Citizens Advisory.

• Author: Tyree, Lawrence W.
• Position: Annual Reports of Committees of the Florida Bar: 2018-2019

The Florida Bar Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is composed of 12 nonlawyer Floridians with varied interests and backgrounds who serve to provide two-way communication between the state's citizens and The Florida Bar Board of Governors.

The objectives of the committee are to serve as a feedback mechanism and sounding board on Bar plans and programs and to advise the Bar regarding public understanding and support of significant legal and justice issues. Up to three attorney members are also appointed to the committee annually to serve as resources. The committee meets three times a year: twice in conjunction with Board of Governors meetings and once at annual convention, and as needed by teleconference on certain matters between the in-person meetings.

During the 2018-2019 Bar year, the CAC will have three in-person meetings and several teleconferences. Larry Tyree, one of the two public members of the Board of Governors is the chair, and Sylvia Carra-Hahn of Tampa, who is in her third year serving on the committee as a nonlawyer, is vice chair. Mary Ann Morgan of Winter Park is the only lawyer member this year. Sharon Middleton, the other public member of the Board of Governors, is serving as the Board Communications Committee liaison.

At the first meeting in July 2018, President Michelle Suskauer spoke to the committee and outlined her priorities for the year. She also asked the committee to do a signature project this year to educate other nonlawyers on how they can get involved in the Bar and the justice system as volunteers. Details on that project are included later in this report. Executive Director Josh Doyle also addressed the committee and thanked them for their commitment to The Florida Bar. An overview and update on The Florida Bar Foundation was presented by President Juliette Lippman who also provided a fact sheet describing the background and mission of the organization, the budget and charitable activities, grants for legal aid, and efforts to improve Florida's justice system.

For the January meeting in Tallahassee, the committee attended the legislative reception, met with the Board Communications Committee, and attended the Pro Bono Awards ceremony, the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society Annual Dinner, and the Board of Governors meeting. During the committee's own meeting, they heard an outlook for the 2019 legislative session from BOG Legislation Committee Co-Chair Gary Lesser. Several members offered to serve as...