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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• In 2023 , for the first time , women became a majority of law firm associates .
• By 2025 , women will likely become a majority of fulltime law school faculty . Another chapter in the ABA report focuses on legal demographics and the growth of the legal profession . There are currently more than 1.3 million lawyers in the U . S ., according to the ABA .
Over the past decade , the number of lawyers nationwide has grown by more than 41,000 , a 3.2 % increase from 2014 to 2024 .
The report also states that one-fourth of all U . S . lawyers are concentrated in just two states : New York ( 187,656 lawyers ) and California ( 175,883 lawyers ), which account for 28 % of the nation ’ s lawyers .
The report notes Florida has the fastest-growing lawyer population , with a 17 % increase in active resident lawyers over the past decade .
Florida , with just over 80,000 active resident attorneys , ranks fourth among states after New York , California , and Texas .
Overall , Florida has slightly more than 113,000 lawyers , with 15 % residing out of state , according to the Florida Bar .
The full 2024 ABA Profile of the Legal Profession can be found on the ABA ’ s website at www . americanbar . org .
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On a different note , I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to David Rowland from the 13th Judicial Circuit on his recent retirement this past December .
For the past 30 years , Rowland served as general counsel for the 13th Circuit , where he oversaw the legal staff and provided essential legal support to all the judges .
In November , the Tampa City Council honored Rowland with a special commendation . During the presentation , Councilman Luis Viera praised Rowland for his humility and tireless dedication to both the judicial circuit and the community .
The HCBA is profoundly grateful for David ’ s support and assistance over the years and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors . n
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Jan . 21 , 2025 YLD Coffee at the Courthouse George Edgecomb Courthouse
Feb . 1 , 2025 HCBA at Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena hcba Events
Mar . 29 , 2025 16th Annual 5K Pro Bono River Run & 21st Annual Judicial Food Festival Stetson Law Tampa Campus and Riverwalk
May 20 , 2025 Law Day Membership Luncheon Hilton Downtown Tampa
LearnmoreaboutHCBAeventsatwww . hillsbar . com . Stay connected .
J A N - F E B 2 0 2 5 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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