PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
Scott B . Smith 2022-23 PBCBA President
The PBCBA ’ s New Attorney Welcome Breakfast was held on Thursday , February 9 , 2023 , in the main cafeteria at the Palm Beach County Courthouse . A great group of new members of The Florida Bar were in attendance , as well as an overflowing abundance of representatives from various other voluntary bar associations and organizations . We were also blessed to have incredible panelists who were so kind and generous to give their time to share words of wisdom to the newer lawyers present . I ’ d also like to give special thanks to Nichole Segal , Agnieszka Chiapperini , Kalinthia Dillard , and Mark Osherow for doing such a great job with producing and moderating the event .
I was also very fortunate to be a part of the panel as the current President of the PBCBA . As I admitted early in the panel discussion , I am often guilty of not being the best mentor , as I often allow myself to get too engrossed in my clients ’ matters and with firm management . Yet , for this particular New Attorney Breakfast I forced myself to find the necessary time to think about what I could say to the newer lawyers that would be meaningful and maybe even impactful . Fortunately , Nichole had provided us with questions we would be asked as panelists , so I was able to be even that much more prepared .
With the encouragement of Mark , I thought I ’ d share with you my response to the question of what I have learned practicing law since law school that I didn ’ t learn while in law school . I told all attendees that I have learned the ABC ’ s of being successful as a lawyer , but more importantly as a person , husband , and father . I offered that it is so important to have a good attitude , conduct ourselves with good behavior , and always strive to be a champion .
With respect to attitude , I told everyone to be positive . There is so much good in this world . We should all go find that goodness and multiply it many times over . I also offered the importance of being optimistic . As we get older , we all realize and learn to never take for granted that the sun will always rise the following morning and that brighter days always lie ahead . I told all of the younger lawyers that their future is limitless . I also stated that we should always remain grateful for all that we have . We are blessed to live on this beautiful planet and in the freest and most democratic nation Earth has ever had . Our opportunities are boundless .
As to behavior , I of course told all new lawyers attending the breakfast to be honest . Ultimately one ’ s honor and integrity are everything . I offered Mark Twain ’ s short and simple , but famous quote , in which he said “ If you tell the truth , you won ’ t have to remember anything .” I told all to be disciplined . If it doesn ’ t seem , feel , look , act , smell , taste , and / or sound right , than it probably ain ’ t right ! I further indicated to be responsible . I told them to get extra organized , plan ahead , always be dependable , keep your promises , and honor all of your commitments .
I finished with encouraging and hopefully also motivating the attending new lawyers to be a champion for themselves , for their clients , and for the greater good . I implored them to dream big . As our parents and grandparents have told us , we can be and achieve anything our hearts and minds desire . As the great Wayne Gretzky once said “ You miss 100 % of the shots you don ’ t take .” I told them to be confident . Always believe in yourself . Internally , be your own biggest fan and supporter . I offered that none of us may be 7 feet tall , but ultimately the ball and the basket do not care as a made hoop is 2 points ( 3 points if a really good shooter !) whether one is 7 feet tall , a few feet tall or any height in between . I also said to be incredibly determined , committed , and resilient . Your path and journey will not always be an easy one , but never give up on your dreams and your goals . Always fight and push on to the bitter end no matter how challenging it becomes and no matter how many failures are experienced along the way . Michael Jordan ’ s tremendous quote about fighting through and beyond moments of failure still holds so true . He brilliantly and humbly said “ I ’ ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career . I ’ ve lost almost 300 games . Twenty-six times , I ’ ve been entrusted to take the game winning shot and missed . I ’ ve failed over and over again in my life . And that is why I succeed .”
It was a wonderful New Attorney Breakfast and I hope the above words of encouragement will help all of the new lawyers in some way , even if ever so slightly . The PBCBA wishes all of these new members of The Florida Bar only and all the best as they embark on their professional careers and in their service to their clients . May they go henceforth to be a champion for themselves , their clients , and all that is good and just ! As legendary Coach Vince Lombardi once offered “ Perfection is not attainable , but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence .”
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 3