FAWL Connection Newsletter

Connection

The FAWL Monthly E-Newsletter

December 2018

President's Message

FAWL Members,

As we round out 2018, we have immense opportunity to be courageous in 2019. Have the courage to invest in yourself and your profession by applying for appointment to your Judicial Nominating Committee (JNC) no later than January 14 and/or applying to be on a Florida Bar Committee no later than January 15 . FAWL’s Membership Advancement and Promotion Committee, chaired by Immediate Past President Jen Sullivan, stands ready to provide individual support for your goals. Bar President-Elect John Stewart has shown a high level of commitment to the Mission of FAWL and we look forward to working with him to ensure women are equally represented on these important committees.

We fought hard for women in the last month by appearing in the Florida Supreme Court twice. We united with nine (9) other voluntary bar associations to seek an extension of the deadline for applications to the Supreme Court of Florida. Though that relief was not granted, our message was certainly heard by the Governor, the JNC, and the public, through media coverage. I was so proud of our support of not only gender, but also racial diversity on our highest court. We wish the best to the remaining eleven (11) applicants, and Judges Grosshans and Lagoa, in particular. While the number of women on the Florida Supreme Court will not increase in this round, it is still possible for us to maintain the current level of representation if both women nominees are appointed. We also filed a Comment in support of the proposed parental leave rule and anticipate further action on that front in the New Year.

In this season of gratitude and appreciation, I am particularly thankful for FAWL members using their legal skills to advance gender equality in the profession, the judiciary, and the community at large. Enjoy this time for reflection, and let’s think about where we can have courage in our professional lives in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Jenny

Salutations

BCWLA Opens Lactation Room in Broward County Courthouse

On October 29, 2018, the Broward County Women Lawyers Association had a Pink Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Lactation Room at the Broward County Courthouse. Pictured are Brenda Forman, Clerk of the Court, Judge Jack Tuter, Judge Stacy Ross, and Madeleine Q. Mannello, BCWLA President. For more information regarding the opening, please visit here .

Holly Howanitz

Michelle Bedoya Barnett

Three JWLA Members Recognized as Top 10 Under 40

Attorney at Law Magazine has recognized Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association members Michelle Bedoya Barnett, Holly Howanitz, and Lindsay Tygart as the 2018 Top 10 Attorneys Under 40.

Lindsay Tygart

FAWL Lactation Room Task Force Meets with Health Start Coalition's Breastfeeding Committee

FAWL's Lactation Room Task Force was invited to join Martin County Health Department's Health Start Coalition Breastfeeding Committee to discuss the cultural history of breastfeeding in the U.S., barriers to breastfeeding, and the relationship between breastfeeding and infant health outcomes. Caitlin Powell, a member of the Lactation Room Task Force, attended the meeting on behalf of FAWL.

Call to Action

The Florida Bar Foundation Seeks Directors

The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the following vacancies to be filled during its Feb. 8, 2019, meeting:

The Florida Bar Foundation Board of Directors: Two lawyers to serve three-year terms, commencing July 1, 2019, and ending June 30, 2022. The 33-member Board of Directors administers Florida’s IOTA program. Directors shall be members of the foundation during their term(s) as directors.

Persons interested in applying for these vacancies may go to The Florida Bar’s website to download the Application for Special Appointment or call Bar headquarters at 850-561-5667 to obtain the application form. Completed applications must be received by the Executive Director, The Florida Bar, 651 E. Jefferson St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300 or submitted via email to [email protected] no later than the close of business on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application.

The Florida Bar Seeks Applications for JNCs

T here is one lawyer vacancy on each of Florida’s 26 Judicial Nominating Commissions, and The Florida Bar has the opportunity to nominate three lawyers for each commission to the governor for his appointment. Each appointee will serve a four-year term, commencing July 1, 2019.

Applicants must be members of The Florida Bar engaged in the practice of law and a resident of the territorial jurisdiction served by the commission to which the member is applying. Commissioners are not eligible for state judicial office for vacancies filled by the JNC on which they sit for two years following completion of their term.

Persons interested in applying for these vacancies may download the Judicial Nominating Commission Application for Appointment from the Bar’s website, www.floridabar.org , or call Bar headquarters at 850-561-5667 to obtain the application form. Completed applications must be received by the Executive Director, The Florida Bar, 651 E. Jefferson St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300 or submitted via email to [email protected] no later than 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019 . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application. The Board of Governors will review all applications and may request telephone or personal interviews.

The Florida Bar Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors Nominations Due December 17th

The Florida Bar is accepting nomination petitions to serve on the Florida Bar Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors until December 17, 2018. All Board positions are for a two (2) year term.

For more information about serving on The Florida Bar Board of Governors and the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors please visit here and

here , respectively. Please notify [email protected] if you submit a nomination petition as nominees will be featured in the January newsletter.

Please send your news and direct press inquiries to Public Relations Director Iris Elijah and Executive Director Kevin Hudson at [email protected] .

Call for Submissions - Voluntary Bar Database

Attention FAWL Chapters! The Florida Bar’s Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee is seeking to create a database for new voluntary bar organizations, and those that need to be revamped. Please send your chapter materials to [email protected] .

These may include: policies; bylaws; governance documents; sponsorship solicitation and promotion flyers; model budgets and financial statements; diversity and inclusion programs; membership retention and recruitment materials; special surveys, reports, polls; officer installation scripts; committee/board orientation materials; and any other helpful or useful information. Your support and participation are appreciated!

Save the Dates 2019

FAWL Board of Directors Meeting & HAWL Judicial Reception

Jan. 31

Offices of Jackson Lewis, P.C., Wells Fargo Building, Tampa
Hillsborough Chapter Judicial Reception, Rooftop 220 of Armature Works

Lobby Days 2019

March 10-12

Host Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Tallahassee
Group Rate $219+ per night Hotel Reservations
Group Rate Cutoff Date is Feb. 9 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first

FAWL 2019 Annual Awards & Installation Gala

June 26-29 (Exact Date TBA)

Host Hotel: Boca Raton Resort & Club
Held in conjunction with The Florida Bar Annual Convention

Committee Announcements

Call for Webinar Presenters & Topics

FAWL's Webinar Committee is seeking guest speakers and topic ideas to present during future FAWL webinars. Do you have a unique idea for a webinar topic and presentation regarding issues affecting women attorneys? Is there any area you would like to see us delve into? Would you like to be a speaker? Send your suggestions and recommendations for consideration to [email protected] .

Calls for Awards and Installation Gala Themes

FAWL's Annual Award and Installation Gala Committee need your help determining the theme for the next Gala to be held June 2019 during The Florida Bar's Annual Convention in Boca Raton. Submit any ideas you have for themes by December 31, 2018, to Melissa Feingold at [email protected] . The individual whose theme is chosen will receive a complimentary ticket to the Gala. This contest is open to all FAWL members and law students.

December's Featured Annual Sponsor

Domnick Cunningham & Whalen is one of the largest boutique litigation firms in the Palm Beach Gardens area. Their West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers have a national reputation for resolving complex cases and a deep commitment to serving our local community. The firm and its accident attorneys in West Palm Beach are comprised of litigators dedicated to responsible advocacy and protecting the rights of catastrophically injured clients with excellence, integrity, and professionalism.

Shareholder Jeanmarie Whalen is a FAWL Past President (1999-2000).

Domnick Cunningham & Whalen is proud to be a Silver Annual Sponsor