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Chairs Message
As we head into spring, I’m happy to report the Section has been busy and we have even greater things coming up. The Section’s theme for spring is membership. Our goal is to significantly increase the size of the Section by attracting new members. Part of our motivation is practical: the Section, along with all Bar Sections, will be paying more in service fees to the Bar in the upcoming year, and we want to make sure we stay on solid financial footing by increasing our revenue. More importantly, we firmly believe the Section has so much to offer government lawyers that we want to reach as many as possible, and we know that the Section will undoubtedly be enriched by the addition of new members. So, our ask for all Section members is to bring at least one new person on board this spring – whether it’s a colleague, a friend or acquaintance, spread the word to them all about Section membership! To supplement your efforts, we’ll be holding membership themed events throughout the state this spring and into the summer. We recognize we can’t appeal to new members without providing valuable benefits, and that will continue to be a focus for the Section. Our bulletin, currently published bi-monthly, will be expanding to include things like job postings. After a packed winter edition, we’re turning our attention to the summer edition of “The Voice”, which is slated to come out in June, and we’re exploring ways to make it even more impactful. We have a fantastic CLE line-up for the spring as well, including programs on Public Service Loan Forgiveness, an update on criminal sentencing issues and ethics. We look forward to welcoming many new members to our Section this spring! On behalf of the Section’s Executive Council, thank you in advance for your efforts in achieving our membership goals and for all that you do to serve the public.
Thank you!
John J. Bajger
Membership Rodeo
Saddle up partners! It's time to 'round up' some fresh recruits! Membership Chair Ryan Shaw is kicking off a member drive, and he's looking for every one of you to bring a Government Lawyer friend into our corral!
Share the benefits of our Section – CLEs, networking, and our mission to improve government legal services and professionalism.
The more the merrier in our growing herd!
Upcoming CLE Opportunities
April 29- Student Loan Repayment
Joint CLE with the Young Lawyers Division
April- Health & Wellness CLE
In partnership with the Florida Lawyers Assistance (FLA) organization
May- Criminal Sentencing Update
Joint CLE with the Criminal Law Section
June- Ethics CLE
Awards Season
With the Oscars wrapped, it's time to celebrate excellence closer to home! The Government Lawyer Section is proud to announce its awards season, featuring four distinguished awards and scholarships:
Robert A. Butterworth Public Service Scholarship: Awarded to rising third-year law students in Florida who demonstrate a strong interest in government service and have a documented financial need.
Claude Pepper Outstanding Government Lawyer Award: Presented to government lawyers with at least 10 years of service, whose character and accomplishments exemplify the highest ideals of public service.
Lifetime Achievement Award: The Government Lawyer Section’s highest honor, recognizing long-term public servants. This award is presented selectively, not necessarily annually.
Distinguished Public Service Award: Presented at the midyear meeting, this award recognizes dedicated government lawyers, typically with at least five years of public service, whose recent contributions to the profession and community merit special recognition.
For more information about these awards and the submission/nomination process CLICK HERE
Networking Opportunities
Happy Hour at The Yardery
April 24
415 E 4th St, Sanford, FL 32771
Brunch With the Bosses
MAY 2 • 11:00AM - 12:30PM
HCBA BUILDING
Join the Hillsborough County Bar Association and The Florida Bar Government Lawyers Section for this fun event. enjoy a free brunch with our local government bosses while talking with them about their respective roles, how they got there, and different positions within their offices.
Other Tampa, Tallahassee, and South Florida networking opportunities coming very soon!
Important Reminders!
Student Aid
Government attorneys are encouraged to stay up to date with ongoing federal changes and orders related to student aid by checking StudentAid.gov regularly. This resource provides important updates and policy changes that may impact legal and regulatory matters.
The Florida Bar Annual Convention
Information regarding The Florida Bar's Annual Convention will be released soon. This years festivities will take place at The Boca Raton in Boca Raton, FL June 25 - 27.
We invite you to attend our Section's scheduled events, including the Executive Council meeting, the Awards and Scholarships presentation, and the Section Reception.
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