Michelle's Platform Statement

I am so excited to be running for The Florida Bar Board of Governors, Seat 3. Throughout my 18-year career, I have been dedicated to improving our Bar by promoting professionalism and diversity, increasing pro bono participation and forging relationships with community partners.

If elected to the Board of Governors, I will use my energy, creativity, and leadership experience to be a strong advocate for all members of our circuit.

If given the opportunity to serve, I will work to (1) implement innovative programming aimed at improving the image of lawyers; (2) enhance communication amongst all voluntary bars; (3) expand the use of technology to improve all practice areas; and (4) increase the diversity of the Bar and its leadership on a statewide level. Most important, I will make sure your voice is heard.

My broad practice experience will ensure your concerns are understood and well represented. I am AV-rated and Florida Bar Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law. I began my career as an assistant public defender, spent several years practicing personal injury law at a mid-sized firm, and have been at my own firm since 1997 focusing on state and federal criminal defense. I can relate to the everyday challenges all lawyers face, regardless of the size of their firm or area of their practice.

As current president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, we have created a Facebook site and a Twitter page, communicating to a new generation of attorneys. Under my leadership, we held the first countywide diversity symposium with over 250 in attendance. I believe that The Florida Bar must continue to be a strong advocate for the legal profession. We must educate the public about the judicial system, and assist with civics education in our schools. Under my leadership, we created an “interactive” field trip about the judicial system that is used in all Palm Beach County Schools. Additionally, we instituted a volunteer network of attorneys who are available to both educate and mentor students in elementary, middle, and high schools in our county.

As past president of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Palm Beach County Chapter, I created innovative and meaningful programming such as the “Adopt-A-Case” program promoting pro bono participation and the nationally recognized “Breakfast and Books” mentoring program.

The Florida Bar currently has 88,000 members, and it is predicted to increase to 115,000 in 2020, and with that, we will see increased challenges to professionalism. We must have a set commitment to excellence through CLE, mentoring young attorneys, and in-firm training.

Diversity, mentoring, and professionalism will be key issues for our Bar in the coming years. I would be honored to have the opportunity to represent your interests in addressing these issues as a member of the Bar’s Board of Governors. 

I would be honored to have your support.

View my platform statement here.