Message: Support the Judiciary's Independence

Message: Support the Judiciary's Independence

The success of voluntary bar associations is a critical part of the continued independence of Florida's judiciary - the weakest branch of government, Second District Court of Appeal Chief Judge Chris Altenbernd said.

The associations "give strength to the judiciary, when that branch is challenged by other branches of government or society as a whole," Altenbernd told those at the March 12 luncheon of the St. Petersburg Bar Association at the Mirror Lake Lyceum.

That's why association members must find new ways to attract members and retain them, the judge said. "We're using methods that were developed a long time ago when we were small associations with very different legal practices than we have today," he said.

"The independence of the judiciary is now openly attacked not only by wackos but by governors and members of the Legislature," Altenbernd said.

Associations should try a tiered membership system that gives new lawyers free membership for a year or so, he said, adding, "Get them in and get them going. Because if they get involved, not only is your organization stronger but the message of professionalism will be spread far more rapidly and that army of independent volunteers the judiciary truly needs will be even stronger than it is today."

- Janet Leiser