Welcome! I am deeply honored to serve as President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (“YLD”) for the 2026–2027 bar year. The YLD represents thousands of young lawyers throughout Florida who are within their first five years of practice or under the age of 36. This is a critical stage in a lawyer’s career. It is when habits are formed, reputations are built, and the foundation for long-term success in the legal profession is established.

Consistent with The Florida Bar’s mission, the YLD is committed to helping young lawyers develop the tools, judgment, professionalism, and practical skills necessary to serve clients, strengthen the profession, and uphold the highest standards of our calling.

This year, our theme is Precision in Practice. That theme reflects a simple but important principle: young lawyers deserve practical, meaningful, and accessible education that helps them become more competent, confident, and ethical lawyers. As the practice of law continues to evolve, the YLD will focus on meeting young lawyers where they are and providing resources that help them succeed in every stage of their early careers.

With that mission in mind, I am proud to focus on the following key initiatives:

YLD Learning Center. The YLD will launch an expanded online learning platform designed to provide young lawyers with practical, on-demand CLE programming across a wide range of practice areas. The Learning Center will focus on the real skills young lawyers need in practice, including drafting, client communication, courtroom advocacy, negotiation, professionalism, ethics, law practice management, and emerging issues affecting the profession. Our goal is to build a lasting resource that young lawyers can turn to throughout the year for legal education, practical guidance, and professional development.

Young Lawyers Summit. The YLD will host an in-person Young Lawyers Summit on September 17, 2026, during The Florida Bar Fall Meeting in Orlando, Florida, at the Renaissance SeaWorld Orlando. The Summit will feature interactive CLE workshop sessions focused on criminal law, civil litigation, and transactional practice. These hands-on sessions are designed to provide young lawyers with practical guidance, real-world skills, and meaningful instruction that they can apply in their practice. The Summit reflects the YLD’s continued commitment to legal education, lawyer competency, and preparing young lawyers to succeed across a variety of practice areas.

Legal A.I. Conference. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way lawyers work, learn, communicate, and serve clients. The YLD will host a Legal A.I. Conference to help young lawyers understand the opportunities, risks, and ethical responsibilities associated with the use of artificial intelligence in the practice of law. This program will focus on practical application, professional responsibility, competence, confidentiality, and the future of legal services.

Affiliate Outreach Conference. The YLD remains committed to supporting our young lawyer affiliates throughout the Florida. The Affiliate Outreach Conference will continue to provide free CLE programming, leadership development, and opportunities for young lawyer leaders to exchange ideas and strengthen their local organizations. Our affiliates are essential to the YLD’s ability to reach young lawyers in every corner of the state.

Legal Education and Lawyer Competency. A core focus of the YLD this year will be strengthening legal education and lawyer competency for young lawyers across Florida. The YLD will continue to administer and support the Basic Skills Course Requirement, which helps newly admitted lawyers build a strong foundation as they enter the profession. We will also continue our commitment to Practicing with Professionalism, a required program that emphasizes professionalism, ethics, civility, and the responsibilities that come with being a member of The Florida Bar. In addition, the YLD will offer live monthly Transition to Practice webinars designed to provide practical guidance on the skills, judgment, and professional habits young lawyers need to navigate the early years of practice. Together, these programs reflect the YLD’s commitment to helping young lawyers not only meet their requirements, but grow into competent, ethical, and prepared members of the profession.

As young lawyers, the reputation we build early in our careers will follow us for decades. The YLD is here to help ensure that every young lawyer has access to the education, resources, mentorship, and community needed to succeed. Whether you are in private practice, government service, public interest, in-house counsel, the judiciary, or still finding your path, the YLD is here for you.

I encourage you to stay connected with us, attend our programs, use our resources, share your ideas, and reach out to your YLD Governor. You can also follow the YLD on social media at @flabaryld and visit our website to learn more about upcoming programs and opportunities.

It is an honor to serve you and to help lead this Division during such an important time for our profession.

With gratitude,
Reno V. Pierre, Esq.
President
The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division