Every brief needs a strong conclusion.
As the Florida Bar’s Annual Convention approaches and my term as Chair of the Appellate Practice Section comes to an end, it seems fitting to write one final section of this year’s story—a short reflection on our “Year of Connections,” what we accomplished together, and what lies ahead.
When we selected “Year of Connections” as our theme, I hoped it would be more than a slogan. I wanted it to reflect a simple truth: the strength of our Section comes from the relationships that connect us—across appellate districts, across generations of lawyers, between the Bench and Bar, and through our shared commitment to appellate practice.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of seeing those connections strengthen in meaningful ways.
We listened to our members through a comprehensive survey and used that feedback to improve how we serve the Section. We expanded free CLE offerings, transitioned our monthly webinar series to a video format, and created new opportunities for engagement. We brought members together through virtual gatherings, informal social events, and regional meet-ups that were featured in The Florida Bar News. We strengthened our relationships with the judiciary through programs such as Table of Authorities, our participation in the DCA Judges Conference, and numerous CLE programs featuring appellate judges. We continued to provide exceptional educational content, including signature seminars like The Art of Objecting, Beyond the Bar at the Supreme Court of Florida, Bench Briefs, and the William A. Van Nortwick Advanced Appellate Advocacy Workshop. We published an article in every issue of The Florida Bar Journal and produced a steady stream of thoughtful content in The Record. We also added a new History Timeline to our recently redesigned website, helping connect current members with the many accomplishments of the Section leaders who came before us. We expanded student outreach by offering free Section memberships to law students and creating new mentorship opportunities through our pro bono partnerships. And our members continued their extraordinary commitment to public service, donating thousands of pro bono hours to appellate matters across Florida.
Perhaps most importantly, we strengthened the sense of community that makes this Section special. Throughout the year, I was reminded repeatedly that appellate lawyers are at their best when they learn from one another, support one another, and work together to improve our profession.
None of these accomplishments belong to any one Chair, Officer, committee, or volunteer. They are the result of the collective efforts of dozens of members who contributed their time, ideas, talents, and enthusiasm to the Section. I am deeply grateful to our Officers, Program Administrator, Executive Council members, committee leaders, program chairs, speakers, authors, volunteers, and all of you who participated in Section activities this year.
Serving as Chair of the Appellate Practice Section has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Thank you for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community of lawyers and judges.
As I conclude my service as Chair, I am also excited about the Section’s future. At Convention, I will have the privilege of passing the gavel to Elaine Walter, whose dedication, creativity, and longstanding commitment to this Section have been evident to all who have worked with her. Elaine has been an invaluable partner throughout this year, and I know the Appellate Practice Section will continue to thrive under her leadership. I hope you will join me in congratulating and supporting her as she begins her term as Chair.
I also hope many of you will join us at the Annual Convention, starting tomorrow, as we celebrate another successful year and look ahead to the next. Highlights of the Section’s Convention schedule include:
Wednesday
• Leadership Summit, 3pm-5pm, Floridian Ballroom E
• Chair’s Reception and Presentation of the Adkins and Hamilton Awards, 5pm-7pm, Floridian Ballroom D
Thursday
• New Member Orientation and Committee Meetings, 8:45am-10am, Floridian Ballroom D
• Executive Council Meeting, 10am-12pm, Bonnet Creek Ballroom IV
• Our annual Dessert Reception, featuring this year’s “Boston Tea Party” theme, 9pm-11pm, Bonnet Creek Ballrooms II/III
Whether you have been involved in the Section for decades or are attending your first event, I encourage you to join us. The friendships, mentorships, and professional relationships formed through this Section are among its greatest benefits, and there is no better time to get involved.
And so, in the spirit of a proper appellate brief, I will end where I began: with a conclusion. The “Year of Connections” has been a success not because of any single program, event, or initiative, but because of the people who make this Section what it is. Thank you for your friendship, your professionalism, your service, and your commitment to one another. It has been an honor to serve as your Chair. I look forward to seeing many of you at Convention.
