balance. At the same time, many members tell us they miss in-person connection and networking.
Recognizing these realities, the SCBA has been working to streamline our programming and offerings. We intentionally host both in-person and virtual events and events at different times of day and locations, understanding that different formats and offerings serve different needs. Whether you’ re looking to attend virtually from your office or engage face-to-face, we’ re committed to offering meaningful ways to connect. We welcome your feedback as we continue to adapt our programming.
Demystifying the Board Recruitment Process
The Governance Committee also oversees the Board of Directors recruitment process, which begins each year with a call for applicants toward the end of the calendar year. While there’ s a common perception that this process is reserved for insiders or those with existing connections, the reality is quite different.
Each year, we make a significant effort to increase the number and diversity of applicants, including those who may not yet have strong ties within the organization. We welcome anyone with an interest in serving, regardless of their level of familiarity with current leadership. If you’ re interested, even if you’ re unsure whether you’ re“ known” enough, we encourage you to apply. The process includes individual and group interviews, and it culminates with the presentation of a slate to the membership for vote in the spring.
If you’ re not selected the first time, we encourage you to stay involved and try again. Many current board members, me included, began by simply getting involved. Every board member is happy to help you find a role within the SCBA and support your path forward. Please do not be shy. We are all pleased anytime a member reaches out with such a request. my fellow members knew I could use support, and they showed up. Referrals came in, not because I sought them, but because we had worked side by side and built mutual respect.
Now, I step into this role as President following the birth of my second child, my son, with a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose.
Get Involved
The SCBA is a living, evolving, and collaborative organization powered by its members. Whether you’ ve been practicing for decades or just passed the Bar, there is a place for you here. Join a committee. Attend an event. Reach out to a Board member. Or simply let us know how we can serve you better.
A Special Thanks to Our Annual Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our annual sponsors whose generous support helps make the work of the SCBA possible: Our premier partner, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Bentley Goodrich Kison, Chapman Mediation, Hale Law, Mallard Perez, SouthState Bank, Stickley Law, and Veritex Legal Solutions. Their commitment allows us to offer valuable programs, events, and resources that benefit every member. Thank you for partnering with us to strengthen our legal community.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and all our committees, thank you for being part of this special community. I look forward to working together and to all that we will accomplish this year. �
My Journey with the SCBA
I joined the SCBA in 2013, fresh out of law school and on the hunt for a job. I hadn’ t followed the traditional path into private practice. Back then, I was set on becoming an environmental lawyer, which led me to intern with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, where I had the privilege of working with Sean Byrne. I also interned with Judge Susan Bucklew in the Middle District of Florida, an opportunity I couldn’ t pass up. Sean has been a steady mentor, friend, and supporter ever since.( Fun fact: at one YLD event, Holly Lipps let him know he’ d officially aged out, marking that night as his swan song with the division.)
While I initially joined the Bar looking for career opportunities, what I found was something much more meaningful: a sense of community. I’ m not someone who makes friends easily or quickly. I don’ t typically socialize in the usual ways or spend a lot of free time in group settings. But what SCBA offered me was a way to connect with others organically— by working together on meaningful projects and giving back to the profession. That’ s the beauty of this organization: you don’ t have to be an extrovert or“ know the right people” to find your place. Your work and your character speak for you.
When I started my own firm in 2021, a year after the birth of my daughter and while serving as President of the YLD, the relationships I’ d built over the years truly came full circle. I didn’ t ask for help, but
CIVIL MEDIATOR
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Scott Brownell scott @ brownellmediation. com
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THE DOCKET- SEPTEMBER 2025 | 7