A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD

 The tragic death of George Floyd, in the same year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage , is a reminder, yet again, that the playing field is far from level, especially for people of color.  The collective voice of FAWL works to promote and advance fairness and equal footing for women lawyers, particularly women lawyers of color.

As my tenure as president of our Sarasota Chapter nears an end, I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead such a forward-thinking organization. We have strongly adhered to our theme of "Lifting as We Rise" and, over the past two years, we have set out with intention to collaborate and foster strong relationships both within our organization and our larger community. Our board and our membership have come together to accomplish great things. Some of those tangible things include:   Collaboration with courthouse administration at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center for creation of a lactation room  Collaboration with Gulf Coast Chapter of UN Women USA and $1,750 sponsorship of Through Women's Eyes International Film Festival Collaboration with Florida Studio Theater and participation in "Dangerous Ladies: Voices of Suffragists" with Sarasota students Collaboration with Florida Guardian Ad Litem Foundation and $500 sponsorship for mentorship training Collaboration with the Health & Wellness Subcommittee of SCBA for "A Prescription to Save Your Life" Program Paint and Sip membership event Mission-inspired screening events (RBG & Bombshell) Regular distribution of chapter newsletters Updated chapter website Updated chapter Facebook page One of the less "tangible" but equally, if not more, important benefits that serving as the president of this organization has provided to me is the opportunity for growth  - both personal and professional .

"I have learned that our collective voice is strong and can effect change ."

I have learned to overcome obstacles , hopefully with grace and kindness . And I have developed a more concentrated focus on ways in which I can take concrete action to support and further FAWL's mission of promoting gender equality and the leadership roles of FAWL's members in the legal profession, judiciary, and the community at large. It is with great appreciation and support that I pass the baton to Stephanie Murphy , who, along with our stellar officers and directors in 2020-2021, will undoubtedly lead this great chapter to bigger and better things! Sincerely, Jessica Farrelly President, Sarasota FAWL

GET INVOLVED

Now is the perfect time to JOIN or RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ! FAWL's membership period is July 1 - June 30. SO DON'T FORGET TO RENEW OR REJOIN ASAP!   We also welcome and invite you to join our board and/or get in involved in a committee. To express interest, please complete the Leadership Development Form and email it to Jessica Farrelly on or before June 17, 2020.

UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENT

CONGRATULATIONS, MARGARET!

Our chapter is proud to announce that Member Margaret Good was recently announced as a 2019-2020 recipient of the FAWL “Leader in the Law” Award. Margaret Good has been licensed to practice law in Florida since 2012. She graduated with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she served as editor of the Florida Law Review. After law school, Margaret moved to Sarasota with her husband, Richard, and her dog, Barney, to build a life together. As an attorney at Matthews Eastmoore, Her practice areas include business and commercial litigation, estate litigation, professional malpractice, and appeals. In addition to her legal career, Margaret has served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 72 nd district since February 2018. She is currently running for Congress. Margaret has been a longstanding active member of the Sarasota Chapter for FAWL. > GO HERE for the full list of 2019-2020 Award Recipients

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Amber Slayton, Esq. Every month we endeavor to feature one of our own chapter members. This month we are proud to focus our spotlight on Attorney Amber Slayton . Amber is a board member for our Sarasota chapter and also serves as our Sarasota Chapter Representative as the liaison between our Sarasota Chapter and State FAWL.

Amber is a native Texan from Dallas, attended Baylor Law School in Waco, and has been practicing law since 2000. She was named as a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2012–2014.    After graduating law school, Amber started out in private practice in Dallas doing litigation and appellate work, but says she didn’t really enjoy practicing law for the first five years. However, she found her calling when she became involved in local government law. Amber has always felt it important to be involved with non-profit organizations and to give back to the community.

Since 2016, Amber has served as in-house counsel for the City of North Port which involves handling every legal aspect and issue that can arise with the city. Every day is different for Amber. As the city attorney, she is never bored with all the issues that occur, including concerns with utilities, real estate, constitutional law, civil rights issues, the city budget, and every contract that involves the city. In addition, she answers to the city commission and manages the attorneys and staff.    Amber initially joined FAWL three years ago to meet and be surrounded by professional, accomplished, and interesting women. Amber became actively involved as our Sarasota Chapter Representative and is our local liaison with State FAWL, which includes attending meetings and events throughout the state.

Amber first discovered Florida when she came to Cocoa Beach for a college forensics tournament. Amber and her husband, Karl, moved to Sarasota in 2012. Karl is director of human resources for CAE Healthcare in Sarasota, and her 20-year-old stepdaughter is attending business school at Concordia University in Montreal. Her family members also include three rescue dogs: a Papillion, Pomeranian and a Miniature Pinscher mix.   Amber has always been passionate about animals and children. She served on the board of the local animal shelter in Dallas and since moving to Florida, she wasted no time in getting involved with animals and children again. She is actively involved with local animal rescue groups and she presently serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Center for Early Childhood. The center focuses on education, therapy, and the needs of children up to five years of age. Services also include a baby hotline for moms, participation in early childhood court, and assistance and support with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder clinic.    You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you want to get something done, ask someone who is already super busy.” That person is Amber Slayton!

This “Member Spotlight” was written by fellow Sarasota FAWL Board Member Marjorie Chalfant, RN, JD. Suggestions for future Membership Spotlight candidates are encouraged and should be emailed to Marjorie .

LIFT UP EACH OTHER

Sarasota FAWL’S theme for 2019-20 is “Lifting As We Rise.” The FAWL organization generally, and our Sarasota chapter specifically, endeavors to provide support and resources to our members. Consistent with our theme, please take a moment to consider opportunities to promote and support our fellow members within our organization, and particularly within our local chapter.   Take a look at our membership directory and consider nominating at least one fellow FAWL member for one of these:   Women of Influence and Power in Law - Nomination deadline: July 8 2021 Florida Super Lawyers - Nomination Period: June 4 - Sept 18 Florida Trend Legal Elite - Voting Period: Oct 1 - Dec 1   Please send nomination suggestions for other organizations, committees, or awards to Marjorie Chalfant .

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