Business Law Section Newsletter

May 2024

Message from the Chair

Dear BLS Members:

I hope that many of you will be joining us in Orlando, June 19-20 at the Bonnet Creek resort for the Business Law Section meetings. These meetings are during the Florida Bar Annual Convention. The schedule for the BLS meetings is here for your convenience. If you are the chair or vice-chair of any committee, subcommittee or task force and your group plans to meet virtually prior to the meetings in June, please let us know as soon as possible.

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BLS Blog: Lawyering and Mental Health: Facing the Hard Truths Head On

By Kayla Heckman

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Established in 1949, the goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is to emphasize the importance of mental health and undo the stigma commonly associated with mental illness that is deeply ingrained in our society. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, Well-Being Week in Law is observed nationally during the first full week of May. Well-Being Week in Law was initiated to address mental health concerns specific to the legal community, which has suffered from unacceptably high rates of depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and drug use. 

Read on

BLS Blog: Emerging Issues at the Intersection of Digital Assets and Bankruptcy Law

By Hunter Grasso

Many Crypto exchanges operate on a national or global scale, but in recent years, Florida has emerged as a crypto-industry hub. Naturally, we have seen an influx of crypto, fintech, Web3, and blockchain-related companies, and of course, consumers. With that comes an increase in deals, disputes, and unfortunately, bankruptcies. This article provides a brief overview of some emerging trends at the intersection of bankruptcy law and digital assets that have significant implications for businesses and consumers in Florida, and throughout the country. 

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From the Florida Bar Journal

What Every Business Lawyer Needs To Know About Captive Insurance and Why It Matters in Today’s Hardening Insurance Market

By Amanda Luby

Not entirely distinct from the well-publicized homeowners insurance crisis that Florida is currently experiencing, Florida businesses are experiencing their own insurance nightmare. This insurance plight has brought with it rising premium rates and reduced coverage, exposing businesses to losses and thinner profit margins.[1] Policy enthusiasts can debate the underlying cause of these rate increases, but the fact remains that it is becoming harder for businesses to protect themselves from fortuitous, sometimes catastrophic losses.

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Chair's Message, continued

Thank you to the substantive committees, subcommittees and task forces that have already conducted one (1) hour CLE’s. And Kudos to all of the committees that have CLEs that are already scheduled. You still have six (6) weeks remaining in this bar year to have more CLEs, to showcase the knowledge and talents of your committee members and to generate buzz and revenue for the section. Luis E. Rivera, our CLE committee chair, and Carly Hopkins, our awesome section administrator, are both available to help you put on your CLE. Help the BLS finish the year strong!

Remember that just over two (2) months after the annual meeting in Orlando is the Business Law Section Retreat at the Ritz in Naples. If you are interested in becoming a retreat or a section sponsor, please contact Peter Maskow the chair of our sponsorship committee. 

Thank you again for your membership and for all you do for the BLS.

Mark Stein, BLS Chair

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