E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R ’ S M E S S A G E J o h n F . K y n e s - H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
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“ I was stunned and appreciative with the great attendance at the Bench Bar Conference this year ,” Ward told me . “ I have heard from so many people that told me they were happy to be back together again in person .”
Ward said a record number of judges participated in the conference , which featured numerous CLE breakout and plenary sessions held throughout the day .
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady , Second District Court of Appeal ( DCA ) Chief Judge Robert Morris , and Chief Judge Ficarrotta were the featured speakers at the membership luncheon .
In his luncheon remarks , Canady expressed his gratitude to all the lawyers , judges , and court staff around the state for “ keeping the wheels of justice moving forward ” during the pandemic .
“ It ’ s been a difficult time to be a lawyer ,” Canady said . “ Some lawyers have done well ; for others , it ’ s been a great challenge ; and , for many , it ’ s been an isolating experience .”
Chief Justice Canady praised the efforts of the HCBA and other voluntary bar associations for helping to keep lawyers “ connected ” during the pandemic .
He highlighted the emergence of new technologies , such as Zoom , during the pandemic to help make the justice system work .
Canady also talked about the significant challenges facing Florida ’ s court system , including the huge backlog of cases that have developed since the pandemic began .
And Canady shared details about the court ’ s case management system to help expedite outstanding civil cases .
Canady gave a special shout-out to the court ’ s technology staff members , saying , “ technology has made it possible for us to do things I think we could have never imagined that we could accomplish .”
Second DCA Chief Judge Robert Morris told the luncheon attendees that the pandemic has been “ transformative ” for the appellate court .
He said the Second DCA has “ thrived ” as it has adapted to a virtual environment and that the appeals
Cory Person , HCBA president , speaking during the Membership Luncheon .
court will likely continue to allow attorneys to appear virtually for arguments in the future , even after the pandemic .
Morris also talked about the anticipated increase in cases the Second DCA will see as the trial courts continue to work through the substantial backlog of cases .
“ We ’ re ready for that ,” Morris said , referring to the caseload issue .
In his remarks , Chief Judge Ficarrotta said it has been a “ team effort ” to keep the courthouse operating during the pandemic .
“ During the pandemic , the Thirteenth Circuit has successfully conducted more jury trials than any other circuit in the state ,” Ficarrotta said .
Ficarrotta also talked about how the court has embraced technology and how it manages the backlog of cases .
“ Together , we have overcome a great number of challenges ,” Ficarrotta said .
Also , at the luncheon , the winners of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit ’ s 2021 Professionalism Awards were announced .
This year ’ s private sector professionalism award went to Kristin Norse with the law firm Kynes , Markman & Felman . The government sector award went to Jane Rose with the Hillsborough County Attorney ’ s Office .
The theme of this year ’ s Bench Bar Conference was “ Carrying the Torch For 125 Years ,” in reference to the HCBA ’ s 125th Anniversary since its founding in 1896 .
HCBA President Cory Person told the luncheon attendees that the conference continues to be one of Tampa ’ s premier legal events because of the strong support of the judiciary and all the generous event sponsors , especially Diamond Sponsor Steve Yerrid and The Yerrid Law Firm .
“ Throughout its long history , the HCBA has worked hard to bring local attorneys together and to serve the legal profession and the community ,” Person said .
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Note : Additional photos and sponsor recognition for the Conference will be included in the next issue of the magazine , the January / February issue .
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