Leaders from the legal profession gathered for the Fifth Annual Eleventh Judicial Circuit Professionalism and Civility Summit focused on law schools on Friday, February 9 at Florida International University College of Law.

Representatives from Miami-area law schools including Nova Southeastern, St. Thomas University, University of Miami and Florida International University came together with judges, lawyers, and students to identify the opportunities and challenges faced by schools as they educate and train students to meet the profession’s expectations. The summit focused on finding practical, creative solutions to the problems of unprofessionalism and incivility in the legal profession.

The Honorable Andrea Wolfson, County Judge on the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court welcomed attendees and The Honorable Bertila Soto, Chief Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court offered the opening remarks.

Rumberger’s Director of Professionalism, Career and Skill Development, Paul Lipton, offered a preview of the discussion topics including: hot topics law schools are facing and addressing, civility and professionalism in law school, social media, financial pressures, the importance of mentoring during and after law school, and the role of the court.

“We came together to listen to each other, hear concerns, address important issues facing the profession and seek solutions,” said Lipton. “It was uplifting and inspiring.”