Leadership Academy grads now running the program.

There's no such thing as a perpetual motion machine, but the Wm. Reese Smith, Jr., Leadership Academy may come close.

In five years more than 200 academy graduates have already gone on to serve as judges, Florida Bar Board of Governors members, Young Lawyers Division board members, voluntary bar leaders, community organization leaders, and more.

Now, two academy graduates are about to command The Florida Bar's Leadership Academy Committee --in a sense, leading the institution that honed their leadership skills.

"I really feel inspired by the fact that this program has had such a dramatic effect on the leadership of the Bar in the short time it's been in existence," said Co-Chair John M. Howe, a West Palm Beach attorney and Class I graduate.

"I'm extremely passionate about it, it was an amazing experience that I just can't put into words," said Co-Chair Anthony J. Visone, a Port St. Lucie attorney and Class II graduate.

The brainchild of former Bar President Gene Pettis, the academy was created to "enhance the leadership skills of a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers," and to "identify, nurture and inspire effective leadership within The Florida Bar and the legal community and to enhance the diversity of leaders within The Florida Bar."

Academy members must obtain signed permission from their employers, and pledge to attend six meetings across the state in a 12-month period. Tuition costs $500 and academy members pay their own travel and accommodations.

CLE credit and scholarships are available, but every academy graduate, or "fellow," is expected to put their new leadership skills to use, either through Florida Bar service, local bar service, or service with other civic organizations.

"We know that not every fellow will go out and be on the Board of Governors, nor do we need them to," said Howe, who is a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. "But whether it's leadership at the local bar level or leadership in civic organizations, that's where we are needed and called upon to lead."

Leadership Academy classes include teambuilding and public speaking exercises, and the Bar structure and function, all for good reason, says Visone.

"I'm transplanted from New York.. .and in the beginning, I had no concept of what The Florida...