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Chairs Message
I can't believe it, but it's true – the holidays are nearly upon us and the year is almost over! I’m happy to report that the new year will be a busy one for the Section. We will continue our outreach to young lawyers by holding our first public service panel at Nova Southeastern University Law School. Our goal is to conduct similar panels at most of the law schools in Florida, so more will be coming. If you'd like to get involved with these panels, let us know. In addition, our last CLE of 2024 is scheduled for December 18, a legislative update with Chair-Elect Maria Pecoraro McCorkle, and we look forward to a robust CLE schedule for the new year, starting with a wellness-focused CLE in January. January will also mark the return of the “Voice”, the Section’s publication. We have some great content already planned, but there still is time to contribute. Finally, a new year means the award season for the Section is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to recognize the great work of government lawyers. We’ll be accepting nominations for our Section Awards soon, including the Claude Pepper Award, the Award for Outstanding Government Lawyer, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
John J. Bajger
Winter Meeting
Rosen Shingle Creek9939 Universal Blvd. ⋅ Orlando, FL 32819
January 22-24, 2025
The Government Lawyers Section Executive Council meeting will be held on Friday, January 24th from 1:00pm-2:30pm. Please complete this quick form if you are able to attend in person.
Please note: There are three Rosen hotels in Orlando, two of which are located on International Drive – each adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center. This meeting is being held at Rosen Shingle Creek on Universal Boulevard.
Hotel Information: The Bar has reserved a block of rooms available at the special rate of $215. The deadline to book a room is Dec. 31, 2024, or until all rooms have been filled, whichever comes first. Self-parking is available for $15 plus tax per day per car; valet parking is $40 plus tax per car, per day.
Social Networking Events
Brunch with the Bosses- May 2, 2025 from 11:00 A.M - 1:00 P.M. at the Hillsborough County Bar Association
Yappy Hour- The Yardery located in Sanford. Date and time are TBA
Upcoming CLE Programming
The Executive Committee is working hard to bring you exciting and informative Joint and Section Sponsored CLE's. Mark your calendars and watch out for more information about these upcoming programs.
Florida Legislative Update & 2025 Preview - December 18, 2025 Register here
Presented by GLS Chair-Elect Maria Pecoraro-McCorkle
2025 Annual Florida Bar Convention - President's Showcase Opportunity
The Florida Bar is accepting proposals for the President's Showcase CLEs now through January 6, 2025. Bar President Roland Sanchez-Medina, along with the Annual Convention Committee, invite you to submit a thorough and comprehensive seminar to be held during the 2025 Annual Convention at The Boca Raton in Boca Raton, FL. Deadline for submissions is Monday, January 6, 2025. More information can be found here.
Mental Health and Wellness - January 30, 2025
In partnership with the Mental Health & Wellness Committee
State Tax Topics - February 12, 2025
Ethics Topics - June 2025
Practicing Before the Florida Supreme Court - Summer 2025
A signature program in partnership with Appellate Practice Section
Practicing Before Hearing Officers - date TBA
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Overview - date TBA
GLS Wellness Corner
Welcome to the Wellness Corner!
This week, we are highlighting one of the worksheets provided in the Well-Being Toolkit for Lawyers and Legal Employers compiled for use by the American Bar Association. Worksheet 2, on page 45, focuses on 7 steps to making happiness a priority.
Science has proven that making happiness a priority can significantly enhance our lives. Positive thinking has been linked to increased resilience, better physical health, and reduced mental health issues. Happy individuals tend to live longer, have stronger immune systems, and enjoy improved heart and lung function. This document encourages you to develop a personalized Happiness Plan to harness these benefits.
As always, please know that counseling is available at the Florida Lawyers Helpline at
833-351-9355 (833-FL1-WELL).
Important Reminders
Articles: As members of our wonderful Section, we are asking you to submit articles for publication consideration in The Florida Bar Journal and The Voice. Please email your ideas to Publications Chair, Christian Gonzalez Rivera, by December 31st.
Continued Legal Education: CLE programming by Government Lawyers is a valuable resource for our members and a great way to generate interest in public service. As attorneys, we all have something to share. Please submit your CLE ideas to Russell Kent or use the CLE Course Worksheet. Please submit your ideas to CLE Chair, Kathleen Savor, or submit a CLE Course Worksheet.
Award & Scholarship Nominations Due Soon: Please send any questions to Awards & Recognition Chair, Mykhaylo Vsevolodskyy.
Robert A. Butterworth Public Service Scholarship- Application due by May 1st
Claude Pepper Award- Nominations due by April 15
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