PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
Julia Wyda 2021-22 PBCBA President
November is a month to give thanks . The PBCBA is thankful for all of our members , committee chairs , and section leaders . This month , we more specifically thank and highlight our Young Lawyers Section (“ YLS ”), which is an integral part of the PBCBA ’ s success .
Our YLS has been hard at work this year . In August , our YLS raised funds and collected donations to put together care packages to be given to foster children aged 0-17 years old who are part of the Guardian ad Litem Program of Palm Beach County . The care packages included necessities like toiletries , grooming kits , undergarments , socks and shoes , and books .
You may have also seen their recent advertisements related to the Sidebar Series , which was started by the late Judge Meenu Sasser . This year ’ s Sidebar Series will consist of three sessions focused on best practices before the circuit civil judges of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit . The first session was held on September 29 , 2021 in Judge James Nutt ’ s courtroom . Judge Nutt has generously volunteered to work closely with our YLS to reinvigorate the Sidebar Series . The first session was focused on written advocacy and submissions to the Court , discussing how lawyers can write effectively and efficiently for the judges . The next session will focus on effective oral advocacy at hearings .
Our YLS has much more planned for the coming months . They will continue to support Quantum House by participating in their Chef for a Day Program , in which the YLS purchases food and cooks a meal for the families staying at Quantum House . They will also host a joint event with the Young Friends of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County , complete with a mixer and mock trial . They will put on their always popular No Shave November fundraiser , during which local headliners grow out their beards and raise funds for the Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope . The headliner who raises the most funds will receive a trophy at a live event that ’ s sure to yet again be sold out and great fun . In December , our YLS hopes to once again organize and host a holiday party for local foster children .
In late January / early February of 2022 , our YLS plans to host its annual 5K Run for Justice , which benefits the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County . In May , they will host a health and wellness event with the PBCBA Solo and Small Firm Committee , which will feature a 2-hour guided kayaking tour followed by a catered lunch . Also in May , they hope to host the Fifth Annual Young Lawyers Section Golf Tournament . This is a special event for many of us as the YLS presents the Matthew Fiorello , Esq . Memorial Trophy in honor of our late PBCBA member and beloved friend and fellow attorney , Matthew Fiorello . The proceeds from the tournament benefit the YLS Adopt-A-School Program . In June , our YLS will host the KDW Scales of Justice Fishing Tournament . This is a major undertaking that has grown significantly thanks to the hard work of the YLS and the support of our local legal community and sponsors . The proceeds benefit the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County .
As you can see , our YLS has a great year planned which will engage our legal community to benefit some great causes ! Please consider supporting our YLS and participating in their events . It ’ s easy to forget those early years in a legal career . There are unique challenges our young lawyers are now facing , trying to navigate the best area of practice to fit their strengths during a time of remote work , getting comfortable with the preferences of our judges through virtual hearings , and making major decisions about family and finances during a pandemic . Not every young lawyer has mentors at their firms physically there to help them during this time . This is where the YLS is doing its most important work . The YLS organizes monthly networking events and volunteer opportunities that safely connect our young lawyers with judges and seasoned attorneys who can offer guidance and advice that may be lacking in their current work environment . There is no age limit / cut-off to attend our YLS events ; they are open to everyone . Please consider joining us and helping our next generation of lawyers in Palm Beach County .
Some of our YLS members will become the future leaders of our legal community . The current YLS leadership is an impressive group of attorneys . The YLS President is Lauren Johnson , a Partner with McCabe Rabin , practicing business litigation and whistleblower litigation . Michael Kranz is the YLS President- Elect . He is an associate at Mrachek , Fitzgerald , Rose , Konopka , Thomas & Weiss , practicing business litigation and probate litigation . Kelly Schulz is the YLS Secretary , who also serves as the Co-Chair of the PBCBA Bench Bar Conference . She is the Director of Legal Affairs for MAPEI Corporation . The YLS Treasurer is Kelsey Burke , who also serves as the Chair of the PBCBA Law Week Committee , in which she organizes mock trials in local schools and coordinates dial-a-lawyer programs for our community . She is an attorney at Felice , Ehrlich & Naparstek , where she practices in the areas of wrongful death , auto negligence , premises liability , and work-related accidents . Please join me in thanking these young and gifted leaders for all of their hard work and commitment to the PBCBA .
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 3