Shutts & Bowen LLP Orlando partner, Paul J. Scheck, facilitated and moderated the ninth annual Teachers’ Law Symposium, hosted by The Florida Bar’s Trial Lawyers Section at the Tampa Convention Center on January 23 and 24, 2020. Inspired by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, this event has been held every year since 2012 to help teachers educate their students about the legal and judicial systems and their importance.
Paul, who is a member of the Executive Council of The Florida Bar’s Trial Lawyers Section, was the Chair of the Symposium and also moderated at the two-day event, which featured highly respected judges, lawyers and legislators from around the state of Florida who shared the realities of the practice of law and discussed other aspects of the judicial system. Teachers were also given tools to educate their students concerning the federal and state courts and the legislative process. This year’s workshop included an overview of the state and federal court systems, a historical perspective on the trial by jury concept, the First Amendment and school issues and the anatomy of a criminal case. Special presentations included the history and passage of the 19th Amendment and Women’s Suffrage (which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019) and tips on conducting mock trials in the classroom. The event was attended by 150 high school and middle school civics, social studies and law teachers from around Florida.
Formed in 1967, the Trial Lawyers Section is the oldest of The Florida Bar’s sections and has over 5,800 members. According to the organization, their mission is to promote access to courts and to help maintain the independence of the judiciary, two fundamental cornerstones of our system of justice. They are the leading organization in the state seeking to preserve and promote the art of trial advocacy, providing a forum for discussion and the exchange of ideas leading to the improvement of individual trial ability.
About Paul J. Scheck
Paul J. Scheck is a partner in the Orlando office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is a member of the Labor and Employment Practice Group. A Martindale Hubbell AV® rated attorney, Paul has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America® in Labor and Employment Law. He has worked with employers and human resources professionals for almost 20 years, and has assisted them through many labor and employment challenges, from corporate policies to wage and hour matters, non-compete claims to discrimination and harassment cases, ADA Title II accessibility claims to unfair labor practice charges. With a sole focus on representing management, Paul is thoroughly familiar with the employment issues that arise in day-to-day operations. This strength allows him to anticipate potential problems and build strategies to help avoid disputes. He also represents clients in litigation, both in state and Federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies including the EEOC, FCHR and NLRB.