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...Read More

Happy Halloween BLS! Thanks to all of you who supported and celebrated pro bono last week. This week’s focus is on continuing education, where our offering range from unmasking the mysteries of cybersecurity compliance to bankruptcy (where debtors occasionally rise from the dead), and all things business law in between. Please sign up. Our Legislation Committee Chair...Read More

With almost four years on the federal bankruptcy bench, I have now seen hundreds of pro se parties in bankruptcy and observed how much Court time and resources are needed to address issues in their proceedings. When I was in private practice, I had a different lens and, when I saw someone who needed help...Read More

Legislators returned to Tallahassee for two weeks in October for interim committee meetings in preparation for the 2026 Legislative Session. The meetings were used to update legislators on policy and funding issues approved during the 2025 Legislative Session and to workshop potential policy matters that may be addressed in the coming session. Legislators will reconvene...Read More

Judges fill an integral role on our Executive Council. Meet one of them, Judge Robson. Grace Robson is a United States Bankruptcy Judge and sits in the Orlando Division of the Middle District of Florida. Prior to taking the bench, she practiced for over 25 years in the area of corporate reorganization and bankruptcy. Judge...Read More

Melanie E. Damian is a business and securities litigator with extensive experience serving as a court-appointed Receiver, Monitor, and Distribution Agent in federal and state matters. She also advises companies on governance issues and represents corporate officers and directors in litigation and investigations. In addition to her legal work, she is a dedicated advocate for...Read More

The Starfish Story by Loren C. Eiseley One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked “Young man, what are you doing?” The boy replied, ” Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up...Read More

This week, we celebrate Pro Bono Week, a time to recognize and amplify the incredible work our members do to expand access to justice across Florida. The Pro Bono Committee remains committed to achieving 100% participation in pro bono service and creating opportunities that fit every practice area. I encourage each of you to find...Read More

2025 Business Law Legislative and Practice Update – On-Demand Stay ahead of Florida’s evolving legal landscape with this must-watch series of expert-led sessions from leading practitioners and policy insiders. This comprehensive program covers the most important developments affecting business lawyers today — from new legislation and procedural rule changes to emerging technologies transforming the practice...Read More

Reprinted with permission from University of Miami School of Law After years of effort, the Eleanor R. Cristol and Judge A. Jay Cristol Bankruptcy Pro Bono Assistance Clinic recently successfully completed the longest-pending case in the clinic’s history. Since 2010, students of the clinic have lent their time and expertise to assist a client in his effort...Read More