FAWL s Outstanding Chapter Award Nomination Form Deadline March 3, 2014

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1 FAWL s Outstanding Chapter Award Nomination Form Deadline March 3, 2014 FAWL s mission is to actively promote gender equality and the leadership roles of FAWL s members in the legal profession, judiciary, and community at large. To achieve these goals, FAWL will uphold the highest standards of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession; promote reform in law; and facilitate the administration of justice. FAWL s Outstanding Chapter Award is presented to a chapter that actively promotes gender equality according to the mission through its initiatives, programs, and activities. Criteria for Selection: This award is presented annually to the FAWL chapter that has most effectively (1) created new programs, events, or services and/or expanded on traditional programs, events, or services that further FAWL s mission; (2) provided programs, events, or services that encourage and assist members to become leaders in the profession and in the community; (3) sought and gained exposure and recognition in both the legal community and the community as a whole; (4) promoted diversity in the workplace, the practice of law and/or in the community; (5) successfully recruited and retained members; and (6) consistently participated in the state FAWL organization by paying dues in a timely manner, having an active chapter representative, attending meetings and functions, encouraging volunteers for committees and offices, working well with other local chapters, and assisting with FAWL projects. Chapter Nomination Eligibility: Each chapter is eligible and encouraged to nominate a local chapter for this award. Award Recipient: The award recipient will receive a five-hundred dollar ($500.00) cash award. Nomination Documentation: Please provide the biographical information on this nomination form in the space provided. Please attach a statement of nomination and the supporting materials to the nomination form. I. Chapter Information: Nominating Chapter: Broward County Women Lawyers Association Nominating Chapter s Contact Person s Name: Jennifer Erdelyi Telephone: Nominating Chapter s Address: BCWLA c/o Jennifer Erdelyi, Esq., Colodny Fass Talenfeld, 100 SE 3rd Ave., 23rd Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL II. Statement of Nomination: Succinctly describe and explain the reasons for the nomination, namely, a brief summary of why this chapter deserves the award. Limit is 250 words. III. Supporting Material: Please attach the supporting materials. Supporting materials are limited to a total of five (5) pages. Please double check to make sure you have included: I. Nomination Form II. Statement of Nomination (250 word limit) III. Supporting Materials (5 page limit) PLEASE NOTE: The information submitted for this nomination may be used for publication. The only information that will be considered for this award is the nomination form, the statement of nomination, and the supporting materials. If the nomination documentation rules are not followed the nominee will be immediately disqualified. FAWL s Outstanding Chapter Award will be announced at FAWL s Annual Meeting held in June Nominations must be submitted as one (1) pdf document via to admin@fawl.org or faxed to by 5:00 p.m. EST March 3, 2014.

2 Broward County Women Lawyers Association ( BCWLA ) Statement of Nomination for Outstanding Chapter Award The Broward Chapter of FAWL prides itself on our 34 year dedication to developing programs that educate, support, and empower women attorneys, the legal community, and the community at large. Our activities, programs, and services include Continuing Legal Education events featuring programs on Native American women and children, asset protection, family law, client advocacy, and the development of rainmaking skills. Additionally, our membership events have included mentoring, networking, and social opportunities, while our participation and partnership with local non-profit organizations has made a difference to our community at large, and has positioned our FAWL chapter as a well-respected leader in the legal community. We have provided supporting materials for your consideration, comprised of further details about our programs and events, that we trust will demonstrate the beneficial work that the Broward Chapter of FAWL has engaged in, and continues to foster. Thank you for your consideration of the Broward County Women Lawyers Association for the FAWL Outstanding Chapter Award! The following supporting materials are attached: Supplemental information regarding the Broward Chapter s programs.

3 Broward County Women Lawyers Association ( BCWLA ) Supplemental Information in Support of Outstanding Chapter Award Broward County Women Lawyers Association ( BCWLA ) was established in 1980 and incorporated in 1991 with the goal of creating a local voluntary bar association to encourage, promote, and assist women lawyers in all aspects of their lives. With an understanding that we are not simply attorneys, but also mothers, sisters, daughters and friends of the community within which we serve, the Broward Chapter of FAWL has continually provided financial scholarship, mentoring programs, judicial and diversity outreach, as well as educational seminars to highlight not only legal issues but also the mental and physical well-being of those who practice law. BCWLA, has presented incredible programs over the course of our 34 year history. Provided below for your consideration is a summary of our activities, programs, services, and events, with relevant historical information provided as appropriate Installation Luncheon BCWLA was honored to welcome the Honorable U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurel M. Isicoff to install our Board of Directors in a luncheon that was held on September 20, This event was attended by over 100 members of the legal community, including many dignitaries and members of the federal and state judiciary. The luncheon brought in nearly $8,000 in sponsorship revenue, in addition to individual tickets sales. The event also spurred us to compile a list of the Presidents of our chapter since 1980, which we learned includes current Florida State Senator Maria Lorts Sachs, and which motivated several past Presidents to resume their involvement in BCWLA. Judge Isicoff presented a compelling speech regarding the lack of women attorneys in leadership, and the need for women to reach for the top of our profession and achieve those positions. Judge Isicoff s presentation inspired our Chapter leadership to collaborate with the Broward County Bar Association to create a Women Leaders in the Law program that is currently in development. This innovative series of events will include presentations from female General Counsel of major corporations, judges, and other leaders in the law. A boot camp will offer a sessions on topics varying from communication in the workplace to networking strategies for women in the law, with a program on women of color as well. Continuing Legal Education Programs From Daunting to Doable: How to Build Positive Client Relationships and Become a Rainmaker in the Process BCWLA regularly presents programs that include Florida Bar CLE credit, which are open to our members, as well as the larger Broward County legal community. Our first CLE program of the membership year was held in October, 2013, and was entitled From Daunting to Doable: How to Build Positive Client Relationships and Become a Rainmaker in the Process. BCWLA collaborated with the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association for this event, to bring in from New York City, nationally recognized business coach Karen Kahn of Threshold Advisors. The goal of Karen s program was to send attendees back to their offices with specific actions on how to become more effective client advocates, by building positive client relationships. She teaches the what, who and how of client development. In a cocktail reception setting, Karen worked with participating attorneys in a hands-on facilitated networking exercise to teach new skills to turn networking opportunities into clients. This was a very different and fun experience that included giveaways of motivational and business books, and was enjoyed by all in attendance!

4 Maze of Injustice Issues and Concerns Involving Native American Women and Children in the Courts We followed up our October event by celebrating Native American Heritage Month with another innovative and diverse program, Maze of Injustice Issues and Concerns Involving Native American Women and Children in the Courts. Within Broward County, there are two federally recognized tribes; the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. In recent years, due to the economic success of its gaming operations, both tribes have seen an increase in domestic violence, crime, child welfare and support, divorce, and general litigation issues. Although a huge presence in South Florida, there has been little effort from any entity to educate and prepare the legal community to serve the unique cultural and legal needs of the members, particularly the women and children, of these tribes. Maze of Injustice was held in November 2013 and was attended by BCWLA members and others, including local judges, attorneys and legal counsel from the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The panel for the presentation consisted of Gigi Christopher of Holland and Knight Washington, D.C. s Native American practice and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation; Stan Wolfe, Director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida s Judicial Court; Kristie Richardson, Director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida s Family Services program; and the moderator, BCWLA Board Member and a Native American, Robert O. Saunooke. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, a major presence and employer in Broward County, sponsored this event. After the program, BCWLA received very positive feedback and more importantly, requests from the local bar and judiciary for further programs and education of this nature. In addition, the Seminole Tribe, based in large part on the post-panel discussion, has begun a dialogue with our local judges for cross-training and jurisdictional cooperation to assist in handling the complex issues involving the Tribe and jurisdictional limitations. Further details regarding this event have been submitted in our chapter s application for a FAWL Member Program Award. Hiding and Finding Assets: Money Laundering, Asset Protection and Tracing Our most recent CLE luncheon was held on February 11, Our Board identified asset protection, including legality, ethics, compliance, planning strategies, and criminal aspects such as bank and wire fraud, as a topic that would be of interest to our legal community. Our program, Hiding and Finding Assets: Money Laundering, Asset Protection and Tracing included presentations from an attorney whose practice focuses on foreign asset protection strategies, a private investigator, and Stefanie Moon, one of our own Board members, who is a former Assistant United States Attorney and now a criminal and civil litigator in her own practice. Asset protection is relevant to many different practice areas, including estate planning, business liability risk management, criminal law, and family law. Our program was attended by a total of about 100 member and nonmember attorneys and judges. Based on the excellent turnout and feedback received, this was a different topic than the continuing education programs usually presented by voluntary bar associations, and was very educational and interesting to those who attended. Annual Family Law Update Already over 100 attorneys have reserved a spot for our next CLE program, to be held on March 11, This is a yearly event that is presented by 17th Judicial Circuit General Magistrate Barbara Beilly, a past President of the Broward County Women Lawyers Association. The program will be a one hour and 20 minute overview of the new Florida Statutes and case law in the area of Florida family law, for A 50+ page handout is provided to all participants and eighty minutes of CLE credit is currently pending approval by The Florida Bar.

5 Community and Membership Events and Programs In addition to the Continuing Legal Education programs presented by the Broward Chapter of FAWL, we also develop, support, and participate in many other community-related events and programs, and encourage membership participation through these events. In previous years, we have sponsored and participated in a Habitat for Humanity building project; hosted a Wellness Program for our members with presentations from holistic health care professionals; and participated in our local Legal Aid hotline assistance project. Provided below is a summary of several of our community events from just this membership year alone, and the year is not yet over! Rising Star Scholarship Program and Administrative Professional s Day Luncheon Perhaps the program that is most near and dear to our hearts, and of which we are most proud, is the Broward Chapter of FAWL s Rising Star Scholarship program. For many years, BCWLA has partnered with the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center to award a scholarship to a second or third year law student (female or male) in the amount of $10,000. Broward FAWL contributes $5,000, which is matched by the Law Center. In addition, the recipient is awarded a one year Honorary Membership to BCWLA following graduation from NSU Law. The award is given to a student who exemplifies the ideals of an individual who can strike the perfect balance between their legal studies, legal practice or current career (if applicable), legal community involvement, civic involvement and familial relationships. The recipient is one who is committed to the community, women s issues, the legal profession, school involvement, family priorities, and meaningful extracurricular activities. Past scholarship recipients have been unbelievably impressive in their qualifications, achievements, and overcoming of obstacles, and our Scholarship Committee always struggles with having to pick just one student! The Rising Star Scholarship Award is presented annually at BCWLA s Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon, which is held in April of each year. This luncheon is one of our flagship events, both for the emotional experience of presenting the stories and accomplishments of the scholarship nominees and ultimate winner, but also because it is so enthusiastically enjoyed by the Administrative Assistants, Paralegals, Judicial Assistants and other support staff who are treated to a special afternoon of food, drink, gifts, and entertainment. Our Board does a wonderful job at securing sponsors and donors of items that are both raffled off, and provided to all assistants in a goody bag upon the conclusion of the luncheon. PACE Center for Girls Partnership PACE Center for Girls provides free academic and social services to at-risk adolescent girls state-wide. BCWLA has become a partner with PACE in several ways. Our Books and Breakfast program is a book club that we developed, where Broward FAWL members meet with PACE students to read and discuss a novel and enjoy breakfast together. Additionally, BCWLA and its members sponsor, attend, and support the annual PACE Believing in Girls Empowerment Luncheon, one of PACE s major fundraising events. We also regularly hold clothing and accessory drives to donate needed items to PACE girls. PACE teachers and administrators have commended BCWLA for the program s impact and our member s positive influence as role models for the participating girls of PACE. Further details regarding our involvement with this special organization have been submitted in our chapter s application for a FAWL Public Service Award for this program.

6 Jack and Jill Children s Center Young Professionals Event On August 28, 2013, the Broward Chapter of FAWL kicked off our membership year activities by co-sponsoring a networking and fundraising event at a local restaurant with the Jack & Jill Young Professionals group, benefitting the Jack & Jill Children s Center in Fort Lauderdale. We encouraged our members to attend and to bring a friend to sign up for membership with our chapter. The Jack & Jill Center s mission is to help to break the cycle of poverty for children of low-income, working families in Broward County through family-oriented child care services and family intervention and support. The evening was a great opportunity for our members enjoy a glass of vino, mingle with other BCWLA members and young professionals, and help out a great cause. Diversity Reception On September 18, 2013, BCWLA sponsored the inaugural Diversity Reception hosted by the Florida Justice Association Foundation ( FJA ) and the Miami-Dade Justice Association ( MDJA ) as part of the FJA s annual Masters of Justice seminar at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. More than 150 people from nearly 25 organizations and firms joined FJA and MDJA to celebrate diversity, including several Florida legislators and members of the judiciary. At the event, which was complimentary to members of the Broward Chapter of FAWL, FJA President Paul Anderson of Tallahassee, and Diversity Chair Rod Gregory of Jacksonville, welcomed the guests and expounded on the mission of the FJA to embrace diversity. The FJA is a better, stronger association when lawyers of diverse heritage, race, and sex join together and give of their time, talent, and treasure in the interest of justice, Anderson said. BCWLA was proud to be recognized as a sponsor of this inaugural event, and received a letter of appreciation from G.C. Murray, Jr., FJA Deputy General Counsel. Holiday Judicial Reception BCWLA hosts an annual Judicial Reception, which was held on December 3, 2013 this year. This program brought in nearly $4,000 in sponsorship revenue, in addition to ticket sales, which is an important part of the event logistics because members of the judiciary are invited to attend on a complimentary basis. The judges and magistrates who attend as our guests are always warmly appreciative of the beautifully decorated and well-planned reception. This year s event was attended by nearly 150 people, who came bearing gifts of toys for donation to our selected charity, Family Central, Inc. For nearly 40 years, Family Central has been a leader in addressing the critical needs of children and families in our community through programs such as child care, family support, parenting, nurturing families and resource libraries. Our chapter received a note of sincere thanks from Dr. Barbara Weinstein, President and CEO of Family Central, for the four large bags of toys that we donated. Dr. Weinstein has also offered that next year, our members can actually distribute the toys at one of their facilities. Pro Bono Luncheon Every January, the Broward Chapter of FAWL holds a luncheon presentation that is open to both members and nonmembers, entitled A New Year, A New Pro Bono Opportunity. BCWLA invites representatives of several non-profit organizations to come and speak about opportunities in our community to fulfill pro bono hours. This year s program, held on January 14, 2014, included such important organizations as Family Central, the Guardian Ad Litem Program, Kids in Distress, Legal Aid Services of Broward County, and the PACE Center for Girls. The event is based on Florida Bar Rule 4-6.1, which provides that with limited exception, as part of our professional responsibility, attorneys in good standing with the Florida Bar are encouraged to: (1) render pro bono legal services to the poor and (2) participate, to the extent possible, in other pro bono service activities that directly relate to the legal needs of the poor. This luncheon exposes members of our legal community to opportunities to give back, which they might not otherwise have learned about.

7 Membership and Mentoring While the Broward Chapter of FAWL has always had a very hands-on Board of Directors and core group of supportive members, it has been through our increased participation with other FAWL chapters that we realize this is an area for us to further develop. Our membership has hovered between 75 and 100 members, with an active Board of about 15. Our events have historically been open to all members of the legal community, in contrast to some chapters that offer programs to members only. This has resulted in our attaining a prominent role in our community, but has also required us to develop strategies for encouraging FAWL membership and formalizing our mentoring programs. This year, we have put into place several efforts to do just that, as outlined below. As a result, we have seen the development of a steadily increasing membership base. Table for 12 Similar to programs that other chapters have implemented, the Broward Chapter of FAWL has now established a member-only, roundtable style event that is held on a quarterly basis. The meeting, which we entitled, Table for 12 is offered to members on a complimentary, first-come basis, and features a prominent speaker who meets with participating members in an informal, intimate setting, such as a breakfast or lunch meeting. Our first such event was held on October 23, 2013, with Fort Lauderdale City Attorney Cynthia Everett, and attendees provided favorable feedback. We plan to continue to develop these meetings as a special, recurring educational and mentoring opportunity for BCWLA members to learn from, and interact with, female leaders in the law and our community. Our goal is to make this a valuable member benefit that will encourage new attorneys to join our ranks, and will help our members grow through the mentoring relationship presented. Partnerships with Voluntary Bar Associations and Community Organizations Part of our community-based philosophy has been partnering with other voluntary bar associations and community groups whenever possible and feasible. As indicated throughout this application, the Broward Chapter of FAWL has worked with numerous other organizations throughout our history, which has elevated our profile to the point where we are viewed as a leader in our community. While this is a wonderful position to achieve, we are more aware of the need to take this to the next step, and express to those we work with, the importance of supporting our organization through membership. We are also raising awareness of issues specific to women lawyers through our involvement with other groups. A very good example is our current work, mentioned above, with the Broward County Bar Association to create a Women Leaders in the Law program. While this is currently a joint project between our organizations, the goal is to create a standing Broward Bar committee that will plan this event on a regular basis. This development would expose even more members of our local legal community to our organization, which we hope would have a positive effect on membership. Bring a Friend Wine Tasting Event Last, but certainly not least, with the hard work that we all do every day, it is vital that we take time to relax, have fun, and enjoy the fruits of our labor and the special friendships that we have made through FAWL. It is only an added benefit if we add a member or two while doing it! To this end, among other events, BCWLA has been hosting complimentary, members-only wine tastings once or twice a year, with our most recent event held on February 25, This is a wonderful, enjoyable evening for members to come, chat, and network in a cozy wine cafe venue. We invite and encourage members to bring along a friend to enjoy the event with us, and to sign up for membership with our chapter.