President's Message

        

Dear Colleagues,

It is with deep gratitude and genuine excitement that I step into the role of President of the Lakeland Bar Association. When I moved to Lakeland ten years ago, I could never have imagined the warmth and kindness with which I would be welcomed into this legal community. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by colleagues who exemplify integrity, excellence, and a shared commitment to the rule of law. It’s been both humbling and inspiring—and now, it’s my honor to give back to the community that has given me so much. As we look ahead to the coming year, I’m thrilled about the opportunities that lie before us. We’re entering a season of growth, innovation, and collaboration, and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on behind the scenes.

 

First, we’re forging new strategic partnerships that will expand our reach and deepen our impact. These collaborations will bring fresh perspectives to our programming and open doors for our members to engage with the broader legal and civic communities in meaningful ways. Think of it as networking, but with fewer awkward elevator pitches and more actual progress and engagement. Our annual summer board retreat is just around the corner, and it promises to be both productive and energizing. We’ll be finalizing our plans for the year—everything from continuing legal education (CLE) offerings to community engagement initiatives. It’s the kind of evening where strategic planning meets thoughtful collaboration, and where someone inevitably brings a color-coded spreadsheet that makes the rest of us question our life choices.

 

Speaking of CLEs, we’re committed to keeping them accessible, relevant, and engaging. We’ll continue offering high-quality programming at our monthly meetings, while also expanding virtual options to accommodate a variety of schedules and preferences. Our goal is to ensure that every member has the opportunity to stay informed, connected, and supported in their professional growth. We’re also looking forward to continuing our tradition of service through charitable initiatives that reflect the values of our legal community. These efforts will provide meaningful opportunities for members to give back, support local causes, and strengthen our collective impact beyond the courtroom.

 

Throughout the year, you’ll be hearing more from me and the board as our plans take shape. We’ll be sharing updates, inviting your input, and celebrating our collective successes. After all, this isn’t just my year—it’s our year. And I truly believe that with your engagement and support, we can make it one of the most impactful in LBA’s history.

 

In closing, thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’m honored to serve, and I’m excited to lead. Let’s make this year one to remember—not just for what we accomplish, but for how we come together to do it.

 

Elliott Mitchell

Lakeland Bar President