Fall. You know what that means, right? Pumpkin spice lattes. Leaves changing color. The temperature begins dropping. And … wait a minute. This is Florida. So, the latter two probably aren’t really true (unless you live in Tallahassee, and then maybe). While fall in Florida does mean pumpkin spice lattes (and hurricanes — ugh!), what gets me excited about fall is the Appellate Practice Section’s Fall Meeting!
Normally, our Fall Meeting is held jointly with either the retreat or the Florida DCA Judicial Education Conference. The retreat this year was a bust — thanks COVID! And the DCA Judicial Conference is next year. So, this year we are going to have our Fall Executive Council and Committee Meetings by Zoom on September 23rd and 24th.
The schedule and registration links can be found here. We had a great turnout at the Zoom Bar Convention last June. Our Committee Meetings averaged 20 to 22 attendees and our Executive Council Meeting had over 75 attendees. I hope that you will join us again — no travel required!
There are three meetings I want to specially point out, though. First, we have over 200 new members and many more returning members who may not know how to become involved in the Section. I know when I attended my first Executive Council Meeting many moons ago, I was certainly unsure and even a little intimidated. But, I quickly realized that there was no reason to be intimidated and becoming involved was both easy and rewarding. To help you take the plunge, we are hosting the Section’s first New and Returning Member Orientation on September 23, 2020 from 12:30 to 1:00 via Zoom. During this short meeting, you will hear from the Section’s officers and many of its Committee Chairs who will give you the ins and outs of the Section and becoming involved. Thank you for joining the Section; I look forward to seeing you at orientation.
Second, I wanted to emphasize that the CLE Committee will be meeting just prior to the Happy Hour on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 from 4:30 to 5:30. We inadvertently left that Committee meeting off the e-blast that was sent last Friday. The CLE Committee has some really good content in the works. You will not want to miss this meeting.
Finally, after attending the CLE Committee Meeting, please stay for our Zoom Happy Hour. These have been quite popular. Our last one had 30 to 40 attendees — including several of our new members, whom I was very excited to meet. This is a great way to get to know your fellow members in a relaxed, digital setting.
See you all in a couple of weeks.
Chris Donovan, Chair
The Florida Bar APS Chair 2020-2021
cdonovan@ralaw.com
