Getting Back to Basics.

• Date: 01 July 2023
• Author: Westheimer, F. Scott

As we embark on our year together, my plans begin with The Florida Bar's "WHY." What is our purpose and the driving force behind what we do? At its core, our mission is simple--to regulate the practice of law; ensure the highest standards of legal professionalism; support the court system as a co-equal and independent branch of government; and protect the public we serve.

To do that, it is incumbent on Bar leadership to concentrate on these basics, focus on our "WHY," and be innovative and forward thinking during the process. That's what I plan to do this next year as Bar president.

What does getting back to basics mean to me? It means investing in and empowering our more than 111,000 members, supporting them in meaningful, practical ways with their daily practice of law, educating them about their ethical duties, providing them tools and resources to assist in complying with our rules and supporting their health and wellness. All that serves to effectuate our mission of protecting the public and supporting our independent court system.

We already know The Florida...