During these difficult economic times.

• Author: Diner, Jesse H.
• Position: Florida Bar - President's page

For the first time since 1946, when soldiers after World War II were demobilized, our high-growth state of Florida has lost population.

University of Florida demographers report Florida shed about 58,000 residents between April 2008 and April 2009.

Yet, each year, The Florida Bar is growing by 2,500 members--and will soon hit 90,000 lawyers.

A global economic crisis has left many of Florida's lawyers struggling to survive the worst economic conditions most of us have experienced in our lifetimes.

While business declines, law firms are downsizing, cutting salaries, and outsourcing to stay afloat. The latest figures from Lawshucks.com's "layoff tracker" reveal from January 1, 2008, to July 26, 2009, more than 13,311 people have been laid off by the nation's major law firms (5,190 lawyers and 8,121 staff).

Shrinking personal wealth means forestalling retirement for many, at the same time an outpouring of new law graduates search for scarce jobs.

I pledge to try to help relieve this tension by assisting our members in whatever way we can. Let me take this opportunity to tell you about how your Florida Bar is trying to help you during these difficult times.

* We are spending $250,000 to upgrade the Bar's Web site, www.floridabar. org. As Communications Committee Chair Juliet Roulhac explains, a subcommittee will oversee Web site improvements that will "try to consolidate and highlight employment assistance or job market assistance to our membership." That means making it easier to maneuver the Web site to find employment opportunities in the Bar News classified ads. Plans to develop professional networking for lawyers using the Bar's Web site are also being discussed. We are working to provide a method of assistance in matching those looking to hire lawyers with those looking for positions.

* Law Office Management Assistance Service (LOMAS) was created to assist members dealing with all of the business aspects of setting up, managing, merging, or closing a professional practice. Judith Equels, LOMAS director, stands ready to help those suddenly without a job or those attempting to strike out on their own. LOMAS' toll free number is 866-730-2020 or visit the improved LOMAS page at www.floridabar.org/LOMAS.

* One of our most...