FJA Research & Education Foundation's Leadership Academy
The Florida Justice Association’s (FJA) Research & Education Foundation has closed applications for Class III of our 10-month Leadership Academy. This year, up to 12 attorneys will be selected to participate. The Leadership Academy brings participants together for leadership skill development with a certified professional coach, mentorship from seasoned attorneys, and peer support with the purpose of strengthening future leadership in Florida’s consumer advocacy community.
The Leadership Academy also entails a leadership assessment and debrief, four in-person day-long retreats (with relationship building social activities the evening before or day of), four 90-minute virtual sessions, curriculum to be completed between sessions, and accountability partner work. In addition to live personal and group coaching, each participant will receive permanent access to the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching’s innovative leadership development curriculum.
A commitment to attend and fully engage in each of these sessions is required to participate in the program. Attendance at all sessions is required and important to fulfill the objectives of the Leadership Academy. If you cannot commit to attending all sessions, you should not apply. Additionally, each applicant must have the support of their law firm to fully participate.
Delton Gunn
Gunn Law
John Mark Hundhausen
Dismuke Law
Alyssa Lettman
The Tinstman Law Firm
Halley Lewis
Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa
Roberto Lopez
Ralph Sanchez Law
Tucker Norton
Coker Law
Josh Novak
Kelley | Uustal
Lauren Pozna
Blake Trial Law
Apolonia Santibanez
Emerson Straw
Natalie Shoemaker
Swope, Rodante P.A.
FJA members from diverse locales and practice areas pursuing / interested in pursuing leadership roles in the profession, their firms, FJA, and/or their local communities will be considered. Additionally, applicants must:
- Be a FJA member in good standing;
- Be in good standing with the State Bar of Florida;
- Have at least 3 years but less than 10 years of experience practicing law;
- Commit to attend and participate in each session, both virtual and in-person; and
- Commit to volunteer or attend as a participant in one FJA Research and Education Foundation program:
- Law School Outreach (held at various law schools around the state)
- Christian D. Searcy Voir Dire Institute and Al J. Cone Trial Advocacy Institute (Orlando, August 5-8, 2026)
- Annual Fundraising Event (Fore Justice Golf Tournament at the Masters of Justice program – Sarasota, Sept. 22, 2026)
- Hon. E. Earle Zehmer Mock Trial Competition (Orlando – November 6-8, 2026)
* Topics are subject to change
There will be an in-person social event starting around 5:30 p.m. ET the evening before or the evening of each in-person retreat; social event attendance is encouraged but not required.
- August 19, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET (Zoom)
Virtual Kickoff: Goal Setting—Defining Your Leadership Trajectory
- September 23, 2026 (Sarasota Ritz-Carlton Resort)
In-Person Retreat: Leadership in the Profession—Leading with Authenticity
- October 21, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET (Zoom)
Virtual Session: Communicating with Empathy & Impact
- November 18, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET (Zoom)
Virtual Session: Strategic Problem Solving
- January 20, 2027 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET (Zoom)
Virtual Session: Four Essential Mindset Shifts for Confident Leadership
- February 23, 2027 (JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek)
In-Person Retreat: Leadership in Your Firm—Time & Energy Management
- March 23 & 24, 2027 (Tallahassee)
In-Person Retreat: Leadership in the FJA—Effective & Efficient Decision-Making
- June 9, 2027 (Four Seasons Resort Orlando)
In-Person Retreat: Leadership in the Community—Relationship-Centered Leadership