Summation Quarterly - Spring 2024

INTELLIGENCE: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF LEGAL PRACTICE

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From the President

Christine A. Kelly

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Happy Spring! I am sure I am not the only one looking forward to warmer weather. Our beautiful beaches are calling!

Speaking of calling, the new ESRBA membership directories are currently being distributed. If you haven’t yet received yours, you should receive it soon. If you need extras, you can order them from the ESRBA office.

Law Week is coming soon. This year’s theme is Voices of Democracy. We hope that you will join us for the great events lined up:

• Law Week Legal Clinic, Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.–Noon., Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail, Pensacola. Just a few hours of your time can make a huge difference, and there is no ongoing obligation to represent. Please join me to learn how great it feels to do pro bono work. More info: Legal Services of North Florida: Judy Naler, 850-701-4238, judy@lsnf.org or Beth Blake, 850-701-4231, beth@lsnf.org. I hope to see you there!

• Judicial Reception, Tuesday, April 30, 5–7 p.m., The Governor’s Room at Jackson’s Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St, Pensacola.

• Law Week Luncheon, Friday, May 3, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Seville Quarter Heritage Hall (corner of Government and Tarragona Streets), Pensacola. Featuring a panel discussion on this year’s theme, Voices of Democracy, with panelists Tappie Villane (Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections), David Stafford (former Escambia County Supervisor of Elections), and Retired First Judicial Circuit Judge Mike Allen.

Our Law Week committee is still planning, so be sure to check your e-mails and the ESRBA calendar for the most updated list of events. If you are interested in sponsoring Law Week, please reach out to Jeff Nall, ESRBA Executive Director, jeff@esrba.com.

Spring is also a time when we try to go outside more and often become more physically active, enjoying the fresh spring air. Please don’t forget that taking care of your mental health is equally as important as taking care of your physical health. As a reminder, the Florida Lawyers Helpline (833-FL1-WELL/833-351-9355) is there to help you, and their services are completely confidential. There is no charge for calling and you may be referred for up to 5 free counseling sessions per year.

Finally, if there is something I can do to make your ESRBA membership more meaningful, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. The fastest way to reach me is by e-mail to christine@caeklaw.com.

I hope you have a fantastic spring!

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

Several members of our association enjoyed an evening at the Symphony on March 2nd. The social event, sponsored by Aaron Erskine, included a pre-concert reception and joint-mixer for ESRBA, Escambia County Medical Society Members and Symphony Patrons. We look forward to providing our members more social networking opportunities like this.

The 2024 ESRBA Directories are here!

Order an extra copy for your office, car or home today!

Leave your Belt On!

Order an ID Badge from the Bar for easier access to the Escambia and Santa Rosa Courthouses.

David A. Carroll

(October 2, 1964 – March 16, 2024)

David will be remembered for his endless acts of service, joyful spirit, and whimsical sense of humor.

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

Cassandra Buer

J. Mitchell de Kozan

Haley Hadden

Kreg Jones

Madison Leonard

Sara Martin

Gabe Mueller

Michelle Nguyen (Immediate Past President)

Craig Wood

Mikaela Ziko

On the Move

Cromey Law has moved to 221 E Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502. Jason Cromey can still be reached at (850) 483-1689 and via email at jason@cromeylaw.com.

Tiffany Woodward has moved her practice. She is now accepting family law clients and mediations at 1300 Shoreline Dr., Suite 203, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561. She can be reached at (850) 517-4460 or via email at ttw@pensacoladivorce.com.

Wade Palmer Shoemaker is pleased to announce that Christopher Varner (shareholder), Laura LaBiance Puente (shareholder), and Patrick Luna (partner) have joined the firm. Chris will continue representing clients in the fields of general liability, construction litigation, automobile litigation, and employment practices. He can be reached at cvarner@wpslawyers. com. Laura will be focusing her practice on insurance defense, business litigation, professional liability, general liability, automobile litigation, and construction litigation. She can be reached at llabiancapuente@wpslawyers. com. Patrick will continue to focus on general liability and first party property coverage. He can be reached at pluna@wpslawyers.com.

ESBRA New Members

Emily Jeffcott

Morgan & Morgan

ejeffcott@forthepeople.com

Billy T. Harris III

Litvak, Beasley, Wilson & Ball billy@lawpensacola.com

Ryan Morrow

The law firm of DeMaria, De Kozan & White, PLLC is proud to announce Kimberly Speer

Sullivan has joined the firm as a partner. Kimberly can now be reached at (850) 434-2761 and via email, kssullivan@demariadekozanwhite.com. Ms. Sullivan focuses her practice on Estate Planning, Probate, Medicaid Planning, and Elder Law.

Patrick S. Martin has joined Phil Hall, P.A.

Patrick is a board-certified specialist in civil trial law who brings with him almost 30 years of experience handling personal injury claims. Over his career, Patrick has earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, and compassion as a defense attorney, and we cannot wait to see how that skill set and that compassion flourish when he represents injured plaintiffs. He can be reached at (850) 760-2156 or via email, patrick@askalawyerfirst.com

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News from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

Pam Childers Clerk’s Technology Update

Clerk’s Move of Historical Records to University of West Florida

Pensacola, as America’s oldest city, has a history that stretches back hundreds of years. Along with that history are records that continue to be vital to researchers, historians, government, and the general public. The Escambia County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office (the “Clerk’s Office”), as the keeper of both court and non-court records, holds some of Pensacola’s oldest records. The Clerk’s Office still maintains records from the first known recorded court case in Escambia County – case number 1821 CA 01. In this case, W.H. Robinson, in a hand-written complaint, filed suit against T & G Bell. The dispute was over food and farming equipment in the amount of $250. W.H. Robinson prevailed in that case. The case records at that time were kept by Colonel John Miller who was appointed by General Andrew Jackson on July 17, 1821.

For the 200 years after this court case, the Clerk’s Office has safely held and preserved the case file. This, of course, has not been an easy task. Around 1970, Joe Flowers, who was at that time Clerk of the Circuit Court, needed space in the basement of the Old County Court House—now known as the Ernie Lee Magha Government building. Clerk Flowers began a “pilot project” in order to preserve the files. While working on this “pilot project”, it was discovered that during the War Between the States, all court files from 1821 through 1860 were placed in large crock jars and hidden behind sealed brick walls of Fort Barrancas. Later in 1868, Filomena de la Rua, Clerk of the Circuit Court, retrieved the files from Ft. Barrancas and returned them to his office for safe keeping.

These historical paper files have now made another move – this time from the Clerk’s Office to the University of West Florida’s (“UWF”) Archives and History Center. Over the last year, the Clerk’s Office has collaborated with UWF to plan for the safe transfer and storage of paper court records dating from 1821 through 1936. This move could not have happened without the help of Kasey Watson, Trial Court Administrator, and an Administrative Order from the Honorable Chief Judge John Miller approving the transfer. Also, a big thank you to Dean Debolt, UWF Librarian, Archivist and Professor, for his passion and devotion to preserving the records.

Through the partnership between the Clerk’s Office and UWF, important historical files consisting of land, probate, divorce, criminal, and various other paper court cases are now safely housed in an environment that will provide researchers the opportunity to view and inspect the original paper documents. The digital and record copy of these records continue to be maintained by the Clerk’s Office. And so, the 200 plus year history of maintaining and preserving the first court case from 1821 lives on, not in crock jars, or in a basement, but in two safe and secure locations. One in paper form at UWF’s Archives and History Center and the other in digital format at the Clerk’s Office.

Authored by Robert Smith and Codey Leigh for Pam Childers, Escambia County Clerk and Comptroller

*Historical court records can be viewed by the public at no cost via a public viewing terminal at the Clerk’s Public Records Center located at 120 E. Blount Street, Pensacola, Florida 32501.

Historical Files in 296 Acid Free Boxes

Sharon Lucas & Dean DeBolt

Clerk’s Public Records Center Personnel

News from the Bench

As a lifelong resident of the Pensacola area, and a longtime member of the legal community, I have always been grateful for the willingness of our attorneys and fellow citizens to help those in need in our community. It is with this in mind that I write to you of urgent needs in our local justice system.

Now more than ever, the legal landscape is complex. Knowing the dangers of subjecting unrepresented individuals to the power of the government, the authors of our Constitution wisely guaranteed the citizens of the United States the right to due process of law and the right to the assistance of counsel in certain criminal proceedings. Furthermore, the law has long recognized a constitutionally protected interest in preserving the family unit and raising one’s children. The right to counsel is especially significant in dependency matters when the proceedings might result in the permanent termination of parental rights. Therefore, Florida statutes provide for the appointment of counsel in dependency matters. However, the fulfillment of these rights simply cannot be achieved without competent attorneys willing to represent those who cannot afford counsel. Without counsel, certain indigent litigants simply do not have a voice in what may be the most challenging time of their lives.

By statute, the Office of the Public Defender is the first office to be appointed for indigent defendants in need of criminal counsel. If the Public Defender is unable to provide representation due to a conflict of interest, the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel will be appointed. Should the OCCCRC also have a conflict of interest, attorneys from the court’s registry must be appointed. As of this writing, only four attorneys are presently available on the registry to represent defendants as registry counsel in the nine felony divisions in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Similarly, registry attorneys are needed in dependency matters when the OCCCRC has a conflict. Only seven are available to represent parents in dependency matters. As the population continues to grow, it is

likely that the need for appointed counsel will continue to grow as well.

I am deeply grateful to those who have already served and continue to serve on our registries. By serving on the registry in any capacity, attorneys have the power to ensure that every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background, receives fair treatment and due process under the law.

I recognize that there are inherent challenges and drawbacks to service on the registries. I candidly acknowledge that for many of you, the rates of pay approved by the State are not in line with what you may be able to command in your private practices. However, as attorneys, you are absolutely indispensable to the proper functioning of our justice system, and the need for your assistance in this area is absolutely critical. Therefore, I implore you to consider service on the attorney registry.

Thank you for your consideration,and for your commitment to the principles of justice and equality. For more information or to apply,please visit the First Judicial Circuit website. Registry information is located under the“Programs and Services/Conflict Counsel”tabs. Current rates of pay for registry counsel can be found at justiceadmin.org under the“Court Appointed/IFC”tab. And as always, please let me know if I may be of assistance.

John Miller, Chief Judge

Sponsor Spotlight:

Legal innovation is the ongoing process of finding new, creative ways to deliver legal services effectively and efficiently. The idea is to apply concepts, processes, and technologies that improve the legal experience for clients and the process of providing services for law firms.

While much discussion of law firm innovation focuses on technology, such as AI and machine learning, innovation also encompasses mindsets that encourage openness to ideas, collaboration, and addressing client needs.

Benefits and Challenges of Legal Innovation

A key point about legal innovation is that it provides benefits for both clients and law firms. Law firms benefit by standing out from the competition when their clients receive a seamless legal experience. This leads to loyal clients and increased referrals.

Additional benefits of legal innovation:

• Enhanced productivity: AI can automate repetitive tasks that take time away from more strategic or billable work, freeing you up to focus more on your clients.

• Enhanced client service: AI tools can provide clients with more streamlined services, greater access to legal resources, and a more robust process, decreasing their stress.

• Reduced overhead costs: Despite an initial investment in AI, AI tools can decrease overhead costs, potentially resulting in firms being able to adopt more legal technology tools and software.

Challenges associated with legal innovation:

• Job displacement: Automation of some tasks could lead to job losses for those who are usually responsible for carrying out routine administrative activities–however, they are often used as tools to improve processes and efficiencies for these employees.

• Client confidentiality: Law firms must ensure the tools they use have thorough security measures and are compliant with regulations– many states are trending to regulate the use of AI.

• Cost of implementation: AI tools may come with a high initial cost, making some expensive for small and mid-sized law firms.

• Lack of transparency: If AI is used to draw conclusions, there can be a lack of transparency into how that tool has arrived at its conclusions. This can be problematic in legal decision-making.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence

AI is already used for contract review and due diligence, such as identifying inconsistencies and potential risks in a contract. It’s also used for legal analytics and e-discovery, and predictive analytics, to identify the likelihood of winning a case and even provide optimal pricing models for legal services.

Algorithms are trained on large datasets, which enables them to identify patterns and make predictions related to legal issues, such as identifying potential contract disputes or optimal litigation strategies.

Future Outlook of Legal Innovation

As legal technology continues to advance, and law firms focus even more on client-centric services, AI will likely become more deeply integrated into law firms. For example, when used with complex legal analysis and strategy development, potentially providing more personalized legal services for clients.

Technology like Clio Duo, available for lawyers in 2024, is designed to serve as a coach, collaborator, and consultant to legal professionals, enabling matter overviews, document summarization, and business performance insights.

Lawyers and law firms may collaborate more with technologists to create tools that enhance the legal experience for clients and address specific law firm pain points. As clients become more accustomed to and familiar with the use of technology, they will increasingly expect their law firms to embrace AI and other technology.

By taking a client-focused approach to innovation and balancing ethical and professional responsibilities, your firm can embrace innovation and take advantage of all the benefits AI has to offer.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Legal Practice

Previewing our month long focus on AI

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of innovation, reshaping industries, and redefining traditional practices. For attorneys, understanding the implications of AI in the legal field is not just a matter of curiosity but a necessity for staying competitive and effective in their practice. As we embark on this exploration, it becomes evident that the upcoming Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars offer a crucial platform for attorneys to stay abreast of the latest trends and changes in AI capabilities.

AI’s influence on the legal profession is multifaceted and profound. From automating routine tasks to providing insights for strategic decision-making, AI has the potential to revolutionize every aspect of legal practice. However, with great power comes great responsibility – a maxim that holds particularly true in the legal realm. Attorneys must navigate the ethical and practical considerations of integrating AI into their practice, ensuring that they leverage its capabilities while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Against this backdrop, the significance of staying up to date on AI trends and changes cannot be overstated. Attorneys who embrace AI technologies and adapt their practices accordingly are better positioned to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and client-focused legal services. Moreover, in an increasingly competitive legal landscape, the ability to harness AI effectively can be a decisive factor in achieving success and staying ahead of the curve.

The forthcoming CLE seminars offer a unique opportunity for attorneys to delve deeper into the intricacies of AI in the legal field. From understanding its practical applications to grappling with ethical considerations and exploring emerging technologies, these seminars provide a comprehensive and insightful examination of AI’s impact on legal practice. By participating in these seminars, attorneys can equip themselves with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of the legal profession and thrive in an AI-driven future.

AI Part 1 - 10 Things Every Lawyer Should Know About Artificial Intelligence

In the legal realm, curiosity about AI abounds. Questions arise regarding its utilization in law firms and its impact on crucial aspects such as pricing legal services, client engagement, research, drafting, and legal ethics. Jared Correia, CEO of Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, will delve into these inquiries during the first seminar.

AI presents opportunities for optimizing workflows, streamlining operations, and enhancing client service. Through AI-powered tools, lawyers can automate repetitive tasks, expedite document review processes, and harness predictive analytics for case outcomes. Understanding these capabilities is essential for leveraging AI effectively in legal practice.

AI Part 2 - Ethical Considerations of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Law Practice

With great technological advancements come ethical considerations. AI’s role in legal practice raises questions about confidentiality, bias, and the duty to provide competent representation. Jared Correia will navigate through the ethical maze in the second seminar. Legal professionals must tread carefully, ensuring that AI is employed in a manner that safeguards client information and upholds professional standards. By addressing ethical concerns head-on, lawyers can harness AI as a tool for delivering zealous representation while maintaining ethical integrity.

Cellphone Forensics: Applications in Discovery and Investigation

The evolution of technology extends far beyond AI, with mobile devices playing a pivotal role in modern litigation and investigations.

Thomas Plunkett, Managing Director of Digital Forensics at ArcherHall, will shed light on the application of cellphone forensics in legal matters.

Mobile device evidence is increasingly vital in litigation, necessitating a nuanced understanding of forensic techniques and legal considerations. By incorporating cellphone forensics into their toolkit, lawyers can uncover crucial evidence and bolster their case strategies.

YLD Tech Roadshow

For young lawyers, navigating the intersection of law and technology can be daunting yet exhilarating. The YLD Tech Roadshow offers a platform for exploring tech innovations and their implications for legal practice. Led by tech expert and Florida Bar YLD President, Anisha Patel, this CLE seminar promises invaluable insights for aspiring legal professionals.

Conclusion

From AI to cybersecurity, these seminars offer a comprehensive exploration of technology’s impact on the legal landscape. By attending these sessions, legal professionals can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

As AI continues to reshape the legal profession, staying informed is key. The upcoming CLE seminars provide a unique opportunity to delve into the nuances of AI integration, ethical considerations, forensic applications, and emerging technologies. By embracing AI and technological advancements, lawyers can adapt, innovate, and ultimately enhance their practice for the future. Don’t miss out on the chance to shape the future of legal practice – register for these insightful seminars today.

This article and cover image was created using ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model. While it provides insights, please remember that the content is based on patterns learned from data and doesn’t reflect specific opinions. It’s worth noting that while AI can be helpful, it can also have harmful implications. Readers should evaluate information critically and seek verification from reliable sources.

TYoung Lawyer’s Division

by Brooke DiSalvo, YLD President

he Young Lawyers Division rang in 2024 with the spirit of community service and charitable giving. In addition to hosting monthly networking events, our young lawyers have been hard at work advocating to bring awareness and resources to Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

2024 Small Affiliate of the Year

In February, several YLD Board Members traveled to the Florida Bar YLD Affiliate Outreach Conference in Orlando. In addition to attending CLE courses and meeting bar association leaders from across the state, our Young Lawyers Division took home the award for 2024 Small Affiliate of the Year! This award recognizes a Florida young lawyer Affiliate that has shown excellence in public service, member service, and creative use of resources. Our YLD chapter took this award home in 2017 and 2018, and we are elated to be recognized again this year.

In addition, Immediate Past-President of our YLD chapter, Michelle Nguyen, was awarded a 36 Under 36 Professionalism Award. This award recognizes Florida young lawyers who display the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity, and we are proud to have Ms. Nguyen represent us as a deserving recipient! We are ecstatic to be recognized for all of our efforts over this past year, and are grateful to the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division for their ongoing support of our YLD chapter.

Yappy Hour Benefitting Pensacola Humane Society

February’s monthly social event was all about our furry friends! Our sponsor, the Law Offices of Daniel R. Sanders, hosted a very successful YLD happy hour at local hub, Intermission. In addition to networking and building professional relationships, our young lawyers participated in a donation-drive and fundraiser for the Pensacola Humane Society. YLD members donated pet food, treats, blankets, harnesses, leashes,

and other supplies to aid local pets waiting to find their forever homes. Humane Society representatives also brought some adoptable pets for everyone to meet!

The donation drive was bolstered by a grant from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, which allowed our chapter to donate an additional $500 worth of pet supplies and food to the Pensacola Humane Society. Thank you to the Law Offices of Daniel R. Sanders and the Florida Bar YLD grant program for making this event so extraordinary!

January Happy Hour Benefitting The Birthday Party Pensacola

In January, our YLD members were welcomed into a local favorite brewery, The 5 Barrel, for an outstanding happy hour sponsored by Mosley Estate Law. During January’s Happy Hour, our young lawyers put together goodie bags and wrapped birthday boxes for local nonprofit, The Birthday Party Pensacola. This charity group provides birthday parties and gift boxes for vulnerable children who may otherwise not have a birthday celebration. ESRBA YLD loves supporting The Birthday Party Pensacola’s mission and we look forward to volunteering our time at this special happy hour event each year.

Holiday Charitable Giving

Each year during the holidays, our YLD chapter contributes time and funding to a local charitable cause. This past December, our YLD group was connected with a social worker who sought donations for a local family in need. This family had recently escaped homelessness and needed help re-building a life in their new family home.

The YLD Board stepped up in a large way, and voted to provide this local family with $1,000 worth of necessities, including multiple beds, dressers, a couch, dining set, and household supplies. Our Board saw an opportunity to directly impact an Escambia County family and took swift action to assist where help was desperately needed.

I am extremely proud of this mission, our Board’s unwavering support in this endeavor, and the positive impact that we were able to make on our local community. As the former United States Solicitor General, John W. Davis, said “there is little of all that we [lawyers] do which the eye of man can see. But we smooth out difficulties; we relieve stress; we correct mistakes; we take up other men’s burdens and by our efforts we make possible the peaceful life of men in a peaceful state.” The dedication shown by our YLD members can be seen through our ongoing successes at a local and state-wide level, and I feel truly honored to lead this group of outstanding attorneys.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome summer law clerks to our upcoming events including our joint happy hour with the local chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, and the much-anticipated return of our Coffee with a Judge Series where we are fortunate to host Judge Broderson for coffee and conversation this May. We hope to see you all at our YLD events this summer!

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.

Your call is free. When you meet with your lawyer, there will be a small fee of $40.00 for the first half-hour consultation. Fees for additional services after the first half-hour are arranged between you and your lawyer.

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TLaw Week 2024

he Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association is excited to welcome its members and the judiciary to Law Week 2024 presented by McMahon & Hadder Insurance, a Higginbottom Partner, April 27th through May 4th. As we look forward to another exciting week-long celebration of our legal community, we want to thank all our sponsors, members and local judiciary for their continued support of our ever-expanding Law Week festivities.

The theme selected by the American Bar Association for Law Day 2024, “Voices of Democracy,” has been adopted for the week-long local commemoration. As described on the ABA website, “We invite all the people of the United States to join us to lift our voices to maintain our system of laws and to ensure that our democracy endures.”

The week will kick off with the annual Law Week Free Legal Clinic offered by Legal Services of North Florida. The Legal Clinic will be Saturday, April 27 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail in Pensacola. Attorneys interested in volunteering should contact Judy Naler at judy@lsnf.org.

The Judicial Reception, co-sponsored by the Northwest Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates , Mcdonald Fleming and Thieman-Greene and Bell , will be held in the private Governor’s Room at Jackson’s Steakhouse on Tuesday, April 30th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. This highlight event of Law Week honors our local judiciary and provides an opportunity for ESRBA members to mingle and network with local judges in an informal after-hours social setting. Tickets are $25 per person.

The Law Week Luncheon, will be held at the Heritage Hall on Friday, May 3rd from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This premier event will feature a panel discussion surrounding this year’s theme “Voices of Democracy.” The discussion will be moderated by Circuit Judge Steven Warrick. Participating as panelists will be Tappie Villane, Supervisor of Elections, Santa Rosa County, David Stafford, Former Supervisor of Elections, Escambia County and Mike Allen, First Judicial Circuit Judge (retired). The Liberty Bell Award recipient will also be announced at the luncheon. The Liberty Bell Award is presented annually 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. Additionally, local students will be recognized for their achievements related to the practice of law. A plated meal will be served. Tickets are $30 per person.

This year we conclude Law Week with a fun and friendly afternoon of bowling at Cordova Lanes on May 4th. More details will be announced as we get closer to the event, graciously sponsored by the ESRBA Young Lawyers Division.

Tickets to the Judicial Reception and the Law Week Luncheon must be purchased in-advance by April 24th at https://www.esrba.com/ calendar-events/law-week. A link to Law Week sponsorship opportunities can be found on the webpage as well. Please contact Jeff Nall, executive director, at jeff@esrba.com if interested.

Bottom Line

By: Carissa Mitchell, ACP, FRP President, Northwest Florida Paralegal Association

In the ever-evolving landscape of the legal profession, attorneys and their paralegals find themselves at the intersection of traditional legal practices and cuttingedge technologies. As the legal industry embraces digital transformation, legal professionals must adapt to and leverage these technological advancements to enhance efficiency, improve client services, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive field.

Technology has transformed how law firms communicate with clients. Attorneys and paralegals often use secure communication platforms, client portals, and virtual meeting tools to interact with clients. Embracing these technologies enhances client satisfaction by providing convenient and secure channels for communication.

Does your office use Google Docs or Microsoft Teams? Cloud technology

has transformed the way legal teams collaborate and share information. Paralegals often work on documents, contracts, and case files stored in the cloud, enabling seamless collaboration with attorneys, clients, and other stakeholders. This not only enhances accessibility but also improves the overall efficiency of legal processes. Case management software has become a cornerstone of modern legal practice, and paralegals are at the forefront of its implementation. These tools help streamline workflow, organize documents, track deadlines, and facilitate collaboration among legal professionals. Attorneys and paralegals alike proficient in using cloud technology and case management software contribute to the overall efficiency of their teams.

Technology has not only revolutionized legal office operations but also legal research. Legal research platforms such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, Clio, and Fastlaw have streamlined the process of gathering information. Paralegals who are trained can efficiently use advanced

databases and online repositories to provide much more comprehensive research to the attorneys they support. As technology becomes more integrated into legal processes, paralegals must also prioritize cybersecurity. Safeguarding sensitive legal information from cyber threats is paramount. Cybersecurity training best practices ensure that attorneys and paralegals play a proactive role in protecting confidential client data and maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings.

In conclusion, the changing technology landscape of the legal profession presents both challenges and opportunities for paralegals. Those who embrace and adapt to these technological shifts position themselves as indispensable assets in the legal workforce. By staying informed, mastering new tools, and integrating technology into their daily workflows, attorneys and paralegals can not only enhance their own efficiency but also contribute to the overall success of the legal teams they support in this digital era.

That’s the Bottom Line!