Message from the Chair

Dear Colleagues,

Get ready for an exciting Winter Meeting extravaganza! We're joining forces with the Florida Bar, which means space will be tighter than a lawyer's schedule on trial day. Don't miss your chance to secure your spot - we need your room requirements faster than you can say "objection your Honor." While we'll do our best to accommodate everyone, some committees may find themselves in the virtual realm. Sorry for the

inconvenience to some, but the Section's work must go on!


Speaking of committee meetings, kudos to the Computer Law, Bankruptcy/UCC, Corporations, CLE, IP, and Communications Committees for their November scheduling prowess (see below for meeting dates). As December looms with its whirlwind of year-end chaos, holiday cheer, and well-deserved R&R, November becomes our golden month for productivity. So let's make those November meetings productive! Remember, these meetings are open to all BLS members so don’t be shy, join your colleagues and find out what the other areas of the Section are doing. Don't miss out on the action!


Now, for a pro bono plot twist that’s really cool. The Florida Supreme Court has approved (with minor revisions) the Bar's proposal for pro bono credit. Brace yourselves - for every hour of pro bono service, you'll now earn one general credit hour, up to a dazzling 5 credits per 3-year cycle. This game-changing amendment kicks off on December 30, 2024. Here’s the full opinion. Pro bono work has never been more rewarding! Ready to be a legal superhero to someone in need? Contact Pro Bono Committee Chair Tara Trevorrow and start making a difference today.


Looking forward to seeing everyone in January!


Best,

Manny

Upcoming Meetings

Computer Law & Technology Committee

November 13, 2024, noon, Zoom


Bankruptcy/UCC Committee

November 14, 2024, 1:00 p.m., Zoom


Corporations Committee

November 19, 2024, noon, Zoom


Continuing Legal Education Committee

November 19, 2024, noon


Tampa informal Gathering

November 19, 2024, Learn more here



IP Committee Roundtable

November 20, 2024, noon, Zoom


Communications Committee

November 25, 2024, noon, Zoom

BLS Blog: An Updated Cheat Sheet for Practitioners: The New, New Florida Summary Judgment Rule: 10 Things to Know 

By Jocelyne Macelloni


On April 29, 2021, the Florida Supreme Court adopted a new summary judgment standard aligning it closely with its federal counterpart. On May 23, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court announced changes to Rule 1.510. The following overview provides the 10 key points every busy practitioner, and judge, should know about the summary judgment rule in Florida state courts. 


Read on

Pro Bono Opportunities

Below is a fabulous pro bono opportunity from the ABA Pro Bono Committee for a volunteer attorney to join a drafting group and assist with drafting a Youth Compensation Legal Guide. The pro bono request is to assist with the chapters on (1) business law and (2) contracts. The attorney does not need to know about youth homelessness; rather, they're looking for a business law/contracts attorney who can bring that knowledge to the table. Learn more here.

Upcoming CLE Programs

Reforming the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act - 2024 Amendments

November 12, 2024

Register Now

Mediation, Myths, & Mysteries

November 19, 2024

Webinar

Register Now

Amendments to Florida Rules of Civil Procedure

November 21, 2024

Webinar

Register Now

The Corporate Transparency Act – Last Call!

December 5, 2024

Webinar

Register Now

Navigating Lawyer Advertising Compliance Series

Episode 1: Foundations of the Florida Bar Handbook on Lawyer Advertising

December 12, 2024

Webinar

Registration Pending

Winter Meetings

January 22-24, 2025

Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando

Registration Pending

Federal Securities Institute

February 24 & 25, 2025

Grand Hyatt Tampa

Registration Pending

Spring Retreat

March 15-21, 2025

Montreal and Quebec City

Registration Pending

Intellectual Property Symposium

April 10 & 11, 2025

Hilton Aventura

Registration Pending

Legislative Update

May 23, 2025

JW Marriott Bonnet Creek

Registration Pending

Additional Updates

Business Litigation Case Update

Weekly Real Property and Business Litigation Case Update by Manny Farach

November Updates
October Updates

EDDE Case Update

eDiscovery case law update and reminders including Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules updates

Read More

CLE On Demand

Need more CLE before your deadline? Miss a program you wanted to see? Many BLS programs are available on demand.

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