What is something that will surprise our members to learn about you?
I am going to date myself based on the technology, but as a young lawyer at Steel Hector & Davis, I worked with a client in Sao Paolo, Brazil to help structure liens and collection rights for the financing of those black cable TV boxes that we all used before streaming to grow the cable television business in Brazil. By then, I had been active in the Section for years. We all learn so much from each other, more than our individual practices, and I carried that knowledge and confidence to Sao Paolo! I just want to say THANKS! Our members are great mentors! Our work is important!
When did you first get involved with the Section? What was your “point of entry” – what committee(s) got your involvement started?
I got involved with the Section in 1988 when Judge Karen Jennemann was a practicing lawyer at Smith, Hulsey & Busey. She was chair of publications, and I was clerking for Bankruptcy Judge Proctor in Jacksonville. Back then, the section published “The Quarterly” which was sent by mail to section members. I continued working with publications for many years.
Is there anyone you would consider a mentor that helped you rise to the role of chair of the Section?
The section members and leadership were welcoming from the beginning. There are so many people who nurtured young lawyers – Phil Schwartz, Greg Yadley, Phil Bates, Paul Singerman, Marte Singerman, Karen Jennemann, Roberta Colton, Leslie Lott, and so many more.
Was there a point in your service to BLS that you either chose to pursue becoming chair, or realized that was your path? What was that?
We all reach a point where time is very limited between work, family and your favorite professional activities. I was always involved in multiple committees, and I spoke to many people who I looked up to for guidance regarding whether to commit more time to Section work. I choose to commit more time and was rewarded with great experiences, friendships and opportunities.
What project are you proudest of over the course of your time in BLS (other than in your chair year)?
I’m super proud that we published The Quarterly four times a year! I’m also super proud and thankful for Sam Lewis and Melanie Damian and all their hard work to start The Journal, a more in-depth publication for section members. And I am very appreciative of the sponsorship by Lexis-Nexus of that publication. I am also rewarded, still, for all the work on committees for new legislation, especially UCC changes over the years.
What project are you proudest of that you championed during your chair year?
Proudest is a high bar. I’m super proud of The Journal and in expanding sponsorship activities during the Retreat for everyone to enjoy time together and grow their friendships.
What is your favorite memory from your chair year?
One favorite is the discussion at the Spring Executive Council meeting at Atlantis in the Bahamas with Greg Yadley and everyone telling their stories of how they got involved with the Section.
What advice do you have for women lawyers entering the practice of law today?
Get involved in Section activities so that you develop professional friendships across the state that will last your entire professional career. Every lawyer can do this while raising a family and practicing law. It’s a juggle but the Section is filled with great mentors who are happy to share with you how they juggle the balance of life and all their Section and other professional activities.