The Florida Bar's LegalFuel Podcast

When you're a lawyer, keeping accurate records is crucial. It's not just about good business; it's about protecting yourself from potential disciplinary action and ensuring you can deliver the best service to your clients. A bad record-keeping system can lead to lost files, missed deadlines, and a host of other issues that can land you in trouble.In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Jeff Hazen, Assistant Ethics Counsel at The Florida Bar, to discuss records retention Rules and best practices. Jeff Hazen serves as the Assistant Ethics Counsel for the Florida Bar, with over 16 years of dedicated service. Throughout his tenure at The Florida Bar, Jeff has handled thousands of inquiries on the Ethics Hotline, assessed numerous lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff Ethics Opinions. Jeff is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Florida Levin College of Law.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 9506. REFERENCED RESOURCES: LegalFuel Article: How long should I keep closed file?LegalFuel: Records Management, Retention, and Destruction GuideLegalFuel Document LibraryClient Communications Forms and LettersClient Fee Agreements and Letters of RepresentationLawyer Changing FirmsRules Regulating The Florida Bar – View the Full SetRule 4-1.6 Confidentiality of InformationRule 4-5.8 Procedures for Lawyers Leaving Law Firms and Dissolution of Law FirmsEthics Hotline – 800-235-8619Ethics Informational PacketsEthics Opinions by SubjectOpinion 06-1Opinion 10-2Opinion 12-3Opinion 88-11 Unclaimed Trust Account FundsLegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Attorneys and law firms are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated scams, including phishing schemes, fraudulent check scams, wire fraud, and even identity theft. These scams can cause devastating financial losses, erode client trust, and damage professional reputations.In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Steve Weisman, lawyer and nationally recognized expert on scams, to discuss why lawyers are such attractive targets and what can be done to protect the legal profession from these threats. Steve Weisman is a lawyer and nationally recognized expert on scams, identity theft, and cybersecurity. Steve holds a JD from Boston College Law School and a BA from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He is also a professor at Bentley University and is the author of more than ten books, including The Truth About Avoiding Scams, which Smart Money Magazine recognized as one of the year’s ten best money book. Steve earned a Certificate of Merit for excellence in legal journalism from the American Bar Association and he has written columns for USA Today, Bankrate.com, the American Institute of Economic Research, and the Saturday Evening Post. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 9386. REFERENCED RESOURCES: ScamicideAbout SteveAll Books – Steve Weisman - AmazonBeware of Scam Emails Targeting Lawyers [Florida Bar News]FBI Issues Alert on Fake Lawyers Scamming Crypto Victims [Florida Bar News]Scams and Phishing Attacks Powered by AI [American Bar Association]What we know about the cybercrime group Scattered Spider [Cybersecurity Dive]State-of-the-art phishing: MFA bypass [Talos Intelligence]SIM Card Swap Scams [National Cybersecurity Alliance]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Many attorneys have now been working fully virtual for years. During the pandemic most firms experimented with different levels of remote or hybrid work models. For some it worked well, and they continued, but other firms chose to return to the office. While supporters of remote work point to increased flexibility, autonomy, and efficiency, critics worry about the loss of mentorship opportunities and the potential impact on productivity and quality. In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Marelize Dingman, of Florida Appeals, to discuss the key to running a successful law firm without a physical office.Marelize Dingman earned her BA in Social Work from the North-West University in South Africa. After moving to the United States, she was hired at the firm Palmer and Palmer P.A. Following Bill Palmer’s appointment to the Fifth District Court of Appeal, Marelize joined another well-respected Orlando law firm and began managing large corporate events and promoting South African musical artists. When Bill Palmer returned to private practice, Marelize was thrilled to join him and the whole Florida Appeals team as their Firm Administrator. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course #9354. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Florida AppealsMarelize DingmanBeyond Brick and Mortar: The Evolution and Impact of Virtual Law Firms (NYSBA)How to Work Remotely as a Legal Professional: A Guide (Clio)LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Succession planning is vital for any law firm, but it's about more than just retirement. It ensures business continuity through the expected transitions and the unexpected ones like incapacity, death, or disaster. For solo and small firms, it is critical to uninterrupted client service, while also maximizing firm value. In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Tom Lenfestey, of The Law Practice Exchange, to discuss succession planning. In his role as the Founder & CEO of The Law Practice Exchange, Tom’s goal is to guide lawyers through the next chapter of their legal career, whether that’s succession planning, exit planning, or strategic growth through law firm acquisition. As a respected leader in law firm sales, Tom has guided The Law Practice Exchange to be the leading marketplace and expert team specializing in aiding attorneys and law firms in buying and selling law firms through continuation, exit and succession strategies. Its mission is to provide education and essential services to facilitate seamless law firm sales and acquisitions and lawyer transition planning.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE. Course # 9312. REFERENCED RESOURCES: The Law Practice ExchangeSelling Your Practice with Tom Lenfestey (Podcast)Selling Your Law Practice: Insights from Tom Lenfestey on Building a Saleable Business (Podcast)How to Value Your Law Firm with Tom Lenfestey (Podcast)Rule 4-1.17 Sale of Law Practice Florida Bar Ethics Informational Packet: Notifying Clients of Change in Firm CompositionFlorida Bar’s Ethics Informational Packet: Of CounselABA LPM: Succession Planning for Your Next Firm AdministratorA Guide to Law Firm Succession Planning: From Emergency Plans to Exit StrategiesChecklist for Lawyers Retirement, Law Office Closure, Or Law Firm DissolutionThe 16-Pager: How to Avoid Boredom in Retirement with the Greatest of Ease (ABA Journal)Book: Designing a Succession Plan for Your Law Practice: A Step-by-Step Guide for Preparing Your Firm for Maximum Value (Amazon)Book: Younger Next Year – A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You’re 80 and Beyond (Amazon)Book: Traction – Get a Grip on Your Business (Amazon)Succession Planning GuideLegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

The use of generative artificial intelligence by lawyers has shown enormous potential for efficiency, quality, and improved client service, but it also requires the careful consideration of ethics, data security, and an understanding of the degree of human supervision needed. Agentic AI is now emerging and could further transform the business of law.In today’s episode host Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcomes Tom Martin, of LawDroid, to discuss the impact of Agentic AI on the business of law and the future of law practice. Tom Martin is a Generative AI expert who serves as CEO of LawDroid, Principal of Deep Legal, and Adjunct Professor at Suffolk Law School, where he literally wrote the textbook on AI and legal services. As an ABA Legal Rebel and Fastcase 50 Honoree appointed to the ABA Center for Innovation, he's transforming the legal industry through his companies, teaching, and speaking at major conferences like ABA TechShow and LegalWeek. A Yale and UCLA Law graduate, Tom hosts the LawDroid Manifesto podcast and conference while making a dent in the universe from his home in Vancouver, Canada.You can follow Tom's writings and podcast at: lawdroidmanifesto.com.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 9290. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Tom Martin, Founder and CEO of LawDroidLawDroid ManifestoThinking Like a Lawyer: Agentic AI and the New Legal PlaybookAI Agents: What Are They, How Do They Work, Why Should I Care?What is Agentic AI, and How Will It Change Work?Agentic AI and Legal: How It’s Redefining the ProfessionEnhancing Efficiency and Client Service with Legal Tech ToolsWhy Agentic AI is the Architect of AutonomyHarvey Launches Deep Research for LegalLawDroid Launches CiteCheck AI, a Fail-Safe Against AI Citation Hallucinations10 Agentic AI Use Cases for Contact CentersCoCounsel: The Industry-Leading GenAI Assistant for ProfessionalsZapier AIAnthropic: AI Research and Products That Put Safety at the FrontierThe Florida Bar Guide to Getting Started With AILegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Handling sensitive client data and funds has always come with some risk, but now with cyber threats on the rise, attorneys need to be even more proactive in protecting their practice and clients. Maybe you have already considered getting cyber insurance but don’t know what you need to look for in a policy? In addition to covering the costs associated with data breaches and ransomware, having cyber insurance protects your firm and clients and can even improve the delivery of legal services by offering attorneys some peace of mind.In today’s episode host Christine Bilbrey welcomes Cathy Agacinski, attorney and insurance expert, and Troy Riley, a cybersecurity consultant, to discuss all things cyber insurance.Cathy Agacinski graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and earned her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. She has been licensed as an attorney in Florida since 1992, and she is Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation and a Florida Bar Certified Circuit Court Mediator. She is also licensed in New Jersey and has experience as both a practicing attorney and insurance agent.Cathy is a shareholder at Silver & Agacinski, P.A., where she focuses on insurance disputes, representing injured workers and handling personal injury cases. She is also an agent and owner of 3 Generations Insurance Agency, specializing in professional liability and cyber insurance. Cathy also serves on the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Technology and the Workers’ Compensation Rules Advisory Committee.Troy Riley is a cybersecurity consultant with over 22 years of experience. He holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of South Florida. Troy holds many professional certifications including the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Project Management Professional (PMP). He has expertise in legal liability, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive & transportation, incident response readiness, security program assessments, and vulnerability management.Troy is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the SANS Institute for Cybersecurity training, and the National Cybersecurity Alliance. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 9232. REFERENCED RESOURCES: 3G InsuranceCybersecurity Committee Co-Chair Recommends Insurance to Protect Against Ransomware Attacks [Florida Bar News]New Florida Bar Guidelines Offer Framework for Law Firm Cyber Resilience [Florida Bar News]The Importance of Cyber Security Insurance for Law Firms [Clio]Cyber insurance for the legal industry [Coalition]What You Need to Protect Your Firm From Cyber Threats [LegalFuel Guest Post]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Trust accounting is one of the biggest compliance challenges for attorneys, and mistakes can lead to serious consequences—including disciplinary action. But what if there was a way to simplify the process, ensure compliance with Florida Bar Rules, and give attorneys peace of mind? Today, we’re exploring Nota trust accounting solution, a free Florida Bar member benefit designed specifically to help lawyers stay compliant with Florida Bar Trust Accounting Rules.In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Tim Jakubowski, Attorney Banking Consultant and Assistant Vice President at Nota, and Christina Potter Bayern and Mike Bayern, attorneys and Nota power users, who will share how Nota has helped them maintain compliance and avoid common pitfalls. Tim Jakubowski has worked with M&T Bank and small business clients for nearly 10 years. He prides himself on passion and partnership – understanding how his clients operate their businesses and providing the best-suited banking solutions to help achieve their goals. In 2022, Tim joined the Nota Division of M&T to help solo and small law firms become more efficient with Nota’s platform and the benefits it offers.Christina Potter Bayern is the founder of Potter Bayern Law, a firm focused on business litigation and personal injury. She currently serves as President of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association and was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2024.Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Christina advocates for individuals and families impacted by negligence, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries. She also represents businesses in breach of contract and commercial litigation matters. Before launching Potter Bayern Law, she handled high-stakes litigation at a multi-state law firm in Tampa.Christina earned her Juris Doctor from American University - Washington College of Law, where she served as President of the Latin Law Students’ Association and Co-Editor-in-Chief of a legal publication. She is also a graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa where she double majored in Economics and International Studies.Aside from her legal work and community service, Christina enjoys spending time with her husband and family and finding new places to eat.Michael Bayern is a co-managing member at Potter Bayern Law, where he represents business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors in complex business, commercial, and real estate litigation. He was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2023 and 2024.Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts in Crime, Law, and Justice, with a minor in Sociology, from Pennsylvania State University. He then obtained his law degree cum laude from American University Washington College of Law, where he served as Vice President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Honor Society and was a national semi-finalist in the American Bar Association Arbitration Competition—showing his skill in negotiation and dispute resolution.Michael has extensive litigation and courtroom experience, including starting as an assistant public defender in Orlando, then transitioning to insurance defense work, insurance coverage work, and his current litigation practice in commercial and real estate litigation and disputes. Michael counsels clients on a wide range of commercial, business, and real estate disputes, including contractual disputes, partnership and shareholder disputes, business torts, and real estate disputes. He prides himself on being able to help clients mitigate risk and achieve favorable outcomes.Beyond his legal practice, Michael is committed to supporting business owners and entrepreneurs in protecting their investments and ensuring their businesses thrive. In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife (and law partner), family, and dog. They enjoy time outdoors, taking their dog to the park or hiking on the weekends.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 9194. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Nota by M&T BankFree Trust Accounting Software Now Available [The Florida Bar News]Getting Down to the Basics – Free Nota Trust Accounting Resource [The Florida Bar Journal]IOTA Management for Lawyers [LegalFuel Free CLE]Rules Regulating Trust Accounts: Chapter 5Trust Accounting ResourcesTrust Accounting – Basic Records and ProceduresLegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Practicing law is stressful, but lawyers and judges who are involved in cases where the parties have experienced trauma may find themselves deeply affected by the individual’s trauma and can even experience post-traumatic effects themselves. Just as a victim experiences trauma in a way that can leave long-term post-traumatic effects, their lawyer’s ability to provide competent legal assistance can also be affected. The cumulative effect of this secondary trauma experience on lawyers or judges over time is known as vicarious trauma. In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Libby Clark and Dr. Kerry Murray O’Hara, the co-founders of The Humanized Lawyer Project, to discuss Vicarious Trauma and the impact on attorneys. Elizabeth Clark is a passionate advocate for systemic transformation in the legal profession and is a co-founder of The Humanized Lawyer Project, a groundbreaking initiative created with Dr. Kerry Murray O’Hara aimed at helping lawyers reclaim autonomy and resilience in a profession prone to burnout and systemic dysfunction. Ms. Clark served as the Co-Chair of the landmark New York Attorney Well-Being Task Force from 2021 to 2022 and as the inaugural chair of the New York State Bar Association Standing Committee on Attorney Wellbeing. She received her JD from Albany Law School and is a member of the New York State Bar. She specializes in real estate development, finance, and operational strategy. Dr. Kerry Murray O’Hara is the Clinical Director & Founder of DBT Wellness & Psychological Services in Saratoga Springs, NY. She has over 25 years of Clinical Psychology experience in various settings including inpatient, residential, forensic, outpatient, and academic. Dr. O’Hara’s area of expertise is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, a highly researched and evidence based psychological treatment. Dr. Kerry received her doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology and has held clinical positions at Boston University School of Medicine and McLean Psychiatric Hospital, Harvard Medical School. During the past 8 years, Dr. O’Hara has focused on the mental health crisis and wellness related to the field of law and has been named as a clinical consultant to the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Taskforce for Lawyer Wellbeing. She currently sits on two working subcommittees for the Wellbeing Taskforce addressing Occupational Policy and Wellness Programing.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit and 0.5 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 9087. REFERENCED RESOURCES:  Attorney Wellness & ConsultingThe Humanized Lawyer ProjectTrauma, Mental Health and the Lawyer - New York State Bar Association Finding the Compassion Balance: Mindful Lawyering & Vicarious Trauma (Webinar) - New York State Bar AssociationReport and Recommendations of the NYSBA Task Force on Attorney Well-Being (New York State Bar Association)Task Force on Mental Health and Trauma Impacted Representation (New York State Bar Association)Trauma-Informed (As a Matter of) Course by Natalie Netzel (American University Washington College of Law)The Impact of Secondary Trauma in the Legal Profession (LegalFuel Podcast)LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

As we step into 2025, technology continues to reshape how law firms operate and serve their clients. From advanced case management systems to cutting-edge artificial intelligence, which innovations will be essential for boosting efficiency and enhancing client interactions?In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Paul Unger, of Affinity Consulting, to explore the top tech tools transforming legal practices. He’ll share actionable insights on integrating these advancements into your firm, helping you improve operations and deliver exceptional client service.Paul Unger is the founding partner of Affinity Consulting and holds a degree in Political Science from Capital University and a law degree from Capital University Law School. A national speaker and author, Paul specializes in coaching lawyers how to be more efficient with time management by offering customized workshops. When he isn’t speaking or writing, he is usually performing technology assessments throughout the United States and Canada. Paul began his career working for the Governor of Ohio, and then went on to law school. He practiced law for six years, specializing in litigation and bankruptcy, before starting a legal technology consulting company with partner Barron Henley in 2000. Paul’s superpowers are cleaning up messes and turning digital chaos into well-organized machines. His favorite part of his job is helping people get organized and focused so they can find more enjoyment in their lives and jobs.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 8933.REFERENCED RESOURCES:Paul Unger, Esq.Affinity ConsultingStaying Ahead Of The Curve: Preparing Your Law Firm For 2025 [Forbes]Top Tech Tools for Lawyers [Clio]How to Secure Your 2025 Legal Tech [American Bar Association]What is Agentic AI, and How Will It Change Work?How Reasoning Models are Transforming Logical AI Thinking [Microsoft Developer Community Blog]2025 Law Firm Data Security Guide: How to Keep Your Law Firm Secure [Clio]What is mobile device management (MDM)? [IBM]Cybersecurity Assessments for Law Firms: How Not To Screw Them Up [Above the Law]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Running a law practice involves more than just handling cases—it comes with a unique set of challenges, from growing your client base to finding reliable advice on complex issues and streamlining daily operations. Every solo and small firm attorney has faced these hurdles. Today, we’re diving into resources designed to assist members with these challenges. From the Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center, the Lawyer Referral Service, Lawyers Advising Lawyers, to the Career Center and more, we’ll explore tools that can help you deliver exceptional legal services while making practice management easier and more efficient. In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore will discuss programs and tools designed to assist members in managing their law practices, available through The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 8877. REFERENCED RESOURCES: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource CenterThe Florida Bar Lawyer Referral ServiceThe Florida Bar Career CenterLawyers Advising LawyersMental Health and Wellness CenterFlorida Lawyers HelplineLegal Fuel Document Library

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, few innovations have sparked as much curiosity—and controversy—as generative AI. Imagine a tool that can pass the bar exam, draft legal briefs, and redefine the very process of legal writing. But as we look to the future of AI in law, we're faced with profound questions: Can a machine truly understand the law? What happens to concepts like authorship, ethics, and attorney-client privilege in a world where AI is a co-author?In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Dr. Kirsten Davis, Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law, and an expert in generative artificial intelligence in legal writing to explore these questions. Kirsten Davis is a Professor and Provost's Faculty Fellow for Generative Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education at Stetson University College of Law. She earned her JD from Ohio State and a Ph.D. in Human Communication from Arizona State University. Prior to joining the faculty at Stetson Law, she was a federal judicial clerk, an attorney at Jones Day, and a faculty member at the Arizona State University College of Law.Dr. Davis has served on the board of the Association of Legal Writing Directors and the Legal Writing Institute. She is a past Chair of the Florida Bar's Standing Committee on Professionalism, serves as the Program Co-Chair for the Association of American Law Schools Section on Technology, Law, and Legal Education; as a member of the Legal Writing Institute’s AI Committee; and as a member of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Technology.Dr. Davis’s work focuses on the intersection of legal communication and legal ethics. Most recently, she has been studying the impact of generative artificial intelligence on legal communication, legal ethics, and higher education. She is currently leading a group of over 400 law professors who are exploring the impacts of Generative AI on legal writing education and practice. Her course, Legal Writing with Generative AI, was one of the first of its kind to be offered to law students. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Technology CLE credit and 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8875. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Kirsten K. DavisA New Parlor Is Open: Legal Writing Faculty Must Develop Scholarship On Generative AI and Legal Writing [Stetson Law Review]Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 24-1Florida Bar Special Committee on AI Tools & ResourcesCo-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI [Amazon]The Florida Bar Guide to Getting Started with AILegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Professionalism, ethics, and courtroom presence are vital tools for every attorney striving to deliver exceptional service and build a strong reputation. Today, we’ll explore how these qualities can elevate an attorney's practice, enhancing credibility with judges, clients, and colleagues. Organizations like the American Inns of Court play a key role in promoting these standards, helping attorneys navigate the challenges of a demanding profession while upholding the values of integrity and civility. In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Judge Ross Bilbrey, to share insights on courtroom decorum, oral argument tips, and the value of the Florida Inns of Court. Judge Bilbrey has been on the First District Court of Appeal since 2015. Prior to this, he was a Circuit Court judge in Pensacola beginning in 2012 and was appointed to the Santa Rosa County Court in 2006.He received his B.A. and his J.D. from the University of Florida. Before taking the bench, Judge Bilbrey was in private practice where he focused on civil and commercial litigation. He also served as a legal assistance attorney for the JAG Corps at the Naval Legal Service Office at NAS Pensacola. Judge Bilbrey is active in the American Inns of Court and previously served as president of the Pensacola Chapter as well as president of the First DCA Appellate Inn, here in Tallahassee. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8824. REFERENCED RESOURCES: American Inns of CourtEnglish Inns of CourtCounsel to Counsel Mentoring Program [The Florida Bar]Lawyer Advising Lawyers [The Florida Bar]Oral Arguments Set for Proposed Amendments to Civil Procedure Rules Ahead of January Implementation [The Florida Bar]Supreme Court Declines to Erase ‘Zealous Advocacy’ From Bar Rules [The Florida Bar]Guidelines for Professional Conduct [The Florida Bar]Professionalism Expectations [The Florida Bar]Northern District of Florida [Courtroom Etiquette]Middle District of Florida [Courtroom Decorum]Guidelines for Professional Conduct [The Florida Bar]Effective Brief Writing and Oral Argument: Gaining the Inside Track [The Florida Bar]Florida Voluntary BarsLegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Every day, lawyers work diligently to solve their clients’ legal issues, but finding the right information in the most efficient manner can be a challenge. Enter vLex Fastcase, an innovative tool built to change the way legal work gets done. From AI-driven insights to seamless integration into daily workflows, this platform offers new ways for lawyers to work faster and smarter, and ultimately enhance the delivery of client services. Today, we’ll explore how this game-changing resource can assist attorneys and how Florida Bar members can benefit from it at no additional cost.In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Alex Shaffer, a Customer Success Manager of vLex, to discuss the vLex Fastcase platform features. Alex graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and went on to litigate cases in the trial division of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. While balancing a fast-paced litigation schedule, he quickly came to appreciate the need for quick and reliable research.Now, Alex leverages vLex's innovative solutions to eliminate the many research roadblocks that stand between attorneys and successful results. His work is centered on reducing attorneys' research hours so that they may redirect their focus to where it matters most— their clients' success. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 8825. REFERENCED RESOURCES:  Florida Bar Member Benefit – vLex Fastcase vLex Fastcase Benefit Introduction - Webinar  vLex – Your Ultimate Legal AI Platform vLex Resource GuidesvLex Videos Best Practices for Utilizing AI in Your Law Firm LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

The legal profession is known for its intensity and constant pressure. But what happens when personal challenges and mental health struggles start to affect those who uphold the law? Today, we’re diving into the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by attorneys, judges, and courtroom staff, exploring how these issues impact professional conduct and what steps can be taken to find balance, support, and resilience in a demanding career.In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Judge Alicia Latimore, circuit court judge in the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Florida to discuss strategies for balancing self-care with professional duties.The Honorable Alicia Latimore was appointed to the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in 2005. She has also served as the Administrative Circuit Judge for the Unified Problem Solving Court. Prior to her appointment, Judge Latimore was in private practice, specializing in marital, family, and juvenile law and served as an appeals referee and an administrative hearing officer for the Florida State Department of Labor Appeals for Unemployment Compensation. She was also a traffic infraction officer for the 9th Judicial Circuit Court from 1994 to 1997. Judge Latimore graduated from Duke University in 1985 and received her JD from the University of Florida in 1990.Judge Latimore gives back to her community in many ways outside of the courtroom, but she has focused on teaching the next generation of lawyers and jurists as an adjunct professor at Barry University's School of Law. Judge Latimore was recently elected as the circuit conference member of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct and disability against Florida state judges. She is also a longtime member of the Florida Bar’s Mental Health & Wellness Committee.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 8823. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Florida Bar Mental Health and Wellness CenterFlorida Lawyer Helpline833-FL1-WELL (833-351-9355)Mental Health & Wellness of Florida Lawyers CommitteeFlorida Lawyers AssistanceLawyers Call (954) 566-9040Judges Call (888) 972-4040Florida Judicial Wellness ProgramWell-Being in Law (American Bar Association)Mental Health First Aid TrainingFlorida Bar Journal: The Surprising Master Key to Happiness and Satisfaction According to the Lawyer ResearchThe Impact of Secondary Trauma in the Legal ProfessionNational Library of Medicine: Dimensions of Wellness – Change Your Habits, Change Your LifeLegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Not every client interaction or legal matter goes as expected. Billing disagreements, unmet expectations, and misunderstandings can quickly escalate, leaving attorneys vulnerable to disciplinary action. Fortunately, mediation provides an alternative—a confidential, informal approach to resolving disputes before they escalate. Through The Florida Bar’s free mediation program, attorneys and clients can engage with a neutral mediator to find common ground, saving time, expense, and stress compared to formal proceedings. Today, we'll explore how this program helps attorneys navigate conflict, protect their practice, and reach resolutions that work for everyone involved.In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Shanell Schuyler and Christina Magee to discuss The Florida Bar’s mediation program. Shanell Schuyler serves as the Director of the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) and Intake Department of The Florida Bar. She also supervises the Bar’s Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration Program, the Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs, and Diversion/Discipline Consultation Services. Shanell is a graduate of Florida State University, cum laude, with a B.S. in Finance, and Stetson University College of Law. She began working for The Florida Bar as a senior attorney in 2007. She became director of the ACAP/Intake Department in February 2012. Shanell is an active member of the National Organization of Bar Counsel where she frequently speaks on topics pertinent to lawyer regulation.Christina Magee received her JD from the NYU School of Law and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil, Appellate, and County Mediator. She is a Qualified Arbitrator and is on the AAA Arbitration and Mediation panel for Commercial and Employment matters. Ms. Magee founded Brevard Mediation Services in 2011 and restricts her practice to mediation, arbitration, and other forms of dispute resolution. She is on the roster of Mediators for the US District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. She is also a member of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators and a diplomate of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. She currently serves on the Florida Bar’s Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8800. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP)Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration CommitteeRules Regulating The Florida Bar Chapter 14: Grievance Mediation and Fee ArbitrationMediation in Florida [Florida Courts]Consumer Pamphlet: Grievance Mediation ProgramMediation [Article: The Florida Bar]

While most attorney-client relationships end without disputes over fees, disagreements can sometimes develop. These disputes often result from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and can occasionally lead to a bar complaint. Fee issues can occur between attorneys and clients or even between attorneys involved in the same case. Although these disputes can be resolved through the courts, alternative solutions are available. The Florida Bar offers a fee arbitration program, which functions like a mini trial. In this program, an arbitrator makes a final and binding decision after reviewing evidence and hearing testimony. This arbitration process is free, voluntary, and can be initiated by either the attorney or the client. By utilizing this program, attorneys can better serve their clients and avoid involvement in the disciplinary system. In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Shanell Schuyler and Steven Lesser to discuss The Florida Bar’s fee arbitration program.Shanell Schuyler serves as the Director of the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) and Intake Department of The Florida Bar. She also supervises the Bar’s Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration Program, the Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs, and Diversion/Discipline Consultation Services. Shanell is a graduate of Florida State University, cum laude, with a B.S. in Finance, and Stetson University College of Law. She began working for The Florida Bar as a senior attorney in 2007. She became director of the ACAP/Intake Department in February 2012. Shanell is an active member of the National Organization of Bar Counsel where she frequently speaks on topics pertinent to lawyer regulation.Steven B. Lesser chairs the national Construction Law and Litigation practice group at his firm. He is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar and focuses solely on construction law and litigation, including governmental construction claims, defense, and hotel/condominium disputes. A Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers, he was elected to the Board of Governors in 2022 for a 3-year term. He has received numerous awards from the Florida Bar and American Bar Associations for his contributions to the construction industry.Mr. Lesser is a Past-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Construction Law, the largest construction lawyer group globally, known for its scholarly publications and programs on construction law. He also served as Past-Chair of The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education committee, overseeing the Bar’s certification plan and 27 certification committees. Additionally, he has held leadership roles in various Florida Bar and American Bar Association Committees, including Past-Chair of the Florida Bar Construction Law Certification Committee. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8663. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee [The Florida Bar]Keep Your Fee Dispute Out of Court [Video]Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP)Complaint Alternatives [The Florida Bar]Bar’s Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration Program Seeks Volunteers [The Florida Bar]Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Volunteer FormRules Regulating The Florida Bar Chapter 14 Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration

Many lawyers struggle with the pressures of practicing law and the impact it has on their mental health and work performance. Finding some satisfaction in your work and even a sense of purpose can go a long way in alleviating the misery that you may be feeling. While you may still not love practicing law, you can learn to adjust your view to see the value that your work brings to your clients or to the community.In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Stuart Teicher, to discuss his book, “How to Stop Hating the Law”. He offers actionable strategies for making the practice of law more enjoyable or at least more tolerable.Stuart Teicher is a professional legal educator who focuses on ethics law and writing instruction. He is a Supreme Court appointee to the New Jersey District Ethics Committee where he investigates and prosecutes grievances filed against attorneys. Stuart teaches Professional Responsibility at Georgetown Law and undergraduate writing at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.A practicing attorney for over 25 years, Stuart’s career is now dedicated to helping fellow attorneys survive the practice of law and thrive in the profession through seminars, in-house training for law firms, CLE instruction, and keynote speeches at conventions and association meetings. Stuart helps attorneys get better at what they do (and enjoy the process) through his entertaining and educational CLE performances. His previous book, “Navigating the Legal Ethics of Social Media and Technology”, was published by Thomson Reuters.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 8579.REFERENCED RESOURCES: Stuart TeicherContactBuy My BookHow to Stop Hating the Law: A path to hope for miserable lawyers [Amazon]Florida Bar Practice Resource Center CLEs with Stuart TeicherFlorida Lawyers HelplineHow to Start and Build a Law Practice [Amazon]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

As an attorney, you rely on your staff, but HR issues with your staff can catch you off guard and when not handled properly, these issues can completely disrupt the successful delivery of service to your clients. Human Resource management is essential for every business, but in a small firm, the HR department is most likely just you. And like any business, firms must comply with federal and state labor laws on overtime, maternity leave, discrimination, etc. Unless you are a labor and employment law attorney, you may not be aware of all the requirements and best practices. This can result in inconsistent policy enforcement or inadequate documentation of performance issues, ultimately leading to some avoidable headaches.In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Kevin Johnson, an employment defense attorney, and Shareholder of Johnson Jackson, to discuss HR best practices for law firms. Kevin Johnson graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since 2007. For more than two decades, Kevin has represented and advised employers about laws that affect their relationships with employees, helped them solve problems when they arise, and defended them against discrimination charges and lawsuits filed by their employees. His clients range from national restaurant chains, retail employers, and large hospitals, to independent restaurants, medical practices, and other local employers. Kevin has experience litigating cases in jurisdictions throughout the United States, both in single-plaintiff cases and in nationwide class and collective actions. He has been recognized in the field of employment law by various publications, including Best Lawyers in America, Florida Trend, and Super Lawyers. Kevin is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell. He has also been recognized by The Florida Bar for his involvement with promoting technology and practice-management education for Florida lawyers.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Labor and Employment Law CLE credit. Course # 8619. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Johnson Jackson PLLCKevin D. JohnsonSHRMHow Small-Business Owners Successfully Delegate HR [SHRM]U.S. Department of LaborFamily and Medical Leave Act [U.S. Department of Labor]Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act [U.S. Department of Labor]Employee or Independent Contractor Classification [U.S. Department of Labor]U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity CommissionTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission]What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act [U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission]Americans with Disabilities Act [U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division]U.S. Department of Labor mandates two salary threshold increases for white collar FLSA exemptions and a mechanism for future automatic increases [Employment Law Watch]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center 

The ABA 2023 Tech Survey highlights that 56% of respondents regularly utilize fee-based online services for legal research, with an additional 21% using them occasionally. Surprisingly, 12% never utilize these resources. Despite the abundance of technological options available for legal research, many lawyers still hold a preference for hard copy books. Research suggests that modern screens and e-readers struggle to replicate the tactile experiences of reading on paper, hindering the natural navigation of lengthy texts. For lawyers, books offer a tangible resource for easy browsing, annotation, and cross-referencing that online research might not offer. In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Maggie O’Neill, to discuss why books are still relevant in the practice of law.Maggie O'Neill holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota, and a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.For over 17 years, Maggie ran a solo practice specializing in family law and dependency cases, focusing on litigation and mediation. Maggie's experience in the publishing industry is extensive, having held key roles including Vice President of Product Management and Vice President of HR Publishing at Thomson Reuters and as Editor in Chief of Professional Publications at Reed Elsevier. Additionally, Maggie worked at Callaghan and Company as a Legal Editor and Project Manager. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 8493.REFERENCED RESOURCES: Florida Bar Member Benefits: Legal PublicationsThe Florida Bar and LexisNexis StoreContact Sales 1-877-394-8826ABA to release TechReport 2023 survey on legal tech trends [American Bar Association]ABA Profile of the Legal Profession 2023 [American Bar Association]The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens [Scientific American]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

While the legal field has historically been hesitant to adopt new technology, AI is now slowly sweeping into law firms. Integrating AI programs can dramatically boost a firm’s efficiency and reduce costs by assisting with many tasks including legal research, document drafting and review, and even automated client communication. There is a clear upside to implementing AI, but legal professionals must also be aware of the risks and ethical concerns that come with its use.In today's episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Damien Riehl, to discuss best practices for utilizing AI in the law firm. Damien Riehl is a lawyer, technologist, and lead product designer at vLex with experience in complex litigation, digital forensics, and software development. A coder since 1985 and for the web since 1995, Damien clerked for the chief judges of state and federal courts, practiced in complex litigation for over a decade, has led teams of cybersecurity and world spanning digital forensics investigations, and has led teams in legal-software development.Co-Chair of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles, he has helped recommend changes to Minnesota statutes, rules, and policies — all related to connected and autonomous vehicles. Damien is Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association's working group on AI and the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL).At SALI, the legal data standard he helps lead, Damien develops and has greatly expanded the taxonomy of over 14,000 legal tags that matter, helping the legal industry's development of Generative AI, analytics, and interoperability.At vLex Group – which includes Fastcase, NextChapter, and Docket Alarm – Damien helps lead the design, development, and expansion of various products, integrating AI-backed technologies to improve legal workflows and to power legal data analytics. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 8473.  REFERENCED RESOURCES:  LLMs for Legal Tasks: Best Practices [by Damien Riehl]vLex – Your Ultimate Legal AI PlatformLatest version of ChatGPT aces bar exam with score nearing 90th percentile [ABA Journal]AI Agents and The Era of The Intelligent Interface [Forbes]Affective Computing: Advancing human wellbeing by developing new ways to communicate, understand, and respond to emotion [MIT]Why We Need to See Inside AI’s Black Box [Scientific American]Understanding AI Terms: What is a Foundational Model? [The National Law Review]AI in Law: Transforming Legal Practices [Clio]What is AI and How Can Law Firms Use it? [Clio]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center