The 2008-2009 Bar year has begun, and your Family Law Section has already begun its work on behalf of its members, the clients we serve, and the citizens of Florida.  As always, there is much work to be done.  Isn't it time you stepped up to the plate and made the commitment to your profession and your clients and brought your practice to a new level?  Isn't it time for you to "Be Involved" instead of standing on the sidelines and letting others write the laws or make the decisions that affect your practice on a daily basis?

 

In addition to promoting the benefits for attorneys who practice all aspects of family and juvenile law to join the Section, in the last few years Section leadership has sought greater involvement by those practitioners who are already members.  Unfortunately, while there has been a large increase in the numbers of those joining Committees and even attending meetings, many of our Committees still find themselves facing the problem of most organizations:  20% of the people are doing 80% of the work.  

 

So important to the continued success of our Section is member involvement, at all levels, that Section Chair, Scott L Rubin, has made one of his themes for his year of service, to "Be Involved".  This months's article, Be A Part of Family Law in the Making, written on behalf of the Legislation Committee by Committee Co-Chairs, Terry Fogel, Jeffrey Weissman and General Magistrate, Norberto Katz, make the case for having your voice heard and becoming involved in the making of Family Law.

 

If Legislation is not your interest, but you have a passion for writing or teaching, then consider participating in the Publications or CLE Committees, or if you have a particular interest in a substantive area of family law, join one of the many committees which focus on such areas, like Support Issues or Domestic Violence.   A full list of and information regarding our Committees is available on the Section website; or you can always call a Committee Chair or member of the Executive Council and ask him or her about what you can do to become involved. Committee information is updated frequently so even if you are unable to attend a meeting, you can keep yourself posted on what's happening.  

Our first in-person meetings of the Bar year are on September 10, in Tampa, conveniently located at the Airport Marriott allowing one to 'fly in and fly out' as needed.  A meeting schedule is available on the Section website and you can contact Summer Hall for hotel information.   Join us.

 

Remember, our Section can only continue to succeed with the active participation of its members.  Accept the challenge

 - Make the commitment;

 - Elevate your practice;

 - Help us serve Florida's families;

 - Enhance public perception of our profession 

 

                         BE INVOLVED!

Robin J Scher,

FAMSEG, Editor