Richard Sicking spearheaded the three-day E. Earl H. Zehmer Moot Court
Competition consisting of teams from numerous law schools. This competition
has become a tradition at the convention and provides practical experience
to students who have demonstrated themselves to be premier representatives
of their institutions. Consistent with years past, Richard wrote the problem
and the bench brief for the competition. Richard then presented the problem
and solution to the esteemed panel of 75 judges which included Florida
Judges of Compensation Claims as well as workers’ compensation judges
from several other states and from Florida’s First District Court
of Appeal. The competition was a huge success, and Richard remains entrenched
as one of the leading appellate experts and scholars in the field of workers’
compensation.
Mark Touby kicked off his multiple roles at the convention by speaking
on the topic of mediating workplace issues other than workers’ compensation
related matters in a panel discussion for the Professional Mediation Institute.
His skills as a litigator and negotiator were highlighted during this
presentation, and the discussion was very insightful for those in attendance.
Mark is serving the second year of his term as President of the Florida
Workers’ Advocates (FWA). In that capacity, he presided over the
FWA Board of Directors meeting which was attended by over 40 Board members
from around the state. FWA remains vital to the ongoing legislative process,
as workers’ compensation reform remains a hot topic in the Florida
Legislature. Mark further established himself
to be the type of steadfast leader required for this upcoming challenge.
Any legislative changes will have an impact on the entire workers’
compensation system, and FWA, through its leadership, is fully committed
to protecting the rights and remedies of injured workers. Mark sits on
the Workers’ Compensation Board Certification Committee for the
Florida Bar, and his input during this meeting was vital. Mark continued
his leadership role and commitment by attending the Executive Council
meeting for the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar.
He also attended the meeting of the Friends of 440 Scholarship Committee.
Mark would like to congratulate Kim De Arcangelis for receiving this year’s Richard A. Sadow Achievement Award. Mark was last year’s recipient of this award. He received a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
Richard Chait attended his 30th annual Workers’ Compensation Convention (in a row). He remains one
of the more prominent leaders in the Workers’ Compensation Industry
and demonstrates his influence and leadership skills as a member of numerous
committees. During the meeting of the Florida Bar Workers’ Compensation
Rules Advisory Board, he spearheaded healthy dialogue amongst the members
and made every effort to ensure that favorable changes to the Rules of
Procedure were considered. Richard holds a seat on the Board of Directors
for the Florida Workers’ Advocates (FWA) and is a Past President
of the organization. During the FWA Board Meeting, Richard maintained
his longstanding leadership role by contributing on numerous levels which
included initiating preparation for the upcoming Legislative Committee
Weeks and the 2018
Legislative Session. Richard also attended the Annual Judicial Luncheon
where he hosted a table for several Judges of Compensation Claims and
engaged in proactive dialogue focused on improving the workers’
compensation system and protecting the rights of injured workers. He concluded
an active convention by attending the meeting of the Executive Council of the
Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar. Richard is a Past
Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section and continues to serve
a vital role on the council where he holds a District Seat. During this
meeting, Richard was presented an award for his outstanding legislative
efforts over the past year. He was honored and humbled to be recognized
by his fellow leaders of the Workers’ Compensation Bar in such a manner.