Preserving and enhancing the practice of law.

• Author: Blumberg, Edward R.
• Position: Florida - President's Page

I owe a debt. Not one in the conventional sense, but one just as real. I am indebted to the practice of law for giving me more than I deserve. It is now time to repay that debt. Everything I am and everything I have comes from being a lawyer. I derive my sense of self-worth and self-esteem from it. I support my family from it. It enables me to do something worthwhile in life.

With all my heart, I believe that the practice of law is the highest calling in the secular world. Life and death issues are daily occurrences for lawyers. Not just in capital crime cases, but in cases where the sick are enabled to obtain needed medical treatment and assistance; where abused and neglected children are saved from their dangerous environment; where the food, air, water, and products we consume are kept unadulterated; where those falsely accused and facing the deprivation of their liberty are saved. The list goes on and on.

It is the practice of law that keeps the republic intact and our democracy inviolate. The ultimate protector of every principle this nation holds dear is the practicing attorney. From the Founding Fathers forward, no other group of people has done more or serves a more critical role in furthering the principles of the Constitution than lawyers. Without the practicing attorney, this great country would dissolve into chaos and despair.

As sure as night follows day, the logical corollary to the above is the following: There is a total intertwining between the practice of law, the administration of justice and the proper representation of the public.

Having recognized the sanctity of the practice of law, this is what we plan to do in the year ahead to protect and advance the practice of law:

Constitution Revision

Fact: The fabric of Florida's legal structure is the Florida Constitution.

Fact. In the Oath of Admission to The Florida Bar all lawyers solemnly swear to support the Florida Constitution.

Fact: The citizens of this state deserve the best possible constitution. Lawyers are, by virtue of their training, practice, and experience, the group who is best able to provide technical input as to constitutional issues.

Fact: Every 20 years, the Florida Constitution provides for the creation of a revision commission to assess the need for any constitutional changes or amendments. The Constitution Revision Commission was empaneled in May, and will conclude its work next June.

Short-term Solution: Sections of The Florida Bar, at our request...