I am proud to be a member of FDLA. FDLA is one of the most active and influential defense organizations in the country. Our Amicus Committee submits amicus briefs on matters important to our members. Our members have testified in support of the recent litigation reform bills. Our programming is second to none—and it is only getting better.
An organization is only as strong as its members. Our members are some of the best attorneys in the state. Our members are creative and actively contribute to FDLA. But we can do more.
FDLA exists to serve its members. We are constantly looking to provide more value to our members. Five years ago we started the Florida Insurance Network Symposium (“FINS”). This conferences focuses exclusively on coverage, property insurance and bad faith. FINS provides Florida attorneys and claims professionals the opportunity to attend a top notch insurance conference without the price tag of out-of-state conferences. This year’s conference will be held August 10-11 in Tampa. If you practice in these areas, please join us at FINS.
In April 2024, FDLA will be hosting a trial academy at Barry University School of Law in Orlando. We have worked to ensure a low price to attend so that our members can send their young lawyers. The trial academy will work on specific trial skills, from introducing evidence to voir dire to examining witnesses to closing arguments. The attendees will be separated into small groups with an experienced coach to work on these skills.
FINS, the trial academy and our other events are not just conferences. They are carefully planned to add value to FDLA membership. We are cognizant of price, content, and time out of the office. We work to provide opportunities for our members to attend meaningful events and invest in their young lawyers.
My invitation to you is this. Get involved. Partner with FDLA. Are you in-house counsel? Consider speaking at one of our conferences, getting involved in our in-house counsel committee or even hosting a panel counsel meeting at one of our events. Are you a senior lawyer? Attend events and bring your young lawyers. Consider identifying a young lawyer to become involved in FDLA. Reach out to me and I’ll find a spot for them to be active. Are you a young lawyer? Tell your firms about these events. Ask to attend. Write an article for the Trial Advocate.
FDLA exists for you—our members. Let me know what we can do to add value to your membership.
Matt Lavisky
FDLA President
The Florida Defense Lawyers Association (FDLA) is a state organization of Lawyers involved in the defense of civil litigation. As such, FDLA expresses its strong commitment to the goal of diversity in its membership. Our member attorneys conduct business throughout Florida, the United States and around the world, and FDLA values the perspectives and varied experiences that are found only in a diverse membership. The promotion and retention of a diverse membership is essential to the success of our organization as a whole as well as our respective professional pursuits. Diversity brings to our organization a broader and richer environment which produces creative thinking and solutions. As such, FDLA embraces and encourages diversity in all aspects of its activities. FDLA is committed to creating and maintaining a culture that supports and promotes diversity in its organization.
Over 50 Years of service
The first meeting of the original members of the FDLA took place in 1966 with formal formation of the organization in April of 1967
Over 1300 Members
Approximate current member count.
23
Current States represented in membership
Trial Advocate
Trial Advocate, the FDLA's professional journal is not only received by members, Florida judges, and industry professionals statewide, it is published by Westlaw and LexisNexis as a legal resource.