Involvement in The Florida Bar offers lawyers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the profession while developing vital leadership skills.
Beyond professional networking and service, The Florida Bar’s committees and programs allow attorneys to connect with colleagues across the state, contribute to meaningful initiatives and gain insights that enrich both their practice and community.
One of the most dynamic and rewarding ways to engage is by applying to The Florida Bar Leadership Academy, a transformative program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders within Florida’s legal community.
Now entering its 14th year, the academy is a multisession training program that selects a diverse group of lawyers from across the state to become academy fellows.
The application window for Class XIV is now open until Jan. 30.
This one-year program is administered by The Florida Bar Leadership Academy Committee and the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism, with support from sponsors.
Each year, academy fellows embark on a carefully crafted curriculum designed to enhance professional development, expand leadership capabilities and deepen understanding of the Bar’s structure and mission.
Participants attend seven required meetings over the course of the year, amounting to roughly 14 business days, including graduation at The Florida Bar Annual Convention.
The program provides Continuing Legal Education credits for most sessions, making participation not only enriching but also professionally practical.
Through engaging discussions, workshops and interactions with distinguished speakers including judges, Bar leaders and even state Supreme Court justices, fellows gain an insider’s perspective on the profession’s inner workings.
The academy focuses on three key goals:
Enhancing leadership skills of lawyers across the state.
Identifying, nurturing and inspiring effective leadership within The Florida Bar and the broader legal community.
Raising awareness and engagement among lawyers on ethical, professional and public service issues shaping the future of the profession.
Participation in the program is open to all Florida Bar members in good standing.
Applicants are encouraged from all backgrounds — from large and small firms, public and private sectors and every geographic area in Florida.
The application process requires submission of a detailed online application, including professional background information, a brief personal statement describing leadership experience and goals and references who can speak to the applicant’s potential.
Selection is competitive, as the academy seeks a balanced class that reflects the diversity and dynamism of Florida’s legal community.
Unfortunately, the 4th Judicial Circuit, encompassing Duval, Clay and Nassau counties, has historically shown low participation in the academy. This underrepresentation is a missed opportunity — both for local lawyers and for the region’s visibility within statewide leadership circles.
Participants from other circuits consistently remark on how the academy broadened their perspectives, strengthened their professional networks and inspired deeper engagement in service to the Bar and community. Fourth Circuit lawyers stand to gain just as much — if not more — by connecting with colleagues and leaders from every corner of Florida.
As the legal profession continues to evolve, leadership within the Bar has never been more critical. The Florida Bar’s committees, sections and initiatives rely on engaged members willing to step forward, collaborate and lead.
The Leadership Academy provides the foundation for that journey, giving fellows the tools and confidence to take on leadership roles within the Bar and beyond.
For those who aspire to make a difference, this is your moment. Apply to The Florida Bar Leadership Academy Class XIV before Jan. 30 and take the next step toward becoming a leader who shapes not just the law, but the future of the profession itself.
The application can be found at: floridabar.org/about/academy/.
David Thompson is a trial attorney with Farah and Farah, P.A., focusing on personal injury litigation.