Fall 2011 Journal

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FAWL Journal

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FAWL Journal

Bi-Annual Journal of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers

A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.- Eleanor Roosevelt

IN THIS ISSUE Fall 2011

President’s Message ..................................................................................................................... 4

FAWL 2011-2012 Executive Officers ......................................................................................... 5

FAWL Past Presidents ................................................................................................................ 8

History of The Mattie Belle Davis Society ................................................................................. 16

FAWL 2011-2012 Mattie Belle Davis Society Members .......................................................... 17

FAWL 2011-2012 Chapter Presidents ....................................................................................... 19

FAWL 2011-2012 Winter Calendar ......................................................................................... 26

FAWL 2012 Lobby Days .......................................................................................................... 26

FAWL State Office ..................................................................................................................... 27

Renew your Membership Today! ............................................................................................. 27

Features Leadership in a Firm: Kimberly L. Johnson, of Quarles & Brady ............................................... 6

Leadership among Young Lawyers: Paige Greenlee, of Akerman Senterfitt ............................... 7

Leadership in The Florida Bar: Mayanne Downs, of King, Blackwell, Downs & Zehnder ........ 9

Leadership in the Community: The Florida Bar President’s 2011 Pro Bono Service Award . 10

Leadership in Business: Alexa Sherr Hartley, of Premier Leadership Coaching, LLC ........... 12

Leadership in Public Office: The 2012 Project ......................................................................... 13

Special Features Scenes from FAWL’s 2011 Midyear Meeting ........................................................................... 14

Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite 2011 ................................................................................... 20

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Brittany J. Maxey

Patent Attorney

[email protected]

Maxey Law Offices, PLLC Roosevelt Office Center 15500 Roosevelt Boulevard Suite 305 Clearwater, Florida 33760

(t) 727-230-4949 (f) 727-230-4827

JOURNAL EDITOR

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LEADERSHIP: PASS IT ON

What is the most important quality of leadership? That question kept coming to me during the events of the past couple of months, prompt-ed by my trip to Philadelphia and tour of Independence Hall, ac-counts of Mattie Belle Davis’ men-toring of women lawyers and spec-ulation about whether Apple can survive the death of its founder. I concluded that one of the most im-portant qualities of leadership – and perhaps the only quality that really matters in the long run – may be the ability to grow new leaders.

While it remains to be seen wheth-er Steve Jobs had that skill, the founding fathers certainly under-stood that it was crucial to ensure that new generations of leaders would follow. Similarly, sixty years after the “founding mothers” started FAWL, Judge Mattie Belle Davis continues to inspire us through the examples set by the women lawyers that she mentored. In reviewing materials in prepara-tion for the September Mid-Year Mattie Belle Davis Society Recep-tion, I read so many moving ac-counts from women lawyers who described how Judge Davis had encouraged them to succeed.

Someone once said that we all stand upon the shoulders of others when we succeed at anything, and I think that cannot be more true than in the case of Mattie Belle Davis and women in the legal profession.

- The Hon. Rosemary Barkett, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

…I learned that behind that grave coun-tenance was a warm caring person who did so much to help me and so many others become better lawyers. She blazed a trail for us.

- The Honorable Janet Reno, former United States Attorney General.

Today FAWL remains com-mitted to Judge Davis’ mission. FAWL’s num-ber one goal for this year is to help our members reach their full po-tential, to take the inspiration we have received from the leaders of our profession and to pass it on. To that end, we are posting videos from the 2011 Women’s Leader-ship Summit on the FAWL website, along with Alexa Sherr Hartley’s presentation from the Mid-Year meet-ing, “The Leadership Advantage: Sharpen Existing Skills and Master New Strengths.” The Member Ad-vancement and Placement (“MAP”) Committee has been working on ana-lyzing the current administration’s appointment process in order to better advise members who seek judicial and JNC appointments. The MAP Com-mittee is also working with The 2012 Project to obtain training and other assistance for FAWL members who seek elective office. Thanks to the leadership and dedication of FAWL’s Board, Committees and Executive Di-rector, we have already made tremen-dous progress and we’re only one-third of the way through the year!

This Journal is part of FAWL’s con-tinuing commitment to help our members reach their leadership goals. We hope that the articles in this Journal will inspire and chal-lenge you, whether you are a student or new lawyer who may be a candi-date for FAWL’s newly formed Young Lawyers Section, whether you are a more experienced lawyer who is in a position to help establish a leadership training program for young lawyers, or whether you find yourself questioning if you are ready to explore a new opportunity (Hint: if you’re asking the question, the an-swer is “yes”).

And when you find the inspiration that ignites your leadership poten-tial, please remember to pass it on.

Susan R. Healy

Vernon Healy Fifth Third Center 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 200 Naples, FL 34108 239-649-5390 Fax: 239-325-1892

[email protected]

Susan Healy is a member of the Collier County Women’s Bar As-sociation and is a founding part-ner of Vernon Healy who repre-sents individuals and businesses in cases involving financial dis-putes. She has over 25 years expe-rience practicing in civil, criminal and appellate courts and before arbitration panels.

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE

BY SUSAN R. HEALY, VERNON HEALY

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FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS

PRESIDENT Susan Healy Vernon Healy Fifth Third Center 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 200 Naples, FL 34108 239-649-5390 Fax: 239-325-1892 [email protected]

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Sabrina Ferris Greenberg Traurig, P.A. 333 Avenue of the Americas Suite 4400 Miami, FL 33131 305-579-0533 Fax: 305-961-5533 [email protected]

PRESIDENT-ELECT Laura Wendell Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Et Al 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Ste. 700 Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-854-0800 Fax: 305–854-2323 [email protected]

JOURNAL EDITOR Brittany Maxey Maxey Law Offices, PLLC 15500 Roosevelt Blvd. Suite 305 Clearwater, FL 33760 727-230-4949 Fax: 727-230-4827 [email protected]

TREASURER Robin Bresky Law Offices of Robin Bresky 7777 Glades Road Suite 205 Boca Raton, FL 33434 561-994-6273 Fax: 561–245-4698 [email protected]

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Elizabeth “Bib” Willis 3160 Blairstone Court Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-877-0082 Fax: 850-216-2810 [email protected]

SECRETARY Kristin Norse Kynes Markman & Felman, PA 100 S. Ashley Drive Suite 1300 Tampa, FL 33602 813-229-1118 Fax: 813-221-6750 [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Samantha Schosberg Feuer Office of the State Attorney 1515 North Flagler Drive Suite 900 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-837-5000 Fax: 305-837-5109 [email protected]

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Gigi Rollini Holland & Knight LLP 315 South Calhoun Street Suite 600 Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-425-5627 Fax: 850-224-8832 [email protected]

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Mary Ann Etzler Miller Etzler, PL 429 S Keller Rd Ste 310 Orlando, FL 32810 407-478-7950 Fax: 407-478-7989 [email protected]

2011-2012 Executive Officers

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Quarles & Brady is a firm in which women occupy the highest ranks as a ma er of course. A full 40 percent of our leadership roles are held by wom‐en, including three who serve on our 12‐person execu ve commi ee, and the managing partners at five of our seven U.S. offices are female. Mean‐while, from the outside, the Women in Law Empowerment Forum has placed Quarles on its ini al list of law firms qualifying for its new Gold Standard Cer fica on — a designa on for firms that have integrated women in top leadership posi ons and com‐pensated them well. To be sure, we’re very proud of this cer fica on, but to rest our case on the numbers leaves the en re truth untold. As we achieved this level of gender parity through an ins tu onal commitment to diversity that we established in the 1990s, which has taken on its own momentum and is no longer a product of “poli cal correctness” or “affirma ve ac on” – rather, our origi‐nal conscious a en on to diversity and inclusion has opened the door to a true meritocracy at Quarles, where talent and hard work generate the results, regardless of the individual. We count heads in terms of gender, ethnicity, and other indicators of di‐versity because many socially respon‐sible clients request it, but within the firm we only count on poten al and performance when measuring leader‐ship. In short, women occupy signifi‐cant leadership posi ons at Quarles because they have shown their quali‐es in an organiza on that honestly

values them.

Not that we allow leadership quali es to grow organically! The intensely compe ve nature of the market for corporate legal services now de‐

mands, as much as ever, skilled manage‐ment of the firm’s resources and teams. Moreover, in addi on to market pressures, we face the con nuing demo‐graphic challenge that all professional services firms confront – we remain ever on the hunt for great talent in spite of the undula ons of the economy. In addi on, transforming poten al into leadership demands transi oning key client rela on‐ships that our senior partners have devel‐oped with great skill and care over so many years. For all these reasons, we must con nue to iden fy, train, and place high‐performing individuals in posi ons

where they can apply the advantages of effec ve management for our collec ve ben‐efit.

To that end, Quarles has built an extensive leadership training program for all of its up‐and‐coming a or‐

neys. From numerous training programs to professional consultants, we work with our a orneys both singly and collec vely to build their leadership skills, beginning when they are junior‐level associates and con nuing throughout their careers. We also maintain an extensive mentoring pro‐gram for all of our associates, pairing each of them, from their first day at the firm, with a partner who will guide them to‐ward higher levels of responsibility while impar ng their own, special brands of experience and wisdom.

Women and a orneys of color are as‐signed a second mentor as well, whose responsibility is to help them overcome any obstacles they may endure, personal or professional, and ensure their best chance to rise to the top. Quarles further conducts group mentoring programs de‐

signed by the firm’s Director of Diversi‐ty, Employee Rela ons and Corporate Social Responsibility.

All of these ini a ves contribute to each associate’s personal advancement, professional growth, and social integra‐on into the firm and firm culture.

We might suggest that the only reason women don’t occupy a clear majority of leadership roles at Quarles is that we haven’t been such an open organiza on for a long enough period of me; how‐ever, the more sa sfying reality is that the balance of authority between wom‐en and men, and persons of color as well, will shi repeatedly over the years, governed by the comings and goings of the very best people for each job. That will always be the true measurement of leadership within the firm, and within the professional services industry, but at Quarles it’s simply how we operate.

Kimberly L. Johnson

Quarles & Brady, LLP 1395 Panther Lane Suite 300 Naples, FL 34109 239-434-4935 Fax: 239-213-5408

[email protected]

Kimberly Leach Johnson is a member of the Collier County Women’s Bar Association and the Managing Partner for the Naples and Tampa offices of the national firm of Quarles & Brady LLP. She practices in the area of trusts & estates, and is Chair of the Naples office trusts & estates group.

LEADERSHIPINAFIRM

BY KIMBERLY LEACH JOHNSON, QUARLES & BRADY

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We have all heard it, time and time again – the youth are our future. The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division ("YLD") con-sists of over 21,000 lawyers, and if you take a close look at your local bar associations, you will probably notice a number of young lawyers who are active and involved. A primary pur-pose of the YLD is to encourage the interest and participation of our members in the purposes of The Florida Bar. One of the ways we do this is by motivating our members to get involved in bar sections, committees, and in their local bar affiliates. Having young lawyers involved in bar associations and within the sections and committees of The Florida Bar is mutually benefi-cial. For the young lawyers, it provides a way to get involved in providing service to our pro-fession early in our careers – something most of us will nev-er give up once we have started it. It also provides the youngest members of our profession with networking opportunities and with mentors, whether through formal, mentoring programs or on an informal basis.

Young lawyers offer fresh perspec-tive and enthusiasm to organiza-tions. Many young lawyers who get in-volved with providing service to the bar immediately upon entering the profession were leaders in law school organizations. They have experience in leadership and they have new ideas for fund-raising, team building, and service projects.

Young lawyers also know what will interest other young lawyers – and young lawyers often travel in "packs," so if your group can get one young lawyer involved, it is likely that his or her friends will follow! For all of the reasons mentioned above, I was extremely excited to hear that FAWL is committed to starting a Young Lawyers Division within their organization this year, and I am honored to be a part of it.

I would be happy to hear from anyone who has suggestions, thoughts, or who would like to be involved in this process.

Paige Greenlee Akerman Senterfitt 401 E Jackson St. Ste 1700 Tampa, FL 33602 1-813-223-7333

[email protected] Paige Greenlee is member of the

HAWL Chapter and a commer-cial litigator with extensive

experience representing clients in complex com-mercial litigation matters, including contracts, real estate, construction, and creditors’ rights. She has represented both credi-

tors and trustees in bank-ruptcy matters, including ad-

versary proceedings. She serves as the 2011-2012 FAWL Young Lawyers Section Chair.

Save the Date!

Please make plans to join young lawyers from across the state at the Affiliate Outreach Confer-ence Friday, January 20 through Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Casa Monica Hotel, St. Augus-tine, Florida.

For more information, contact Melanie Griffin at

[email protected] or Katherine Miller at

[email protected].

LEADERSHIPAMONGYOUNGLAWYERS

BY PAIGE GREENLEE, AKERMAN SENTERFITT

For all of the reasons mentioned above, I was extremely excited to hear that FAWL is committed to starting a Young Lawyers Division within their organization this year.

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PAST PRESIDENTS:

Florida Association for Women Lawyers

1951-52 Anna Brenner Meyers 1952-53 Mary L. Esarey 1953-54 Esther A. Poppell 1954-55 Rebecca Bowles Hawkins 1955-56 Margaret Deaton 1956-57 Edith Mellvaine James 1957-58 Judge Mattie Belle Davis 1958-59 Judge Mildred S. Akerman 1959-60 Judge Anne E’ Deleacon Fenyvessy 1960-61 Lavona R. Zuckerman 1961-62 Virginia Ann Jordan Church 1962-63 Helen Tanos Hope 1963-64 Dorothea M.B. Vermorel 1964-65 Josephine Howard Stafford 1965-66 Phyllis Shampanier 1966-67 Ann B. Miller Yandre 1967-68 Adele T. Weaver 1968-69 Delphene C. Strickland 1969-70 Ruth Fleet Thurman 1970-71 Judge Frances Ann Jamieson 1971-72 Judge Winifred J. Sharp 1972-74 Claire K. Cates Luten 1974-76 Judge Judith A. Brechner 1976-78 Elizabeth Athanasakos 1978-80 Irene Redstone 1980-81 Linda Carol Singer 1981-82 Debbie Malinsky Orshefsky 1982-83 Debra Weiss Goodstone

1983-84 Marjorie Bekaert Thomas 1984-85 Judge Gill A. Freeman 1985-86 Judge Mary Jane Nettles Henderson 1986-87 Diane M. Van Ness 1987-88 Judge Maura T. Smith 1988-89 Andrea Smith Hillyer 1989-90 Edith G. Osman 1990-91 Ava K. Doppelt 1991-92 Leslie Reicin Stein 1992-93 Mary V. Brennan 1993-94 Virginia A. Daire 1994-95 Caryn Goldenberg Carvo 1995-96 Tonia Yazgi 1996-97 Sharon Bleier Glickman 1997-98 Jennifer R. Coberly 1998-99 U.S. Rep. Katherine A. Castor 1999-00 Jeanmarie Whalen 2000-01 Barbara A. Eagan 2001-02 Susan W. Fox 2002-03 Siobhan H. Shea 2003-04 Dinita L. James 2004-05 Magistrate Deborah Magid 2005-06 Judge June C. McKinney 2006-07 Wendy S. Loquasto 2007-08 Sherri L. Johnson 2008-09 Rebecca H. Steele 2009-10 Tasha K. Dickinson 2010-11 Gigi Rollini

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LEADERSHIPINTHEFLORIDABAR:

W , E !

BY MAYANNE DOWNS, KING, BLACKWELL, DOWNS & ZEHNDER, P.A.

If it isn’t immediately apparent to you how this works, ask. Chief among human quali-ties is the desire to help, to answer ques-tions, and to provide information. There are few people in the world who won’t help if you ask.

Second, prove your bona fides by working, not talking. I’ve never known of an organi-zation who doesn’t value and need work-ers. Become someone who is indispensa-ble, who is the first name that comes to mind for those who need help. Learn to be a part of the group, but to stand out as someone who adds meaning and gravitas to your endeavors.

Caution: Make Your Bones By Being Reliable

For me, a central creed of involvement is – to be involved. Really involved. Passion-ate, engaged, interested and attuned. As I think back through my ten years on the Board, I can mentally separate those who just showed up and those who engaged. I have always told my kids to engage in what they do on a molecular level. Dispas-sionate, sideline-watching is for those who report, not those who do. For my state bar work, that meant showing up early and staying late. Attending the Wednesday night dinner AND the Friday night dinner whenever I could, and being sure that while I was there, I was really there. I tried to seek people out, ask questions, get to know people, see what others thought about key issues – in short, I engaged. As the single mother of kids still at home, I had to miss some meetings and social events, but believe me, when I was there, everyone knew it.

Being really involved means that you are someone who can be counted on to be there, to do what you said you would, and a valuable part of the team.

I recently completed ten years on The Florida Bar Board of Governors and a year as President of The Florida Bar, which was the culmination of many years of bar service. My bar service feels a lot like jogging: it feels so good when you stop. I loved my service to the bar, and the honor and privilege of serving as president, but I’m very hap-py to get back to my life and practice. There are many ways to become in-volved in bar leadership – from com-mittee and section work, to the Board of Governors.

Advice – Join, Listen & WORK

I sometimes tell people who call me about a position they want that the chances of moving up or obtaining a position without applying (or asking) are slim, indeed. Although there are some notable exceptions, mostly to move down the path of leadership requires the first steps of joining, learn-ing and listening and working to es-tablish your bona fides.

What this meant for me is recognizing that there is a kind of apprenticeship or novitiate component for every or-ganization. And it’s important to listen and learn how that works at your local bar and on the committee or even statewide bar level. For the Board of Governors, there is an unwritten – but important – rule that no board member should talk at his or her first meeting. Believe me, you could wake me up at 2:00 am and I can tell you which board members did or didn’t follow this rule, with the predictable consequences. So, figure out the unspoken protocols of the group you’ve joined – LISTEN --- and follow them.

Under promise and over deliver – in-stead of the reverse, which is more common. Avoid making any commit-ment you can’t be sure you’ll meet. Monitor yourself so that you don’t become one of those people who be-comes known for being unreliable.

Ready, set , go!

You can, and should, allow yourself to imagine what you want and where you want to go in bar and leadership activities. The only limitation is on what you want and the commitment you’re willing to make. My experience is that The Florida Bar, in particular, is dedicated to involving women at eve-ry level of activity and leadership. It’s up to you: engage, commit and suc-ceed. Good luck!

Mayanne Downs

King, Blackwell, Downs & Zehnder, P.A.

25 E. Pine Street Orlando, FL 32801 407-422-2472

[email protected]

Mayanne Downs is the immediate past President of The Florida Bar, having served as the 61st president and just the 4th woman to serve as President of The Florida Bar. She is a past president of the Orange County Bar Association, the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers, and The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar As-sociation. She serves as City Attorney to The City of Orlando, having been appointed by Mayor Buddy Dyer in 2007. She is a member of CFAWL chapter and a partner in the firm of King, Blackwell, Downs & Zehnder, P.A.

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LEADERSHIPINTHECOMMUNITY

THE FLORIDA BAR PRESIDENT’S 2011 PRO BONO SERVICE AWARD

The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award was established in 1981. Its purpose is twofold: “to further encour-age lawyers to volunteer free legal services to the poor by recognizing those who make such public service commit-ments, and to communicate to the public some sense of the substantial volunteer services provided by Florida lawyers to those who cannot afford legal fees.” This award recognizes individual lawyer service in each of Florida’s specific judi-cial circuits. It is presented annually in conjunction with the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award given by the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court. Elizabeth “Bib” Willis, Tallahassee Women Lawyers member and FAWL Legisla-tive Director, and Valerie Erwin Prevatte, Northwest/Florida (Pensacola) Chapter 2011 President, were recognized with The Florida Bar President’s 2011 Pro Bono Service Award at an awards ceremony held January 27, 2011 at the Florida Supreme Court Building, Tallahassee, Florida.

Pro bono service is a large part of Prevatte’s charitable giving. In her last few years as a solo practitioner, she donated more than 200 hours primarily through Legal Services of North Florida’s Private Attorney Involvement Program and the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association. Her cases included the defense of a teenager falsely accused of injuring an abusive caregiver. Her defense helped to expose the violent environment in which he lived, and he was acquitted of the felony charges. Aggravated assault and battery between siblings was another difficult, juvenile pro bono case she un-dertook. In a demeaning, cruel game, the sibling “voted out” of his household by his siblings, under the direction of their mother, tossed a ceramic piggy bank at one of his brothers. At trial, Prevatte was able to convince the judge to have the felony charges reduced, and to get the boy counseling. She also provided legal advice to the homeless and vic-tims of Hurricane Ivan. Serving and educating youths is also important to Prevatte. Over the past eight years, she donated approximately 80 hours to teaching students about the perils of drunken driving and has worked with law enforcement and families of victims on DUI Awareness programs before high school proms and graduations. She exhibited her dedication to the cause by following and notifying police about a vehicle that was recklessly weaving for nearly an hour. Her testimony at trial led to a guilty plea of DUI. Prevatte also spends time mentoring new attorneys and aspiring attorneys by accompanying them to court proceedings and to networking opportunities. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and America Inns of Court are among her numerous civic affiliations.

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Valerie Erwin Prevatte First Judicial Circuit Valerie Erwin Prevatte is the 2011-2012 President of FAWL’s Northwest Florida (Pensacola) Chapter and is a sole practitioner in Pensacola. Her primary area of practice is representation of criminal defendants. She has been a member of The Florida Bar since April 1997 and has worked both as a government attorney and at the Department of Chil-dren and Families. Valerie can be reached at 850/444-7475 or [email protected].

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LEADERSHIPINTHECOMMUNITY

THE FLORIDA BAR PRESIDENT’S 2011 PRO BONO SERVICE AWARD

Her pro bono contributions have come primarily through her work with Legal Services of North Florida, the Tallahassee Bar Association, and her private offices. These programs received more than 400 hours of her pro bono service, which totals regularly about 100 hours per year. Her pro bono work is composed of numerous difficult cases, including family law, dependency, and guardianship of incapacitated adults. She participates in Legal Services of North Florida’s hotline program for the public, answering legal questions on topics such as dissolution of marriage, custody, bankruptcy, and probate. Her volunteer attorney work sometimes takes her as far as Marianna and Panama City. At the Tallahassee Bar Association, has greatly exceeded her TBA 30 hour per year requirement. In fact, in the past two years she has taken on at least nine separate cases through the program ranging from child custody and visitation to divorce. Helping young, single mothers obtain child support from uncooperative fathers, establishing and enforcing visitation schedules for fa-thers who have been excluded from their children’s lives, and assisting women in leaving abusive marriages are top pri-orities. The position of court-appointed counsel for a number of children is also a part of her lengthy schedule. Her schedule has been composed of voluntary bar activities, such as past president of the Government Bar, Legislative Di-rector of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, the Candidate’s Forum Chair of Tallahassee Women Lawyers and a member of the Tallahassee Bar Association where she is currently assisting with the educational programming. Mentoring through Florida State University’s College of Law and Tallahassee Women Lawyers is also important to her. Everyone who knows Bib knows she is forever rushing off to serve another pro bono client or to answer calls for the

LSNF hotline. At any one time, she is court-appointed counsel for 3 or 4 children in dependency proceedings. She

serves as court-appointed counsel for alleged incapacitated adults or individuals who are subject to Marchman Act pro-

ceedings. In her “spare” time Ms. Willis participates in Legal Services of North Florida Hotline Program and the Talla-

hassee Bar Foundation’s pro bono service programs.

At age 75, Bib Willis has practiced law for over 20 years, starting law school at age 50 after careers in journalism and

state government. She is the mother of 4 and the grandmother of 10.

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Elizabeth “Bib” Willis Second Judicial Circuit Elizabeth “Bib” Willis is a member of Tallahassee Women Lawyers and FAWL’s 2011-2012 Legislative Director. Bib is a sole practitioner in Tallahassee practicing in the prin-cipal areas of child and family law, dependency, and guardianship. She has been a mem-ber of The Florida Bar since April 1989. Bib can be reached at [email protected].

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LEADERSHIPINBUSINESS

BY ALEXA SHERR HARTLEY, PREMIER LEADERSHIP COACHING, LLC

Leadership: What is the Right Stuff? And do you have it?

A Google search for “leadership qualities” yields over seven million results. To be sure, there are also as many opinions as to what makes a good leader. Still, a review of the literature does point to characteristics that are common among effective leaders. Specifically, most leaders demonstrate vision and passion. Further, they are strong decision makers and team builders.

Before you spend any time wondering whether you have what it takes, it is important to understand each trait. In the context of leadership studies, they mean:

Vision – seeing things as they can be, rather than how they are. Passion – encouraging others to dream, to be creative, to excel, to innovate, and to constantly improve. Decision Maker – taking a well-considered position even when it is not expedient or personally beneficial. Team Builder - delegating responsibility to the team and letting the team run with it.

Since our strength as leaders is contingent on the opinions of those whom we lead, the question is “Do people think you are a good leader?” Don’t worry if your answer is “I do not know.” There are many leadership style assessments that allow you to evaluate your leadership skills. For instance, a 360-degree assessment (also known as multi-rater or multisource assessment) is an unparalleled way to get feedback about your ca-pabilities from your subordinates, peers, supervisors, and external sources such as clients and vendors. 360-degree feedback is so effective that an estimated 90% of all Fortune 500 firms use it in some way.

That said, undergoing a 360-assessment is not a particularly comfortable experience. We, lawyers, are used to giving our opinions and sharing our perspectives. We are comfortable critiquing. In the case of a 360-assessment, the roles are reversed. We admit that we too are subject to the opinions of others. We volunteer to be looked at with a critical eye. And, while this process is very valuable, it requires courage. The good news is that courage is also considered to be an essential quality of leadership.

Alexa Sherr Hartley is a member of the Palm Beach County Chapter of FAWL and an attorney and executive coach who works with professionals to achieve greater levels of success and career fulfillment. She helps attor-neys build bigger books of business, create superstar teams by being more effective leaders and minimize wheel spinning by leveraging their commu-nication styles. She can be reached via her Website:

premierleadershipcoaching.com.

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LEADERSHIPINPUBLICOFFICE

THE 2012 PROJECT

The 2012 Project is a national, non-partisan campaign to in-crease the number of women in Congress and state legislators by taking advantage of the once-in-a-decade opportunities for women to increase their num-bers in office in 2012.

Following the 2010 census, every congressional and state legislative district in the coun-try is being redrawn, and new and open seats will be created. Reapportionment creates op-portunity, and research shows that women have more success winning open seats. Support-ing members in their efforts to advance in our profession is central to FAWL's mission.

To this end, FAWL and its Mem-bership Advancement & Promotion (MAP) Committee stand ready to offer support to FAWL members in good standing who are seeking ap-pointment to serve on the bench, one of Florida's Judicial Nominat-ing Commissions, or a Florida Bar Committee.

While FAWL's Bylaws prohibit FAWL from "endorsing candidates for public office," FAWL encour-ages members in good standing who are running for an elected of-fice to contact FAWL at [email protected] so that FAWL may publicize your candidacy in its electronic publications. In addition to a brief bio, please include your photo, election date, and contact information for members desiring to personally support your cam-paign. Efforts by FAWL's MAP Commit-tee are also underway to establish a mentoring program for FAWL members in good standing who are seeking to advance within our pro-fession. If you have experience with the judicial, JNC or Bar ap-pointment process, FAWL needs you!

We are actively enrolling FAWL members willing to serve as mentors to others new to the process.

For more information about the MAP Committee, to seek assis-tance from the MAP Commit-tee, or to serve as a MAP Com-mittee member or mentor please contact:

FAWL's Executive Director, Karen Howe, at

[email protected]

or 1-866-241-FAWL,

or Gigi Rollini, Immediate Past President/MAP Commit-

tee Chair, at

[email protected].

FAWL and its Membership Advancement & Promotion

(MAP) Committee stand ready to offer support to FAWL members in good standing who are seeking

appointment to serve on the bench, one of Florida's

Judicial Nominating Commissions, or a Florida

Bar Committee.

If you have experience with

the judicial, JNC or Bar

appointment process,

FAWL needs you!

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Florida Bar President, Scott Hawkins, and Florida Bar President Elect Gwynne Young, with FAWL Members

SCENESFROMFAWL’S2011MIDYEARMEETING

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 ORLANDO, FLORIDA

CLE Presenter, Alexa Sherr Hartley, Attorney Premier Leadership Coaching, LLC

Clara Gehan Chapter Representative, Kathryn Lancaster, Collier Chapter President, Kim Hastings and Broward County Women Lawyers Member, Lauren Dreilinger

The Leadership Advantage: Sharpen Existing Skills and Master New Strengths

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Broward Chapter Member,

Eugene Pettis and FAWL Treasurer, Robin Bresky

SCENESFROMFAWL’S2011MIDYEARMEETING

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 ORLANDO, FLORIDA

FAWL Journal Editor and Pinellas Chapter President, Brittany Maxey, Rhett Jones, and Pinellas Chapter Member,

Fran Haasch

From Left to Right:

Clara Gehan Chapter Repre-sentative, Kathryn Lancaster, FAWL Executive Director, Ka-ren Howe, Jacksonville Chapter President, Stephanie Harriett, Pinellas Chapter Member, Fran Haasch, Broward Chapter Rep-resentative, Stephanie Moon, FAWL Awards Chair and TWL Chapter Representative, Lind-sey Lawton and FAWL Journal Editor and Pinellas Chapter President, Brittany Maxey

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HISTORY OF THE MATTIE BELLE DAVIS SOCIETY

FAWL established the Mattie Belle Davis Society in 2004 in honor of Judge Davis, to enable FAWL members to contribute directly to FAWL’s key initiatives. Judge Davis, a founding member of FAWL, re-mained active in FAWL until her death fifty-three years later. Judge Da-vis inspires us all with her life-long commitment to equal opportunity, justice and the success of women in the law.

Judge Mattie Belle Davis

1910—2004

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Susan Healy FAWL 2011-2012 PRESIDENT Vernon Healy Fifth Third Center 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 200 Naples, FL 34108 239-649-5390 Fax: 239-325-1892 [email protected]

Laura Wendell FAWL 2011-2012 PRESIDENT-ELECT Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Et Al 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Ste. 700 Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-854-0800 Fax: 305–854-2323 [email protected]

Robin Bresky FAWL 2011-2012 TREASURER Law Offices of Robin Bresky 7777 Glades Road Suite 205 Boca Raton, FL 33434 561-994-6273 Fax: 561–245-4698 [email protected]

Francoise M. Haasch Law Office of Fran Haasch 1275 Nebraska Avenue Palm Harbor, Florida 34683 727-784-8191 Fax: 727-772-9763 [email protected]

Brittany Maxey FAWL 2011-2012 JOURNAL EDITOR Maxey Law Offices, PLLC 15500 Roosevelt Blvd. Suite 305 Clearwater, FL 33760 727-230-4949 Fax: 727-230-4827 [email protected]

Gigi Rollini FAWL 2011-2012

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Holland & Knight LLP

315 South Calhoun Street Suite 600 Tallahassee, FL 32301

850-425-5627 Fax: 850-224-8832 [email protected]

Siobhan H. Shea 2002-2003 FAWL President

Society Member every year since Inaugural Year

Siobhan Helen Shea Appellate Practice Post Office Box 2436

Palm Beach, Florida 33480 561-655-4114

Sally Wise University of Miami School of Law

Director of the Law Library and Professor of Law

Post Office Box 248087 Coral Gables, Florida 33124


Stefanie C. Moon Broward County Women Lawyers

Chapter Representative 350 E Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-4215


Sabrina Ferris FAWL 2011-2012

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Greenberg Traurig, P.A.

333 Avenue of the Americas Suite 4400 Miami, FL 33131


Not Pictured:

Nicholas Zurawskyj Student Member

Florida International University FIU Women in Law

Not Pictured:

Harvey Baxter 2011-2012 Clara Gehan Association for Women

Lawyers Treasurer Phone: 904-966-6319

E-mail: [email protected]

2011‐2012

MATTIE BELLE DAVIS SOCIETY MEMBERS

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THANKYOUTOOUR2011MIDYEARMEETINGSPONSORS!

Thank you to our CLE Sponsor:

Thank you to our Association Partner Sponsors:

Thank you to our In-Kind Sponsors:

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BARRY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (Student Chapter) Ana Rodriguez [email protected]

BREVARD COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Tara Couture [email protected] BROWARD COUNTY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION Jacquelyn Suzan Holden [email protected] CENTRAL FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Melanie Griffin [email protected] CLARA GEHAN ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS (EIGHTH CIRCUIT) Susan Lindgard [email protected] COLLIER COUNTY WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION Kim Hastings [email protected] FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY WOMEN IN LAW (Student Chapter) Aubrie Brake [email protected] FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S LAW SYMPOSIUM (Student Chapter) Jessica Marlowe [email protected] HILLSBOROUGH ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Marielle Westerman [email protected] JACKSONVILLE WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION Stephanie Harriett [email protected] LEE COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Brooke N. Bockemuehl [email protected] MANATEE COUNTY FAWL Andrea M. Johnson [email protected] MARION COUNTY FAWL Marianne Howanitz [email protected]

MARTIN COUNTY FAWL Nina L. Ferraro [email protected] MIAMI-DADE FAWL Alexandra Bach Lagos [email protected] NORTHWEST FLORIDA CHAPTER—PENSACOLA Valerie Prevatte [email protected] NOVA UNIVERSITY (Student Chapter) Tiffani Bishop [email protected] PALM BEACH COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Sarah Cortvriend [email protected] PINELLAS COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Brittany Maxey [email protected] SARASOTA FAWL Janella K. Liebovitz [email protected] SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY FAWL Mindy Stein [email protected] STETSON UNIVERSITY (Student Chapter) Jessilyn Thiboult [email protected] ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY (Student Chapter) Stephanie Puente [email protected] TALLAHASSEE WOMEN LAWYERS Jennifer Sullivan Davis [email protected] THIRD CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Laura Fouraker-Gardner [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (Student Chapter) Amanda E. Finley [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (Student Chapter) Lana Naghshineh Aponte [email protected] VOLUSIA/FLAGLER ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Melissa Murphy [email protected]

FAWL2011‐2012CHAPTERPRESIDENTS

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Florida Trend’s

Florida Legal Elite 2011 Florida Trend’s annual edition of Florida Legal Elite recognizes a prestigious group of es-

teemed attorneys who exemplify a standard of excellence in their profession, and in so doing

have been chosen by their peers as Florida Legal Elite 2011. Balloting began in October 2010

when Florida Trend invited in-state members of The Florida Bar to participate. Lawyers were

asked to name attorneys whom they hold in the highest regard or would recommend to others as

well as three “Up and Coming” Attorneys and Government/Non-Profit Attorneys. To be eligible

for recognition as a Florida Legal Elite Hall of Fame member, an attorney must have been a Le-

gal Elite winner at least seven years of the eight years Florida Trend has conducted the balloting.

Up & Comers are those attorneys selected as a Florida Legal Elite who are under 40 years of

age.

The Florida Association for Women Lawyers congratulations

106 members recognized as Florida’s Legal Elite 2011!

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Special Feature

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Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite 2011:

Broward County Women Lawyers Association

Samantha J. Fitzgerald, Wills, Trusts & Estates

Eugene K. Pettis, Civil Trial

Grace E. Robson, Up & Comers

Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers

Suzan April Abramson, Business Law

Kimberly A. Ashby, Appellate Practice

Shannon Mclin Carlyle, Appellate Practice

Ava K. Doppelt, Intellectual Property Rights, Hall of Fame

Mayanne Downs, Commercial Litigation

Patricia T. Fuller, Elder Law

Suzanne E. Gilbert, Commercial Litigation

Melanie Shoemaker Griffin, Up & Comers

Sherry Lambson-Eisele, Commercial Litigation

Susan Kathleen McKenna, International

Mary Ann Morgan, Civil Trial

Jamie Billotte Moses, Appellate Practice

Jill S. Schwartz, Labor & Employment

Lisa Finaldi Simmons, Civil Trial

Larry Dean Smith, Civil Trial

Nancy S. Weber, Adoption, Marital & Family

Collier County Women’s Bar Association

Laird A. Lile, Wills, Trusts & Estates, Hall of Fame

Jeanne L. Seewald, Intellectual Property Rights

Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers

Vivian Arenas-Battles, Eminent Domain

Ceci Culpepper Berman, Appellate Practice

Deborah C. Blews, Government/Non-Profit Attorneys

Karen M. Buesing, Intellectual Property Rights, Hall of Fame

Christine L. Derr, Adoption, Marital & Family

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Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers (continued)

Raymond T. Elligett Jr., Appellate Practice

Rachael Greenstein, Government/Non-Profit

M. Elizabeth Lanier, Civil Trial

Carol Jean Locicero, Intellectual Property Rights

Cynthia Anne Mikos, Health

Kristin A. Norse, Appellate Practice

Eliane Ivy Probasco, Up & Comers

Amanda Arnold Sansone, Up & Comers

Jeanne Trudeau Tate, Adoption, Marital & Family

Gwynne A. Young, Commercial Litigation, Hall of Fame

Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association

Marianne Lloyd Aho, Civil Trial

Courtney Kneece Grimm, Commercial Litigation

Manatee County FAWL

Christine R. Sensenig, Labor & Employment

Marion County FAWL

Harry R. Schafer, Commercial Litigation

Renée E. Thompson, Up & Comers

Martin County FAWL

Leslie M. Kroeger, Civil Trial

Miami-Dade FAWL

Francisco R. Angones, Civil Trial

Jill Nexon Berman, Commercial Litigation

Garrett Jonas Biondo, Civil Trial

Jacqueline Calderin, Bankruptcy & Workout

Marcia K. Cypen, Government/Non-Profit

Gabrielle Lyn D’Alemberte, Civil Trial

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Miami-Dade FAWL (continued)

Vivian Caridad De Las Cuevas-Diaz, Up & Comers

Cynthia A. Everett, Labor & Employment

Dori Foster-Morales, Adoption, Marital & Family

Marisol Gomez-Decena, Up & Comers

Barbara Weiss Green, Appellate Practice

Elizabeth Miranda Hernandez, Government & Administration

Richard L. Hersch, Criminal Law

John H. “Jack” Hickey, Aviation, Admiralty & Maritime

Michael J. Higer, Commercial Litigation

Kristy M. Johnson, Commercial Litigation

Julie Braman Kane, Civil Trial

Patricia M. Kennedy, Civil Trial

John W. Kozyak, Commercial Litigation, Hall of Fame

Nicole E. Mestre, Up & Comers

Niza M. Motola, Labor & Employment

Edith G. Osman, Adoption, Marital & Family

Patricia Ann Redmond, Bankruptcy & Workout, Hall of Fame

Benjamine Reid, Commercial Litigation

Barbara Joy Riesberg, Commercial Litigation

Rosemarie S. Roth, Adoption, Marital & Family

David A. Rothstein, Commercial Litigation

Bonnie Sockel-Stone, Adoption, Marital & Family

Melinda S. Thornton, Government/Non-Profit

Palm Beach County Association for Women Lawyers

Odette M. Bendeck, Adoption, Marital & Family

Venus A. Caruso, Commercial Litigation

Tasha K. Dickinson, Wills, Trusts & Estates

Scott G. Hawkins, Commercial Litigation

Manuel Farach, Commercial Litigation

Samantha Schosberg Feuer, Government/Non-Profit

Nancy Lee La Vista, Civil Trial

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Palm Beach County Association for Women Lawyers (continued)

Brian F. Labovick, Civil Trial

Patricia Lebow, Commercial Litigation

Patricia Anne Leonard, Commercial Litigation

Julie H. Littky-Rubin, Appellate Practice

Adam M. Myron, Up & Comers

Michael J. Napoleone, Commercial Litigation

David C. Prather, Civil Trial

Adam T. Rabin, Business Law

Gerald F. Richman, Commercial Litigation, Hall of Fame

Elisha D. Roy, Adoption, Marital & Family

Siobhan Helene Shea, Appellate Practice

Michelle Renee Suskauer, Criminal Law

John R. Whittles, Commercial Litigation

Julia Wyda, Up & Comers

Pinellas County Association for Women Lawyers

Sandra Fascell Diamond, Wills Trusts & Estates, Hall of Fame

Sarasota FAWL

Linda S. Griffin, Wills, Trusts & Estates

South Palm Beach County FAWL

Susan Ellen Greenberg, Adoption, Marital & Family

Ellen S. Morris, Elder Law

State FAWL

Cynthia Barnett Hibnick, Civil Trial

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Tallahassee Women Lawyers

Martha Walters Barnett, Government & Administrative, Hall of Fame

William W. Corry, Civil Trial

Kimberly A. Driggers, Insurance

Katherine E. Giddings, Appellate Practice

Michael J. Glazer, Health

Jennifer M. Heckman, Up & Comers

Melanie Ann Hines, Criminal Law

Kelly Overstreet Johnson, Commercial Litigation, Hall of Fame

Kelly A. O’Keefe, Commercial Litigation

Gigi Rollini, Up & Comers

Shannon H. Salimone, Health

Lawrence E. Sellers Jr., Government & Administrative, Hall of Fame

Linda Loomis Shelley, Environmental & Land Use

Twyla L, Sketchley, Elder Law

Lauchlin Tench Waldoch, Elder Law

Karen D. Walker, Government & Administrative

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FAWL 2011-2012 Winter Calendar:

November 24 through November 25, 2011 FAWL State Office Closed

November 30, 2011 Executive Committee Teleconference 11:45 a.m.—1:15 p.m.*

December 2, 2011 Florida Trend’s 2012 Legal Elite Voting Deadline

December 7 through December 10, 2011 Florida Bar Board of Governors Meeting Amelia Island, Florida

December 15, 2011 Executive Committee Teleconference 11:45 a.m.—1:15 p.m.*

December 23 through December 26, 2011 FAWL State Office Closed

January 13, 2012 Call for Nominations for 2012-2013 Board Elections

January 24 through January 25, 2012 FAWL Lobby Days and FAWL Board of Director’s Meeting, Tallahassee, Florida

January 25 through January 27, 2012 Florida Bar Board of Governors Meeting Tallahassee, Florida

February 16, 2012 Executive Committee Teleconference 11:45 a.m.—1:15 p.m.*

March 1, 2012 Deadline for 2012-2013 Board Nominations

March 1, 2012 Deadline for Submission of FAWL Award(s) Nominations

*Via Sound path/Holland & Knight Teleconferencing

Dial in No.: 1-888-684-4447 Participant Passcode: 8504255627

FAWL 2012 Lobby Days:

Plans are underway for FAWL’s 2012 Lobby Days January 24 and January 25, 2012.

FAWL has reserved a limited block of rooms at the Courtyard Marriott, Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida — Book your discounted reservation by January 3, 2012 by phoning

1-800-321-2211 or 1-850-222-8822 and requesting a reservation under the Florida Association for Women Lawyers room block.

26

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FAWL State Office:

Mailing Address: Florida Association for Women Lawyers Post Office Box 38339 Tallahassee, Florida 32315 E-mail Address: [email protected] Phone Numbers: Toll Free: 1-866-241-FAWL(3295) Local: 850-212-3221 Toll Free Fax: 1-866-830-5536 Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30-4:30 Friday 8:30-12:00 Saturday & Sunday Closed

FAWL’s 2011-2012 year runs from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. If you have not yet renewed, we hope you will today! To join or renew online visit www.fawl.org.

Become an Elite FAWL Member! Any active member can become an elite FAWL member by

joining FAWL’s Mattie Belle Davis Society. Annual society dues are $100 in addition to FAWL’s regular member dues, and serve to enhance FAWL’s statewide presence and

initiatives. You may join when you renew your dues at www.fawl.org or if you have already renewed your dues by contacting

FAWL's Executive Director, Karen Howe, at [email protected].

27

Karen Howe, Executive Director Karen is a native of Pensacola, Florida and has lived in Tallahas-see since 1997. She graduated cum laude from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Legal Administration and a minor in Women’s Studies in 1994. Karen’s background includes 25-plus years of progressively responsible experience in legal, accounting and financial organizations.

Renew your FAWL Membership Today!

28

Thank you to our 2011-2012 Sponsors:

Silver Annual Sponsor:

In-Kind Sponsor:

Gold Annual Sponsor:

The FAWL Journal is published biannually by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), Post

Office Box 38339, Tallahassee, Florida 32315. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without

written authorization from FAWL. Material published herein expresses the viewpoint of the authors and

advertisers and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of FAWL. © Copyright 2011, Florida Association for

Women Lawyers.

The FAWL Journal accepts paid advertising but does not endorse products, services or candidates for office.

For advertising rates and specifications contact the Association at 1-866-241-FAWL (3295) or [email protected].

Fall 2011 Journal

Documents

Transcript of Fall 2011 Journal