PRESIDENT’ S MESSAGE
PRESIDENT’ S MESSAGE
Honoring Public Service: Spotlight on Unsung Legal Heroes
Meet Kristen Solomon, a Champion of Public Service by Leading with a Purpose
Kristen Solomon Florida Guardian Ad Litem Office
A continuing series by Jean Marie Middleton, Esq.- President
In keeping with my theme of“ Honoring Public Service,” and the Bar’ s mission of enhancing the public’ s understanding and awareness of the legal system, I am proud to highlight an unsung hero who exemplifies quiet dedication to service through law.
Meet Kristen Solomon, a Champion of Public Service by Leading with a Purpose.
More Than a Career Path: Finding Purpose in Public Service
Public service is more than a career path. For many of us, it is a calling— shaped by the belief that our work can improve lives and strengthen communities. Kristen’ s path into public sector leadership began simply: with a desire to help. She joined the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office right out of law school, not fully understanding where the journey would take her, but certain that she wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. She states“ I never left, and I have never regretted it.”
Over the years, she has served in several roles— first as a Guardian ad Litem Attorney, then as a Circuit Director, and now as the Director of Operations. She currently oversees operations across all 20 judicial circuits and supports more than 900 professionals statewide— including attorneys, child advocate managers, support staff and volunteers— who work every day to represent the legal interests of abused, abandoned, and neglected children.“ It is work that demands empathy, discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience. Above all, it demands heart” she says.
Impact by the Numbers
When asked why she chose public service when the challenges can feel unrelenting— high expectations, complex cases, and demanding timelines. Her answer is always the same:“ because the work matters. We have an opportunity to apply our skills in a setting where thoughtful work can make a real difference.”
The scale of our collective impact at the Guardian ad Litem Office this past fiscal year is a testament to the power of public service:
• 30,000 + children represented across Florida.
• 97 % success rate in appellate matters, shaping long-term legal outcomes.
• 8,000 + volunteers serving as an " army of advocates " alongside our staff.
This commitment reflects the strength of |
Florida’ s multidisciplinary team model |
— established in Florida policy— and |
demonstrates what is possible when |
communities |
come |
together |
around |
children. |
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The Reality of the Calling
People often ask her why she choose public service when the challenges— high expectations, complex dependency cases, and unrelenting timelines— can feel overwhelming. Her answer is always the same: because the work matters. Public service offers a unique arena to apply legal expertise where thoughtful work translates into lifechanging results. Whether it is rigorous legal analysis, court preparation, or navigating complex statutory frameworks, the " multidisciplinary team model " established in Florida policy proves that progress happens when we move forward with a united purpose.
However, leadership in this sector isn ' t always about titles. Kristen has found that the strongest leaders are often the " quiet influencers "— those who provide steadiness during uncertainty and choose integrity over convenience. As attorneys, we carry a responsibility that requires sound judgment and measured decisionmaking. We are often drafting memos after bedtime stories or taking calls from parking lots between our children’ s activities. We do it not because it is easy, but because we believe in the mission.
More Than A Public Servant
She is not only a public servant— She is a spouse, a parent, a daughter, and a volunteer. Like many of us, she has drafted memos after bedtime stories, taken calls in parking lots between children’ s activities, and answered messages long after office hours.“ This is the reality of public service: we do it not because it is easy, but because we believe in the mission.”
An Invitation to My Colleagues
One of the most rewarding aspects of public service is the opportunity to continually refine our practice. Each case and policy discussion reinforces the importance of preparation and collaboration.
If you are seeking a way to use your legal training and expertise beyond your daily practice, I invite you to partner with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office. Public service is not defined by who signs your paycheck; it is defined by the heart you bring to the work.
How you can get involved:
• Pro Bono Assistance: Provide legal expertise on complex matters.
• Mentorship: Guide a teen as they prepare to transition out of the system.
• Volunteer Advocacy: Stand with us in the courtroom to represent a child ' s best interests.
• Community Awareness: Help us share the mission within your local network.
To learn more about how you can support a child or teen in your community, please visit www. guardianadlitem. org. Thank you for the leadership you bring to our profession and your ongoing commitment to the people of Florida.
Public service is not defined by your employer— it is defined by the heart you bring to the work.
Kristen is the definition of a public servant: She has a demonstrated commitment to service by leading from her heart.
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 3