Mary Ruth Houston, Co-Managing Partner of Shutts & Bowen LLP’s Orlando office and Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment practice group, was a featured speaker at the 2022 Affiliate Outreach Conference, sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar.

The conference, which took place February 25-26 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street hotel, provided young attorneys and law students with networking and relationship-building opportunities, while also offering awards and grants to qualified local bar affiliates for their community service and pro bono programs. Mary Ruth presented to the conference as the final speaker of the event, sharing her secrets with attendees on mental toughness and overcoming significant challenges in both your career and personal life, through the lens of her experience as an avid hiker and mountain climber.

“Summiting Kilimanjaro doesn’t happen overnight,” said Mary Ruth. “It takes practice, preparation and patience. Life is the same.”

In keeping with its theme, “The Expedition,” the 2022 conference included an Affiliates Expedition Hunt on Friday, a Health & Wellness “Choose Your Adventure” activity on Saturday, and a “Snow Ball” gala dinner with dancing on Saturday evening.

 

About Mary Ruth Houston

Mary Ruth Houston is Co-Managing Partner of the Orlando office and Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Law Practice Group. She is certified as a mediator in Florida courts and the Middle District of Florida. She was selected as Orlando's 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation - Labor and Employment, by Best Lawyers in America®. Mary Ruth focuses on business and employment-related issues using a problem-solving approach that helps clients concentrate on their core business. With over 30 years of experience handling complex disputes, her understanding of business issues outside the courtroom enables her to advise companies on how to avoid litigation, minimize its effects or, when litigation is required, handle it efficiently and effectively. Mary Ruth assists companies throughout Florida and beyond with legal challenges that may permanently affect their businesses.