Kelsey Burke *
I have been actively involved with the Palm Beach County Bar Association since 2014, and during that time I have developed a deep appreciation for the Association’ s role in supporting our legal community. Having served as Past Chair of the Law Week Committee, Past President of the Young Lawyers Section, and as a member of the Health & Wellness, and Personal Injury Committees, I have had the opportunity to contribute in meaningful and varied ways. I am also proud to be a member of the North County Section and was honored to serve on the PBCBA Board of Directors this past year.
As a Board member, I bring institutional knowledge, leadership experience, and a strong work ethic. Throughout my involvement, I have consistently helped secure sponsors, plan events, increase membership, and build partnerships that strengthen both the YLS and the Bar as a whole. I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, member engagement, and delivering programming that adds real value to our members’ practices and professional lives.
Firm: Personal Injury of Florida Year admitted to practice: 2015 Law School: Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University – College of Law Year joined PBCBA: 2014
If reelected, I will continue to focus on collaboration between sections, expanding sponsorship opportunities, and fostering mentorship and wellness initiatives that support attorneys at every stage of their careers. I am committed to being accessible, responsive, and proactive in advancing the mission of the PBCBA. It would be an honor to continue serving and contributing to the continued growth and success of our Association.
Ryan McCarthy
Firm: Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC Year admitted to practice: 2013 Law School: University of Miami Law Year joined PBCBA: 2022
Palm Beach County and our local Bar Association are important to me. This is where I was raised, where I am raising my family, and where I am practicing law as a Partner with Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC.
I have been an active member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association for many years. Currently, I am a Co-Chair of the Solo & Small Firm Committee, along with a Co-Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel for the 2026 Bench Bar Conference. In addition to these roles, I am also a member of the Civil Practice Committee and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee.
My involvement with the Palm Beach County Bar Association and service on several local boards, including the Board for the American Red Cross and Board for the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, has put me in touch with so many members of our legal community and with those that they serve.
Through my committee work, law practice, and mentorship of younger lawyers, I have learned of, discussed, and worked to solve many issues impacting our legal community. We are at a pivotal time for our local Bar Association and for the practice of law. As we navigate issues involving AI, case management, training new lawyers, technology, ethical questions, and evolving rules( just to name a few), we need leadership that is prepared to call upon and engage our membership and press forward with a solutionoriented mindset. I am here to serve.
Kelly Schulz *
Firm: MAPEI Corporation Year admitted to practice: 2013 Law School: University of Florida Year joined PBCBA: 2013
In a second term as a Director, I will continue to be committed to furthering the PBCBA’ s mission to serve its members, foster professionalism, and enhance the public’ s understanding and awareness of the legal system. I also bring a unique perspective to the board – as a former litigator and current in-house attorney, I provide input from diverse practice areas and assist the Board in addressing the nuanced needs of all its members. As I have done in the past, I will continue to advocate for the advancement of young lawyers so that they are engaged and excited to continue practicing in Palm Beach County.
As far as PBCBA leadership experience, I have served one term as a Director on the PBCBA Board, including serving as liaison to the Membership Committee during Andrea Lewis’ presidency. Before joining the PBCBA Board of Directors in 2024, I served as the President of the Young Lawyer’ s Section, which is the PBCBA’ s largest section. This position allowed me to hold a seat on the Board for a year, inspiring my interest in continuing my Board involvement. Prior to holding the YLS President position, I served as YLS Treasurer, Secretary, and President Elect. Additionally, I have previously served on the Business Litigation CLE, Professionalism, Lawyers for Literacy, Civil Practice, and Judicial Relations Committees of the PBCBA.
I have been active in the Palm Beach County legal community since 2013, and I would be honored to continue to serve the PBCBA as a Board member.