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September 2025 Bulletin
- chopkins37
- Sep 30
- 5 min read
Chairs Message
While Green Day may have wanted to be awakened when September ends, your Government Lawyer Section has been wide awake and hard at work this month!
What's ahead?
CLE Update: We had an outstanding CLE from Steve Zuilkowski this month. This is our second free CLE for Section members, with more to come monthly.
Bylaw Changes: We are pleased to share that two of our proposed bylaw amendments have been approved by The Florida Bar:
Awards: Our awards provisions now reflect the Section’s multiple awards and scholarships.
Membership: Law students may now join the Section free of charge.
Click here for the updated Section bylaws.
Open Council Seat: We currently have an opening for a 6th DCA representative from the Greater Orlando area. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please reach out.
Other Highlights:
Meet our new liaison to the Florida Board of Governors, John Agnew
Celebrate 30 YEARS of GLS!
Updates on PSLF
And more!
I am excited about the momentum we are building this year as we continue to grow and serve our members. There is a place for you at the table. Email me directly—I would love to hear your ideas, suggestions, or even see a photo of your pet.
As your Chair, I believe my duty is to serve our members, and that means being available and willing to help you. Part of that is to celebrate our members not only as lawyers, but also as people. If you hit a professional milestone, became board certified, or published an article, you recently ran your first half marathon, adopted a new pet, or grew an amazing garden, let us celebrate that together!
In closing, thank you for your time and participation in our Section. If you know another government lawyer who may benefit from membership, please share this message with them.
I look forward to seeing you at our CLE, at our Council meeting, and at our 30th anniversary symposium.
-Maria P. McCorkle
Meet our Board of Governors Liaison
I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the liaison from The Florida Bar Board of Governors (BOG) to the Government Law Section, during Fiscal Year 2025-2026. This is my seventh year on the BOG, serving out of the 20th Judicial Circuit in Southwest Florida. During my time on the BOG, I have served as liaison to other important sections of TFB, but this liaison appointment is particularly meaningful to me. While I am not currently a government employee, I have had the pleasure of working most of my adult life for various governmental entities.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a U.S. Army Ranger on active duty, then served many years in infantry units in the Army National Guard for Kentucky then Florida. In total, I served about 14 years, with roughly seven of those on active duty. Since becoming a licensed attorney nearly 20 years ago, I have regularly served as outside counsel for numerous government entities in Florida, whether as general or board counsel, employment counsel, or in litigation matters. Since 2018, the majority of my practice has been dedicated to serving as the City Attorney for the City of Sanibel through a contract with my law firm, Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller, PLLC, and the remainder of my private practice is predominately in service to various other government entities. I have a vested interest in the unique needs of the government attorney, and I look forward to supporting those needs as your BOG liaison for the next year.
-John D. Agnew
Executive Council Meeting
GLS will hold its Fall Executive Council Meeting via Zoom on Thursday, October 30, from 12:00–1:30 p.m.
This virtual meeting will take place in lieu of the in-person Fall Meeting. The Section is planning an in-person Council Meeting, CLE programs, and a networking event in Tallahassee later in the fiscal year.
Upcoming Networking Events
Yappy Hour is Back (and cuter than ever)!
Celebrate 30 Years of Legacy and Leadership: Join Us for Our Inaugural Symposium
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:
Ethics in Government Law – Explore ethical considerations and best practices.
Lessons from Experienced Government Lawyers – Hear from seasoned professionals sharing real-world insights and advice.
Reception – Network with peers in a relaxed, celebratory setting following the sessions.
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.
Registration and additional detail to come! Save the Date!
CLE Opportunities - Register Today!
9435 Artificial Intelligence in the Government Workplace and What is in Store for the Future
Join us on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 12:00–1:00 PM for an insightful session with Cyndi Guerra, attorney with the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office and former Deputy Attorney General.
Cyndi will explore how artificial intelligence is already shaping government workplaces—and what the future may hold for government attorneys. From practical tools in use today to emerging applications on the horizon, this session will give you a clear picture of how AI is transforming the practice of law in the public sector.
9434 Oh No, Not Them, Not Today: Using Mindfulness to Manage Working with Difficult People
Let’s face it—working in law can be demanding enough without the added stress of difficult personalities. But those tough interactions don’t have to drain your energy or define your day. Join us November 17, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 PM.
In this CLE, Diana K. Shumans will share how mindfulness-based strategies—focusing on attention, intention, reaction, and evaluation—can help you manage challenging situations with more ease. You’ll walk away with practical tools to conserve energy, reduce stress, and maybe even improve relationships and outcomes in the process.
This session is designed for all levels and also builds on techniques introduced in Mindfulness for Lawyers.
CLE Committee:
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 using the password GLSmember2526.
Call for Volunteers: Ad Hoc Committee on Public Service Loan Forgiveness
The Government Lawyer Section is seeking volunteers to serve on a newly established Ad Hoc Committee on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This committee will examine ways to support Section members in navigating the PSLF program, increase awareness of eligibility requirements, and advocate for greater transparency and accessibility in the administration of loan forgiveness for government attorneys.
PSLF remains a critical tool in recruiting and retaining talented attorneys in public service roles. Your participation will help ensure that our members have the resources, information, and institutional support necessary to benefit from this important program.
If you are interested in serving or would like more information, please let us know!
You can reach GLS Chair-Elect Maria Pecoraro-McCorkle at mccorklem@flcourts.org.
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 December 31st for consideration.
Submit yours here.
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