Paralegals from across Florida can sharpen their skills, earn continuing education credit, and connect with legal professionals at The Florida Bar’s Second Annual Paralegal Conference on March 5 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort – Disney Springs.
Organized by The Florida Bar’s Programs Division, the one-day conference will offer up to 6.5 hours of continuing education credit, including one hour each in ethics, professionalism, and technology. Registration is open for the event, which will feature sessions on family law procedures, trial preparation, evidence, professional best practices, and the evolving role of paralegals.
Carolyn D. Ware
Carolyn D. Ware will lead “From Filing to Final Judgment,” a practical look at the stages of a Florida family law case, from initial filing through discovery, temporary relief, mediation, and final judgment. The session will cover procedural requirements, common drafting and filing mistakes, and strategies for keeping cases organized and on track.
Judge Denise Beamer
Ninth Judicial Circuit Judges Denise Kim Beamer and Brian S. Sandor will present “From a Judge’s Perspective: Practice Tips and Pointers,” offering insight into trial preparation, jury selection, witness preparation, exhibits, and compliance with uniform pretrial orders.
In “How Paralegals Can Impress the Partners and Stay Out of Trouble,” Steven B. Lesser will discuss client communication, billing and fee collection, and protecting one’s professional reputation.
Jennifer Lester will present “A Paralegal’s Guide to Evidence,” covering admissibility, authentication, and practical strategies for collecting, preserving, organizing, and preparing evidence and exhibits for trial.
Margo Valenti
The conference will also feature “The Evolving Paralegal: Ethics, UPL, and Technology,” a panel discussion with experienced paralegals Paula Albright, Kristin Kadaj, and Margo Valenti. Drawing on their 15, 30, and nearly 40 years in the profession, respectively, the panelists will discuss how technology, remote work, ethics, and concerns about the unauthorized practice of law have shaped the paralegal role.
The inaugural conference’s marketing a year ago was recognized with an Association for Continuing Legal Education Award of Excellence in the Best Marketing category. The award was presented to The Florida Bar in Boston in July 2026.
Early registration rates, available through November 30, are $245 for Florida Registered Paralegals and $295 for other attendees. From December 1 through January 31, 2027, rates will be $325 for Florida Registered Paralegals and $375 for others. Late registration, from February 1-19, will cost $400 and $450, respectively.
A limited room block is available at the conference hotel for $189 per night. A reservation link will be provided to early-bird and standard registrants. The room block closes February 11 or when rooms sell out.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available. For registration and additional information, visit The Florida Bar Paralegal Conference webpage.
‘To inculcate in its members the principles of duty and service to the public, to improve the administration of justice, and to advance the science of jurisprudence.’
~ From the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar
Florida Bar to host Paralegal Conference in Orlando in March – The Florida Bar
