a Hostile Work Environment? and Other Employment Law Violations

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:42:37 +0000

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.

What Your Law Firm Administrator Should Know to Run Your Firm: Benefits of the Association of Legal Administrators

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 20:26:48 +0000

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.

The Science Behind the Attorney Mental Health Crisis

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 20:23:16 +0000

We are all well-aware of the mental health crisis in the legal profession, but how much do you know about the work being done to improve attorney well-being? In this episode from The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Anne Brafford about her shift from big law to the study of positive organizational psychology. They talk about Anne’s book, “Positive Professionals,” and delve into many studies on various aspects of lawyer health and well-being. The findings show that firms that cultivate more support for their employees have better outcomes and greater profitability. Later, they discuss the ABA’s Well-Being Pledge, and Anne explains how its different elements are meant to inspire cultural changes in the profession.

Anne Brafford (JD, MAPP, PhD in progress) is a former equity partner at Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP and the founder of Aspire, an educational and consultancy firm for the legal profession.

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 CLE Credit. Course # 3592.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Anne’s book: Positive Professionals
The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change
ABA Presidential Working Group resources–ABA Well-Being Toolkit for Lawyers and Legal Employers
Visit the ABA's page for the Working Group to Advance Well-Being in the Legal Profession which, among other resources, includes the Well-Being Pledge Commitment Form
Anne's website: www.aspire.legal

Can I Afford to Retire?

Thu, 30 May 2019 20:00:00 +0000

Retirement requires planning, but not all plans are created equal. The Florida Bar Podcast hosts Christine and Karla talk with business valuation expert Gary Trugman and financial advisor Michael Davino about how best to prepare and effectuate your retirement. Together, they explore the pitfalls to avoid, and the best practices to explore to maximize your return and ensure yourself a comfortable future.

Gary Trugman is a CPA, an accredited business valuer, and the president of Trugman Valuation Associates Inc.

Michael Davino is a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed Inc.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.5 hours of General CLE Credit. Course # 3558.

Materials:

The State of Professionalism in the Legal Industry

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 20:11:01 +0000

How well are guidelines for professionalism understood by lawyers? In this episode of the Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Rebecca Bandy and Adriannette Williams about how the Florida Bar is seeking to elevate professionalism amongst its lawyers. Rebecca and Adriannette outline their roles at the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism and describe the center’s current efforts to raise awareness. They discuss their many programs and resources on professionalism, which teach lawyers how to manage themselves in essential areas including professional communication, social media, mental health, mentoring, and more.

Rebecca J. Bandy serves as the director of the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism at the Florida Bar.

Adriannette Williams is the assistant director of the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism at the Florida Bar

What Attorneys Need to Know about Hiring, Evaluating, and Terminating Employees

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 19:39:12 +0000

How can law firms attract good employees and keep them? In this episode of the Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Michael Cohen about the critical things attorneys need to know when hiring, evaluating, or terminating an employee. They outline proper preparation for interviews, effective employee evaluation processes, and how to handle employee terminations.

Michael S. Cohen is a partner in Duane Morris’ Philadelphia Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit. Course # 3301.

Exploring the Roles of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 19:46:23 +0000

Many people are not aware that the Florida Bar and the Florida Board of Bar Examiners are two separate entities. In this episode of the Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Missy Gavagni and Scott Baena about the roles of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. They outline its various functions including character and fitness investigations and the development, administration, and grading of bar exams. They also discuss the processes of conditional admission, readmission of disbarred lawyers, and the new military spouse rule in Florida.

Missy Gavagni has been the executive director of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners since 2006.

Scott Baena began his term as chair of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners in November 2018 and will serve until October of 2019.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 7001.

What Lawyers Need to Know about Cybersecurity

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 17:27:00 +0000

Lawyers are in the business of holding sensitive and personal information, so they are prime targets for data breaches. Do you know how to protect your firm and clients? In this episode of the Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Al Saikali about how lawyers should prepare their firms for different types of cybersecurity threats. They discuss how cybersecurity has changed and give tips on different types of administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. Firms of all sizes can implement defenses tailored to their needs, and lawyers have an ethical and legal obligation to take cybersecurity seriously.

Al Saikali is a Chambers-ranked lawyer specializing in privacy and data security law.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course #7003.

Lawyer Discipline

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:09:56 +0000

When Florida lawyers behave unethically, The Florida Bar steps in to ensure that justice is served. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Adria Quintela about The Florida Bar’s Department of Lawyer Regulation and attorney discipline. She shares how an investigation works, from the filing of a complaint all the way to what happens after the trial. The episode also features tips for lawyers who have received complaints or wish to avoid them.

Adria Quintela is staff counsel and director of Lawyer Regulation for The Florida Bar.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for .5 hours of General CLE credit including .5 hours of Ethics CLE credit. Course #5584.

Tips for Ethically Using Social Media Marketing

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:09:55 +0000

Navigating social media can be murky territory for lawyers, especially in regards to ethics. But using it as a communication and marketing tool could make the payoff worth it. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Ethan Wall about how lawyers can use social media efficiently and ethically to promote their practice. For those hesitant to invest the time in social media, they share tips like separating your professional and personal accounts, focusing on the most relevant channels rather than trying to tackle all of them, and buying domains related to your practice even if you don’t plan on using them.

Ethan Wall is a social media law attorney, author, professor, consultant, and keynote speaker in Miami, Florida.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Tue, 29 May 2018 18:34:06 +0000

Various committees within the legal profession, such as the ABA’s Mental Health Committee and the Florida Bar’s Special Committee on Mental Health and Wellness, are brainstorming methods to address the increasingly sobering statistics of depression, severe anxiety, and substance abuse among lawyers . In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, host Christine Bilbrey talks to Joe Ankus about mental health first aid training and how it could positively impact the law firms that use it. They discuss the benefits of non-judgemental and undivided listening and give various other tips for mental health first aid.

Joe Ankus has been a legal search consultant since 1991 and is the president of Ankus Consulting, Inc.

Attorney Identity Theft

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:10:21 +0000

Identity theft doesn’t just apply to stolen credit cards or social security numbers. For attorneys, scammers can steal names and even bar numbers in order to trick consumers. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Shanell Schuyler about attorney identity theft scams, what they look like, and what both lawyers and clients can do to prevent them. For victims of identity theft, they also share resources within and outside of the Florida Bar that can help attorneys recover from and report identity theft.

Shanell Schuyler is director of the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) and Intake Department of The Florida Bar.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course #7010.

Additional Resources:

The Office of the Attorney General’s Identity Theft Resource and Response Center
The Office of the Attorney General consumer fraud hotline is 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226).
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services hotline is 800-HELP-FLA (800-435-7352).
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Computer Crime Common Complaints page: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/FCCC/Common-Complaints
File a Complaint with The Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/complaint
File a Complaint with The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): http://www.ic3.gov/
Lawyers should report identity theft to ACAP at 866-352-0707, or email acap@floridabar.org.

Physical Security and Workplace Violence

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 18:17:53 +0000

While you hope to never experience workplace violence, it’s important to know what to do in such a situation. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Deputy M. Dean Crump about the different kinds of workplace violence and the importance of training employees to handle these issues properly. They discuss how to safely deal with terminations, physical security measures, and how to prepare for an active shooter situation.

Dean Crump is the deputy sheriff for Leon County Sheriff's Office.

Attorney Mental Health and Wellness

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 20:55:51 +0000

According to a Johns Hopkins University study of more than 100 occupations, more lawyers suffer from depression than any other occupation. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt discuss lawyer wellbeing with Larry Krieger, who expands on why attorneys often struggle with depression and the wellbeing factors that may lead to satisfaction in a legal career. Together, they also talk about why firms should care about their employees’ happiness and how to create a positive environment.

Professor Larry Krieger co-directs the Externship Program and supervises criminal justice externships at the Florida State University College of Law.

Navigating Ethics and Advertising

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 01:47:42 +0000

If you have questions about professional conduct, conflict of interest, or what information you can include in your advertising, The Florida Bar’s Ethics and Advertising Department is there with answers. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt talk to Elizabeth Clark Tarbert about the Ethics and Advertising Department, including their role with the Bar, common questions they are asked, and why lawyers shouldn’t be afraid to call them for advice. They also discuss advertising rules and how to keep track of these rules as they change.

Elizabeth Clark Tarbert has been ethics counsel for The Florida Bar since 1997, providing oral and written ethics opinions Bar members.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 7024.

Year End Insurance Planning for Law Firms

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 16:29:23 +0000

As the year comes to a close, there are a number of things both large and small firms need to think about, one of these things being insurance policies. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jonathon Israel talk to Chip Trefry about end of the year insurance planning for lawyers. They discuss what types of insurance lawyers should think about, including health and cyber insurance, and the details of group coverage and tax benefits.

Earl “Chip” Trefry is the owner and CEO of Member Benefits, a full-service insurance and financial services organization.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 7030.

Member Benefits Providers Offer Services to Irma Victims

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 18:12:26 +0000

As Hurricane Irma swept through Florida, it left a number of lawyers stranded without their usual resources so the providers of The Florida Bar’s member benefits stepped up, offering free services and access to resources during this time of need. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast recorded at the 2017 Clio Cloud conference, host John Stewart talks to ServeManager’s Trent Carlyle, Fastcase’s Ed Walters, Clio’s Andrew Gay, and Ruby Receptionist’s Austin Lindsey about their products and what their companies are providing to those affected by hurricane Irma. For more details on what services are being provided, see the list below or check out The Florida Bar’s website.

ServeManager

6 months free
Concierge service

Fastcase

Access to full National Law Library (3 months)

Clio

Free 3 month access to Clio

Ruby Receptionists

269 dollars off service
Unlimited outbound calling

NetDocuments

3 months free

Trent Carlyle is the CTO and co-founder of Lawgical, parent company of ServeManager.

Ed Walters is the CEO and co-founder of Fastcase, an online legal research software company based in Washington, D.C.

Andrew Gay is a Stanford graduate who was hired by Clio initially as a Support Specialist in 2015, and is now responsible for the leadership and vision of Clio’s Partnerships team.

Austin Lindsey is the corporate concierge at Ruby Receptionist.

Bar Complaints: Understanding the Process and How to Avoid Them

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 18:01:42 +0000

The Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) receives around 19,000 to 20,000 calls a year regarding a plethora of complaints like fee disputes or lack of communication. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jonathon Israel talk to Shanell Schuyler, director of ACAP, about the most common complaints her office receives and how lawyers can avoid being the cause of these complaints. She also discusses how to handle payment disputes and what to do if clients refuse to pay.

Shanell Schuyler is director of the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) and Intake Department of The Florida Bar.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 7033.

The Power and Practice of Mindfulness

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 20:31:13 +0000

The practice of law can be filled with stress and conflict that can have a harmful impact on a lawyer’s wellness. In this episode of The Florida Bar Podcast, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jonathon Israel talk to Scott Rogers about using mindfulness as a way to maintain well-being as a lawyer. They discuss what mindfulness is not, how it affects the brain, and why mindfulness is relevant to lawyers specifically. They also explore the impact of technology on people’s well-being.

Scott Rogers is founder and director of the University of Miami School of Law’s Mindfulness in Law Program where he teaches Mindful Ethics, Mindful Leadership, and Mindfulness in Law and he co-founded the University of Miami’s Mindfulness Research & Practice Initiative.