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
hcBa ’ s2023Membershipsurveyshines lightonhcBa ’ sProgramsandservices
“ seekfirsttounderstand . thentobeunderstood .” — stephenr . covey , americaneducatorandauthor
Continuing legal education , networking opportunities , and professional development all continue to be key issues for HCBA members .
Members also have a positive impression of the HCBA , as well as its leadership and staff .
These are some of the findings from the HCBA ’ s recent online membership survey , conducted in June 2023 .
It was the first comprehensive membership survey the HCBA has conducted since the COVID-19 pandemic .
The HCBA Board of Directors decided last spring to conduct a survey to get input from members on future programming , and to get an update on members ’ attitudes and preferences .
Almost 300 HCBA members submitted responses to the survey , which translates to about a 10 percent participation rate .
Survey questions were on a wide range of issues , including member communications ; CLEs ; the Lawyer and the HCBA ’ s Young Lawyers Division ( YLD ).
The survey showed the HCBA ’ s annual Bench Bar Conference held each fall continues to be a popular event for members .
This year , more than 500 HCBA members attended the 26th Annual Bench Bar Conference , Membership Luncheon , and Judicial Reception , held at the Tampa Marriott Water Street on Oct . 11 .
“ Totally enjoy the Bench Bar Conference ,” one respondent said . “ Great program .”
Another commented : “ For me , the Bench Bar Conference is a must-attend event .”
YLD members expressed a strong interest in additional professional development programming and networking activities to help them connect with their colleagues , especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Members also said they have a positive view of the meeting space at the Chester H . Ferguson Law Center .
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