Florida Bar Conference: A Student’s Perspective by Mayte Reyes
Two years ago, I embarked on a new journey. Having spent the early part of my life as a Pharma Executive, I decided to go Law School. I have experience attending conferences and networking, but nothing can quite prepare you for what attending the Bar Conference will be.
Once a year, Judges, Attorneys and Vendors from across the State come together to honor individuals who have had an important impact on the profession, reinforce their commitment to excellence by completing CLE requirements, but most importantly, to connect.
I quickly learned that being an attorney is stressful, often times adversarial, and frustrating. The Annual Conference provides an opportunity for Attorneys to come together, share their experience and discover new ways they can be better lawyers, and in turn better serve our community. Community is a big theme, as attorneys we will be part of the legal community and it is our duty to help others in our local community. Coming together once a year helps strengthen those bonds and commitment and make plans as to how we can all improve in the coming year.
As a student, being welcome into the legal community before I even complete Law School is invaluable. Judges and Attorneys were all excited to see me and Naiya, the other student who attended. Everyone was not only approachable but also extremely friendly (it helped we were stationed at the puppy pit and who can be upset when surrounded by puppies!).
Meeting so many professionals and having them offer to share their experiences was invaluable. More than that, having them offer to be mentor is an opportunity that I will definitely be taking advantage of. One of the Judges I met told me that she was happy to see students get involved and learn the importance of conducting yourself as a professional from the start; she stressed the fact that they will not be around forever but helping students grow into professionals is they way they can ensure the Legal Community will continue to exhibit the high standards they hold themselves to.
Aside from the relaxed atmosphere and the various parties we attended, we had the opportunity of attending the Founders Breakfast. During this event, distinguished members of the community and Lawyers who have gone above and beyond are recognized. As a student, sitting among Supreme Court Justices and accomplished attorneys can be intimidating. I was surprised when the nerves quickly faded as we were greeted and welcomed. Everyone we met was eager to know more about us and answer all questions we posed.
One of the highlights of the convention for me was attending the Induction Ceremony. Seeing Roland Sanchez-Medina and Sia Baker-Barnes be sworn in as President and President Elect of the Florida Bar is not an experience I will ever forget. As an immigrant, hearing Roland speak about his journey to becoming the first naturalized citizen to be elected President of the Bar is inspiring. Similarly, seeing Sia be sworn and the president elect is a prime example of how diverse the legal community is. Having both of them later greet us with hugs and kisses is a prime example of their professionalism. They were two of the most important people at the conference yet they both took the time to greet and speak with us.
Having had the experience of attending the Conference, I would encourage all students to get involved, sign up as members of the Bar, join a committee that shares your interest. It is never too early to get involved and make connections. Being an attorney is more than a job. When we do become attorneys we will be joining a profession, a legal community committed to excellence and service and the conference is a perfect place to start the journey.