A Grateful Heart.

• Author: Higer, Michael J.
• Position: President's page

Like all good journeys, when I started, I really had no idea where the road would take me, who I would meet along the way, or what would be the challenges. As I write my final column, let me start the where and the who by saying thank you.

The where took me to all 20 of the circuits--the major metropolitan areas, the more rural areas, the places I had never been, and the places that were not so easy to get to--and several times to most of these circuits. I met with voluntary bar leaders--executive directors, presidents, and boards--all of whom strive each day to give back to their communities and enhance the legal profession. I met with all of the leaders of our sections and committees, all of whom selflessly focus on improving our substantive laws and procedural rules.

I met with the leaders in the executive branch of our government, including the governor. I met with dozens of House representatives and senators. All of these men and women are passionate and dedicated in providing good governance and in creating laws to serve all of us.

I met with a great many of our judges both individually and at their judicial conferences--county, circuit, and appellate. I met several times with each member of the court. All of these judges at every level care deeply about the rule of law and delivering justice.

I met with hundreds (if not more) lawyers from every part of our state who tirelessly serve the interests of their clients. And I met with law students from several of the law schools located throughout Florida. These students shared with me their concerns as well as their hopes and dreams.

Thank you to all who enriched my journey, who shared with me their personal struggles as well as their triumphs. Thank you to all who taught me more than a thing or two. Thank you for your insight, wisdom, care, and passion. It was my honor and privilege to meet with each and every one of you.

The where and the who also starts at home--I should say, my adopted Tallahassee home. That is where you will find our executive director, Joshua Doyle. I don't know if he was my guinea pig or I was his. Either way, I am so grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with someone of such impeccable character, judgment, and demeanor. The foundation, the bedrock, the rock of Gibraltar that provides the support for everything we do are the department heads, the 300-plus men and women who run our day-to-day operations, and who are located in five branches across...