Message from the Chair

Welcome to the new Florida Bar year! I am honored to serve as Chair of the Labor and Employment Law Section for the 2024-2025 term, building upon the achievements of our past leaders as we navigate the evolving landscape post-COVID. Leading this esteemed Section is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

The legal landscape has transformed significantly since the pandemic, prompting us to innovate new ways to expand membership and enhance our members’ benefits. This year is a time for reflection on our progress and a strategic look forward. Our Section’s success hinges on our members’ dedication and invaluable contributions.

We have an exciting lineup of events for this bar year, including four key seminars—cornerstones for labor and employment law practitioners. These events will feature family-friendly networking opportunities to strengthen relationships and attract new members to our vibrant community. While we will aim to provide virtual attendance options when we can, the Florida Bar encourages in-person participation.  We hope you will be able to join us in person for events when possible.

A highlight of this year will be the 50th anniversary of the Public Employment and Labor Relations Forum (PELRF), held at Coronado Springs, Walt Disney World in Orlando. This milestone event promises insightful discussions on public employment issues amidst the backdrop of Disney magic—a perfect setting for professional growth and family enjoyment.

In December, we look forward to the Litigation Skills and Technology conference in St. Pete Beach, followed by our 25th Annual Update and Certification Review conference in Tampa in January 2025. Wrapping up our calendar, the Advanced Labor Topics seminar will take place in beautiful Key West in Spring 2025.

We are also reintroducing our lunch-time learning webinars on trending topics, offered free to members. Topics include Supreme Court updates and how the law is evolving, the future of non-competes, pregnancy discrimination, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, as well as other hot topics. Dates will be announced soon, so be on the lookout.

Beyond seminars and webinars, our revamped Checkoff newsletter and Bar Journal Articles continue to offer invaluable insights. We welcome contributions from members on cutting-edge legal issues affecting our field and participation in our executive council meetings, held prior to each live seminar and during the June Florida Bar convention.

This year, we also plan to refresh our website and unveil a new logo as part of our rebranding efforts. Additionally, we are focused on improving our Board Certification review courses to better support members preparing for certification exams. Your feedback and involvement are crucial in shaping these initiatives.

Are you looking to get more involved? Consider writing an article, speaking at a conference or webinar, or joining one of our committees. I am here to assist and guide you in contributing meaningfully to our Section.

Lastly, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Gregg Morton for his outstanding leadership last year, and to my fellow officers—Rob Eschenfelder (Chair-Elect), Chelsie Flynn (Secretary/Treasurer), and Michelle Nadeau (Legal Education Director)—for their steadfast support. Together, we are poised for a successful and impactful year ahead.

Here’s to a great year ahead for the Labor and Employment Law Section!

Yvette D. Everhart
2024-2025 Chair
Labor and Employment Law Section
yeverhart@sasslawfirm.com
(813) 251-5599