PLaNsaNdGoaLsfortHeYearaHead construction law section Co-Chairs: MartiniqueE. B. Smith – CarltonFields, P. A. & RyanJ. Ricca – Shutts & BowenLLP
strongprofessionalrelationshipsarethe backboneofavibrantsection.
As co-chairs of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’ s Construction Law Section, we are pleased to share our plans and goals for the year ahead. We anticipate an engaging, productive year and want every member to know what we have planned.
Our CLE Lunch programs remain a cornerstone of the section. Last year, we piloted a CLE Happy Hour in March, and the event was well received and well attended. Building on that feedback, we will diversify our CLE formats to accommodate members who cannot attend lunchtime programs. This programming year, we plan to host at least one fully virtual CLE and two CLE Happy Hours. We also welcome presenters. If you have a topic to share with our members, please contact us.
Strong professional relationships are the backbone of a vibrant section. In addition to our regular luncheon meetings, we plan a networking happy hour on November 19, 2026, at Oak & Ola, in collaboration with the ABA Forum on Construction Law Regional Construction Insurance program that same day at the Stetson Tampa Law Center. Because many of our members also belong to the Forum, we are especially excited about this joint opportunity. We encourage you to save the date! We also plan to build on the success of last year’ s Holiday Happy Hour, with details to follow. These gatherings help us connect with fellow practitioners, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships that serve our clients and our careers.
Giving back to our community remains a priority. This year, we plan to take a more active role in helping Bay Area Legal Services promote its Pro Bono Power Hours and other opportunities to provide pro bono assistance. We are also exploring a potential fundraising event to support BALS financially and welcome members’ help with these efforts.
Finally, we aim to ensure every member feels engaged and valued. We especially encourage attorneys who are new to construction law— or early in their careers to get involved. If you have questions, ideas, or would like to participate more actively, please reach out. Together, we can make this the Construction Law Section’ s best year yet. Contact Martinique E. B. Smith at MSmith @ carltonfields. com and Ryan J. Ricca at RRicca @ shutts. com. n
Authors: Martinique E. B. Smith – Carlton Fields, P. A. & Ryan J. Ricca – Shutts & Bowen LLP
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