Congratulations to the Business Law Section’s newly selected Scholars for the 2026–2027 term.

• Antonio Marotta
• Zenani Johnson
• Nicholas Calero
• Valentina Mosquera
• Jacob Needle

This exceptional group of students represents the future of leadership in business law, bringing talent, dedication, and innovation to the profession. Please join us in congratulating the newest Scholars of the Business Law Section when you see them at the Annual Convention.

Mediation and Settlement Conferences Best Practices: How to Get Ready to Get the Best Deal Possible

New date! June 25, 2026

Register here

This CLE provides a practical overview of best practices for mediations and court-ordered settlement conferences. Learn how effective preparation and strategic decision-making can increase leverage, enhance credibility, avoid common pitfalls, and improve the likelihood of achieving the best possible outcome for your client. Drawing on examples from business, intellectual property, employment, and other commercial disputes, the program covers timing, case preparation, confidential submissions, openings, who should attend, client preparation, federal court settlement conference nuances, and common barriers to resolution.

The 2026 Florida Bar Annual Convention

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

June 17-19 2026

Highlights that you will need to register for in advance:

• Judicial & Business Law Section Dinner is not sold out. Reach out to Carly to be added to the wait list.
• BLS Luncheon: The Solutions Oriented Leader: Leading with Purpose, Practicing with Positivity
• Generative AI: E-Discovery CLE at the Annual Convention
• Presidential Showcase CLE: Introduction To The New Florida Protected Series LLC Legislation

Most BLS committees will meet during the Annual Convention. Tentative schedule and links to registration can be found here.

2026 Labor Day Retreat

Mark your calendars for the Annual BLS Labor Day Retreat which will be held at the Ritz Carlton Naples on September 4 - 7, 2026.

Our Labor Day Retreat Committee is cooking up a fantastic line up of CLE, networking and social opportunities for the whole family.

Registration will open in early July.

Allison Leonard has been installed as the President of MDFAWL - Miami-Dade Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Read more.

James Moon and Carlos Sardi each received a Pro Bono Service Award from Dade Legal Aid - Put Something Back in recognition of of their outstanding commitment, dedication, and invaluable service to the less fortunate of our community.

Woody Pollack currently serves as BLS Secretary and will be Treasurer for 2026/2027. He is a partner in the Tampa office of Shutts & Bowen, where he is Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Woody is Board Certified in Intellectual Property Law by The Florida Bar. He focuses his practice on litigating complex patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret disputes. He also counsels clients extensively in developing patent and trademark portfolios. He has been lead counsel in over 100 intellectual property litigations. Woody is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator.

Read on

BLS Email Lists

Are you getting the committee emails you want? You can check your subscriptions here.

CLE on Demand

Need CLE? Miss a program? Many of our past programs are available on demand.

Planning a CLE

Do you have an idea for a great CLE? Learn more here.

Florida isn’t just a state—it’s a global economic powerhouse. If it were an independent nation, Florida would rank among the top 15 largest economies in the world, boasting a GDP that rivals many major countries. The Business Law Section of The Florida Bar plays a critical role in shaping the commercial legal landscape of this economic titan. Our members are not only top-tier business lawyers—they’re the very individuals Florida legislators turn to when drafting or revising key commercial statutes. Sponsoring Business Law Section events like the Labor Day Retreat puts your organization directly in front of the thought leaders, power brokers, and policy shapers who influence business law and practice statewide—and often nationally.

This is more than a networking opportunity. It’s your chance to engage with the legal professionals guiding Florida’s economic future. In addition to the Labor Day Retreat, there are plenty of other sponsorship opportunities that provide year-round exposure through our Section’s ongoing programming, communications, and events. If your brand wants to be seen, respected, and remembered by the attorneys who help write the laws that govern business in one of the world’s most dynamic markets, this is where you need to be.

Please reach out to Will Blair and Bob Charbonneau for sponsorship opportunities.