The Summation Quarterly - Summer 2024

ESCAMBIA-SANTA ROSA BAR ASSOCIATION

Escambia-Santa

Member

Lawyer

lrs@esrba.com

Executive

Published quarterly by the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association as a service to its membership.

Articles appearing in The Summation are not to be construed as official expressions of the views of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association. Official positions are expressed only by formal resolutions adopted by a majority of the membership and will be so designated when published. Editorials are expressions of the opinion of the Editor.

Due date for all advertisements, articles and announcements is the first of the month for the issue you wish to advertise in.

Address all editorial correspondence to the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association office. For all inquiries concerning advertising rates contact Ballinger Publishing.

The Summation Committee is dedicated to providing a publication to the legal community which contains articles that are accurate, informative, entertaining, educational, relevant and timely.

Summation Committee

If you have any comments or suggestions about The Summation, please feel free to express them to any of the committee members. If you would like to join the committee, please call the Bar office

From the President

Christine A. Kelly

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Summer is upon us, and my time as ESRBA President is coming to an end. It has been an honor serving you this year. I couldn’t have done it without the help of the other ESRBA Officers, the Executive Council, ESRBA Executive Director Jeff Nall, and ESRBA Staff. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you all, with a special thanks to our behind-the-scenes Member Engagement Manager Stephen Hayward, who maintains our social media accounts and does so much more to keep us functioning well.

As I end my tenure, I want to leave with you a couple thoughts and reminders. First, I based my presidency on the premise that every member matters. That will continue to be true long after I am ESRBA President. Every one of you has and will continue to have a place in this organization and a role to play. That includes, without limitation, those working at legal services organizations, those working for the government, solo practitioners, and members of large firms. Please remember that each has something important to contribute to the whole. And, although they are not ESRBA members, the paralegals, legal assistants, court clerks, and judicial assistants who help us do what we need to do also matter. Please remember to treat them kindly and to thank them regularly.

Second, I don’t think this can be said enough: please take care of your mental health . You can’t be your best self without doing so. This might mean joining Cookie Rasmussen for Mindfulness in Law Society events (more info: https://www.mindfulnessinlawsociety.org/florida-chapter). It might mean talking to a trusted friend. And it could mean reaching out to the Florida Lawyers Helpline (833-FL1-WELL/833-351-9355). The services are completely confidential, and there is no charge for calling. You may be referred for up to 5 free counseling sessions per year.

Finally, as I pass the torch to Joe Passeretti in July, please don’t think I will just stop caring about you. While I have no doubt that Joe will do a terrific job as President, if there is something I can do to help you, you remain welcome to reach out to me. My e-mail is ckelly@esclaw.com.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve you as ESRBA President this year. The pleasure has been all mine.

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

Executive Council

Officers

President

Christine A. Kelly

Vice President

Joseph A. Passeretti

Secretary

Rebecca Gilliland

Treasurer

Stephen Luongo

Immediate Past President

Aaron T. McCurdy

Executive Council

Kristina Cook

Patrick Jennings

Joe Kirkland

Alexis Mays

Michelle Nguyen

Shelby Savage

Jessica Scholl

Andrew Spencer

Rachel Thomas

Angela Trawick

Aaron Watson

Young Lawyer

Representative

Brooke DiSalvo

Don’t forget that members save 40% on our ever expanding library of CLEs

Scan this QR code to check out our current selection of great CLE programming!

Stay current on everything going on with the

Escambia – Santa Rosa County Bar Association

Be sure to check out the ESRBA website for all upcoming events.

Announcements

Chambers USA 2024 Recognizes Beggs & Lane Attorneys

Beggs & Lane, R.L.L.P. is pleased to announce that Steve Griffin and Ed Holland have both been awarded top rankings in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA for their expertise in the areas of Energy and Natural Resources law. Published annually, the Chambers USA guide identifies the nation’s top law firms and attorneys through rigorous research and in-depth client interviews. Rankings are assessed on legal knowledge, experience, ability, effectiveness and client service, in addition to the strength and depth of a firm’s practice.

Steve heads the firm’s Energy and Public Utilities practice group. He represents public utilities, developers, independent power producers, and providers of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He has substantial experience developing and negotiating power purchase agreements, engineering, procurement and construction agreements, requests for proposals, and long-term service agreements. Steve also regularly represents clients in transactions and administrative regulatory proceedings before the Florida Public Service Commission.

Ed rejoined the firm in 2018 and brings a wealth of experience in the Energy and Natural Resources sectors. Prior to rejoining Beggs & Lane, Ed served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel to Southern Company, President, CEO and Chairman of Mississippi Power Company, President and CEO of Southern Company Holdings, and Executive Vice President of Southern Company Services.

The United Way of West Florida hosted their annual Battle of the Barristers competition recently, with the A-team (Autumn Beck Blackledge) taking home the trophy! Congrats! Second place went to Subpoena Colada (Levin Papantonio Rafferty), followed by AWKO (Alystock Witkin Kries & Overholtz) in third. The most spirited team award was given to The Trivializers (Beggs & Lane).

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation

Board

of Directors

Officers

President

D. Steve Traylor, Jr

Vice President

Jodi Dubose

Secretary & Treasurer

Cameron Gore

Directors

Jeremy Branning

Shekka Drayton

Stephen Echsner

Christine Kelly (ESRBA President)

Heather Lindsay

Patrick Martin

Aaron T. McCurdy

Adrianna Spain

Warren Todd Kasey Watson

John “Buz” Windham

Mikaela Ziko

Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

Young Lawyers Division

Board of Directors

Officers

President

Brook DiSalvo

Vice President

Alexandra Messmore

Treasurer

William Hahn

Secretary

Ander Shimek

Directors

Carllee Godwin

J. Mitchell de Kozan

Haley Hadden

Kreg Jones

Madison Leonard

Sara Martin

Gabe Mueller

Michelle Nguyen (Immediate Past President)

Craig Wood

Mikaela Ziko

Photo Courtesy of United Way of West Florida

On the Move

Attorneys Christine A. Kelly and Geoff Broderson have joined Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon. Geoff will continue his focus on real estate and commercial litigation. Christine’s practice areas include, tax and bankruptcy law, probate, and guardianship.

Scott Barnes has joined Taylor, Warren, Weidner & Hancock as a partner. Building on his years of experience at Ward & Barnes, P.A. Scott will continue to focus his practice on personal injury, car accidents, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims.

Austin Ward previously of Ward & Barnes has opened his mediation practice. Ward Mediations, PLLC can be found at 707 E Cervantes St., Suite B #121. Austin can be reached via email at award@wardmediationspllc.com

ESBRA New Members

Joley Dixon Moorhead Law Group jdixon@moorheadlaw.com

Attorney Keith L. Bell has been elected as the newest Firm President of Clark Partington. s a long-time shareholder of the Firm, a member of the Executive Committee and the managing shareholder of our Tallahassee office, Keith brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to our Firm, and we are excited to see the future growth and success under his leadership. He takes over from previous president Alan Manning .

The law firm of Matthews & Higgins is now closed, as both attorneys move on to new chapters. Ray Higgins has joined Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, and can now be reached via email at raymond.higgins@qpwblaw.com. Larry Matthews will be continuing on with his mediation practice. Larry Matthews may be reached at his new email, L2837bay@gmail.com.

Bianca Ruiz (Student Member) biancakaylaruiz@gmail.com

Micheal Mann The Mann Law Firm, LLC Mike@themann.law

To enhance the efficiency and accessibility of judicial proceedings, the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building is undergoing a comprehensive courtroom AV upgrade. As Chief Judge, I am excited to share these advancements which will benefit attorneys, judges, witnesses, and jurors alike. By embracing this new technology, we are leading the way for a more effective judicial system. Completion of the nine courtrooms is anticipated by the end of this year.

Incorporating integrated Zoom capabilities is a cornerstone of our technological upgrade. This feature will enable smooth, clear remote appearances by attorneys, witnesses, and language interpreters, creating a true hybrid-courtroom experience, and ensuring that access and geographical barriers do not impede the course of justice. Remote participants on a Zoom call will now see a multi-camera view of the entire courtroom and the judge on the bench.

One of the most significant upgrades is the installation of large video wall displays. These state-of-the-art courtroom video walls are some of the first in the nation and will be strategically placed to provide clear

News from the Bench

Embracing New Technology: Leading the Way for a More Effective Judicial System

Chief Judge John L. Miller, First Judicial Circuit of Florida

and unobstructed views for everyone in the courtroom. These displays will be instrumental in presenting evidence, allowing attorneys to present documents, photos, and videos with exceptional clarity. Additionally, they will facilitate remote participation via Zoom, ensuring that attorneys, witnesses, and jurors can seamlessly interact with individuals who are not physically present in the courtroom.

An advanced digital document camera, commonly known as an ELMO, will be installed at the podium. This device allows for the display of hardcopy documents and physical evidence on the large video wall displays. Attorneys can place any document or item under the camera, and it will be projected for all to see, ensuring accuracy and clarity in the presentation of evidence.

We are also introducing wireless connectivity for mobile devices, such as laptops, cellphones, and tablets. This allows participants to wirelessly connect their personal devices to the courtroom’s audio-visual system. With this connectivity, attorneys and other participants can easily provide evidence such as text messages and cell phone pictures directly to the courtroom displays.

Each attorney table will also be equipped with new monitors to view evidence, HDMI and USB-C audio and video

connections for the presentation of digital evidence, and wireless connectivity. These enhancements will enable attorneys to present their cases more effectively, utilizing modern AV technology to support their arguments. In addition, our new advanced audio system is designed to provide crystal-clear sound throughout the courtroom. This upgrade will significantly enhance the auditory experience for everyone involved, from the judge and jury to the attorneys and public in the gallery.

This courtroom technology will be available to all lawyers and litigants, and we understand that familiarity with these new systems will be crucial for their effective use. Therefore, once it has been installed, if you have any questions about the technology or wish to practice using it before a court proceeding, please contact our Court Administration’s IT Department. We are committed to ensuring that all courtroom participants are comfortable and proficient with the new technology.

News from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

Clerk’s Role in the Hope Card Program & Changes to Petitions for Injunction

Pam

Childers

Senate Bill 86, signed into law by Governor DeSantis in May of this year, creates a Hope Card program to help victims who have been issued orders of protection. Currently, victims must carry their full order of injunction to show law enforcement when potential violations occur. Under this new law, effective October 1, 2024, persons who are issued a final injunction may request the Clerk to issue a Hope Card. This new program is intended to make it easier for victims to verify they are recipients of an order of protection.

Hope Cards are digital or wallet-sized cards that contain vital case details. It is expected that Hope Cards will be much easier for victims to carry, making it more likely a victim will have vital information with them when needed. In this respect, the Hope Card program is expected to facilitate law enforcement’s response to violations of injunctions.

Hope Cards may be issued by the Clerk for the following final injunctions.

• Domestic Violence Injunctions (§ 741.30, Fla. Stat.);

• Injunctions for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Sexual Violence, or Dating Violence (§ 784.046, Fla. Stat.);

• Injunctions Against Stalking (§ 784.0485, Fla. Stat.); and

• Injunctions for Protection Against the Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults (§ 825.1035).

The law provides that Hope Cards must contain the following information:

1. the respondent’s name and date of birth;

2. the name and date of birth of the petitioner or protected person;

3. information about the issuance and expiration date of the order;

4. the telephone number of the statewide domestic violence hotline; and

5. the date of issuance and the expiration date of the Hope Card.

Hope Cards are valid for 2 years after issuance of the final injunction or upon the expiration date of the injunction, whichever is earlier. Victims may request the Clerk to issue a new Hope Card after the 2-year period if the final injunction is still in effect. All Hope Cards are provided at no cost to victims.

Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General are working to develop and implement the new Hope Card program before the effective date of the law on October 1, 2024. When the final details are worked out, information about how to request a Hope Card will be available on the Clerk’s website.

In another change affecting injunctions, House Bill 761 removes the notarization requirement for several petitions for injunction. Effective July 1, 2024, petitions for injunction against domestic violence; repeat, sexual or dating violence; and stalking will no longer require the petitioner to sign in the presence of a notary. This was a temporary change made by the Florida Supreme Court during the pandemic and this new law makes those temporary changes permanent. After July 1, 2024, petitions need only be verified meaning that the petitioner will declare that the facts in the petition are true under penalties of perjury without notarization. Form petitions for injunction are available in-person at the Clerk’s office and online at www.escambiaclerk.com.

Authored by Codey Leigh, General Counsel, on behalf of Pam Childers, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

UWF ARGO ORAL ADVOCACY COMPETITION

SIMULATING A COURTROOM EXPERIENCE

Charlie Penrod, Legal Studies Professor, University of West Florida

A retired football player decides he wants to be a football coach at the college level. He gets a degree, completes training certificates, and network s with the right people. He applies for an assistant coach position at a religious university. After his interview, it is clear he is the best qualified person for the position. He feels confident he will be given the job and be able to embark on the next chapter of his life. His is optimistic and excited for the future. The problem, however, is that the school is looking for someone with a particular background and goes with another candidate. The football coach sues, claiming race discrimination. The issue, however, is that the Supreme Court’s “ministerial exception” allows churches and religious schools to avoid all federal discrimination laws when hiring ministers. So, the key question is this: Is a football coach a minister?

Sounds easy enough, but of course there are always two sides to every issue. This was the hypothetical case that UWF Legal Studies students had to argue to compete in the UWF Oral Advocacy Competition. The competition began with preliminary rounds where 28 students argued before UWF faculty and members of the bar. Local attorneys Lindsay Fryer, Mikaela Ziko, and Charles Beall helped preside over the first rounds in order to determine the four finalists for the competition.

The competition took place in our brand new state-ofthe-art mock trial courtroom. Located in Building 70 on UWF’s campus, the courtroom has the look and feel of a real courtroom. It is fully tech-equipped, with microphones, a giant wall-mounted monitor, and a document reader to allow trials to proceed paperless. Having an authentic courtroom gives the experience a special feel. The Legal Studies program is proud to offer this space not only for students, but for members of the legal community who might find it useful.

The four finalists - Hannah Penrose, Juliana Wahl, Allyson Greenan and Devin Yarbrough – competed for the championship. The students were assigned their clients and

did not get to choose sides. Hannah and Juliana represented the defendant university, while Allyson and Devin represented the plaintiff coach.

The finals were judged by three area judges who volunteered their time so that students could receive an authentic experience. Circuit Court Judge Tom Williams, Magistrate Judge Hope Cannon, and County Court Judge Chuck Young were on the bench as the four finalists delivered their arguments and responded to tough questioning from the panel. All four finalists were put in the spotlight and delivered remarkably articulate answers to questions, together with well-researched points of law.

The winners of the competition, Hannah Penrose and Juliana Wahl, were honored and thrilled to compete. Juliana expressed a sentiment that many attorneys have when oral arguing - “Going in front of the judges was the scariest thing I have ever done. I was so nervous but extremely excited to argue my case! At first, I was nervous but when the judges started asking questions, I felt more confident and comfortable.” The purpose of the assignment was to prepare students for law school and to enable them to envision themselves successfully performing as an attorney. When I asked Juliana how this exercise prepared her for the future, Juliana said, “I feel more prepared for law school after the oral argument competition. It gave me more confidence in my public speaking abilities and sticking to my arguments without backing down.”

Hannah expressed similar feelings. She said, “It has been a great honor to experience and be a part of the winning team for the Oral Advocacy finals. Being able to work alongside other students has helped me to recognize blind spots in how I generally prepare and mold arguments in my mind. The competition has aided me in sharpening my skills before I leave for law school this summer.” Hannah’s goal before this competition was to become a transactional attorney, but this exercise has given her second thoughts. She said, “I truly had never considered advocacy long-term in my future career, mostly because I didn’t have much confidence in my ability to present arguments live. I have a background in writing and considered my strides to be solely on paper. This experience has opened my eyes to the possibility of advocacy and courtroom-based litigation in my future.”

After the three-judge panel announced their verdict, all four participants expressed relief and surprise that they were able to do something like this. All three judges were very impressed with the quality of their oral arguments before ever entering into law school, noting that they made it look much easier than it actually was.

There will be many more oral arguments in their future, and these students have the benefit of having one oral argument completed before doing similar ones in law school and beyond. They will be a step ahead of many of their classmates, and hopefully this can serve as a springboard for future success in law school and as a practicing attorney.

For the first time, the competitors were recognized at the ESRBA Law Week luncheon. Each student was individually recognized and given a monetary award. The awards were sponsored and generously provided by the Bernau family - Lisa Bernau and her two children Diana and Benjamin. The Bernau family’s support of pre-law education here at UWF is much appreciated and signals that students in the early stages of their legal careers are doing incredible things. I would like to thank them for their commitment to the Legal Studies pre-law program, as their support allows students like this to shine and get the recognition they deserve. The future is bright for sure.

Hannah, Juliana, Devin, and Allyson all intend to go to law school either this year or next. Hannah and Devin will be 1L law school students in the Fall, while Juliana and Ally will be submitting their law school applications soon for the Fall 2025 class.

Next year, the competition will expand, hopefully with the help of more members of the bench and bar. The plan for next year is to have each preliminary round judged by a three-judge panel of attorneys or judges, with the finals to remain the same format. So, when next Spring rolls around, be on the lookout for a call for volunteers for the event. If anyone would like to get on the list early, please feel free to contact me now!

For more information on how to connect with the Legal Studies pre-law program at UWF, please feel free to contact Professor Charlie Penrod at cpenrod@uwf.edu.

WEEK LAW Thank You Everyone!

ESCAMBIA-SANTA ROSA BAR ASSOCIATION HONORS DAVID STAFFORD AND TAPPIE VILLANE WITH LIBERTY BELL AWARD

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association recently presented its Liberty Bell Award at its Law Week Luncheon to dual recipients.  Honored with the award were David Stafford, former Escambia County Supervisor of Elections and current Region 4 Election Security Advisor for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within the Department of Homeland Security and Tappie Villane, Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections. The awards were presented by Chief Judge of the First Judicial Circuit John L. Miller on behalf of the association.

The purpose of the award is to recognize community service that has strengthened the American system of freedom under law and to accord public recognition to men and women, particularly non-lawyers, for outstanding service in one of these areas: promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights; encouraging greater respect of law and the courts; stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights; contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of government; and fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law.

Also recognized at the luncheon were the first place and second place winners of the University of West Florida Oral Advocacy Championship. The winners, Juliana Wahl and Hannah Penrose, and runners up, Devin Yarbrough Allyson Greenan, were given cash awards sponsored by Lisa, Diana and Benjamin Bernau. The awards were presented by Charlie Penrod, J.D., Professor, Legal Studies Program, University of West Florida, Circuit Judge Thomas Williams and County Judge Charles Young on behalf of the Bernau family and the association.

Law Week is the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association’s week-long extension of the American Bar Association’s Law Day, which is held annually on May 1. Law Day is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share.

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association is a nonprofit voluntary organization serving attorneys and judges in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. For more information about the association, visit www.esrba.com.

Young Lawyer’s Division

by Brooke DiSalvo, YLD President

As my tenure as President of the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division concludes, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and fulfillment. As I reflect on the past year, I am immensely proud of the progress we have made, the connections we have forged, and the impact we have had on the legal profession and within our community. It has been a journey marked by many triumphs and invaluable experiences, and I am grateful for every moment of it.

Slam Dunk Social Sponsored by Zarzaur Law

Kicking off our spring events was the March Slam Dunk Social, graciously sponsored by Zarzaur Law. This event not only brought our members together for a fun evening of networking and camaraderie at local brewery, The 5 Barrel, but also kicked off the Zarzaur Law March Madness Bracket Challenge. Congratulations to the winner, attorney Michelle Nguyen, who walked away with a fantastic swag bag filled with gift cards, Zarzaur Law merch, and other goodies courtesy of our generous sponsor.

YLD Tech Roadshow

In April, we partnered with the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division to host a stop on the YLD Tech Roadshow - a valuable opportunity for our local young lawyers to stay abreast of technological advances and best practices in the legal field. Led by tech expert Adriana Linares of LawTech Partners, this free CLE provided insights and practical tips to help our members leverage technology effectively in their practice, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving legal landscape. The YLD Tech Roadshow last visited Escambia County in 2019, and we are incredibly grateful to the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division for including our YLD chapter on the roadshow again this year.

Motion to Strike - Law Week Event

May brought another exciting event to our calendar with Motion to Strike - a Law Week event sponsored by YLD. This event provided a unique forum for local attorneys and young lawyers to unwind and socialize while enjoying a few games of bowling at Cordova

Lanes. It was a fantastic way to connect with peers outside of the office and build lasting relationships within our legal community.

Coffee with Judge Broderson

Continuing our commitment to professional development and mentorship, May also saw our most recent Coffee with a Judge event. We were honored to be joined by Judge Amy Broderson, who generously shared her insights and guidance with our local law clerks and young lawyers. These candid conversations provide invaluable advice on navigating the practice of law and perspectives from the bench.

Civil Rights Presentation

by the United States Attorney’s Office

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote awareness of important legal causes, YLD hosted a civil rights presentation in partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. Focusing on the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative, Assistant United States Attorney Khari James provided crucial insights into civil rights law and the role of legal professionals in combating hate and discrimination in our communities.

Law Clerk Welcome Happy Hour

Sponsored by Beggs & Lane

Wrapping up our recent event calendar was the Law Clerk Welcome Happy Hour, generously sponsored by Beggs & Lane. Held at O’Rileys Irish Pub, this event provided a warm welcome to local law clerks while offering a relaxed setting for networking and building connections among our members.

This has been a successful and fulfilling year for the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. I extend my sincerest gratitude to our sponsors, speakers, and our members, whose participation and enthusiasm continue to make our events successful. As we look forward to the summer months, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our legal community, and I encourage all of our members to stay engaged and involved. Together, we will continue to grow, learn, and make a positive impact in our community.

Finally, I would like to recognize the ESRBA YLD Board of Directors who have tirelessly served, advocated, and contributed to worthwhile causes in our legal community. I have no doubt that this outstanding group of young leaders will continue to facilitate the professional and collegial environment that our YLD chapter is known for. I look forward to welcoming incoming YLD President, attorney Alex Messmore, who will undoubtedly continue to promote YLD’s mission: to promote professionalism, cooperation, and development of professional relationships among young lawyers in our community.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve as your ESRBA YLD President this past year. It has been a great honor.

Respectfully,

Brooke DiSalvo

President, Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Need a Lawyer?

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With over 50 participating local attorneys experienced in many different areas of law, we can help you find an attorney to handle your case.

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Bottom Line

By: Kimberly Thomas, FRP Parliamentarian, Northwest Florida Paralegal Association

The Northwest Florida Paralegal Association (“NWFPA”) was formed on August 12, 1981, to encourage a high order of ethical and professional attainment, further education among members of the profession, establish good fellowship among society members and members of the legal community, and cooperate with the bar association. The organization is nonsectarian, nonpartisan, nonprofit, nonunion and is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (“NALA”).

The Northwest Florida Paralegal Associations Vision is to empower Northwest Florida paralegals through education and career development. Our Mission is to promote the paralegal profession through awareness and education. We accomplish this with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of our members. We recognize we must build on and derive strength from and include initiatives as well as promote it.

NWFPA encourages and fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within the association, as well as the law firms, corporations, legal service providers, and the paralegal community, our members and peers support. NWFPA welcomes members from all backgrounds and encourages connections within our diverse membership.

Strength through diversity includes all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, medical condition, military or veteran status, and political affiliation.

The ever-so-changing landscape of the legal profession presents both challenges and opportunities for paralegals. Our organization is here to provide a sounding board and/or a platform for those who embrace and adapt to the shifts of the legal profession. We provide monthly opportunities for continuing education and promote a

New member applications are accepted year-round. We offer memberships for active paralegals, associate membership for legal staff and attorneys, as well as discounted student membership. As a not-for-profit organization we strive to keep the annual dues as affordable as possible so that we can provide services and opportunities to as many professionals as possible despite their financial situations.

By staying informed, mastering new tools, integrating those tools, and adding continued learning into their workflow’s, paralegals have the ability to, not only, enhance their own efficiency but also contribute to the overall success of the legal teams they support within this community and that is The Bottom Line!

Be on the lookout for upcoming Events. If you are interested in joining our committed legal community, please contact me at nwfpa.parliamentarian@ gmail.com. You can also check out our website: https://nwfpa.com/