Bittersweet News

R
RPPTL_pastchairs
Fri, Nov 12, 2021 7:35 PM

Good afternoon, Past Chairs:

I write with the bittersweet news that our friend and colleague Mary Ann is leaving The Florida Bar.  She has received an offer for a job with far less travel, which will allow her to spend more time with her family, and pays significantly more money.  She will work at The Florida Bar through the end of November.

I spoke with Josh Doyle this morning and he is working to hire a new Program Administrator and advises that Hilary Stephens will be the interim point person.  Fortunately for us, Hilary is familiar with the CLE component of RPPTL and has at least a working familiarity with the balance of what the Section does.  While we would all love nothing more than for Mary Ann to stay forever, I do not believe any of us would want her to miss this opportunity.

I will update the Executive Council next week but wanted to be sure I kept you all abreast of the changes.  For those of you that had the experience of handling a change in Bar staff during your year as Chair, I would appreciate any wisdom you can provide.

Robert S. Swaine
Swaine, Harris & Wohl, P.A.
425 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
(863) 385-1549 (o)
(863) 471-0008 (fax)
bob@heartlandlaw.commailto:bob@heartlandlaw.com

[cid:image001.jpg@01D7D7D2.86818C60]

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Good afternoon, Past Chairs: I write with the bittersweet news that our friend and colleague Mary Ann is leaving The Florida Bar. She has received an offer for a job with far less travel, which will allow her to spend more time with her family, and pays significantly more money. She will work at The Florida Bar through the end of November. I spoke with Josh Doyle this morning and he is working to hire a new Program Administrator and advises that Hilary Stephens will be the interim point person. Fortunately for us, Hilary is familiar with the CLE component of RPPTL and has at least a working familiarity with the balance of what the Section does. While we would all love nothing more than for Mary Ann to stay forever, I do not believe any of us would want her to miss this opportunity. I will update the Executive Council next week but wanted to be sure I kept you all abreast of the changes. For those of you that had the experience of handling a change in Bar staff during your year as Chair, I would appreciate any wisdom you can provide. Robert S. Swaine Swaine, Harris & Wohl, P.A. 425 South Commerce Avenue Sebring, FL 33870 (863) 385-1549 (o) (863) 471-0008 (fax) bob@heartlandlaw.com<mailto:bob@heartlandlaw.com> [cid:image001.jpg@01D7D7D2.86818C60] Confidentiality Notice This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy or disseminate this message or any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message. Pursuant to federal regulations imposed on practitioners who render tax advice ("Circular 230"), we are required to advise you that any tax advice contained herein is not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. If this advice is or is intended to be used or referred to in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement, the regulations under Circular 230 require that we advise you as follows: (1) this writing is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on a taxpayer; (2) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by the written advice; and (3) the taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
R
RPPTL_pastchairs
Fri, Nov 12, 2021 8:02 PM

Bob as someone who lost his Prog Admin the day after my Breakers meeting and proceeded to be given a different Prog Admin for each of my 4 remaining programs thereafter, I have just a couple of suggestions.

First, do what you think is best. Ask, but don't wait on permission. Our surplus is big and we can afford a misstep or two. If you wait on official channels for approval, especially during any interim Prog Admin term, it's likely you'll miss your opportunity to act. The Bar staff will bog down into slow motion, because no one will want to take responsibility. They will wait for someone else at the Bar to approve.

Second, try to get the Section involved in the selection of the replacement Prog Admin. During my term the Bar fought us tooth and nail. They didn't want us involved in the decision, even as an observer. The Bar viewed it as entirely their decision without any input from the Section, even though the Section is the one who will have to work with the Prog Admin.

Otherwise, good luck!

George J. Meyer
Attorney at Law | Carlton Fields
4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000 | Tampa, Florida 33607-5780
Direct: 813.229.4140 | Fax: 813.229.4133
gmeyer@carltonfields.com

From: rpptl_pastchairs-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org rpptl_pastchairs-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL_pastchairs
Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:35 PM
To: rpptl_pastchairs@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: [RPPTL Past Chairs] Bittersweet News

Good afternoon, Past Chairs:

I write with the bittersweet news that our friend and colleague Mary Ann is leaving The Florida Bar.  She has received an offer for a job with far less travel, which will allow her to spend more time with her family, and pays significantly more money.  She will work at The Florida Bar through the end of November.

I spoke with Josh Doyle this morning and he is working to hire a new Program Administrator and advises that Hilary Stephens will be the interim point person.  Fortunately for us, Hilary is familiar with the CLE component of RPPTL and has at least a working familiarity with the balance of what the Section does.  While we would all love nothing more than for Mary Ann to stay forever, I do not believe any of us would want her to miss this opportunity.

I will update the Executive Council next week but wanted to be sure I kept you all abreast of the changes.  For those of you that had the experience of handling a change in Bar staff during your year as Chair, I would appreciate any wisdom you can provide.

Robert S. Swaine
Swaine, Harris & Wohl, P.A.
425 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
(863) 385-1549 (o)
(863) 471-0008 (fax)
bob@heartlandlaw.commailto:bob@heartlandlaw.com
[cid:image002.jpg@01D7D7D5.8BB8A9E0]

Confidentiality Notice

This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy or disseminate this message or any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message.

Pursuant to federal regulations imposed on practitioners who render tax advice ("Circular 230"), we are required to advise you that any tax advice contained herein is not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. If this advice is or is intended to be used or referred to in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement, the regulations under Circular 230 require that we advise you as follows: (1) this writing is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on a taxpayer; (2) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by the written advice; and (3) the taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Bob as someone who lost his Prog Admin the day after my Breakers meeting and proceeded to be given a different Prog Admin for each of my 4 remaining programs thereafter, I have just a couple of suggestions. First, do what you think is best. Ask, but don't wait on permission. Our surplus is big and we can afford a misstep or two. If you wait on official channels for approval, especially during any interim Prog Admin term, it's likely you'll miss your opportunity to act. The Bar staff will bog down into slow motion, because no one will want to take responsibility. They will wait for someone else at the Bar to approve. Second, try to get the Section involved in the selection of the replacement Prog Admin. During my term the Bar fought us tooth and nail. They didn't want us involved in the decision, even as an observer. The Bar viewed it as entirely their decision without any input from the Section, even though the Section is the one who will have to work with the Prog Admin. Otherwise, good luck! George J. Meyer Attorney at Law | Carlton Fields 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000 | Tampa, Florida 33607-5780 Direct: 813.229.4140 | Fax: 813.229.4133 gmeyer@carltonfields.com From: rpptl_pastchairs-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <rpptl_pastchairs-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL_pastchairs Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:35 PM To: rpptl_pastchairs@lists.flabarrpptl.org Subject: [RPPTL Past Chairs] Bittersweet News Good afternoon, Past Chairs: I write with the bittersweet news that our friend and colleague Mary Ann is leaving The Florida Bar. She has received an offer for a job with far less travel, which will allow her to spend more time with her family, and pays significantly more money. She will work at The Florida Bar through the end of November. I spoke with Josh Doyle this morning and he is working to hire a new Program Administrator and advises that Hilary Stephens will be the interim point person. Fortunately for us, Hilary is familiar with the CLE component of RPPTL and has at least a working familiarity with the balance of what the Section does. While we would all love nothing more than for Mary Ann to stay forever, I do not believe any of us would want her to miss this opportunity. I will update the Executive Council next week but wanted to be sure I kept you all abreast of the changes. For those of you that had the experience of handling a change in Bar staff during your year as Chair, I would appreciate any wisdom you can provide. Robert S. Swaine Swaine, Harris & Wohl, P.A. 425 South Commerce Avenue Sebring, FL 33870 (863) 385-1549 (o) (863) 471-0008 (fax) bob@heartlandlaw.com<mailto:bob@heartlandlaw.com> [cid:image002.jpg@01D7D7D5.8BB8A9E0] Confidentiality Notice This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy or disseminate this message or any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message. Pursuant to federal regulations imposed on practitioners who render tax advice ("Circular 230"), we are required to advise you that any tax advice contained herein is not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. If this advice is or is intended to be used or referred to in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement, the regulations under Circular 230 require that we advise you as follows: (1) this writing is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on a taxpayer; (2) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by the written advice; and (3) the taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
R
RPPTL_pastchairs
Fri, Nov 12, 2021 8:25 PM

Bob, thanks for letting us know.  I completely agree with your sense of this being the right move for Mary Ann and we should be supportive of her as her friends.  Having said that, she will be tough to replace.  I had the good fortune of being Chair in her first full year with our Section (she started with Peggy at the end of Peggy's year).  Be assured that if there is any help or advice we can offer, you can count on us.  I thought George's email was great and I join in his recommendations about dealing with the Bar.

Michael A. Dribin
[cid:image002.jpg@01D7D7D9.7ECD2E50]
Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
Board Certified, Wills, Trusts and Estates Law
Harper Meyer Perez Hagen  Albert  Dribin & DeLuca, LLP
201 S. Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 800
Miami, Fl.  33131
Direct telephone: 305.577.5415
Email: mdribin@harpermeyer.commailto:mdribin@harpermeyer.com
www.harpermeyer.com

[cid:image003.png@01D7D7D9.7ECD2E50]

This e-mail is from the law firm of Harper Meyer Perez Hagen Albert Dribin & DeLuca, LLP (the "Firm"), and is intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed.  If you believe that you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately, delete the e-mail from your computer and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else.  If you are not an existing client of the Firm, do not construe anything in this e-mail to make you a client of the Firm unless it contains a specific statement to that effect and do not disclose anything to the Firm in reply that you expect it to hold in confidence.  If you properly received this e-mail as a client, co-counsel or retained expert of the Firm, you should maintain its contents in confidence in order to preserve the attorney-client or work product privilege that may be available to protect confidentiality.  This e-mail and any attachments have been scanned for viruses, but it is the responsibility of the recipient to conduct their own security measures and no responsibility is accepted by the Firm for loss or damage arising from the receipt or use of this e-mail.  Further, no responsibility is accepted by the Firm for personal e-mail or e-mail not connected with the Firm's or its clients' business.

From: rpptl_pastchairs-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org rpptl_pastchairs-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL_pastchairs
Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:35 PM
To: rpptl_pastchairs@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: [RPPTL Past Chairs] Bittersweet News

Good afternoon, Past Chairs:

I write with the bittersweet news that our friend and colleague Mary Ann is leaving The Florida Bar.  She has received an offer for a job with far less travel, which will allow her to spend more time with her family, and pays significantly more money.  She will work at The Florida Bar through the end of November.

I spoke with Josh Doyle this morning and he is working to hire a new Program Administrator and advises that Hilary Stephens will be the interim point person.  Fortunately for us, Hilary is familiar with the CLE component of RPPTL and has at least a working familiarity with the balance of what the Section does.  While we would all love nothing more than for Mary Ann to stay forever, I do not believe any of us would want her to miss this opportunity.

I will update the Executive Council next week but wanted to be sure I kept you all abreast of the changes.  For those of you that had the experience of handling a change in Bar staff during your year as Chair, I would appreciate any wisdom you can provide.

Robert S. Swaine
Swaine, Harris & Wohl, P.A.
425 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
(863) 385-1549 (o)
(863) 471-0008 (fax)
bob@heartlandlaw.commailto:bob@heartlandlaw.com
[cid:image004.jpg@01D7D7D9.7ECD2E50]

Confidentiality Notice

This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy or disseminate this message or any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message.

Pursuant to federal regulations imposed on practitioners who render tax advice ("Circular 230"), we are required to advise you that any tax advice contained herein is not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. If this advice is or is intended to be used or referred to in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement, the regulations under Circular 230 require that we advise you as follows: (1) this writing is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on a taxpayer; (2) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by the written advice; and (3) the taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Bob, thanks for letting us know. I completely agree with your sense of this being the right move for Mary Ann and we should be supportive of her as her friends. Having said that, she will be tough to replace. I had the good fortune of being Chair in her first full year with our Section (she started with Peggy at the end of Peggy's year). Be assured that if there is any help or advice we can offer, you can count on us. I thought George's email was great and I join in his recommendations about dealing with the Bar. Michael A. Dribin [cid:image002.jpg@01D7D7D9.7ECD2E50] Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Board Certified, Wills, Trusts and Estates Law Harper Meyer Perez Hagen Albert Dribin & DeLuca, LLP 201 S. Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 800 Miami, Fl. 33131 Direct telephone: 305.577.5415 Email: mdribin@harpermeyer.com<mailto:mdribin@harpermeyer.com> www.harpermeyer.com [cid:image003.png@01D7D7D9.7ECD2E50] This e-mail is from the law firm of Harper Meyer Perez Hagen Albert Dribin & DeLuca, LLP (the "Firm"), and is intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you believe that you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately, delete the e-mail from your computer and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. If you are not an existing client of the Firm, do not construe anything in this e-mail to make you a client of the Firm unless it contains a specific statement to that effect and do not disclose anything to the Firm in reply that you expect it to hold in confidence. If you properly received this e-mail as a client, co-counsel or retained expert of the Firm, you should maintain its contents in confidence in order to preserve the attorney-client or work product privilege that may be available to protect confidentiality. This e-mail and any attachments have been scanned for viruses, but it is the responsibility of the recipient to conduct their own security measures and no responsibility is accepted by the Firm for loss or damage arising from the receipt or use of this e-mail. Further, no responsibility is accepted by the Firm for personal e-mail or e-mail not connected with the Firm's or its clients' business. From: rpptl_pastchairs-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <rpptl_pastchairs-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL_pastchairs Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:35 PM To: rpptl_pastchairs@lists.flabarrpptl.org Subject: [RPPTL Past Chairs] Bittersweet News Good afternoon, Past Chairs: I write with the bittersweet news that our friend and colleague Mary Ann is leaving The Florida Bar. She has received an offer for a job with far less travel, which will allow her to spend more time with her family, and pays significantly more money. She will work at The Florida Bar through the end of November. I spoke with Josh Doyle this morning and he is working to hire a new Program Administrator and advises that Hilary Stephens will be the interim point person. Fortunately for us, Hilary is familiar with the CLE component of RPPTL and has at least a working familiarity with the balance of what the Section does. While we would all love nothing more than for Mary Ann to stay forever, I do not believe any of us would want her to miss this opportunity. I will update the Executive Council next week but wanted to be sure I kept you all abreast of the changes. For those of you that had the experience of handling a change in Bar staff during your year as Chair, I would appreciate any wisdom you can provide. Robert S. Swaine Swaine, Harris & Wohl, P.A. 425 South Commerce Avenue Sebring, FL 33870 (863) 385-1549 (o) (863) 471-0008 (fax) bob@heartlandlaw.com<mailto:bob@heartlandlaw.com> [cid:image004.jpg@01D7D7D9.7ECD2E50] Confidentiality Notice This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy or disseminate this message or any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message. Pursuant to federal regulations imposed on practitioners who render tax advice ("Circular 230"), we are required to advise you that any tax advice contained herein is not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. If this advice is or is intended to be used or referred to in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement, the regulations under Circular 230 require that we advise you as follows: (1) this writing is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on a taxpayer; (2) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by the written advice; and (3) the taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.