Survey suggests Florida lawyers support the concept of a Bar mentoring program: Over two-thirds of respondents also rate The Florida Bar as either an excellent or good advocate for the legal profession.

A vast majority of Florida lawyers would support the creation of a Florida Bar mentoring program and are pleased with the Bar's stewardship of the profession, according to the 2021 Membership Opinion Survey.

Of all respondents to the Bar's annual survey, 82% thought it would be a good idea for the Bar to create a mentoring program where experienced lawyers would provide professional guidance and share practical knowledge with new lawyers and, if one was created, 37% of respondents report they would be interested in participating as a mentor and 7% would be interested in participating as a mentee.

Of those who have participated in a structured mentorship program as a mentee, 54% said it improved their skills as a lawyer and 43% said it enhanced their enjoyment of practicing of law.

Over two-thirds of respondents (70%) also rate The Florida Bar as either an excellent or good advocate for the legal profession, said Mike J. Garcia, the Bar's director of Research, Planning & Evaluation, adding that 11% of the lawyers responding to the survey also said their opinion of the Bar is more positive today than it was two years ago.

The 2021 Membership Opinion Survey was emailed to 3,211 randomly selected Bar members, and 26% of the surveys were returned.

The survey also found:

* 93% percent of respondents who participated in a Florida Bar CLE seminar in the past year rate the overall quality of the program as excellent/good, compared to less than 1% who rate it as poor.

* 70% of respondents agree that the Bar promotes high standards of ethics and competence in the legal profession, compared to just 14% who disagree.

* 58% of respondents agree that The Florida Bar is a supportive and cohesive organization that is interested in the wellbeing of its members, compared to 21% who disagree.

* 36% of all respondents agree The Florida Bar does an effective job in attempting to educate the public about the legal system, compared to 25% who disagree.

* 54% of respondents agree the Bar is responsive to the needs of its members, compared to 21% who disagree.

* 71% percent of all respondents agree that the public does not have confidence in the existing legal system, compared to 13% who disagree.

Those surveyed also shared their thoughts on the Bar's disciplinary process; an online platform for resolving disputes; lawyer advertising; pro bono, and career satisfaction. The survey also provides some information on how lawyers are doing financially, although the...