Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 75th Annual Florida Bar Convention, and I left feeling something I don’t always expect from legal conferences: genuinely inspired. This milestone event brought together judges, lawyers, educators, and advocates from across the state for meaningful conversations about the future of our legal system and its impact beyond the courtroom.

One of the most memorable moments was hearing from Justices of the Florida Supreme Court as they spoke about their efforts to make the justice system more accessible and easier to understand, especially for children. As someone who values community education and believes in meeting families where they are, I was thrilled to learn about the Court’s new kid-friendly resources designed to introduce young people to the role and function of Florida’s highest court.

The Justices spoke with clarity and humility. They reminded us that justice should not be limited to legal professionals. It should be something everyone understands, particularly the next generation. As a mother, that message resonated deeply with me.

I also attended a panel discussion featuring respected Circuit Court judges from around the state. The session focused on the recent amendments to Florida’s Rules of Civil Procedure. The judges explained how Florida courts are moving toward a model that more closely aligns with the federal system. These changes are intended to eliminate unnecessary delays, discourage gamesmanship, and encourage a standard of professionalism rooted in both fairness and efficiency.

The judges spoke openly about the ways attorneys sometimes manipulate ambiguity in the rules and how the courts are becoming increasingly unwilling to tolerate that kind of conduct. As a litigator and someone who holds deep respect for our system of justice, I found this conversation both refreshing and necessary.

Another highlight of the week was the Judicial Luncheon, where members of the judiciary were honored and recognized for their service. Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz delivered a powerful keynote speech, reflecting on the challenges judges face in maintaining integrity in a time when public pressure and political commentary often surround the legal process.

He quoted from the 1970s-era Canons of Judicial Ethics and encouraged everyone to revisit those principles. His point was not about nostalgia but about remembering the deeper purpose of our profession. Judges must take care not to let personal beliefs interfere with the law. Their role is not to set public policy but to apply the law fairly, consistently, and without bias. That, he said, is the ongoing challenge faced by the judiciary.