Applications for the Florida Bar’s William Reece Smith Jr. Leadership Academy are being accepted through Jan. 15 for the 2016-17 class.
Each year, a select group of participants is chosen from applications submitted to become Academy Fellows.
Approved by the Florida Bar Board of Governors in 2013, the program’s goals are to reach a diverse group of lawyers from across the state to create a class that reflects the regions and populations of Florida, and to help give those lawyers the skills and resources to become leaders in the legal profession and in their communities.
The year-long program includes two-day meetings at locations throughout the state, beginning at the Florida Bar’s Annual Convention in June. The curriculum focuses on developing skills and networking opportunities within the legal profession and having the Leadership Academy Fellows create projects to put their new skills to use. Fellows have an opportunity to network with both past and present bar leaders, including presidents and members of the board of governors.
The meetings that form the framework for the academy include various speakers and topics, such as learning to work with different workplace personalities; balancing personal, volunteer and work lives; motivating others and delegating; and effective leadership styles. The schedule of meetings for 2016-17 is listed on the application form.
For more information, and to get the online application, visit www.floridabar.org/leadershipacademy.
Florida Bar members are also encouraged to request appointments to serve on committees for 2016-17. Information, instructions and the committee preference form are online. The form must be submitted by Jan. 15 to be considered by President-Elect William J. Schifino Jr., who will make the appointments.
