Winter 2013 Journal FINAL · women are an integral part of every aspect of business in our society. In this issue of the FAWL Journal, we highlight women breaking new ground in business

Women Lawyers Retention and Promotion

FAWL Journal APublicationoftheFloridaAssociationforWomenLawyers

Winter2013wwwfawlorg

Women

Mean

Business

IN THIS ISSUE Winter 2013

2014 Midyear Meeting 2

FAWL 2013-2014 Executive Officers 6

Letter from the Editor 7

Presidentrsquos Message 8

FAWL Past Presidents 9

Legislative Corner 17

Member Spotlight Mayanne Downs 18

FAWL 2013-2014 Chapter Presidents 19

The Mattie Belle Davis Society and Members 25

Member Benefits What State FAWL Offers You 29

Features First Woman to Lead the Florida Forestry Association Named 2013 Woman of

The Year in Agriculture 11

Professionalism Can Save the Profession (and Yourself) 14

A Heritage of Professionalism from Clara Gehan (1909-1992) 20

Barbara Krumsiek Talks to Women Entrepreneurs about Corporations Careers

and Choices 22

Financial Focus - Women Business Owners Need Retirement Plans 24

Bi-Annual Journal of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers

FAWL Journal

Florida Association for Women Lawyers

2014 Midyear Meeting

January 24 and January 25 2014 Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

Located in the WALT DISNEY WORLDcopy Resort 1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard Lake Buena Vista Florida 32830

Midyear Meeting Schedule at a Glance

2

Date Event Time Location

January 24 2013 A Seat at the Table Mentoring and Advocating Advancement for Women and Minorities

200 pm to 400 pm Palm Ballroom 4

Reception for Board of Governors 400 pm to 600 pm International Ballroom South

Roaring 1920s Casino Night 800 pm to Midnight International Ballroom Center

January 25 2013 FAWL Board of Directors Meeting 1000 am to 1200 pm Grand Ballroom 6

Registration available at wwwfawlorg

January 24 2014

The Florida Association for Women Lawyers The Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers and the

Paul C Perkins Bar Association present

A Seat at the Table Mentoring and Advocating Advancement for

Women and Minorities



Registration Fee FREE to First 30 FAWL Members who register

Thereafter $25 per person

The Florida Bar provided partial funding for this project

This will be the first in a five part series of programming designed to advance women and minorities in the legal profession into positions of leadership The Board of Governors and other bar leaders will mentor young lawyers in a speed table format The programming will include a panel discussion that will include bar leaders The program will be followed by a Reception for the Board of Governors


Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Contact Robin Bresky at rbreskybreskyappellatecom

3

January 24 2014

Roaring 1920s

Casino Night

800 pm to 1200 midnight

International Ballroom Center

Live Music Dancing Door Prizes

Casino Tables Appetizers Cash Bar

Member Ticket $1920


FAWL Roaring 1920s Casino Night Sponsorship Opportunities

Diamond (1 available) $5000 Listed as an event sponsor on all marketing collateral + premier placement on signage at event

6 Event Tickets (includes 6 drink tickets) Reserved VIP 6-person table with table tent

Bottles of Bubbly at table middot Full- page ad in Midyear Meeting program Recognition in social media and on FAWL web site with links

One and only Advertiser on FAWL Midyear Meeting App Press Mentions middot Gift Bags for 6 guests middot 6 additional drink tickets

ldquoFun Moneyrdquo for Casino- Exclusivity

Platinum (2 available) $2500 Listed as an event sponsor on all marketing collateral + signage at event


Bottles of Bubbly at table middot 12 page ad in Midyear Meeting program Recognition in social media and on FAWL web site with links

Press Mentions middot ldquoFun Moneyrdquo for Casino- Exclusivity

Gold (2 available) $1000 Listed as an event sponsor in program

4 Event Tickets (reserved seating and 4 drink tickets) 14 page ad in Midyear Meeting program

Recognition in social media and on FAWL web site with links Press Mentions middot ldquoFun Moneyrdquo for Casino- Exclusivity

4

Silver (3 available) $500 Listed as an event sponsor in program

2 Event Tickets (reserved seating and 2 drink tickets) Recognition in social media and on FAWL web site with links

ldquoFun Moneyrdquo for Casino - Exclusivity

Friends of FAWL (12 available) $250 Listed as event sponsor in program middot 1 Event Ticket (reserved seating and 1 drink ticket)

Recognition in social media and on FAWL web site with links ldquoFun Moneyrdquo for Casino ndash Exclusivity

Unique Sponsorship Opportunities

Old Sport (4 available) $250 per table Be the ldquobig cheeserdquo by sponsoring one of our lively casino tables

Provide inexpensive company logorsquod ldquogiftsrdquo for table winners Listed as an event sponsor in program middot 1 reserved Event Ticket

Recognition in social media and on FAWL web site with links 1 free drink middot ldquoFun Moneyrdquo for Casino

West Egg (1 available) $1500

Jay Gatsby would be proud ldquoOwnrdquo the West Egg at our lavish Roaring Twenties affair Listed as an event sponsor in program

4 Event Tickets (reserved seating and 4 drink tickets) Custom West Egg Signage with company name

Bottle of Bubbly at table middot Recognition in social media and on FAWL web site with links Press Mentions middot ldquoFun Moneyrdquo for Casino

East Egg (1 available) $1500

Feelinrsquo like ldquoold moneyrsquo Sponsor the East Egg at our lavish Roaring Twenties affair Listed as an event sponsor in program

4 Event Tickets (reserved seating and 4 drink tickets) Custom East Egg Signage with company name


Juice Joint (1 available) $1500

Yoursquoll be the ldquobees kneesrdquo when you sponsor our lsquo20s themed cocktail area and dance floor Listed as an event sponsor in program

4 Event Tickets (reserved seating and 4 drink tickets) Custom Juice Joint Signage with company name


For more information contact

Karen Howe FAWL Executive Director adminfawlorg

Toll Free 1-866-241-FAWL (32950

5

2013-2014 Executive Officers PRESIDENT

Brittany Maxey Maxey Law Offices PLLC 15500 Roosevelt Blvd Suite 305 Clearwater FL 33760 727-230-4949 Fax 727-230-4827 bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom

JOURNAL EDITOR Kathryn Lancaster Edward Jones 220 - 2 North Main Street Chiefland FL 32626 352-493-4948 Fax 888-619-8579 kathrynlancasteredwardjonescom

PRESIDENT-ELECT Robin Bresky Law Offices of Robin Bresky 7777 Glades Road Suite 205 Boca Raton FL 33434 561-994-6273 Fax 561ndash245-4698 rbreskybreskyappellatecom

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Sullivan Davis Guilday Schwartz Simpson West Hatch amp Lowe PA 1983 Centre Pointe Blvd Suite 200 Tallahassee Florida 32308 850-701-4335 Fax 850-222-2593 jenguildaylawcom

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Laura Wendell Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Cole amp Boniske 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 700 Coral Gables FL 33134 305-854-0800 Fax 305ndash854-2323 lwendellwsh-lawcom

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Kim Hastings Kim M Hastings PA 23241 Marsh Landing Blvd Estero FL 33928 239-947-9195 Fax 800-851-7484 kmhastingskmhlegalcom

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Kristin Norse Kynes Markman amp Felman PA 100 S Ashley Drive Suite 1300 Tampa FL 33602 813-229-1118 Fax 813-221-6750 knorsekmf-lawcom

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Stephanie Harriett-Wartenberg 403 Parish Cove Mary Esther FL 32569 904-630-2404 stephanieemeraldcoastestatelawcom

TREASURER Robyn Featherston Featherston Law Firm Post Office Box 12084 St Petersburg FL 33733 727-346-8313 robynfeatherstonesqgmailcom

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Karen Howe FAWL Post Office Box 38339 Tallahassee Florida 32315 1-866-241-FAWL (3295) adminfawlorg

SECRETARY Stefanie Moon S C Moon Law 1408 S Andrew Avenue Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 954-530-7182 Fax 954-341-1044 scmoonscmoonlawcom

The FAWL Journal is published bi-annually Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written authorization from FAWL Material published herein expresses the viewpoint of the authors and advertisers and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of FAWL copy Copyright 2013 Florida Association for Women Lawyers The FAWL Journal accepts paid advertising but does not endorse products services or candidates for office For advertising rates and specifications contact the Association at 1-866-241-FAWL (3295) or adminfawlorg

6

7

As professionals entrepreneurs customers clients decision makers rain makers managers and leaders women are an integral part of every aspect of business in our society In this issue of the FAWL Journal we highlight women breaking new ground in business and looking to their examples take notice of one of the secrets of how to progress to the next level professionalism Professionalism in any career presents the path mostly likely to succeed Organizations such as the Florida Association for Women Lawyers offer one of the best avenues to develop professionalism access to extraor-dinary leaders Exceptional leaders possess the ability through gentle graceful discourse to bring others to consider otherrsquos perspective and constructively contribute their own perception to a thoughtful discussion in resolution of im-portant issues Recognizing the importance and contributions of each individual treating everyone with re-spect showing concern nurturing the development of new leaders ndash these are attributes of professionalism Exhibiting these traits demands stamina strong ethical values and self-control (eg slow to speak slow to anger) As we drive ourselves to work harder and be tougher with exhaustion frustration may boil to the surface Spending time with peacemakers imitating their habits for maintaining control we can develop within our-selves greater nobility FAWL and organizations like it offer an environment that cultivates graciousness and gentility Within the media and entertainment industries as well as our everyday lives aggression receives greater glo-ry than firm dignified perseverance Many of us as young people perceive combativeness as a necessary part of the adversarial litigation process and business in general Abrasive conduct can generate short-term re-sults but it takes a toll on long-term reputation Some situations may warrant combative behavior but not as often as many of us have been led to believe Outbursts can tarnish onersquos image with executives endeavoring to establish a professional atmosphere Escalating pre-trial conflicts by responding in kind though it may seem warranted and may be sanctioned by an angered client drains judicial resources as well as your clientrsquos pocketbook Attorneys and court personnel are watching and will remember petty skirmishes and snide re-marks Those who aspire to greatness in business and leadership should taste their words and avoid the injudicious use of profane and vulgar language rather choosing words that accurately and eloquently target their intent Is it impossible to financially succeed in business with a nasty vulgar combative and domineering demean-or No but opportunities for success financially and otherwise increase for those who cultivate profession-alism The pathway to leadership is led by noble value driven conscience centered self-disciplined role models We invite you to join FAWLrsquos community and share in the fellowship of our remarkable women leaders

Kathryn Lancaster Journal Editor

Letter from the Editor By Kathryn Lancaster

Winter 2013

Together We Can It is hard to believe that we are now half-way through FAWLrsquos 2013-2014 year I am humbled and honored to serve as President of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers - the premier association for the women lawyers of Florida This would not be true but for the tireless ef-forts of those who have served the organization and sup-ported FAWLrsquos Mission To actively promote gender equality and the leadership roles of FAWLrsquos members in the legal profession judiciary and community at large To achieve these goals FAWL will uphold the highest standard of integrity honor and courtesy in the legal profession promote reform in law and facilitate administration of justice since its inception in 1951 This legacy of teamwork and commitment continues - through the dedication of FAWLrsquos Board of Directors Committee Chairs Chapter Leadership and members across the state we have accom-plished much thus far radic Participation in the National Association of Women Judges ldquoInformed Voters Fair Judgesrdquo project

radic September 2013 FAWL Leadership Retreat and in-person Board Meeting

radic Free Monthly Webinars

radic August and November Regional Chapter Leadership Calls

radic Monthly Chapter President Calls Initiative

radic Judicial Nominating Commission application process resources exclusive to FAWL members

radic Focus on preservation of FAWLrsquos History

radic 8 increase in membership from December 8 2012 to December 8 2013

radic Successful collaboration among FAWL Leadership CFAWL Leadership and the Paul C Perkins Voluntary Bar Association to apply for a Florida Bar Diversity Grant

radic Bi-Monthly E-News

radic Participation in The Florida Bar Board of Governors Meetings

radic Adoption of a New Member Benefit

radic Legislative Committee Initiative to inform and engage members

radic Participation in the July 2013 Annual Meeting of the National Association of Women Lawyers

radic Participation in the August 2013 National Conference of Womenrsquos Bar Associations Leadership Summit

radic Increased outreach to FAWL Student Chapters

radic Engaging articles and commentary through social media resources

radic Conservative fiscal management ndash over budget on income and under budget on expenses

radic Four Executive Committee Teleconferences

radic The Winter 2013 Journal Yet we still have much to accomplish rarr FAWLrsquos 2014 Midyear Meeting

rarr Redesign and fresh approach of FAWLrsquos Logo

rarr Redesign and fresh approach of FAWLrsquos website

rarr Increased membership value through relevant new member benefits

rarr Continued outreach and collaboration among Chapters

rarr FAWLrsquos 2014 Lobby Days

rarr FAWLrsquos 2014 Annual Meeting

rarr Spring 2014 Journal And the list goes on and on Successful teamwork does not happen in a vacuum ndash our suc-cess as a group depends upon each group members dedication to the principles of professionalism civility cooperation and collaboration Individually your FAWL membership provides you with net-working opportunities personal and professional development opportunities leadership training and the opportunity to sup-port your local community through Chapter outreach Finally I would like to encourage you to get involved this year by coming to our events seeing old friends and making new friends sharing your experiences and goals with like-minded individuals and bring your non-member friends and introduce them to the great benefits of FAWL membership Why Be-cause Together We Can be Women Who Mean Business

Brittany Maxey

Maxey Law Offices PLLC 100 2nd Avenue South Suite 401-N St Petersburg FL 33701 Phone 727-230-4949 Fax 727-230-4927 bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom

8

Winter 2013

By Brittany Maxey

Presidents Message

1951-52 Anna Brenner Meyers 1952-53 Mary L Esarey 1953-54 Esther A Poppell 1954-55 Rebecca Bowles Hawkins 1955-56 Margaret Deaton 1956-57 Edith Mellvaine James 1957-58 Judge Mattie Belle Davis 1958-59 Judge Mildred S Akerman 1959-60 Judge Anne Ersquo Deleacon Fenyvessy 1960-61 Lavona R Zuckerman 1961-62 Virginia Ann Jordan Church 1962-63 Helen Tanos Hope 1963-64 Dorothea MB Vermorel 1964-65 Josephine Howard Stafford 1965-66 Phyllis Shampanier 1966-67 Ann B Miller Yandre 1967-68 Adele T Weaver 1968-69 Delphene C Strickland 1969-70 Ruth Fleet Thurman 1970-71 Judge Frances Ann Jamieson 1971-72 Judge Winifred J Sharp 1972-74 Claire K Cates Luten 1974-76 Judge Judith A Brechner 1976-78 Elizabeth Athanasakos 1978-80 Irene Redstone 1980-81 Linda Carol Singer 1981-82 Debbie Malinsky Orshefsky 1982-83 Debra Weiss Goodstone 1983-84 Marjorie Bekaert Thomas

1984-85 Judge Gill A Freeman 1985-86 Judge Mary Jane Nettles Henderson 1986-87 Diane M Van Ness 1987-88 Judge Maura T Smith 1988-89 Andrea Smith Hillyer 1989-90 Edith G Osman 1990-91 Ava K Doppelt 1991-92 Leslie Reicin Stein 1992-93 Mary V Brennan 1993-94 Virginia A Daire 1994-95 Caryn Goldenberg Carvo 1995-96 Tonia Yazgi 1996-97 Sharon Bleier Glickman 1997-98 Jennifer R Coberly 1998-99 US Rep Katherine A Castor 1999-00 Jeanmarie Whalen 2000-01 Barbara A Eagan 2001-02 Susan W Fox 2002-03 Siobhan H Shea 2003-04 Dinita L James 2004-05 Magistrate Deborah Magid 2005-06 Judge June C McKinney 2006-07 Wendy S Loquasto 2007-08 Sherri L Johnson 2008-09 Rebecca H Steele 2009-10 Tasha K Dickinson 2010-11 Gigi Rollini 2011-12 Susan R Healy 2012-13 Laura K Wendell


Past Presidents

9

First Woman to Lead the Florida Forestry Association Named 2013 Woman of the Year in Agriculture

Lynetta Usher Griner a member of the Florida Bar since 1980 has followed an unusual career path but her professionalism provides another example of how one woman in the law has crossed through long standing gender barriers in a genteel manner ~ FAWL Journal Editor

Lynetta Usher Griner grew up surrounded by the rich green forests of Levy County Her grandfather

father and brother Tommy all worked in the family logging business Lynetta never expected forestry would play an important role in her life ndash or that she would play an important role in forestry

In 1989 Lynetta was engaged in the practice of law in Chiefland Florida within the Eighth Judicial

Circuit while her husband Ken operated a successful car dealership in nearby Cross City As a young wife and mother with a growing legal practice Lynettarsquos career path seemed clear When her brother Tommy was killed in a boating accident that year the Griners changed career paths to carry on the family legacy of Usher Land and Timber

ldquoFamily means everythingrdquo Lynetta Griner affirmed ldquoYou stick together through thick and thin

Usher Land and Timber is more than a business to us - itrsquos an extension of our familyrdquo That philosophy shows throughout the business One employee retired after 53 years with the

family The two mechanics who run the companyrsquos shop are brothers Four of the employees are childhood friends of Tommy Usher Lynetta and Kenrsquos son Korey Griner is also highly involved with the operations now which not only include logging but a thriving cattle business

Involvement with the Florida Forestry Association (FFA) came hand in hand with taking over the

family business ldquoI think you naturally gravitate to activities and organizations that reflect your valuesrdquo Lynetta Griner said ldquoFFA certainly does that for me They promote the responsible and sustainable use of our forest resources Sustainable forestry requires a combination of environmental and economic considerations that a lot of people donrsquot understand or appreciaterdquo

ldquoSometimes people believe that the Lorax speaks for the treesrdquo she added with a laugh ldquoThe Lorax

does not speak for the trees If we listened to the Lorax we would either have hundreds of thousands of acres of mismanaged forests or suburbs and strip malls as far as the eye could see Very few people can afford to own land and manage it well without it generating revenue Thatrsquos why itrsquos so important to keep working forests workingrdquo

Fused with a strong work ethic Lynettarsquos blend of passion common sense and knowledge earned

her a spot in FFArsquos leadership team In 2012 Griner became president of the organization the first female to do so in its 91 year history The secret to her success

ldquoI found something I believe in wholeheartedly As I became immersed in it opportunities opened

up as a result Itrsquos amazing how that works isnrsquot itrdquo she asked wryly ldquoThe more you do the more opportunities you findrdquo

Why does she care about working forests

11

ldquoWorking forests are so important to Floridarsquos environment and to our economy Countless wildlife species depend on them for habitat 70000 Floridians depend on them for jobsrdquo Griner explained ldquoWe need working forests for water recharge areas natural air filtration and an unbelievable amount of products we use every day Did you know that trees are used for everything from your cell phone screen to your breakfast bar and toothpasterdquo

Griner continued ldquoI have to confess that I get a little irritated every time I hear someone bragging that

they saved a tree by not using a paper grocery bag or printing something If you want to save trees use that bag and print that document Thatrsquos how you create the demand for forest products that will keep tree farmers in business and growing more trees The real question is do you want to save a tree or would you rather save a forestrdquo

After a pause she answered her own question ldquoI donrsquot want to save a forest I want to save lots of

them Thatrsquos what drives merdquo Alan Shelby FFArsquos executive vice president added Grinerrsquos natural affinity for people to the list of

qualities that help her succeed ldquoEveryone who knows Lynetta knows that she cares about working forests and they have no doubt that she cares about the people involved in the industry as wellrdquo he said ldquoAlso they see how hard she works They know she walks the walk not just talks the talkrdquo

The Griners have been recognized for their particular brand of ldquowalking the walkrdquo multiple times

over the years Usher Land and Timber was named Logger of the Year on state regional and national levels They have also received Audubonrsquos Sustainable Forestry Award and this year earned a County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) designation

In addition to her work with FFA Lynetta served on the Suwannee River Water Management District

Governing Board for 14 years (as Chairman for 10 of those years) as president of Friends of Fanning Inc a Citizen Support Organization that benefits Fanning Springs State Park and as president and director of the Chiefland Chamber of Commerce She is currently very active in supporting Haven Hospice of the Tri-Counties in its fundraising efforts Ken and Lynetta are both charter members of the Suwannee Valley Rotary Club

Lynetta also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Drummond Community Bank

Drummond Community Bank based in Chiefland Florida receives BauerFinancialrsquos highest rating of 5 Stars as well as Weiss Ratings of ldquoArdquo

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced November 18th that Lynetta Griner

has been named the 2013 Woman of the Year in Agriculture The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Fair Authority sponsor the award It is scheduled to be presented to Lynetta Griner during the 2014 Florida State Fair in Tampa currently scheduled from February 6th through the 17th

Another cause Lynetta and Ken share a passion for is the Log a Load for Kids campaign benefitting

the Childrenrsquos Miracle Network at Shands Hospital in Gainesville Ken is past state chair and current district chair for the organization

Together they help host the annual Tommy Usher Log a Load for Kids Golf Classic in memory of her

brother ldquoIrsquove heard that your checkbook register shows what really matters to yourdquo Griner said ldquoBut I think your whole life should reflect your values Thatrsquos my definition of success anyway ldquo

By Lee Ann Fisch Director of Communications Florida Forestry Association

12


2013-2014 Committee Chairs

Ad Hoc Affiliate Membership Laura Wendell

lwendellwsh-lawcom

Ad Hoc Career Center Karen Howe

adminfawlorg

Ad Hoc Membership Benefits Brittany Maxey

bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom

Ad Hoc Pay Disparity Dora Acherman

dadora-achermancom

Awards Kyleen Hinkle

kahcontractgmailcom

Communications Kim Hastings

kmhastingskmhlegalcom

Development Stephanie Wartemberg

stephanieemeraldcoastestatelawcom

Governance Robin Bresky

rbreskybreskyappellatecom

Legislative Jennifer Sullivan Davis

jenguildaylawcom

Mattie Belle Davis Society Mary Ann Etzler

maryannmilleretzlerlawcom

Member Advancement and Promotion Lauren Wendell

lwendellwsh-lawcom Susan Healy

shealyvernonhealycom

Membership Kristin Norse

knorsekmf-lawcom

Mentoring Twyla Sketchley

twylasketchleylawcom

Young Lawyers Section Committee of FAWL Jennifer Shoaf Richardson

jrichardsonappellate-firmcom

Professionalism Can Save the Profession (and Yourself)

By Caroline Johnson Levine

In that brief interview you were a ldquoconsummate professionalrdquo You were on your best behavior and you presented the best version of yourself In fact you were the perfect version of yourself So perfect that you received a job offer and began a career with the hope of a brighter future that would lead to job security a growing salary and greater responsibility

Given an incredible opportunity to achieve success you dove into your job like a hungry shark gob-

bling up as much work as you could find and demonstrating that you were the ldquogo tordquo person to always get the job done and the case won Why then as time passed did you not receive the benefits of being such a hard worker Because in every profession professionalism is everything

The National Association of Women Lawyers 2012 Survey on the Retention and Promotion of Women

in Law Firms clearly demonstrates that female attorneys are remaining stagnant or appear to be falling be-hind in professional growth even as society becomes more reliant on working women2 In fact the survey found that female attorneys ldquostill typically hold only 20 of the positions on a firmrsquos highest governance committee and only 4 of firms have a woman as the firm-wide managing partnerrdquo3 An important question to be answered is will diligent female attorneys always travel down a one-way street where the hard work-er is giving plenty of work and no reward How can this trend be reversed and how can women enjoy equal professional growth

A frequently professed answer to this dilemma is to promote educational initiatives regarding the many benefits of diversity in the work place Nevertheless an equally effective and perhaps more powerful approach begins with encouraging an exceedingly high level of professionalism An education in profession-alism can be the key to rising to leadership in the legal arena Further an openness to self-improvement is critical to this process as demonstrated In re Code for Resolving Professionalism Complaints which asserts that ldquoprofessionalism involves principles character critical and reflective judgment along with an understanding of ourselves and others working in and under stressful circumstancesrdquo4

A consummate professional treats everyone she meets as a potential client including opposing coun-sel and litigants An ever present smile kindness empathy humility and amiability can ensure a large re-duction in verbal and written conflict Alternatively disrespectful behavior towards an opponent results in a degradation of the profession of law lower pay less value for services possible Bar complaints and certainly

ldquoDiscourage litigation Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser---in fees expenses and waste of time As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man [or woman] There will still be business enoughrdquo1

~ Abraham Lincoln

14

Do you remember how you presented yourself at your first interview to begin your legal career You were dressed in your very best and most professional suit and you thoughtfully chose every word that you expressed You spoke in the most professional manner and did not discuss any negative aspect of your personal or professional life You certainly did not do anything to embarrass yourself Further you always had a positive response to a negative interviewer and you kept your guard up in order to ensure that you maintained a professional composure

15

more headaches More importantly practicing with professionalism will certainly not hurt the facts or the law in any legal matter Every interaction can mirror a job interview with a demonstration of gratitude for the opportunity to be a member of The Florida Bar Further every attorney can build credibility and enhance her career development through professionalism competence and diligence

Abraham Lincoln asserted that lawyers can be peacemakers between two opposing parties However ldquoaggressive representationrdquo in the modern era has unfortunately become more important than successful resolutions Of course it is entirely possible to file legal motions and argue the facts and law of a case in court without being confrontational or uncivilized Incivility and unprofessionalism have resulted in the degradation of the publicrsquos perception of attorneys and injures many attorneysrsquo quality of life and level of satisfaction with their legal careers

Significantly there are increasing efforts to reverse this negative trend and enact steps to secure

dignity for legal practitioners The Florida Supreme Courtrsquos ldquoProfessionalism Commission has concluded that we continue to experience significant [incivility] problems that are unacceptable requiring further and more concrete action Surveys of both lawyers and judges continue to consistently reflect that professionalism is one of the most significant adverse problems that negatively impacts the practice of law in Florida todayrdquo5

Aspiring to minimize negativity in the practice of law the Supreme Court promulgated two methods

for informally and efficiently resolving complaints of attorney incivility and unprofessionalism One method is to utilize the resolution process of The Florida Bar Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) which screens allegations of unprofessionalism and may choose to cure the behavior without referring the complaint for disciplinary proceedings in The Florida Barrsquos Lawyer Regulation Department The second method is to require each circuit to develop a Local Professionalism Panel (LPP) which may act upon complaints regarding unprofessional conduct without the need for disciplinary sanctions The Commissionrsquos efforts are aimed at identifying methods to enforce the Barrsquos standards of professionalism without impeding the administration of justice

The Florida Bar and the Supreme Court have clearly demonstrated that unprofessional behavior will be punished In The Florida Bar v Ratiner an attorney was suspended for violating Rules 3-43 4-35 4-44(a) and 4-84 (a and d) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar for losing his temper during a video deposition and engaging in tactics intended to intimidate the witness and opposing counsel6 Additionally in The Florida Bar v Abramson an attorney was suspended for violating Rules 4-35(a) 4-35(c) 4-82(a) and 4-84(d) by engaging in obstreperous exchanges with the court and arguing to prospective jurors that ldquothe judge was the one that was completely disrespectful lacking in respect lacking in professionalism and it was not me he violated the procedures he violated the rules he was disrespectful and he was unprofessional not merdquo7 Further in The Florida Bar v Mitchell The Florida Bar disciplined attorneys for violating Rule 3-43 (commission of an act that is contrary to justice) and Rule 4-84 (conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice) Evidence in this disciplinary matter demonstrated unprofessional email exchanges which bitterly degenerated into name calling and insulting each attorneyrsquos intelligence competence and family members One of the less scandalous emails stated ldquoWow you are delusional What kind of drugs are you on I can handle anything a little punk like you can dish out otherwise go back to your single wide trailer in the dumps of Pennsylvania and get a liferdquo8 Unfortunately incivility and unprofessionalism is a recurring problem that injures the profession and results in social and economic harm to the practice of law

Importantly an attorney should consider the costs and stress associated with a Florida Bar investigation The cost of retaining an attorney during the investigation fees to reimburse the Barrsquos cost of investigation fees for a professionalism workshop and lost client revenue for the time spent defending oneself or serving a suspension could easily reach $10000 or more Additionally the long-term effects of an attorneyrsquos unprofessional behavior and antagonistic reputation could result in the failure to be appointed to a committee judicial position or obtain certification in onersquos area of legal expertise9

Some encouraging news is that unprofessional behavior can be easily corrected The Report and Rec-ommendations of The Florida Barrsquos 2012 Hawkins Commission on Review of the Discipline System revealed that 90 percent of the attorneys who entered into diversionary ldquoPractice and Professionalism Enhancement Programsrdquo such as ethics school professionalism workshops or anger management workshops had no sub-sequent history of disciplinary problems

Every attorney who is admitted to The Florida Bar must give an Oath of Admission and state ldquoto op-posing parties and their counsel I pledge fairness integrity and civility not only in court but also in all writ-ten and oral communications [and] I will abstain from all offensive personality rdquo Further The Florida Bar Henry Latimer Centerrsquos Creed of Professionalism provides the perfect guidepost to succeed in the court-room and in the office A portion of the Creed states ldquoI revere the law the judicial system and the legal pro-fession and will at all times in my professional and private lives uphold the dignity and esteem of each I will further my professionrsquos devotion to public service and to the public good [Further] I will abstain from all rude disrespectful and abusive behavior and will at all times act with dignity decency and courtesyrdquo

An excellent step in the development of an attorneysrsquo professional education is to join voluntary Bar

Associations More importantly this entry into new territory must necessarily include much more than a payment of association fees and attending large lunch gatherings A professional education begins when there is an active participation in committees which are the backbone of the association Real engagement will result in a transformative process where an attorney will discover how much opportunity there is to give to others and alternatively develop necessary ldquopeople skillsrdquo Accordingly it is important to be patient and develop your diplomacy credentials in order to have opportunities to participate in various associations More significantly female leaders in Bar associations can be the best role models for attorneys who wish to become more proficient in professionalism and diplomacy

It is truly amazing how many professionalism qualities are developed by giving back through Bar as-

sociations Civility efforts can be promoted through educational pro-grams and social events for the legal and local community Further planning charitable events presenting continuing legal education programs and giving civics lessons in schools all benefit the legal profession the practitioner and the publicrsquos percep-tion of attorneys Active participation in Bar associations enhances onersquos leadership edu-cational and benev-olence skills which benefit all legal practitioners by raising the standard of professionalism in the practice of law

Women in leadership positions are powerful role models and may provide the best education for at-

torneys regarding professionalism as a quintessential component of success Engaging in self-analysis and a willingness to consider how a lack of professionalism could be the weakest link in onersquos career development requires an active effort However proactive professionalism can change an attorneyrsquos professional trajectory and the legal profession entirely

Attorneys make a difference in the lives of others in every legal undertaking In each and every one of

those experiences there is an opportunity to enhance the profession and build a positive public image A highly professional attorney will always advance in her career which can then provide endless opportunities to pull other women up in the necessary ascension of the professional ladder

Caroline Johnson Levine is the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers Vice President of Mem-bership She is also an appointed member of FAWLrsquos MAP and Governance Committees and an appointed member of The Florida Barrsquos Professionalism Committee

1 The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln Volume II ldquoNotes for a Law Lecturerdquo (July 1 1850) 2 See 2012 Report of the Seventh Annual NAWL National Survey on Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms available at httpnawltimberlakepublishingcomfilesNAWL20201220Survey20Report20finalpdf 3 The 2012 NAWL Report page 5 4 See In re Code for Resolving Professionalism Complaints 116 So3d 280 (Fla 2013) 5 Id at 281 6 The Florida Bar v Ratiner 46 So3d 35 (Fla 2010) 7 The Florida Bar v Abramson 3 So3d 964 (Fla 2009) 8 The Florida Bar v Mitchell 46 So3d 1003 (Fla 2010) 9 See Rule 6-35(c)(6) of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar

16

Legislative Corner By Jennifer Sullivan Davis 2013-2014 Legislative Director

FAWL SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

MAKING PREGNANCY A PROTECTED CLASS

The Florida Association for Women Lawyers supports legislation that would make pregnancy a protected class under the Florida Civil Rights Act (Chapter 760 Florida Statutes) This is NOT just a womenrsquos issue and we want you to help us ensure that the Florida Legislature passes legislation to make our state civil rights laws consistent with federal civil rights laws Senate Bill 220 and House Bill 105 are the proposed bills sponsored by Senator Geraldine Thompson and House Representative Lori Berman that would add pregnancy as a protected status and prohibit employers from discriminating against pregnant women and from using their pregnancy status as the basis for decisions regarding hiring promotions or determining salary or benefits It would also prohibit discrimination against pregnant women in public places and in lodging establishments UPDATE The week of December 8 2013 the Florida Legislaturersquos Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee unanimously passed SB 220 FAWL members are urged to contact your local legislative delegation and voice your support to make pregnancy a protected class under Florida law For more information please contact Jen Sullivan Davis FAWLrsquos Legislative Director at jenguildaylawcom or Bib Willis at bibwilliscomcastnet

Save the Date

March 13 amp 14 2013 Tallahassee Florida

17

GrayRobinson Names Orlando Shareholder

Mayanne Downs

Chair of Litigation Department GrayRobinson PA has appointed shareholder Mayanne Downs as chair of GrayRobinsonrsquos litigation department In this role she will lead the firmrsquos largest practice group and guide its more than 150 members across the state of Florida ldquoI have had the pleasure of knowing Mayanne for more than 30 years and was thrilled when she joined GrayRobinsonrdquo said GrayRobinson President and Managing Director Byrd F ldquoBiffrdquo Marshall Jr ldquoI am pleased that she agreed to accept my appointment of her as chair and I have full confidence she will exceed expectations in this rolerdquo Downs has been an influential member of the Central Florida business community for more than 35 years and has practiced law for more than 25 years Her practice areas include commercial litigation appellate law and high-stakes domestic matters Downs also has served as the City Attorney of Orlando since 2007 overseeing 25 lawyers and providing counsel to the mayor and city commission Downs is the former president of The Florida Bar and has also been recognized by Florida Trends Legal Elite Florida Super Lawyers Martindale-Hubbell Best Lawyers in America and Orlando Magazines 50 Most Powerful People in addition to being recommended by the state Judicial Nominating Commission for appointment to Floridas 5th District Court of Appeal Downs is the 2013 Florida Association for Women Lawyers Rosemary Barkett Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient She previously served as president of the Orange County Bar Association president of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association and president of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers Throughout her career she has handled a wide array of matters including eminent domain litigation and trials personal injury cases shareholder and business disputes statutory shareholder-valuation matters non-compete litigation legal malpractice defense state and federal appellate matters and family and domestic matters involving high-net-worth and high-profile individuals She managed one of the largest divorce settle-ments on record reaching more than $200 million in addition to class actions representation of lawyers and law firms jury and nonjury trials and appeals involving matters of first impression ldquoAfter serving as chair for more than 15 years Irsquom pleased to turn over the reins to Mayannerdquo said Jef-frey D Keiner shareholder and immediate past chair of the litigation practice ldquoI have full confidence that she will be a strong leader for the practice and will continue its growth and success well into the futurerdquo GrayRobinsons litigation department is comprised of more than 150 attorneys experienced at every level of the court system and has a long history of providing powerful representation throughout the state of Florida on a range of complex disputes Through a client-centered approach the department evaluates all available options to resolve disputes including negotiation arbitration and mediation among others Throughout her career and in each and every leadership position she has held Mayanne Downs has made it her business to support Floridarsquos women attorneys and to voice our concerns She has served as men-tor formally and informally to countless women attorneys She is a role model to us all

18

BARRY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (Student Chapter) Jayde Coleman jaydecolemanlawbarryedu BREVARD COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Bethanne Cutshall bethcutshalllawfirmcom BROWARD COUNTY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION Julie Hough juliehoughbrinkleymorgancom CENTRAL FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Barbara J Leach barbarableachlawcom CLARA GEHAN ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS (EIGHTH CIRCUIT) Marcy LaHart marcyfloridaanimallawyercom COLLIER COUNTY WOMENrsquoS BAR ASSOCIATION Tara Alene Mucha tmuchacomcastnet FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY WOMEN IN LAW (Student Chapter) Jaclyn OConnor jocon001fiuedu FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY WOMENrsquoS LAW SYMPOSIUM (Student Chapter) Elizabeth Beck eeb08cmyfsuedu HILLSBOROUGH ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Irene A Bassel Frick irenebasselakermancom JACKSONVILLE WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

Yekaterina Kate Mesic katemesiclawcom LEE COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Danielle Maureen Zemola dzemolaGAD-Lawcom MANATEE COUNTY FAWL Libby A McNary lammcnarylegalcom MARION COUNTY FAWL Shanta Matthews Shantadanhightowercom MARTIN COUNTY FAWL Heather Wallace-Bridwell heatherbridwellstuart-lawnet

MIAMI-DADE FAWL Sherrill M Colombo sherrilcolombowilsonelsercom NORTHWEST FLORIDA CHAPTERmdashPENSACOLA Jill W Warren jwwpensacoladivorcecom NOVA LAW CENTER CHAPTER (Student Chapter) Lauren Taylor Clifton lc1243novaedu PALM BEACH COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Allison Lane laneallihotmailcom PINELLAS COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Alexandra O White awhitewwzlegalcom SARASOTA FAWL Teresa K Bowman tkbowmanboyerjacksoncom SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY FAWL Laurie Thompson lauriethompsoncomcastnet STETSON UNIVERSITY (Student Chapter) Rachael Bushey rbusheylawstetsonedu ST THOMAS UNIVERSITY (Student Chapter) Katrina Acosta kacostastuedu TALLAHASSEE WOMEN LAWYERS Linda Bond Edwards ledwardsrumbergercom THIRD CIRCUIT FAWL (TCAWL) Laura Fouraker-Gardner lauraanntaxattorneycomcastbiznet THOMAS COOLEY (Student Chapter) Mao Lee leemaocooleyedu UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (Student Chapter) Celeste Thacker celestethackerufledu UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF LAW MIAMI LAW WOMEN (Student Chapter) Julianne S Bisceglia jsbiscegliagmailcom VOLUSIAFLAGLER ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS Amanda J Jacobsen ajacobsendaytonalawcom

Florida Association for Women Lawyers 2013 - 2014 Chapter Presidents

19

20

A Heritage of Professionalism from Clara Gehan (1909-1992)

Excerpts from the Presentation Clara Floyd Gehan ndash A Trailblazer in the Legal Profession delivered by Zelda Hawk Attorney at the Clara Gehan Association for Women Lawyersrsquo

Women in the Law History Challenges amp Opportunities Forum November 1 2013 University of Florida Levin School of Law

Clara Floyd Gehan was the first woman matriculate from the University of Florida College of Law graduating with honors in 1933 with the highest overall grade average of her class Upon graduation she worked as a legal secretary and as an attorney for no pay as area firms were not yet ready to accept a lady as an attorney Thereafter for over 50 years her practice focused on real property and probate law in Gainesville Florida She served as President and as a Director of the local bar association in the 1940rsquos 1950rsquos and 1960rsquos In the 1970rsquos Governor Reuben Askew appointed her to two terms on the Eighth Circuit Bar Association Nominating Commission and she taught Legal Ethics at the UF Law School During this time she was also instrumental in establishing organizations that still provide legal aid to the poor in North Central Florida In 1963 Clara Gehan began her service on the Gainesville Advisory Bi-Racial Committee serving as chair following the Mayorrsquos initial service as chair Although this committee was only advisory in nature and not everyone agreed with the committeersquos objectives she secured local business leadersrsquo willing agreement to cease racial segregation by urging them to be ldquogood sports and cooperaterdquo In a letter dated June 1 2006 US District Judge Stephan Mickle Northern District of Florida stated

She saw the practice of law as a means to seek justice for all rather than a means to amass private fortune Ms Gehan understood that equal access to the law is essential for a just society To that end she performed countless hours of legal work at a reduced fee or for no fee fulfilling the highest aspirations of public service in the law

Ms Gehan moreover was respected for her intelligence and legal skill Even those who

thought it was unfitting for a woman to practice law begrudgingly admitted she was sharp Yet she possessed the gentle manners of a consummate diplomat Nothing demonstrates this more than the success Ms Gehan had in her efforts to desegregate public accommodations in the City of Gainesville Ms Gehan chaired the public service committee that met with area businesses convincing almost all to desegregate voluntarily before the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 The task could not be accomplished without true leadership and persuasive skill

Clara Gehan in 1965 after concluding her successful service persuading local businesses to desegregate public accommodations through the Gainesville Advisory Bi-Racial Committee

ldquoIf you get people behind you you can by gentle persuasion accomplish a great deal -- and do it with more gracerdquo

21

On a more personal level Ms Gehan helped many new lawyers establish footing in a legal profession that was not always welcome to outsiders I remember her as a kind person who was willing to share her wisdom and experience with all Ms Gehan possessed a rare combination of skill grace and determination that made her a highly-effective person who accomplished much for the public good

hellip[H]aving that ethics class with Mrs Gehan was for me like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel It changed the way I looked at the practice of law which changed the way I looked at law school I think her calm and confident graceful and firm presence and her teachings in that ethics class were her way of paying it forward She was a model for me of what a woman lawyer could be likehellip hellipI learned more about the real practice of law at that lunch table than I did in any clerkship There I had a chance to interact with women mainly Mrs Gehan who had done it all before She knew who was helpful in the Clerkrsquos office which Judicial Assistant would check your file before a hearing to be sure all the requisite things had been filed how to order a set of Florida Statutes However as valuable as that inside information was more important was the modeling of behavior In hearing Mrs Gehan talk about an interesting legal issue or about an infuriating opposing attorney or about a thorny procedural problem we younger lawyers could see what it was like to be a lady lawyer Mrs Gehan was always concerned about her clients always a professional always handled issues with grace and calm confidence

Clara Gehan received the Florida Bar Pro Bono Award in 1982 and the Pro Bono Public Award in 1986 from the Supreme Court of Florida Posthumously she was the first woman inducted into the University of Florida College of Lawrsquos Heritage of Leadership Recognition Society in 2006 Clara Gehan demonstrated how an excellent sense of humor facilitates professionalism When mistaken for a court reporter by a young male attorney she lightly replied ldquoDonrsquot worry I thought you were the valetrdquo In conclusion Clara Gehanrsquos noble leadership and modeling of professionalism bestows to all of us the treasured heritage of her graciousness and gentility Let us avail ourselves of this inheritance

Beginning in 1974 Ms Gehan initiated her efforts to call together the women practicing law in Gainesville for lunch once a month She graciously provided suggestions and assistance to less experienced attorneys and soon became a mentor and important role model At Ms Gehanrsquos urging this group of ldquoLady Lawyersrdquo ndash which did not exclude men ndash became a chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers in 1985 then known as ldquo8FAWLrdquo Cynthia Stump Swanson a successful law firm owner practicing in the areas of Family Law and Probate who had the privilege of taking Ms Gehanrsquos Ethics course at UF and later participating in Ms Gehanrsquos ldquolady lawyer lunchesrdquo in Gainesville wrote in a letter dated June 9 2006

22

Barbara Krumsiek Talks to Women Entrepreneurs about Corporations Careers and Choices

Calvert CEO discusses why so few women are top corporate leaders and provides insights to navigating three distinct phases in womenrsquos careers

At the fourth annual Tedx BayArea Global Women Entrepreneurs event on December 7 2013 Calvert Chief Economic Officer Barbara Krumsiek addressed an important question for women building their career Why arenrsquot we there yet Before Barbara Krumsiek shared her insights underlying the question Why arenrsquot we there yet she defined some key words ldquoWerdquo are working women particularly those in corporations ldquothererdquo refers to full equality opportunity access to capital and seats at the board table and in the Cndashsuite and ldquoyetrdquo is now According to Krumsiek many corporations are systemically flawed She has seen this in her 40ndashyear career within large corporate environments and through her work at Calvert Investments assessing companies Over time flaws become embedded in a companyrsquos operating culture Even companies deemed as highly successful have some intrinsic flaws An example of one systemic flaw is that diversity is not sufficiently represented in top leadership positions in our countryrsquos top 100 companies Through research and other studies Calvert has found that gender equity mdash which can be a proxy for other diversity mdash is a key indicator of a companyrsquos successes including financial success Krumsiek contends that most Cndashcorps are really hendashcorps since the lionrsquos share of positions in upper management mdash including board of director seats mdash are held by men Although wellndasheducated and often wellndashprepared for leadership women are not yet at parity with their male counterparts In the 100 largest companies in the US women occupy only 14 of senior executive positions and only 4 of CEO positions Getting to parity will take time To that end Krumsiek offers women some insights and advice based on her own career journey Barbara Krumsiek divides a womanrsquos career into three stages Meritocracy the Messy Middle and Leadership Meritocracy is the first stage of a womanrsquos career and denotes a system in which talent is recognized and rewarded It is not unusual for women to spend a decade or more in Meritocracy Learning growing and planning are important in this stage But compensation is the keystone of Meritocracy It is in Meritocracy however that many women experience a wagendashgap with their male peers a notable systemic flaw of many corporate cultures and typically unrelated to actual job performance The Messy Middle is likely the most challenging stage of a womanrsquos career and often the longest This is the place where a corporationrsquos toxic culture may cause a woman to lose selfndashconfidence or believe that her career opportunities are limited It is in this career dangerndashzone that many talented women with high leadership potential drop out of the corporate workforce The reasons for leaving vary but Krumsiek believes that the exodus has much to do with the intrinsic flaws associated with the politics and cultures of large organizations Leadership is the position to which many career women aspire It is at the far end of the career spectrum and still largely closed to women Today women hold only 8 of the five highest paid positions within top companies Women also comprise only 19 of SampP 100 companiesrsquo director seats Corporations are guided by their boards and most top American companies simply do not have enough women serving on corporate boards

Based on her experiences Krumsiek offers career advice to women in each of the three career stages

Meritocracy Donrsquot let anyone else fill in the blanks Women need to find discreet ways to share their strengths with leaders and peers Competent ambitious women can easily be overlooked or blatantly ignored if they are not adept at the subtle art of selfndashpromotion If you donrsquot tell your own story you run the risk of someone else improvising it for you mdash and getting it wrong Krumsiek advises ldquoKnow your strengths and find ways to let others know how competent you are Have confidence in yourself and write your own storyrdquo The Messy Middle To move ahead think obstacle course instead of corporate ladder Change your thinking about climbing the corporate ladder and instead think of your career as an obstacle course When assessing the business landscape be guided by your gut as well as your intellect Use positive politics whenever necessary ldquoCompassion and competition can coexist when you picture your career as an obstacle course and not a ladderrdquo notes Krumsiek Leadership Declare your life balanced No one can mdash or should mdash dictate how you balance your life ldquoWhatever you choose as your life balance is rightrdquo says Krumsiek Avoid othersrsquo advice or judgments on having or not having it all Do what is best for you own it and declare it

In conclusion Barbara Krumsiek encourages women to make an impact by staying informed supporting other women in their careers facing challenges and challenging others and investing in change To do so will get women to wherever ldquothererdquo may be in the Why arenrsquot we there yet quandary

Printed Courtesy of Calvert Investments Inc Melinda Lovins Media Relations Manager Barbara J Krumsiek is Chair President and CEO of Calvert Investments Inc Calvert manages over $125 billion in assets for individual investors retirement plans pension funds endowments amp foundations and high net worth investors Ms Krumsieks career in the investment business spans over three decades Prior to becoming Calverts President amp CEO in 1997 she served as Managing Director at Alliance Capital Management LP (now AllianceBernstein Asset Management Company) in New York City As head of Calvert she has successfully advocated on issues relating to the advancement of women in business including efforts to increase the representation of women on corporate boards Under her leadership the Calvert Womens Principles were created in 2004 marking the first global code of corporate conduct focusing exclusively on empowering advancing and investing in women worldwide The Principles have since become the basis for the Gender Equality Principles an initiative of the City of San Francisco Department on the Status of Women and the Womens Empowerment Principles which is a collaborative effort between UNIFEM and the UN Global Compact For this work in 2010 she received the CEDAW Womens Human Rights Award Ms Krumsiek currently serves on several private and non-profit boards She is a Board member of Pepco Holdings Inc the Eugene and Agnes E Meyer Foundation Calvert Foundation and Girl Scouts USA Currently she serves on the Executive Committee of the Federal City Council She is a former Chair of the Greater Washington Board of Trade Ms Krumsiek has been cited often for her leadership and influence in business In 2013 she was recognized as one of Washington Business Journals Power 100 Most Powerful Women by Washingtonian Magazine and won the Private Sector Woman of the Year Award from Financial Womens Association of New York In 2012 she was awarded the Columbia University Business Schools Botwinick Prize in Business Ethics She was also honored as a Washington Business Hall of Fame Laureate in 2009 Graduating Phi Beta Kappa with honors from Douglass College Rutgers University Ms Krumsiek received a Bachelors degree in mathematics She received an MS in mathematics from New York University In May 2002 Georgetown University awarded Ms Krumsiek the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa citing her work in advancing the critical dialogue regarding the role of business in society In May 2012 American University awarded her the Degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa Ms Krumsiek a native New Yorker resides in Washington DC with her husband Bart Leonard and their two daughters

23

If yoursquore a woman who owns a small business yoursquove got plenty of company Women own more than 10 million US companies and women-owned businesses account for about 40 of all privately held firms in the US according to the Center for Womenrsquos Business Research The good news is that women are entering the small-business arena at a rapid pace The not-so-good news is that many women face a retirement savings gap in comparison to male business owners To get a sense of this gap consider these statistics According to the US Small Business Administrationrsquos Office of Advocacy 194 of male

business owners have 401(k) or similar plans compared with just 155 of women owners The percentage of female business owners with Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) is about

the same as that of male business owners mdash but the men have more money in their accounts The average womanrsquos IRA balance is about $51000 compared with $91000 for men according to a recent report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute Although these figures change constantly with the ebbs and flow of the market the difference between the genders remains significant

One way to help close this savings gap is for more women to set up retirement plans for their businesses But for many business owners the perceived cost of setting up and running a retirement plan has been an obstacle Fortunately the retirement plan market has advanced considerably for small business owners over the past several years reducing expenses and enhancing the ease of administering quality plans This enables owners to build resources for their own retirement mdash and help attract and retain good employees With the help of a financial professional consider some of the myriad of plans available Owner-only 401(k) mdash This plan which is also known as an individual 401(k) is available to self-

employed individuals and business owners with no full-time employees other than themselves or a spouse A Roth option also exists for 401(k) plans allowing after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free

SEP IRA mdash Firms with just a few employees or solo firms with no employees may want to

consider a SEP IRA SEP IRA plans must cover all eligible employees and are funded with tax-deductible contributions

Solo defined benefit plan mdash Pension plans also known as defined benefit plans still exist to help

business owners prepare for the future Such plans have high contribution limits determined by an actuarial calculation and contributions are typically tax-deductible Continued on page 28

24

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Women Business Owners Need Retirement Plans

Submitted by Kathryn M Lancaster Financial Advisor Edward Jones 220-2 North Main Street Chiefland Florida 32626

Kathrynlancasteredwardjonescom Office (352) 493-4948

The Mattie Belle Davis Society

FAWL established the Mattie Belle Davis Society in 2004 in honor of Judge Davis to enable FAWL members to contribute directly to FAWLrsquos key initiatives Judge Davis a founding member of FAWL remained active in FAWL until her death fifty-three years later Judge Davis inspires us all with her life-long commitment to equal opportunity justice and the success of women in the law

Mattie Belle Davis Society Members

Laura K Wendell Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Cole amp Boniske 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd Ste 700 Coral Gables FL 33134 lwendellwsh-lawcom Phone 305-854-0800

Susan R Healy Vernon Healy 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 200 Naples FL 34108 shealyvernonhealycom Phone 239-649-5390

Mary Watts Colon Smith Thompson Shaw Minacci amp Colon 3520 Thomasville Road 4th Floor Tallahassee FL 32309 marybethcstslawcom Phone 850-893-4105

Wendy Loquasto Fox amp Loquasto PA 1201 Hays Street Suite 100 Tallahassee FL 32301 wendyloquastoflappealcom Phone 850-425-1333

25

Tasha K Dickinson Jones Foster Johnston amp Stubbs PA 505 S Flagler Dr 1100 West Palm Beach FL 33401 tdickinsonjonesfostercom Phone 561-650-0439

Gigi Rollini Holland amp Knight LLP PO Drawer 810 315 S Calhoun Street Suite 600 Tallahassee FL 32302 gigirollinihkgmailcom Phone 850-425-5627

Harvey E Baxter Judicial Hearing Officer - 8th Circuit Post Office Box 340 Starke FL 32091 hb964hotmailcom Phone 904-966-6319

Dora Acherman Dora Acherman Esq 1111 Park Centre Boulevard Suite 450 Miami FL 33169 dadora-achermancom Phone 305-625-0949 ex211

Kathryn McLeod Lancaster Edward Jones 220 - 2 North Main Street Chiefland FL 32626 kathrynlancasteredwardjonescom Phone 352-493-4948

Dianne Olivia Fischer Akerman Senterfitt 350 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1600 Ft Lauderdale FL 33301 deedeefischerakermancom Phone 954-759-6070

Elizabeth R Wellborn Elizabeth R Wellborn PA 350 Jim Moran Boulevard Suite 100 Deerfield Beach FL 33442 ewellbornerwlawcom Phone 954-354-3544 ex215

Diane B Hernandez Hernandez Hicks amp Valois 5800 N Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale FL 33309 khassonhhdefensecom Phone 954-938-1920

Melissa B Medrano Kelley Uustal 700 SE 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 mbmkulawcom Phone 954-522-6601

Misty Priest The Priest Firm LLC 1010 N 12th Ave Ste 235 Pensacola FL 32501 mistygulfcoasttaxlawcom Phone 850-438-1040

Thea Leigh Janeway Citigroup 5841 Estes Lane Wesley Chapel FL 33545 theajaneway12gmailcom Phone 813-494-4600

Susan B Ramsey Gary Roberts amp Associates PA 324 Datura Street Suite 223 West Palm Beach FL 33401 sussanpalmbeachtrialattorneynet Phone 561-686-1800

Mattie Belle Davis Society Members Continued

26

Gwendolyn Graham FL 2nd Congressional Candidate 3224 Whitman Way Tallahassee FL 32311 gwengrahamgmailcom Phone 850-766-1815

Megan Rogers Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics 2633 Vista Parkway West Palm Beach FL 33458 mrogers0415gmailcom Phone 561-233-0727

Christopher Jarvinen Berger Singerman LLP 1450 Brickell Avenue Suite 1900 Miami FL 33131 cjarvinenbergersingermancom Phone 305-714-4363

John Jack Harkness The Florida Bar 651 E Jefferson Street Tallahassee FL 32399 jharknessflabarorg Phone 850-561-5758

Stephanie Harriett 8668 Navarre Pkwy 156 Navarre Florida 325662185 stephanieemeraldcoastestatelawcom Phone 850-208-3009

Kyleen Hinkle 401 Terra Ceia Road Terra Ceia FL 34250-0126 kahcontractgmailcom Phone 813-393-8562

Anneli Nystrand Family Law Center PA 2490 Laurelwood Ct Tallahassee FL 32308 annelinystrandlawcom Phone 850-241-3914

Kimberly Bessenaire Stone Glass amp Connolly 1331 S Federal Highway Unit 517 Boynton Beach FL 33435 kbessenairesgc-attorneyscom Phone 305-670-5044

Susan Churuti Bryant Miller Olive One Tampa City Center Suite 2700 Tampa FL 33602-5816 schurutibmolawcom Phone 813-273-6677

Amanda Colon Law Office of Amanda Colon PA 8630 Government Drive Suite 102 New Port Richey FL 34654 amandaamandacolonlawcom Phone 727-375-9570

Patricia Melville Boies Schiller amp Flexner LLP 100 SE 2nd Street Suite 2800 Miami FL 33131 pmelvillebsfllpcom Phone 305-357-8412

Lindsay Gunia Foster-Morales Sockel-Stone LLC 150 West Flagler Street Penthouse II Suite 2950 Miami FL 33130 lindsayfostermoralescom Phone 305-577-0090

Neal R Sonnett Neal R Sonnett PA Two South Biscayne Boulevard Suite 2600 Miami FL 33131-1819 nrslawsonnettcom Phone 305-358-2000

Mariane L Dorris Latham Shuker Eden amp Beaudine LLP 111 N Magnolia Ave Suite 1400 Orlando FL 32801 mdorrislseblawcom Phone 407-481-5849

27

Erin Sparks Vernis amp Bowling of Broward PA 1244 Pennsylvania Ave Apt 204 Miami Beach FL 33139 esparksflorida-lawcom Phone 954-927-5330

Catherine Sobke Groelle amp Salmon PA 12012 South Shore Blvd Suite 200 Wellington FL 33414 csobkegspalawcom Phone 561-963-5500

Rob Scanlan Young Scanlan LLC 3010 West De Leon Street Suite 200 Tampa FL 33609 robyoungscanlancom Phone 813-870-3010

Fran Haasch-Jones The Fran Haasch Law Group PO Box 614 Palm Harbor FL 34682 franlawfrancom 727-784-8191

Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr SMGQ Law 201 Alhambra Plaza Suite 201 Coral Gables FL 33146 rolandsmgqlawcom Phone 305-377-1000

Zascha Abbott FordHarrison LLP 1303 Ferdinand Street Coral Gables FL 33134 zabbottfordharrisoncom Phone 305-610-2843

Janice Rustin City of Delray Beach 200 NW 1st Ave Delray Beach FL 33444 rustinmydelraybeachcom Phone 561-243-7091

Ashley B Poulter Michael P Walsh PA 501 South Flagler Drive Suite 306 West Palm Beach FL 33401 apoultermpwalshlawcom Phone 561-659-3989

28

Continued from page 24 SIMPLE IRA mdash A SIMPLE IRA as its name suggests is easy to set up and maintain and can be

a good plan for firms with fewer than 10 employees While a SIMPLE IRA may be advantageous for employees it is less generous to owners limiting allowable contributions more than an owner-only 401(k) a SEP IRA or a defined benefit plan

While women in business must spend time thinking about what needs to be done today they should not overlook planning for tomorrow mdash and should consider putting a retirement plan to work soon

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor


MEMBER BENEFITS WHAT STATE FAWL OFFERS YOU

Statewide Leadership Opportunities

Statewide Marketing Opportunities

Statewide Mentoring Opportunities

Statewide Database of FAWL Members

Networking with Women Lawyers throughout the State

Networking with Members of the Judiciary throughout the State

Community Involvement Outside of the Legal Profession

Representation at the Florida Bar Board of Governors

Advocacy for Women and Women Attorneys

Lobbyist Representation at the State Legislature

Advocacy at the Florida Bar for Member Bar Committee Appointments

Advocacy at the Florida Bar for Member JNC Appointments

Advocacy at the Governorrsquos Office for Member Judicial and State Government Appointments

Free On-Line CLE Library

Publications and Resources for Professional Development

29

IN THIS ISSUE Winter 2013

2014 Midyear Meeting 2

FAWL 2013-2014 Executive Officers 6

Letter from the Editor 7

Presidentrsquos Message 8

FAWL Past Presidents 9

Legislative Corner 17

Member Spotlight Mayanne Downs 18

FAWL 2013-2014 Chapter Presidents 19

The Mattie Belle Davis Society and Members 25

Member Benefits What State FAWL Offers You 29

Features First Woman to Lead the Florida Forestry Association Named 2013 Woman of

The Year in Agriculture 11

Professionalism Can Save the Profession (and Yourself) 14

A Heritage of Professionalism from Clara Gehan (1909-1992) 20

Barbara Krumsiek Talks to Women Entrepreneurs about Corporations Careers

and Choices 22

Financial Focus - Women Business Owners Need Retirement Plans 24

Bi-Annual Journal of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers

FAWL Journal






2








January 24 2014














3

January 24 2014

Roaring 1920s

Casino Night





Member Ticket $1920















4
























Toll Free 1-866-241-FAWL (32950

5














6

7




Winter 2013




























Brittany Maxey


8

Winter 2013

By Brittany Maxey

Presidents Message




Past Presidents

9



















11




















12




lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







knorsekmf-lawcom















~ Abraham Lincoln

14


15





















16





Save the Date


17


Mayanne Downs


18





19

20










21





22








23










24

FINANCIAL FOCUS











25














26















27









28






















29






2








January 24 2014














3

January 24 2014

Roaring 1920s

Casino Night





Member Ticket $1920















4
























Toll Free 1-866-241-FAWL (32950

5














6

7




Winter 2013




























Brittany Maxey


8

Winter 2013

By Brittany Maxey

Presidents Message




Past Presidents

9



















11




















12




lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







knorsekmf-lawcom















~ Abraham Lincoln

14


15





















16





Save the Date


17


Mayanne Downs


18





19

20










21





22








23










24

FINANCIAL FOCUS











25














26















27









28






















29

January 24 2014














3

January 24 2014

Roaring 1920s

Casino Night





Member Ticket $1920















4
























Toll Free 1-866-241-FAWL (32950

5














6

7




Winter 2013




























Brittany Maxey


8

Winter 2013

By Brittany Maxey

Presidents Message




Past Presidents

9



















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~ Abraham Lincoln

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January 24 2014

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Winter 2013

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~ Abraham Lincoln

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Winter 2013

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lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


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~ Abraham Lincoln

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Brittany Maxey


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Winter 2013

By Brittany Maxey

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lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







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~ Abraham Lincoln

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Winter 2013




























Brittany Maxey


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Winter 2013

By Brittany Maxey

Presidents Message




Past Presidents

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lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







knorsekmf-lawcom















~ Abraham Lincoln

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Winter 2013

By Brittany Maxey

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lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







knorsekmf-lawcom















~ Abraham Lincoln

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lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







knorsekmf-lawcom















~ Abraham Lincoln

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lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







knorsekmf-lawcom















~ Abraham Lincoln

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lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







knorsekmf-lawcom















~ Abraham Lincoln

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lwendellwsh-lawcom


adminfawlorg


bmaxeymaxeyiplawcom


dadora-achermancom


kahcontractgmailcom








jenguildaylawcom







knorsekmf-lawcom















~ Abraham Lincoln

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Documents

Winter 2013 Journal FINAL · women are an integral part of every aspect of business in our society. In this issue of the FAWL Journal, we highlight women breaking new ground in business