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”Meaningful work gives life purpose and connects you to something bigger than yourself.”
-Germany Kent
Dear ILS Members,
Last week we had the opportunity to participate in the Florida Bar Annual Convention and our ILS Executive Council Annual Meeting at The Boca Raton. We connected with The Florida Bar leadership, collaborated with other Florida Bar Sections, elected our Section’s new leaders and engaged with our Section members and friends. We also recognized outstanding ILS leaders, including our Immediate Past Chair, Jackie Villalba, whose leadership, dedication and sacrifice enabled our Section to thrive.
While the Annual Meeting was a time to reflect on the success of our past, we also focused on the important work of our Section’s future. I am blessed and honored to serve as the new Chair of the ILS and lead with the theme: “Elevating our International Leadership.” Since 1981, the ILS been recognized by The Florida Bar, throughout the State of Florida and in various countries for our extraordinary international expertise, programs and network. This year, my goal is to elevate our Section’s leadership in the international community through Commitment, Collaboration and Celebration.
Commitment. The commitment required to achieve our goal begins with me as Chair and our Executive Board, but it extends to our Executive Council, Committee Chairs, Sponsors, Past Chairs, Program Administrator, and even our new Law Student Interns. As such, I am calling on each of you to please consider how you can contribute your time, skills, resources and connections to help us achieve our goal.
Collaboration. The ILS has established international relationships around the world with over 20 cooperation agreements with Foreign Bar Associations (FBA). Last year, we renewed and activated several of these relationships, including with Madrid, Milan, Bergamo and Paris. This year, we plan to strengthen those relationships, activate others and establish new ones. We want to invite the FBAs to: (i) attend our iLaw international conference, (ii) encourage their law schools to compete in our Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot, (iii) contribute to our International Law Quarterly, and (iv) participate in and host our delegates and trade missions. Our collaboration will also extend to other bar sections and associations, international organizations, foreign consulates and trade offices.
Celebration. In addition to the important work of our Section, I want to ensure that we take the time to celebrate our achievements, enjoy our time together and just have some fun! We will bring back our Section Retreat, organize traditional networking receptions and plan new entertaining events, including with other organizations.
It’s an exciting time to be involved in the ILS and I’m thrilled to serve as your Chair. I’m confident that with your commitment and collaboration, we will be able to celebrate our Section’s success in Elevating our International Leadership.
Saludos,
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