FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the Young Lawyers Division Summit?
- Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld – Orlando, Florida
6677 Sea Harbor Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Is there parking available on site?
- Yes, on-site parking is available at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®.
- Self-parking is $22.00 per day
- Valet parking is $56.00 per day
Can I book a room at the hotel?
- The deadline to reserve a room at the special rate has passed, but there may still be rooms available.
What is the dress code?
- Business professional attire is required for all attendees throughout the Young Lawyers Summit.
- Because the Summit includes educational programming, networking opportunities, and interactions with the judiciary and experienced practitioners, attendees are encouraged to dress in business professional clothing.
Are food and beverages provided?
- Yes, the Summit includes a networking luncheon from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. for all registered attendees.
- If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please indicate them during registration or contact the event organizers in advance.
- Limited space is available for the luncheon.
Where do I go to check in?
- All attendees and employers will check in at the registration desk. More details are forthcoming.
- Directional signage will be posted throughout the hotel to guide you.
Can I register day-of at the door?
- We strongly encourage all attendees to register in advance, prior to the registration deadline. Once the event reaches capacity, we are unable to accommodate walk-in attendees.
Are attendees required to attend all of the breakout sessions?
- No, attendance at the sessions is completely optional. However, we highly encourage you to participate, as these sessions are designed to provide valuable insights and help you get the most out of the event experience.
Are attendees required to stay in one programming track offered during the breakout sessions?
- Attendees are encouraged to select the programming track that best aligns with their practice area and professional interests. The Summit offers three practice-focused tracks: Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, and Transactional Law, each designed to provide practical skills and insights specific to those areas of practice.
- While attendees are welcome to explore other areas of interest, we recommend selecting the track that will provide the most value for their current practice and career development.
Can I bring my child / will childcare be available?
- Unfortunately, children are not permitted during the professional networking luncheon or breakout sessions. We recommend making arrangements in advance to ensure that you fully engage and get the most out of the experience.
Will Wi-Fi be available?
- Yes. Wi-Fi will be available at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®. Network details will be provided onsite.
What should I bring to the Young Lawyers Summit?
- We recommend that all attendees bring materials to take notes, including a notebook or laptop if preferred. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared to actively participate in the breakout sessions and engage with speakers and fellow attendees.
Are there any prohibited items?
- All attendees must comply with Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® policies. Prohibited items include weapons, hazardous materials, open flames, and amplified audio equipment.
- All bags are subject to inspection.
Is it mandatory for attendees to stay throughout the entire event?
- No. Attendees may come and go throughout the day as their schedule permits. However, we strongly recommend staying for the full Summit to take advantage of the networking opportunities, breakout sessions, and programming available.
Where can I find more information about The Florida Bar Fall Meeting?
- Visit the Florida Bar Fall Meeting webpage.
Where can I find additional venue information?
- For additional information about the venue, including parking, accessibility, security policies, and other frequently asked questions, please visit the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® hotel information page.
Thank You Sponsors!
Luncheon Sponsor
Registration/Networking Sponsor
Civil Litigation CLE Track Sponsors
Criminal Law CLE Track Sponsors
Summit Partners
Summit Supporters
- Animal Law Section
- Appellate Practice Section
- City, County & Local Government Law Section
- Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association
- Health Law Section
- Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law School
- PersanteZuroweste
- Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section
- Solo & Small Firm Section
- Trial Lawyers Section
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, in partnership with The Florida Bar, is proud to announce the inaugural Young Lawyers Summit. This free, first-of-its-kind event is designed specifically for new and early-career attorneys, offering practical, hands-on training led by experienced practitioners and members of the judiciary.
While this initiative is tailored to young lawyers, law students are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this unique opportunity to begin developing the practical skills and professional connections that will serve them throughout their careers. Through interactive programming and skills-based instruction, the Summit is tailored to help young lawyers build confidence, strengthen their advocacy skills, and develop the practical tools needed to succeed in today’s legal profession.
Attendees will have the opportunity to customize their experience by selecting from three practice-focused educational tracks: Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, and Transactional Law. Each track will feature interactive sessions focused on the real-world skills young lawyers use every day.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
11:30 AM-NOON
Registration & Networking
Expect discussions led by YLD Board of Governors members
NOON-1:45 PM
Young Lawyers Summit Luncheon
Featuring a judicial fireside chat featuring Florida Bar President Michael Orr, Florida Supreme Court Justice Jamie R. Grosshans, and Sixth District Court of Appeal Judge Mary Alice Nardella; a section discussion with Council of Sections Chair Iris Elijah and YLD President Reno Pierre; and a section spotlight panel with Tenesia Hill, chair, Family Law Section; Alicia Perez, co-chair, Publications Committee, Solo & Small Firm Section; Chasity H. O’Steen, chair, City, County and Local Government Section; Beth Scarola, chair-elect, Health Law Section.
2:00-3:00 PM
Breakout Sessions 1
Civil Litigation | Taking and Defending Depositions
featuring:
- The Hon. LaShawnda Jackson, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Judge
- Gregorio Francis, Osborne Francis & Pettis
- Zackary T. Zuroweste, Persante Zuroweste, Florida Bar Board of Governors
Criminal | Know the Numbers: Criminal Punishment Scoresheets and Smarter Plea Negotiation
featuring:
- Alexa Marie Cline, Office of the Attorney General of Florida, Government Lawyer Section chair-elect
- Jude Faccidomo, Ratzan & Faccidomo LLC, Criminal Law Section chair-elect
- Sarah Morris, Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, First Region, Florida
Transactional Practice | Contract Drafting 101
featuring:
- The Hon. Celia Thacker Drorn, Osceola County Judge
- Camara Williams, Smith & Williams Trial Group PLLC
3:00-4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions 2
Civil Litigation | Motion Practice 101
featuring:
- The Hon. Carlos Mendoza, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- Manuel Farach, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Florida Bar Board of Governors
- Richard B. Mangan Jr., Rissman Barrett Hurt Donahue & McLain P.A.
- Dwayne Robinson, Kozyak, Tropin & Throckmorton LLP
Criminal | Evidence Essentials: View from the Bench
featuring:
- The Hon. Jeramy Beasley, Orange County Judge, Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida
- The Hon. Barbara Leach, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Judge
Moderated by Lisa Gong Guerrero, Gong Guerrero Law PLLC, Orange County Bar president
Transactional Practice | The Transitional Toolkit: Drafting Documents Every New Lawyer Should Master
featuring Natasha Selvaraj, Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
If you, your firm, or organization are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please download the Sponsorship Packet and payment information below.