April 2026 Bulletin

3 days ago
5 min read

Legacy and Leadership Symposium - Registration is Open!

We are thrilled to announce the first-ever Legacy and Leadership Symposium to celebrate 30 years as a Section! This special event brings together our members for a day of connection, learning, and recognition of the leadership and impact that defines our section.

Event Highlights:

Executive Council Meeting – Engage with leadership and gain insights into the section’s initiatives.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Sessions
- Survey of Recent Cases in Elections Law – Professor Michael Morley (FSU) will present a survey of recent court decisions affecting state and federal elections laws. The decisions and their impact on the 2026 elections will be discussed.
- Hiring in Government: A Panel Discussion – Join expert hiring managers for an inside look at government legal recruitment. Learn current hiring trends, networking strategies, and management best practices for hiring in public service.
  
  Panelists include John J. Bajger (Moderator), OAG, Bob Shillinger, Monroe County Attorney, Philip Fowler, 3rd Circuit Administrator, Adrian Mood, SAO 2nd Circuit Felony Chief, and Sonia Garcia-Solis, OAG Associate Deputy.
Reception – Network with peers in a relaxed, celebratory setting following the sessions at El Jalisco.

Location: The Florida Bar in Tallahassee!

Date: June 5, 2026

This symposium is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to honor our past, learn from today’s leaders, and shape the future of government law. Whether you’re a law student, seasoned member or considering government law, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

CLE Opportunities

9739 Government Ethics Update 2026

Join us on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM for an ethics update with Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel at Florida Commission on Ethics, Steven Zuilkowski.

Understanding the Latest Updates to Florida’s Code of Ethics: What You Need to Know

Staying current with ethics laws is essential for public officers and employees, especially as legislative changes continue to shape expectations around transparency, accountability, and conduct. Following the 2026 legislative session, several important updates to Florida’s Code of Ethics have been introduced—along with new advisory opinions that provide further guidance on how these rules are applied in practice.

This CLE program offers a timely overview of those developments, helping attendees understand not just what has changed, but what those changes mean in real-world situations.

9742 Federal Government Contract Law: Basic Principles (Part I)

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM learn how federal government contracts are governed by a distinct legal framework that differs from traditional contract law. This program provides a foundational overview of the principles that shape this area of practice.

The program is presented by Jerald Stubbs, a retired Brigadier General with 35 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as an officer and judge advocate. He later served as an attorney at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, including in the Office of Chief Counsel, bringing extensive experience in federal contract law to this session.

This course is ideal for attorneys looking to build a strong foundation in federal government contracting.

One of the biggest benefits of Section membership is monthly free CLE that include specialty CLE credits. Our CLE committee is always looking for topics and speakers, so please let us know if you have any idea for a topic! Reach out to the CLE Committee Chairs Steven Zuilkowski and Kathy Savor.

Don't forget, Section member's can access previous recording here.

Don't Forget to Check out The Voice

We’re excited to share the Winter 2026 issue, featuring thoughtful insights, timely case law updates, and highlights from across the Government Lawyer Section.

Inside this issue, you’ll find:

A powerful Chair’s Message on sustainability in the legal profession
Engaging member articles, including reflections on perfectionism and growth in practice
Recognition of our 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award winner
A public service spotlight on outstanding work within our community
Selected Florida Supreme Court and statewide case law summaries.

This edition reflects the dedication and impact of government lawyers across Florida – and we’re proud to continue The Voice as a platform for sharing those stories.

Click Here to Read

Long Range Planning Meeting

Join us on Wednesday, April 29th at 10:00 AM

This is an opportunity to step back from day-to-day programming and ask the more meaningful questions: Where are we headed? What do our members actually need? And how do we stay relevant in a constantly shifting legal and public policy landscape?

Learn more about the Section and plans for the future. Your input matters!

Calling All Rising 3L Students - Scholarship Applications are Due

If you’re heading into your final year of law school and feel called to serve something bigger than yourself, this is the opportunity you shouldn’t scroll past.

Investing in the Next Generation of Public Servants

The Robert A. Butterworth Public Service Scholarship is designed for law students who are committed to making an impact through government service in Florida. Whether your passion is prosecution, public defense, policy, or another form of public interest work, this scholarship is meant to support your path—and help ease the financial pressure that often comes with it.

Public service careers don’t always follow the highest-paying path, but they are often the most meaningful. This scholarship recognizes that reality and rewards students who are choosing purpose-driven work.

Why It Matters

Choosing a career in public service is a commitment—to your community, to fairness, and to the rule of law. The Robert A. Butterworth Public Service Scholarship exists to recognize that commitment and help you take the next step with confidence.

Don't Miss the Deadline

Application are due May 15th

If public service is part of your future, take the time to apply. Opportunities like this don’t just support your education—they invest in the kind of lawyer you’re becoming.

Apply Here

Law Student Membership is Free!

The Section is excited to announce excited to announce that law student membership is now completely free. It’s a great time to get involved!

Joining the Section connects you with fellow law students, government attorneys, and Section leadership, giving you a supportive network as you explore careers in public service.

Benefits of Membership

As a student member, you’ll receive:

Networking opportunities with students and attorneys who share your interests
Email updates with the latest Section news and events
Access to CLE programs and networking events

You'll also stay informed about developments in government law that may shape your future career.

If you're considering a path in public service, don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and grow.

Share Your Insights

The Publications Committee invites article submissions for The Voice, The Bulletin, and other Bar publications.

Submissions for the Winter edition on The Voice must be submitted by January 19th for consideration.

Submit yours here.