Sections partner to help children: PILS, RPPTL to present seminar on representing kids.

The conscience of the Public Interest Law Section and the resources of the large Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section are forging a unique partnership.

Together, the sections are co-sponsoring a CLE seminar on children's issues at The Florida Bar's Midyear Meeting in Miami January 16, as part of Bar President Miles McGrane's "For the Children" initiative.

Any lawyer who agrees to represent a child may earn CLE credits without cost. PILS Chair Matthew Dietz stressed that you don't have to be an experienced child advocate, as the seminar is geared toward lawyers practicing in any area who would like to learn skills to volunteer to represent a child.

Former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno will be the keynote speaker, discussing challenges in the social services delivery system.

"It is very unusual," Dietz agreed of PILS' partnership with RPPTL.

"This is the commitment the sections of the Bar have to implement recommendations from the Commission on the Legal Needs of Children. This partnership is a prime example of what the Bar is doing in order to encourage lawyers to represent children."

In a letter to RPPTL Chair Louis Guttmann in August, McGrane suggested the collaboration.

"PILS has been described as 'the conscience of the Bar.' Because of its unique nature, the membership of that section is relatively small, certainly in comparison to your section. What PILS has proposed is both remarkable and in some sense revolutionary. What it has in overabundance, creativity and enthusiasm, it lacks in financial resources," McGrane wrote.

Guttmann said RPPTL was happy to step up with financial assistance, pledging a contribution of up to $7,500 to offset any losses and to waive claim to any portion of any potential profits.

"Bar President Miles McGrane has made the focus of this Bar year the needs of the children of Florida. We applaud that focus," Guttmann said.

"We agree with President McGrane that our profession is uniquely qualified to help identify and meet those needs. In particular, our section traditionally plays an important role in the development of guardianship law. Consequently, we are very pleased to cosponsor with the Public Interest Law Section a 'For the Children' seminar at the Bar's Midyear Meeting. For us, this also presents a unique opportunity to work with PILS.'"

Julie A.S. Williamson, co-chair of RPPTL's Public...