The Florida Bar Contact: Pat Stephens Voluntary Bar Liaison The Florida Bar 650 Apalachee Parkway Tallahasee, FL 32399 E-mail: pstephen@flabar.org Legal Guide for New Adult Collaboration Activity Summary: This project combines resources from state government, the state bar association and local voluntary bar associations to provide vital information to individuals who become legally responsible at the age of 18. As a number of state bar associations already publish a guide for new adults or 18-year olds, the association may with to consider using a Law Week as a time to promote the educational piece. Activity Narrative: Since 1998, The Florida Bar and the Florida Department of Education have collaborated to educate the state’s high school seniors about their legal rights and responsibilities. The Bar’s Law Related Education Committee developed a 24-page informational pamphlet, Legal Guide for New Adults that explains the privileges and legal obligations of new adults. Over 130,000 copies of the Guide were printed in 2001 and sent to every senior in Florida’s public high schools. The mailing included a joint letter from the Florida Bar President Herman Russomanno and Commissioner of Education Charlie Crist. Printing and substantive content for the project is provided by the Florida Bar. The Florida Department of Education covers mailing expense and mailing labels. The Department maintains the distribution list and contact information for each school. In 2001, all known voluntary bar Law Week chairs were also informed of the Guide’s distribution and provided the names and phone number of local speakers who participate in The Florida Bar’s Statewide Speakers Bureau. There are over 1,500 attorneys entered into TFB’s Speakers Bureau database. As the pamphlet is mailed in the Spring each year, Law Week chairs could easily tie the Guide’s distribution into local Law Week activities and utilize the names of the speakers provided to them. Florida voluntary bar associations presidents and staff began to be notified officially in 2000 so they might follow up on the mailing if desired. A letter was sent to all voluntary bar presidents and staff announcing the drop. Voluntary bars wishing to identify specific schools and/or other information could contact the State Bar office. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization