WC News & 440 Report Winter 2022
Click Here to download the Fall 2021 News & 440 Report
Message from the Chair
Mark A. Touby
Each new year brings to mind the close of the past year as well as the occasion to reflect on it. Last year was a year unlike any other. Your section and the Florida workers’ compensation community continued to conduct business as “the new usual” allowed. It is important not to overlook that. In an era that has been repeatedly described as unprecedented and uncertain, the Florida workers’ compensation community continued to fulfill the purpose of the law by adjusting claims, providing benefits, litigating disputes, and effectuating resolutions.
The WCI held its conference in December 2021 with the theme “better together.” In addition to the educational aspects of the conference, the Judicial Nominating Committee met and recommended the reappointment of eight JCCs. The five Florida-based American Inns of Court chapters also met and were joined by the Workers’ Compensation Section executive council members, the First District Court, and members of the national organization. The gathering was highlighted by the presentation of the Jake Schickel Award for Professionalism to Rosemary Eure from Sarasota and a donation to Give Kids The World.
The Roman philosopher Seneca is credited with the expression “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” For years, Deputy Chief Judge David Langham, DOAH, and the OJCC developed and improved our electronic filing system and incorporated a closed video telecommunication system (the VTC as we call it) to meet the needs of the time. When March 2020 came in like a lion, they were prepared. In what should be recognized as one of the greatest pivots, the OJCC incorporated Zoom usage and we did not miss a beat. Recently, the OJCC has rolled out the Zoom “hybrid” to allow some people to be physically present in the courtroom with the JCC and others to participate by Zoom. Imagine the efficiencies this will allow.
Looking ahead in 2022, the section will continue to provide you with opportunities to involve yourself and benefit from the events that are planned. I would like to reiterate my invitation that if you have never been to a meeting (or it has been a while), I invite you to come to the live meeting on April 6, 2022, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. If you can’t make the meeting, try to attend The Forum on April 7-8, 2022. We have a great speaker lineup. This year will see the return of live oral arguments before a panel of judges from the First District Court of Appeal as well as the addition of a breakout session on day two on topics specifically appropriate for our JCCs.
After several years, I am pleased to let you know that on May 13-14, 2022, the section is again hosting the Trial Advocacy Workshop. This program is limited to 24 participants and has sold out. Anyone who has previously attended the workshop will tell you that the opportunity to prepare and present a case before a sitting JCC with the guidance of experienced attorneys is invaluable no matter what your experience level. We hope to offer this valuable program again in the future, so watch for another opportunity to participate.
We have faced uncertain times. We may face more. I continue to invite, encourage, and cajole you to join in what the section is doing. I do believe we are better together—wherever we might be.
Mark Touby
Section Chair
2022 Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Forum
2022 Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Forum
Exclusive Law Firm Sponsorship
$1,000!
$1,000!
Returning 2022: Oral Arguments with the First DCA
A limited amount of law firms are invited to join the Section and the WCCP claims and employer community in sponsoring this premier educational event. Sponsoring Law Firms will be exclusively hosting Welcome Cocktails located in the Exhibii Hall, Wednesday evening, April 6th, from
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Thursday's Afternoon Reception on April 7th immediately following the educational program. Sponsoring firms will receive formal recognition at the event and will be included in the Forum Sponsor/Exhibitor slide presentation throughout the conference.
Firms who register their sponsorship prior to January 15, 2022, will be listed in the 2022 Forum Digital Course Book.
Law firm sponsors are entitled to a 6' tabletop display in the Conference Foyer.
To register please click the form below or online at, www.wccp.org
Exclusive Law Firm Sponsorship Form
Attorney Registration Form
For hotel accommodations, click here: Hotel Accommodations
(room block deadline is March 9th, 2022 while rooms last.** Due to our limited room block, please only book the amount of rooms needed per confirmed registrations**)
Register Now
WC News & 440 Report Fall 2021
Click Here to download the Fall 2021 News & 440 Report
