Episode 1 - Gary Lesser, 74th Florida Bar President
Summary
This podcast episode features an interview with Gary Lesser, managing attorney at Lesser, Lesser, Landy and Smith, and current Florida Bar President. The discussion covers his personal background, the history and unique approach of his family law firm, his motivations for community involvement, and his journey to becoming the Florida Bar President. Lesser also addresses key challenges and initiatives within the legal industry, including access to justice, diversity and inclusion, the impact of AI, and advice for new lawyers.
Key topics
Gary Lesser's Background:
Grew up in Palm Beach County, instilled with a sense of community accountability from his mother.
Inspired by his father's (an attorney) integrity, ethics, and strong work ethic.
Met his wife in law school; she is actively involved in community organizations.
Three daughters: one graduating law school, one graduating college (pre-med), and one in high school.
Loves live music, despite disliking crowds and traffic.
Influenced by law school friend Bill Galvano and bar colleague Bill Schaffino.
Lesser, Lesser, Landy and Smith (Law Firm):
Founded in 1927 by Gary Lesser's grandfather, starting as a solo practice during the Florida land bust.
His father joined in 1960, and Gary joined in 1992, transitioning the firm from general practice to litigation with an emphasis on personal injury.
Currently has nine lawyers and approximately 20 employees.
Recently moved to a new office, honoring his father's legacy by retaining his desk and certificates in a visiting lawyer's office.
Unique Approach: Follows a model of personal injury litigation with no advertising, relying solely on referrals, strong lawyer-client communication, and treating everyone with respect.
Challenges Overcome: Initially worried about competing with advertising firms but found that reputation and good service are effective marketing strategies.
Future Plans: Plans to hire more lawyers after his term as Florida Bar President to enhance collaborative work.
Community Involvement:
Motivated by his grandfather's philosophy: "Every person is born into this world a debtor" to their community.
Focuses on impactful involvement in areas where he can genuinely help.
The Florida Bar:
Primary Functions:
Regulates the legal profession (attorney discipline, ethics, professionalism).
Works with the court system (arm of the Florida Supreme Court, advocates for properly funded judiciary).
Protects the public (attorney discipline, board certification for lawyers, civics education).
Path to Presidency:
Involved with the Florida Bar for 25 years, starting with committee positions at the urging of his mentor.
Served on the Board of Governors for 10 years before running for president.
Statewide campaign involves over 100,000 lawyers, requiring significant support.
Inspired to run to address issues faced by newer lawyers.
The role involves a year as President-Elect and a year as President.
Current Focus as President: Wrapping up initiatives like a mentoring program for new lawyers and a project to increase accessibility and affordability of legal services.
Challenges and Initiatives in the Legal Industry:
Law School Experience: Lack of required practical experience (clerkships/internships) leaves many graduates unprepared for practice. The Florida Bar is developing a mentorship program for newer lawyers (3 years or less experience, firms of 3 or fewer lawyers).
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Law schools are improving; the Florida Bar has a standing committee on diversity, running programs to raise awareness and address implicit bias.
Access to Justice:
A decades-long, severe problem: 80% of low-income and 60% of middle-class individuals cannot afford legal representation.
Opposes non-lawyer ownership of law firms (seen in Arizona/Utah) as it hasn't solved the affordability problem.
Florida Bar recommendations to the Supreme Court include public education campaigns ("Life's Legal Moments") to inform people when and why they need a lawyer.
Promoting prepaid legal service plans (like HMOs for legal services) that offer affordable access to lawyers (e.g., $12-18/month for basic services, reduced hourly rates).
Advocating for changes like fewer years in law school to become a certified legal intern.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Acknowledges the potential for AI fraud and the need for lawyers to maintain ethical obligations.
AI can increase efficiencies (e.g., drafting pleadings) but lawyers remain responsible for accuracy and ethical conduct.
Advice for Law Students and New Lawyers:
Work extremely hard.
Do not expect overnight wealth.
Build and protect your reputation with every action.
Associate with good people.
Focus on doing a good job and helping people.
Future of the Legal Industry:
Technology (e.g., Zoom for hearings, virtual meetings) has been rapidly adopted, increasing efficiency and affordability of legal services.
Ethical obligations remain paramount, especially with technology like cloud-based practice management, requiring lawyers to ensure client confidentiality and data security.
Personal Advice to Younger Self: "Enjoy that dark hair... Work hard, associate with good people, and most of it's going to work itself out."