This committee is responsible for the planning and execution of the Affiliate Outreach Conference (AOC), an annual two-day meeting of representatives from the YLD’s affiliated young lawyer divisions and voluntary bar organizations (collectively, “Affiliates ”) throughout the state, as well as representatives from Florida’s accredited law schools.

This committee works with the YLD Board of Gvernors and YLD leadership in all aspects of planning YLD events during The Florida Bar Convention.

The Awards Committee annually bestows awards on deserving members of the public and the Bar. The committee solicits and screens the applications and makes nominations to the YLD Board.

The Grants Committee awards grants to the YLD’s Affiliates for their use in creating, developing, and executing related local programming for the benefit of young lawyers, law students, and the public. The committee solicits and screens applications, and then ultimately awards the approved grants to the YLD’s Affiliates.

The CLE Committee organizes and administers the Basic Skills courses that comprise phase 2 of the Basic Skills Course Requirement for new lawyers.

The Communications Committee serves as the primary liaison between the YLD and its constituents. The committee is composed of several members of the board of governors who work closely with the YLD’s Executive Board and Program Administrator Tom Miller to keep constituents and Affiliates informed of upcoming projects, events, and continuing legal education courses. The committee is also responsible for promoting the YLD’s mission and initiatives (including grants and awards) as well as making sure all of the YLD’s resources are available to young lawyers and affiliates.

The Lawyer Wellness Committee determines and executes health and wellness programming throughout the year, and works with other organizations and initiatives, such as The Florida Lawyers Helpline, to meet the needs of young lawyers in Florida.

The Local Bar Affiliates Committee improves and coordinates communication between the YLD and its Affiliates. This committee also acts as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of information to Affiliates throughout the state, and is responsible for working with the American Bar Association Florida District Representative to communicate information to Affiliates regarding available ABA benefits and programs.

The Long Range Planning Committee, chaired by the YLD’s President-Elect, is responsible for determining issues and goals that face young lawyers throughout the state and to ensure that the activities of the YLD are consistent with the goals of The Florida Bar.

The Practicing with Professionalism Committee is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the PWP seminars throughout the year. The committee reviews and revises the format of the seminars to ensure that the highest quality of material is being presented to the attendees, in compliance with the directives of the Florida Supreme Court. In addition, the committee is responsible for monitoring feedback from the attendees and ensuring that the seminars remain responsive to the audience.

The Pro Bono Legal Services Committee strives to encourage young lawyers to provide meaningful pro bono services in their respective communities. The committee achieves this by

1. recognizing and highlighting young lawyers who provide pro bono services,
2. working directly with public interest organizations to amplify their pro bono programs, and
3. identifying creative and alternative ways to encourage young lawyers to provide pro bono legal services.

The Professionalism/Engle Committee works as a liaison for the YLD Board with professionalism organizations such as the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism, which the committee works with to develop content for Decorum.law. It is responsible for promoting professionalism efforts throughout the state with a focus on young lawyers and law students.

The Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition & Law Related Education Committee organizes the annual Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition. All accredited Florida law schools participate in this program, which provides law students with an opportunity to sharpen their oral advocacy skills prior to commencing their practice. The competition culminates in oral arguments held during the Florida Bar Convention in June, with the final arguments being made before the Florida Supreme Court, en banc. All the materials and rules are posted on the YLD’s website for distribution to the participants and members of the YLD Board of Governors grade the briefs.

The Sponsorship Committee is responsible for developing opportunities for various vendors who provide services to the legal profession to become involved with the projects and programs put on each year by the YLD. Ranging from securing financial support for large events, such as the Affiliate Outreach Conference, to providing additional assistance to continue developing programs directed at young lawyers and law students, this committee’s purpose is to create win-win relationships that benefit not only the YLD but also the entire profession.

The Transition to Practice committee is focused on assisting young lawyers and law students with the transition from law school to the practice of law and beyond. The committee creates practice-based webinars designed to help young lawyers find their feet in newer practice areas they may be exploring and learn specific skills to help the community through pro bono service.