PRESIDENT’ S MESSAGE
PRESIDENT’ S MESSAGE
Reflections on a Year of Service: More Than Just a Mission
Jean Marie Middleton 2025-26 PBCBA President
When I began this journey, my theme was clear:“ Honoring Public Service, Expanding Our Mission to Enhance the Public’ s Understanding and Awareness of the Legal System.” At the time, they were not just words on a page; but a goal to strive for. Today, as I look back, those words have been given life by the extraordinary people I’ ve met and the quiet, impactful moments we shared.
The Faces Behind the Service
The true heart of this year was found in the " President’ s Message " each month. It gave me the profound honor of stepping into the worlds of our legal community ' s unsung heroes. I think of the General Counsel and Deputy Chief of Police( who is also an attorney) protecting our schools, the advocates at Florida Rural Legal Services fighting for those without a voice, and the Guardians protecting our children.
From the halls of the South Florida Water Management District to the jail tour facilitated by Judges Gerber and Baker, I saw a common thread: a deep, unwavering love for justice. Crossing paths with members of the Bar I might never have met otherwise was the greatest gift of my presidency. These aren’ t just names and titles; they are the conscience of our profession.
A Community Coming Together
There were moments this year that felt less like " business as usual " and more like a homecoming. During my installation, I was moved to hear many attendees call it their first " Bar Prom." As the first government lawyer to lead this Association, seeing new faces in the room reminded me that when we open the door wider, the whole room becomes brighter.
Our Bench Bar Conference carried that same energy. Listening to Joe Briggs, Esq., speak on the evolution of college sports and NIL rights wasn ' t just an educational session, it was a captivating masterclass that held us all in collective wonder. It reminded me that even in a room full of experts, there is always room to learn, to grow, and to be inspired together.
Preserving Our Voice: The Legacy of JMPP
We often talk about " leaving a legacy," but legacy is just a bridge between who we were and who we will become. This year, we laid the foundation for the Judicial Moving Picture Project( JMPP). While this project will not be completed during my term, it is a legacy I am proud to leave and see come to fruition.
Born from the vision of Judge Cory Ciklin and brought to life by the tireless work of Salesia Smith-Gordon, Kalinthia Dillard, and Andrew Kwan, this project is a labor of love. By digitizing and preserving VHS tapes of judicial investitures from 1980 – 2007 and collecting DVD, MP3, and other current methods of capturing events, we are saving more than just video; we are saving the voices, the faces, and the spirits of those who are an integral part of the legal landscape of Palm Beach County.
Partnering with the Historical Society ensures that these moments of " robing ", which is the sacred start of a judicial journey, are never lost to time. It is an act of gratitude for those judges who came before us and a roadmap for those yet to come. This project is not only about preservation; it is also about making this archive historical, interactive and meaningful.
Be on the lookout for the unveiling ceremony of this project in the months to come!
With Gratitude
While I have served on the bar’ s Board of Directors for many years, you don’ t truly understand the heartbeat of this Association until you sit in the President’ s chair. To Carla, Kathy, Jessica, Derek, Jeanne, Michelle, and Nicole: you are the engine that makes the Palm Beach County Bar Association the best in the state. Thank you for carrying me, supporting me, and making this year a success.
To our 30 + committee Chairs, Co-Chairs, and volunteers: you are the backbone of everything we do. Thank you for your " tireless " hours of service. Although I know you were often tired, you never showed it or wavered.
As I pass the gavel to John“ Jack” Rice, I don’ t walk away; I simply take a different seat at the table. Thank you for entrusting me with this leadership opportunity. It has been my honor to serve you.
Yours in Service, Jean Marie
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 3